jazzer88

We had an incredible time. Began tailgating at Fouts around 4 and loved mingling with the students. The walk to Apogee made me think "this looks like a real football game." Thousand of fans funneling into a UNT game, who would have thought it was possible. I sincerely hope that attendance stays up, but I have my doubts. It will take time to overcome student apathy. In fact, I heard a student call it "Apathy Stadium" (at least they know what the word means). I would hate to see concession and ticketing areas closed because of low attendance. Now it's up to the coaches and players to provide a reason for even the casual fan to show up.

I love Stan Keaton (it should be Stan Kenton). Pretty sloppy.

Arg....28-0. New stadium but same ole' UNT. This is really crushing. Seems like UNT has walked into an FIU buzzsaw. Is the opening season with the new facilities going to be another disaster? Am I hitting the panic button way too early?

Like most people reading this board I'm super-excited about the new stadium, but I understand the Denia complaints. It's a very nice neighborhood with residents that feel that UNT could do better in terms of access to the stadium. Let's be honest, UNT is taking a short-sighted approach to access (ie. saving money). Bonnie Brae is WAY too narrow and not designed for the potential traffic the new stadium will attract. Bonnie Brae should be under construction now, not sometime in the future. WillowWood is a very weak alternative(but cheap).The residents of Denia have forced UNT to spend more money (500,000 out of 90 million) and supply slightly better access. I think it's a good thing.

It's a possibility. You drive the van and I'll knock them out.

I honestly hope the UNT culture is changing, but the overriding discussion here is about money. Unfortunately, this may one of the worst times in UNT's history to look for funding. ARG! Times are really getting tough all over. http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/texas-colleges-universities-bracing-for-deep-budget-cuts-1047820.html?viewAsSinglePage=true&sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cfe87cf3b744b26%2C0

Sheesh...I thought GA's were picked by the department or the coaches. Are there really "up and coming" GA's that are sought after? Wow, I had no idea.

I wonder if the dancers think the same thing about the playcalling.

Excellent idea. Isn't technology fun?

Now that's a bold statement!

This should be a real concern. Fran could easily use UNT as a "golden parachute." We do no need that kind of coach!

Of course, you're correct, but wouldn't it be nice if the HC wasn't a "CEO," but the type of guy who get in trenches with his players and fans? The kind of HC that has the energy to be involved on every level. Isn't that what UNT, at this point, really needs? A CEO is great at established programs like UT and OU, but maybe UNT needs a hungry coach who knows the names of all his players, knows the active alumni, knows the history of UNT football, gives interviews to any who will listen, visits gomeangreen, etc. Someone who NEEDS to win personally and will do anything to achieve that. I kind of like Fran though...

Of course, it's Blue who's the first to read this.

Sheesh...Fran is almost 60. Don't you folks think that UNT needs some youthful energy? This is gonna be a tough job that will require late and long hours (if the coach cares and is not just adding to his pension). I'm not implying that a 60 yr old can't manage this, but age maybe should be a factor.

In regards to the hiring of Mr. Neinas being a (hopeful?) indication that Canales will not be hired . . . let me throw this out there. Maybe Neinas was hired under a "due diligence" mandate. In other words, the administration may already have someone that they want to hire (Canales at a bargain price?)and have hired Neinas because it's the politically correct thing to do. This kind of thing happens during hiring faculty everyday at UNT. The administration must show that they tried their best to find the right person, but ultimately decide on a local hire. Any thoughts?

I didn't miss the "report." In my experience, reports can be overly optimistic or ill-informed. Especially in this case where there's so much emotion involved. Considering the administrative chaos that UNT is undergoing (believe I know this to be true), until we know for sure what UNT is offering we should be very cautiously optimistic. In regards to your second point, I couldn't agree more, but the same was true five years ago and look who was hired. It's a money thing. Dang it! How do you folks get those snazzy grey/quote boxes!!! Curse the mysteries of technology.

Considering the economy, these numbers are far more important to the coaching search than the opinions of students, faculty, fans, or alumni. Folks, we're talking a ton of money in an era where state support is declining yearly. Please keep this in mind when considering a "national" or "big name" hire. I'm pulling for a big name, but it just doesn't seem likely. Big coaches demand big money and I don't think UNT is in a big money position. We gambled on Dodge, not necessarily because of his HS success, but because he was cheap and had potential (I admit it). Today, the economy (including state funding) is even worse. I hate to say it, but I think UNT may have to gamble again.

yyz28, I understand and respect your passion, but the current student body is THE alumni of the future. Believe me, alumni are essential to any athletic program, especially football. Every successful football program in America has an involved and "deep pocketed" alumni association. UNT has made huge gains in involving their alumni, but they have a long way to go. There is a relationship between the football program and the students. To simply yell "screw the students!" may be shortsighted and endanger the future of the program. By the way, I didn't mean to infer that UNT will not pay their HC (and assistants) millions of dollars because of bad press or bitching students. I argue that...the money is simply not there.

According to all-knowing Wikipedia, Leavitt was making well over a million dollars a year at USF. It would be great to have him at UNT, but I suspect he would be reluctant to take such a large pay cut. He may be attracted to the challenge and potential, but sometimes those elements are simply not enough. In this economy, with a stadium not paid off yet, a hiring freeze, and a souring student body, I can't imagine UNT offering any HC a million dollar or even a half million dollar salary. The press attention alone would be terrible. Let's not even talk about the student reaction. . .

My wife and I have recently begun attending home UNT football games (maybe not the best time to get involved though). We want to begin tailgating before the games. What parking lots are best for people watching, food and drink? I know there are some experienced tailgaters on this forum and I would appreciate some tips from the veterans. UNT doesn't do a very good job in describing what lots are best. Thanks!