FB: American Southwest Conference

[Toby Taff]

What no one has mentioned is money only takes a football program so far. UMHB is good because they have a lot of TALENT. They have the will to win. Anyone can throw money at a program, but without the proper players, coaches, etc. then money will not really matter. So don't say UMHB has dominated the ASC because they spend more than other schools. They are just really good. As a LC fan, I am really looking forward to hosting #2 UMHB, so hopefully we can show the nation that the ASC has more than one great team.

Some of us already know the quality their. Heck, Kelly Boggs is a supporter and all of the schools he supports are good

[Pat Coleman]

What no one has mentioned is money only takes a football program so far. UMHB is good because they have a lot of TALENT. They have the will to win. Anyone can throw money at a program, but without the proper players, coaches, etc. then money will not really matter. So don't say UMHB has dominated the ASC because they spend more than other schools. They are just really good. As a LC fan, I am really looking forward to hosting #2 UMHB, so hopefully we can show the nation that the ASC has more than one great team.

Welcome to the board!

[Kelly Boggs]

I don't understand characterizing UMHB as a problem and a reason for schools leaving the ASC. Perhaps my perception is incorrect, but that is what seems to have been insinuated.  As Toby pointed out, the expenditures at our alma mater have been across the board and, while I don't have any figures before me, I would say more has been invested in students as a whole since I graduated in '85 than has been put into athletics.

UMHB was a good school when I attended in the early 80's, primarily because of the people (professors, students, staff). However, the facilities lacked a lot to be desired. The old gym would not even qualify as a decent high school facility. Most people left on the weekends and those of us who stayed worked hard to build some semblance of esprit de corps on campus.

Dr. Bawcom did a masterful job of leading UMHB to become the school it is today. When I visit the campus I am amazed at all that was accomplished during his tenure. Everywhere you look there have been additions and improvements in academic buildings, student housing and, yes, in athletic facilities. The esprit de corps on campus is tremendous and football has certainly contributed to that reality. From my perspective, everything has been done to enhance the student experience at UMHB. Thus, I am proud of my alma mater and gladly support it financially.

I went to school with Dr. O'Rear and he will continue what Dr. Bawcom started. I have no doubt he will be an effective leader and guide UMHB well while at the helm.

The UMHB football program came to prominence while playing at Belton's Tiger Stadium. It did not have the benefit of the so-called "Cathedral" The Cru will occupy next year.  I was a little surprised when the new stadium was announced, but when I saw the artists renderings and realized that Drayton McLane was giving a sizable sum to its construction, I was pleased.

I have lived in Pineville since 2006 (prior to that I lived in McMinnville, Oregon and followed Linfield) and I do support LC (along with still rooting for UMHB and keeping up with Linfield). Of the three venues, I really enjoyed going to games at Linfield. The experience was wonderful. The facilities aren't great - they are OK, but not great. However, Linfield football thrives and is one of the top programs in DIII.

To me, LC reminds me a lot of UMHB when I was a student. It is about the same size with facilities that have seen better days. The school is launching a major capital campaign to improve buildings on campus and completion of the football facility is included. LC football under Dennis Dunn's watch has risen quickly, though perhaps not as rapidly as UMHB, to become competitive on a national level. I think LC can take the field with any team in the nation and compete.  LC would win a lot of conferences in DIII. However, the Cats lot in life right now is to deal with UMHB, and it seems like a task LC is more than willing to address. The Cru will visit Pineville on October 13 and it should be a great day of DIII football.

I hope UMHB remains DIII. If that status ever changes I will accept it, though reluctantly. Since my introduction to DIII, when UMHB launched football, I have grown to love DIII. I have made some fond memories attending UMHB, Linfield and LC games with my family. 

Toby, I have been fortunate to reside near some quality programs. Of course, UMHB is my alma mater and I will follow The Cru wherever I happen to live. Living in McMinnville was a real treat and watching the '04-'05 LC teams quarterbacked by Brett Elliot was special. We moved to Alexandria/Pineville area at the same time Dennis Dunn was hired to coach LC. It has been fun to watch the Cats progress and get some insight into the program while my son played at LC. I have been privileged to experience some of the best DIII has to offer.

My experience at UMHB made a significant impact on my life and, thus, I am a Crusader forever. "Up with the Purple!"

[umhb2001]

I don't understand characterizing UMHB as a problem and a reason for schools leaving the ASC. Perhaps my perception is incorrect, but that is what seems to have been insinuated.  As Toby pointed out, the expenditures at our alma mater have been across the board and, while I don't have any figures before me, I would say more has been invested in students as a whole since I graduated in '85 than has been put into athletics.

