|
Post by Cajundemon11 on Nov 23, 2015 18:57:52 GMT
Of course they're 1st world problems, we're complaining about American football. My point is, which was clearly missed, that the AD is to blame for our mediocre program. Staff shuffling and poor facilities lead to lesser players, and stem from poor funding, which falls directly on the AD. I attend ever game and want the program to succeed, but in its curent state, under Burke, the program will always be mediocre. Great win on Saturday super happy for the seniors, players, and coaches. Finishing 4-2 after starting 0-5 is a great turnaround. Im not going to argue about Burke, thats your opinion and I frankly have my own thoughts on that that I don't want to voice on here... But facilities wise we have no reason to use that as an excuse. Bowers stadium, where Sam plays is a freaking dump. The locker rooms are average at best, the turf is awful, and there is a track around the field. Its not even as old as Turpin but looks much older and the stands are like 50 yards from the field. Next to North Dakota State, they are the most successful program in FCS in the past 5 years. I hate the excuse of facilities because it doesn't fly with meā¦Incarnate word kicked our ass and they play at a stadium that holds 6k and has aluminum stands. Charleston Southern is ranked in the top 10 of fcs and this is the home side of their stadium
|
|
|
Post by Cajundemon11 on Nov 23, 2015 20:53:58 GMT
I agree that we do need new chairbacks, all purple, in the stadium as opposed to the chameleon seating we have now. It would also be nice to see some chairbacks on the upper deck between the 40-40 or 45-45 yard lines, maybe just under the press box. That way the upper deck wouldn't look so empty. As for facilities, we are in the upper rung in the SLC. Some programs have much less than us. Heck, I'd just be happy if we could start averaging 12k fans a game(15k the first two and around 10k or so the next three because we will lose some to hunting season and inclement weather) No need in making the place nicer if we can't average more than 8-9k fans a game. Of course, I am under the opinion the only way we will ever fill the place up is with a new, cooler, better marketed, more widely (regional) accepted mascot that fits our area (maybe something connected to the military w Fort Polk, Camp Beauregard and Barksdale ... that covers Leesville/DeRidder, Alexandria/Pineville and Shreveport/Bossier). Hard to market a "Demon" in a world awash in terror, violence and crime. Unless we want to continue to ram our heads against that wall. I mean, we came close to going to the NC game in 1998 and probably averaged about 11k per game then. So, winning isn't the only solution to fix our woes. We live in a new time. This isn't the roaring 20's when the "Demon" was an ominous Greek caricature and a cool named mascot. People equate ISIS and their lot to being "demonic." We need to walk away from this brand sooner than later. I love NSU enough to say this. Castigate me if you like. I don't care. Sometimes tradition becomes counter-productive. You're right about the facilities, I've been to every conference opponents stadium, and we are at the top of the list in terms of facilities. The beautiful turf, the campus backdrop and the stadium is hard to beat, and many fans of opposing schools I run into will admit the same and tell me how much they look forward to the trip when they play us. In no way do i mean want to castigate you, as my opinion doesn't mean more than anyone else's, but I have to totally disagree on the mascot thing. For starters, Demons is unique. I absolutely love it, and think that in no way does it hold us back. We have this discussion every once in a while, and although I understand where people come from who dislike it or think it should be changed, I think it would be a major overreaction. It doesn't hold back Duke, Arizona State, Wake Forest, or Depaul and it doesn't have anything to do with our success/failures as a university of athletic program. Secondly, no one as long as I have been on the forum has anyone come up with a alternative mascot/nickname that isn't stupid or already widely used. Honestly the only one I like is the one that was voted down in the initial macot polling back in the 30s where the Demons beat out the Braves. Of course the NCAA would make us give that up. But anyway, we have so much tradition and so much heritage as being the Northwestern State Demons, I would hate to change that, and if it didn't happen under Webb's watch, it won't happen. I actually think we could do so much more with it and we fall short of really utilizing our color scheme and mascot. So I think its not really worth discussing something that will never happen. But like I said, thats just my take. I respect yours, just see it differently.
