Ricky's Gotta GEAUX

[cajunfan32]

_ Tyrone Willingham, Major Applewhite, Sly Croom,
Mike Leach, Mike Shula would fit here would love to see Ty Major or Leach Here _

I would go crazy if we got Leach (in a very very very good way). And like i've said before, I know aaron spikes would LOVE the hire.

[Just1More]

_ I don't think anyone can say that everything Coach Bustle has done is a negative i think he has done some positive things for the program. But at some point you have to take a step back and say has he taken us as far as he can and is the program now in a place where change is needed to help move forward. I think this may be the case now for this program that is simply time to move on and bring in someone new with a new approach and to usher in a new atmosphere. I would thank Coach Bustle for all he has done and all of his efforts through the years and i think he did a pretty good job with what he had to work with. _

That is pretty much the case. We are getting seriously distracted by a few people that want to either criticize the terminology (deplorable) of a fan, or use this past Saturday as an Oprah Winfrey episode on one guy's bad behavior... BUT... fortunately... we are heavily united in the need to do something better with our football program.

We are all sad that Bustle could not break through and conquer. He did us very well following the Baldwin debacle. The key is that once your trend goes to a straight line and that line does not in 9 years ever rise to automatic bowl entry... you have to find another way. Eventually, given the exact skill and tactics Bustle has in his toolbox, his trend will shoot downward and it will be all the more difficult to salvage what is available in fan support and recruit interest. When you go sideways for this long, you absolutely have to recognize the only direction you are in for is DOWN.

The next debate we are getting into is whether we can actually get a better coach (as we ignore the other idiotic threads and posts on here attempting to criticize our most precious commodity... the fans). I am more interested in a younger energetic well-spoken coach that has proven skills as a head coach at a lower football division. We can try to get some of the coaches that have been mentioned (well known names) but I think they are highly unlikely.

I also do not believe attractive head coach and staff salaries are as big an issue as many state. Dr. Savoie said when he first came to UL in regard to our athletic system... "it might be time to take out a loan". I take that to mean we get who we need to make our football program tick and then we get people to pay for it. RCAF will get that money. The biggest problem with RCAF and raising funds is the lack of faith 98% of the available Cajuns have with UL ever doing something great with it for football.

I joined RCAF because I don't want to be a hypocrite posting about how bad I want UL athletics to improve and thrive and I want to force the administration's commitment to follow through with what we need to do. I know others that are not going to give a dime to UL athletics until they see solid proof. I have always maintained that the football coach (and the money necessary) comes before all other athletic investments. When we get football right, and that requires a solid coach, the rest will flow.

I want a new coach that will turn around and tell the admin to put up or he'll kick their ass. I want 50,000 Cajun fans to help him do it. I'm tired of this university trying to claim you cannot have solid academics at a public university unless you are known to suck at football. We would lose our martyr status if we had a good football program. That would certainly terrify a few bleeding hearts. I could get used to it.

I would also like the opportunity to manage the luxurious problems of a better football program... instead of allowing pinheads to keep it "quaint" in order to avoid those issues. This forum and the violent attitudes routinely provided are a bigger problem than we would have with a healthier and successful football program... but the bleeding hearts think this is a better situation. They fear greatness. They only understand small.

[ULGrad@HOU]

_ That is pretty much the case. We are getting seriously distracted by a few people that want to either criticize the terminology (deplorable) of a fan, or use this past Saturday as an Oprah Winfrey episode on one guy's bad behavior... BUT... fortunately... we are heavily united in the need to do something better with our football program.

We are all sad that Bustle could not break through and conquer. He did us very well following the Baldwin debacle.....

Exactly, we all need to stay focused on the real issue, saying thank you and goodbye to Coach Bustle and hello to a new direction. We must apply and keep the pressure on the administration, letting them know that we need a new coach to guide us.

[ManAboutTown]

I want a new coach that will turn around and tell the admin to put up or he'll kick their ass.

