Post by elp525 on Oct 16, 2009 7:27:19 GMT -5
October 15, 2009
By Mitch Vingle
Sports Editor
AS THE Marshall-West Virginia game fast approaches, I've been inundated with e-mails, calls and unsolicited comments. I received many takes on my Wednesday column centering on new MU athletic director Mike Hamrick.
And I have a question.
Is anyone having fun with this series?
If so, I'm not seeing, hearing, reading or feeling it.
In a way, it flies in the face of one simple fact: The game will probably be a sellout at game time. Also, during the game, hopefully, all will enjoy rooting for their team.
But the mean-spirited rhetoric around this game has soiled the series. The back-and-forth volleys surrounding the contract negotiations have thrown a wet blanket over what should be a party.
WVU and Marshall should play. Period. There are but two major university teams in our state. Why in the name of Flatwoods wouldn't they play?
I also know the series is important to the aforementioned Hamrick. He must try to get the Mountaineers in Huntington. So far, it's the only team that has filled Joan C. Edwards Stadium since it expanded in 2001. It's the only team that's had a significant impact on season ticket sales.
But sometimes I wish he and WVU athletic director Ed Pastilong would just give this series a break. Because I don't know if the negativity flying back and forth from Huntington to Morgantown and from Morgantown to Huntington is worth it.
There are few friendly barbs. The words and feelings from WVU supporters are clear. The Mountaineers have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
"The only people who care about this game,'' wrote a follower of my Twitter account, "are in Huntington.''
"This,'' wrote another, "was a state political game that [Gov.] Joe Manchin wanted.''
Marshall fans, of course, point to the sellouts. Nothing to gain, eh? What happens when West Virginia's team has a losing season and desperately needs a sellout?
It's getting old. The same tired arguments from both sides. Ad nauseum.
It's taken the starch out of a series that could be a celebration of our two major universities.
What's goofy is the basketball series goes off without a hitch. I realize the games are held here in Charleston, but the fans get excited, the game is played and it's over. Nice. Neat.
What's also goofy is the reason behind much of the resentment. The MU bailout after the 1997 game? The Dan Angel grandstanding at the state Capitol? That was March of 2001, folks. Angel, the former university president, is out. Bob Pruett, the former coach, is out. Lance West, the ex-AD, is out. Isn't it time to move past that for the good of state harmony, solidarity, unity, whatever-you-want-to-call-ity?
Also, I can't help but question Pastilong's hard stance regarding a 2-for-1. He promises no flexibility. The guess from here is because the stance has been met with applause from WVU fans. He's indicated a desire to stick around past his announced retirement date. It's his high card with many wanting a fresh face in the AD chair.
I mean, Pastilong is a great guy. If the above weren't the case why would he be so inflexible? With Hamrick, an old friend? Why not talk about a 3-for-2? Or a 6-for-4? Or whatever?
(A side note: I know Hamrick has said he's wants a 1-for-1. He's added, though, all, which includes him, must compromise.)
The word I'm getting, by the way, is Manchin is staying out of the fray this time. Yes, he'll still need votes down the line when - OK, "if'' - he runs for the U.S. Senate, but he has to be tired of the criticism, the toxicity, of this issue.
Everyone, it seems, is tired of it. Instead of a fiesta, we have a Mexican standoff.
East Carolina can play a 3-for-3 with North Carolina State. It can play a 2-for-2 with North Carolina. Here, a contract agreement between our two major universities is a big, hairy problem.
It's ridiculous. It's childish.
It's led to name-calling and negativity in a state that gets enough of that from the outside.
And, most mind-numbingly, it's over a football game.
Let's give it a break. The negativity. Or the series.
By Mitch Vingle
Sports Editor
AS THE Marshall-West Virginia game fast approaches, I've been inundated with e-mails, calls and unsolicited comments. I received many takes on my Wednesday column centering on new MU athletic director Mike Hamrick.
And I have a question.
Is anyone having fun with this series?
If so, I'm not seeing, hearing, reading or feeling it.
In a way, it flies in the face of one simple fact: The game will probably be a sellout at game time. Also, during the game, hopefully, all will enjoy rooting for their team.
But the mean-spirited rhetoric around this game has soiled the series. The back-and-forth volleys surrounding the contract negotiations have thrown a wet blanket over what should be a party.
WVU and Marshall should play. Period. There are but two major university teams in our state. Why in the name of Flatwoods wouldn't they play?
I also know the series is important to the aforementioned Hamrick. He must try to get the Mountaineers in Huntington. So far, it's the only team that has filled Joan C. Edwards Stadium since it expanded in 2001. It's the only team that's had a significant impact on season ticket sales.
But sometimes I wish he and WVU athletic director Ed Pastilong would just give this series a break. Because I don't know if the negativity flying back and forth from Huntington to Morgantown and from Morgantown to Huntington is worth it.
There are few friendly barbs. The words and feelings from WVU supporters are clear. The Mountaineers have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
"The only people who care about this game,'' wrote a follower of my Twitter account, "are in Huntington.''
"This,'' wrote another, "was a state political game that [Gov.] Joe Manchin wanted.''
Marshall fans, of course, point to the sellouts. Nothing to gain, eh? What happens when West Virginia's team has a losing season and desperately needs a sellout?
It's getting old. The same tired arguments from both sides. Ad nauseum.
It's taken the starch out of a series that could be a celebration of our two major universities.
What's goofy is the basketball series goes off without a hitch. I realize the games are held here in Charleston, but the fans get excited, the game is played and it's over. Nice. Neat.
What's also goofy is the reason behind much of the resentment. The MU bailout after the 1997 game? The Dan Angel grandstanding at the state Capitol? That was March of 2001, folks. Angel, the former university president, is out. Bob Pruett, the former coach, is out. Lance West, the ex-AD, is out. Isn't it time to move past that for the good of state harmony, solidarity, unity, whatever-you-want-to-call-ity?
Also, I can't help but question Pastilong's hard stance regarding a 2-for-1. He promises no flexibility. The guess from here is because the stance has been met with applause from WVU fans. He's indicated a desire to stick around past his announced retirement date. It's his high card with many wanting a fresh face in the AD chair.
I mean, Pastilong is a great guy. If the above weren't the case why would he be so inflexible? With Hamrick, an old friend? Why not talk about a 3-for-2? Or a 6-for-4? Or whatever?
(A side note: I know Hamrick has said he's wants a 1-for-1. He's added, though, all, which includes him, must compromise.)
The word I'm getting, by the way, is Manchin is staying out of the fray this time. Yes, he'll still need votes down the line when - OK, "if'' - he runs for the U.S. Senate, but he has to be tired of the criticism, the toxicity, of this issue.
Everyone, it seems, is tired of it. Instead of a fiesta, we have a Mexican standoff.
East Carolina can play a 3-for-3 with North Carolina State. It can play a 2-for-2 with North Carolina. Here, a contract agreement between our two major universities is a big, hairy problem.
It's ridiculous. It's childish.
It's led to name-calling and negativity in a state that gets enough of that from the outside.
And, most mind-numbingly, it's over a football game.
Let's give it a break. The negativity. Or the series.
