Thank you Mr. Copeland and Dr. Turner!

[gostangs]

The truth, as always, is somewhere between Stallion's perpetual and self congratulatory pessimism and the always half-full sunshine gang. Lets just say the trend on conference affiliation just got alot better, the trend on admissions has been encouraging but there is a long way to go, the recruiting trend is great, and the performance and coaching trend is very troubling. On whole better the program is in a better place then two years ago, but it is way premature to assume anything positive without more action (and not this "we will have it fixed by 2010 crap" - we won't be in 1-a if it takes longer then 2 years).

[The PonyGrad]

Originally posted by Johnny Rock:
It seems that Johnny Rock and Stallion are only a few of the 'realists' on this board. I agree with Stallion's comments completely.

JR - it is a joke for you to hid behind the skirts of Stallion. He is right to say that recruiting is important and that we need to work to improve ours and that it has been woeful in the past and that lack has led to our poor on field performance. But you on the other hand act as if nothing has changed over the last two years. Stallion acknowledges that our recruiting last year was good and will pay dividends, if we continue more of the same.

Sorry Stallion for any misrepresentations and the skirt reference.

[Johnny Rock]

I am not hiding behind anyone. It is obvious that too many on this board fail to realize that SMU'S self-emposed restrictions have created one of the worst, if not the worst, football program in Division 1. I also know that SMU made some slight changes to their restrictions the last few years. But we are still not on the same level playing field as many of the other Division 1 Texas schools. That is a fact.

[geephunk]

In response to Johnny Rock, I guess he hasn't been to San Jose State or Stanford Stadium in a while, but let me fill you in, both suck bad. They are old and crappy. And they even have had bowl games at SJSU in the past, in addition to other all-star games. But, our stadium is so sweet, with Dallas as a background and support, we should be able to have a bowl game on our own campus, screw TCU's.

[Water Pony]

Thanks Texas Pony for the post on the previous page. I'll answer for Stallion, here are the steps:

1) Admit we don't understand
2) Admit we are naive
3) Admit he knows more than anyone else.
4) Pursue JUCOs
5) Consider non-qualifiers
6) Make him AD
7) Fire Bennett, hire Parcell
Make Jones University President
9) Don't let academics interfer with objectives
10) Reject any comment that hints at progress or acknowledges someone did something right
11) Become a cynic
12) Admit the glass is less than half full and leaking water

Did I miss anything?

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: Water Pony ]</small>

[Stallion]

You missed admit we are 0-9!!!!!!!!!!! but other than firing Bennett and taking non-qualifiers both of which I have never advocated you are on the right track "O Most Naive of All One"

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

[Texas Pony]

Stallion: :no:

Can I assume you are not going to answer my questions and stick to your vague "lets raise some hell" as an answer to SMU's football problems?

When pressed for specifics you seem the one living in a fantasy land.

<img src="http://www.arts-system.com/media/dreampaint/3d704753_image.jpg" alt=" - " />

[Water Pony]

When Stallion uses !!!!!!!! :devil: , I must have hit a nerve.

OMNOAO

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: Water Pony ]</small>

[Stallion]

The fact that you think I'm sort of radical because I suggest that SMU should use minimum NCAA standards, allow the admission of 3 JUCOs in FB and 1-2 per year in BB and not even call for the admission of partial or non-qualifiers shows just how naive you are. You and the people who want to play in the Kenneth Pye Magnolia League and think we can compete with any other team in Texas without changes are the ones who are responsible for the current condition of the program. I am squarely in the mainstream of the vast consensus of Division 1A schools. You are squarely in the mainstream of Kenneth Pye and the Ivy League which has produced the current debacle. Deal with it.

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

[Water Pony]

Stallion:

Actually, I am not opposed to a few JUCOs, if we compete for a few good ones or even some flexibility in enrolling a student-athlete, who needs special help, or some courses in Education, etc.; it is your automatic assumption you speak my mind or motives. I will concede I am naive ("O Most Naive of All One") and certainly less knowledgable on FB that most everyone on this Board, but my passion for SMU is no less.

Your specifics are not the issue, just your attitude that you know better than anyone else. Beyond being a cynic, help us, don't just condemn us. It seems to me that progress is being made in everything but the current performance on the field.

0-9 is unacceptable, but for long periods of time Iowa, Kansas State, Colorado, Maryland, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, NIU, Oregon State, etc. were just as bad, if not worse. but they had a plan, adminstration support for their coach and the patience to rebuild. I started the clock one and half seasons ago. Our actual frustration has been much longer.

I think the administration is not as bad as portrayed my some. In fact, their recent decisions have helped during a period we probably did not deserve being rewarded with a great new stadium, new regional conference to rebuilt within and some sympathy from others, who are grateful the didn't have to survive what we went through.

In any case, we are in the same foxhole and I just don't want to frag the officers. My impatience is tempered by my choice to support the Mustangs regardless. I do not share the attitude by others on this board (you are not included in that short list) that they will withhold their support, loyalty or dollars on the premise that that approach will fix the problems. To me, it is just the opposite.

Congratulations to all that got us to this starting gate. The Ponies are Seabiscuit. Watch out.

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: Water Pony ]</small>

[Stallion]

I know how each and every one of those programs you listed were turned around and they would make my proposal look like that of a choirboy. You do the same homework as I and then tell me you aren't naive. If you are going to make a strong argument on any position I think you owe it to us to do that homework and back your ideas up with factual support. I think I do that-do you?

<small>[ 11-05-2003, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

[The PonyGrad]

Stallion - you mentioned to a previous poster above that you only rejected a couple of his points not including this one:
10) Reject any comment that hints at progress or acknowledges someone did something right

It was my understanding that you thought changes to our recruiting policies, Ford stadium, and perhaps other things might fit that category. Am I mistaken about your attitude? If so I will need to appologize to Johnny Rock.

[Cheesesteak]

Watching the Louisville at TCU game reminded me that Ford Stadium is one of several significant advantages that SMU has over TCU.