Well, that fired me up. I'm convinced that the only way for a real culture change to take place around here is for an outisider to come in and force the hand of our lazy, change-fearing ole boy network.

igeaux.mobi

[jjs9534]

I would also like the opportunity to manage the luxurious problems of a better football program... instead of allowing pinheads to keep it "quaint" in order to avoid those issues. This forum and the violent attitudes routinely provided are a bigger problem than we would have with a healthier and successful football program... but the bleeding hearts think this is a better situation. They fear greatness. They only understand small. _

Amen to that quote! I have run into this several times where people tend to be happy with things "the way they are". They like being small and "unknown" and fear potential growth.

I am generally a "let's give him a chance" kind of guy, but this year in particular, I am done with RB. I really think it is time to move on. I try to be optimistic about the future, but I am having a hard time trying to get geeked up for the rest of the season after that WKU loss. A win at Ohio would go a long way in helping!

[reddot]

This thread reminded me of a song

BIG TIME

I'm on my way I'm making it, Huh!
I've got to make it show yeah, Hey!
So much larger than life
I'm gonna watch it growing
Hey hey hey heyyyyyyy

The place where I come from is a small town
They think so small, they use small words
But not me, I'm smarter than that,
I worked it out
I'll be stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out
I've had enough, I'm getting out
To the city, the big big city
I'll be a big noise with all the big boys, so much stuff I will own
And I will pray to a big god, as I kneel in the big church

Big Time, I'm on my way I'm making it, big time, oh yes
Big time, I've got to make it show yeah, big time
Big time, so much larger than life
Big time, I'm gonna watch it growing, big time
Ho ohh ohh, oh oh, ho ohh ohh, oh ohhh

My parties have all the big names and I greet them with the whitest smile
Tell them how my life is one big adventure and always they're amazed When I show them 'round my house to my bed
I had it made like a mountain rage with a snow white pillow for my big fat head
And my heaven will be a big heaven,
And I will walk through the front door

Big Time, I'm on my way i'm making it, big time, Huh!
Big time, I've got to make it show yeah, big time
Big time, so much larger than life
Big time, I'm gonna watch it growing, big time
Big time, my car is getting bigger Big time, my house is getting bigger
Big time, my eyes are getting bigger
And my mouuuth
Big time, my dinner's getting bigger
Big time, and my bank account
Big time, look at my circumstance

[tdncz]

What about the coach from Central AK that was doing (and is still doing) great work with limited resources.
I recall from a few years ago when a bunch of us started the "Lets Get A New Coach" campaign, that his name was often mentioned.
He could be an up and comer if those big name guys wont come (because on money I am sure).

[cajun4life]

_ What about the coach from Central AK that was doing (and is still doing) great work with limited resources.
I recall from a few years ago when a bunch of us started the "Lets Get A New Coach" campaign, that his name was often mentioned.
He could be an up and comer if those big name guys wont come (because on money I am sure). _

UCA has a larger athletic budget than UL if I remember correctly. He has also had so personal issues to deal with. Not to mention he has turned the Cajuns down previously in an informal interview.

[tdncz]

I do recall some personal issues recently but cannot recall specifics. Does anyone know why he initally turned down UL? Money? Dr A was here then??

[Hammer58]

I do recall some personal issues recently but cannot recall specifics. Does anyone know why he initally turned down UL? Money? Dr A was here then??

My understanding was he played UL the last time around. The allegation was that he took the UL offer and then used it as leverage to get a better deal from UCA



igeaux.mobi

[California Cajun]

_ Fellow Cajuns,

I have continued to follow this program and this site since my son completed his football eligibility and graduated from UL in 2005.

It is with a heavy heart that I must admit there has been little or no progress made under the present head coach's regime.

Might have actually back peddled a bit.

It tears my heart out that this university with so much potential can't seem to find the guy who is the right fit.

It is however time to bid the Hustle-up Bustle-up tenure a fond farewell.

Move the program forward in a new direction.

