NCAAbbs

I dunno about you guys, but I'm gonna call it after USM if this team and coaching staff* especially persists in embarrassing My Alma Mater.

F the BOT, and

F this Bush League BS!


*Especially your precious head coach. Why blame the assistants when you can blame the boss?

Nope, Im not drinking the kool aid but I'm somewhat of a homer. I'm here till the final game. Win lose or......lose some more. Who else can I root for. Troy, Georgia,.....the falcons. lol

go blazers!

If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

(09-26-2009 10:43 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

agree 100%

(09-26-2009 10:43 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

+1 This sums it up. I'll be behind the Blazers always!

(09-26-2009 10:43 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

As my chosen name signifies, I pull for two teams every week. It has NOTHING to do with outcome, EVERYTHING to do with my life as a FB fan beginning in the 1950s. UAB has NEVER inflicted a 20 game losing streak (over three seasons) on me like Bama did back then. If a Blazer losing streak is the worst pain in your life, you are truly blessed.

that may be true, but that 'other team' has a fair winning tradition, no?
Blazers, on the other hand...........................................................
yeah, losing consistently [with no sign of light at the end of the tunnel, unless it's the train] makes this much harder to stomach

(09-26-2009 10:43 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

+1. Goat, you have disgraced yourself. There are many things in life, and about this athletic program, that you cannot control. There is only one thing you truly can control: yourself. Protect your honor and honor your integrity.

if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've cancelled my football season tix and tailgate spot (and gave my reasons), as well as cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

(09-26-2009 10:43 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]If I decided to only root for my team when they were good I would have picked a different team in the first place. I've been there through worse. I'll continue to be there til the bitter end.

+1

It's hard to be a Blazer fan sometimes, but I flat out refuse to give in.

'You don't win wars by dying for your country!! You win wars by making the other silly son of a b*tch die for HIS country'!!

General George S. Patton.

"If you make every game a life or death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

John Robinson

"Oh, sh!t"

-Michael Jackson's doctor

I think that the USM game is probably the last game on the schedule that if we win, we would get a warm fuzzy that the program is heading in the right direction. Any of the other games, winning would be great, losing would be expected, & neither wouldn't surprise us.

(Tossing out the Ole Miss game of course from the list).

"Tomorrow is another day."

Scarlett O'Hara

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

Sorry, oldblazer79, you may have some company in that boat, but your post is very disappointing. I don't believe I'll ever write one like it. So I guess I disagree with your sentiments.

(09-28-2009 12:17 PM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ]"Tomorrow is another day."

Scarlett O'Hara

Thread right there!

Our performance in big games reminds me of this Days of Thunder quote:

Tim Daland: We messed up big time on Sunday. I had sponsors in the stands and I'm huggin' and holdin' hands and kissin'em in the ears and prayin' for a good showin'. And what do we do? We end up lookin' like a monkey ****'in a football out there.

(09-28-2009 12:17 PM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ]"Tomorrow is another day."

Scarlett O'Hara

Fiddle dee dee dude.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the "Great Blazer Dragon"!

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

Always A Blazer!

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr, you need to comprehend the dichotomy: Neil Callaway and his staff ARE NOT The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They only represent the university. And, at present, they are not representing the university well. For example, we are being made fun of at the moment by inbred, toothless bastards.

Bush Leaguers play bush league ball. Simple as that.

To question the coach is not to blaspheme the university.

(09-28-2009 01:59 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr, you need to comprehend the dichotomy: Neil Callaway and his staff ARE NOT The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They only represent the university. And, at present, they are not representing the university well. For example, we are being made fun of at the moment by inbred, toothless bastards.

Bush Leaguers play bush league ball. Simple as that.

To question the coach is not to blaspheme the university.

Nobody is the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Not Brian Mackin, not Carol Z. Garrison, not Gene Bartow, and not you or me. UAB will continue, in athletics and other more important ventures, long after all of those people are gone. That makes it even more wrongheaded to withhold money from the University because of what one perceives to be the actions (or inaction) of a few individuals. Besides, which one of you has all the inside information needed to determine where the fault lies for this season so far? I don't, and I know none of you do either. A certain poster on the board regularly crucifies Garrison for not giving a damn about athletics when it's a fact that she's put her job on the line for them...not a hard fact to discover either. That's just one example, but it's hard to stay silent when the mob is lighting torches with no clear reason why. When you are a fan, you sign up for the good and the bad. Being there for the bad is sometimes, in fact, the truest test of devotion. Don't get me wrong: I'm embarrassed right now. I have more important things to think about, which kind of takes the sting away, but I am embarrassed. I just think there's a counter-point to the mob mentality that seems uniquely "Blazerish" when things go wrong (and things go wrong quite a bit at UAB...such is life as a school situated where we are on the pecking order).

