It’ll be interesting to see what kind of turnout we get for the February fund event in SF, and how much money they generate.

“ I thought we paid Lan and TY Johnson last year. Are we paying anyone this year?”

I think you’re correct. I didn't articulate my thoughts very well. I’m thinking in terms of program wide resources. For example the Griz pay each player an equal amount. I don’t remember the exact figure, but its either 20k or 50k per year. Tim has commented several times that they have 500 donors that contribute 1k each year. We have about a 100 similar donors. But beyond our specific situation, the current system of money schools able to buy away top players from programs like ours is troubling to me. That’s what i was referring to regarding some sort of realignment. I’m happy for many of these kids, especially those that come from challenging environments where the money is life changing, but there must be a better way forward.

The top FCS schools, except us, have paid athletes as well. Certainly not paid to the same level as the big FBS schools, but still pulling a paycheck. The position we’re in at this point reminds me of our D2 days when we were non scholarship and competing with scholarship programs. Plough has said many times, give me the resources comparable to the Montanas and Dakotas, make it a fair fight, and we will win. Somehow there needs to be realignment with all this.

No question the redbirds played great down the stretch, especially considering they were unranked and had to travel all over the country to get to the finals.
BTW, i don’t know what the attendance was for the semi final game, but the stands looked sparse. Maybe winter break hurt their attendance.

We would have spanked Villanova. That redbird #5 is a total beast, but i think the cats have the muscle to slow him down.

I don’t see the redbirds or villanova hanging with the cats.

I think the announcer hit it on the head when he said the cats wear you down in the trenches then open the game up in the 4th when the D is tired.

So who are you rooting for in today’s games and the finals? I’d like to see the rebirds make it to the finals against the cats. I see the cats winning the big prize which is good for the big sky. I can’t root for a Hauck coached team.

For several years Finn and I kept the tailgate going after 6thman moved out of state. We had a lot of fun and met a lot of people. It will be great to have it revived. Several of us got together at the causeway game a year ago in Sac. Sochorfield was there as well as a lot of drop ins.

I was wondering what effect Carter’s late hiring will have on recruiting. It’s been almost exactly 1 year since Marrion was announced the new Slak head coach. With a late start on recruiting, he was able to bring in a lot of talent fast and seemed to do a good job putting the team together. It would seem Carter is going to have to rely on the same formula- bringing in players from the portal to produce a team. Will this new crop of kids buy into the same song, or will Carter’s recruiting efforts be hampered by all the drama? We should know soon.

Niko looked like he was struggling to me. They were working on one of his legs before the game started. Hit the FTs and we would have iced this one. Credit to the fellas for coming back after Seattle came out shooting lights out.

I do remember him saying he liked how Hawkins managed Spring ball so that players could do internships and travel to broaden their education.

Good luck with your program.

I wish we could buy the same collection that the coaches and players get. And it would be nice if the bookstore had a decent selection like they used to.

I’m a life time member. For football, they often organize pre-game events for away games and members get a discount. Like Sochor said, you get a discount at the bookstore and we “used” to get discounts at game concessions. They organize some cool trips abroad. Its enjoyable to see their newsletter to see what various people are doing now.
BTW Jdur, congratulations on your graduation. Whats next?

I think twice.

I’ve seen it on the ncaa website. I’ll look for it.

“ After some long discussions with my family. I’d like to announce I WILL be back as a season ticket holder next year and beyond.”
What? You turned down that big offer to be a Sac fan, lol.

Lots of credit to the red birds. They started the playoffs unranked and have been traveling every week. They’re a well coached and greased machine. I won’t be surprised to see them in Nashville.
Darn, the way this bracket sorted out was a real opportunity for us.

He’s a special person. The type that you’d be proud to have a child or grandkid play for.