Alumni Social recap

[Clickclack]

madDOG,

 

Mad props for the Castro analogy, thats exactly how I feel. Any day NOW!

[olddog71]

I echo a lot of posters here regarding comments about the football stadium.

 

Yes, I'm disappointed that we are not farther along the road than I thought we would be at this point, but there is a lot going on behind the scene that few of us know about. I'm quite sure that the funding for the project is progressing quite nicely. I wish I could just wave a magic wand around and see the work completed, but my wand doesn't have the funds available to see the thing through. I remember back in the late 60's when it was first announced that UA (a different name back then) would sponsor football. It took some time to get it going, but the first step we took was only club status. My! How far we have come since then where people here are posting about playing the best teams in the country. A lot of obstacles had to be cleared back then, as now, as to achieving this goal. Back then, as now, there were forces at work just on the university level to block the rise of any football on campus. Just a couple years ago, we were allowed to go to D I-AA status, provided that we would not allow any scholarships to football players, and now even that obstacle has been cleared.

 

I know many of you wish we were farther along than we are, but just have patience. This goal will be achieved, and it will be done the proper way.

 

As to Kaloyeros and Sematech, I am about as proud of that achievements in this field in the last few years as I was when there were 11 minutes left to go in the first UConn game two seasons ago. Kaloyeros is bringing big-time action to UA and the Capital District than most of us realize, and he is capitalizing on his accomplishments just as Coach Brown did at the end of last season with his contract negotiations. This process is just very normal. I want my university to be great in many areas, and not bring on just one trick pony to the community and academic and athletic worlds.

[scrabbleship]

madDOG,

 

Mad props for the Castro analogy, thats exactly how I feel. Any day NOW!

 

I have some bad feeling that in 5 years, there will be no football stadium and Castro will be alive, in 10 years the same, in 20 years the same even.

[madDOG]

I echo a lot of posters here regarding comments about the football stadium.

 

Yes, I'm disappointed that we are not farther along the road than I thought we would be at this point, but there is a lot going on behind the scene that few of us know about. I'm quite sure that the funding for the project is progressing quite nicely. I wish I could just wave a magic wand around and see the work completed, but my wand doesn't have the funds available to see the thing through. I remember back in the late 60's when it was first announced that UA (a different name back then) would sponsor football. It took some time to get it going, but the first step we took was only club status. My! How far we have come since then where people here are posting about playing the best teams in the country. A lot of obstacles had to be cleared back then, as now, as to achieving this goal. Back then, as now, there were forces at work just on the university level to block the rise of any football on campus. Just a couple years ago, we were allowed to go to D I-AA status, provided that we would not allow any scholarships to football players, and now even that obstacle has been cleared.

 

I know many of you wish we were farther along than we are, but just have patience. This goal will be achieved, and it will be done the proper way.

 

As to Kaloyeros and Sematech, I am about as proud of that achievements in this field in the last few years as I was when there were 11 minutes left to go in the first UConn game two seasons ago. Kaloyeros is bringing big-time action to UA and the Capital District than most of us realize, and he is capitalizing on his accomplishments just as Coach Brown did at the end of last season with his contract negotiations. This process is just very normal. I want my university to be great in many areas, and not bring on just one trick pony to the community and academic and athletic worlds.

 

Agreed re: SEMATECH. My biggest hope is that it will raise the university out of 'Tier 3' status since so much of that bullshytte ranking is based on peer assessments. Having a multi-billion dollar #1 school in this field will surely increase awareness of our university throughout the academic world.

 

I myself feel anxious about the stadium because SO MANY great things are occurring at UA that I feel we must capitalize on it to the fullest. That doesn't mean making bad decisions, but most of us agree that building first class athletic facilities is a "good decision". The funding will come- but as I stated- McElroy should focus most of his attention on private sources because it's not going to come from the state anytime soon. Frankly, considering our location in the capital of the state with the largest number of fortune 500 companies in the world, this shouldnt be such a crazy proposition.

