LeatherneckNation / Leatherneck Nation / Leatherneck Nation Lounge

Band & Cheerleaders ????

WIU712 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:12:16 GMT

I was not able to listen to either game on Saturday. I live well outside the coverage area for WIUS-FM. And I was not near my computer either.

Does anyone know if WESTERN sent its Pep Band and Cheerleaders to the Tournament ????

They would always be at the games when the tournament was held in Moline, Fort Wayne, and Tulsa.

I hope that they were able to go to Sioux Falls to cheer on the teams.

Hey? "hows'come" NFS71 and I are the only ones with avatars?

western-101 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:08:41 GMT

I notice that I am almost the only one here with an avatar. It is quite easy to upload any picture you have in your computer as your avatar. It can literally be done in 30 seconds or less. Just click Control Panel and you can see the options.

On other boards everyone has an avatar. I wish my friends here would get one too. Maybe I should change mine, I certainly don't have a monopoly on the WIU logo (heck anyone else can use it too)

I just think the avatar gives instant recognizion to who that poster is and is kind of fun.

Heck the first person to get an avatar gets to choose my new avatar (for a month). Or you can tell me to get rid of mine all together.

negative vs. positive. vs...

Leatherface — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:00:06 GMT

There seems to be a concern developing from some posters that only positive things should be written on the board concerning WESTERN. I can understand where they are coming from. However, it is a forum, and attempts to stifle unwanted criticisms isn't likely to happen.
You may not agree with others, and that's fine. If what they say really burns you, ignore them. I hope the board will not become a place where only good things are said, and legitimate issues are "off limits".
Everyone has an opinion. I may not like it, but, that's fine.
If someone wants to start a new board where only certain posts are allowed- feel free.
Generally, folks know when they have gone to far, and reel back in for awhile. Criticism doesn't mean lack of support for the entire school and it's mission.

WAC=TLC

meganeck — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:48:45 GMT

I see the Western Athletic Club is now the Leatherneck Club, was it really necessary to change the name. I don't know if i want to give this year or not. I am totally disappointed in how Coach Patterson was handled and not real thrilled with the athletic dept as a whole, but the student athletes shouldn't suffer either.....

Soccer field refurbishing suggestion!

Neckfansince71 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:28:10 GMT

Hey, just a thought! I went on line today and looked up artificial field turf and found the website of the company that has put a lot of this stuff into many Universities and pro stadiums. I did this after I looked up the basic measurement requirements for football and soccer in college. Soccer fields in college can measure from 80 - 65 yards wide and 120-110 yards long. It means that the field of play is just alittle bit wider than football and almost the exact length. Sooooooooooo......lets put field turf into Hanson just like the University of West Virginia has done to service football, men's and women's soccer, and any other intramural event or events that can be played there. The lights would mean an morning, afternoon, and evening slot for usage, and teams could always practice on the other fields when necessary. I know the soccer team, men's needs locker space but there are plans to refurbish the Olympic Locker-room facilities in Western Hall already in the books. This would get three groups together to support both the field replacement and the pressbox upgrade!!! Okay, I drove to Peoria and back today to pick up my mother-in-law so I guess its "just my imagination, running away with me!" West Viginie's field turf looks great! Sorry I am just a very positive person!

Should be go to DII?

Fan56 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:05:53 GMT

I'm not sure how long we can continue to afford to be a DI school. Not only is it a money issue, but also a competitiveness issue. Seldom do our sports vie for conference championships, and the Summit League and Gateway football leagues are not exactly premiere DI conferences. Just look at how our conference winners do in the first round of the NCAA's.

Would we be better off being a DII school that is truly competitive? From a fan's point of view, it's much better to watch when we are winning and I really don't think we'd see less quality as perceived from a fan's viewpoint. And I'd think we'd be saving lots of money in DII instead of DI.

Any one else have thoughts and/or facts on this idea?

Happy New Year Leartherneck Nation

W-E-S-T-E-R-N — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:11:17 GMT

Happy New Year to ALL

A reply to 712's list of accusations!

Neckfansince71 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:08:51 GMT

[quote]Before Athletic Director Tim VanAlstine evaluates the football program, he should do a little self-evaluation of his performance.

Here are some of the things for him to consider:

1. The demise of the radio agreement with WJEQ coming the same week of the first football game. This also came after the University issued a press release announcing a new agreement with WJEQ to keep the broadcasts on 102.7 FM.

2. Changes to the Tailgating that have taken away the pre-game spirit and enthusiasm. Those of you who went to the Western football games at Northern Illinois and Illinois State can attest to how well those 2 Universities handled their tailgating and how the current situation at Western pales in comparison.

3. The deterioration of the soccer field. This place is worse now than before VanAlstine's "Target Western Forward" campaign began.