I still maintain a good young recruiter and coach from the outside of the current staff is what this program needs. (SEC, ACC, or CUSA, D-coordinator)
Build a solid shut down D and the rest will come. example 1A - Bo Pellini

Get your search committee in place, agree on an attractive contract package, (bite the bullet) and geaux find a good young coach.

(Start a RCAF - Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation) I know most of you will balk at the similarity to another orgnaization whose name resembles this. But consider the funding mechanism it provides and the competitive potential it could provide. The Alumni groups, and other benefactors have not provided the funding levels required to truly be competitive. Call it whatever you want to. I personally know two men who are willing to be charter members and contributors.

Otherwise stick with this guy and continue to dwell in the world of obscurity and ridicule. WKU loss at home-coming are you kidding me?

In closing, I say goodbye Ricky, don't go away hurt or mad, please, JUST GO AWAY ! ! ! !

AND GEAUX FORTH YOU RAGIN CAJUNS AND PROSPER FOREVER ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! _

Here's a synopsis of the last rally in Lafayette (Sept. 15) to get new members:

The Master of Ceremonies was Ken Ardoin, and among those in attendance were the University President Dr. Savoie and most of the coaches. His joke about speeding on a Texas highway and risking getting a ticket to catch up with that rare car out of state that had an RCAF sticker to say "Hi" was his way of saying that we need to achieve more recognition beyond the friendly confines of Acadiana. He recognized coaches who were not going to speak. Attendees left their business cards at the registration table and door prizes were drawn from those cards after each coach's presentation. A couple of prize winners were not present and Coach Marlin suggested that you need to be present to win. That was his way of saying that we need a broader support base actively engaged in UL athletics.

Dr. Savoie discussed the benefits of successful major college athletics to a university and said the private sector was needed to supplement funding due to the ever-present threat of budget cuts. He discussed the improvements on campus that have taken place in recent years, those currently underway, and those on tap for the immediate future. The most notable improvements are the renovation of Girard Hall, Burke Hall, Fletcher Hall, and an overall cleaner and attractive campus than many of us remember from years ago. The library now has a coffee shop, and has become more functional for today's student. He's hoping to beautify the area around Cypress Lake with an expanded, renovated Student Union and wants to get rid of some of the older, less attractive buildings. The overwhelming majority of students in Acadiana that attend college go to UL. The largest-ever Freshman class has checked in. Scholastic performance is increasing. Student housing is continually upgraded and is doubling in size. Dr. Savoie concluded that a University competes for blue chip students, not just blue chip athletes. One of the most memorable things he said (in so many words) was that a sporting event might be the only way some people find out about UL and develop an interest in learning all about it.

Scott Farmer discussed the facility improvements of the last three years and showed us artist's renditions of planned upgrades, with the speed of completion being dependent on the level of participation in the RCAF. The crown jewel of recent accomplishments was the practice facility. A firm has been contracted to go out into the community to sell tickets to sporting events to increase attendance. No conference aspirations were discussed, but clearly his purpose in the presentation was to help us build a means to that end. He said that the details may change by the time actual construction takes place as needs develop.

* Lamson Park is in the process of a total makeover, and the drawing reminded me somewhat of Moore Field.

* Moore Field's improvements will be adding a press box and extending the grandstand area to where the bleachers are now. Much of the new seating will be covered by a roof.

* A fieldhouse is on the drawing board for the track/womens soccer complex.

* Earl K. Long Gym has been renovated, with a study hall and central air conditioning among the most recent additions.

* Cajun Field's picture included a smaller upper deck with seating closer to the field and rows less steep and a three-story press box extending the width of the upper deck. This press box area may address other needs like a bookstore, new weight room, luxury boxes, and office space in addition to use by the media. The artist's rendition does not show it, but a matching upper deck will "probably" be built on the student side and fans sitting on the press box side will be relocated there for one season while a total makeover takes place. The artist's rendition shows end zone seating on the side of the old scoreboard and tunnel but Scott once again said that "probably" the other end zone will have seating as well. No mention was made as to how many seats would result.