[danefan]

So not relying on NY state too much, why can't we build a $40mm stadium instead?

 

$17mm from student fees over 10 years.

$3mm from private donations

$10mm from naming/corporate donations

$10mm from City/County/State funds

 

Lavalle Stadium only cost $22mm so I would imagine that $40mm would get us a pretty nice stadium wouldn't it?

[ATL_DANE]

I think the issue that most of us don't understand is why there isn't more publicity about this stadium drive. Let's plead our case. I don't think it's outrageous for us to be on par with other flagship schools. I'd take nearly on par with other state schools. How many state flagships have a football field like ours? None.

 

I've written checks for the stadium but that is only because I'm on this board and know that Albany wants a stadium. None of the alum that I know know anything about a stadium or future plans. I'm sure they'd give if they were asked. How about a public appeal? I recall the drive for Centennial Olymic Park in Atlanta raised a lot of money by simply asking that you 'buy a brick'. Those bricks are still there with the donors names etched on them. If we can get this done with a few large private donors, that's great... but otherwise make it a public appeal. I'm not above beggin'. Heck, I've sent off emails pleading our case to the governor, legislature leaders, the Giants and fellow alum.

 

Everybody is cheap now (including the state) but those fair weather fans will be right there when we start winning

[alum73]

"So not relying on NY state too much, why can't we build a $40mm stadium instead?

 

$17mm from student fees over 10 years.

$3mm from private donations

$10mm from naming/corporate donations

$10mm from City/County/State funds

 

Lavalle Stadium only cost $22mm so I would imagine that $40mm would get us a pretty nice stadium wouldn't it?"

 

 

Sounds easy. 4 little lines - $40,000,000. There are a lot of people working on getting the first $10 million. It's not quite as easy as you make it sound. I'm sure if you let the the development people know which corporations are trying to donate that 10 million, they'll be eternally grateful. If you have the $3 million lying around, write that check and send it in. Additional student fees might not be quite as easy or palatable to a majority of the students either. I'm as anxious as the next person to get a new stadium, but we're talking about a lot of money and it isn't as easy as some here have inferred to get it. We'll only get the build this stadium once and we need to do it right. I visited LaValle stadium and saw many of its shortcomings. We don't want to make the same mistakes they did, so I am content to trust an athletic administration who has made tremendous strides and has us on the map nationally. I hope all of the posters are making their contributions as often as possible. My contributions aren't as large as I'd like, but I try to give as often as possible, and I buy my megamillions/lotto tickets, hoping for a miracle. I urge everyone to has patience, which I think is easier for us old timers than the younger posters. We're still infants on the D1 scene.

[danefan]

I do really know its not as easy as I say, but it makes for good conversation doesn't it?

 

And if I had any money, which I currently do not, I would have a small issue donating money to an undisclosed idea. Just my two cents though.

[madDOG]

I think the issue that most of us don't understand is why there isn't more publicity about this stadium drive....None of the alum that I know know anything about a stadium or future plans. I'm sure they'd give if they were asked. How about a public appeal? I recall the drive for Centennial Olymic Park in Atlanta raised a lot of money by simply asking that you 'buy a brick'. Those bricks are still there with the donors names etched on them. If we can get this done with a few large private donors, that's great... but otherwise make it a public appeal. I'm not above beggin'. Heck, I've sent off emails pleading our case to the governor, legislature leaders, the Giants and fellow alum.

 

Everybody is cheap now (including the state) but those fair weather fans will be right there when we start winning

 

EXACTLY!

 

They need to capitalize on all the national exposure we've received over the past two years. They can use that to galvanize support from alumni, but no-one is asking!

[UA_MA_2000]

Dane Pound - I wholeheartedly agree with UA MA 2000 that this quote should be deleted from the site.....

 

The stadium needs to be built NOW!! I don't care if all the eggs aren't in the basket, build it now and screw any consequences. I'm ashamed by McElroy and his lack of action and all else at the school--the other programs, the dorms, nanotech--should take a backseat to a new stadium, period, end of discussion.