4. The mis-handling of the Coach Patterson situation two weeks into the season.

5. The debacle of the swimming team situation. First he hires a coach last year that our current coach compares to "Bobby Knight". Then he eliminates the program only to bring it back 3 weeks later.

6. The Derek Thomas situation for 5 years. Nothing else needs to be said about that.

7. The constant turn-over of players on the women's basketball team.

8. The whole Westerwinds/Leathernecks name change situation.

I think that once VanAlstine considers all of that, he will ask for his own resignation. Then he can take that one-way trip of shame out of town.

That will give Western a chance to bring in a new A.D. That change is sorely needed.

Let's Go WESTERN !! [/quote]

712, as always a complete list of administrative opportunities for success and failure, some created for him, some maybe part of his creation. Of course this is just my opinion, knowledgeable at times, and my conjecture at others.

1. WJEQ - New ownership means new management and new ideas. I have heard other radio station broadcasts where they proclaim, "a proud sponsor of university athletics!" I think WJEQ wanted it the other way around!!!! Besides in the past the Dog had broadcast the WIU women's basketball games and after all of the to do over the name change, I am sure if WJEQ did not also cover women's sports the same way the old ghost of Title 9 would have again risen from its grave!

2. The changes to tailgating were done in a completely upfront manner. Basically the university felt that the "Pit" was very close to becoming a problem and so it was decided to move the mass to another position "without grass!" Students, WAC members, and athletic personnel were all involved in this committee. Besides the issue of safety, the university was also providing the for the cleanup of the "Pit" which meant that in a lot of cases, WIU was paying for the chance for students to get drunk and then walk away from the game which was why they should have been there in the first place. I tailgated in the "Pit" as a parent for the past 4 years numerous times. Although I did like the festival feeling, there were times when I was totally embarrassed by student behavior. I know I'm closer to 60 than 50 but come on!!!!
By the way, the area surrounding Huskie stadium is not just open to anyone who wants in!!! Most of the area surrounding the stadium is reserved for Huskie supporters with bucks!

3. Every field that is not covered in field turf or tar up here in the west burbs and used for athletic purposes is basically dirt which turns into quagmier (German for mess! when it rains. We all know how much rain we got. Now I am not saying that the stands don't need an upgrade, which they do, but the field deterioration should be blamed on a different big guy other than TV, and that's the "Big guy upstairs!" God! I suggest that large move-able bleachers be purchased that might hold 500+ people! These seats could then replace the old green ones in the end zone of Hanson Field when the new soccer stands are complete. (Oh look, a criticism followed by a suggestion! I guess you can actually do that on this board!)

4. A lot of theories and accusations have been suggested and leveled in regards to Coach P and his retirement. I like and respect both men! Something happened somewhere along the line. No matter what and who you are, personnel issues are never easy and extremely private. Enough said!

5. Don't know anything about the old head swim coach, Bobby Swim-all-Knight!!!! I do know that the athletic department was trying to do some necessary pruning to cut costs. Of course the sudden about face on that decision is only "surprising" if you forget about claims of sexual discrimination that the university was fighting at that point in time. You know, a claim of discrimination can be leveled at any time, the accuser never identified, and its then up to the accused to prove the accusation false. That would have probably cost more money than reinstating the swimming program in my estimation.

6. DT was a terrible coach but a nice guy who TV hired to right the program. He was big talk, recruited talented but questionable kids, was not disciplined, and once again, it would have cost the university a years salary if he was not allowed to coach to then end of his contract. Again, a money issue! You cannot complain about Coach Mo and his approach although Hail commented on the fact that he was once again a "safe" choice! Mo cost the university some money to hire so I am not sure safe is the word I would use. I think the next couple of months will prove that he was a "great" choice!

7. Leslie Crane is a tough coach. Maybe she at times is a bit Bobby Knightish. If she has been guilty of anything it maybe that she has recruited too sensitive an athlete. Having Lovingood on the staff is definitely going to make a huge difference. It’s coaching style. Of course this is where B-ball and I disagree!

And finally 8. The name change was a good idea and was years in the making although to tell you the truth you have to click on articles now to read them when it says Leatherneck Soccer cause you can't tell whether its men's or women's. How should this have been handled differently? Title 9 accusations, removal of support threatened, tradition ignored. What should TV have done in this regard? Maybe he should have ignored the change and let someone else worry about it in another 30 years. (Hey did you know that the confederate battle flags surrendered at Appomattox Court House were not given back to their respective states until most or all of the members of the Grand Army of the Republic were dead. There was public outcry for years and then as time went on no one cared because they no longer meant anything to people not involved in the Civil War. Seems like that is the case with Westerwinds too!
Once again though, how should he have handled it 712? Suggestions?????

