TR, a lot of Vol fans got their hopes up (or stars in their eyes) about a big, or **** name, being hired.

I can understand some of the reaction.

OTOH - I'm not aware of any of us who can tell the future. We can make predictions, but that's about it. For someone to make a blanket statement that this is a terrible hire is ridiculous, unless that person can also present a valid argument to support that opinion. Otherwise, we all know what they say about opinions.

TR, I'm encouraged by your endorsement. Let's hope things work out well.

I may be missing something--- but does the world revolve around UT sports in your region? Is this all that important to the everyday person?

YOU ARE GETTING A GOOD MAN AND COACH !!!!

TR, the world in Knoxville absolutely revolves around UT sports. It transcends even the passion many cities feel for their pro-sports teams.

Baseball is down the list (behind Football, Men's and Women's basketball), but it's very important to a core group of fans. Many of us want to see it go somewhere else (look at the following baseball enjoys at other SEC venues like Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State).

Bizazz


Hey I am a St Johns grad and follow them like crazy, and I follow my sons schools in the same manner but for me it is not the end of world if they do not win


How big is a core group?---Can that Core gorup change things?

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Bizazz



How big is a core group?---Can that Core gorup change things?

I dunno. I know that Mike Hamilton at least pays attention to what the constituency says. There were some that felt his predecessor at AD didn't always do that. A number of the talking points that have been bantered about during the criticism of Delmonico's tenure, and the subsequent coaching search, were mentioned by Hamilton and Raleigh at the press conference today: Stronger recruiting in-state, hard work, better consistency in the program, to name a few.

I think part of the problem was that this particular name came out of the blue. Nobody was mentioning Todd. When major names like Murphy and Maloney were being mentioned (not to mention the current national media darling, Serrano), it gave the community a false impression of where things were going.

I'm all for giving Todd the opportunity. A lot of folks will come around, they just have to get over the initial reaction first. There's also a significant constituency that was still supporting Delmonico. The athletic department still has some work to do in soothing hurt feelings.

Whose feelings are hurt ???


You all need to have a great steak/lobster dinner and chill out

TR, I hope you're not including me in "Ya'll."

I'm just trying to relate my observations as someone who's on-the-ground in Knoxville.

The hurt feelings refer to a segment of fans who thought that Rod deserved at least one more year, as well as any players who were recruited by Rod and are now considering a transfer.

While I'd be less than honest in saying Todd was my favorite (I actually knew nothing about him), I'm willing to give the guy a chance.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Bizazz


Hey I am a St Johns grad and follow them like crazy, and I follow my sons schools in the same manner but for me it is not the end of world if they do not win


How big is a core group?---Can that Core gorup change things?

TR,

Yes, the city of Knoxville (along with most of the state) is CRAZY about the University of Tennessee and their athletic department. I have been told that one of the Top 5 people that give funds to the university told Hamilton that he had better hope that this hire works or he could also be looking for another job. I am not saying that it's the correct approach but that is the attitude that the state of Tennessee has about athletics @ their state university. Much like the University of Alabama and their football program.

Now that Jim Wells is gone at Alabama it will be interesting to watch a great school make a great hire.

quote:

Originally posted by Bizazz:
A number of the talking points that have been bantered about during the criticism of Delmonico's tenure, and the subsequent coaching search, were mentioned by Hamilton and Raleigh at the press conference today: Stronger recruiting in-state, hard work, better consistency in the program, to name a few.

Sounds like a perfect time to move there.

Jason

How much is Raleigh making? I would like to know his salary and benefit package because that was probably a big factor in getting him. No, he is not going to turn around the program overnight...just look at the roster for '08,,,,full of TN players only....where is the regional recruiting...last time I checked there were great players in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan. They act like crossing the north border of Tennessee is sacreligious...it's a farce!!! Anyway, someone please answer my question as far as what he is making!!!

I think UT sports are very similar to UK sports. The only difference is the women's basketball team has a much larger following at UT, but UK is coming along. To build the baseball program to rival one of the other SEC schools is a huge goal IMO. UK has turned it's around over the last few years in most folks eyes. That includes a much larger attendance, better record, and facility improvements. However, this town (Lexington) will never have the baseball following that you find at Auburn or Miss State. I can't imagine that would happen in Knoxville either. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd love to be wrong about both cities but basketball has always ruled here and basketball/football has the UT hold.