mitchmaher
-
Posts
53 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Points
0 [ Donate ]
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
GoMeanGreen.com
Posts posted by mitchmaher
-
-
No one is more disappointed in how things worked out in Louisville than coach. He's enjoying life back in Tulsa—they've got lots of great friends in that area. Will get back into coaching at the right time for the right opportunity.
Mitch Maher
-
During the summers of 1989 and and 1990 I worked in the warehouse at a place called Magnatron. Who was the fella who ran the operation in the back? The great Steve Ulmer, the QB of the Plano team that beat Highland Park in 1977. Needless to say, we talked a lot of football those summers.
Mitch Maher
-
The Year: 1977
The Teams: Plano vs. Highland Park
The Setting: Class 4A Quarterfinal Playoff Game at Texas Stadium
The Highland Park Scots had rolled through the opposition all year long in class 4A, the largest division at the time, while the Plano Wildcats opened the 1977 season with a 25-13 loss to South Garland and later were tied by Sherman 14-14. Though the Wildcats had posted a 10-1-1 record coming into this game it seemed every victory was a hard fought contest. The trend for both teams continued in this game and the Scots looked to be well on their way to a state championship as they dominated play into the fourth quarter and led 28-0 before Plano began to mount a comeback. Plano used a returned fumble recovery for a touchdown and a throwback pass to the quarterback to score with seconds left. Disdaining the extra point the Wildcats went for two and ran it in to complete an amazing comeback over Highland Park, 29-28. Plano survived a 3-0 defensive slugfest the following week against Odessa Permian and won the state title againt Port Neches-Groves, 13-10 at Texas Stadium the following week before the largest crowd to ever attend a Texas high school playoff game (49,953).
Mitch Maher
-
Do you join a church staff in Katy/Houston? If so, which one?
Hey UNTLifer,
I stepped down from Fellowship Bible Church of Jonesboro, AR back in May 2008. Came on as the Lead Pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Katy in August 2008.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Rick,
Appreciate it. I was in town for the ribbon cutting and the Army game. Thought my move to Katy last year would allow me to be around more often, but it just didn't work out as I hoped this fall.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
-
Hey Brett,
That's pretty cool. Hope all is well.
Mitch Maher
-
I don't remember much about Mitch's first year except for the fact that he came in at 1/2 time versus the 6th ranked OU. How's that for baptism by fire!
Hey GMoney,
Actually I didn't. I was redshirted for the first three games. After the third, a terrible loss to Nevada Reno, I was told I was going to compete with Wendel (spelling?) the following week. They said they would grade every play and every throw. The winner would start. So, I won the competition that week, and my first start was against Southwest Missouri at home. I played fairly well, and we tied them. Wish I could have played that well the rest of the season!
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Everybody,
It's hard to remember that far back! But, I can tell you that our team wasn't very good, and I was WORSE. Honestly, vast improvements began when Coach Dodge came along my sophomore and junior seasons.
Give Riley some time to develop. He will only get better and better. Also, it's not all about the physical tools, though he's got them—it's about leadership and competitive fire. I like to think those two led to my improvement throughout my career. Riley's got them both and will keep pushing himself and his teammates to greater feats.
P.S. Having said all of that, I will be looking to hire someone a la Tonya Harding's crew if he gets too close to my records!!
Take care, and let's go Mean Green.
Mitch Maher
-
Mitch, you are correct. I had a typo, but we so should have won that game. I thought you played great that day, but the OL didn't play anywhere close to the way they played all year long. Being on the sidelines at the end of the day was probably as frustrating a day as I remember in my time at UNT.
Hey Jim,
David Brown going down early did not help at all. They came out strong in the 2nd half though. My numbers were something like 240 yards passing if the first half... 37 in the second. Yikes!
Mitch Maher
-
Make that Boise loss 24-20. Frustrating indeed.
Mitch Maher
Top ten Most Frustrating games that come to mind over the last 15 years:1. Tech loss where McLane fumbles--if he doesn't fumble, we win and would have all 4 games in Lubbock that we played between 1988 and 2000.
2. TCU game where the fullback dive was in full effect and we lose 16-10
3. Arizona wher we have a field goal blocked and returned for a TD, which will then lose 13-9
4. OSU in Stillwater, in our last year as a I-AA team, lose on a last-second field goal
5. Losing to Boise State in the same year listed above, where we get stuffed at the 1-yard line twice and only get 3 points off of those two possession, then lose 24-10 when their one-armed bandit safety makes a huge interception in the 4th quarter to set up the go-ahead score (This would only happen to us, BTW)
6. A&M game at Texas Stadium where Tubby fumbles away the punt
7. SMU game in 2007 which gives them their only win of the season because our defense was so epically awful
8. Memphis in the bowl game because I believe we were as good if not better, but we had too many penalties and mental errors
9. TCU loss featuring the infamous "Throw the Ball" chant
10. 2006 FIU game in Denton--I still think neither team deserved to be credited with a win after that debacle
This is in no order, just games that came to mind. Any others??
