Reb UT '70

I want to start by saying that I feel free to criticize this coaching staff about everything they do or don't do with one very notable exception. I say that so that no one thinks that my support for this staff is anything other than genuine or that I feel any need to support them. There are many decisions they have made that I disagree with, but I also have the brains to understand that I'm a fan and they are professionals. I see the play on game day and they see it every day, and have to look at the whole season which I don't. Even if I didn't I would have to recognize that Hedlund is brilliant coach and has amassed a record of wins that is exceeded only by A&M in Texas. What you are presenting in your post is what appears to be one side of a story, which may not even be correct from that side. I don't have all the facts, however if I had to evaluate the judgment of proven adult coach and that of junior in college who is in the process of making a choice that I think is profoundly wrong, (playing for the Mexican team). I can tell you that I would support the adult. I would support that even if I thought the junior had a valid reason for doing what she is doing which I don't. I was raised at a time when patriotism was more in fashion, but the choice of any young person to put their citizenship at risk for sport is repugnant to me in a time when we are asking young men and women her age to die for us. Like our Department of State I do not recognize 'dual citizenship' you are either one or the other, and since I don't believe that Monica is applying for foreign student status I just have to look upon her as disloyal. I say this as someone who has 'dual citizenship' as Panama considers me to be a citizen of that country and eligible to vote. Now if I'm being unfair, and Moncia is indeed a patriotic Mexican then I have to apologize, and I mean that sincerely as I would not want someone to question my patriotism or loyalty, and I wish her success as she lives in her native country and raises her family there. I'm going through all this to say that even if the situation is as you describe I would support the coaches in their decision not to let someone who has proven both their disloyalty to their team and their country to address the team and try to justify it. By her action she is showing that she is not mature, and any self serving statement she might have wanted to make might certainly have had an adverse effect upon the team. I have stated my opinion that if any starer moved to different school for "a better chance" as part of your post implies then I think she is venial, but if the reason that Monica transferred to Baylor is that she was not going to be allowed to play here then I think that's a valid reason to move and I note that Hedlund must have released her, which I don't think I would have done since I so strongly disapprove of her stated reason for leaving the North Texas team, (to use a legal fiction to play for foreign country against her own.) Which just shows that Hedlund is a better man than I. Now for the rest of your post, there can be no doubt that Baylor had a fine program, after all they were Big XII champions 1998 and then lost their coach and have been going downhill ever since 1999 - 3rd , 2000 - 4th , 2001 - 7th. I would also note that those players from UNT who wanted to go pro have gotten pro contracts, I think that is a good as it gets, and says all that needs to be said about the quality of the UNT program. As to who is the better team this year we will be able to look at that this over the next seven days as we will play the two schools that Baylor played last week. I know that we have a couple of key injuries going into the next three games, but I still think we should be favored. As for strength of schedule, that is a coaching decision and I?m not in a position to question it. I do wish our schedule was stronger, but that?s a fan talking. As for next year, I have heard that we will play Baylor, I know that I will be supporting UNT. This is a sports board and certainly those who support other schools are more than welcome, I think they are sought. Thus it is only a matter of curiosity as to whom you, ascchamp, support.

Denver looks strong La La has mixed weekend with a win over a good team on Sunday. Games played on Sept. 6 Central Florida d. Florida International, 2-0 Denver vs. #21 Arizona State, T 1-1 Oklahoma State d. Louisiana-Lafayette, 2-0 Samford d. South Alabama, 3-1 Southern Mississippi d. Middle Tennessee, 2-1 #18 Tennessee d. Arkansas State, 9-0 Western Kentucky d. Austin Peay, 1-0 For games played on Sept. 8 Denver at San Diego, T 1-1 Drury at Middle Tennessee, T 1-1 Louisiana-Lafayette d. Oral Roberts, 2-1 North Texas d. Texas Woman's, 6-1 South Alabama d. Birmingham Southern, 5-3 Tennessee-Martin d. Arkansas State, 5-2 Western Kentucky d. Morehead State, 9-3

I'm not a big fan of Fila, but this year's uniforms are very nice. The white on white is classy. The rest of the gear is nice too, even the running shoes are good. What I found most interesting was that on the shorts was a Mean Green patch. I still like the idea of a mean green logo, but the pacth is nice. What I like more is that they aren't the "Lady Eagles" I agree that the marketing of Mean Green has much more of an upside, but somehow "Lady Mean Green" just doesn't work either. Since there is no men's soccer that isn't a problem for soceer they can just be the Mean Green Soccer, but what about Bball?

