Question for insiders?

[Wildman 4]

Hauck use to visit PR's box the night before home games after the team's final walk through. Hauck would give a little insight on the game plan. He didn't go into detail, but would more or less give a report like Brint does. He always had some funny story and was very engaging. My favorite was Bobby talking about his wife being in the hospital the week before and how he came to realize what was really important in life and that important thing was to "Kick the cats ass"

I categorically deny that Hauck used to come up to the box after Friday practices for several years (to mingle and do mini-qb club sessions), I knew Hauck or any coaches, I ever talked to Hauck or any coaches, or I am an insider in any respect. Everything I know about Griz football is from egriz.

So does Bobby!

Bobby gets his info on Griz football from egriz too? Wow, never knew that. Bobby's son is a senior and getting some recruiting interest, don't think the Griz. Bobby and son were at the CP game, I believe.

You misunderstood. He denies he came to your box

 

[NorthEndZoneDan]

I dunno about college coaches. but I've been coaching little league for 20 some years and i can tell you fans definitely want to tell me what the hell I'm doing wrong. every game.

 

[PlayerRep]

I categorically deny that Hauck used to come up to the box after Friday practices for several years (to mingle and do mini-qb club sessions), I knew Hauck or any coaches, I ever talked to Hauck or any coaches, or I am an insider in any respect. Everything I know about Griz football is from egriz.

So does Bobby!

Bobby gets his info on Griz football from egriz too? Wow, never knew that. Bobby's son is a senior and getting some recruiting interest, don't think the Griz. Bobby and son were at the CP game, I believe.

You misunderstood. He denies he came to your box

Haha. Besides Native, Brint used to come of some of our Friday afternoon events at the box.
Can't recall if Titleist ever came. They were fun. Bobby, who was usually uptight earlier in the week, would usually be surprisingly relaxed by then.

 

[UMGriz75]

Do some fans really try to talk shop with college coaches? Do they really think they are getting deep inside information? I really don't know I have never talked to a coach.

From a coach's perspective, among the horrible things on the planet is the "knowledgeable fan" 1) who really wants to feel like he's on the inside and pesters for information, 2) has suggestions for players, plays or strategies, 3) let's you know whose fault it is for the loss, or 4) is some kid's parent who can't understand why their kid is not getting the special attention he deserves. Among the great positives is, "hey, thanks Coach!"

When Jim Searles passed a couple of months ago, I related on egriz that I had coached his son many years ago in college and had passed along the story about meeting Jim for the first time, relating that he hadn't even mentioned being a player for the Griz while we were discussing his son's athletic performance down in Bozeman at an event. As I mentioned, he was all about his son that day and didn't need to impress me with his sport credentials. Without knowing Jim well, that told me something about him later on when I found out he had been a "Griz."

I didn't mention on that post that I hadn't talked to his son in a number of years but had gotten ahold of him to express my condolences about his Dad passing. He replied thanking me for thinking of him, and with a very nice comment about myself being a "mentor" to him ever since high school, focused of course around being his coach, how much it had meant to him, and how important it had been for him during a difficult time in his life.

It kind of took me by surprise, but it was also a nice "thank you" of the kind that gratifies old coaches and makes these things worth while. As Mick Delaney would tell you, "it's all about the kids."

 

[Wildman 4]

So does Bobby!

Bobby gets his info on Griz football from egriz too? Wow, never knew that. Bobby's son is a senior and getting some recruiting interest, don't think the Griz. Bobby and son were at the CP game, I believe.

You misunderstood. He denies he came to your box

Haha. Besides Native, Brint used to come of some of our Friday afternoon events at the box.
Can't recall if Titleist ever came. They were fun. Bobby, who was usually uptight earlier in the week, would usually be surprisingly relaxed by then.

Jeez, sorry, I thought I was agreeing with you when you said he didn't come to the box. But you're the lawyer, so I apologize, guess I was wrong. Wait, so which is it?

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

Everything I know about Griz football is from egriz.

And everything he knows about women is from xxxgirls.com

 

[UMGriz75]

As I noted elsewhere, I think it is more common that you think. I think most boosters are pretty smart not to bring up stuff, but there are those chosen few that can't get the social etiquette thing right.