So that's it. I got pretty depressed this week reading Hail Leatherneck's feelings about D1 and then I discovered that he is merely coming from his "young" perspective. You see, WIU did not really step up to 1AA. It merely moved over to the new category when it was invented for those teams that wanted to be D1 in all the other sports. Everyone that we competed against in the past as far as state schools and surrounding schools WIU's size went D1 and so we followed.

I know this is long, but I have one more comment. Hail, you asked, how many sports can WIU really win national titles in? Well how many sports can most schools that are mid-majors truly win national titles in? The best thing to do is win conference titles which qualify for the "show" like soccer did. I also think that softball is really establishing itself as a named sport for WIU! Just look through the list of recruits, Google them and you will find outstanding athletes, and more importantly outstanding students who have fallen in love with our campus and coach! In reality Hail, the best chance we have of winning a national title is in............football! In that sport we have been to one "final four" have been to the elite 8 3 times and qualified for the field 4 other times. Our final 4 opponent happened to be Georgia Southern who has since fallen from “grace’ even with a nice new football end-zone facility and an improved pressbox.

I know a deep look into the number of sports sponsored is in order! NIU has women’s cross country and track and not men’s! UNI no longer has a baseball team. Maybe the NCAA should cut back on the number of FCS scholarships? That would help every mid-major playing scholarship football.

Money would help! Every athletic department has benefactors! Ryan Field is now called Ryan Field because Mr. Ryan paid to have it refurbished! Before it was Dyche Stadium, but no more. Texas State is renovating their field with a really nice pressbox structure. It just so happens that a rich oil couple has provided much of the funds and in fact, they bought thousands of tickets last year for the students so they could attend the games free of charge. Al Boyer has been very gracious with his gifts and I am sure he will continue to be. But someone else or a group needs to step forward to help WIU! That’s the way it works!

Enough said!

New Year's resolution

Leatherface — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:55:58 GMT

For many years - actually soon after I graduated - I have had a love/hate problem with WESTERN. I don't know why. I had no problems while there. I met my wife there. It just developed. I believe it goes back to having the impression that a lot of the administrators at WESTERN I observed after graduation (alumni events, sporting events, development folks) had this attitude of strutting around trying to act like they were "big time" folks. I also get so tired of hearing how WESTERN is a party school. I believe WESTERN did have a low image in the 90's- just my observation from talking with people in general.
However, I believe that image has greatly improved over the past years. There are many, many good things about WIU.
My resolution is to concentrate on helping make WESTERN a better place- by word of mouth, donations ( which we have done many times in the past), and in general being a better promoter of WIU.
Does that mean I will have blinders to issues, no.
Maybe my age is catching up to me, etc. But, I resolve to be more outward in a positive outlook regarding WIU.
Now, I will take my meds.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays....

WIU BB 31 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:11:20 GMT

....to all my fellow WIU alumni, students, and supporters. Here's to a much more successful 2010 than this past year to all of you as well as the Leathernecks.

EIU

Leatherface — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 06:49:25 GMT

According to an athletics department employee, it was mentioned before the game that Eastern is wanting to leave the OVC, and wants in the Summit. I don't know - I assume- that request would include the MVFC too.
Maybe WESTERN could finally have a natural rival in the Summit!

Seasons Greetings

Bisonbacker — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:21:13 GMT

Want to wish all our friends at WIU a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

BB

The flags not up at Hanson?

Neckfansince71 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:23:40 GMT

After reading 712’s comment on the lack of a flag at Hanson Field on Saturday, I was reminded of a lesson I taught the cheerleading sponsors at the very end of the season, my 5th year as head basketball coach. You see, we were 13-11 going into the playoffs after 2 terrible seasons in a row. I had a cheerleader in my anatomy class who was talking about what she was doing on Friday with no basketball game scheduled. I reacted with, “pardon me! What do you mean there is no basketball game scheduled?” She reacted with some surprise and said, “Coach told us your last game is on Wednesday! I can’t wait to have a Friday!” Boy was I miffed! Basically the cheerleading sponsors were not planning on us winning the first game of the playoffs. You can’t blame them, we had not won a first round game the last 2 years, but I was still ticked. I thought, “we don’t have a whole lot of expectations for basketball around here.” And so March 1st. of 1988, my 35th birthday, we not only tied the #1 seed in regulation, but beat them in the overtime to move to the Regional final. It was a magical trip home on the bus. Thursday evening I got a phone call from one of the cheerleading sponsors. They had not planned on us winning, and both sponsors had other plans. She wondered, “can you take the girls on your bus?” Well I could have been a real jerk, but after I told her that in the future they needed to plan on us moving on in the state tournament, I said, “sure, they can ride with us!” When they boarded I told them the ground rules, “ we are quiet on the way. From here on out you are our sisters and if we win, you can celebrate the win with us on the way home! You will sit in the front 3 rows!” And off we went! We won a Regional championship that night!!!! And the cheerleaders celebrated with us on the floor and on the way home!!! And when the sponsor told me that they could drive with them the following Tuesday night for the Sectional, I said, “no, from here on out they are our sisters in crime, they ride with us!" We got beat that night by East Aurora and Thomas Wyatt, but from then on until they forced us to drive minibuses, the cheerleaders road with us! They cried the next year when we were upset in the Regional finals, and they enjoyed the ride to East Aurora when we played for the Sectional championship the following year.

