BGSU needs to win us back
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:58 am
I was having this discussion with some co-workers earlier today, and I think BGSU needs to make a real concerted effort to get this mess corrected and straightened out, and further, BGSU owes it to its alums, fans and students to so. And I'm not referring to simply letting Orr's contract run out and say we're now making a change. The fact of the matter is, the damage has already been done, and letting a contract expire isn't simply going to fix it. This is going to take time and effort and it needs to start now because it's not going to be a quick fix. BG has a real challenge on its hands.
What has unfolded the last five years, especially this past season, was pathetic. I was thoroughly disgusted with the product and overall performance of this program the last five years, but after this past season, I was downright embarrassed. I am embarrassed about what this once-proud and strong program has become, but more so, I am embarrassed about our administration during that time as well. Yes, I have heard the reasons why Orr wasn't let go last year. The university had made cuts, we hired a new AD, etc. But by keeping Orr another year to possibly save face by not making a change then, it was like a backhand to the face to those who support this program. In doing what may have seemed the right thing to do at that point, BGSU really severed some ties and caused some scar tissue with supporters and that isn't just going to go away because it's now going to hire a new head coach. BGSU needs to dedicate itself to making it a real priority to fix what it essentially allowed to unfold.
I am proud to be a Falcon, but I am embarrassed this is my basketball program. I may not being someone who has my name slapped on the side of the arena, or painted on the court, or written across the practice facility. But I am an alum, someone who bleeds for BG, who volunteered as a student assistant with the team when back in college, who made a tons of road trips over the years when I moved away, who attended as many home games as possible, and donated money and bought tickets to support my school. But no more. For the last several years I talked out of my backside about how I wouldn't buy any more tickets or go to any more games until things were fixed and improved, but year after year I came back. But when BG brought Orr back another year in what we all knew was going to be a disaster - and it was - I pulled the plug. I was done investing my time, money and effort into something that wasn't giving back in return. And you know what, it felt good. No, not the losses, but the fact that I wasn't (literally) buying into or supporting what was going on.
My disconnect with the team in terms of not buy tickets and not going to games never meant I didn't want BG to succeed. I did, and ALWAYS will. But this program needs to win me back. I will always be a fan, but for me to be invested the way I had been for the last 20 years is going to take a concerted effort in return from my school. I hope it comes through.
What has unfolded the last five years, especially this past season, was pathetic. I was thoroughly disgusted with the product and overall performance of this program the last five years, but after this past season, I was downright embarrassed. I am embarrassed about what this once-proud and strong program has become, but more so, I am embarrassed about our administration during that time as well. Yes, I have heard the reasons why Orr wasn't let go last year. The university had made cuts, we hired a new AD, etc. But by keeping Orr another year to possibly save face by not making a change then, it was like a backhand to the face to those who support this program. In doing what may have seemed the right thing to do at that point, BGSU really severed some ties and caused some scar tissue with supporters and that isn't just going to go away because it's now going to hire a new head coach. BGSU needs to dedicate itself to making it a real priority to fix what it essentially allowed to unfold.
I am proud to be a Falcon, but I am embarrassed this is my basketball program. I may not being someone who has my name slapped on the side of the arena, or painted on the court, or written across the practice facility. But I am an alum, someone who bleeds for BG, who volunteered as a student assistant with the team when back in college, who made a tons of road trips over the years when I moved away, who attended as many home games as possible, and donated money and bought tickets to support my school. But no more. For the last several years I talked out of my backside about how I wouldn't buy any more tickets or go to any more games until things were fixed and improved, but year after year I came back. But when BG brought Orr back another year in what we all knew was going to be a disaster - and it was - I pulled the plug. I was done investing my time, money and effort into something that wasn't giving back in return. And you know what, it felt good. No, not the losses, but the fact that I wasn't (literally) buying into or supporting what was going on.
My disconnect with the team in terms of not buy tickets and not going to games never meant I didn't want BG to succeed. I did, and ALWAYS will. But this program needs to win me back. I will always be a fan, but for me to be invested the way I had been for the last 20 years is going to take a concerted effort in return from my school. I hope it comes through.
! The point is, it is over and the the main person responsible for the problem is no longer at BGSU (thank goodness). If you never want to buy tickets again, don't, but don't keep dragging down the future with this "they owe me" BS!