|
|
|
Post by purplestorm on Nov 23, 2015 21:12:31 GMT
No worries, Cajun. I respect you and your opinion. One alternate view, however, about it being unique, at least, is very few universities would touch the "Demon" as a mascot. DePaul is the only other university w such in it's name and they are the Blue Demons. All the others are this-or-that type of Devil. They all lighten it up with a sun, blue, delta, etc., and don't offer it straight-forward like we do. And the weird thing is, "devil" is biblical and "Demon" is not. The "demon" is from Greek mythology. However, the term "Demon" is more widely used to describe "demonic" activity, which is always overtly negative. That word is also being tossed about a LOT in today's media and the media has power like no other entity. I will always love NSU, but I just think we could have a more appropriate mascot that fits our Natchitoches heritage of royalty, our regional military connections or simply adopt "Purple Swarm." Companies like Coke and McDonald's (and many others) know to be successful, you have to reach the youth. I think we could sell our product to a lot more youth with a cooler, more appropriate or even hip mascot. The Demon is a hard sell if there is no connection to the university such as proud alums. And that is the place any extra growth would come from in the future. We have to beat out La Tech, ULM, ULL, McNeese and LSU for these customers, too. So, Mommas have lots of choices in which to dress their kiddos ... and I can guarantee you "Demons" would be far from tops on that list. It holds with it too negative a connotation for many. Finally, and as you well know, our world isn't getting any safer and "demonic" activity is on the increase ... big-time. I just think we can do better. Nothing to do w religion, either. I seldom darken the door of a church these days. Too many CEO's running businesses in that arena for me. Anyway, always good to sharpen iron, respectfully. Have a nice day.
|
|
|
Post by Cajundemon11 on Nov 23, 2015 21:41:22 GMT
And the weird thing is, "devil" is biblical and "Demon" is not. The "demon" is from Greek mythology. However, the term "Demon" is more widely used to describe "demonic" activity, which is always overtly negative
Are you sure about that?? I could quote a ton of scripture that references demons and many stories of Jesus ridding people of demonic possession. Lucifer is referred to as "the devil" while his followers or fallen angels are demons. This is throughout the bible.
|
|
Demon16
Rapides Dorm member
Posts: 14
|
Post by Demon16 on Nov 23, 2015 22:16:37 GMT
I just finished up my senior year on the team.. I can assure everyone here that our facilities do not fall short in any regard. I've traveled to every stadium in our conference and seen numerous weight rooms, practice fields, locker rooms, you name it. NSU is in the upper echelon in facilities for football. Although, I too would love to see all purple chairbacks. Just a personal peeve that I've had for a while now. As for the "Demon" debate.. I can honestly say that I've never heard anyone turned off to this university because of our mascot. My father is a pastor and everyone finds it amusing that his son grew up to be a "Demon". They don't actually think I'm possessed by a demon or that by going to this school I'm a worse person. Heck, my youth pastor in high school used to do wednesday night services in an NSU hoodie that said "demons" on the sleeve. Maybe I'm completely blind to it, but nearly every time I mention I'm a "Demon", I get a response such as "wow, that's a cool mascot" 100x more often than I get a negative response.
|
|
sfateke
Rapides Dorm member
Posts: 5
|
Post by sfateke on Nov 23, 2015 22:42:49 GMT
Hey guys. First of all, congrats on the Chief. May it be the last time in a long long time that he spends a year in Natchitoches.
With that said, I made the trip over to Turpin Stadium for the first time this weekend to cover the game for the Sawmill. I was actually impressed with the facilities. The design of Turpin (with the really steep banks and cement structure) looks a lot more like a college football stadium than a lot of other Southland schools I've visited including our Homer Bryce (built into grassy hills and surrounded by a track). That said, I can't help but think what the place could look like if you guys put money into it. It looks like overall it has seen better days.
Attendance was surprisingly bad for a rivalry game. SFA fans traveled pretty well, but there were far too few NSU fans for a home-game of that magnitude. This hasn't been a great season for attendance in Nacogdoches either (4-7 and all), and I'm not sure what's normal for y'all...but I guess I would expect there to be a little better turnout on what was a really nice day for football.
To go hand-in-hand with that, I was also surprised to not see a real student-organization led tailgate. Our tailgates are usually packed to a fault (hundreds of students won't actually go to the game because they get too drunk). Maybe that lack of students was related to Thanksgiving Break? What is the tailgate normally like?
