mitchmaher

Hey Everyone, As with GMoney, I've been on the frontlines of defending Coach Dodge's character this week. Despite others who might be defending the Page 4 location, in light of what's gone on the past week, I was appalled. Here's an email I just sent to both Todd Jorgenson and Brett Vito at the DRC, both of whom I've corresponded with this week. I look forward to hearing their explanations. Hey Todd and Brett, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning and couldn't sleep as I thought more about what Coach Dodge is going through. I got online to see if you guys were running the story of Greg Matthews, Troy Redwine, and other former black players defending the character of Coach Dodge. I anticipated the story because you, Brett, told me you were doing the story. I was disappointed to see that it was not going to be running (As you'll see, I found out later that it had run, and that it was online, but I had to play detective to find it... not seeing it in the top stories). I was able to get back to sleep around 3:30 a.m. and when I woke up in the morning I checked the DRC website again, hoping to see that I had simply checked too early. Nope, didn't see it (Again, I assumed it would be easy to find, like all the allegation-stories were). Then, I went on about my day, only to find out via a phone call from a friend that the story was on PAGE 4 of the DRC. I said, "You've got to be kidding me! I've corresponded with both Todd Jorgenson and Brett Vito at the DRC and both told me they'd be loud and clear with the other side of the story!" My friend said, "Nope, page 4." I didn't get back to my computer until just now, about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Did some checking (and detective work) online, and found out my friend was correct. 1. Todd and Brett, why didn't you run that story on the front page of the DRC? 2. Todd and Brett, why didn't that story show up on the DRC website in a prominent place as the allegation-stories were? 3. You guys are going front page with the baseless allegations of disgruntled players, but PAGE 4 with substantiated evidence that Coach Dodge is no racist! What is up with that? Again, Gil LeBreton at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram beat you guys to the punch and showed more courage then either of you. I quote LeBreton again, "Coach Dodge is no racist, and we don't need an NAACP investigation to tell us that." Come on, men. Again, hoping for better. A word to GoMeanGreen—Sure wish I was in Denton these days, but thanks to you guys for keeping me in the loop. It's a whole lot easier jumping on this site than searching all the metroplex newspapers for myself. Take care, and ASU squeaked one out this afternoon in Jonesboro. Mitch Maher