-
Ditto from another Plano Alum ('76). I saw Mitch play in HS and College. My first trips as a young kid to places like Waco, Austin, and Lubbock were for Plano playoff games. I saw wins over Odessa Permian when they were at their prime, State Championships in class AAA thru AAAAA, including the all-time state attendance record game of 49,990 vs. Gregory Portland at Texas Stadium.
Hey NT80,
I believe that record attendance game was again Port Neches Grove. Isn't that correct?
Mitch
-
Hey Everybody,
Couldn't resist this thread.
Plano Senior High School Wildcats
Maroon and White
Has played in 9 Football State Championship and has won 7 of them.
Proud Wildcat,
Mitch Maher
-
Mitch, first of all, I only came across that letter because I googled you out of curiosity as to whether you'd played at UNT or not. My point in referencing it is that everybody comes to a time when a change is deemed appropriate. The circumstances between you and Vizza are likely not similar at all.
I think I unfairly took a poke at you just because the mentality around here seems to be that getting a scholarship to UNT is some kind of indentured servitude through which one should weather regardless of circumstances or situation. I believe the underlying reasons for this decision to run far deeper than a 1-11 record or competition with Riley Dodge, and I think Gio and his family thought long and hard before pulling the trigger. I'm also pretty certain that Vizza's parting was mutually agreed upon.
We were all 18-21 years old once, and we all made some good choices and some not so good choices. Most of us were able to do so without being in the spotlight of a D1A football program. It's easy for me now to sit on campus and wag my disapproving finger at students who don't go to class, don't buy their books, and whine when they don't get good grades, but it's also easy to forget what my priorities were and what level of commitment I had at that age.
It's really apparent that you're well respected among the older fans here, and I'm glad you were able to work hard, persevere and lead. On the flip side, as someone who's newly associated with this university, and who read your post without knowing you from anyone else, it was easy to infer that you are jumping on the "Gio is a quitter" bandwagon.
If this departure is mutually beneficial to the UNT football program and the Vizza family, then the personal venom that is flung at both sides of the equation is, to answer untjim1995's question, about the only thing that would drive me away from being a fan of this program.
I've been reading a lot of tripe from both sides today, your post came along, I came across that letter, and I took a reactionary pot shot. For that I apologize.
Hey oldguystudent. Thanks so much for your response. My wife and I both agree you sound like a nice guy. She even said, "He sounds smart." I won't go that far... just kidding.
Hopeful for Coach Dodge and the rest of the crew. Yes, most all of the coaches are good friends of mine (Coach Dodge was a groomsman in my wedding), so I have an even greater vested interest in their success. Will they get it turned around and winning the Sun Belt again? Of course, that remains to be seen. But, I do believe they are trying to do what's right, are working hard, know their football, and will make some good progress this year and, hopefully, the years to come.
Again, I'm also hopeful that those on gomeangreen (and throughout the blogosphere, for that matter) will take to signing their names at the bottom of their posts. Doing so is good for the soul... and may even be good for North Texas Football!
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Very eloquent resignation letter written last May. Circumstances and other opportunities pop up for people from all walks of life, don't they?
oldguystudent seems to be referring to my resignation from Fellowship Bible Church in Jonesboro, AR that took place in May 2008. The difference, it seems to me, is that after six years of good, hard work, I left Fellowship at the height of its strength. We had a built a solid church with solid staff, excellent leadership teams, and great people. The church was not going through hardship at all, but was actually as strong as it had ever been. So, I do not feel like I left my buddies on staff, the great Elder Team we had assembled, nor any of the people in our church during a difficult time. It seems to me Vizza had done this, and I'm just glad I didn't.
While oldguystudent brought up a good point for me to ponder as I consider Vizza's departure, I don't think the circumstances are the same.
Mitch Maher
P.S. I still kills me that everybody has their code-names on this thing. Can you all start posting your names please, especially as you rip Coach Dodge and the rest (or even take a poke at me). I'm uneasy with Vizza's decision and don't agree with it. If he reads this (and I'm pretty sure he won't), at least he won't have to wonder who I am.
-
Glad I didn't leave after rough freshman and sophomore seasons. Glad I continued to work hard, persevere, and lead. I left UNT with my head held high, as well.
Mitch Maher
-
1
-
-
Obviously, Troy's a good buddy of mine... we still keep in touch. You ought to see his face when people talk of Tajh being his son!
