I think we better start realizing we're in a different world in the spring sports these days, ESPECIALLY softball. The SEC programs have ramped up their investment in that sport.
Gerry Glasco base salary: Somewhere around $170,000 to $200,000 from what I found.
Beth Torina: $430,000.
And I know what some are going to say, that Yvette and Lotief put teams in the WCWS making barely peanuts, but again, the amount of money the big boys are now investing in the sport has soared over the past decade, from coaching salaries, to facilities, to player support.
I don’t understand that argument for Softball. I’ve heard a few people make it.
The SEC has been the best softball conference for years and we’re still in the top 25 all year every year. Beating those teams, too. The Tigers aren’t this great team that are miles ahead of us. They have a ton of issues themselves. Alabama is Alabama and they’ve been that way for as long as I can remember.
Louisiana is also recruiting at a top level. The #1 recruiting class to some.
We beat “P5” programs every year and the sun belt has placed multiple teams in the tourney on a regular basis.
I’m just not getting where the notion of great disparity is. Even as close as the Covid season, we were an elite team and would have for sure been in the mix for a top 8 seed. 5 top 10 wins in a short amount of time. A winning record vs. the SEC. 5-2 I think.
The difference is the pitching at the very top. There are exceptions to that rule like James Madison, but they couldn't get it done in the CSWS. You have to be able to have at least one elite pitcher and several good ones. We have had good ones, we have not had any elite pitchers in some time. And you still must develop young pitchers and hopefully Glasco has addressed it with Coach Robicheaux.
I get it. Top level pitching does set you apart. But even without all American pitchers year after year we’ve been pretty darn competitive for decades. Top 25 program in the country.
I don’t think there are signs that other conferences are investing more in softball programs and out pacing us. The game is evolving to where 1 ace isn’t enough. Florida, Alabama, etc. have 2 and 3. We’ve been blessed with an ace for as long as I can remember. Our WCWS teams had superb pitching staffs. This year we’re still a giant question mark in the circle.
I just don’t see where we’re losing ground to teams that weren’t already elite so that’s why I don’t agree with the argument that resources in the P5 will somehow make us say “well, we tried. Just can’t keep up.”
An ace can stop a losing streak immediately. They can also come in late in the game and shut the door closed. That's what ace can do for you. We don't have an ace at this time against top 20 competition.
When you say that SEC programs are not investing more into their softball programs, you might want to take a look at each of the top programs Operating Expenses for softball. What money you spend is your actual budget. They are spending 3x times what we are currently spending today.
Now I do agree with you that the talent Glasco is recruiting is as good as any SEC program, at least the last two classes were that good. The difference in my opinion is the pitching and Glasco is not a pitching coach. Hopefully Coach Robicheaux can help develop the younger arms in this class and the next years class.
We have not seen the elite power offense either. We have seen the action and speed offense. Hes the hitting coach. When we play mid level talent we should dominate and be able compete against top teir talent. That hasnt happen this year
Here's my original post you questioned. It's pretty clear what I said. Never said the Cajuns will not make a regional, but I did say the Cajuns better win the SBC tournament.
JMV posted today's RPI...38. Before we hit conference.
Appreciate your passion.
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