So Neckfan, what’s the point! Well, I guess my point is, you have to plan for games which occur out of the ordinary. Schools out for Thanksgiving, plan for it! I guess that’s what Hail is talking about when he says “the little things!”

Hope you liked the story! I loved coaching high school basketball!

WIU Athletic Budget

Hail Leathernecks — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:07:50 GMT

http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/

http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/InstDetails.aspx?756e697469643d31343937373226796561723d32303037267264743d31312f32322f3230303920393a30343a353820504d

I have been looking to see how we compare. It is interesting to see who has what. U of I spends more money on some sports than WIU has total.

Be safe NIU Huskie

western-101 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:04:40 GMT

Our board friend NIU Huskies, departs this week for boot camp.

Be safe, our thoughts are with you.

Update! The boys!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:49:22 GMT

So here is an update about the boys who left us!

James Washington had 24 points for Middle Tenn State last night in a win! Seems to have settle in nicely!

Delvon Johnson played for 19 minutes and had 6 points and 3 boards in an Arkansas win.

Josh Harrelson got only 2 minutes with no notable stats in Kentucky's blow out! He will not play very much now or in the future. If he wanted to sit in the SEC he has a wonderful seat for each game. If he wanted to play, he should have stayed closer to home!

I still don't miss any of them!

New tailgate area a success!!!!

Neckfansince71 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:13:28 GMT

So, me and the wife took a look at the pit and the tailgating there was vanilla at best! A number of vehicles but not like the environment of the past that was both enticing and dangerous! So we headed to the alumni tent and ate there. It was as usual, a good time! We then headed to Q lot to tailgate with the Chi Omegas! I have to be honest, I have never seen as many tailgaters at a WIU game in my entire life. Not only was everyone enjoying the atmosphere, but there was plenty of space to play bags and wander around. Except for the fact that there were no bathrooms in site, it seemed like everyone had a great time. Even my daughter liked the new area and environment. Change sucks, and I heard some criticism about that change yesterday. But, the university was having to shell out bucks for security and cleanup and the area called the "pit" was becoming a drunken brawl! Now there is quite a bit of room, student groups pay a small fee which pays for security and cleanup and tradition and life goes on!!!! Obla dee obla da! Lalala life goes on! (Beatles - White album)

How about at one of the games next year we purchase a spot for Leatherneck Nation posters! I think Football fan, Pit, 101, B-Ball, and Neckfan would all make an appearance. Then I could prove that I am not 6' and 300 pounds with my belly hanging out! Just a thought! Maybe we all would get the chance to meet 712!

Parade Grand Marshall Named

WIU712 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:08:10 GMT

Jason Williams has been named Grand Marshall of the Homecoming parade.

Jason currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

He was on the Leatherneck football team 2005-2008.

Cup half full!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:51:24 GMT

So this morning, after a rainy two days, the sun was up and bright as could be. The fall leaves are really outstanding at this point and I am hoping they will be the same next weekend in Macomb! Of course I did my usual review of sports websites and read John B's column from last Sunday in the Burlington Hawkeye. I have to say that the Will Lunt story is very intriguing to me. Yes, I was a bit down after last weekends game. The fact that Matt Barr was truly the author of the offense and his ability to run and create was probably helping the o-line which we all know is inexperienced to say the least was very apparent in the second half, one that I could not watch because of a Chicago Whitesox broadcast! I can't explain the defense at this time but they did shut SIU completely down except for a field goal in the second half, so maybe that is a beginning. No we are probably not going to win the conference nor make the playoffs, but yes, things will change, not only for this season but the next. I don't know if Hendrickson will stay! I think he deserves a shot. But there is definitely going to be movement and a renewed sense of urgency that comes with a new head coach.

I also have got to say that I am addicted to WIU athletics and no matter how many times they disappoint me, I am always ready for more each week or each season. I will definitely be listening tonight and will be in attendance at Hanson next Saturday. Its just who I am.

So basketball approaches and I am really looking forward to Mo's second team at WIU! No matter what, it is going to take a while for this group to gel together, but by the end of this coming season, WIU will be a team to be reckoned with. Its the defense and team play, along with now some beef and more shooters that will make it worth watching.