* No mention was made when construction would begin (with the exception of Lamson Park which is currently under construction), but clearly the underlying message was that private funding would determine how fast everything would move. Scott had said a long time ago on a radio interview that construction could begin before then entire price tag was raised with debt service paid on the balance.


Rickey Bustle spoke and elaborated on how the facilities had improved in his 8 years here. First, he thanked those who attended the ASU game in the heat. He said that no coach is embarrassed any more to show off UL's facilities.

Bob Marlin looks forward to turning the basketball program around and his speech was largely motivational. He said one sign that things are getting better is that the parents of one recruit turned off the Saints game on TV to talk about UL.

Tony Robichaux possibly made the most illuminating speech of all the coaches, saying that a 13-year-old kid has already committed to Southern California and that recruits through online outlets like YouTube and Twitter have already made a virtual tour of your campus before contact has been made and there is an opportunity to sell the kid on your school. His 17-year-old son, before entering college, has played organized baseball in 10 major college stadiums. The message: the facilities have to be up to standards if there is hope to land the kind of student-athlete you want. There is no comparison between college athletics today and college athletics when he entered the coaching profession 17 years ago.

Stefni Lotief discussed the legacy that softball has had at UL and highlighted the major academic as well as athletic accomplishments of past players. There are no multimillion dollar professional sports contracts awaiting them after graduation, so their impact has been felt most in the community. The recruiting base is Louisiana first, then neighboring states.

RCAF President John Bordelon wrapped up the meeting with a call for action. He said everybody in the room needed to be multiplied by 5 in terms of attending next year's meeting and contributing. Again, the underlying message was that the timing and the level of private support can dictate when and to what degree these projects can move.

A Program Builders form was passed out to each person in attendance. It is a private means of raising money for nutritional supplements for football players. Funds raised are deposited into the RCAF (earmarked for football supplements). The suggested donation is $200, which is the cost per athlete. The program is in its third year and has been very successful.
--------------------------------------------------

I thought it was an honest presentation. I attended for two reasons. First, the out of town trip I was supposed to take was postponed and second, I wanted to gauge whether there was a strategic plan to accomplish these goals or they were just throwing out plans and hoping that someday everything would fall together. About 25-30 years ago I was spending some free time in the UL Library and saw an alumni publication from 1959 with an artist's drawing of a 40,000-seat football stadium and dreams of major college status that then-SLI aspired for themselves. That was 51 years ago and we still haven't seen it. If I see those football renovations in the next five years and the seating capacity is in the 50,000-seat range I'll be excited. This is really the first time any real effort was made to try to sell me on a vision, and frankly I held out until I received one before I responded. I was motivated to become an RCAF member for the first time, because I was shown something more concrete than a brochure to consider. I would like this presentation to be taken to the community at large (rather than requiring the community to come to them), where some fans who got discouraged in the past and developed other interests can have a chance to fall in love all over again.

Bottom line, I don't think we can stay where we are. In my opinion we're past the Southland Conference stage in terms of a well-rounded athletic program, but we have another barrier to crash before solidifying our hold on major college status. For the first time I was presented a way that could all become possible. I enlisted. How about you?



The truth is, more will be expected of each successive coach because he will have more to work with.

[cajuntbob]

Cali,

Thanks for the excellent post, you always know how to put your thoughts into a written summarized form. It's been a long time since the days at the EAUX with the Delphi crew. I have seen those guys post on this and other boards. Good to see most are still around. I thought for sure my re-emergence on the site would draw a reply from Zeebart. How is John ? I have not heard from him in years.

I apologize if I have offended anyone with my comments on Coach Bustle. As I said he is a very good man. And as others have stated he has taken a program made it better than he when inherited it, but has gone as far as he can guide it.

I look forward to returning to Cajun Field and once again cheering on the Cajuns !

As I said earlier, whoever is involved in the new coach search, please get it right this time. As someone else remarked, if you win games, the rest will take care of itself.

Take care guys.