FB: American Southwest Conference

Bill McCabe · October 16, 2006, 03:00:37 PM

Ralph, great point. I believe I read that one reason TLU brought back football was because of declining male enrollment.

Indians · October 16, 2006, 04:14:29 PM

UMHB and their coaches have done a great job this year. One thing I would do if I was these universities is advertise more. I would pump my school up to where it is the place to be and you could more players in an area that is hard to recruit. I would put it on the radio and TV. Maybe not big networks but small ones. I do not know some of these places do not do that. Outside this board, it is hard to strike up a conversation. If the Americansouthwest conference really advertised right now, it could blow up. Now that their are more schools and more kids playing D3in the state vs. 10 years ago; this conference could be something more speacial than it is now. With these schools you get a quality education and get the opportunity to play competive sports. I think the key is advertising, because it is hard to promote something people know nothing about.

Pat Coleman · October 16, 2006, 04:28:22 PM

Ralph, I didn't catch up on this board last night, but allow me to be the latest to pass along my congratulations on a much-deserved honor.

- Pat

Llamaguy · October 16, 2006, 04:50:09 PM

I too would like to pass my congratulations Dr. Turner! I have frequently been asked by "lurkers", who is this Ralph Turner guy? I always reply with," he is the most respected and one of the most knowledgeable D3football fans in the country." We can all learn alot from you so please keep on posting!

minni · October 16, 2006, 05:14:48 PM

Indians,
That sounds like an excellent idea except for one thing, numbers. Sure you can go out and advertise but the schools competing in this conference are small and many of them would like to remain a smaller college. Sure HSU and UMHB could go out and do that but I know HSU for sure relys on their former players and the recruiting process. HSU covers pretty much the entire state when it comes to recruiting. This conference is becoming the most competitive conference in my opinion. Not quite the top conference yet but give us a few years and we will be on the tip of every d3 followers tongue. I kinda enjoy where the conference is right now!!!

Just my .02 worth!!!!

crualum75 · October 16, 2006, 05:27:42 PM

The best way to recruit not only for your team, but for the school in general is to get your team as far as possible in the playoffs. Many alumni and administrators of UMHB were very thankful in 2004 as we played are way through the playoffs to the Stagg Bowl. This coverage in local and state papers continually grew the more we succeeded, particularly since the wins were on the road against some stiff competition. The National coverage at the Stagg Bowl was the best achievement. Before that day many people had never even heard of UMHB. I appreciate alumni and all fans that supported us that year and continue to support the CRU today. I also think that the ASC will continue to grow both in numbers but more importantly in talent.

Ron Boerger · October 16, 2006, 08:50:47 PM

AP finally put a story on the wire about the McMurry/NCAA situation, ESPN.com posted it to their home page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2628507

Excerpts:

"Going to a mascot that has four legs and fur just didn't fit who we are," McMurry President John Russell told The Associated Press on Monday. "To take another mascot would be to turn our back on our 83-year history. We know who we are."

The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, which has strongly encouraged its schools that use such nicknames to change them. But Russell said McMurry's nickname was a symbol of deep respect for the American Indian culture.

[...]

Cheerleaders and band members won't be allowed to yell, "Go Indians!" although Russell said individual fans have a First Amendment right to do so, and radio announcers may accidentally "slip up."

Olinemom · October 17, 2006, 01:08:28 AM

Quote from: Llamaguy on October 16, 2006, 04:50:09 PM
I too would like to pass my congratulations Dr. Turner! I have frequently been asked by "lurkers", who is this Ralph Turner guy? I always reply with," he is the most respected and one of the most knowledgeable D3football fans in the country." We can all learn alot from you so please keep on posting!

I add my congrats to Dr. Turner as well. I really enjoy reading your posts and soaking up knowledge about football that you impart! Will you be at the Stagg Bowl this year? I am sure planning to be there with brownies for both teams that are playing no matter who they are. I, as everyone, have my favorites that I hope will go a long way in the tournament, one from your conference that was there just 2 years ago, in fact. Just wondering. It would be great to meet you!

