A plea to Mean Green Nation

[UNTstormchaser 253]

Hey everybody, let me introduce myself as I am new to gomeangreen.com. My name is Chris, I'm going to be starting my sophomore year at UNT this fall. I am originally from Rhode Island, and a relocated family member allowed me the opportunity to open a new chapter in my life in our fine state of Texas. I am a Geography major, and, as you can guess from my presence on this site, an avid UNT sports fan. I may be new to Mean Green Nation, but that doesn't mean I'm not every bit as passionate a fan as the rest of you, young and old a like. I was there for the opening of Apogee, I was there in Hot Springs this year, and I'll make damn sure I am front row at the 50 in the student section for all the football games for the rest of my time as a student here, and I'll attending every home basketball game and traveling with my fellow students up to Hot Springs this year and El Paso (providing there is a student bus, which is iffy given the distance) the following year for our conference tournaments. I'm currently parading myself around Rhode Island this summer sporting my Mean Green gear proudly, as I see others wearing bandwagon clothing (UCONN, Boston College, even occasionally Texas...). Anyways, enough mindless ego stroking, I have a point to make.

While I am very new to gomeangreen.com, I have spent the last couple weeks reading through this site's forums as a guest, and I've noticed an interesting trend. No matter what the original topic, a large amount of the threads result in stupid bickering; people here seem to hold grudges against each other and it results in unnecessary arguments. I may be new to being a part of this wonderful school and fan base, and may not know the history of our sports teams like a lot of you do, but there is one thing I absolutely know. This is a special, special time to be a part of this university, both athletically and academically. I want everyone I know to be a part of this great time. I am incredibly excited for the upcoming football and basketball seasons, I truly feel that both are going to be incredible this year. But, as a fan base, instead of bickering over pointless things, why can't we join together, and be one? Of course, people have differing opinions over things, and this is the internet, so having arguments or disputes over things are inevitable, but there is a difference between having a constructive disagreement with a fellow fan and having a stupid, petty argument that gets nobody anywhere.

Just to clarify, it isn't just this website that I see this trend on. On facebook, there is a page called "Fill Apogee"; the point of the group is to try to get the word out to as many people as humanly possible to try to sell out the home opener. The link of the group will be listed below, for those who are interested in joining. But, even on that group, which is filled with mostly students, petty arguments broke out over whether Texas Southern was a weak team to have for our home opener (not necessarily referring to the team's talent level, but more of weak on our end that that is the best we can schedule), and whether or not FCS is considered D1 or not. This is not only stupid, and irrelevant, but it's also counterproductive. Even if that logic applied (which obviously it doesn't, as anyone who follows college football will understand), the point isn't who we are playing, it is that we are playing. We should go out and support our team 100%, no matter the opponent, and pointless bickering over stupid stuff isn't going to accomplish that goal. Anyways, what ended up happening was a couple players stepped in and commented, Mason Y'Barbo, and none other than Derek Thompson. And I will post what they said.

Y'Barbo: All I ask is yalls support. This is going to be a monumental season for us and i want you all to experience it with us. No need for the back and forth name calling and arguing ( though it is amusing). Just please be behind us 100% as one.

Thompson: Yall dont really understand how much we feed off of our fans when we step on the field at Apogee. We need this place rockin every time we hit the field! I promise we will put a team out there that will do special things this year. All we ask is that when a home game comes around, that teams never forget the atmosphere at Apogee. Its such a psychological advantage! Hope to see everyone out there this year. Go Mean Green!

After these guys commented, the bickering stopped, which is not surprising. And they're right. This is a special team, and it's going to be a special year. If we all put ourselves 100% behind these guys, and believe in them even when times are tough, I really think we can make a bowl game this year. We're going to shock some people in conference play, much like WKU did last year. Same thing with the basketball team, it's really going to be a special year. Especially now with TJ Taylor apparently added, this is really a team that can be top 25, or higher. Who knows, maybe this can be our Butler year? Anything is possible. We have a star. We have a returning supporting cast. We have a new very talented addition. And most of all, they believe they can do it. Just look at the twitter feed from these guys, they believe that they can be the best. Chris Jones seems to think he'll be in the NBA Draft next year. While that is probably silly and not going to happen, these guys have confidence coming into this year. And they have us to back them.

