AJ25

I'm going beyond just athletics... I'm talking about the school in general. Football will be far more supported than the arena football team with crappy uniforms, same goes for the semi-pro basketball team. I think the hockey team was run out of town because Ford Arena was charging too much for them to continue playing there because Ford Arena put BMT in debt. But college football will be supported if they maintain success.

[quote name="Scalp'em" post="1078841" timestamp="1318255348"] Lack of college type of bars, restraunts, places to hang out around campus, lack of a fraternity or sorority row type of atmosphere hurts a little too. They have to be able to buy up all of the land between the campus and MLK (I know they've already bought alot) and build this type of stuff. You have fast food down towards MLK and Washington, but alot of kids don't want to go down there at night. There is almost nothing for the college crowd around the campus. Make ALL kids live on campus Freshmen and Sophmore year (I know it would be expensive for area families, but would create the atmosphere). [/quote] UI've said some of the exact same things before. FORCE freshman to live on campus... What's it going to hurt? It's either Lamar or SFA, Sam, UT, A&M. And if you go off, you still have to live on campus there right? So might as well make the freshman live on campus there. And that's one of the things I was thinking when saying they need to buy all that land...They have to create a college atmosphere if they want to compete with every other school in the state. LU is just a big high school, basically. They need all sorts of things within WALKING distance of campus, including places for night life on the weekends. That's what all other schoos offer that Lamar doesn't. That's why Lamar loses area kids... People want a "college'' like experience and you just can't get that at LU.

The advertising in greater areas is something I've seen for many other schools.. Driving through Houston you can see billboards for UT, TCU, A&M, etc... The same goes for those cities with other schools. Most people have no idea who Lamar is outside of the GT, and that's partially Lamar's fault and the athletic programs fault. It seems like they are just now starting to play those bigger name schools in state where people can see LU at a bigger level. (Basketball at UT last year, Baseball at Baylor, Football at aTm next year, etc...) To me, there is nothing for students to visit LU's campus and just be "wowed" about. It's not all that nice right now, some buildings are run down and old. They could really have a great EXPW department (athletics, KINES, Sports Exercise Science, etc) with the love of sports in the area, but outside of the McDonald gym there is no nice department buildings for it. You have to go and sit in old crappy buildings, and no one wants to do that when you can go to another instate school and sit in nice buildings. (Granted I've never taken a class at LU, but that's just how the buildings look from the outside looking in.) A lot of this is going to have to deal with money, but that's why each department should be calling their alums and giving them good reasons why each alum should donate. (New buildings, remodeled buildings, more equipment, etc) It seems LU doesn't take advantage of the thousands of alum that live right there by the school. That's why I've basically always thought, Lamar is the only thing stopping Lamar.

I don't understand why Dowlen and downtown BMT aren't completely covered in LU stuff. I'm not saying BMT should become a primarily college town, but LU could make a huge impact if they wanted to. Dowlen is the busiest street in BMT and is one of the best places to have a business. LU should put a CO-OP store in one of the shopping centers selling all their gear, tickets, memorabilia, etc... They can make more money and people can be seeing LU stuff everywhere. Have businesses and restaurants that have discounts for LU students and alum. Convince some of the bigger well-known restaurants in BMT have "LU Student" nights where they can go and get 10-15% off from their tab. It doesn't seem like much, but it will bring the business more money and be a good place for students to get together. They need way more billboards, more advertising, etc. They need players making appearances at all the schools in the area, the coaches making appearances at places. They need to give away more tickets... They're not selling out anyway, why not give away tickets to get more butts in the seat? Have notable alums have ads or things like that talking about LU to give them more credit. Have the student government put on concerts with BIG name people to come and play at the Montagne. These are just some of the things Lamar could do that would instantly make it a better school with more name recognition.