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Hey GreenBat,
No. Remember, Coach Dodge had left after the 93 season. All Go was a play that everybody has in their playbook—everybody go deep! Right Thunder was the formation. Trips to the left. Tight end to the right. Empty back field with the running back split out to the right.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Everybody,
A couple of thoughts on the SFA game:
1. I wouldn't actually call it a "hail mary." Right Thunder—All Go. They were in a 3-deep look. I believed Luis could beat the linebacker over the top of him, but I knew I'd have to get the safety in the middle of the field to take a false step. Thankfully, I had good protection and was able to make a pump-fake to my left. The safety did bite, giving a better shot at hitting Luis. At the end of the play 3 defenders—the linebacker chasing Luis, the safety in the middle of the field who had taken a false step, and the corner on the right side of the field—all converged around Luis, but he was able to bring it down. It was awesome.
2. Also, tempers were so hot after the game... especially since the flag was not thrown on the guy grabbing onto David Brown... that our center, Brad Smith, popped off to the referee... he might have even bumped him a bit. Anyway, the SLC made Brad sit out the following game—the win over Nichols to clinch the SLC Championship.
I love thinking about those days.
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Everybody,
If I'm not mistaken, that helmet was only worn in 1994—my senior year. I may be wrong, but I believe the next year they added color to the Eagle.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Hello from Jonesboro,
1. Ridge Riders—Take a look at a topographical map of the state of Arkansas. The Ozarks cover the west side of the state and the east side is FLAT farmland... except for Crowley's Ridge that runs through the northeast corner. Jonesboro sits on Crowley's Ridge.
2. Express Train—Jonesboro is a city of trains. They come through here all the time.
3. Red Wolves—I'm sure this will be the one. The players seem to like this one best... for obvious reasons, given the other options.
4. The favorite I heard—noting the whole train theme—was Engines. A nice play off their current name, the Indians.
Take care, everybody,
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Everybody,
For what it's worth, here are my stats from my freshman year.
162 attempts, 82 completions, 8 INTs, 6 TDs, 731 yds, 50 % completion
Vizza is going to be great next year. And, the competition from Riley will heat up the battle and make them both better. UNT will be excellent at QB for the next several years.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Fellas,
That was absolutely awesome.
Hope all of you are doing well.
Mitch Maher
-
Hey Everyone,
Those of you who say Brett Vito has no decision over the placement of a story are correct. I knew that from the start and that's why you'll notice my email was addressed first to Todd Jorgenson, the Sports Editor at the DRC and the one who does have the decision-making ability. I included Brett on the email because he was the author of the story and possibly included in the discussions of placement.
Anyway, after Brett posted the "reason" for placing the story on Page 4—volleyball day at the Chronicle—I followed up with Todd to see if that was indeed the reason and if he expected us to believe that.
Here is his response. You'll notice he did not like the tone of my email (it's another email that I did not post on gmg.com). His point is well taken. I was not happy about the "volleyball day at the Chronicle" answer and my tone could have been better.
Mitch:
Brett is correct. It was my call in terms of the layout of our Saturday section, and I stand by what we did. From the tone of your e-mail, I don't think a well-reasoned argument would sway your opinion about the situation, so I won't go into great detail. But there are a number of factors that go into page design each night, and several different readership interests to which we must cater. Whatever choices were made, it wouldn't have pleased everyone. Such is the nature of the business. I appreciate your feedback.
Todd
I've been trying to do my part is defense of Coach Dodge, pushing the DRC to give the best possible coverage for him.
I'm backing off, though, and hopeful that both Todd and Brett will do better this week.
Take care,
Mitch Maher
Maher Records Hole In One
in The Eagles Nest (There Should be Pie For Everyone Forum)
Posted
Hey Everybody,
It's been a long time, but thought you all might enjoy this. I know I enjoy sharing the news!!
Mitch Maher, pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Katy, TX, and author of www.clarifyingthebible.com, recorded a hole in one at Monday's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Ray Dorr Golf Classic held at Pebble Creek Country Club in Bryan, TX. In doing so, the pastor won a 2011 Toyota Venza donated by Atkinson Toyota of Bryan. On the 17th hole, playing 199 yards downwind, Maher hit a 5-iron that landed about 20 feet short and rolled into the hole. "This is such a blessing. My wife and I have often wondered what we would do if my 1999 Mazda broke down. Well, now we don't have to find out!" What's more, this won't even be the most exciting event of the Maher's week, as Tara Maher will deliver by C-Section their third girl this Saturday morning.
http://www.theeagle.com/local/Scoring-a-new-car
http://www.kbtx.com/local/headlines/Golfer_Wins_Car_at_College_Station_Golf_Tournament_122474034.html
This post has been promoted to an article