So, this is my plea. My plea to North Texas fans everywhere, but starting with you guys. We are one, we stand for the same thing, root for the same team. We are on the same team. Let's fill Apogee. Let's get to a bowl game. Hell, let's win the damn conference, in both sports. Let's make a run in the NCAA Tournament. Let's help Tony win National Player of the Year, and be drafted Top 5. Let's do this, together.

We are North Texas, Go Mean Green.

[adman 1,819]

Im happy we're opening against Texas Southern. Great way to get all the cylinders firing in time.

NORTH versus SOUTH!

Welcome aboard Stormchaser. Where in Rhode Island? I've spent a healthy amount of time in Providence and Pawtuckett.

[glick1980 1,242]

I think the more time you spend here you will see that the bickering is mostly jokingly so, but sometimes genuinly bickering. Welcome!

[UNTstormchaser 253]

Im happy we're opening against Texas Southern. Great way to get all the cylinders firing in time.

NORTH versus SOUTH!

Welcome aboard Stormchaser. Where in Rhode Island? I've spent a healthy amount of time in Providence and Pawtuckett.

I thought the same thing when I saw TSU was our opening game. I was born and raised in Cumberland, all 18 years here in RI were spent there. But since it borders Pawtucket I've been there hundreds of times, usually to go to a Pawtucket Red Sox game. And of course, I've been to Providence countless times as well.

[UNTstormchaser 253]

On a side note, I need a much smaller signature picture. That thing is humongous. I'll be changing that in a moment.

[risinggreen 808]

Becoming a kinder and gentler Mean Green Nation message board probably ain't gonna happen.anytime soon. As another poster indicated, I think the vast majority of it is in jest anyway. Sometimes it can actually be a bit entertaining. Welcome aboard regardless.

[UNTstormchaser 253]

Becoming a kinder and gentler Mean Green Nation message board probably ain't gonna happen.anytime soon. As another poster indicated, I think the vast majority of it is in jest anyway. Sometimes it can actually be a bit entertaining. Welcome aboard regardless.

Kind and gentle isn't necessarily what I'm pulling for, just an end to unnecessary stupidity and bickering. I can tell from contextual clues on the older posts when things are done in a joking manner, but it seemed that there are many examples of threads going to shit because of unnecessary, and often irrelevant, bickering. And it can be entertaining, but it also can be counterproductive. A disagreement where people present points and aren't arguing for the sake of arguing is a wonderful thing.

[NM Green 2,068]

Well when the team hits the field it is funny how all the summer negative chatter disappears. All we ask is that our teams are well prepared, that they play hard and that the fans do their part. It truly is a simple recipe and despite the look of it at times, this is going to be an exciting and memorable year! Heading to the most memorable tailgate I have ever witnessed in Baton Rouge. It will be fun to be the dot of green in the Tiger land.

GMG

[cdizzle86 2,475]

Great first post. Welcome aboard!

I, for one, am very excited to not only see how much our team can improve off of last season, but how our student and alumni base turn out and support Mean Green athletics.

Go Mean Green!

[UNTLifer 19,831]

Welcome to North Texas. Great post, but as most have noted, this is mainly in jest but mostly just the result of summer boredom. Will look forward to meeting you in the future.

[TheRiojas_AD 72]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for being candid and feel free to chime in to give us a current student perspective.

[NT91 79]

Texas Northern vs Texas Southern

[UNT 90 Grad 9,039]

I'm tempted to bicker about people bickering about bickering, but I'll fight that temptation. Welcome aboard! And who you callin' old!

[THOR 4,612]

make sure to swing by our tailgates for some brew!!! we always have plenty!!!

[THOR 4,612]

Texas Northern vs Texas Southern

don't like that...i prefer NORTH TEXAS v SOUTH TEXAS

we don't need to change our name for anyone!!!

[Proud North Texan 215]

A wonderful post from a wonderful hard core fan!!

Go Mean Green

[UNTstormchaser 253]

Well when the team hits the field it is funny how all the summer negative chatter disappears. All we ask is that our teams are well prepared, that they play hard and that the fans do their part. It truly is a simple recipe and despite the look of it at times, this is going to be an exciting and memorable year! Heading to the most memorable tailgate I have ever witnessed in Baton Rouge. It will be fun to be the dot of green in the Tiger land.

GMG

I was really hoping I'd be able to make it to the LSU game, but on a student budget, having to spend that much on gas and a hotel for the night is just too much ): there's an outside chance that I'll have to head down to Austin that weekend anyways, but even if I don't the cash factor and the fact that classes will have just started make it a tough pill to swallow. I'll be at my aunt's watching on ESPNU though. I hope a bunch of people make it down there though, let them Tigers know we are legit and have legit fans!