As a college athlete and a guy who for some reason loves writing (Writing my first book now), I have a good idea on what goes on in college athletics, and this is my take on what Lamar could be. [b]Location[/b]: Let's face it, Lamar has one of the best areas of high school football in the state. They're 1 1/2 hours from U of H and Rice, 3 hours from aTm, 4 hours from UT, 5 hours from SMU, UNT, Baylor, and TCU, 4 hours from Tulane, and 3 from ULL and LSU. To me, you're looking at a great engineering school. A school that is having a lot of money pumped into it, arguably more than any other SLC right now. A school with growing athletic facilities, as well as budgets... There is no reason at all that kids from within that SETX and surrounding areas "circle" that should not be going to Lamar if they're good enough. Memorial, West Brook, PN-G, Nederland, (used to be) Lumberton, WO-S, etc... Are constantly sending kids to schools throughout surrounding states, when they could be at Lamar if these coaches worked hard enough; including the school athletic board. I know guys like Christine Michael, Earl Thomas, etc. aren't going to stay at LU, but there's guys that jump at the first offer to get out of here, when they could be building a great thing in Beaumont. "But Lamar isn't big enough, good enough, etc..." Well, if you'd go to Lamar over sitting the bench at a big time school then Lamar would be good enough and big enough. [b]Stadium[/b]: I don't think anyone will argue.. This thing is great. Only TX State beats it IMO, and they're heading to the WAC next year. This thing will be expanded eventually, once Lamar continually wins and the community WILL be there if Lamar is winning. You have the Montagne Center and the awesome athletic facility to go along with a completely remodeled stadium that is soon to be expanded. You have a fan base that [b]demands[/b] success (that is evident by this board) and a community that will support a winner constantly. AKA, put a winner on the field and this place will always be packed. [b]School[/b]: A growing campus that is constantly being remodeled and holding more and more on campus students every year. Not much of a Greek life, but that will only grow with the population. Again, you have an outstanding engineering program and nursing program that will pull in athletes on it's own (Trust me, I go to one of the best engineering schools in the midwest and we got a couple guys that came just because of the program, choosing our school over some SEC schools). Believe it or not, a lot of athletes realize how quick college is over and that the future is the most important thing (education). Granted, LU needs to buy some of the surrounding neighborhoods to create a bit of a safer environment, as well as making MORE parking. Relatively cheap tuition, room & board, etc... [b]Other athletic programs[/b]: You have one of the better baseball programs in the country that should be in the top 45 every year that will constantly produce winners, a great historical basketball program with a new head coach that has brought great excitement. A women's soccer program now, a softball program coming... The school needs to bank on this NOW! Spread excitement throughout the area. Spend $$$ that they do have. Every time I come there, I can barely tell there is a school in BMT unless you go towards Nederland. It is a huge city that has the capability to be a smaller level FBS if the athletic department puts in the work. Almost ALL of their alumni live in the area... HELLO donations and a bigger athletic budget. I feel like Lamar doesn't do enough work to make their school better. [b]Possible tradition[/b]: New football program with a semi-successful history, great baseball program, could-be great basketball history, soccer, softball coming, etc... What is stopping Lamar? Your answer is... Lamar. Spend money... Get excitement out. There is so many things they could do. So many. You have the community, don't stop yourself from success. If you do, kids from the area will continue going off to other schools instead of being proud in what they have in their own neighborhood. Sorry this was so sloppy, had to do it pretty quick... Gotta long-distance Skype date (Gotta keep my lady happy ;) )

[quote name="NorthoftheBorder" post="1077289" timestamp="1318099281"] [quote author=SmashMouth link=topic=87670.msg1077279#msg1077279 date=1318098849] [quote author=NorthoftheBorder link=topic=87670.msg1077274#msg1077274 date=1318098729] [quote author=SmashMouth link=topic=87670.msg1077115#msg1077115 date=1318086191] [quote author=geezer link=topic=87670.msg1059624#msg1059624 date=1316316753] I wish him good fortune also, although is looks like Garret hurt is shoulder so had he stayed he probably would have the chance to prove the coaches early assesments were wrong. [/quote] Hanna starting in the backfield today...wish Cody had held his water.  He'd be getting that playing time he desired so much. [/quote] Where do you get that?  He was just running reps so if he was needed in the backfield he could be used. [/quote] Are you going to the game?  Look for #24. [/quote] I'll be there.  But answer the question.  How do you know that he is starting as RB? [/quote] Article yesterday or day before said he was getting the first team RB snaps.

Hanna and Beard will take over.. Heard it here first. Beard is probably a better LB than Coleman but you can't start a Soph over a SR.

I promise you Coach knew exactly who was and wasn't on the field, and why they weren't on in this case. All he is doing is keeping business private, to keep people like ya'll on this board from making a big fuss about it. If Coleman or whoever got caught drinking and he said that to the news, the public would be talking about another "thug" on the team. So he kept his mouth shut, just like I and every other coach in the country probably would have. I'm not a coach, but if I was I would've done the same thing.

[quote name="king" post="1055278" timestamp="1315841214"] Rangers Angels Athletics Seattle Where can we see the Stros from here? Could ticket sales go up because new teams will play at minute maid? [/quote] I think they would be immediately competing for 3rd place LOL

[quote name="Ty Cobb" post="1054826" timestamp="1315778175"] Does this mean the AL West will consist of 5 teams or will one of the existing teams be moved as well? [/quote] It would give them 5.

[quote name="king" post="1052968" timestamp="1315607901"] There pushing it real hard. [/quote] its gonna happen. The only way MLB Owners approve the deal is if he agrees to the move.

I saw the Montana Grizzlies play this past weekend at Tenn. They are for real... Completely shut down Tennessee's running game.