(09-28-2009 01:59 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr, you need to comprehend the dichotomy: Neil Callaway and his staff ARE NOT The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They only represent the university. And, at present, they are not representing the university well. For example, we are being made fun of at the moment by inbred, toothless bastards.

Bush Leaguers play bush league ball. Simple as that.

To question the coach is not to blaspheme the university.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think blazr was talking about questioning the coach. He was responding to the idea that pulling your monetary support for UAB Athletics is the only way to get through to the administration, as if the administration believes things are okay with all the losing and the withdrawal of funds will be the only thing that wakes them up.

I say complain if you want. I certainly will. But I'm not pulling support because of losses. The kids don't deserve that, and neither does the program.

(09-28-2009 02:19 PM)the Dragon Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:59 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr, you need to comprehend the dichotomy: Neil Callaway and his staff ARE NOT The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They only represent the university. And, at present, they are not representing the university well. For example, we are being made fun of at the moment by inbred, toothless bastards.

Bush Leaguers play bush league ball. Simple as that.

To question the coach is not to blaspheme the university.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think blazr was talking about questioning the coach. He was responding to the idea that pulling your monetary support for UAB Athletics is the only way to get through to the administration, as if the administration believes things are okay with all the losing and the withdrawal of funds will be the only thing that wakes them up.

I say complain if you want. I certainly will. But I'm not pulling support because of losses. The kids don't deserve that, and neither does the program.

Correct.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Effort expended without result is needless and pointless.

If we are trying to field a successful team (are we?) then continuing to do the same thing when the result has been failure is absurd.

Since nobody appears to be listening, then the only option for a small voice such as myself (i.e. not a big booster) is to vote with my feet until change is made.

I'm bringing 3 with me Thursday. If we lose, lose lose from there I can guarantee it wont be more than +1 next time against FAU and I'm telling you I'll probably just sit out the UCF game altogether if we're once again out of the hunt for anything but another garbage win.

If we go 5-7 or worse on 2009, and no changes are made before 2010, then I'll probably pull my support for "the program" until changes ARE bloody made to represent my Alma Mater as it should be represented.

We are a bigtime school and we deserve a bigtime football program. You say that those involved are trying. I'm not arguing with you on that. I'm telling you that we need to replace those who try and fail with those who will try and succeed.

EDIT: It just occurred to me that I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Do you honestly expect the attendance against UCF this year to be anything but atrocious if we continue as we have the past three games?

(09-28-2009 02:36 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Effort expended without result is needless and pointless.

If we are trying to field a successful team (are we?) then continuing to do the same thing when the result has been failure is absurd.

Since nobody appears to be listening, then the only option for a small voice such as myself (i.e. not a big booster) is to vote with my feet until change is made.

I'm bringing 3 with me Thursday. If we lose, lose lose from there I can guarantee it wont be more than +1 next time against FAU and I'm telling you I'll probably just sit out the UCF game altogether if we're once again out of the hunt for anything but another garbage win.

If we go 5-7 or worse on 2009, and no changes are made before 2010, then I'll probably pull my support for "the program" until changes ARE bloody made to represent my Alma Mater as it should be represented.

We are a bigtime school and we deserve a bigtime football program. You say that those involved are trying. I'm not arguing with you on that. I'm telling you that we need to replace those who try and fail with those who will try and succeed.

EDIT: It just occurred to me that I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Do you honestly expect the attendance against UCF this year to be anything but atrocious if we continue as we have the past three games?

I understand what you're saying. I think you and I agree on most points. The only difference is I'm not pulling any support, not because I want the coaches to stay, but because I'm supporting the program no matter what. To me, that's what big time fans do. That's what a big time program needs. I can still voice my displeasure, and it will be no less effective as you pulling support. Only the athletes will suffer less my way.

(09-28-2009 02:36 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Effort expended without result is needless and pointless.

If we are trying to field a successful team (are we?) then continuing to do the same thing when the result has been failure is absurd.

Since nobody appears to be listening, then the only option for a small voice such as myself (i.e. not a big booster) is to vote with my feet until change is made.