Denver continues to play very well and the La La OSU score is a surprise as well. It is hard to say about FIU. Central Florida d. Florida International, 2-0 Denver vs. #21 Arizona State, T 1-1 Oklahoma State d. Louisiana-Lafayette, 2-0 Samford d. South Alabama, 3-1 Southern Mississippi d. Middle Tennessee, 2-1 #18 Tennessee d. Arkansas State, 9-0 Western Kentucky d. Austin Peay, 1-0

From the odd facts file published in the Austin paper this week. The color burnt orange is a registered color and you can't buy cloth that color! My wife discovered this during the time my son was getting married to an Aggie, but didn't know why she couldn't find burnt orange cloth in Austin. The paper's solution... go buy Longhorn sheets @ $50 a pop and make what you want... sorry that's nuts... well I guess our 60M has to come from somewhere.

Link I know that Reades was one of the reasons that some UNT athletes chose UNT. I think she is quite a role model, and aside from all the other things she did, she was willing to answer emails from folks who just wanted to know about UNT and athletics. UNT should be very proud of her. Sorry for the mis spelled name in the Title.

A classic case of poor writing. I can see how anyone would assume that I was down on Monica, I put words in her mouth and then disapproved. Since I don't know Monica's reasons for leaving, I should have left her name out of the post. What upsets me is the concept that ASCChamp posits as a possible motive for her move, that I should have quoted that line because I very much disagree with it. I have real problems with what I consider a self centered view of life. I thought I made it clear that I was only using her as a example but it was poorly written. I'm afraid this post caught me looking concepts and not the individual. Freedom is one of the things that has made this country great, but so has personal and cooperate responsibility. Perhaps I should say communal responsibility rather than cooperate since that word is generally associated with business establishments. I can think of literally thousands of valid reasons for a player to leave a college team. Getting a better 'deal' is not one of them. One reason I have stopped watching pro sports is that it is a business and players have no loyalty to teams or teams to players or to cities. It is self centeredness at its worst. I do not want to see that at the college level. I think college athletics is about loyalty, it is one of the big reasons we have it. It helps keep alumni loyal to their school... and the list goes on. My previous post could be read to say that I thought Monica was being dis-loyal, that was poor writing. My position is that college athletes owe something to their school, and that the schools owe something to them. Let me put it this way, I know nothing about Scott Hall, but I'm certain that he could find a spot now on a team that has a higher profile than does UNT. He has done well and the team is being structured around his talents. If he were to announce that he had decided to go play for Mega U. because it would give him a better shot at the pros I would condemn him for his decision. The point I was trying to make was that the exercise of personal choice without regard for the consequence of that choice on others is ultimately damaging to the person making the choice, because it damages the fabric of society. I keep trying to come up with a different way to say that because it sounds like hyperbole, but I believe it. I believe that there are responsibilities that go with privileges. I think citizenship requires service, so I did my time in the military, and in politics. Let me once again make clear I'm not throwing stone at Monica, because I don't know her reasons. What I am saying is that any college athlete who grabs for a 'gold ring' at the expense of his team is disloyal, and is doing the University, the sport and ultimately themselves and society a disservice.

One of the more provocative things that Mr. Limbaugh says is that he IS the balance. I think that I view a college paper that way. I do not believe that they should be a mouth piece for the University, there are other publications that do that, but they should be an advocate for the University. That does not mean that they have to agree with the Administration or with the AD, but I think they have a moral responsibility to advocate the organization that they are part of. (How does a journalist write that sentence without ending in a preposition or is that allowed now? For someone married to a grammar teacher my grammar could sure use some work) I see college paper's role much like what I see in small town newspapers all over the country. They are hometown folks and they are always for the home team athletics or otherwise. I didn't see that attitude from the NT Daily last year, and to me that is not a good journalism education. Correct me if I'm wrong.