Hey Dodge2007, It's 4:30 p.m. I just saw your post. Sorry about that. 1. The direction of the offense: Remember, this is year one with a completely different scheme. This offense if going to be very, very strong. But, it's going to take a bit of time... getting the players in here who fit the system, learning, growing, etc... 2. Vizza compared to me as a true freshman? I've only been able to listen online (was at the Arkansas game, but we had to leave early... little girl was losing it and we had another 2 hour drive to Branson that night), but it seems to me that he is much better than I was as a freshman. Those of you who were around in 1991 will remember pretty poor performances by me, despite a pretty good first start against SEMO. I had come from an option based attack at Plano (only threw 88 times in 14 games as a senior), so the passing offense was something I really had to grow into. Seems that Vizza is light years ahead on the passing game. Sounds like he's a great leader... gutsy... tough... things I hope could have been said about me even as a pitiful freshman. 3. Tweaks to the Offense? I wouldn't tweak anything to Coach Dodge's offense. Folks, this is going to get real fun to watch—just give it some time. Having said that, I always enjoyed the TE. Luis Silva was such a great football player and served as a great go-to man throughout my career. For all my football knowledge, I never figured out offense-line blocking protection, so I can't comment. I loved getting in the shotgun when we did (see Oklahoma State, Stephen F. Austin, and Northwest Louisiana in 1994). Maybe here's the best way to say it—I WOULD HAVE ABSOLUTELY LOVED PLAYING IN THIS OFFENSE... SPREAD 'EM OUT, BABY, GET IN SHOTGUN, AND LET'S CHUNK IT AROUND—BUT LET'S FIND A PLACE FOR BIG LOU! 4. I have always said about Freshman QBs—you won't believe how much better he'll be next year. At least I think that was my experience. You get thrown to the dogs and sometimes it gets ugly (his experience and mine are very similar in this way—we both got thrown to the dogs in the first year of a new system). But, you learn from every snap and get much better over the course of the next year. And guess what? It was Coach Dodge who came in after my pitiful freshman year and turned things around for me. Vizza will only get better, especially since the competition will only heat up (read Riley Dodge). Hope that's helpful. Hang in there guys. This is going to get good. Stay positive. A note unrelated to Dodge2007's questions: I know a lot of ya'll gripe about this and that... I guess that's your right as a fan... I'm just glad nobody at my church has started a GoFellowshipBibleChurch.com Message Board where folks in the congregation could get online, anonymously, and take their shots. Yikes! I imagine all of ya'll are glad that doesn't exists for your business either! Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, I received an email from a member of GoMeanGreen asking if I'd comment on this whole race issue. There's nothing deep or provocative here, simply two responses I've given today. First, in response to the article in the Denton Record Chronicle, I sent this email to Brett Vito (originally it was sent only to him, but I post it here as he and I've talked on the phone today) Hey Brett, Whether you intended it or not, your article this morning in the Denton Record Chronicle raises questions in readers' minds there in the Denton area (and around the world—for those of us who read online) that my good friend Clayton George might possibly be a racist. I was disappointed to read it, and feel for him as his character is now in question with thousands of readers. Well, he's not a racist, and it's sad we'll have to wait on an NAACP investigation and follow up article in the Denton Record Chronicle to find out. When it's all said and done, I hope you'll let your readers know. Take care, Mitch Maher UNT Quarterback, 1991-1994 Second, in response to a phone call from Brett regarding my email and a follow-up story he's going to do, I told him essentially this—"I've known Clayton since 1991 and Coach Dodge since 1992, and neither has ever done or said anything that would make me believe there is a racist bone in their body. I'm disappointed that their character regarding this issue has been called into question, and I look forward to seeing it resolved." These guys are class acts—even if they don't always open up to the public as some might hope—and I'm proud to know and associate with them. This season hasn't turned out as they hoped, but they are headed in the right direction and the future is bright for UNT football. Take care, and I hope to see some of you in Jonesboro on November 15. Mitch Maher

Listening to every play... watching the thread. Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody I agree with Green to the Bone's statement—"The anonymity of the internet is a powerful force, and it emboldens us to say things we would never think of speaking in public. But everyone would do well to remember that this forum is very, very public. You are publishing here as surely as if in a newspaper. Please take that into consideration, show a little patience, and remember that these athletes are kids." Signing your full name at the bottom of every post makes you think at least twice about anything you say on a forum like this—whether it's about a kid or a coach. Take care, and maybe I'll see some of you in Fayetteville. Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, My wife, little girl, and I will be at the game in Fayetteville. We'll try to stop by the tailgating. Looking forward to seeing the Mean Green in person! Been listening to every snap online. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Greenminer, Yes, indeed. What a great night for Meager, despite the difficulties late in the game. He'll learn, grow, and only get better. I listened to every snap online. Looking forward to seeing/listening to more games like this... and watching my name move slowly down the record books! Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, A fascinating read about O-Line play, especially the Left-Tackle position, is Michael Lewis' recent book "Blindside." It traces the evolution of the Left-Tackle position (related to size, speed, makeup, etc...) while following the recruitment of a compelling young man out of Memphis, TN, Michael Oher (Ole Miss won the battle). Football folks will love this book. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, We just did something similar at our church... not a Mean Green logo, but our student ministry logo. Anyway, copy or trace what you want onto a transparency and shoot it up on the wall with an overhead projector. Or, if you have the means, shoot it up on the wall with a video projector. Trace and paint away. Really, really looking forward to the season. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey SilverEagle, I'm often asked, "Which play is at the top of your list from your playing days?" No doubt—Right Thunder, All Go—Luis made one heck of a catch. You're right. He was really, really good. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, Well, you know I'm biased... don't forget the great David Brown who, I believe, still holds the record for most career catches (is that correct?). It seemed like every time I looked up he was open. Ol' Redwine could play too. I've heard Shanklin could make it happen, and Johnny Quinn was something else. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Men, I wonder if the former Hillcrest head coach, the great Clayton George, had anything to do with this committment. I'm sure he did. Looking forward to the fall! Mitch Maher