And finally, the program that continues to get all sorts of press and accolades is softball. I have already said this once and will say it again, "Holly has really got it going!" They are bright, athletic young ladies who have everyone back with some really nice looking recruits. The kid from LP is 6'1" and a lefty pitcher to boot. The loss of Ashley Campbell to injury during the conference tournament had to have had an effect on the result but she should be back and ready also. Kamren Ferguson is back for her final go round too! They had a nice fall and should be ready come early spring. Plus, there games will be broadcast live! Look for the installation of lights on the softball field in the near future. (jmo)

Now, seeeeee, don't we all feel better!!!!!!!!!!

So why not?

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:50:19 GMT

During a recent discussion about the state do the football program someone stated, "I don't want Western to be known as a basketball school!" Another poster stated, "have you seen the softball stadium? It is one of the best facilities around anywhere!" And last year the athletic department bought a portable floor for volleyball so matches could be played in front of close and crazy crowds at Brophy. So why not? Why can't WIU be a school with a number of good programs?

Take softball for instance. VanVlyman has done an unbelievable job of recruiting athletes to play softball at WIU. We should truly make a big run at the title this year along with a shot at making some noise in the NCAA's because they are just that good and getting better. Why not provide them with the stuff they need, the concrete backdrop covered in purple padding, the upto date screen, and good drainage. They have their own lockerroom too! Why shouldn't they. And even though Holly was a Westerwind, I don't think the move to "leathernecks" bothered her too much. This is the best women's program we have and its really come and long way and will continue to only get better. So why not?

Mo is slowly crafting the pieces of the puzzle together. Yes so athletes have come, and some have gone, but each move gives him a tighter fit as far as his program is concerned. They painted his office and decorated it "finally" last summer. Why not? Basketball is four months long and the games at night have kept my interest as well as given me the chance to visit campus once in a while. Why not let them make some real noise. I like the suggestion about games played once in a while in the Mark! If it won't play in Peoria, it will surely play in the Quadcities!!! Great idea!

Many years ago, in fact back in the 90's the school I was at was extremely good in boy's gymnastics. When basketball got going, the gymnastics coach was at first just a bit miffed! My comment, Steve, there is plenty of room at the top. So the boy's gymnastic team cheered the boy's team to the sectional final, and the basketball team cheered the gymnastic team to second in the state. We all had a great time. The following fall the girl's volleyball team went to state and the enthusiasm was enormous. The school and community really enjoyed the fact that East was good in a whole lot of sports.

Stan Hyman was one of the biggest supporters of WIU athletics in general! I would like to think that from a far, as an alumni, I am too! Why not!

Oregon coach makes a life long fan

western-101 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:21:59 GMT

Found this article. A little entertaining, and also shows that Coach Chip Kelly is a "class act".

http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2009/09/21/chip-kelly-is-a-man-of-his-word-seriously/

New tailgating rules, regs, and assigned areas!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:14:10 GMT

Hey,

Click on the tailgate box and take a look at the new assigned tailgate areas. I think the administration has had enough of students partying in the "Pit" and then leaving with ever walking into Hanson Field. The corner of parking lot Q I think is probably more for student it appears. My daughter says the new rules are crap, but I think the drunken pre game in the pit has gotten out of hand, with little or no responsibility from students to clean up their messes. I think someone decided that letting students tailgate like that did nothing for attendance.

What do you all think?

jc

Stan Hyman

95Grad — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:44:02 GMT

Just heard that Coach Hyman has passed away after his battle with leukemia. Please remember his family during this time.

When gameday draws closer, let's dialogue re: NIU-WIU game

cyberdawg — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:02:02 GMT

You are invited to the NIU Huskie forum:

NIUDogPound

Ideally, the dialgoue can be fun , informative and a little smack without degenerating into needless and disrespectful commentary by either of the opposing fans.

Personally, I have nothing but respect for WIU football and that goes way, way back to the early/mid sixties when both NIU and WIU squared off in IIAC battles during my undergrad years.

Huskies will hopefully be in payback mode for losses to Necks in DeKalb last several games played between the Dawgs. Coming off the game vs Wisky the week prior to face WIU scares the tics off my fur.

The move from 102.7?

Neckfansince71 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:20:11 GMT

So, I am not sure I get the reason for the move to 5 sport 88.3! Sure its nice for softball and volleyball, but what type of announcers are we going to get for women's and men's basketball and football? Sounds like athletics is going to invest in a larger transmitter, but how about some expert transmittees!

Michael Jones is now at home in the alumni house, and Bret Wissemiller (sp) is our new football guy. Don't really remember him! This seems to me to be a cost cutting move. Did WIU have to pay 102.7 to broadcast the games???? Or did 102.7 want to pay what WIU wanted?

Thoughts?

The puzzel pieces!