I'm bringing 3 with me Thursday. If we lose, lose lose from there I can guarantee it wont be more than +1 next time against FAU and I'm telling you I'll probably just sit out the UCF game altogether if we're once again out of the hunt for anything but another garbage win.

If we go 5-7 or worse on 2009, and no changes are made before 2010, then I'll probably pull my support for "the program" until changes ARE bloody made to represent my Alma Mater as it should be represented.

We are a bigtime school and we deserve a bigtime football program. You say that those involved are trying. I'm not arguing with you on that. I'm telling you that we need to replace those who try and fail with those who will try and succeed.

EDIT: It just occurred to me that I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Do you honestly expect the attendance against UCF this year to be anything but atrocious if we continue as we have the past three games?

No, I agree that the attendance for UCF will be atrocious if we continue our losing ways. However, if we want to be a big-time program, big-time programs don't have the massive core of their fan base sit at home when things aren't going well. They have fans raising bloody hell, and rightly so, but with their voices (politely to those in charge for the civilized fans, not so politely to radio stations/message boards/etc. for the others) because they will not abandon their program. You or I are not the program, but we are more owners of it than Callaway, et. al. in that we were here before and we will be here after. My point is that in UAB's case, pulling funds is an unnecessary wound when/if the administration goes to make the case for the improvement we so long for (maybe new assistants, maybe a new staff, certainly the football fieldhouse and on-campus stadium).

Too many people in this state are spoiled by the (relative) success of API and UAT in college football. I'm not sure how many of us know what it means to support a program that has the cards stacked against it the way fans of schools like Northwestern, Idaho, Kansas (remember how bad they sucked until the past few years?), Bowling Green, Ball State, Indiana, Illinois, etc., etc. understand it. I have voiced my displeasure to the administration (which I'm sure would shock those who think I blindly follow) and I've also voiced my approval when things go well (discipline, grades, character, hard work in the offseason). I, personally having said my piece and continuing to do so, will proudly sit amongst the few in that dump called Legion Field to watch us match up against UCF regardless of our record. I'll wish there were more with me, but such is life. My integrity demands that I keep my pledged support and express my displeasure through proper channels. We are lucky to have school officials that will take the time to listen and care as much as I do (or at least do so professionally)...if they do that, I see no reason to punish the program with either my feet or my wallet.

I have a question; if UAB has another losing season and follow that up with 2010 losing season what will that do to UAB Football in regards to: fund raising, recruiting, booster support, student support and attendance?

I hear people say all UAB has to do is win and the city support will come. What if UAB doesn't start winning soon? Will the money and booster support be there to continue to support a football program that isn't winning and not putting fannies in the seats? Do UAB have the necessary tools and parts in place to become a decent Div I program?

Administration says once UAB starts to average 30,000 fans then the discussion of building a on-campus stadium can begin. I say an on campus facility needs to be built now to help draw better recruits, ignite student and city support.

Big time programs don't put up with mediocrity as long as UAB does. If UAB wants big-time fans, then they need to start acting like a big time program. It took waaaaaaaay too long to get rid of Watson. Name me one other program big time or not, that embrace mediocrity like we do. Northwestern, Idaho, Kansas, Bowling Green, Ball State, Indiana, Illinois... may have had a streak of bad seasons, but they did make changes. Change gives the fans hope. You know why Auburn fans were happy about a losing coach coming in to take over their program, because it was change. It seems like the only time UAB make changes is when fans stop showing up.

Illustration...
It was the middle of a high school football game, and the home team was losing. They just could not do anything. One irate fan yells at the sidelines, “Put Johnson in!” The sidelines yell back, “Johnson is in!” The fan yells again, “Well take Johnson out!” In other words do something.

(09-28-2009 03:27 PM)BlazerRod Wrote: [ -> ]I have a question; if UAB has another losing season and follow that up with 2010 losing season what will that do to UAB Football in regards to: fund raising, recruiting, booster support, student support and attendance?

I hear people say all UAB has to do is win and the city support will come. What if UAB doesn't start winning soon? Will the money and booster support be there to continue to support a football program that isn't winning and not putting fannies in the seats? Do UAB have the necessary tools and parts in place to become a decent Div I program?

Administration says once UAB starts to average 30,000 fans then the discussion of building a on-campus stadium can begin. I say an on campus facility needs to be built now to help draw better recruits, ignite student and city support.