UMHB was a good school when I attended in the early 80's, primarily because of the people (professors, students, staff). However, the facilities lacked a lot to be desired. The old gym would not even qualify as a decent high school facility. Most people left on the weekends and those of us who stayed worked hard to build some semblance of esprit de corps on campus.

Dr. Bawcom did a masterful job of leading UMHB to become the school it is today. When I visit the campus I am amazed at all that was accomplished during his tenure. Everywhere you look there have been additions and improvements in academic buildings, student housing and, yes, in athletic facilities. The esprit de corps on campus is tremendous and football has certainly contributed to that reality. From my perspective, everything has been done to enhance the student experience at UMHB. Thus, I am proud of my alma mater and gladly support it financially.

I went to school with Dr. O'Rear and he will continue what Dr. Bawcom started. I have no doubt he will be an effective leader and guide UMHB well while at the helm.

The UMHB football program came to prominence while playing at Belton's Tiger Stadium. It did not have the benefit of the so-called "Cathedral" The Cru will occupy next year.  I was a little surprised when the new stadium was announced, but when I saw the artists renderings and realized that Drayton McLane was giving a sizable sum to its construction, I was pleased.

I have lived in Pineville since 2006 (prior to that I lived in McMinnville, Oregon and followed Linfield) and I do support LC (along with still rooting for UMHB and keeping up with Linfield). Of the three venues, I really enjoyed going to games at Linfield. The experience was wonderful. The facilities aren't great - they are OK, but not great. However, Linfield football thrives and is one of the top programs in DIII.

To me, LC reminds me a lot of UMHB when I was a student. It is about the same size with facilities that have seen better days. The school is launching a major capital campaign to improve buildings on campus and completion of the football facility is included. LC football under Dennis Dunn's watch has risen quickly, though perhaps not as rapidly as UMHB, to become competitive on a national level. I think LC can take the field with any team in the nation and compete.  LC would win a lot of conferences in DIII. However, the Cats lot in life right now is to deal with UMHB, and it seems like a task LC is more than willing to address. The Cru will visit Pineville on October 13 and it should be a great day of DIII football.

I hope UMHB remains DIII. If that status ever changes I will accept it, though reluctantly. Since my introduction to DIII, when UMHB launched football, I have grown to love DIII. I have made some fond memories attending UMHB, Linfield and LC games with my family. 

Toby, I have been fortunate to reside near some quality programs. Of course, UMHB is my alma mater and I will follow The Cru wherever I happen to live. Living in McMinnville was a real treat and watching the '04-'05 LC teams quarterbacked by Brett Elliot was special. We moved to Alexandria/Pineville area at the same time Dennis Dunn was hired to coach LC. It has been fun to watch the Cats progress and get some insight into the program while my son played at LC. I have been privileged to experience some of the best DIII has to offer.

My experience at UMHB made a significant impact on my life and, thus, I am a Crusader forever. "Up with the Purple!"

Absolutely love this post. This sums up everything that UMHB is about, and I'm thankful that Mr. Boggs posted this well thought out, well written letter. Thank you!

[LaCollegeFan]

What no one has mentioned is money only takes a football program so far. UMHB is good because they have a lot of TALENT. They have the will to win. Anyone can throw money at a program, but without the proper players, coaches, etc. then money will not really matter. So don't say UMHB has dominated the ASC because they spend more than other schools. They are just really good. As a LC fan, I am really looking forward to hosting #2 UMHB, so hopefully we can show the nation that the ASC has more than one great team.

Some of us already know the quality their. Heck, Kelly Boggs is a supporter and all of the schools he supports are good

]
I was refering to the guy who stated that he believed UMHB dominated the ASC because of the money they spend.

What no one has mentioned is money only takes a football program so far. UMHB is good because they have a lot of TALENT. They have the will to win. Anyone can throw money at a program, but without the proper players, coaches, etc. then money will not really matter. So don't say UMHB has dominated the ASC because they spend more than other schools. They are just really good. As a LC fan, I am really looking forward to hosting #2 UMHB, so hopefully we can show the nation that the ASC has more than one great team.

Welcome to the board!

Great to be here! Let's play some football!

[Toby Taff]

What no one has mentioned is money only takes a football program so far. UMHB is good because they have a lot of TALENT. They have the will to win. Anyone can throw money at a program, but without the proper players, coaches, etc. then money will not really matter. So don't say UMHB has dominated the ASC because they spend more than other schools. They are just really good. As a LC fan, I am really looking forward to hosting #2 UMHB, so hopefully we can show the nation that the ASC has more than one great team.