There's a certain kind of personality that just can't believe that they aren't the single person that you really need to talk to about the sport (or any other of life's endeavors). And at any time of day, at any place you happen to be at.

For coaches in small towns with high profile programs, there is that select few that believe you really, really want/need to talk to THEM! NOW! It really is a social etiquette thing, but that select few really turns these jobs into 24/7 ordeals. It's one reason that I think that coaches like Bob Stitt in programs like Montana's in a place like Missoula don't get paid enough. That being said, I do think that Montana fans, by and large, appreciate and respect the coaches in terms of personal interaction.

At one time, I enjoyed being in the thick of things, but at some point, having time at home, with the family and friends, weekends free to fish or hike (or watch the game on TV), made giving up the coaching end of things on a day-to-day basis a relief and a blessing.

For football, I'm at the point where there's usually a player or two that I know their Dad's (or Grandad's as the case may be) from college days, or through professional affiliations, and that's a chance to strike up old friendships and then its fun to talk about the "insider" stuff since the Players themselves are as "inside" as it gets, and no harm done because it usually doesn't leave the living room (or bar, as that case may be).

 

[BWahlberg]

Do some fans really try to talk shop with college coaches? Do they really think they are getting deep inside information? I really don't know I have never talked to a coach. I just can't see myself asking coaches questions about the team nor can I see them really wanting to talk shop with a fan. I would assume even the qb club meetings are pretty vanilla?
Not trying to stir pot with this post just very curious. I have lived away from a college town for 20+ years so I really don't know how things work with big donors and qb club members. I also don't know college coaches and how they interact with the public or how much they divulge and to whom. I assume it varies with different coaches.

QB Club is fun, we just had our morning meeting today. It goes from 7:15 - 8pm. It breaks down as follows:

- You hear from 2 player guests, usually 1 on offense and 1 on defense.
- Stitt recaps last weeks offense and then previews some plans for the upcoming game
- Semore recaps last weeks defense and then previews some plans for the upcoming game
- Quick Q&A

Additionally as a QB Club member I can go to spring or fall camp practices (but can't share info on it publicly) and I think regular practices, but I'm not sure there. They also held a spring/summer meeting which was fun.

That's the base level of stuff, there's higher tiers of QB Club (based on donation) that gets you a coat and then even higher stuff that gets sideline passes for a game and even travel on a team charter.

The info at the QB club isn't "vanilla" I don't think. You get a ton of info from the coaches, Stitt and Semore are doing it better than prior coaches too. Just hearing them talk and explain what to look for and how things unfold is really fun. I'd venture a guess that what they share with us most recent former players and most all current coaches would recognize as well on film.

There's a certain level of stuff that isn't discussed, like injuries. Also in the group setting I've never seen a booster direct any coach on what they "should" or "shouldn't" do. I'd suspect there might be some people that would attempt to pull a coach aside and suggest it, but I've never seen it personally.

 

[BWahlberg]

I'd add this;

Hearing Semore talk at QB Club is worth the price of admission. Chatted with another guy today that we could listen to him break down his defense for hours.

And before this year, hearing Gregorak in spring and fall camp was worth the price of admission, wildly entertaining stuff from him.

 

[ari gold]

Do some fans really try to talk shop with college coaches? Do they really think they are getting deep inside information? I really don't know I have never talked to a coach. I just can't see myself asking coaches questions about the team nor can I see them really wanting to talk shop with a fan. I would assume even the qb club meetings are pretty vanilla?
Not trying to stir pot with this post just very curious. I have lived away from a college town for 20+ years so I really don't know how things work with big donors and qb club members. I also don't know college coaches and how they interact with the public or how much they divulge and to whom. I assume it varies with different coaches.

The info at the QB club isn't "vanilla" I don't think. You get a ton of info from the coaches, Stitt and Semore are doing it better than prior coaches too. Just hearing them talk and explain what to look for and how things unfold is really fun. I'd venture a guess that what they share with us most recent former players and most all current coaches would recognize as well on film.