Anyhow, I'll be back in March at Prather to see the men's basketball games. Also have never seen that facility inside, so will be curious to see how it stacks up to the others I've visited.
|
|
|
Post by Cajundemon11 on Nov 23, 2015 23:01:55 GMT
Hey guys. First of all, congrats on the Chief. May it be the last time in a long long time that he spends a year in Natchitoches. With that said, I made the trip over to Turpin Stadium for the first time this weekend to cover the game for the Sawmill. I was actually impressed with the facilities. The design of Turpin (with the really steep banks and cement structure) looks a lot more like a college football stadium than a lot of other Southland schools I've visited including our Homer Bryce (built into grassy hills and surrounded by a track). That said, I can't help but think what the place could look like if you guys put money into it. It looks like overall it has seen better days. Attendance was surprisingly bad for a rivalry game. SFA fans traveled pretty well, but there were far too few NSU fans for a home-game of that magnitude. This hasn't been a great season for attendance in Nacogdoches either (4-7 and all), and I'm not sure what's normal for y'all...but I guess I would expect there to be a little better turnout on what was a really nice day for football. To go hand-in-hand with that, I was also surprised to not see a real student-organization led tailgate. Our tailgates are usually packed to a fault (hundreds of students won't actually go to the game because they get too drunk). Maybe that lack of students was related to Thanksgiving Break? What is the tailgate normally like? Anyhow, I'll be back in March at Prather to see the men's basketball games. Also have never seen that facility inside, so will be curious to see how it stacks up to the others I've visited. There was student led tailgating for the first few games. The greeks typically are out by the lake, close to the tennis courts. The students have the entire week off for thanksgiving so typically the tailgating is down for the home finale. Earlier in the season for the opener, UCA, homecoming vs Lamar tailgating completely covered the practice fields. And I can't speak for the crowd because I wasn't able to make it but there have been some pretty sparse turnouts for the battle for the chief at homer bryce, I guess its just the time of year and the fact that there wasn't a lot on the line. Our basketball team on the other hand plays in probably the worst facility in the conference, prather while cozy is old and as of now we are in the process of getting funding to build a new arena. Its in the works, but Ill concede its remarkable that we can recruit kids to play there.
|
|
|
Post by purplestorm on Nov 23, 2015 23:09:01 GMT
The Devil and his Angels, yes. All over the Bible. Buy, the Bible, as we know it, is a relatively new product in the world. Moreover, angels could mean celestial or earthly messengers. In original scripture it was written as (the) Devil or devils, but Greek mythology permeated the region in biblical times, so it's kind of splittng hairs, I guess. It's all dabbling in the spirit world. As you likely know, the word "demon" is an Anglicized word for "dae-mon," which is Greek, as just mentioned. The Greeks saw devils as little men w horns, long tails and pitchforks ... in caricature, if you will. But, scripture is clear that "The Devil" is an "angel of light." My personal view is most people see The Devil or Demons/Devils/Fallen Angels as Hollywood-like evil ... which, again, in my opinion, simply represent the fruit of the dark side of humanity (flesh). So, if the true Devil or devils are angels of light, as are his ministers, our caricature shouldn't be an issue, right? Well, unfortunately, perception is 90 percent of reality and very few people see them as such. So, "demons" are always associated with evil, akin to entities in horror flicks, killers, rapists, terrorism, etc. Therein lies our HUGE challenge. Everything associated w the term "demon" is negative, save our mascot. I think everyone knows fans and alums of NSU aren't devil worshippers. I just simply wonder what we could be by spending the same amount of energy on something not as controversial, as spiritual and as negative. There's no telling what or where we could be? But, we won't know and we won't grow, at least significantly, (we haven't in years) if we stay the same. That's a guarantee. Life changes and breaking from tradition are always a risk, but when they work, it's pretty sweet. I am not trying to argue. I promise, but I will always feel this way. I just think we can do better. Why? When you dabble in the spirit world, purposefully or not, it's twice the battle.
|
|
Demon16
Rapides Dorm member
Posts: 14
|
Post by Demon16 on Nov 23, 2015 23:22:12 GMT
Purplestorm, I don't want to disrespect you, but you have to be kidding me. You can't honestly think that by having the nickname "Demons" we are at a disadvantage. This just seems like an extremely trivial issue to have such an averse reaction toward. Our problem isn't that our mascot is the Demons.. Our problem is that we aren't winning games because we gave up over 500 yards of offense a game and couldn't figure it out offensively.