When I posted my thoughts on that article on Simms I added a PS because the spell checker did not highlight UT but did UNT. To me that is symptomatic of the problem. I agree with much of what Shane wrote, most of us don't understand the media, it is a strange mix of business and knight errant with a dash of the kid who likes to stir up an ant bed just to see what happens. However there is a lot of room between a government controlled press and a our ?free? press that has shut its ears to criticism. Every charge or criticism is not an assault on the first amendment. There are serious problem in the media right now and they center around balance and fairness. Since the media loves to lecture everyone on how things should be fair and balanced, I find it interesting how hostile they are to a lecture from anyone else.

There was a post about the number of students at Universities in Texas and a prediction that UNT would pass UH in 3-4 years. It got me to thinking. You'd have to look at the rate of growth of the two schools to make any estimate as to when and if UNT will have more students than UH. However one could certainly make the case now that State funding should be divereted from Tech to UH and UNT. Texas must build and a third and perhaps a fourth 'University of the first class' and we have to do it soon. It doesn't look like enough students want to attend Tech to make it a good candidate. The lawmakers are coming back to Austin soon, now is a good time to contact the candidates and see if they will issue a statement of support for building a stronger UNT. It is much easier to get that kind of promise out of a candidate than out of a senator or representative. Right now in Austin the candidates are trying to one-up each other about how much they can do for UT. Now is the time, and I mean not not late Oct, to write a note and ask what the candidate's position is on creating a third 'flagship' school and which school they think it should be.

Okay, I'm guilty of not respecting the SFA team, they've got a new coach, and their goalie is more than outstanding. I've made the same point about UT getting down on their team instead of thinking the other team might have been better than expected and giving UNT credit. I've done some reading on the SFA web site, and they are a better team than the ones we beat over the weekend. I just didn't expect it, and having to play more than half the game a man down makes a difference too. I guess I'm just guilty of thinking that given an even break we could go 10-0 into Denver and that we might need that kind of edge to beat them at their house. Wishful thinking, I know, but at this point we should be favored in every game between now and then. The exception might be SWT. Houston will be a tough game as well, but they don't have NCAA experience like SWT does.

ASCChamp do you know for certain that the reason that Bree can't play is the NLI issue? I think I remember it being said that she never played for the other team, but that still doesn't make sense that staying a full year ... I would like to understand how that works. "Doing what is best for you" is the antipathy of team play. I know of lots of reasons why a player should leave a university for another team. I don't have a problem with a player who isn't going to get playing time for example moving to a different school. That's almost always done with the coach's blessing. However to leave a Captain's spot on a Championship team for a team that is not as good, and Baylor is not as good a team IMNHO as UNT doesn't meet that test. I don't know Monica's reasons, and if I did I might approve of them, however, loyalty is a virtue that calls for sacrifice of "what is best for me" for the greater good. One needs to be very careful where you give your loyalty, because of that sacrifice. Loyalty to UNT football right now means that you haven't had a winning season in a while. However unless you are willing to give that loyalty you don't receive the rewards of it either. A lot of institutions have demanded loyalty in the past that didn't deserve it or earn it. Loyalty is a two way street and I think it is foolish to be loyal to an institution that is not loyal to you. Nevertheless, the idea that each individual should always and only be concerned with what is best for themselves will result in a society that is good for no one. I want to say again that I don't know why Monica left, I don't like Baylor Soccer and that colors my opinions of her actions, but if her reason was simply "that this was better for me" then I think she was wrong and I have no respect for her decision.

but since he had to use a valid email address were you able to get any clue as to who he was? It's a shame there is not any way to punish someone like that, but perhaps being like that is its own punishment.

Where do that place UNT in relation to Tech and U of H?