I couldn't agree more. Stitt and Semore have taken this part of QB Club to a new level, and I have to say I think I have enjoyed listening to Coach Semore more than anyone past or present. That being said, I have only been going for the past 6-7 years and cant speak for times before that. Never thought I would be as interested in a defensive game plan until Semore came along. Really good stuff.

 

[BWahlberg]

Do some fans really try to talk shop with college coaches? Do they really think they are getting deep inside information? I really don't know I have never talked to a coach. I just can't see myself asking coaches questions about the team nor can I see them really wanting to talk shop with a fan. I would assume even the qb club meetings are pretty vanilla?
Not trying to stir pot with this post just very curious. I have lived away from a college town for 20+ years so I really don't know how things work with big donors and qb club members. I also don't know college coaches and how they interact with the public or how much they divulge and to whom. I assume it varies with different coaches.

The info at the QB club isn't "vanilla" I don't think. You get a ton of info from the coaches, Stitt and Semore are doing it better than prior coaches too. Just hearing them talk and explain what to look for and how things unfold is really fun. I'd venture a guess that what they share with us most recent former players and most all current coaches would recognize as well on film.

I couldn't agree more. Stitt and Semore have taken this part of QB Club to a new level, and I have to say I think I have enjoyed listening to Coach Semore more than anyone past or present. That being said, I have only been going for the past 6-7 years and cant speak for times before that. Never thought I would be as interested in a defensive game plan until Semore came along. Really good stuff.

I've heard a lot from Hauck - he was good. A few from Pflu... meh. Joined when Delaney was coach. Those were good conversations because Mick is a real personable kind of guy. However the X's and O's with Stitt and Semore make these current meetings the very best.

 

[kyle_sample]

It varies. Coaches in high profile positions have to be very careful and what they say to donors is pretty much what they say at pressers. Over coffee with other coaches, a little different. A coach, being polite to a fan, isn't going to be saying anything he hasn't said publicly.

A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny." And even staff can fumble the message, as with last year when the names of cut players had been identified before Stitt had a chance to meet with them. A big embarrassment and although the "media" was publicly and angrily blamed, the info came from staff.

The underlying problem is that coaches are constantly engaged in "spin." Their livelihood depends not just on their record, but public perception. So, every word has a "public relations" purpose.

But, what they say publicly is often enough revealing as to what and who they are. Stitt has done and said some things that some could see as inappropriate, but he's never been at this level of public attention. Choate? Well, golly. Understanding that a first time head coach at this level has a learning curve, he's been "out there" on some of his remarks. He's not able to "hear" how he sounds to the media and to the public. And that's a program problem because if that's what he says in public, he's probably a train wreck talking to anybody that will listen.

The best sources of genuine "information?" Former and current players. In any sport.

This "A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny."" is complete bullshit. If you're a good reporter you can absolutely get the "skinny"

 

[fanofzoo]

How much to join the QB club?

 

[fanofzoo]

Such a gauche way of asking they probably don't want me.

 

[UMGriz75]

This "A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny."" is complete bullshit. If you're a good reporter you can absolutely get the "skinny"

Careful with the "complete bullshit" talk there junior. I just sent in my $90 to read your stuff, but I can still cancel. I'm not here to insult you, and you can zip the tough talk in that regard. As a former sports reporter and sports editor, I know exactly how it works, and likely better than you do.

There are some things you might know, but can't "report" because you will lose your source. So, you're worthless in your job. It's also a matter of different experience that there is nothing to be gained by saying anything to you or anybody else that would damage the speaker or the program if it "got out," so experience says: "why say it in the first place?"

Last year, I made the gentle suggestion to you that, as a reporter, you might get information about Stitt's precise payout last year, because he was required to file a report with the President's Office, for instance. Go over and ask to see it, I advised. Other reporters do it. You didn't because you didn't want to offend your source.

You may think you can get the "skinny." Good for you. I find players are a good source. But a coach is not going jeopardize his positive public relations by telling you anything meaningful or damaging "off the record" simply because there is nothing to gain from it. Jud Heathcote was great for "confiding" inside information, "now, don't tell anybody," and make you feel all good and important, then you'd find out later that everybody knew it. It was funny in Jud's unique way.

