This may have been discussed and I just missed it, but is it truly lack of wins that is the problem at MSU? I've been to games at Rolla where they hadn't had a winning season in years but they had a good crowd supporting them. Just wondering how a town the size of Springfield only has a handful of fans in the crowd.
MSU fans..or lack of!
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MSU not big enough to have a following like a power conference team and not small enough to have a dedicated local support base like Pitt State or NWMSU.
And they really really suck at football
And almost always have but, their league (MVFC) is almost always the highest rated FCS conference usually ahead of more than one FBS conference. If you are gonna suck, that's a bad conference to try to stop sucking in.
Lets be truthful. Its not a football town.
When I was there we had nice crowds for early season night games. Later games and day games had far smaller crowds. And we didnt suck then. That was a long time ago. But in subsequent visits over the years it hasnt changed much.
Historically, more enthusiasm for basketball.
When I was there we had nice crowds for early season night games. Later games and day games had far smaller crowds. And we didnt suck then. That was a long time ago. But in subsequent visits over the years it hasnt changed much.
Historically, more enthusiasm for basketball.
I think the ESPN3 deal and coverage hurt a little. I know I have skipped 2 cold games to watch at home
This and This. It's a hoops town through and through. Always has been. You see it from youth through HS and college. Way more interest from those playing and attending when a roundball is involved.
I was at MU from 93-96. They were awful. Last year of Stull and first two of Smith. Never missed a home game and traveled to a few away games. Neighbor was starting C from Texas and would get his fam tickets for road games they didn't go to...Was at SMS from 97-99. Weren't great but not awful. Won five games each of the three years. A good buddy was QB I knew from HS and played intramural hoops together. Knew a few other o-linemen well. I think I went to two games in three years. Maybe three or four at the most. Followed how they did and listened on the radio, just never went. No tailgates, not a fun atmosphere, and would just rather stay home and watch the nationally televised games on TV. Never once missed a Bears or Lady Bears home hoops game in three years.
Springfield is a 'baseball town' since the Cards AA team relocated there, right?
Do they play at Hammons Field on MSU's campus?
Do they play at Hammons Field on MSU's campus?
This is what it should/could look like...
Until they win big (9-12 wins) per season for half-a-decade, nothing will change in terms of student support. The current AD gives lip service to the lack of student turnout, but you can tell he (nor 90% of the administration) really cares about it. "It's up the students" is their attitude and that's part of the problem. The campus overall is very behind-the-times in terms of signage (LD screens and the like) with graphics telling students "They there's a home game Saturday at 2:00" etc. 90% of the News-Leader facebook comments related to the story from this past weekend mentioned time and time again they didn't know when any of the games were and weren't told about them or how to get the free tickets. They've got to communicate better with the student groups and that doesn't include 1980's era communication!!!!!! (Posters in building windows!!!). That doesn't work these days. You've got to get off your butt and go to them and talk to them directly! I don't see people are MSU doing that. Overall, winning over a number of years and many NCAA tournament appearances will get most of them in the stands, but they seem unable or unwilling to do that. They keep hiring these old guys over and over again. They'll never get over passing on Jerry Kill, because he was "only a Div. II coach" and going with Randy "JUCO transfer" Ball. They also need to educate the KC and StL students who come down here for school that we don't play Div. II football (like 90% of them think we do) and let them know we play in the SEC of the FCS level.
Until they win big (9-12 wins) per season for half-a-decade, nothing will change in terms of student support. The current AD gives lip service to the lack of student turnout, but you can tell he (nor 90% of the administration) really cares about it. "It's up the students" is their attitude and that's part of the problem. The campus overall is very behind-the-times in terms of signage (LD screens and the like) with graphics telling students "They there's a home game Saturday at 2:00" etc. 90% of the News-Leader facebook comments related to the story from this past weekend mentioned time and time again they didn't know when any of the games were and weren't told about them or how to get the free tickets. They've got to communicate better with the student groups and that doesn't include 1980's era communication!!!!!! (Posters in building windows!!!). That doesn't work these days. You've got to get off your butt and go to them and talk to them directly! I don't see people are MSU doing that. Overall, winning over a number of years and many NCAA tournament appearances will get most of them in the stands, but they seem unable or unwilling to do that. They keep hiring these old guys over and over again. They'll never get over passing on Jerry Kill, because he was "only a Div. II coach" and going with Randy "JUCO transfer" Ball. They also need to educate the KC and StL students who come down here for school that we don't play Div. II football (like 90% of them think we do) and let them know we play in the SEC of the FCS level.
I actually went to a football game there a year or two ago and it was pretty fun and I was surprised at the rather large crowd - although it was mostly gone by halftime.