Ralph Turner · October 17, 2006, 08:58:15 AM

Quote from: Olinemom on October 17, 2006, 01:08:28 AM
Quote from: Llamaguy on October 16, 2006, 04:50:09 PM
I too would like to pass my congratulations Dr. Turner! I have frequently been asked by "lurkers", who is this Ralph Turner guy? I always reply with," he is the most respected and one of the most knowledgeable D3football fans in the country." We can all learn alot from you so please keep on posting!

I add my congrats to Dr. Turner as well. I really enjoy reading your posts and soaking up knowledge about football that you impart! Will you be at the Stagg Bowl this year? I am sure planning to be there with brownies for both teams that are playing no matter who they are. I, as everyone, have my favorites that I hope will go a long way in the tournament, one from your conference that was there just 2 years ago, in fact. Just wondering. It would be great to meet you!

I won't make the Stagg this year. I'm on call that weekend. I will do my best to catch it on TV or Internet

I really hope to make a national championship some time. I'm not sure which one I can make.

minni · October 17, 2006, 11:34:33 AM

Is it UMHB vs. MC this weekend?

If so, where are the MC faithful?? Have they given up on the season already?? Just curious.

Bill McCabe · October 17, 2006, 12:56:01 PM

minni, after last weeks loss to LC, they may be licking their wounds! I haven't heard much about that game and it is hard for me to see how they lost. A few weeks ago most of us were expecting MC-UMHB to be a key game. It still could be and I hope the Cru aren't taking them lightly.

Zmotion10 out on 2 · October 17, 2006, 01:33:32 PM

Quote from: Bill McCabe on October 17, 2006, 12:56:01 PM
minni, after last weeks loss to LC, they may be licking their wounds! I haven't heard much about that game and it is hard for me to see how they lost. A few weeks ago most of us were expecting MC-UMHB to be a key game. It still could be and I hope the Cru aren't taking them lightly.

After seeing both teams play UMHB (I think) will dominate MC. The UMHB defense is just too fast. HSU broke several long runs on MC for Td's. We could not do that on the UMHB defense. I saw it again from HSU against ETBU breaking long runs. UMHB was just all out fast as a group. We broke one really good run against the Cru and what happened? Our Rb was caught before the TD -- then the 3 downs and field goal attempt -- then the block -- the game turned. Had Greene scored there the game would have had a different complextion. Bottom line is the UMHB defense is too fast and or too dominate for MC which ran a lot of short passing plays like HSU (Offenses looked similiar -- from a novice point of view). A couple of games into the season I thought that this would be a matchup for a pool C bid. However now I see it as just another game for the soon to be conference champs UMHB.

Although I sure would like to get another shot at the Cru! I hope that we (HSU) can take it one game at a time and get the pool C bid so that can happen.

I do have a question? Yes it is a "What ifer" If HSU wins out. If UMHB losses to Whitewater but wins out the rest does that have any bearing on who hosts a playoff game between the two (UMHB and HSU) should they both meet again in the playoffs?

Just curious...Also not sure that Whitewater can beat the Cru. Just speculation on my part.

billybaroo · October 17, 2006, 01:36:16 PM

I don't think the Cru is taking about lightly. It seems to me that they are hitting stride like they did in 2004. Not saying they will make a run like that again but hey with as good as they seem to be playing I am not saying it ain't possible either. You are right Bill MC is a team to be repected going by the ASC this year anybody can beat anybody on any given Saturday.

kickhoe · October 17, 2006, 04:28:47 PM

Hey Z...I'm assuming you were at the game on Saturday....were you sitting in the middle section....about half way up?? I think I saw you...I remember your picture from the forums earlier in the season....

Just curious....

Zmotion10 out on 2 · October 17, 2006, 05:24:22 PM

Quote from: kickhoe on October 17, 2006, 04:28:47 PM
Hey Z...I'm assuming you were at the game on Saturday....were you sitting in the middle section....about half way up?? I think I saw you...I remember your picture from the forums earlier in the season....

Just curious....

That could have been me! Minus the face paint. I'm in section G row 11. I need a shirt with a BIG Z on it!

There was also another bald guy sitting somewhat close to me but he is a much bigger fellow. I had my 3 year old in tow!