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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Tues. Kent State game - "new spark" to O-Zone
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OU_Country
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Posted: 1/16/2019 4:30 PM
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Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
It looked like 40-50 members of the crew...

The best seats in the arena to D1 basketball, free food and drink before every game, free shirt, and even a gift card to Chipotle...and out of 20 some thousand students, we get about 40 willing to do it.

This was a great idea by the department to help kickstart something, not to mention a great way to honor Dan. And I really do appreciate the students that did sign up and come...there was a little glimmer of hope that we have enough there to get something going.

That being said it is all very discouraging. And no I don't think a better team would make a much bigger difference (unless it was a ranked / powerhouse situation like Buffalo currently). It is what it is.
You mention a few things in here I wanted to comment on. The first, is the number of students willing to come out to games. Since the time I was a student, I've never been able to understand how students didn't want to come to free entertainment for 2.5 hours. Now there's more to it - with free food and stuff, and there are far more options for entertainment available to students. That said, I'd like to hope that momentum can be gained and maybe 250-500 students eventually start showing up on a more regular basis.

I disagree though, that the product on the court doesn't make a bigger difference. Win that game in an exciting fashion, or get a couple big dunks like Doug had at Ball State, or a string of made three's by someone, and it gets people talking, and telling friends "you need to go with me".
shabamon
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Posted: 1/16/2019 5:06 PM
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I think with more channels available and social media and information at your fingertips, it's way easier for sports fans to contextualize their team against what it means on a grander scale than it was 10 years ago, 15, 20 years ago too. Like, yeah, us older folks can go to a game because we like basketball and we like our school and want to see our team dominate the Miami's and Kents of the world, but I think today's average college student might think that that's all well and good, but we would get pasted by Zion and co., so why bother. Unfortunately, it may require being next level good to attract your casual fan. Buffalo beating the #1 pick in the draft and their current run is getting it done. WMU football was getting it done a few years ago.

I think it was JSF that said years back that if an Ohio University team is not top 25, your average Ohio University student assumes they suck. And it's probably not going to get any better.
GroverBall
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Posted: 1/16/2019 9:47 PM
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Dan's Mom wrote:expand_more
Thanks to OHIO, this message board, to Anthony Posial for his research efforts and writing the articles and to Dan's friends. Word's fail me except for "Go Bobcats"
Go Bobcats and long live the D-Lo Crew.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 1/16/2019 10:43 PM
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GroverBall wrote:expand_more
Thanks to OHIO, this message board, to Anthony Posial for his research efforts and writing the articles and to Dan's friends. Word's fail me except for "Go Bobcats"
Go Bobcats and long live the D-Lo Crew.
+1

Well put Mr. Sweet-Hook-Shot, I couldn't agree more.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 1/17/2019 2:07 PM
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Disagree with Ruck. I thought all things considered it was good turnout for the first game of DLos Crew.
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 1/17/2019 2:33 PM
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Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
Disagree with Ruck. I thought all things considered it was good turnout for the first game of DLos Crew.
I have admittedly not updated my standards, considering I was 1 of the 600+ that came on a random cold Saturday morning to join the student section with payment for a mediocre team.
randy
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Posted: 1/17/2019 8:58 PM
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Ohio Basketball as a whole is in a state(position) that has occurred more than once in my 40 years bleeding Green. I have to accept changes that occur. We can't put enough bodies in the seats. especially paid ones. the idea of family packs are helpful and a nice idea. people buying tix and filling seats is just the beginning.. We can't get enough $ to hire mid to upper level coaching staff. Donations and marketing has been lack luster. I think it would be neat to offer promotions, especially during winter break, whether a local child is on the honor role, involved in productive activities, etc. if one adult attends as well. $5 parking + paid adult ticket, throw in a popcorn and drinks. could add up. us mid majors need everything we can. Beat Toledo! people , ncluding myself sometimes complain about coaches, inconsistencies, bad recruiting, etc. unfortunately $$$ is the way.
Last Edited: 1/17/2019 8:59:27 PM by randy
randy
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Posted: 1/17/2019 9:04 PM
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I have many more ways to improving marketing, that is just an example of many ways and other sports.
greencat
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Posted: 1/22/2019 12:47 PM
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How to increase interest in the O-Zone?

