What Makes a Winning Program? Part I

[CajunNation]

This has started a great conversation.

What if I took the position that winning IS team effort, cohesiveness and morale?

That if, as I contend, that sports support the U, and the U supports the democracy-- then shouldn't sports therefore support the democracy? Shouldn't it produce citizens?

In which case, we have to ask whether what we want is a championship-- which we have seen over and over, can be accomplished with ignorant, arrogant, self-absorbed thugs-- or do we want team effort, cohesiveness and morale?

Interesting twist.

So, can I assume that you were leading the charge to not sign Southall in the first place, and to then not let him come back in the second place?

Just trying to put your words into layman's terms......

[Crowley Cajun]

I voted for #1. Do you want improvements? Do you want to give the team a better chance to succeed? Do you want to see their morale improve? Then give to athletics and get to the game. Give donations and drive ticket sales up. $ brings improvements and improvements mean better athletes. You want a better coach? It costs $. If we give it 110%, then we've done our part. Then and only then can you hold the administration accountable.

[DestinCajun]

So, can I assume that you were leading the charge to not sign Southall in the first place, and to then not let him come back in the second place?

Just trying to put your words into layman's terms......

"we have to ask whether what we want is a championship-- which we have seen over and over, can be accomplished with ignorant, arrogant, self-absorbed thugs--"

Who's he talking about? Padraig Harrington won the British British Open today (second straight year). He is a modest gentleman, a great golfer and a champion.

[MissingMandy]

_ Bottom line: The attendance numbers and all the other extraneous stuff is psychological and has no other effect on performance on the field. THAT is solely up to the players and the coaches. _

I think attendance and all of the psychological stuff as ALOT to do with performance on the field. The goals set out earlier for the team was to put out of their minds all the negative stuff said about them and their coaching staff. To concentrate on going forward. If people don't think the players don't know what is said about them then they are sorely mistaken. A crowd in a stadium drives the momentum of a football game in so many ways. I am very excited about this team. Excited about the hard work they have all put forward all summer and their incredible excitement and drive to please the fans. This is a different team.

[RaginFan2]

I think attendance and all of the psychological stuff as ALOT to do with performance on the field. The goals set out earlier for the team was to put out of their minds all the negative stuff said about them and their coaching staff. To concentrate on going forward. If people don't think the players don't know what is said about them then they are sorely mistaken. A crowd in a stadium drives the momentum of a football game in so many ways. I am very excited about this team. Excited about the hard work they have all put forward all summer and their incredible excitement and drive to please the fans. This is a different team.

That's what I'm hearing. And that's what I'm hoping! A lot of signs are pointing towards a positive season. I agree with you that the crowd does have an impact on the players. Whether or not it should, it does. How's KP doing? Looking forward to seeing him rack up some pancakes (and I'm not talking about IHOP!). Are you going to the Fan Day on Sunday?

Geaux Cajuns!!!

[Crawfish]

_ duh....

Between 1 and 2, it really is 1. Gotta start somewhere. _

Gotta disagree, number one is irrelevant when playing on the road. Road wins are critical to a successful season.

I like the choice 3 mentioned by another post, coaches and players.

[DestinCajun]

The goals set out earlier for the team was to put out of their minds all the negative stuff said about them and their coaching staff. To concentrate on going forward. If people don't think the players don't know what is said about them then they are sorely mistaken.

The avowed "k-sippers" among us will do our level best to let every kid who straps on a Cajun helmet know we are 100% behind them and we'll be at the stadium to show it. Other attitudes don't much matter.

[MissingMandy]

_ That's what I'm hearing. And that's what I'm hoping! A lot of signs are pointing towards a positive season. I agree with you that the crowd does have an impact on the players. Whether or not it should, it does. How's KP doing? Looking forward to seeing him rack up some pancakes (and I'm not talking about IHOP!). Are you going to the Fan Day on Sunday?

Geaux Cajuns!!! _

KP is great and looking forward to the same thing this year. It is impossible to get a hold of them during camp but the brief moments I hear from him he says everyone is working hard and it's been a great camp this year. I wish I could come to fan day but we are getting ready to move Aug 28th so I am stuck here until moving day. We plan to be at the Kent State game. My whole family lives in Michigan so they are going to the Illinois game for us. Should be an exciting year.

[RaginFan2]

KP is great and looking forward to the same thing this year. It is impossible to get a hold of them during camp but the brief moments I hear from him he says everyone is working hard and it's been a great camp this year. I wish I could come to fan day but we are getting ready to move Aug 28th so I am stuck here until moving day. We plan to be at the Kent State game. My whole family lives in Michigan so they are going to the Illinois game for us. Should be an exciting year.

Great to hear! Good luck on the move. See you all at the Kent State game. Glad to hear the clan will be attending the game in Champagne. How many will they bring? We need to have a vocal group there.

[MissingMandy]

_ Great to hear! Good luck on the move. See you all at the Kent State game. Glad to hear the clan will be attending the game in Champagne. How many will they bring? We need to have a vocal group there. _

There are 10 coming at least. I am really sad to miss the Southern Miss game as it will be KPs first game but we'll be on the road then. Hope there is a big group heading to that one.