 

I wish Kermit never went swimming, then the ground would have been broken. Herbst is oblivious, and that sad. - danes05

 

In my opinion everyone has the right to disagree with the administration and what's going on but this is (sick) over the top.

 

The way it is stated is quite worrisome and scary to me.

 

I find it very offensive and don't think it's appropriate for this board.

 

Care to elaborate? How is stating the obvious worrisome to you? Won't change my viewpoint.

 

 

Your viewpoint is something you are entitled to share; it's the manner in which you share it that troubles all of us. There is no need to personally attack people and make off-the-wall comments about swimming like you did to effectively make your point. Isn't it possible to make the same point (whatever that may be) in a better way, and, yet, still get your point across regarding whatever policies or practices you take issue with?

[danes05]

Dane Pound - I wholeheartedly agree with UA MA 2000 that this quote should be deleted from the site.....

 

The stadium needs to be built NOW!! I don't care if all the eggs aren't in the basket, build it now and screw any consequences. I'm ashamed by McElroy and his lack of action and all else at the school--the other programs, the dorms, nanotech--should take a backseat to a new stadium, period, end of discussion.

 

I wish Kermit never went swimming, then the ground would have been broken. Herbst is oblivious, and that sad. - danes05

 

In my opinion everyone has the right to disagree with the administration and what's going on but this is (sick) over the top.

 

The way it is stated is quite worrisome and scary to me.

 

I find it very offensive and don't think it's appropriate for this board.

 

Care to elaborate? How is stating the obvious worrisome to you? Won't change my viewpoint.

 

Your viewpoint is something you are entitled to share; it's the manner in which you share it that troubles all of us. There is no need to personally attack people and make off-the-wall comments about swimming like you did to effectively make your point. Isn't it possible to make the same point (whatever that may be) in a better way, and, yet, still get your point across regarding whatever policies or practices you take issue with?

How the hell did I get quoted as saying that about President Hall?

[UA_MA_2000]

Dane Pound - I wholeheartedly agree with UA MA 2000 that this quote should be deleted from the site.....

 

The stadium needs to be built NOW!! I don't care if all the eggs aren't in the basket, build it now and screw any consequences. I'm ashamed by McElroy and his lack of action and all else at the school--the other programs, the dorms, nanotech--should take a backseat to a new stadium, period, end of discussion.

 

I wish Kermit never went swimming, then the ground would have been broken. Herbst is oblivious, and that sad. - danes05

 

In my opinion everyone has the right to disagree with the administration and what's going on but this is (sick) over the top.

 

The way it is stated is quite worrisome and scary to me.

 

I find it very offensive and don't think it's appropriate for this board.

 

Care to elaborate? How is stating the obvious worrisome to you? Won't change my viewpoint.

 

Your viewpoint is something you are entitled to share; it's the manner in which you share it that troubles all of us. There is no need to personally attack people and make off-the-wall comments about swimming like you did to effectively make your point. Isn't it possible to make the same point (whatever that may be) in a better way, and, yet, still get your point across regarding whatever policies or practices you take issue with?

How the hell did I get quoted as saying that about President Hall?

 

Dane05:

Sorry, not you -- it was Scrabby's original comment. I probably clicked "quote" from a subsequent post incorporating the original post. My bad!

[scrabbleship]

Dane Pound - I wholeheartedly agree with UA MA 2000 that this quote should be deleted from the site.....

 

The stadium needs to be built NOW!! I don't care if all the eggs aren't in the basket, build it now and screw any consequences. I'm ashamed by McElroy and his lack of action and all else at the school--the other programs, the dorms, nanotech--should take a backseat to a new stadium, period, end of discussion.

 

I wish Kermit never went swimming, then the ground would have been broken. Herbst is oblivious, and that sad. - danes05

 

In my opinion everyone has the right to disagree with the administration and what's going on but this is (sick) over the top.

 

The way it is stated is quite worrisome and scary to me.

