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I know that name recognition in regards to awards can get students and their parents to intially look at a university and consider it to be a viable option. Bill boards around Chicago have listed both the Princeton Reivew and Pulitzer Prize winner from the Sun Times in purple and gold. The effect has been an increase in interest in WIU at the high school level. I know I am the "Polly Anna" of the board, but I just like the direction the university is moving in.
My initial point was that athletics is truly important to a university and can go along way in not only selling it to future students but also inspiring former students to open their wallets. So if athletics is here to stay, what really has to be done in the long term to make it FCS Championship worthy or Mid Major ranked worthy? I will proceed! Of course its all up for debate which is the whole purpose of posting this anyway.
jc
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[quote]Hail Leathernecks (1/16/2012)
A) I was rude in my arguments, my bad.
B) I have no faith in those reviews having degrees from other institutions just leads me to always compare my experiences which Western doesnt always compare well. This is usually dept to dept. I'll say that admin at Western is in need or serious review, the hiring process is unprofessional in many opinions. I found Western to offer the best value but not the best education. Research is how I feel education is truely translated. We lack funds for said research so I completely discredit any profit lit.
C) The growth of the QC campus is good but does nothing to help athletics or seperate us from competitors who have also grown. Growth is expected but until we make a break through in research or recieve serious grants for advancement of our abilities on a greater scale than one program every ten years I stand firm on my previous comments.[/quote]
You sound like you know a lot Hail Leathernecks with your superior degrees from other institutions.
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Okay, I have re-worked my equation!
Simply put: For Western Illinois University –
Academic Reputation/Programs + Athletics = Name recognition = Stature = Students!
So we need a big man! Or do we? I think what we need is what Tyrell Parks has, a very tall and athletic body! I like how David G is developing, and wish KP would have stayed for the fun we are now experiencing, but a couple of years ago, I watched the Necks vs. Oral Roberts and was impressed with both the Golden Eagles size and athleticism. They were not necessarily tall, but very big, meaning very solid and 6’6” or 6’7”. Getting someone that is huge and talented to come to Macomb is just not in the cards as of yet. But the kid from Barrington is a strong 6’7” which will only get stronger between year 1 and 2 in Macomb. Mo said it during his radio interview last week, we just need another good recruiting class. The last one has turned out to be pretty good in most respects. A couple of them just need more seasoning, and Obi, he just looks like he has already hit the age of 30! We are a good recruiting class away from really making a statement.
As far as facilities are concerned, the new practice floor in Brophy is a nice step in the right direction. The floor is suppose to be really classy and plans to dress up the space with wall hangings of former Necks is in the works. Hopefully they will include some pics from day’s gone by, when the Leathernecks were a true powerhouse on the national scene of NAIA Basketball.
As far as an arena is concerned, I think it can wait. I am probably one of the only people on this board that likes Western Hall. Right now, I think it is not too bad at all. And the more people you pack into it, the better the environment will get. I also like Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse, Huff’s Gym, and Butler’s barn! They use to pack them into Morgan Gym!!!!! I think it held 2500+ but don’t quote me on that! They built NIU’s arena, UIC’s arena, and Chicago State’s arena, and most of the time, people have yet to really fill these spaces so “build it and they will come” just does not hold up in these cases.
So basically, in my opinion, big is not necessarily better! 6’7” and filled out or 5139 and filled up will suit me fine! Once again, your comments are welcomed!
jc
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| Hey NFS71 you ever take in a game at the old Fred Young Field House in Bloomington? That place had a good vibe (Coach Mo's alma mater).
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No! Been to Horton though! Larry Bird was in the house!!!
jc
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| I'm jealous. I wish I could have seen Bird in his college days. Makes me wonder, over the years who were some of the great talents to have played at Western Hall? Surely there has to be at least a few.
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[quote]Neckfansince71 (1/16/2012)
As far as an arena is concerned, I think it can wait. I am probably one of the only people on this board that likes Western Hall. Right now, I think it is not too bad at all.
[/quote]
You ain't alone NFS71. But we do need some enhancements to improve the atmosphere. BTW, I just became a member of the Leatherneck Club a couple weeks back for the first time. I did the online donation thing. A few days later, I got a form letter in the mail thanking me for my donation to the Geology Department. Talked to some folks in the WIU Foundation, and apparently all is well, just some sort of IT glitch.
Leathernecks prevail or die hard!
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Oh by the way when Mo played at IWU it was probably one of the best programs in the state. IWU biggest rival up to the '70s was ISU. In fact IWU owns a 69-42 advantage over the Redbirds of Illinois State.
My dad was hired on to ISU in '66, his fondest memories are the battles between ISU and IWU (two miles apart) contests were in Horton Field-house and Fred Young Field house, both of which were constructed in the mid 60's. I believe Fred-Young seated 4-5K in its day...Horton sat between 5-7K depending upon configuration...(North bleachers behind the basket were like 30 rows)
Anyway, My point would be, MO would have played D-1 in this era....the 1970's were transitional...Used to be College Division and University Division, Went to I II and III in 1973. Anyway, ISU got fed up with losing to IWU and stopped scheduling them after 1970. IWU has a beautiful newer venue now in the Shirk Center (3,000) they continue to kick ***.
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I would love it if coach Mo could get IWU to come to WIU. Now we have a game! Eureka and Greenville are DIII but would lose by 30 to IWU...... I think IWU stays where they are because in Illinois DII is no mans land.
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101,
Larry Bird from my seat was about 3 inches tall! He made a couple of nifty behind the back passes which were pretty nifty. I was in the North endzone, maybe, in one of the top rows. Also caught a super sectional there. Seems like Bradley B played Lincoln that night! I was going home from WIU for Springbreak and a friend of mine had tickets!
jc
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