Neckfansince71 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:18:13 GMT

Lets try to solve this puzzel! Why would the athletic department switch stations? Hummmmmm!

102.7 is announced as the station, and then out of no where 88.3 becomes the flag ship!

102.7 was broadcasting men's football and men's basketball, and then 88.3 is broadcasting men's football, men's basketball, women's volleyball, women's basketball, and women's softball. (Not men's baseball)

We are finally all Leathernecks after a battle where Title IX is mentioned and the athletic department is criticized. What does this all mean??? How does it fit?????? Think Neckfans, think!!!!!

If they boost 88.3's signal while broadcasting 2 mens and 3 women's sports, have we accomplished the goal of being fair and even Steven!?????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Call me crazy, but I just thought I would think out of the box on this one!!!! If you take the decision from this perspective, it seems to all make sense in a strange but meaningful way. Hmmmmmmmmmm!

And, lets face it, how many of us who can't get to the ball games actually listen on the radio???? Most of us now a days listen in on the internet!!!!!

TV, booooooooost the signal so we can get 88.3 just west of Bloomington and we will all be happy!! Hmmmmmmmmmm!

As 712 would say, all Leathernecks, all broadcasts on 88.3!

Rodney Harrison on NBC

western-101 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:21:01 GMT

Rodney Harrison joined Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth (spelling?) in the booth in the forth quarter.

I can tell you I was astounded at how confident poised and profesional RH came across Al and Chris seemed to be truley pleased that he was in the booth with them and joining the brodcast family.

Oh, and go BEARS.

Only 7 Days, 4 hours till 1st Game

Football Fan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:48:22 GMT

Has anyone received their season tickets or parking passes yet?

New Valley fan site now live!

bigsalukifan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:12:57 GMT

Most of you know that I have my own Saluki blog site where I blog and post vids. Well due to its success, combined with the downfall of ValleyTalk, I have decided to start my own Valley site as well.

It is called The Valley Tally. It will have blogs about MVC football and hoops as well as videos and forums. I hope you guys check it out. I will still keep up my Saluki site and continue writing for Saluki Illustrated. This is just a service for the fans. The Valley deserves something like this.

Here's the link: http://thevalleytally.webs.com/

Please visit and provide any feedback. Please feel free to join. Its free!

Valley Tally site

bigsalukifan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:45:02 GMT

Hey guys.

I'm starting a site that will be dedicated to the MVC host the blogs and other related material such as forums, videos, contests, games, etc. Each team will have a page.

The site will be called "The Valley Tally." For those familiar with Valley Talk, it will be like that in some aspects (with forums dedicated to the league) but will also have videos related to each team and the league.

I am in need of some help though. I know a lot, but not that much. I am in need of a WIU blogger. A guy that can blog about WIU whenever possible. About games, about certain players, etc. This person would receive a portion of the $$, if the site turned a profit.

I am also in need of advertisers. In order to get off and running, I am in need of people/businesses to help fund hosting and url costs.

I also need supporters. I need people that will pledge to visit the site, participate in the forums and also spread the word.

Let me know what you think of the idea and how you can help. PM me if you're interested in advertising or blogging.

President Goldfarb Will Retire in 2 Years

WIU712 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:09:59 GMT

Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb told the WIU Board of Trustees Friday that he will retire when his current contract ends on June 30, 2011.

Football Picking Contest

bigsalukifan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:27:31 GMT

Hey guys. Let me introduce myself.

I am a writer and blogger for the SIU Salukis. I run my own website http://www.gosalukis.webs.com and write for Saluki Illustrated - the official magazine of SIU Athletics.

I am holding a games picking contest through my site. I would love to have more than just SIU fans involved to add rivalry and competition and other views to the contest.

Here's how it works:

The contestants would email their picks each week by Friday and then a leaderboard would be updated each Sunday to show who did the best. The winner will win a prize at the end of the FCS Playoffs. There is no limit to the panel and everyone can join.

There is a $5 fee for joining. The winner will win a portion of the proceeds, with the amount to be determined by the amount of people that sign up. Ideally, there'd be at least 20, and the winner would take a $50 prize.

Email me at bigsalukifan@yahoo.com or PM me if you are interested. Registration ends a week before our first game. You can pick by your handle or by the name your parents gave you at birth. I hope several of you all join!

Some sad news!

Neckfansince71 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:42:18 GMT

Just heard that Jason Kaufman will be leaving WIU and headed to Central Michigan University!
Jason has done a truly great job with Sports Information! I wish him well!

WIU Master Plan

western-101 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:57:20 GMT

I checked out the WIU Master Plan yesterday and I was really impressed. The last time I checked into this stuff was a couple years ago when there were still four preliminary plans to choose from.

The final plan has been approved and a PDF report is available completed with images, and graphs.