[quote name="coachacola" post="1049455" timestamp="1315173692"] Here's a few stats from the game: JJ was 3 of 6 for 57 yards, 1 sack.  He also rushed 6 times for 29 yards. Bevil was 3 of 9 for 50 yards, 0 sacks.  He ran for 2 yards. Pruitt was 1 of 2 for 4 yards, 1 sack.  He ran for -17 yards. JJ has the better stats, but Pruitt played mainly with the 2nd and 3rd stringers in the second half.  I'm surprised he didn't play more in the first half.  I think Bevil is holding the starting spot until JJ is ready to play full time.  My guess is Pruitt is destined to be JJ's backup, which isn't surprising since JJ is the 3-star dual-threat QB and Pruitt is a walk-on. [/quote] This shows why you don't coach.. What star is at the end of his name does not matter.. There have been plenty of 5 star players that never did a thing. Walk-on's is where you find the true heart and he proved it last year. He's the better QB.. But there's no way Ray doesn't play JJ eventually because he's faster. Just ashame because Doug is the best QB on the roster, regardless of "3 star" or "walk on". BTW, Doug is on scholarship $ now too.

Here is an idea since this situation means so much to you... Get off of setxsports and take it to Lamar. Because believe it or not, none of us have the power to change a thing about this situation on here. If it means so much, go talk to Dr. Simmons.

[quote name="puddin tane" post="1040348" timestamp="1314234881"] [i]College sports are what keep a lot of these guys clean and off the streets.[/i] [b]awwwwww bull[/b]...read the post you just agreed with..he was dismissed for drugs...sports didnt keep him clean and off the street...a punk is a punk [/quote] I said a lot of guys.... Not everyone. There is drug testing that keeps [b]most[/b] from using.

[quote name="coachacola" post="1040247" timestamp="1314221485"] McNeese State is adding Janzen Jackson, who was dismissed from Tennessee due to substance-abuse issues and failed multiple drug tests.  Does this mean that McNeese State likes losers too? These guys are young and unless they are felons that have harmed other people then there's nothing wrong with giving them a second or third chance.  Why deny these guys a chance to succeed at what they do best?  Without football they probably wouldn't attend college with a good chance of them digging themselves a deeper hole with no escape. [/quote] That's what a lot of people fail to realize... College sports are what keep a lot of these guys clean and off the streets. Not to mention, they get to go to school and must get decent grades to continue playing the game they love. Not accepting these guys only makes the situation worse.

[quote name="58SHW" post="1040179" timestamp="1314214623"] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=86700.msg1040162#msg1040162 date=1314203201] [quote author=58SHW link=topic=86700.msg1040148#msg1040148 date=1314201660] [quote author=AJ25 link=topic=86700.msg1040143#msg1040143 date=1314201297] [quote author=58SHW link=topic=86700.msg1040018#msg1040018 date=1314186480] [quote author=AJ25 link=topic=86700.msg1039840#msg1039840 date=1314128418] Like everyone else on here, extremely sorry about what happened. On the other hand, [b]you guys have to realize that what Lamar is doing is normal... [/b] Doesn't mean that it is right. But professional athletes get these second chances all of the time. Lamar is just taking these guys because it's hard as a start up program to pass up on guys like these when they'll probably wind up playing you from another team in the conference. Yes, it sucks... But it's something that you need to be mad at every team about, not just Lamar. Plenty of other programs do this. Again doesn't mean that it's right. I know that if I did something small wrong that didn't affect a life, I sure would want a second chance. [/quote] 1) I guess it's also ok to condone steroid use....everbody is doiing it. Why doesn't LU set themselves apart from that, and take the high road, some things are more important than winning AT ALL COST. 2) I realize alot of schools (HS and College) and pros are doing it. But if you are aware of specific circumstances, and you continue to support through ticket purcheses then you are condoning and approving of this behavior. It wont ever happen, but the fans control t hese things, if we don't purchase tickets, and let it be know as to WHY we arent supporting them...it WILL stop. But I do understand, the almighty championship at all cost is worth way more to some than the message it is sending to younger athletes. 3) The article seemed to be written in a positive way toward LU, whereas to me, it came across as bragging and airing dirty laundry. [/quote] You do realize that 98-99% of this team is full of great guys who work their butt off day in and day out to win an SLC Championship? What would it show by the fans saying that "We don't want to support you because you took a couple of guys with shady backgrounds?" I'm sorry, not supporting the team because of a couple of bad eggs isn't the right way to go. What are you saying to all the other guys who are great and bust their hump every day? (Which is just about all of them) Sorry, I realize where you're coming from, but I don't think that's the best way to go about it. [/quote] Realizing its just a movie "remember the titans", but why wouldn't "the good ones" step up and rid their team of such filth. Ok, so if that method is a little extreme, how do you send a message to the coaches and/or admin. that bringing these types of players in is [b]not acceptable by the fan base that respects higher standards than the "win at all cost" mentality.[/b] [/quote] Question, what percent of the actual Lamar fan base is the "fan base" that you speak of? Do you actually think it's a majority? [/quote] No I dont, the stands being full, the coaches and admin still have jobs, and the losers are still on the team. If it were an actual majority none of that would be true. But I do believe that's what makes this so sad. I take it by your answer that you don't care. But from reading, it seems you're from ? Silbee it seems, then you are accustom to that behavior from athletes. [/quote] (1) How many of these bad eggs were on the team last year when the crowds were full? (2) What have they done while at Lamar to make people question them being on the team?