|
|
|
Post by demon4life on Nov 23, 2015 23:24:16 GMT
Where in the heck is this conversation going?? First off i can confirm we will have new seatbacks next year...all one color and more than likely a larger hd scoreboard (wider not taller). As for the sfa visitor you can look at the attendance this year...we are well ahead of you in avg for the season.
|
|
|
Post by Cajundemon11 on Nov 23, 2015 23:41:30 GMT
The Devil and his Angels, yes. All over the Bible. Buy, the Bible, as we know it, is a relatively new product in the world. Moreover, angels could mean celestial or earthly messengers. In original scripture it was written as (the) Devil or devils, but Greek mythology permeated the region in biblical times, so it's kind of splittng hairs, I guess. It's all dabbling in the spirit world. As you likely know, the word "demon" is an Anglicized word for "dae-mon," which is Greek, as just mentioned. The Greeks saw devils as little men w horns, long tails and pitchforks ... in caricature, if you will. But, scripture is clear that "The Devil" is an "angel of light." My personal view is most people see The Devil or Demons/Devils/Fallen Angels as Hollywood-like evil ... which, again, in my opinion, simply represent the fruit of the dark side of humanity (flesh). So, if the true Devil or devils are angels of light, as are his ministers, our caricature shouldn't be an issue, right? Well, unfortunately, perception is 90 percent of reality and very few people see them as such. So, "demons" are always associated with evil, akin to entities in horror flicks, killers, rapists, terrorism, etc. Therein lies our HUGE challenge. Everything associated w the term "demon" is negative, save our mascot. I think everyone knows fans and alums of NSU aren't devil worshippers. I just simply wonder what we could be by spending the same amount of energy on something not as controversial, as spiritual and as negative. There's no telling what or where we could be? But, we won't know and we won't grow, at least significantly, (we haven't in years) if we stay the same. That's a guarantee. Life changes and breaking from tradition are always a risk, but when they work, it's pretty sweet. I am not trying to argue. I promise, but I will always feel this way. I just think we can do better. Why? When you dabble in the spirit world, purposefully or not, it's twice the battle. Yes, lucifer or the devil, does mean the angel of light. He was an angel, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven taking 1/3 of the angels with him and those becoming demons. In middle eastern culture, where the bible originates the demon as we see it translated in scripture was an unclean spirit or fallen angel. How and when that merged with Greek culture isn't clear to me as my biblical knowledge is still growing. Very interesting stuff though.
|
|
|
Post by purplestorm on Nov 24, 2015 0:18:20 GMT
It's deep, no doubt. I am only halfway paying attention. I do apologize. I was in Home Depot for the first couple responses and have been changing out a garbage disposal since. I always enjoy a good, respectful debate/discussion. Demon4Life ... purple chairbacks would be awesome!!!
|
|
|
Post by purplestorm on Nov 24, 2015 0:47:03 GMT
Demon16, I am not offended at all. You were very respectful. But, we all have a right to our own opinions. Make no mistake, I love NSU and NSU Athletics. I am also around people weekly, many of other faiths or political views, who enjoy harder than normal discussions. It's just something I am used to and I realize many in the world don't care for those discussions about any topic, so I mean no disrespect toward anyone on the board, either.
|
|
|
Post by Patrick on Nov 26, 2015 5:34:37 GMT
Our basketball team on the other hand plays in probably the worst facility in the conference, prather while cozy is old and as of now we are in the process of getting funding to build a new arena. Its in the works, but Ill concede its remarkable that we can recruit kids to play there. Actually, I can tell you that we do not play in the worst facility in the conference. Not even the second-worst. Our facility is probably a lot closer to the middle of the league than you would imagine. And credit to the administration for doing everything they can to make it as good as possible for what it is.
|
|
|
Post by NSU2003 on Nov 26, 2015 14:18:29 GMT
To go hand-in-hand with that, I was also surprised to not see a real student-organization led tailgate. Our tailgates are usually packed to a fault (hundreds of students won't actually go to the game because they get too drunk). Maybe that lack of students was related to Thanksgiving Break? What is the tailgate normally like? SFA has about 5,000 - 6,000 more students in Nac than we do. Nac also has a population of 32,000 is also a good bit larger town than Natch (20,000) with Lufkin just down the road and Longview not too far away SFA has a lot more fans, alumni, students to draw from just within an hours drive than NSU does. I think our tailgating is, potentially, one of the best locations around. Surrounding the perimeter of the old football practice field and is very family friendly. The only thing missing is the actual fans.
|
|