Welcome aboard! Thanks for being candid and feel free to chime in to give us a current student perspective.

Thanks! I'll be glad to give a student perspective on things throughout the year, and into the future. I'm hoping it gets better than last year. There's such a big divide in opinion about the sports teams, some people are hardcore, and some are hardcore against going. I've actually been flamed by another student big time for calling it pathetic how Michigan can get 100,000 people to their games, and there is a student ticket waiting list despite the fact they have to pay to get in, and they got upset at me and told me I was too crazy about football (no such thing) and that not everyone likes football and I should respect that (what?). Oh well, it'll change in time. If we win, they will come. There are a lot of people that just couldn't care either way, and those are the people I try to sway.

I'm tempted to bicker about people bickering about bickering, but I'll fight that temptation. Welcome aboard! And who you callin' old!

It is a tough urge to fight! Haha. It's cool to see alumni from your era and even much farther back on this site. I know someday I'll be that guy supporting the living hell out of UNT (and wherever I end up for grad school) sports despite the fact that it's been 20, 30, 40 years since I graduated.

make sure to swing by our tailgates for some brew!!! we always have plenty!!!

I will gladly take you up on that offer! Last year I just sat outside the gate bored for a couple hours before gametime to ensure I got front row at the 50 on the student side.

Cheers everybody!

[SilverEagle 5,156]

OK Stormchaser, time for a quiz.

1. Where did the nickname "Mean Green" come from?

2. Everyone knows about Joe Greene, but who is the "other" great defensive lineman from North Texas ?

BTW, I'm delighted that you are with the Mean Green nation. I hope you are one of many thousands of new fans at North Texas.

[CaribbeanGreen 1,772]

We've been needing a new hurricane expert on these boards for a while now. This seems perfect.

[UNTcrazy727 2,307]

I was really hoping I'd be able to make it to the LSU game, but on a student budget, having to spend that much on gas and a hotel for the night is just too much ): there's an outside chance that I'll have to head down to Austin that weekend anyways, but even if I don't the cash factor and the fact that classes will have just started make it a tough pill to swallow. I'll be at my aunt's watching on ESPNU though. I hope a bunch of people make it down there though, let them Tigers know we are legit and have legit fans!

Thanks! I'll be glad to give a student perspective on things throughout the year, and into the future. I'm hoping it gets better than last year. There's such a big divide in opinion about the sports teams, some people are hardcore, and some are hardcore against going. I've actually been flamed by another student big time for calling it pathetic how Michigan can get 100,000 people to their games, and there is a student ticket waiting list despite the fact they have to pay to get in, and they got upset at me and told me I was too crazy about football (no such thing) and that not everyone likes football and I should respect that (what?). Oh well, it'll change in time. If we win, they will come. There are a lot of people that just couldn't care either way, and those are the people I try to sway.

It is a tough urge to fight! Haha. It's cool to see alumni from your era and even much farther back on this site. I know someday I'll be that guy supporting the living hell out of UNT (and wherever I end up for grad school) sports despite the fact that it's been 20, 30, 40 years since I graduated.

I will gladly take you up on that offer! Last year I just sat outside the gate bored for a couple hours before gametime to ensure I got front row at the 50 on the student side.

Cheers everybody!

How do you manage to squeeze by the Talons? My group usually blows them off when they tell us they have the first two rows "reserved." About half of them are gone by the 2nd half anyways. Some spirit group...

[UNTstormchaser 253]

OK Stormchaser, time for a quiz.

1. Where did the nickname "Mean Green" come from?

2. Everyone knows about Joe Greene, but who is the "other" great defensive lineman from North Texas ?

BTW, I'm delighted that you are with the Mean Green nation. I hope you are one of many thousands of new fans at North Texas.

1. I'm not 100% sure, but wasn't it that Mean Green was the nickname for our stout defense back in the day (60s? 70s?), and it just kind of caught on and was applied to the whole team?

2. Off the top of my head, I do not know. Please enlighten me good sir.

I'm still learning the Mean Green history haha, as I said before I'm not from the area so I knew next to nothing about the school's sports before coming here. GMG

We've been needing a new hurricane expert on these boards for a while now. This seems perfect.

Haha, severe weather is my expertise, but becoming a research meteorologist of some kind (a storm chaser would be perfect...imagine getting paid to do that!) is my ultimate career goal.

