FB: American Southwest Conference

Pat Coleman · November 20, 2012, 11:04:48 AM

Quote from: Kelly Boggs on November 20, 2012, 08:49:40 AM
I think the report had its intended effect, to create the perception of envy and disunity, especially for the uninitiated. However, I do not think either is the case. Again, nothing is meaningful without a context. And for about four years now, the TT looks for every opportunity to jab LC and Aguillard in the ribs, so to speak. There have been many articles along this same line. And the references to port-a-potties has become laughable. The tension between the TT and LC can be traced to, what I believe, was an inciting incident. All in all, in my opinion, it has all been a bit childish.

I understand (one source only, so I won't say "I know") the school administration apparently tried to bar the paper from covering the ASC women's basketball tournament when it was hosted at LC. (Since it's a conference event, not a school event, I'm not sure how successful that could have even been.)

I posted the story because I thought it was a good demonstration of the haves and the almost-haves in the ASC. I know that the football project was left unfinished but I was sure most people don't.

PurpleisBOLD98 · November 20, 2012, 11:17:58 AM

I read the "TT" article and it does sound like he is a little jealous. All I can say is the umhb program has worjed as hard as anyone to get to where they are. It was time for new upgrades. while I was there we would fit 200 players in locker room meant for 150ish. There would be 2 guys to a locker at times. It was a much needed upgrade. No offense to Belton HS, but I hated "their" turf. Nothing motivates a team like being dissrespected or in the case of the new field giving them a home to "protect". Now having said that the commentment is to the school overall and not just athletics. What I took from the article is that Coach Dunn was glad the president got to see first hand what its going to take to be successful on the national level. Great season LC, facillities or not. I think there is something to be said about a program that wins before all the bells and whistles. Cant wait for another game against you guys.

Kelly Boggs · November 20, 2012, 11:24:13 AM

Pat, I do not doubt your source. There is a lot of tit-for-tat going on in this situation. Too much, I think. And I did not, and do not, question your motivation for posting the article. If you wanted a contrast between a program with good - about to be great - facilities with one that are less than adequate, you couldn't have one better than to compare UMHB with LC. That is just reality.

I don't think, however, the problem with LC's facilities lie completely with the administration. All I have ever heard from the administration is overwhelming support for all the athletic programs. There are a lot of factors and angles that could be discussed for hours, but one of the key aspects is money. Truth is, LC has many, many needs right now. Student housing is in dire need of renovation and upgrades. The soon to be launched capital campaign is going to attempt to address all of them, one of which will be completion of the football facilities. I hope it is successful.

After watching the situation between the TT and LC for a few years now and also knowing some things that go on in the background, I feel fairly sure about the motivation for the column.

LaCollegeFan · November 20, 2012, 11:56:49 AM

I know LC just received approval for 5 Million (I think) from the Louisiana Baptist Association to remodel the dorms at LC, which is the number one thing on LCs list. I know for a fact though, the administration is looking, in the near future, to add quite a few things to the athletics. For example, I know a visitor's locker room, an athletic building, permenant restrooms,etc. are all suppose to get started in the near future. As for the TT, a lot of people in CenLa refer to the paper as The Clown Talk, so I wouldn't pay much attention to that.

Kelly Boggs · November 20, 2012, 12:23:14 PM

LaCollegeFan,

From my understanding the capital campaign is seeking to raise $50 million for a variety of campus projects and will included completion of the football facilities. However, there has yet to be an official announcement as such. LC received permission from the Louisiana Baptist Convention last week at the convention's Annual Meeting to directly approach LBC churches in an effort to raise $12 million (which is part of the overall $50 million) that will be dedicated to renovating and upgrading student housing.

LaCollegeFan · November 20, 2012, 01:42:44 PM

Quote from: Kelly Boggs on November 20, 2012, 12:23:14 PM
LaCollegeFan,

From my understanding the capital campaign is seeking to raise $50 million for a variety of campus projects and will included completion of the football facilities. However, there has yet to be an official announcement as such. LC received permission from the Louisiana Baptist Convention last week at the convention's Annual Meeting to directly approach LBC churches in an effort to raise $12 million (which is part of the overall $50 million) that will be dedicated to renovating and upgrading student housing.

Yeah that is what I was referring to. I wasn't 100% sure on the exact dollar amounts, but I know it is suppose to be happening pretty quick.

umhb2001 · November 20, 2012, 01:59:56 PM

Really disappointed to not see LiDarral Bailey or Javicz Jones as Gagliardi finalists. Perhaps they weren't nominated or perhaps their off field extras weren't enough, I don't know.

