Sad state of affairs in Cullowhee

[BeauFoster]

Years ago, we were very similar schools. Both in the mountains, both a bit difficult to get to, both smaller - often feeding on table scraps from the powers in Chapel Hill. App has had visionary leadership (especially when it comes to athletics) and has, in many regards, left them behind. We were rivals once, which is why most older App fans "hate" them. I could care less about them anymore, from a rivalry standpoint. If we are playing an in state FCS, I'd rather play other schools. Just bred-in hate, I suppose you could say.

Better than in-bred hate.

I worded it that specific way for a reason

“Visionary leadership” (especially when it comes to athletics )“ is a relatively recent development. Getting us to this level is largely due to a small group of alumni pushing relentlessly despite entrenched opposition.

For sure - Bork was close to taking us down the WCU path. It may have been his actual goal. Peacock was not universally loved, but the effort he put in behind athletics made a world of difference. In ~2005, our athletic budget was roughly $1-1.5 mil more than that of WCU. Not a huge amount, but a difference nonetheless. By ~2012, it was double theirs. Without leaders through the mid 2000's and since, we would have never gotten to where we are.

Of course the alumni and friends of the program helped to lay the ground work, but without the right leadership in place, we would never have seen the past 14 years (and would likely still be playing Furman and Wofford on PBS).

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Years ago, we were very similar schools. Both in the mountains, both a bit difficult to get to, both smaller - often feeding on table scraps from the powers in Chapel Hill. App has had visionary leadership (especially when it comes to athletics) and has, in many regards, left them behind. We were rivals once, which is why most older App fans "hate" them. I could care less about them anymore, from a rivalry standpoint. If we are playing an in state FCS, I'd rather play other schools. Just bred-in hate, I suppose you could say.

Better than in-bred hate.

I worded it that specific way for a reason

“Visionary leadership” (especially when it comes to athletics )“ is a relatively recent development. Getting us to this level is largely due to a small group of alumni pushing relentlessly despite entrenched opposition.

For sure - Bork was close to taking us down the WCU path. It may have been his actual goal. Peacock was not universally loved, but the effort he put in behind athletics made a world of difference. In ~2005, our athletic budget was roughly $1-1.5 mil more than that of WCU. Not a huge amount, but a difference nonetheless. By ~2012, it was double theirs. Without leaders through the mid 2000's and since, we would have never gotten to where we are.

Of course the alumni and friends of the program helped to lay the ground work, but without the right leadership in place, we would never have seen the past 14 years (and would likely still be playing Furman and Wofford on PBS).

The SoCon took the money from the schools leaving and built a nice digital platform to their credit. And I think they use ESPN+ a lot as well. But your point is made and was worth making.