See the above reply that's my long winded way of saying I don't have a clue, but I don't like it. I guess times are changing, I talked to may son who is 28 and he thought it was just fine to change schools and to play for another team if it worked out better at that moment for you. I think that's another reason I don't like pro sports, it destroys the whole concept of loyalty to a team, and loyalty to a player for that matter. I do wish Monica good luck, but wished she'd stayed at UNT.

She was certainly a star and was going to be the sole captain on the team two days before 'two-a-days' started. I thought it was because her play with the Mexican National Team made it impossible to play here. I'm glad she is going to continue in school, even if to be frank I would rather see her at any school other than Baylor. I just don't like Baylor or the coach there. If her transfer did have to do the the Mexican team, the little comment at the end of the Baylor coach's write-up about Baylor being proud to have a player on the Mexican National team is a poke in the eye by someone to someone.

I am very sorry to see Monica go to Baylor, although I'm glad to see that she seems to be able to start right away. Baylor has been going down hill for the last three years in the soccer world, but they are still in the top half of the Big XII. That Monica can walk in and start there speaks well for our program. The thing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth is that she is able to play this year and our replacement goalie who was a student at UNT last year can not. I don't know how Baylor has been able to pull this off, but if there is anything that is not above board I'd like to at least see their hand slapped. If it is somehow okay then I hope we can learn how they did it so we can get Buchanan on the field. I've heard that she might be better than Monica. Link to Baylor Soccer story on Monica

I know that SFA has been recruiting hard, and I guess more succesfully than I knew. I know we had one of those nights when the ball wouldn't go in the net, but I'm surprised by this one. I hope it makes our girls wake up!

It is hard to relate soccer scores to football, but an 18-0 would be a lot worse than a 100-0 I would put it closer to 200-0. It's the kind of score that makes you ashamed to post in the paper, but teams that USA beat were first year programs. Since Jackson State doesn't list soccer as a varsity sport I'm not sure they have 'ship players yet. In that game, the coach's 100th win, the reserve goalkeeper scored one and got an assist playing as a forward in her first ever play as a field player. When your reserve goalie scores, you just can't keep the score down. They had 21 of their 22 players with more than 20 minutes of play and Jackson didn't have a single sub. I don't think USA got a lot from playing in that tourney. USA spent 10 day in late July and early August honing their skill in Europe. That sort of training is becoming common among top programs and it shows in their scores and play during the season. Teams are allowed to do that once every four years under NCAA rules. We're going to have to wait a few weeks until USA faces some good teams to know just how good they are, but even against weak teams those scores have to stand out.

Denver looks to have beaten a soccer power this weekend, USA posted some much stronger than expected scores against some weak opponantes. P A&M started soccer this year for example, but they might be a factor. FIU also did better than expected with some powerful foes. W. Ky didn't do as well as I would have thought. So after the first week I would rank SBC as follows 1. Denver & UNT 3. FIU 4. W.KY & USA 6. MTSU (looked stronger than expected also 7. La La 8. the AK schools who have have won more games this season than all of last season... well almost.

Some of these teams look pretty good, but we won't know until later in the season just how good we are. Friday Aug 30 Arkansas-Little Rock d. Alabama A&M, 4-0 Baylor d. Louisiana-Lafayette, 3-0 Samford d. Western Kentucky, 2-0 Southwest Missouri d. Middle Tennessee, 1-0 Western Carolina d. Florida International, 3-1 Arkansas State d. McNeese State, 3-1 Saturday Aug 31 North Texas d. Nicholls State, 7-1 South Alabama d. Jackson State, 18-0 *Head coach Mike Varga's 100th career win. Sunday Sept 1 Arkansas-Little Rock d. McNeese State, 4-1 Arkansas State d. Alabama A&M, 3-1 Denver d. Fresno State, 2-0 Eastern Illinois d. Middle Tennessee, 1-0 North Texas d. Duquesne, 6-0 South Alabama d. Prairie View A&M, 16-0 Western Kentucky d. Birmingham Southern, 3-1 Florida International vs. Memphis, tie 1-1 Louisiana-Lafayette vs. TCU, tie 1-1