This is fact:

The administration is counting on wins to bolster attendance. They know attendance has to get better in the long run for the program to get to the next level, but there is no danger of football being shut down.

This is my speculation:

Based on the above, I think if this season is a disaster (i.e., 4 wins or less) then Callaway will be forced to make changes on his staff before next year. If he refuses then his tenure at UAB will be over. He may be retained in 2010 for money reasons (they will not announce that in public obviously), but he will be a lame duck coach.

If this season is a disaster AND Callaway makes changes to the staff, 2010 will be do or die for him at UAB. I think the administration recognizes the talent we have returning for next year and will expect more as far as the standard of "success".

I will put my Johnson in anytime.

The only thing I disagree with here: Gene Bartow IS UAB.

(09-28-2009 03:36 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]This is fact:

The administration is counting on wins to bolster attendance. They know attendance has to get better in the long run for the program to get to the next level, but there is no danger of football being shut down.

This is my speculation:

Based on the above, I think if this season is a disaster (i.e., 4 wins or less) then Callaway will be forced to make changes on his staff before next year. If he refuses then his tenure at UAB will be over. He may be retained in 2010 for money reasons (they will not announce that in public obviously), but he will be a lame duck coach.

If this season is a disaster AND Callaway makes changes to the staff, 2010 will be do or die for him at UAB. I think the administration recognizes the talent we have returning for next year and will expect more as far as the standard of "success".

Your first response - If UAB does not start winning within the next two years and does not put fannies in the seat what does that do to UAB Football?

Your second response - What talent for 2010 are you referring to? And doesn't UAB falls behind even further if you have to keep a lameduck coach around?

(09-28-2009 12:18 PM)the Dragon Wrote: [ -> ]Sorry, oldblazer79, you may have some company in that boat, but your post is very disappointing. I don't believe I'll ever write one like it. So I guess I disagree with your sentiments.

sorry to disappoint, but I'm not pulling my few $ (I can't afford to give 1000's, just small change) simply because we're losing games.
I don't like the way the program is trending on more than one front.
I was a season ticket holder (6) the first year we were D-III. I continued while in 1AA.
I made this same move during the last 3 seasons of 'He Who Shall Not Be Named' .
I re-upped my ante with the new regime, and added a tailgate spot last season.
I've pulled back once again. Change the trends and I'll buy in, again. Simple.

(09-28-2009 03:40 PM)FNblazer Wrote: [ -> ]The only thing I disagree with here: Gene Bartow IS UAB.

I was going to call him on that as well. You beat me to it.

Gene Bartow is truly a legend in his own time. When it comes to athletics, he put us on the map. He is, in effect, UAB.

There is no greater honor I can think of that we can bestow. We owe him our very athletic existence.

If he wore a uniform it would be bedazzled with the Dragon's Cross of the Green & Gold Cross with Oak Leaves, Crossed Swords and Diamonds.

As an alumnus I cannot thank him enough.

P.S. Speaking of blasphemy and "honor", blazr, what's up with mentioning Callaway, who is on his first patrol, even in the same thread as Coach Bartow?

(09-28-2009 02:19 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:59 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr, you need to comprehend the dichotomy: Neil Callaway and his staff ARE NOT The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They only represent the university. And, at present, they are not representing the university well. For example, we are being made fun of at the moment by inbred, toothless bastards.

Bush Leaguers play bush league ball. Simple as that.

To question the coach is not to blaspheme the university.

Nobody is the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Not Brian Mackin, not Carol Z. Garrison, not Gene Bartow, and not you or me. UAB will continue, in athletics and other more important ventures, long after all of those people are gone. That makes it even more wrongheaded to withhold money from the University because of what one perceives to be the actions (or inaction) of a few individuals. Besides, which one of you has all the inside information needed to determine where the fault lies for this season so far? I don't, and I know none of you do either. A certain poster on the board regularly crucifies Garrison for not giving a damn about athletics when it's a fact that she's put her job on the line for them...not a hard fact to discover either. That's just one example, but it's hard to stay silent when the mob is lighting torches with no clear reason why. When you are a fan, you sign up for the good and the bad. Being there for the bad is sometimes, in fact, the truest test of devotion. Don't get me wrong: I'm embarrassed right now. I have more important things to think about, which kind of takes the sting away, but I am embarrassed. I just think there's a counter-point to the mob mentality that seems uniquely "Blazerish" when things go wrong (and things go wrong quite a bit at UAB...such is life as a school situated where we are on the pecking order).