Bring back 90's player "Rush Floyd"

Eventually the students would figure out there will be no music involved.
bshot44
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Posted: 1/23/2019 4:07 PM
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randy wrote:expand_more
Ohio Basketball as a whole is in a state(position) that has occurred more than once in my 40 years bleeding Green. I have to accept changes that occur. We can't put enough bodies in the seats. especially paid ones. the idea of family packs are helpful and a nice idea. people buying tix and filling seats is just the beginning.. We can't get enough $ to hire mid to upper level coaching staff. Donations and marketing has been lack luster. I think it would be neat to offer promotions, especially during winter break, whether a local child is on the honor role, involved in productive activities, etc. if one adult attends as well. $5 parking + paid adult ticket, throw in a popcorn and drinks. could add up. us mid majors need everything we can. Beat Toledo! people , ncluding myself sometimes complain about coaches, inconsistencies, bad recruiting, etc. unfortunately $$$ is the way.
Ohio pays its head basketball coach >$500k a year. That is pretty good in terms of mid-major pay.
randy
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Posted: 1/25/2019 12:25 AM
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I somewhat agree, although putting students in the seats to get off there phones during the game.. I guess I have to understand progressive.. My dad used to wear a tie to the games in the70s. besides wins, there is no reason that we can't get 50-100 students .again, marketing events could go a long way. I am disappointed
randy
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Posted: 1/25/2019 12:38 AM
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well.. paying coaches in the MAC is tough. Either you get "an up and coming" coach for 5ish years. if that coach does well, he/she may try to make a move to make more $ . unfortunetly This The MAC. I am an optimist. but things will not change in my lifetime.
TheBobcatBandit
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Posted: 1/25/2019 12:12 PM
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randy wrote:expand_more
I somewhat agree, although putting students in the seats to get off there phones during the game.. I guess I have to understand progressive.. My dad used to wear a tie to the games in the70s. besides wins, there is no reason that we can't get 50-100 students .again, marketing events could go a long way. I am disappointed
You might be onto something with the phones, a lot of comedians make people at their shows put their phones in bags beforehand to help the atmosphere. It’s definitely a distraction. Maybe the ozone can do something similar where you have to put your phone in a bag to enter or something. Although putting that in place might be a bit too unrealistic for college students to follow and might turn kids off from joining. I think it might help the atmosphere though and maybe will get more kids talking to eachother and making friends.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 1/25/2019 12:23 PM
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TheBobcatBandit wrote:expand_more
I somewhat agree, although putting students in the seats to get off there phones during the game.. I guess I have to understand progressive.. My dad used to wear a tie to the games in the70s. besides wins, there is no reason that we can't get 50-100 students .again, marketing events could go a long way. I am disappointed
You might be onto something with the phones, a lot of comedians make people at their shows put their phones in bags beforehand to help the atmosphere. It’s definitely a distraction. Maybe the ozone can do something similar where you have to put your phone in a bag to enter or something. Although putting that in place might be a bit too unrealistic for college students to follow and might turn kids off from joining. I think it might help the atmosphere though and maybe will get more kids talking to eachother and making friends.
Comedians do this to protect their intellectual property. The device they use is pretty cool.
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 1/25/2019 1:48 PM
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TheBobcatBandit wrote:expand_more
Maybe the ozone can do something similar where you have to put your phone in a bag to enter or something. Although putting that in place might be a bit too unrealistic for college students to follow and might turn kids off from joining.
Yeah...student attendance would drop to about 10 kids if this happened. They would rather you cut off a limb than take their mobile device.
TheBobcatBandit
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Posted: 1/25/2019 2:04 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I somewhat agree, although putting students in the seats to get off there phones during the game.. I guess I have to understand progressive.. My dad used to wear a tie to the games in the70s. besides wins, there is no reason that we can't get 50-100 students .again, marketing events could go a long way. I am disappointed
You might be onto something with the phones, a lot of comedians make people at their shows put their phones in bags beforehand to help the atmosphere. It’s definitely a distraction. Maybe the ozone can do something similar where you have to put your phone in a bag to enter or something. Although putting that in place might be a bit too unrealistic for college students to follow and might turn kids off from joining. I think it might help the atmosphere though and maybe will get more kids talking to eachother and making friends.
Comedians do this to protect their intellectual property. The device they use is pretty cool.
I’ve heard that’s the reason too, I think some also do it so people will pay attention. Either way might be worth trying.
GroverBall
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Posted: 1/26/2019 6:10 PM
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Props to the D-Lo Crew, nice to have some enthusiasm from the bleacher seats today. I think I even spied some face paint? Keep the train rollin'.
lovebobcat
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Posted: 1/27/2019 4:57 PM
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Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
It looked like 40-50 members of the crew...