Wade said today that his "gut feeling" is that Waaandy will be sticking around in Houston.

[quote name="58SHW" post="1040018" timestamp="1314186480"] [quote author=AJ25 link=topic=86700.msg1039840#msg1039840 date=1314128418] Like everyone else on here, extremely sorry about what happened. On the other hand, [b]you guys have to realize that what Lamar is doing is normal... [/b] Doesn't mean that it is right. But professional athletes get these second chances all of the time. Lamar is just taking these guys because it's hard as a start up program to pass up on guys like these when they'll probably wind up playing you from another team in the conference. Yes, it sucks... But it's something that you need to be mad at every team about, not just Lamar. Plenty of other programs do this. Again doesn't mean that it's right. I know that if I did something small wrong that didn't affect a life, I sure would want a second chance. [/quote] 1) I guess it's also ok to condone steroid use....everbody is doiing it. Why doesn't LU set themselves apart from that, and take the high road, some things are more important than winning AT ALL COST. 2) I realize alot of schools (HS and College) and pros are doing it. But if you are aware of specific circumstances, and you continue to support through ticket purcheses then you are condoning and approving of this behavior. It wont ever happen, but the fans control t hese things, if we don't purchase tickets, and let it be know as to WHY we arent supporting them...it WILL stop. But I do understand, the almighty championship at all cost is worth way more to some than the message it is sending to younger athletes. 3) The article seemed to be written in a positive way toward LU, whereas to me, it came across as bragging and airing dirty laundry. [/quote] You do realize that 98-99% of this team is full of great guys who work their butt off day in and day out to win an SLC Championship? What would it show by the fans saying that "We don't want to support you because you took a couple of guys with shady backgrounds?" I'm sorry, not supporting the team because of a couple of bad eggs isn't the right way to go. What are you saying to all the other guys who are great and bust their hump every day? (Which is just about all of them) Sorry, I realize where you're coming from, but I don't think that's the best way to go about it.

[quote name="JohnnyT60" post="1039919" timestamp="1314145491"] Basically the Rockies made sure either they get him or no one does. One thing that better not happen, is they better not pay him to play for someone else, like Oswalt. Either they work out a good deal or pull him back. Personally, you should never trade your pitching away. Prospects or like potential, it just means you haven't done anything yet, and really how many prospects do you need? How about players. [/quote] I'm fine either way.. Keep him and he'll be solid down the stretch next year and suck in the beginning like usual. We're not losing a stud, we're losing a 3 or 4 pitcher in most team's rotations. If they can get 2 prospects in return that have what it takes, then we'll see ya later Wandy.

He has probably gotten rid of guys that messed up at SFA.. Most coaches will usually take these guys on a "One strike you're out policy." If the guy has cleaned up his act, he'll be at Lamar 3 more years. Again, I'm not condoning anything any program does... That is just the way the cookie crumbles now-a-days.

Apparently not much motivation to get this move done by Houston.. Also, the Rockies are short on prospects and not many pitchers are crazy of the idea at pitching in the Mile high city. It'll be interesting to see what happens.. They have until noon-ish Thursday to get a deal done or he'll remain in Houston through the rest of the year.

Like everyone else on here, extremely sorry about what happened. On the other hand, you guys have to realize that what Lamar is doing is normal... Doesn't mean that it is right. But professional athletes get these second chances all of the time. Lamar is just taking these guys because it's hard as a start up program to pass up on guys like these when they'll probably wind up playing you from another team in the conference. Yes, it sucks... But it's something that you need to be mad at every team about, not just Lamar. Plenty of other programs do this. Again doesn't mean that it's right. I know that if I did something small wrong that didn't affect a life, I sure would want a second chance.

[quote name="adminbaberuth" post="1039758" timestamp="1314123624"] Wandy Rodriguez CLAIMED on waivers. Team not yet known. [/quote] Yessss trade him! It apparently isn't the Yankees, Dbacks, or the Nationals. Whatever that means.

Stop being an Astros fan, and be a baseball fan and you will realize how fun these guys are to watch. So young and playing so hard. Up until today they won 4 straight.. I say 2 years. [b]2 years[/b]. You heard it here first ;)