 

I find it very offensive and don't think it's appropriate for this board.

 

Care to elaborate? How is stating the obvious worrisome to you? Won't change my viewpoint.

 

Your viewpoint is something you are entitled to share; it's the manner in which you share it that troubles all of us. There is no need to personally attack people and make off-the-wall comments about swimming like you did to effectively make your point. Isn't it possible to make the same point (whatever that may be) in a better way, and, yet, still get your point across regarding whatever policies or practices you take issue with?

How the hell did I get quoted as saying that about President Hall?

 

Dane05:

Sorry, not you -- it was Scrabby's original comment. I probably clicked "quote" from a subsequent post incorporating the original post. My bad!

 

Tying this back into Sematech:

 

The stadium should be the biggest priority over everything, even if it means a few other things are arrested for a few years. As much as nanotech is seen as a savior, the locals are cynical it'll fully take hold given the past saviors that have never panned and I tend to agree with them (mention Sematech to anyone over, say, 35 who has lived in the area their whole life and you'll hear only laughter). If the football stadium is holding all athletic development up, get the stadium done so the backlog and the cost of it and other projects don't soar.

 

As for the stadium, or at least the surface, it should be named for Kermit. Something on campus HAS to be named for him and it's sad it hasn't been done already.

 

Shame on John Fallon and his grudge...

[olddog71]

scrabbleship,

 

I have to honestly say that you are one of the most cynical people I have met.

 

Weren't you the one who questioned whether Coach Brown would be staying at UA just a couple months ago?

 

Now just because you want a stadium to be built, you want to put a lot of other projects on hold -- and probably in great jeopardy -- so that you can brag that UA has a football stadium.

 

Sematech is one of the greatest projects that UA has ever undertaken. It distinguishes UA from just about every other campus in the country, and now you want to sacrifice it so that a stadium -- which just about every notable quality university in the country has -- to pursue your dream. Personally, I am proud to be associated with a school that is doing some of the most advanced research in the world on one of the most important processes going on in today's world. Same thing for GeneSYS and other great research.

 

UA will build this stadium. You are just too impatient. Great things like this just don't get built in a day. The whole athletic program has grown leaps and bounds in the last ten or so years, but the pace isn't good enough for you.

 

Unbelievable!

[Clickclack]

scrabbleship,

 

I have to honestly say that you are one of the most cynical people I have met.

 

Weren't you the one who questioned whether Coach Brown would be staying at UA just a couple months ago?

 

Now just because you want a stadium to be built, you want to put a lot of other projects on hold -- and probably in great jeopardy -- so that you can brag that UA has a football stadium.

 

Sematech is one of the greatest projects that UA has ever undertaken. It distinguishes UA from just about every other campus in the country, and now you want to sacrifice it so that a stadium -- which just about every notable quality university in the country has -- to pursue your dream. Personally, I am proud to be associated with a school that is doing some of the most advanced research in the world on one of the most important processes going on in today's world. Same thing for GeneSYS and other great research.

 

UA will build this stadium. You are just too impatient. Great things like this just don't get built in a day. The whole athletic program has grown leaps and bounds in the last ten or so years, but the pace isn't good enough for you.

 

Unbelievable!

 

To piggyback on what olddog said, after our loss to Vermont at home that essentially gave UVM the regular season title. You almost had an aneurysm as to how coach Brown has failed, how this season is doomed and we cant win at the Patrick. If I'm not mistaken you even called for his head. How did that turn out for you? At the risk of pilling on, the only time any of us see you posts is when you have something outlandish or cynical to say. Try to make a positive post here or there, perhaps you'll garner some respect.

 

As olddog said, It's been 8 years in D1, this thing will take time to build. As I've stated before, the football team exists because of the University, the University does not exist because of the football team. It's primary focus as an institution of higher learning is not to turn out football or basketball players, although it is important to the social aspect of the University and campus life. It's purpose is to better humanity through education and research. Remember that when you go on one of your juvenile rants again.