This is a 20 year plan and it is truley well thought out. Much consideration has gone into areas such as improved traffic flow, parking, landscaping and architecture, new buildings, new pedestrian right of ways and a new central "Heart" of the campus complete with a clock tower. This plan is a masterpiece.

http://wiu.edu/users/caitwp/planning/pdf/Macomb-Master-Plan.pdf

One area of concern for me in the study from the perspective of a Leatherneck Football fan was the Hanson Field West side renovation listed as line item 39 out of 48 in a 20 year plan and at the bottom of the to do list in phase III. Yikes. does that mean we have to endure 15 more years of an inadequate crumbling outdated West side?

I also noticed that line item 23 at the top of the list in phase III calls for the construction of a new 6,000 seat arena. If WIU had a state of the art 6,000 seat arena now I would be delighted. However this could be short sighted. I fully expect Coach Mo to have our beloved "roundball" 'Necks contending for a league title and looking for post season tourneys in the next few years. In the future if Basketball gets back to the strength we were at in the early 80's it is not unreasonable to think we could find ourselves in a situation where we are able to schedule good OOC home game, names like, ISU, Bradley, SIU, Drake, UNI, bring back VALPO..... and so on. Having a good team, and giving the fans a great "name" opponent in a "top notch facility in no time could prove that a 6,000 seat arena is too small.

Another point is, no disrespect to the Summit League, but, Uuuuuuuuuuuuugh, can we get into some sort of conference affiliation where we at least have one in-state rival? Illinois has 13 D-1 programs and we can't seem to get in a conference with any of them. My point is, that if we were to want to position ourselves to reunite with our old friends and natural rivals in the Missouri Valley or Horizon League down the road a 6,000 seat arena wouldn't cut it. Might work for the Horizon, but a definite no invite to the MVC.

Gonzaga plays in a 6,000 seat arena that is less than 10 years old and I bet they wish now that they were more long sighted to have replaced their old 4,000 seat facility with something larger.

Just some random observations, but all in all I am excited to see WIU finally moving forward again in a profound way that will improve the University for the students and alumni from this point forward.

A paradox of sorts!

Neckfansince71 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:10:41 GMT

Took a trip to Colorado last week and stopped in Greely to visit family! Of course any time I am close to a D1 university, especially a FCS school I make a visit to campus and the each school's athletic facilities. Northern Colorado reminds me of EIU campus wise! Pretty compact compared to the vastness of space we experience in Macomb. Gym where Robby Benson tickled the nets in the movie One on One holds 2,738! Nice but totally gym like!
Football stadium holds 8500! It is definitely not the only stadium in the Big Sky that is this size. Press box side just seems to be missing something. I think it is the fact that instead of seats across the structure there is brick! Seems like more seats in the pressbox area would have been a better idea. Student side brand new but not even close to the size of new Hanson. They are definitely sprucing things up with new ticket and concession areas and black fence with brick posts! 10,799 attend NCU!

Drove to Colorado Springs! Stopped at the Air Force Academy! 4000+ cadets attend the academy, but the stadium seats 38,000! So that ladies and gentlemen is the paradox!
Stadium size does not equate to student body size!!! At times we are disappointed when only 9000 fans show up for a WIU game and yet, that would be a sell out at NCU and that is a Big Sky school!

Anyways, thought I would share my thoughts!!!

Intresting Find

musaw17 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:11:28 GMT

I was on the Suntimes webpage and they had a link to a database that allows you to search all public university employees to see there salaries. Going to western and just hitting search you see Al Goldfarb is the highest paid person there as it should be. When I went to U of I and did the same Ron Zook and Bruce Weber are the highest paid well over the president of their university. it kind of puts things in perspective. I thought it was interesting so here is the link.

http://www.suntimes.com/data/search-university-college-salary-database.article

Buffalo Wild Wings

western-101 — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:57:01 GMT

It is a long dreary winter that never seems to end. Thought would bring up some light hearted conversation.

I saw on the Western Courier online that the Buffalo Wild Wings is open for business in Macomb. That makes it official Western has know moved up to the "Big Time". Every other big college town in Illinois has one now except for Eastern, so we can lord ourselves over them:heh I would love to here any comentary on about the new BWW as it might not be till football season that I get to Macomb to see for myself.

The first time I went to BWW was back in 2001 in Elmhurst. I remember thinking to myself what an absolutly perfect hang out joint to watch sports drink beer and get eats.

Trivia: Who can tell me what the thrird W in Buffalo Wild Wing's old nickname BW3 stands for?

New WESTERN Swimming Coach

WIU712 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:40:13 GMT

Sean Raffile comes to Western Illinois after serving as head coach at Wagner College for the last three seasons!!

Sean Raffile will replace Nathan Mundt as the Western Illinois swimming and diving head coach after serving in the same capacity at Wagner College for the last three seasons.