Hey NT91, No, Scott Davis didn't play under Coach Dodge. Scott finished up the year before I got to UNT—his last fall season would have been 1990. Ken Karcher was the quarterback coach for the 1991 season, then Coach Dodge for 1992-1993. Finally, at least as it relates to my time at UNT, Coach Kragthorpe became the quarterback coach in 1994. I appreciate this site keeping me up to date on what's happening with UNT football! Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Guys, Seeing those Tulsa drawings made me think—they have the great Coach Steve Kragthorpe to thank for that one. Coach and I still keep in touch. He's doing great in Louisville, enjoyed a good first spring ball, and is looking forward to the fall. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, I let Tom Nelson know that folks at gomeangreen.com were wondering about his days at UNT. He emailed this back and wanted me to post it. "I started two games in 1969—one against Navarro Jr. College and one against the TCU freshman team. We lost them both. I was injured my sophomore year with a broken wrist. My 'redshirt' sophomore year I started two games—one against New Mexico St. and one against the University of Akron. We lost them both. We only won seven games in the four years that I was at UNT. My senior year I tore an ACL in my right knee and missed the whole year. I did play baseball in high school and was offered a contract by the Cincinnati Reds. I told them I would not take it because I had signed with North Texas. Such loyalty served me well, because I became a Christian in my junior year and have been here ever since. Tommy Nelson" Take care, Mitch

Hey Everybody, Here's a funny story about Coach Parker and James Rodwell. During the off-season we used to do an early morning program called Wings. It was one hour long... mat drills, foot drills, all kinds of stuff... for about three weeks, I think. Anyway, if you finished Wings you got an ugly looking T-shirt (Coach Parker liked them). I remember going into his office to get my shirt. He had them all lying on his desk in three piles. He said (insert Coach Parker lisp as you'd like), "Mitch, grab your shirt. Those are XL, those are double XL, and that one is Rodwell." I laughed, and won't ever forget it. Rodwell was a big dude. I hope to make it down to practice on April 11 and 13. We'll see. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Everybody, Just wanted to let you know how fired up I was to hear that UNT would be coming back to Jonesboro this year. That wasn't supposed to be, I don't think. Also, I've got Austin's artwork proudly displayed on my desktop. I've also sent it to all of my ASU buddies here in town—in case they wanted it for their computer! Take care, Mitch

NT03, Yep! I was actually a closet "Don't hire Coach Dodge!" fanatic... for the sake of my records! Just kidding. I couldn't be happier that he's at UNT. It is fun to hold the records, but I'm well aware that they'll be gone very soon. Can't get the Southlake game up here tonight (Memphis Grizzlies!). Headed to a buddy's to watch Tulsa. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Silvereagle, Great question! I never intended to be. That was the case of an interview about Steve Kragthorpe gone bad! I cleared it up with Coach Dodge and visited with the reporter about it. All is well. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Rick, As I understand Corky Nelson used to say, "I hear ya." I had just noticed when you referred to Permian, you said they had "won" their championships. When referring to Daingerfield, you used the word "won." When Brownwood, the word "domination." And when Southlake, "win." But, when you referred to Plano, you said that the state "HANDED" them their State Championships. Just wondering if you were taking a shot at my Wildcats!!! No doubt, the glory has departed from dear ol' Plano. Boy, they had a spark last year, didn't they! Anyway, hoping for Dodge. Take care, Mitch Maher