In my career in Journalism, ending at the Managing Editor position, I found that young sports reporters were a gullible lot. They generally reported sports because they loved sports. They wrote free press releases for the Athletic Department. Nothing wrong with that. It's exciting to cover, and some fine writing can come out of it. But, they were incapable of true journalism, investigative journalism, and so those assignments always went to other reporters. And by "incapable" I mean it was structurally nearly impossible and that was just practicality; as one hapless journalist and publication found out from Bobby Hauck. Offend the coach: you're out of the loop. Ask your boss about publishing "insider" information about the "Coach's actions" and the nice things that then happen to you at press conferences.

Try that for "skinny."

 

[UMGriz75]

Quarterback Clubs are probably one of the best public relations/communications ideas to come along in sports in years. I don't recall when I first heard of them, but they are just a terrific tool; an information management tool, but for true fans of the sport -- at least the ones that live nearby -- it serves both a social and educational function. Still not going to get "insider" information, but for the fact that there is more of it, and more technical, it can seem like "insider" information for people that pay the fee.

MSU's coach contract allows the "Quarterback Club" to provide additional financial incentives to the head football coach, which likely could mean that the Wombat coach could outearn the Griz coach, which I think is some kind of perverse deal, and I have wondered why the UM contract does not provide for such an incentive since QB Clubs provide a very useful venue for raising funds directly for incentive purposes.

 

[UMGriz75]

How much to join the QB club?

Membership Levels

Quarterback $600-$999

Weekly QB Club Meetings
Weekly internet QB Club audio access
Recruiting Signing Day "first look" luncheon
QB Club correspondence

First Stringer $1000-$4999

All of the above plus:
QB Club light-weight jacket
Exclusive QB Club attire

All-Big Sky* $5000-$9999

All previous levels plus:
At one home game:
a 2 sideline passes
(must be high school grad or older)
2 people at the following:
Saturday a.m. team pre-game meal
Saturday a.m. team chapel
Saturday a.m. "Griz Walk"

All-American* $10,000

All previous levels plus:
Road trip for two with the Grizzly Football Team
(travelers must be high school graduate or older)
Plane or bus transportation with team
Hotel room
2 sideline passes at road contest

 

[GrizzGriz]

This "A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny."" is complete bullshit. If you're a good reporter you can absolutely get the "skinny"

Careful with the "complete bullshit" talk there junior. I just sent in my $90 to read your stuff, but I can still cancel. I'm not here to insult you, and you can zip the tough talk in that regard. As a former sports reporter and sports editor, I know exactly how it works, and likely better than you do.

There are some things you might know, but can't "report" because you will lose your source. So, you're worthless in your job. It's also a matter of different experience that there is nothing to be gained by saying anything to you or anybody else that would damage the speaker or the program if it "got out," so experience says: "why say it in the first place?"

Last year, I made the gentle suggestion to you that, as a reporter, you might get information about Stitt's precise payout last year, because he was required to file a report with the President's Office, for instance. Go over and ask to see it, I advised. Other reporters do it. You didn't because you didn't want to offend your source.

You may think you can get the "skinny." Good for you. I find players are a good source. But a coach is not going jeopardize his positive public relations by telling you anything meaningful or damaging "off the record" simply because there is nothing to gain from it. Jud Heathcote was great for "confiding" inside information, "now, don't tell anybody," and make you feel all good and important, then you'd find out later that everybody knew it. It was funny in Jud's unique way.

In my career in Journalism, ending at the Managing Editor position, I found that young sports reporters were a gullible lot. They generally reported sports because they loved sports. They wrote free press releases for the Athletic Department. Nothing wrong with that. It's exciting to cover, and some fine writing can come out of it. But, they were incapable of true journalism, investigative journalism, and so those assignments always went to other reporters. And by "incapable" I mean it was structurally nearly impossible and that was just practicality; as one hapless journalist and publication found out from Bobby Hauck. Offend the coach: you're out of the loop. Ask your boss about publishing "insider" information about the "Coach's actions" and the nice things that then happen to you at press conferences.