I'm not sure it's fair to say admin doesn't care. Moats, for all his faults made what many considered to be a promising coaching hire, upgraded facilities, and they've improved the pre-game atmosphere. The only thing still lacking, which is probably the hardest - is winning lots of games. Then it will take time in overcoming a deeply entrenched negative perception surrounding bears football. People need to start talking about it, they need to understand the FCS and care about it, like people in Joplin/Pittsburg care about MIAA. None of this can or will happen overnight but I do believe it's possible. Maybe not likely, but at least possible.
The argument that students aren't there because no one told them to go is laughable. Maybe true but laughable. That is typical way of thinking of today's college generation. Even if MSU installed signs, the students still wouldn't know about the game because they would be looking down at their phone as they walked past the sign!
I'm not sure it's fair to say admin doesn't care. Moats, for all his faults made what many considered to be a promising coaching hire, upgraded facilities, and they've improved the pre-game atmosphere. The only thing still lacking, which is probably the hardest - is winning lots of games. Then it will take time in overcoming a deeply entrenched negative perception surrounding bears football. People need to start talking about it, they need to understand the FCS and care about it, like people in Joplin/Pittsburg care about MIAA. None of this can or will happen overnight but I do believe it's possible. Maybe not likely, but at least possible.
The argument that students aren't there because no one told them to go is laughable. Maybe true but laughable. That is typical way of thinking of today's college generation. Even if MSU installed signs, the students still wouldn't know about the game because they would be looking down at their phone as they walked past the sign!
It looks like Hammons Field is just 4 or 5 city blocks from the northern part of MSU's campus.
I have been to one Bears game ever, and that is when Pitt State played there. I remember that was the year they hired Del Miller but they could have hired Pitt States coach instead, but they went with the sexy pick, they wanted a high flying octane passing offense. We only went because we all wanted to be there when little old Pitt State and the Veer offense beat up on the the high flying Bears. I remember all summer and fall all you saw on TV was advertisements that the Bears with their new coach were going to be fun and exciting to watch.
I really had high hopes for Steckel and what he could do for the Bears, I mean the guy has some fire for sure!! But it just seems no matter how much talent or the coach they bring in, the Bears just cannot win. I really want the Bears to succeed because I would love to have a good team this close to go watch, but you just know every year they will find ways to lose ball games.
I just really think they will never win in my lifetime. But then look as MSSU they are in the heart of SWMO and football craziness, and they cannot seem to win either. I remember being little and growing up watching them build that stadium thinking how cool is that got to go on a tour of it, even got a little piece of souvenir turf.
I really had high hopes for Steckel and what he could do for the Bears, I mean the guy has some fire for sure!! But it just seems no matter how much talent or the coach they bring in, the Bears just cannot win. I really want the Bears to succeed because I would love to have a good team this close to go watch, but you just know every year they will find ways to lose ball games.
I just really think they will never win in my lifetime. But then look as MSSU they are in the heart of SWMO and football craziness, and they cannot seem to win either. I remember being little and growing up watching them build that stadium thinking how cool is that got to go on a tour of it, even got a little piece of souvenir turf.
MSSU is a good comparison. It's in a very good D2 league, but the school is known more for basketball. Recently updated football facilities that look pretty great. They have turned over coaching a number of times over the past several years and probably will again next year. Major investments in facilities, coaching, and a ton of marketing and still they went winless this year.
One difference is that I would consider Joplin more of a football town, where Springfield is more of a basketball town. MSSU has some very good high school programs nearby and interest in football is high here. Webb City is maybe 5 miles from MSSU, Carthage and CJ, maybe 10. Joplin HS football might be rebounding as well. So you would think they have a favorable environment in which to build a program. It could be that PSU is so close and draws too much of the local talent and interest for MSSU to gain traction? I have no idea. MSSU baffles me. Ton a potential and they seem to be trying but going nowhere. Just like MSU. Overall I think both of these institutions are doing great things - just not on the football field.
One difference is that I would consider Joplin more of a football town, where Springfield is more of a basketball town. MSSU has some very good high school programs nearby and interest in football is high here. Webb City is maybe 5 miles from MSSU, Carthage and CJ, maybe 10. Joplin HS football might be rebounding as well. So you would think they have a favorable environment in which to build a program. It could be that PSU is so close and draws too much of the local talent and interest for MSSU to gain traction? I have no idea. MSSU baffles me. Ton a potential and they seem to be trying but going nowhere. Just like MSU. Overall I think both of these institutions are doing great things - just not on the football field.
Most of SWMO either follows Arkansas or Mizzou. When I was a student, I went to about the same number of Arkansas or Mizzou games as I did the Bears. I think they are trying to improve game day atmosphere, but they need to get them to go into the stadium. I know a lot of people who go up and tailgate and then go to bars to watch other games. Winning always helps get people involve, but most of the problem is lack of any kind of tradition.