I'm still jumping on each day to see the latest on Coach Dodge. Rick, I couldn't help but wonder why you used the word "handed" when talking about Plano's State Championships and then emphasized it with capitalized letters. I know you weren't looking for the answer, but it is one. Coach Gerald Brence led the Wildcats to the 1994 State Championship (I think that was the year). Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey Guys, I always appreciate the encouraging stories. 1. I'd love to see Coach Dodge gets the job. 2. But, I was telling my wife, all of my passing records will be gone shortly! 3. Playmaker, if Coach Dodge is around, you don't want anybody else coaching QBs. I've been watching the board lately to keep up with the Coach Dodge buzz and felt compelled to post about Zeke Martin's passing. What a great man. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement, and I'll be anxious to see who gets the head coaching job. Mitch Maher

Hey Rick, Coach Dodge is great—a great coach and a great man. He was actually one of my groomsmen in my wedding. Even in those early days of his coaching career he was a great teacher, intense motivator, and the second most competitive person around (2nd only to me!). I think he would do a great job at North Texas, and as I told him, I'd love to see him up in Jonesboro every other year! We'll see what happens. Take care, Mitch Maher

Hey North Texas Fans, I just saw that Zeke Martin passed away, and my heart sank. Back in 2000 when my wife Tara and I were wondering what we were going to do for our honeymoon, Zeke and his wife offered us a week at one of his time-share locations. Tara and I spent our honeymoon at Fairmont Hot Springs up near Banff in Canada. We have always thought the world of them for that kindness. Also, just saw him back in early October at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It was a joy to shake his hand again and see that smile. I'll sure miss seeing him around when I make it back in town. Oh yea, I hear he was some-kind of quarterback, too. Mitch Maher

Hey Mean Green Fans, I'm not sure how to work this thing, so I'll just quote Stebo here: Mitch was at the last NT/ASU game that I went to in Jonesboro. Not only did he sit on the ASU side; but he refused to tell Jub-Jub who he was rooting for during the half-time interview. I would certainly expect him to "fit in" at his new location (especially due to his job) - but to openly cheer for the opposing team against your own alma mater (where you are a Hall of Famer - didn't know that) is just a terrible thing. Surely his flock could understand his love for the school that paid his way for college and allowed him to be inthe position that he is in today. If they are so backwards that they can't be understanding of his situation for one friggin game than Mitch needs to work on his preaching about compassion and tolerance skills. To me, it is unforgivable unless he asks for forgiveness. I have yet to see him acknowledge that he did anything wrong. He let down his own team that day; along with fans like me that idolized him back in the early to mid 90's. Gracious! Yes, my wife and I sat on the ASU side that day. We walked into the stadium and found the seat marked on our tickets. I remember it being a difficult day for me... my wonderful alma mater in town playing against the local team my wife and I had begun to follow that year (it was my pleasure to meet all the coaches and many of the players that year... some of whom came to our church weekly). So, it was weird. I strongly disagree with Stebo's assessment of my cheering that day... it was not for ASU. Honestly, my demeanor for that game was a quiet pride in watching the Mean Green play so well. No doubt my Jonesboro friends (whom Stebo was sitting next to I believe... I think I remember you now) were ferociously cheering for the Indians and were giving me quite a hard time all day for my unwillingness to do the same. I remember the interview with George Dunham (whom I consider a friend... he came over and visited with my wife, little girl, and me at my office when they were in Jonesboro this year). I do remember being a little vague in my answer, and for that I am sorry. Again it was the struggle of remaining true to the Mean Green and yet enjoying the genuine friendships I had made with so many of the coaches and players at ASU. Anyway, Stebo, I'm sorry to have let you down. I sure didn't mean to. Hope you'll forgive me, as well as any other Mean Green fan who may think I'm a turncoat ASU fan. And, for the record: (1) the wonderful people here in Jonesboro are not "backwards" as Stebo says. They are great people who have welcomed us to town with open arms, and (2) somebody out there said I was a Mean Green supporter at the $500 level... that's not true. No doubt I need to be, but I just haven't been. Sorry about that, too. As the money situation improves over the years, maybe that will change. Take care, Mitch Maher