Try that for "skinny."

Damn...glad you weren't trying to insult him.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

This "A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny."" is complete bullshit. If you're a good reporter you can absolutely get the "skinny"

Careful with the "complete bullshit" talk there junior. I just sent in my $90 to read your stuff, but I can still cancel. I'm not here to insult you, and you can zip the tough talk in that regard. As a former sports reporter and sports editor, I know exactly how it works, and likely better than you do.

There are some things you might know, but can't "report" because you will lose your source. So, you're worthless in your job. It's also a matter of different experience that there is nothing to be gained by saying anything to you or anybody else that would damage the speaker or the program if it "got out," so experience says: "why say it in the first place?"

Last year, I made the gentle suggestion to you that, as a reporter, you might get information about Stitt's precise payout last year, because he was required to file a report with the President's Office, for instance. Go over and ask to see it, I advised. Other reporters do it. You didn't because you didn't want to offend your source.

You may think you can get the "skinny." Good for you. I find players are a good source. But a coach is not going jeopardize his positive public relations by telling you anything meaningful or damaging "off the record" simply because there is nothing to gain from it. Jud Heathcote was great for "confiding" inside information, "now, don't tell anybody," and make you feel all good and important, then you'd find out later that everybody knew it. It was funny in Jud's unique way.

In my career in Journalism, ending at the Managing Editor position, I found that young sports reporters were a gullible lot. They generally reported sports because they loved sports. They wrote free press releases for the Athletic Department. Nothing wrong with that. It's exciting to cover, and some fine writing can come out of it. But, they were incapable of true journalism, investigative journalism, and so those assignments always went to other reporters. And by "incapable" I mean it was structurally nearly impossible and that was just practicality; as one hapless journalist and publication found out from Bobby Hauck. Offend the coach: you're out of the loop. Ask your boss about publishing "insider" information about the "Coach's actions" and the nice things that then happen to you at press conferences.

Try that for "skinny."

What a prick.

 

[PlayerRep]

This "A rule of thumb: nothing you say to anyone is ever "off the record." For that reason, no one off-staff is really going to get "the skinny."" is complete bullshit. If you're a good reporter you can absolutely get the "skinny"

Careful with the "complete bullshit" talk there junior. I just sent in my $90 to read your stuff, but I can still cancel. I'm not here to insult you, and you can zip the tough talk in that regard. As a former sports reporter and sports editor, I know exactly how it works, and likely better than you do.

There are some things you might know, but can't "report" because you will lose your source. So, you're worthless in your job. It's also a matter of different experience that there is nothing to be gained by saying anything to you or anybody else that would damage the speaker or the program if it "got out," so experience says: "why say it in the first place?"

Last year, I made the gentle suggestion to you that, as a reporter, you might get information about Stitt's precise payout last year, because he was required to file a report with the President's Office, for instance. Go over and ask to see it, I advised. Other reporters do it. You didn't because you didn't want to offend your source.

You may think you can get the "skinny." Good for you. I find players are a good source. But a coach is not going jeopardize his positive public relations by telling you anything meaningful or damaging "off the record" simply because there is nothing to gain from it. Jud Heathcote was great for "confiding" inside information, "now, don't tell anybody," and make you feel all good and important, then you'd find out later that everybody knew it. It was funny in Jud's unique way.

In my career in Journalism, ending at the Managing Editor position, I found that young sports reporters were a gullible lot. They generally reported sports because they loved sports. They wrote free press releases for the Athletic Department. Nothing wrong with that. It's exciting to cover, and some fine writing can come out of it. But, they were incapable of true journalism, investigative journalism, and so those assignments always went to other reporters. And by "incapable" I mean it was structurally nearly impossible and that was just practicality; as one hapless journalist and publication found out from Bobby Hauck. Offend the coach: you're out of the loop. Ask your boss about publishing "insider" information about the "Coach's actions" and the nice things that then happen to you at press conferences.

Try that for "skinny."

What a prick.

What a Troll Brigader. You are the dick. You add nothing to the board. 75 makes a well-written post, and that's all you've got. Get out of here with you BS. You muck up the board.