Six semesters at SMS and six at MU. Followed by five at SEMO. Man, I freaking loved being a college undergrad. Cash finally dried up and I had to get a job. It was a sad realization for me. I miss all the entertainment, sporting events, and females with questionable morals.Based on my calculations, that should make you a doctor. Bahahahaha.
Bears win and Plaster will be packed. They sold out opener this year. Still the Bears have gotten pretty good crowds for a losing team normally between 10k and 12k average over the years.
Joplin doesnt support their teams like Pittsburg does. You drive thru down Pittsburg and you see gorillas everywhere, Gorilla fan type signs, etc You see nothing like that in Joplin.
I think a lot of that has to do with PSU winning national championships and MSSU going winless. It's easy to get excited about a team that wins. Hang signs, wear shirts...even people who have no actual connection or history at PSU want to be associated with the gorillas.
Also a factor - PSU's presence is proportionally much larger in it's community. They have 50% more students than MSSU in a town that is less than half the size.
And -this is debatable- but I think MSSU's unusual suburban style campus on the edge of town has prevented it from developing a good campus life environment. It's caused it to become more of a commuter school, similar to a community college. I don't think that really affects the team winning or not, but as far as the community support and atmosphere, I don't think it helps that MSSU is out of sight on the northeast corner of town in between a shopping mall and a mega-church.
I agree with all that, but especially this last paragraph!! I've said that for years!!
I think the administration at MSSU is committed to giving Denver 2 or 3 more years. Half of the roster is freshmen or red shirt freshmen. But if they do poorly when all the freshmen are juniors, then a change should be considered. They also really like his character.
The previous coaching staff had no relationships with the local high schools and signed virtually zero local players. They still lose the best local players to PSU but need to keep others from going to UCM or elsewhere. They are slowly building relationships with the area high schools, but they had to start from scratch.
The last coaching staff at MSSU is really to blame! They were not interested in building a program at all. I think Coach Johnson is a good man and coach. I think he will be given more time due to the state of the program when he took over.
Which staff you talking about? I have seen local kids who went there over the years. MSSU still needs to put some money into their facilities, they are getting better, but when kids have a choice MSSU is behind in facilities especially to PSU.
Right before this current staff. I agree on the facilities part. I have heard there are some things in the works for upgrades.
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You may be right about another couple years on Denver. I read an article in the Globe earlier in the season and did not get the impression that his fate was tied to just this season. And I would also agree that he really seems like a stand up guy that is doing good things.
I like what they have done at the stadium so far. The underlying design and setting of the stadium is pretty good, but the brown gravel facade over most of the exterior is super awful and the billboard style signage covering part of it looks cheezy. They could rehab Hughes by covering or replacing most of the facade with traditional brick. Somewhat like Junge, but more extensively. Then install some nice fencing, a nice entrance, and some landscaping/trees and there you go. I used to like the green lights at night but they got rid of them.
A master plan that was put together a few years ago. Some of it has been completed, though not exactly in accordance with the plan. Seems like I remember there was a donor a few years ago willing to finance a new stadium, but wanted naming rights and would not allow the Hughes name to be carried on in any meaningful capacity to the new one and the Hughes family was pretty upset about this.
All things considered, I have to give MSSU a lot of credit. Compared to even 10 years ago they are doing a lot of improvements and marketing and community involvement.
I like what they have done at the stadium so far. The underlying design and setting of the stadium is pretty good, but the brown gravel facade over most of the exterior is super awful and the billboard style signage covering part of it looks cheezy. They could rehab Hughes by covering or replacing most of the facade with traditional brick. Somewhat like Junge, but more extensively. Then install some nice fencing, a nice entrance, and some landscaping/trees and there you go. I used to like the green lights at night but they got rid of them.
A master plan that was put together a few years ago. Some of it has been completed, though not exactly in accordance with the plan. Seems like I remember there was a donor a few years ago willing to finance a new stadium, but wanted naming rights and would not allow the Hughes name to be carried on in any meaningful capacity to the new one and the Hughes family was pretty upset about this.
All things considered, I have to give MSSU a lot of credit. Compared to even 10 years ago they are doing a lot of improvements and marketing and community involvement.
He also said that he went to visit Jeff Starkweather (the Joplin AD at the time and an MSSU alum), and that one of Jeff's first comments was that he had been waiting for the last 5 years for an MSSU football coach to come visit him. That one would think Joplin HS would be one of the first stops. The current staff is making local recruiting a high priority, they just have several relationships to rebuild. I have seen Doug Buckmaster from CJ at a game or two, so the current staff is definitely working on it.
