Revive Bill Blakeley phenom eta ?

[cogido]

In UNT Coach Bill Blakeley's days (70s) I remember when the Super Pit was FULL, not a third filled at best like today. I remember when we went to Dallas and beat smu and brought a full house of fans to the game ! smu was pissed. I remember Stan Blackman and Scooter , fantastic hard driven players. Why can't we get out of this slow moving ,mortifying, period. I know everyone is working hard, but history tells us that it CAN HAPPEN AT UNT. It isn't happening now. UNT has all the economic and infrastructure attributes to be able to dominate north Texas regional athletics. We get a RIGHT FORMULA for a couple of seasons and then plunge off the map for years. I have been to Austin , talked with the Governor on UNT and non UNT business, know our state reps, BUT ... I can't get it done by my self. Get busy guys! REALLY ! They listen to their constituency. SUPPORT UNT , pick up your phone or e mail , show some fan-constituent support !!!

I'm getting old. HELP!!! Love my UNT.

[Mean Green Matt]

Just for the record, the super pit has only actually been full once, and has only had +/- 7,000 or so about 10 times (for NT basketball).

I do agree there is potential to fill the arena. Consistent winning is how that is going to happen. It's going to take more than just CUSA wins though.

[drex]

Blakeley will never be repeated. He was a showman who understood that the people wanted to be entertained. All coaches now are way too button down to ever do what Blakeley did....hold his nose to refs over bad calls, pray on the sideline, throw off his coat at the right moment, have a theme on the back of his chair for each season, have players who would throw the ball the full length of the court as a designed play, and many many other fun moments. Winning helps, but we must understand that there is great competition for the entertainment dollar in this market.

[GreenGonzo]

I attended that game at Moody. Must have been 1976 or somewhere around that time. SMU had a huge lead, and we came back and beat them. There was a large contingent of UNT (NTSU fans) present that night. It was awesome! Those were the fun days for sure.

[KRAM1]

Blakeley will never be repeated. He was a showman who understood that the people wanted to be entertained. All coaches now are way too button down to ever do what Blakeley did....hold his nose to refs over bad calls, pray on the sideline, throw off his coat at the right moment, have a theme on the back of his chair for each season, have players who would throw the ball the full length of the court as a designed play, and many many other fun moments. Winning helps, but we must understand that there is great competition for the entertainment dollar in this market.

So very much fun being a season ticket holder and watching those Blakeley years. Anticipation built each year prior to the season to see what the slogan would be on the back of the chairs for the year. That was back in the day when the home bench was located where the visitor bench is today. Great fun times in the Super Pit. Thanks for the memories Coach Blakeley.

[cogido]

It all came from Hayden Fry who was head coach AND athletic director.

Rick V., YOU have to make it happen. Please do it.

[drex]

I know it's easy to get all sentimental and misty eyed about the past, but the Fry era was a good one at North Texas.

[greenminer]

Blakeley's tenure was under Fry? Did Hayden hire him, and what other hires/fires did Fry make?

[cogido]

Fry left before he had to make any changes as I recall. But, when Hayden looked at you in the eyes, as he did me, and said "we are going to win"...we won ! I know, I know... But it happened. I have some Odus Mitchell and Rod Rust memories too, but that's just old timer history.I am all for Coach Mac, love that Irish fighting spirit, and would love to see Benford get a winning season but don't know.. Go Mean Green !!!!

[drex]

Fry hired Blakeley. As to other coaches, I'm not sure.