Grass Roots - or - initiated by school -- The Big West Beat Forum

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Date Posted: 17:15:37 11/11/01 Sun
Author: BMF
Subject: Grass Roots - or - initiated by school
In reply to: USUBlue 's message, "Re: Which BWC school up and beyond the rest?" on 16:40:46 11/11/01 Sun

Yes, USU definately comes to mind. And no, I am not offended. I am not suprised about Idaho either. I realize they have not produced stellar perfromances of late, however, alumni loyalty can carry attendance through tough times.

UOP is another school that comes to mind. However, they are really at a lower tier than USU or Idaho.

The rest of the schools do not meet marginal standards. Attendance and other support fluctuate with performance. This seems to be true at UCSB and LBSU... where one may think otherwise.

Question for those interested: If alumni were to be sought out for support..., should the effort be 'grass roots' based (i.e. independant) or should that effort be initiated by the schools athletic department? Or, does it matter?

>You're exactly right. The real problem with the Big
>West is that almost all schools have limited alumni
>support. While certain sports within a school may
>become trendish or have a particular attraction,
>long-term development and consistency on a national or
>mid-national level is almost impossible to achieve
>without a strong alumni base (read $$$) and attendance.
>
>Without meaning to offend, USU is by far the strongest
>Big West member in terms of alumni support (read $$$)
>and in attendance. Surprisingly Idaho is probably 2nd
>because of a strong grass roots alumni membership
>drive that's been going on for decades. Media markets
>and population base does not, and will not, overcome
>years of strong alumni support.
>
>It is not surprising that USU averages over 8,000 per
>game in BBall and 20,000 per game in football given
>over 100 years of alumni based support. What is
>surprising, and frankly disappointing, is that USU can
>barely survive on the mid-national level with that
>kind of support. Big Time athletics has certainly
>become entertainment about money.
>
>For the Big West to improve on the national scene,
>most schools need to start by increasing by thousands
>those that attend the games. Others will pay
>attention when arenas are full of paying fans.
>
>>My impression of BWC member schools, as a whole, is
>>that the conference provides a home for athletics. The
>>general goal of these institutions is not necesarily
>>to build or grow their programs, but to maintain their
>>respective programs and remain financially viable.
>>
>>I think schools that go beyond this effort are largely
>>influenced by alumni and student support/interest -
>>but mostly alumni. And I don't see a lot of alumni
>>support.
>>
>>Can onyone highlight what activities are taking place
>>within the conference where their appears to be strong
>> support (financial/donations)for an athletic program
>>and/or sport? For comparison purposes..., I am
>>thinking of Fresno State or Big X schools.... and not
>>necessarily booster clubs providing cheering sections.

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Replies:

Re: Grass Roots - or - initiated by school -- GauchoFreg, 23:53:19 11/11/01 Sun
- What is the IV community turnover over a 4-6 yr span? -- BMF, 11:05:29 11/12/01 Mon
  - Re: What is the IV community turnover over a 4-6 yr span? -- USUBlue, 12:38:28 11/12/01 Mon
    - My apoligies.... -- BMF, 18:14:29 11/12/01 Mon
  - Re: IV, SB -- zzzza, 20:29:09 11/12/01 Mon
    - Re: IV, SB -- BMF, 09:22:58 11/13/01 Tue
      - I agree -- zzzza, 07:06:36 11/14/01 Wed
      - Re: IV, SB -- El Gaucho, 10:53:23 11/17/01 Sat
        College Cuties? -- zzzza, 16:18:57 11/18/01 Sun
        Re: College Cuties? -- El Gaucho, 10:24:22 11/19/01 Mon
    - Re: IV, SB -- Stangman, 11:22:31 11/13/01 Tue
  - Re: What is the IV community turnover over a 4-6 yr span? -- GauchoFreg, 22:11:44 11/12/01 Mon
    - Okay, I re-read your original post. -- BMF, 13:30:40 11/13/01 Tue
      - Re: Okay, I re-read your original post. -- GauchoFreg, 23:11:07 11/13/01 Tue
    - WHA?! WE HAVE THE GIRLS! -- Beach Rugby, 00:48:06 11/14/01 Wed
      - by the way... -- Beach Rugby, 15:38:56 11/14/01 Wed
      - Many famous alums at the Beach.... -- 49er Oracle, 14:01:42 11/16/01 Fri
        Re: Many famous alums at the Beach.... -- El Gaucho, 09:54:14 11/17/01 Sat
        Re: Many famous alums at the Beach.... -- TitanCzar, 11:28:41 11/17/01 Sat
        Re: Many famous alums at the Beach.... -- Beach Rugby, 13:58:54 11/18/01 Sun
        Re: Many famous alums at the Beach.... -- El Gaucho, 14:17:11 11/18/01 Sun
        Not to mention...Chris Carter -- Beach Rugby, 01:42:56 11/18/01 Sun
      - AR MOBILE CORNER -- COOL BOY, 00:32:45 07/31/09 Fri
  - Re: Is IV really a town!!! -- Stangman, 11:05:15 11/13/01 Tue
    - Not really but kinda yes -- zzzza, 08:59:41 11/14/01 Wed
- Re: Grass Roots - or - initiated by school -- Jon Ralston, 22:59:42 11/12/01 Mon
- Re: Grass Roots - or - initiated by school -- TitanCzar, 02:27:03 11/13/01 Tue