IMO, it's not about a player or a coach...

[hithere]

I sure understand the general frustration -- and, with football, the frustration of facing another rebuilding effort -- but who, exactly, are these good old boys and how are they standing in the way of football victories?

Hi SnowyRange,

From your post history, you seem to either work at UW or have a close connection somehow. I like reading your posts because, by and large, they have perspective. So a lot of questions follow:

I'd like your thoughts. Is there an old boys network at UW and/or Wyoming? What things has Tom Burman done right? We all know his perceived negatives, but what kinds of things, that you may know more about, behind the scenes has he done right? What are your thoughts on the constant rebuilds based on questionable (to me) hires? What could have been done differently? Why should fans keep "waiting until next year" based on decisions made by the athletics administration? Why should fans keep supporting this team other than just having the name Wyoming on the jerseys? From my perspective, 90% of decisions made the last 8 years in the revenue sports have been wrong. Why should I support the University when to me, the administration seems to be incompetent and have only relied on the strong sense of state pride in their fanbase and not built anything of competitive merit?

If at all possible, I would please ask you to not refer to Shyatt. I have made my decisions on the hiring of Shyatt and how that all went down and am truly wishing for some perspective change.

Is everyone in Laramie just throwing up their arms in disbelief like most fans are and conceding that no one knows how to get this ship righted? Or is it because, unfortunately, no one is around to poop money for UW athletics to take it where it needs to go?

Because it beats me.

[laxwyo]

I want what you smoked today hithere

[hithere]

I want what you smoked today hithere

How's that? I'm not picking up what you're laying down.

That was about as honest of a post I could muster. Would really like to know SnowyRange's thoughts.

[laxwyo]

I want what you smoked today hithere

How's that? I'm not picking up what you're laying down.

That was about as honest of a post I could muster. Would really like to know SnowyRange's thoughts.

That's what I'm talking about man. A very honest, inquisitive post. A little different than some of your others. You take your Ritalin today?:)

[ragtimejoe1]

My only conclusion is that WYO is simply happy fielding teams, collecting paychecks, and making excuses why things suck. Somehow, they are able to sell it to new hires despite the FACT we are a coaches graveyard. I'll give Burman one thing, he must be a salesman.

[joshvanklomp]

I don't get the "Bohl hasn't done anything at this level" argument. I'm sorry, but established coaches at winning FBS programs aren't standing in line waiting to come to Laramie. The sooner you accept that fact, the better.

You hired a three-time consecutive national champion. Everyone else around the country couldn't believe Wyoming got Bohl to come to Laramie, while the unsatisfied Poke faithful think they are too good for him. Something doesn't quite add up.

[VisorHair]

I don't get the "Bohl hasn't done anything at this level" argument. I'm sorry, but established coaches at winning FBS programs aren't standing in line waiting to come to Laramie. The sooner you accept that fact, the better.

You hired a three-time consecutive national champion. Everyone else around the country couldn't believe Wyoming got Bohl to come to Laramie, while the unsatisfied Poke faithful think they are too good for him. Something doesn't quite add up.

Don't let the naysayers rep all of Poke nation. They don't understand college athletics and the time it takes to build. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen in the blink of an eye. People are pissed because this has seemingly happened numerous times.

[McPeachy]

1. established coaches at winning FBS programs aren't standing in line waiting to come to Laramie.

2. The sooner you accept that fact, the better.

3. Everyone else around the country couldn't believe Wyoming got Bohl to come to Laramie

4. while the unsatisfied Poke faithful think they are too good for him. Something doesn't quite add up.

1. And? They are lined up where exactly? Stupid figure of speech to use IMO.

2. You? So, you aren't a Wyoming fan now? Are "you" pointing at the entire fanbase with that poop comment?

3. poop. It was a step up in every way. Another stupid comment.

4. Again...pointing the finger at the entire fanbase? Too Good? That is stupid too.

Obviously you are a Bohl fan, and that is fine, but everyone here is a Wyoming fan first, with the exception of a few, including you. And most of us Wyoming fans, here on this board, are tired of rebuilding and losing - for over 15 years. And we should be. And that is regardless who's name is on the door of the Head Football Coaches office.

[joshvanklomp]

Of course it was a step up, but I heard it multiple times that he could've taken an even bigger step up. Just an example:
https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 5170422786https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 1356356609

Considering North Dakota State’s recent success, it was no surprise Bohl was hired by a FBS program. But it comes as a surprise he ends up at Wyoming and not a BCS team.

http://athlonsports.com/college-footbal ... hires-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

[JimmyDimes]

Of course it was a step up, but I heard it multiple times that he could've taken an even bigger step up. Just an example:
https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 5170422786https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 1356356609

Considering North Dakota State’s recent success, it was no surprise Bohl was hired by a FBS program. But it comes as a surprise he ends up at Wyoming and not a BCS team.

http://athlonsports.com/college-footbal ... hires-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

While I'm not a naysayer, I don't agree NDSU has anything better than Wyoming (in terms of facilities, etc) and I can't remember them beating us for recruits. I think Bohl will bring better recruits to Laramie than DC did. But, I also believe his success at NDSU was more in line with building his system and developing players. NDSU wasn't getting top notch players but they were winning and taking names.