Some of us already know the quality their. Heck, Kelly Boggs is a supporter and all of the schools he supports are good

I know. The comment was partially in jest. I've known Kelly for a long time. He went to college with my brother at UMHB and was youth minister at a church I went to for a little while. As he said, he has had the fortune of living around some quality d3 programs and he has been touting the quality of LC on here since he moved out there. And of course, I've watched it with my own eyes to know its true.

[Kelly Boggs]

Thanks, umhb2001. And by the way, "Kelly" is just fine; my father was Mr. Boggs. 

I'm trying to give you some +k, Toby, but you can only do it once in a 24 hour period. 

And welcome, LaCollegeFan. If you are like me you believe that Wesley is the big fish that just got away. The Cats were so close. That said, we have still have a lot of exciting Wildcat football in store. Oct. 13 should be a good one. 

I am looking forward to the first game in UMHB's new stadium. I will be present when Wesley comes to Belton next year. I have a feeling a good crowd will be on hand.

Up with the Purple!

[LaCollegeFan]

Thanks, umhb2001. And by the way, "Kelly" is just fine; my father was Mr. Boggs. 

I'm trying to give you some +k, Toby, but you can only do it once in a 24 hour period. 

And welcome, LaCollegeFan. If you are like me you believe that Wesley is the big fish that just got away. The Cats were so close. That said, we have still have a lot of exciting Wildcat football in store. Oct. 13 should be a good one. 

I am looking forward to the first game in UMHB's new stadium. I will be present when Wesley comes to Belton next year. I have a feeling a good crowd will be on hand.

Up with the Purple!

You are exactly right. I left the Wesley game kinda disappointed, because I felt LC had the game in hand, but just didn't make the big play to break Wesley. Definitely looking forward to October 13. Just wish it wasn't such an early kickoff though.

[Toby Taff]

Thanks, umhb2001. And by the way, "Kelly" is just fine; my father was Mr. Boggs. 

I'm trying to give you some +k, Toby, but you can only do it once in a 24 hour period. 

And welcome, LaCollegeFan. If you are like me you believe that Wesley is the big fish that just got away. The Cats were so close. That said, we have still have a lot of exciting Wildcat football in store. Oct. 13 should be a good one. 

I am looking forward to the first game in UMHB's new stadium. I will be present when Wesley comes to Belton next year. I have a feeling a good crowd will be on hand.

Up with the Purple!

definitely planning a tailgate for that game. I think a big celebration is in order. Make sure to make it by. I might even get Ross out for that game.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

W&J may not be in the conference, but please keep the team, players, coaches, student body, and especially the player's family in mind during this horrible time: http://www.d3football.com/notables/2012/10/washington-and-jefferson-player-dies

[Toby Taff]

W&J may not be in the conference, but please keep the team, players, coaches, student body, and especially the player's family in mind during this horrible time: http://www.d3football.com/notables/2012/10/washington-and-jefferson-player-dies

Absolutely! this is tragic

[PurpleisBOLD98]

A smart person once said "it is not academics vs. athletics. You have extracurricular activities to tie the kids to the school, keep them more involved, and more invested." Keeping students and gaining more students is the life of a private D3 school. UMHB has done things to be successful in athletics, but most of all done things to make life at umhb a great experience and make it a better institution academically. They have accommodated higher and higher levels of enrolment with new housing, 3 or 4 new sets of apartments since  05 (not sure the number). They have had or in the process of building 5 new buildings for academics and a student union building being one of those, since 05. As a former D3 athlete I looked forward to playing the best of the best money or not. If the teams in conference feel that too much emphasis is put on athletics they are missing out on a big factor in retaining and motivating their student body. Wanted to post this yesterday but life gets crazy sometimes.

Can't wait to see the new stadium...Go Cru! 

[Toby Taff]

A smart person once said "it is not academics vs. athletics. You have extracurricular activities to tie the kids to the school, keep them more involved, and more invested." Keeping students and gaining more students is the life of a private D3 school. UMHB has done things to be successful in athletics, but most of all done things to make life at umhb a great experience and make it a better institution academically. They have accommodated higher and higher levels of enrolment with new housing, 3 or 4 new sets of apartments since  05 (not sure the number). They have had or in the process of building 5 new buildings for academics and a student union building being one of those, since 05. As a former D3 athlete I looked forward to playing the best of the best money or not. If the teams in conference feel that too much emphasis is put on athletics they are missing out on a big factor in retaining and motivating their student body. Wanted to post this yesterday but life gets crazy sometimes.

Can't wait to see the new stadium...Go Cru!

Welcome to the board and thanks for the input

[PurpleisBOLD98]

Thanks glad to be on here and  part of good old football conversation and debate.

[Toby Taff]

Thanks glad to be on here and  part of good old football conversation and debate.

Assuming you played for the Cru, what years?