Scheduling . .

[Just1More]

_ Look, I don't know if going Independent is good or not. That's why I raised the question. I wanted to get some dialogue going to find out. On the surface, it looks like a better alternative to the SBC, which does nothing for UL except, apparently, solve scheduling dilemmas.

I like the dialogue... but you are a little antagonistic about it... which is ok. You have been getting some of the answers to your questions, but it sounds like you refuse to believe them. The only independents that flourish are those with substantial funds (prior to and while being independent). "Elevating your peer group" is about elevating yourself... by succeeding wherever you are. If being Independent was a formula for elevating above your current peers don't you think others would be doing it? No, every program (and you need to consider that we are carry the entire athletic department on all of our conference moves) tackles the conference they are in... and then makes it's case for "conference elevation".

A big bad in my opinion about dogging the SBC from a ULer's perspective is that we are not "better" than this conference. Conferences are not joined solely to be a contributor to YOU. YOU must take care of yourself. If UL were dominating the SBC, year in and year out, champions in every or nearly every sport, we could make the case that we are above the conference... and slam our AD for not getting us "elevated".

The SBC is not our problem. WE are our problem. This ridiculous side show slamming of Wright Waters is a distraction to keep from looking at our own ineptness. I don't know the man, but have never hung my UL success on his hatrack. How about we take care of knocking everyone in the "Belch" around... and then discuss options? I think you are looking for the solution or blame for UL's athletic success and placing the fault on a far less guilty suspect.

[CajunProud]

_ I like the dialogue... but you are a little antagonistic about it... which is ok. You have been getting some of the answers to your questions, but it sounds like you refuse to believe them. The only independents that flourish are those with substantial funds (prior to and while being independent). "Elevating your peer group" is about elevating yourself... by succeeding wherever you are. If being Independent was a formula for elevating above your current peers don't you think others would be doing it? No, every program (and you need to consider that we are carry the entire athletic department on all of our conference moves) tackles the conference they are in... and then makes it's case for "conference elevation".

A big bad in my opinion about dogging the SBC from a ULer's perspective is that we are not "better" than this conference. Conferences are not joined solely to be a contributor to YOU. YOU must take care of yourself. If UL were dominating the SBC, year in and year out, champions in every or nearly every sport, we could make the case that we are above the conference... and slam our AD for not getting us "elevated".

The SBC is not our problem. WE are our problem. This ridiculous side show slamming of Wright Waters is a distraction to keep from looking at our own ineptness. I don't know the man, but have never hung my UL success on his hatrack. How about we take care of knocking everyone in the "Belch" around... and then discuss options? I think you are looking for the solution or blame for UL's athletic success and placing the fault on a far less guilty suspect. _

WE ARE LOUISIANA.

WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY.

[MetryCajun]

_ Since you used my words to make your points, I'm going to answer some of them.

"Why not try and improve the level of our peers? We are recruiting to the level of a Belch member. And in doing so, it will take that much longer to get to a higher level. "

1) Because that is who we are!

2) It's alright to have a stated goal that you want to be something more, but you must have a plan to get to that level. And measured improvement every year.

3.) What do we have that would be better then most Sun Belt programs?
a) Larger Budget
b) Better Facilities
c) Student Fees
d) Own production company for athletics

Answer: None of the above


HoustonCajun, there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be something more then what we are right now. But until we win at this level consistantly, improve funding and build better facilities, we are a Sun Belt program at best. And expecting to out recruit programs that have more to offer in education, facilities, Television contracts and Bowl opportunities is ridiculous. _

You are the anti-CajunFun.

[CajunZ1]

_ You are the anti-CajunFun. _

[CajunT]

_ You are the anti-CajunFun. _

Nope, but I understand who we are right now. I'm hopeful that we can move forward and support all efforts to do so now.

[Boomer]

_ From a recruiting standpoint, this is a quote on another thread:

We are recruiting against FAU, MT, Ark. State, UAB, ULM, LaTech, Tulane and some MAC programs. Those are our peers right now.

Why not try and improve the level of our peers? We are recruiting to the level of a Belch member. And in doing so, it will take that much longer to get to a higher level. Easier to recruit may not be totally accurate, but it can't be that easy to recruit for Belch competition. And, on top of that, up to this year, we haven't been very competitive even in the Belch. How can it be more difficult to recruit against a schedule that would substitute for FAU, FIU, UNT, ULM, MTSU, ASU and now WKU schools from C-USA, WAC, Big 12 and SEC? I don't know, I'm just asking? It is assumed that we can't recruit and compete as an Independent, but why not? We might actually do better financially outside of the Belch. We might get a better reputation and when we start winning against better competition, more doors might open up for us. Just about everyone wants out of the Belch, but no one is making a move to another conference and no one is willing to test Independent status. Maybe the fact that there aren't many Independents out there would work to our favor rather than our detriment. At the very least, when talking about major Independents, there would be Notre Dame, Army, Navy and Louisiana. That is better company to be in than the Belch. And, who says we couldn't schedule against them as well. _

I suggest that we stop calling our conference the belch---just hurts recruiting and the progress we have made----this conference has done very well in some sports at some times --so please don't belch in public!!!!!!

[RaginFan2]

_ You are the anti-CajunFun. _

If they are the board at the same time, will it cause the universe to explode?

[RaginFan2]

_ I suggest that we stop calling our conference the belch---just hurts recruiting and the progress we have made----this conference has done very well in some sports at some times --so please don't belch in public!!!!!! _

That's right. Besides that's what the Techsters like to call it. And we can't be seen in public sharing ideas with them!

[RaginFan2]

_ Nope, but I understand who we are right now. I'm hopeful that we can move forward and support all efforts to do so now. _

WE ARE WHO WE THOUGHT WE ARE!!!! AND WE LET OURSELVES OFF THE HOOK!!! (with apologies to Coach Green )