How do you manage to squeeze by the Talons? My group usually blows them off when they tell us they have the first two rows "reserved." About half of them are gone by the 2nd half anyways. Some spirit group...

I show up really early and am first in line at the gate usually haha. If anyone tries to tell me to move I summon Thor to strike them down.

[Censored by Laurie 9,962]

1. Please tie your thoughts on helmet stickers, the 2-3 zone and gas prices into one, concise sentence.

2. What current member of the Mean Green nation would you take a bullet for?

3. What, um...do you like this gig?

[MeanGreenTexan 20,877]

1. I'm not 100% sure, but wasn't it that Mean Green was the nickname for our stout defense back in the day (60s? 70s?), and it just kind of caught on and was applied to the whole team?

2. Off the top of my head, I do not know. Please enlighten me good sir.

I'm still learning the Mean Green history haha, as I said before I'm not from the area so I knew next to nothing about the school's sports before coming here. GMG

...

Hint: Check out my avatar. Best FB player I've ever seen wear Green with my own eyes.

[SilverEagle 5,156]

1. I'm not 100% sure, but wasn't it that Mean Green was the nickname for our stout defense back in the day (60s? 70s?), and it just kind of caught on and was applied to the whole team?

2. Off the top of my head, I do not know. Please enlighten me good sir.

I'm still learning the Mean Green history haha, as I said before I'm not from the area so I knew next to nothing about the school's sports before coming here. GMG

Haha, severe weather is my expertise, but becoming a research meteorologist of some kind (a storm chaser would be perfect...imagine getting paid to do that!) is my ultimate career goal.

I show up really early and am first in line at the gate usually haha. If anyone tries to tell me to move I summon Thor to strike them down.

#1

Mean Green Nickname

There are many spoken origins to the name "Mean Green." The oldest written source comes from a 1967 Dallas Morning News article by Randy Galloway entitled "MEAN GREEN ON THE LOOSE! Defense Swallows Foes For NTSU."

The article features defensive players; James "steals kids' candy" Ivy, Lindy "cheats at marbles" Endsley, Joe "kicks puppies" Greene, Ret "slugs old ladies" Little, Charles "the hatchet" Beatty, Henry "tears up dolls" Holland, Bob "likes to let air out of wheel chair tires" Tucker.

The article describes that around campus, the "Mean Green" phrase originated from Sidney Graham, wife of the Eagles' sports information director in 1966 and soon became a second nickname.

One of these players found additional fame in the NFL. "Mean" Joe Greene went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. Greene is arguably the most dominant defensive lineman to ever play in the NFL and was the cornerstone of the famous "Steel Curtain" defense. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a four-time Super Bowl champion.

#2... Cedrick Hardman, DE, who graduated a year after Joe Greene. Hardman was all-pro in 1971 and 1975. His sack total at SF was 121........Charles Haley of the Dallas Cowboys (and 49rs) had only 100.

http://en.wikipedia....Cedrick_Hardman

Edited July 30, 2012 by SilverEagle

[MeanGreenTexan 20,877]

#1

Mean Green Nickname

There are many spoken origins to the name "Mean Green." The oldest written source comes from a 1967 Dallas Morning News article by Randy Galloway entitled "MEAN GREEN ON THE LOOSE! Defense Swallows Foes For NTSU."

The article features defensive players; James "steals kids' candy" Ivy, Lindy "cheats at marbles" Endsley, Joe "kicks puppies" Greene, Ret "slugs old ladies" Little, Charles "the hatchet" Beatty, Henry "tears up dolls" Holland, Bob "likes to let air out of wheel chair tires" Tucker.

The article describes that around campus, the "Mean Green" phrase originated from Sidney Graham, wife of the Eagles' sports information director in 1966 and soon became a second nickname.

One of these players found additional fame in the NFL. "Mean" Joe Greene went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. Greene is arguably the most dominant defensive lineman to ever play in the NFL and was the cornerstone of the famous "Steel Curtain" defense. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a four-time Super Bowl champion.

#2... Cedrick Hardman, DE, who graduated a year after Joe Greene. Hardman was all-pro in 1971 and 1975. His total sack total at SF was 121........Charles Haley of the Dallas Cowboys (and 49rs) had only 100.

http://en.wikipedia....Cedrick_Hardman

OOps! Should have known an old-timer was looking for another 60's - 70's player. I suppose you can't say "the" other in this situation...