Gene Bartow IS... UAB Athletics ...

(09-28-2009 03:58 PM)BlazerRod Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 03:36 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]This is fact:

The administration is counting on wins to bolster attendance. They know attendance has to get better in the long run for the program to get to the next level, but there is no danger of football being shut down.

This is my speculation:

Based on the above, I think if this season is a disaster (i.e., 4 wins or less) then Callaway will be forced to make changes on his staff before next year. If he refuses then his tenure at UAB will be over. He may be retained in 2010 for money reasons (they will not announce that in public obviously), but he will be a lame duck coach.

If this season is a disaster AND Callaway makes changes to the staff, 2010 will be do or die for him at UAB. I think the administration recognizes the talent we have returning for next year and will expect more as far as the standard of "success".

Your first response - If UAB does not start winning within the next two years and does not put fannies in the seat what does that do to UAB Football?

Your second response - What talent for 2010 are you referring to? And doesn't UAB falls behind even further if you have to keep a lameduck coach around?

To your first question, nothing. It's in no better or worse shape than it was when Zero was run off. We try something different (staff-wise, of course). We aren't losing money and there is no sword of Damacles hanging over the football offices...regardless of what some uninformed Bammars may think. The program is here for good at the 1-A level.

To the 2nd, it's never good to keep a lame-duck coach around, but we may not have a choice (see Davis, Mike). That being said, all areas of the program have improved aside from wins/losses. The staff will continue to recruit, coach, lead, work the team hard in the offseason so they get stronger/faster, etc. As for talent in 2010, look at the two-deep and count the number of seniors. Not very many. Isabelle will be a capable replacement for Webb, and those true freshmen that have been thrown to the wolves the last couple of years will be Juniors and Seniors. I've personally always thought 2010 was the year we turn it around...not 2009 (even though I expect continued improvement with 5-7 wins).

(09-28-2009 04:29 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 03:40 PM)FNblazer Wrote: [ -> ]The only thing I disagree with here: Gene Bartow IS UAB.

I was going to call him on that as well. You beat me to it.

Gene Bartow is truly a legend in his own time. When it comes to athletics, he put us on the map. He is, in effect, UAB.

There is no greater honor I can think of that we can bestow. We owe him our very athletic existence.

If he wore a uniform it would be bedazzled with the Dragon's Cross of the Green & Gold Cross with Oak Leaves, Crossed Swords and Diamonds.

As an alumnus I cannot thank him enough.

P.S. Speaking of blasphemy and "honor", blazr, what's up with mentioning Callaway, who is on his first patrol, even in the same thread as Coach Bartow?

Don't parse my words. With all due respect, when Gene Bartow dies they will not cut out the lights and shutter Bartow Arena. Therefore, he is NOT UAB. UAB is an institution with a mission...included in that mission is athletics. As such, it will outlive all of us and be here for my children and their children.

(09-28-2009 04:52 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Don't parse my words. With all due respect, when Gene Bartow dies they will not cut out the lights and shutter Bartow Arena. Therefore, he is NOT UAB. UAB is an institution with a mission...included in that mission is athletics. As such, it will outlive all of us and be here for my children and their children.

Ummmm....not gonna touch that one with a ten-foot pole.

(09-28-2009 04:59 PM)BlazerRod Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 04:52 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Don't parse my words. With all due respect, when Gene Bartow dies they will not cut out the lights and shutter Bartow Arena. Therefore, he is NOT UAB. UAB is an institution with a mission...included in that mission is athletics. As such, it will outlive all of us and be here for my children and their children.

Ummmm....not gonna touch that one with a ten-foot pole.

Let me rephrase then: the greatest geniuses are those innovators that built things (ideas, institutions, etc.) that were designed to outlive themselves. Gene Bartow was such a man. I don't think Gene himself would accept someone telling him he is UAB...because that implies that what he built will die when he does.

By way of comparison, a certain old, drunk bastard built a fiefdom west of here and it almost came crashing to a bloody end in the mid-90s.

Upset special of the week....UAB 36, USM 32...

(09-28-2009 05:03 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 04:59 PM)BlazerRod Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 04:52 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Don't parse my words. With all due respect, when Gene Bartow dies they will not cut out the lights and shutter Bartow Arena. Therefore, he is NOT UAB. UAB is an institution with a mission...included in that mission is athletics. As such, it will outlive all of us and be here for my children and their children.

Ummmm....not gonna touch that one with a ten-foot pole.