Everything I have to say also has to take into consideration that we will have a stadium in two years. For example, I would be very unhappy with the 'clock/scoreboard' if this was going to be the one we were going to live with forever. I don't like to waste money, and I think you have to walk a fine balance when you're talking about a field that will be a rec sports field after next season. The pitch is wonderful. The grass is great and it is very level. One corner drops off, but I was told that the contractor would be called back to fix it. This is very important is soccer as you want the ball to roll true and to bounce true. This is brand new sod, and of course there are some uneveness to it, but that will settle down as the grass takes root and water and rain disolve the dirt. I also understand that we will have shade tents for the players from both teams, I don't suppose it would be considered sporting to provide shade for our players and not the visitors... nah it wouldn't work. The lights are good, much better than what we had last year and high enough so that they won't be a factor. I haven't seen the bleachers yet, but there is plenty of room for them and I'm looking forward to seeing them. I am also excited about having a fence around the field, what we need to do now is to sell ad space to local businesses to give it a nice solid feel. I don't know if that's allowed under NCAA rules, but I'd like to see it if it is. Having restrooms and a concession stand is wonderful, and it's a nice building. The only down side I can see is that we have a lack of parking. I noticed that some cars had to park a pretty good hike from the field, but I don't think there is any rememdy for that, unless it would be some sort of shuttle service from a University parking lot. Bottom line this is a nice place to play, and not a bad place to watch. I think it will be a positive in recruiting to be able to say... "See this, wait until you see what we're going to build, this was put in place for a two year stay!" One last suggestion, If anyone knows someone at the Peterbuilt plant, I would love to see a caption on the building, just below the logo that says something like "We support the Mean Green soccer team" Won't happen, too many of the folks who arrive are for the other team, but it would be nice.

Both those long ?once is a lifetime goals? were made by the same person, so I would have to say that she's able to be make that shot on a regular basis. As for the subs versus the first team, I'm only happy that we have plenty of depth at the midfield. That was a concern before the seasons started. We had several of our newest players who looked very good this weekend. I was especially impressed with Partain, Koschmann and Cordon. The transfer student from Commerce, Magahlhaes looked good also. I was so glad that Briana Buchana was able to start two games, I don?t think she got any playing time last year and I don?t think she?s ever started a game. I expect to see some improvement in goalie as the season progresses. Duquesne showed that we are able to score early and often, it wasn?t just a weak Nicholls State team. I had thought Duquesne was a nationally ranked team, instead they had a nationally ranked recruiting class the last two years. I would note that SMU who is ranked only beat them 5-1 while we beat them 6-0. I think that the scores tell the story, we are a very strong team, and should be favored on Tuesday to do the same sort of thing to SFA, and TWU next weekend. The real test will come when we play Houston and Rice on the weekend of the 13th. Houston beat Rice 2-1, and I think that Rice will get better. I think we should be favored in both those games, but it is still so early in the season it's hard to say. The key will be injuries. If we are healthy and if the level of team play improves as I think it will then we could arrive in Denver as an undefeated team.

I think it was linked earlier, or at least I read it a bit ago. I'm still gloating that the coaches poll was so close to my own reading. I think we've got a good team, and I expect several of the freshmen to continue to challenge for starting spots. The only real weakness we have is goalie, I heard a rumor that we might get a top goalie, but it didn't pan out. That leaves us with a walk-on, and I'm a little shaky about that. Monica won us some games last year.

The soccer powers in the SBC are Denver, UNT and FIU. W. Ky and USA are both about a half step behind and W. Ky migh have caught up. MTSU is also trying to push up into the top half. The other teams are bad to awful. This year we play FIU and W. Ky at home. FIU graduated some very strong players and we should be favored but it will be very close. W. Ky just started soccer last year and has a young but very very talented team. I think we should be favored there as well but I expect a tough game. USA will be at Mobile, and they were rebuilding last year and are an X factor. All of this also depends on how our goalie develops, we are not as strong there as we were last year, and we won games because we had a all-SBC goalie (2nd team).