“I am really honored to be selected as the new swimming and diving coach here at Western,” Raffile said. “I have talked to the previous two coaches and they have talked about the tremendous support from the administration and I am excited to become a part of the athletic staff.”

Raffile brings seven years of coaching experience to Western, four of which come from Division I institutions. In three seasons with Wagner, his teams posted an overall record of 22-15, a .595 winning percentage, and a conference record of 10-3. He also coached a total of 30 all-conference athletes in only three seasons. While at Wagner, he also served as the university’s director of aquatics and the director of the Wagner Aquatic Club.

“I plan on setting the bar high and having high expectations for the team,” Raffile said. “I hope to have swimmers and divers qualify for the United States Open while pushing them to new heights.”

Last season, his team finished third at the Northeast Conference swimming and diving championship. During the 2006-07 season, he coached the NEC 100 butterfly title winner who also qualified for the U.S. Open Championships in the 100 and 200 butterfly events. At the end of the 2005-06 season, his team had set eight different school records.

“With sound principle and discipline, I look forward to helping the athletes accomplish their dreams in the pool and in the classroom, whatever they may be,” Raffile said.

At the conclusion of the 2006-07 season, his team finished with a 3.51 grade point average. The GPA earned the team the sixth highest GPA in the nation for swimming and diving. At the end of this season, Raffile had a swimmer named first-team academic all-district by ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA. This past season, his squad earned a 3.53 GPA, the sixth highest in the nation in swimming and diving.

Before coaching at Wagner, Raffile served as a volunteer assistant swimming coach at the University of Georgia during the 2004-05 season. As an assistant at Georgia, his duties included on-deck coaching, meet management and recruiting. Raffile helped lead the 2005 Bulldog team to a NCAA team championship. While in Athens, Ga., he also spent time as an assistant coach for the Athens Bulldogs Swim Club and for the Bauerle Bulldog Swim Camp.

Prior to Georgia, he had assistant coaching experience at West Chester University (PA), Germantown Academy Aquatic Club and the USA Swimming Regional District Camp.

Raffile started his coaching career as a student assistant swimming coach at his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University. As a student, he was a six-time NCAA All-American and completed a bachelor’s of science degree in exercise science in 2003. He is currently finishing a master’s degree in kinesiology from Georgia.

Raffile is an active member of the American Swim Coaches Association and the National Strength and Conditional Association. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, first aid certified and a certified pool operator.

Rank the WIU Athletics Teams

mr_wiu — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:07:34 GMT

-- Please rank the WIU Athletics Programs in terms of performance over the last five seasons (2004-2009). Include any justification you feel necessary!

Football
Men's Basketball
Women's Basketball
Softball
Baseball
Men's Tennis
Women's Tennis
Men's Swimming/Diving
Women's Swimming/Diving
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Volleyball
Men's Golf
Women's Golf
Men's Track and Field
Women's Track and Field
Men's Cross Country
Women's Cross Country

Zeroing the scale!

Neckfansince71 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:04:22 GMT

I have read some notes about the mens and womens teams. I think both have come to the point where it is time to re-zero the scale. What do I mean? Well, in science class we always teach kids to re-zero the scale when they go to weigh something. If there is nothing on the scale and it is registering a + or - negative number, we always tell them to re-zero it to make it more accurated. And, if you are using a contained, a piece of paper, or another article to hold a chemical, we always tell students to place that on the scale first, rezero the scale, and then add the amount of chemical required. Okay, so what do you mean jc.

Well, the women are about to make major statement after living through November, December, and a portion of January without a major portion of their team. I always listen to the post game wraps and it was obvious that Crane was not only a bit surprised by the result of the Oral Roberts game, but also felt relieved. When she said, this is the team I recruited, this is the group I expected to have, she basically once and for all zeroed the scale for this season. I think you can forget all of the games prior, no matter what the result. Finally the ladies are ready to go! God help anyone who has to play them again or has yet to play them South Dakota State included. I can't wait to see how they are playing in early February when I plan to actually take a seat in Western Hall.

The men, well lets face it, they have really accomplished more than what we thought they could or would. Mo is a great coach, but the road is long, with many a widen road!!!
They are just not physical enough to survive each and every night. When they are good, they are in the hunt, when they are not as good, they can come close to the middle of the pack but will fall short, way short to the really good physical teams in the Summit. (Oakland, NDst., Oral Roberts) Listen to Mo in the postgame interviews. We just don't have the man power yet. But help is on its way, I hope!

So the women are not as bad as their record indicates and the men are not that bad. In fact the women are way better and I predict the rest of the season will provide us with some big surprises. The men, well, I think we make the tournament, play competively, and then call it a year.

PS. I really think the softball team is ready for another great year. And this time, they will compete at an even higher level in the NCAA tournament!