I just happened to drive down to Columbia with the wife and dog last weekend. I had no idea that Gamecock spring game was going on. But it was and they drew 50K. Students appeared to turn out in big numbers.
I hope there is a good turnout tonight. We will be there. The hiring of Biff is the most exciting thing that has happened with CLT sports in many years. If you are a fan at all, this has got to excite you. I know it will take some longer to get excited. I admit it has drawn me back to the sports programs. I lost interest over the last 10 years or so.
I remember back in the day in 1975-76 and 1976-77, as the Niners were making their runs, many students did not believe. To me, I thought the teams were for real because of their wide win margins although it was against poor teams. But when they faced an occasional tough opponent, they were always in a position to win at the end.
But my point is that many students and the community did not realize how special the team was until they reached the Final Four. By that time, the run was almost over. By the time some got on the band wagon the run was over and many did not get to enjoy it. My message is to embrace this football team. The talent alone shows it is going to be pretty special. Even if they do not meet Biffâs expectations in the first year, they will still be a huge upgrade from the past.
I have been on this message board for about one year. I must say that I have been a bit surprised by the negativity. I donât go to other teamsâ message boards, so I have no reference point. But from what I have read here I guess negativity is okay or expected. Some may say, you left the program for for 10 years so who are you to speak of negativity. But I have also been a fan for 46 years although I did take a leave of absence LOL.
I can understand some of the nagativity regarding the basketball program. But why have some made bold predictions stating the football program will not meet expectations? This is six months before the kickoff. I really donât get it.
These are kids not pro athletes. Positive reinforcement can have a huge impact. Anyone that has managed anyone knows that people respond better to positive reinforcement. As we enter into the next era of CLT sports, positive reinforcement can have an impact as to who stays and who enters the portal. Positive reinforcement can also impact wins and can help to get our athletic programs on the right track or can continue to negatively impact them.
I will tell you that complaining in this message board everyday about the basketball porgram will not necessarily get Sanchez fired. I think Hill will do that when he is ready. He is obviously not going to be influenced by a message board. But is it possible that the message boards had an impct on our two most valuable players hitting the portal? Some will say no, but the truth is we just donât know. What is the point in continuing to complain about Sanchez day after day, month after month and year after year, when it is obvious that Hill will not be pressured. At some point just give it up and let Hill do his job.
We have been a university for a short period of time compared to most of our competition. And most of the schools that are our age have the same problems as us - money issues, noteriety issues, talent issues, conference issues. However, we have made strides while struggling in the win column.
I know fans want a winner now , but it takes time for young schools. It has taken me decades to understand this.
I do not have .ties to South Carolina. But I know that the university of South Carolina is 222 years old. It has won only 11 national championships and none in a revenue sport. The closest to a revenue sports championship is 2 in baseball and 2 in womenâs basketball. Yet, their sports teams have great fan engagement. Their fans are very supportive of their teams and do not seem to bitch much. The fans support their teams very well whether they are winning or losing. I am certain that athletes in general are happier when their fans are less negative. I donât think constant bitching on message boards crestes the environment necessary in keeping talent in our programs.
I am not saying that it is not okay to complain occasionally, but excessive complaining can lead to athletes being not happy with their experience. I k ow some will state that all other schools fans complain and fans have a right to complain.
But I would say as a long time manager, employees respond positively to a positive work environment with occasional progressive discipline to reinforce ecpectations. I think our student athletes and the coaches are also people, and they also respond better to positive reinforcement.