Unbelievable, the program is leaps and bounds ahead of anywhere anyone would have imagined a few years ago, yet you are complaining about the schedule. As for the schedule, Spanky I respect your opinion, and I too would like to see better teams on it. My God it is not as easy as you make it sound. The best way to help make this all possible is by everyone getting their butts in the seats and having faith in the players, coaching staff and athetic department. Yes in time it can come, but there is so much we as fans do not know behind the scenes. Hell, Gonzaga has worked over a decade to be where they are at now. Meanwhile we are in year 3. That is a big difference. Another difference maker is the atmosphere for home games with factors such as sellout crowds (not just when MSU or a big boy is in town). The atmosphere is improving each game and the U is working hard at it. Fact is the students need to be more accomodated for that atmosphere. The elite programs, including Gonzaga have their fans constantly standing, making noise, etc. Example have the atmosphere of a Griz football game, by the way the funnest gameday in all the nation I feel. Myself, I want to be constantly standing, yelling, cheering etc at basketball games, but when a group gets into it there is always the few that say "sit down we cannot see the game." (ARGH, go get your asses up in the boonies, if you cannot or will not cheer the team on!) I understand having to cater to boosters as well. Honestly to God, how often do you see 1/2 those prime seats empty? Way too often. The griz had a great idea in the 8 minute dash, yet that was put to an end because of boosters complaining, many of which would not show up for games. We as fans need to either get our butts their and be loud or give the courtside seats back to the students who have the energy to cheer and be loud. To me as a fan, that is what college basketball is all about. Ask any player, guy or girl, fan interaction makes a world of difference. By the way, Spanky, "How many games have you been to the last 2 years?" When you are there do just sit there or do you encourage and cheer these guys on? Have you taken the time to personally get to know the players, coaching staff, or Jim O'day? If not, you should. Just maybe you will learn they too want what you want, but unfortunately it is not as easy as you think. Unfortunately for them they are in the spotlight. How would you feel if Tinkle or O'day would start nit picking you at your job, which they nothing about? Myself, I am proud of this program and where it is going. I also am happy to know the coaches, players, and everyone behind the scenes. It is also nice to know we finally have an AD that wants all programs to succeed and puts basketball on the same level as football. Since O'day taking over we are getting coaches that bleed Grizzly Blood, which in turn gets players that now give it their all as well. A few years back the players had lousy attitudes and were me players that would not bust their butts. Now, we have players that bust their butts and play together. As for the schedule, give this time. If by year 5 we still are not playing better teams, then you have more right to bitch. Only if your butt is at every game cheering them on. If not, you have no right to complain. Have some faith would you and appreciate what we have in mens basketball now. GO GRIZ!