Ralph Turner · November 20, 2012, 02:18:21 PM

Quote from: umhb2001 on November 20, 2012, 01:59:56 PM
Really disappointed to not see LiDarral Bailey or Javicz Jones as Gagliardi finalists. Perhaps they weren't nominated or perhaps their off field extras weren't enough, I don't know.

The absence that surpirsed me more than those 2 from this part of the country was Trinity's Nykolas McKissick.

As I understand it, he is a pre-law major.

Ray Finkles · November 20, 2012, 02:59:32 PM

UMHB has had two Gagliardi finalists, Cody Fredenburg in 2003 and Quincy Daniels in 2010. I assure you that a UMHB player was nominated in 2012, too.

Kelly Boggs · November 20, 2012, 03:50:09 PM

Thanks for setting me straight. Now that you bring up the names, I do remember Daniels being a finalist. We were in Oregon when Fredenburg was a finalist. I must have missed it. In either case, by memory was not helping me out. Thanks, Ray.

Jerry Bawcom · November 20, 2012, 05:33:35 PM

Thanks Kelly, Pat and Toby for your various comments. Drayton McLane, Jr has been a champion for UMHB since Dr. Bobby E. Parker, Sr. was president. Drayton and Elizabeth McLane Jr. have maintained that friendship through three presidents and over 40 years. Their support has not been just for athletics and this major gift toward the on campus stadium has been a longtime coming--since Dr. Parker's dream to start football; they gave the original gift in 1997 to help UMHB start its program. Prayer and good longtime friends make the difference when seeking major gifts!!!

GRIZ_BACKER · November 21, 2012, 08:05:33 AM

A group of Griz fans have rented a charter bus and we are leaving thurs eve for Belton. Besides Shoepfs BBQ what other eating and drinking establishments do you guys recommend? We are all staying at the team hotel Friday eve

umhb2001 · November 21, 2012, 09:25:32 AM

Quote from: GRIZ_BACKER on November 21, 2012, 08:05:33 AM
A group of Griz fans have rented a charter bus and we are leaving thurs eve for Belton. Besides Shoepfs BBQ what other eating and drinking establishments do you guys recommend? We are all staying at the team hotel Friday eve

Dead Fish Grill on Lake Belton is very good, medium prices. Cheeves and Pignetti's are two great places in Temple. They are more expensive and Cheeves is the most expensive. The Gin in Belton offers steaks and seafood. They have great fish and chips too! Safe travels.

Ralph Turner · November 21, 2012, 11:38:20 AM

Quote from: umhb2001 on November 21, 2012, 09:25:32 AM
Quote from: GRIZ_BACKER on November 21, 2012, 08:05:33 AM
A group of Griz fans have rented a charter bus and we are leaving thurs eve for Belton. Besides Shoepfs BBQ what other eating and drinking establishments do you guys recommend? We are all staying at the team hotel Friday eve

Dead Fish Grill on Lake Belton is very good, medium prices. Cheeves and Pignetti's are two great places in Temple. They are more expensive and Cheeves is the most expensive. The Gin in Belton offers steaks and seafood. They have great fish and chips too! Safe travels.

The Stagecoach Inn in Salado, but I have not eaten there in probably 5 years.

It used to be one of the featured places to eat in the "food-snob" magazines and the travel/tourism magazines such as Southern Living, even as far back in the 1960's

umhb2001 · November 21, 2012, 02:05:17 PM

Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 21, 2012, 11:38:20 AM
Quote from: umhb2001 on November 21, 2012, 09:25:32 AM
Quote from: GRIZ_BACKER on November 21, 2012, 08:05:33 AM
A group of Griz fans have rented a charter bus and we are leaving thurs eve for Belton. Besides Shoepfs BBQ what other eating and drinking establishments do you guys recommend? We are all staying at the team hotel Friday eve

Dead Fish Grill on Lake Belton is very good, medium prices. Cheeves and Pignetti's are two great places in Temple. They are more expensive and Cheeves is the most expensive. The Gin in Belton offers steaks and seafood. They have great fish and chips too! Safe travels.
The Stagecoach Inn in Salado, but I have not eaten there in probably 5 years.

It used to be one of the featured places to eat in the "food-snob" magazines and the travel/tourism magazines such as Southern Living, even as far back in the 1960's

It is still really good although I think it has declined a bit. If you really want to eat local, the is a BBQ place called Backyard BBQ close to Dead Fish Grill. It's a couple miles north just over the dam. They have Bubba Taters packed with our choice of meat. So...Good... Spuds are huge and piled high with meat and other items.