Let me rephrase then: the greatest geniuses are those innovators that built things (ideas, institutions, etc.) that were designed to outlive themselves. Gene Bartow was such a man. I don't think Gene himself would accept someone telling him he is UAB...because that implies that what he built will die when he does.

By way of comparison, a certain old, drunk bastard built a fiefdom west of here and it almost came crashing to a bloody end in the mid-90s.

UAB Athletics is Gene Bartow's child. UAB Athletics will never die. Therefore Gene Bartow will never die. He has left a lasting legacy. Therefore Gene Bartow is UAB Athletics.

Don't you make me sic Memphis Blazer on you!

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

Of course your email got passed on. I'm sure it was sent with the message: Hey, here's a fan still kissing our ass. Let's encourage him.

(09-28-2009 06:01 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 11:02 AM)oldblazer79 Wrote: [ -> ]if we continue to buy tix and contribute scholly $, how will the administration get the message?
for me, I've voiced my displeasure [on a one on one level with one in charge],
cancelled my season tix and cut my small scholly contribution in half.
money is a language everyone understands, and I only have so much entertainment $ to go around.
My wife I don't enjoy what we're seeing in UAB football, especially not enough to continue at our previous level of committment.

You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

Of course your email got passed on. I'm sure it was sent with the message: Hey, here's a fan still kissing our ass. Let's encourage him.

I get the dig, but that particular e-mail was not very positive. I would call it "constructive criticism".

(09-28-2009 01:46 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]You know, the administration actually understands English, too. In the case of one e-mail I sent, I got five replies...including from the AD and coaches. And I only sent that e-mail to one person. My message got across, it was discussed back-and-forth, and I didn't have to deprive my beloved alma mater of a badly-needed dime in the process. Novel concept.

I know you guys want to paint me as a polyanna, but this administration/coaching staff is not as clueless/disinterested/inept/stubborn/wicked as many of you try to make them out to be. I'll quit tilting at windmills now...

blazr,
maybe it was an oversight, but I did give my reasons [as to my actions] in a polite conversation.
they may understand english, as well. Let's hope so. But, as with any business, the loss of revenue
usually makes those effected examine things on a different level.
we needed positive results/press THIS season. imo, we don't have too many more years
to right the ship, if we want to be taken seriously as a D-1A program.

(09-28-2009 05:39 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 05:03 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 04:59 PM)BlazerRod Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 04:52 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Don't parse my words. With all due respect, when Gene Bartow dies they will not cut out the lights and shutter Bartow Arena. Therefore, he is NOT UAB. UAB is an institution with a mission...included in that mission is athletics. As such, it will outlive all of us and be here for my children and their children.

Ummmm....not gonna touch that one with a ten-foot pole.

Let me rephrase then: the greatest geniuses are those innovators that built things (ideas, institutions, etc.) that were designed to outlive themselves. Gene Bartow was such a man. I don't think Gene himself would accept someone telling him he is UAB...because that implies that what he built will die when he does.

By way of comparison, a certain old, drunk bastard built a fiefdom west of here and it almost came crashing to a bloody end in the mid-90s.

UAB Athletics is Gene Bartow's child. UAB Athletics will never die. Therefore Gene Bartow will never die. He has left a lasting legacy. Therefore Gene Bartow is UAB Athletics.

Don't you make me sic Memphis Blazer on you!

Gene Bartow is a man. One that I respect and admire, but he is a man. UAB was around before him and will be here when he is gone. When you try to make one person the institution you lose sight of the big picture. You can look an hour down the road to see that and to see what happens when you get past it.

(09-28-2009 08:31 PM)LightEmUp70 Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-28-2009 05:39 PM)BlazingGoat Wrote: [ -> ]UAB Athletics is Gene Bartow's child. UAB Athletics will never die. Therefore Gene Bartow will never die. He has left a lasting legacy. Therefore Gene Bartow is UAB Athletics.

Don't you make me sic Memphis Blazer on you!

Gene Bartow is a man. One that I respect and admire, but he is a man. UAB was around before him and will be here when he is gone. When you try to make one person the institution you lose sight of the big picture. You can look an hour down the road to see that and to see what happens when you get past it.

Reading comprehension is your friend; see also bolded text above. When exactly did I "try to make one person the institution"?

Now if you mean the "institution" of Blazer Athletics, then I'll admit full guilt, but only after you take, and pass, Blazer Athletics History Remedial Class 001.