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Column: Assistant Sports Editor Report

Abstract:
Last week, Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke issued her first AD Report just as the men's and women's basketball teams kicked off their 2008-2009 campaigns.

In the spirit of issuing reports on athletic programs after five sports had nearly finished their season, it's time for the first annual Assistant Sports Editor Report....

  • Displaying 1 - 6 of 6

Athlete

posted 11/18/08 @ 1:33 PM CST

This might be one of the worst columns I have ever read in the Daily Eastern News. Dan, let me ask you, have you ever been to a professional sporting event or one at another school? Have you taken a marketing or event planning course of some kind? Have you ever even played a sport? Fans don't leave the comfort of their homes just to come watch a game and only the game. They come to see the game but also to enjoy the atmosphere. Half time shows, stand out graphics, tunnels and murals are seen in every arena across the nation. This is all to built excitement. Its not rocket science!!! I have witnessed first hand the changes that Barbara Burke and the athletic department are making in Lantz and I think it is exactly what they needed to do. Lantz arena was dated and in need of a new face lift, the murals and new floor design help to generate that exciting atmosphere not only for the fans, but the PLAYERS. The tunnel with the smoke, you so jokingly put down, was put into place to pump up the teams as they run through and are greeted by fans. And as far as the Panther Patio goes, I have not missed an EIU basketball game in the past 4 years, and guess what... NOBODY SITS THERE! They never have and they probably never will. The ideas that Burke, the athletic department, and the marketing department are coming up with are great, and are working. The women's basketball team (since they've played more home games thus far) is already generating more and more fans. The atmosphere in Lantz is starting to make it difficult for opposing teams to focus and play in.

And with you being the "Assistant Sports Editor" and all... I would think you would have noticed that people are excited about panther basketball this year. The women's team was picked to win the OVC, and fell 4 points short of beating a Big 10 school. The men's team is practically a brand new team from last year, with a lot of young potential and talent. So before you go asking for better teams, and an ugly gym, think about what your saying so you dont sound like such an idiot next time.
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Nora

posted 11/18/08 @ 4:43 PM CST

It is not the worst column ever. I thought it was well thought out and brought up valid points. I love how the minute someone on the sports staff disagrees with anything the responses always references how they obviously don't understand because they don't play athletics.

Disclaimer: I have never played on an actual athletic team. But I did shoot basketball for two seasons and football for a season.

Football games are well attended.
Basketball games are not.
I don't think college kids and their parents go to a football game and freeze their butts off for those nifty plastic footballs. They go because they win.

Mike Miller has a horribly bad record and then men's basketball team was awful last year. It is unfortunate that Brady and the women's basketball team gets lumped in with them because Brady and the women's team are TALENTED.

What Dan was saying was instead of spending money on cheap PR tactics maybe Burke should worry about hiring coaches that actually inspire players to do better or recruit kids with talent or ... I don't know... actually know how to coach.





Originally posted by

Athlete

 This might be one of the worst columns I have ever read in the Daily Eastern News. Dan, let me ask you, have you ever been to a professional sporting event or one at another school? Have you taken a marketing or event planning course of some kind? Have you ever even played a sport? Fans don't leave the comfort of their homes just to come watch a game and only the game. They come to see the game but also to enjoy the atmosphere. Half time shows, stand out graphics, tunnels and murals are seen in every arena across the nation. This is all to built excitement. Its not rocket science!!! I have witnessed first hand the changes that Barbara Burke and the athletic department are making in Lantz and I think it is exactly what they needed to do. Lantz arena was dated and in need of a new face lift, the murals and new floor design help to generate that exciting atmosphere not only for the fans, but the PLAYERS. The tunnel with the smoke, you so jokingly put down, was put into place to pump up the teams as they run through and are greeted by fans. And as far as the Panther Patio goes, I have not missed an EIU basketball game in the past 4 years, and guess what... NOBODY SITS THERE! They never have and they probably never will. The ideas that Burke, the athletic department, and the marketing department are coming up with are great, and are working. The women's basketball team (since they've played more home games thus far) is already generating more and more fans. The atmosphere in Lantz is starting to make it difficult for opposing teams to focus and play in.

And with you being the "Assistant Sports Editor" and all... I would think you would have noticed that people are excited about panther basketball this year. The women's team was picked to win the OVC, and fell 4 points short of beating a Big 10 school. The men's team is practically a brand new team from last year, with a lot of young potential and talent. So before you go asking for better teams, and an ugly gym, think about what your saying so you dont sound like such an idiot next time.
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Just a Fan

posted 11/18/08 @ 3:49 PM CST

"Athlete" is right. It is so easy to be negative and cynical. Then, the assistant sports editor can look unbiased and cool. The DEN doesn't have to be running public relations for the athletic department but give them a fair shot. As far as everybody else, go to a game or two. It isn't like there is all that much to do and you might like it.
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I love sports editors and photographers

posted 11/19/08 @ 3:01 PM CST

I also must agree with "Athlete". I didn't know that photographers were experts in athletic administration?! To be quite honest, you wouldn't know what "talent" looks like. Brady wouldn't take you on the road to help him recruit either. Furthermore, men and women's basketball are two seperate entities. COACH Miller and COACH Sallee are responsible for their OWN teams. On another asinine note brought up by "NORA", Ms. Burke cannot come into a univeristy setting and start firing coaches. Coaches have contracts and the administration must adhere to them. When the time comes for her to make a decision, or a change, then it is up to her to do what she sees fit.
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Jamie

posted 11/19/08 @ 6:22 PM CST

As an Eastern Alumni, I can see the point that Dan raises. I spent four years on campus and attended two Eastern football games and one men's basketball game. As an avid sports fan I scratched my sporting itch by leaving EIU to see Bradley, Illinois State, U of I, Michigan State, and North Carolina games. Why are their fans so much more into the game than ours? It is because of the caliber of the teams and the quality of the play. Why would I waste a Saturday night to sit in Lantz Arena and see some smoke and lights. I would much rather sit at home and watch a higher quality of play on ESPN. I doubt the panther head will pack the crowds in, and feel the money could be used in a much better way. I'm glad someone finally told it like it is! Well done!
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I love sports

posted 11/20/08 @ 3:20 AM CST

You have to spend money to make money sometimes people. The Panther Patio area is to raise money for the athletic program, which in turn will help EIU recruit players from across the country and improve the program. Students should want to cheer on EIU athletics win or lose. School Spirit baby!
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