The best seats in the arena to D1 basketball, free food and drink before every game, free shirt, and even a gift card to Chipotle...and out of 20 some thousand students, we get about 40 willing to do it.

This was a great idea by the department to help kickstart something, not to mention a great way to honor Dan. And I really do appreciate the students that did sign up and come...there was a little glimmer of hope that we have enough there to get something going.

That being said it is all very discouraging. And no I don't think a better team would make a much bigger difference (unless it was a ranked / powerhouse situation like Buffalo currently). It is what it is.
It was discouraging to look at the O-zone yesterday. Like you said, the one who were there were into it... but there just weren't many there.

I do appreciate the push to reignite things. I'm holding out hope that we get a huge crowd Feb. 2 for the Convo 50th anniversary game (Sibs Weekend, hated Akron, etc.), and the kids realize that basketball can be fun.
GroverBall
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Posted: 1/27/2019 5:07 PM
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lovebobcat wrote:expand_more
It looked like 40-50 members of the crew...

The best seats in the arena to D1 basketball, free food and drink before every game, free shirt, and even a gift card to Chipotle...and out of 20 some thousand students, we get about 40 willing to do it.

This was a great idea by the department to help kickstart something, not to mention a great way to honor Dan. And I really do appreciate the students that did sign up and come...there was a little glimmer of hope that we have enough there to get something going.

That being said it is all very discouraging. And no I don't think a better team would make a much bigger difference (unless it was a ranked / powerhouse situation like Buffalo currently). It is what it is.
It was discouraging to look at the O-zone yesterday. Like you said, the one who were there were into it... but there just weren't many there.

I do appreciate the push to reignite things. I'm holding out hope that we get a huge crowd Feb. 2 for the Convo 50th anniversary game (Sibs Weekend, hated Akron, etc.), and the kids realize that basketball can be fun.
It wasn't discouraging to me at all, as it was a huge improvement. Room to grow? Absolutely. But they stood all game and were vocal in spots. I think they're off to a good start, it's going to take time.
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 1/27/2019 8:19 PM
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And they did the "winning team, losing team" cheer.

Was that done Tues. v. WMU? If not, has it been heard in the Convo recently?
shabamon
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Posted: 1/27/2019 9:10 PM
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From what I saw on the video, there was a core group that was clearly interested and engaged. You can build around that. You'd like to see a couple take ownership and really lead it so that older gentleman doesn't have to.
boydhallbobcat
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Posted: 1/28/2019 7:54 AM
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GroverBall wrote:expand_more
It looked like 40-50 members of the crew...

The best seats in the arena to D1 basketball, free food and drink before every game, free shirt, and even a gift card to Chipotle...and out of 20 some thousand students, we get about 40 willing to do it.

This was a great idea by the department to help kickstart something, not to mention a great way to honor Dan. And I really do appreciate the students that did sign up and come...there was a little glimmer of hope that we have enough there to get something going.

That being said it is all very discouraging. And no I don't think a better team would make a much bigger difference (unless it was a ranked / powerhouse situation like Buffalo currently). It is what it is.
It was discouraging to look at the O-zone yesterday. Like you said, the one who were there were into it... but there just weren't many there.

I do appreciate the push to reignite things. I'm holding out hope that we get a huge crowd Feb. 2 for the Convo 50th anniversary game (Sibs Weekend, hated Akron, etc.), and the kids realize that basketball can be fun.
It wasn't discouraging to me at all, as it was a huge improvement. Room to grow? Absolutely. But they stood all game and were vocal in spots. I think they're off to a good start, it's going to take time.
Bingo! After the last two years, seeing students actually stand in the oZone is a HUGE improvement. Hopefully they bring some friends this weekend. It was an energetic and fun game last Saturday making me believe the students had fun and will be back.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 1/29/2019 1:22 AM
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Plus, there were students there who weren't part of the DLo group.
OUcats82
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Posted: 1/29/2019 8:22 AM
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Just curious-do any other MAC schools currently have strong student sections?
shabamon
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Posted: 1/29/2019 12:13 PM
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Buffalo does, for obvious ones. But it's nothing special when they're merely above average. Don't know what Akron's got going on. Toledo and CMU have good ones seemingly ONLY when they play BG and WMU, respectively. The rest of the time they sit on their hands.

I remember when Ohio, BG, Ball State, WMU, CMU, Akron, Kent, and UB all had good student sections in the same year.
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