|
Post by Lurking Dog on Nov 5, 2023 20:20:32 GMT -5
Is there no number so low that you won't make an excuse?
When PC won at Wofford, another small school with a losing record, there were about 4,000 fans - nearly all supporting Wofford.
But maybe you're onto something with your disparaging comment about nonscholarship football. When a school treats its football as if it were a club team, it makes sense that only parents and girlfriends show up for games.
|
|
jamtod
Regular Poster
Posts: 223
|
Post by jamtod on Nov 6, 2023 10:12:49 GMT -5
Certainly odd to be invested enough in Pioneer League Football to be one of the few and proud posters here, yet disparaging the teams and league.
I attend and support because a. It has been a connection to my alma mater, including the coach and players b. My 13-yo daughter has had the opportunity to get to know Coach Caruson, other Coach Caruso (Anna, on the coaching staff), and various players who she looks up to as role models. She's set on attending UST when the time comes. c. I enjoy football and every level of football is entertaining, especially when a. is in place above. Doesn't matter to me whether they are receiving scholarships.
If we were FBS and in the pseudo-professional ranks like the B1G and SEC, I'm not sure I'd have a and b above to draw on. I get that our attendance levels are never going to match the big schools, but I follow and support because I believe it is good entertainment and is a worthwhile investment for our institutions of higher ed, to supplement (not replace) the college academic experience.
|
|
|
Post by eddietorero on Nov 6, 2023 15:40:29 GMT -5
Your dedication to your alma mater, the positive influence on your daughter, and your genuine love for the sport at all levels are truly commendable. If we had 4,000+ people like you in every PFL city, attendance wouldn't be an issue.
I appreciate your both of your perspectives, and I didn't mean to come off as disparaging. I was just attempting to give a fair and realistic assessment of the attendance numbers that were posted. If we're going to point out numbers and lack of support during games, then it's important to acknowledge some of the challenges that come with being in this league. We all share a deep love for the game, our teams, and the PFL but at the end of the day, this is show business, and our team's current situation may not be enticing enough to draw casual fans.
|
|
|
Post by 85wildcatsky on Nov 6, 2023 22:15:38 GMT -5
Keep in mind our conference has one of the craziest geographical problems. Combine the fact that several programs have small enrollments. Davidson has about 1900 students, Presby 2300, Stetson about 2600. Presby is losing and has had 3 coaches in 4 years. Presby has Davidson, Gardner Webb, Furman, Wofford, Elon, SC State, Western North Carolina, and East TN state all within about a 2-3 hour radius of the school. Fans have a tough time getting excited to come see Butler, Drake, or San Diego rather than some of the local more familiar FCS schools. San Diego would draw better against a regular diet of UC Davis, Cal Poly and some of the smaller local schools. The Pioneer is what it is.
I do believe the league could put a little more effort into marketing the league. I attended this weekends Stetson vs Davidson game with an old college roomate. I had to cajole him for weeks to attend the game. He enjoyed it and the level of play on both teams. He confessed how it was great product for $15 bucks.
|
|