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Just an FYI…tonight is the annual NYC alumni reception where the athletic director and football coach traditionally make an appearance ahead of the Doak Walker Award ceremony that's held up here.

Early emails sent out to us said both June and Orsini were going to be there. Then they sent out a reminder email Monday, with no mention of either being in attendance.

So I asked the local alumni chapter what’s up with that. Mustang Club comes back with, “Mr. Orsini and Coach Jones are scheduled to be at the NYC event.”

If what we’re hearing about June is true, I’ll be shocked if he shows up. The real question is will Orsini show? And if he does, what’s the alumni reaction to today’s news?

It was a great event last year, about 100 people or so. It’s held at the swanky Princeton Club. Orsini and June each made some remarks—June said something about SMU being the place where he wants to retire from coaching. They also answered questions—though I could tell neither were too happy when I asked about the then yet-to-be-announced Armed Forces Bowl uniform “Black Out.”

Was just forwarded a message sent from the university’s alumni office to the NYC alumni leadership volunteers telling them that “everything is still on” for tonight's event, noting that it’s “not official that he’s leaving yet, from our end, either.”

The univ. alumni official said she had even checked with athletics around 2:30 p.m. EST. Obviously, the alumni office isn't exactly the best source for this kind of information, but interesting nonetheless.

There is no way this guy is able to stay here even if the ASU deal falls through.

I received an e-mail 30min ago from someone in Athletics External Affairs that is going to be at the event confirming that Orsini will be there. I asked her directly: "Will Orsini be there?" and she replied "Yes, he will be there."

Austin,

It's Justin Massimo. I can confirm that Steve Orsini will be there but June Jones won't. I hope you come up with some real whoppers for Steve about how he let this happen. His level of "uncomfortable" should pale in comparison to questions about some stupid uniforms.

Justin

The Doak Walker Award ceremony is down here in Dallas btw...you mean that ole' Heisman Award Ceremony?
Orsini and Turner of course will be there in NYC....Jones is here in Dallas and has no need to be present.

Go get 'em guys.

ponyscott wrote:The Doak Walker Award ceremony is down here in Dallas btw...you mean that ole' Heisman Award Ceremony?
Orsini and Turner of course will be there in NYC....Jones is here in Dallas and has no need to be present.

I thought there was some tie-in on the DW Award with the Heisman ceremony up here.

Either way, the official word the alumni office is giving the NYC alumni volunteer leadership to tell people:

“The event is still a go for tonight, and Steve Orsini will be in attendance; however, June Jones will not be.”

Which is what everyone figured. Now to see how Steve answers questions and what he has to say about everything...

Maybe the event will be Orsini plus one - and he announces Klemm as SMU's new HC. Several have made the very valid point that there would be more than enough money around to surround Klemm with the support he would need to get his legs under him as head man, and it may stop some of the recruiting bleeding this year. Whatever transpires, I really wish I was in NYC tonight as it should be a sight to see.

Aus10fromhou10

Dude! Now I know where you went. Big time NYC Guy. Impressive. How are things?

No reason to attack Orsini.
But definitely ask what's next for program, coaches, recruits, all that. Prob won't be able to answer w/specifics, but you should be able to find out dedication to remaining relevant.

To: NYC Reception Attendees
From: Steve Orsini
RE: BIG EAST Announcement

Today is truly one of the most exciting days in the history of SMU Athletics. The Mustangs are back and we could not have done it without your support!

At 5 p.m. ET this afternoon, the BIG EAST will announce the addition of SMU, Houston, UCF, Boise State and San Diego State to its membership. All three current Conference USA members will join the BIG EAST membership on July 1, 2013, as all-sport members. Boise State and San Diego State will also join at that time, but only as football-only members.

The announcement will be by teleconference and a press release will be posted on SMUMustangs.com. If you wish to listen, the call will be streamed at http://bigeast.org/BIGEASTTV/LiveEventsSchedule.aspx.

We will also post additional information as well as a Q&A section on our website. If you have any additional questions, please contact my office or the Athletics P.R. Office.

This is a monumental achievement for our program and I thank all of you who have helped bring it about.

We look forward to seeing you tonight at 6:30 at the Princeton Club!

GO MUSTANGS!

From the Mustang Club. No mention of June or this awful debacle. Of course not.

skyscraper wrote:No reason to attack Orsini.
But definitely ask what's next for program, coaches, recruits, all that. Prob won't be able to answer w/specifics, but you should be able to find out dedication to remaining relevant.

I agree. We're all in this together (except for JJ). In some ways, I feel bad for Orsini. Today should be about one of his crowning achievements during his tenure as AD—and it is—but it's being marred by the coach controversy.

No reason to attack Orsini. June is the one who left. Orsini worked [deleted] this BE deal

What time and where tonight? Feel free to PM me, if you like... my bro is in NYC and asked me to find out the info. for him.