[hithere]

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

Trust me guy, if you can choose not to be a Wyoming fan, I'd say go for it. I've wished I weren't a Wyoming fan going on 15 years now.

It is somewhat of a curse.

[ragtimejoe1]

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

I'm curious, I haven't noticed that the vast majority of fans question the Bohl hire? I've always thought the vast majority are happy with the hire. I question his DC based on his DC's track record at this level. Personally, I think 10-15 years is enough to give a good indication of what he can do, but that is a separate topic.

I think you will find a significant number who question Administration, but it seems a false accusation that "most are unsatisfied with the Bohl hire".

[bladerunnr]

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

I'm curious, I haven't noticed that the vast majority of fans question the Bohl hire? I've always thought the vast majority are happy with the hire. I question his DC based on his DC's track record at this level. Personally, I think 10-15 years is enough to give a good indication of what he can do, but that is a separate topic.

I think you will find a significant number who question Administration, but it seems a false accusation that "most are unsatisfied with the Bohl hire".

Ok, since I brought it up in a previous post, Bohl was not my first choice. That doesn't mean I don't hope he does well. I only questioned that Burman (trying to remember his interview about the process) didn't even interview anyone else.

I realize Shyatt had some bad luck when Nance went down last year, but when you look at the results of the athletic programs under Burman, it's amazing to me he was given a new contract.

[CowboyNV]

Of course it was a step up, but I heard it multiple times that he could've taken an even bigger step up. Just an example:
https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 5170422786https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/statu ... 1356356609

Considering North Dakota State’s recent success, it was no surprise Bohl was hired by a FBS program. But it comes as a surprise he ends up at Wyoming and not a BCS team.

http://athlonsports.com/college-footbal ... hires-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

Longtime Wyoming fans are a bit jaded when it comes to coaches. Since 1960, we have had 15 coaches, and that averages to about 3.5 years per coach (less time than most college kids take to get their bachelors). So continuity isn't something we have seen (unlike NDSU).

Our coaches have exited for various reasons, with about half leaving for "better" jobs (all of these failed to honor their contracts), and the rest leaving due to poor results (we paid them to leave...part of those great contracts that the coaches don't honor when they leave for greener pastures, but force us to honor when their performances suck).

While I think Bohl is a good coach (he was great at NDSU, but......), I am not convinced he will be a good coach at Wyoming. I'm willing to give him the requisite time to turn this program around, but I sure as heck am not going to annoint him as the king of football just yet. So, since you are new to Wyoming athletics, you need to understand we have had decades of broken promises, lies, and more than our share of losses. We still support our Cowboy and Cowgirl athletics, but each staff member of each team has to earn our loyalty. Like many of the fans on the forum, I am really pulling for Bohl to be successful. Time will tell. If he turns out to be great, chances are good he will bail on UW like so many before him. If he is a bust, then he will get his walking papers and we will all move on to the next "savior" of the program. In a nutshell that is Wyoming athletics, feast or famine and nothing in the middle.

[JimmyDimes]

And I never pointed the finger at the entire fan base, as I very clearly wrote "the unsatisfied Poke faithful. The fact that it happens to be a vast majority of the fan base isn't my fault.

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

I'm curious, I haven't noticed that the vast majority of fans question the Bohl hire? I've always thought the vast majority are happy with the hire. I question his DC based on his DC's track record at this level. Personally, I think 10-15 years is enough to give a good indication of what he can do, but that is a separate topic.

I think you will find a significant number who question Administration, but it seems a false accusation that "most are unsatisfied with the Bohl hire".

Ok, since I brought it up in a previous post, Bohl was not my first choice. That doesn't mean I don't hope he does well. I only questioned that Burman (trying to remember his interview about the process) didn't even interview anyone else.

I realize Shyatt had some bad luck when Nance went down last year, but when you look at the results of the athletic programs under Burman, it's amazing to me he was given a new contract.

He's probably getting a pass for wrestling and the fact most of the teams have been finishing in the top half of the conference. Need for football and basketball to get back to the level they both should be. Hell, when I was in school we were at one point top 10 in both sports....and only a year apart.

I do agree Burman should have been canned a while ago, but the Branch, Shyatt, and hopefully Bohl hires have helped.

[ragtimejoe1]

Ok, since I brought it up in a previous post, Bohl was not my first choice. That doesn't mean I don't hope he does well. I only questioned that Burman (trying to remember his interview about the process) didn't even interview anyone else.

I realize Shyatt had some bad luck when Nance went down last year, but when you look at the results of the athletic programs under Burman, it's amazing to me he was given a new contract.

I don't think it is unfair to question the hiring process. I never noticed you saying Bohl was a bad hire; you just thought there might have been better hires.

My concern with Bohl is that any coach at WYO will struggle to be successful with our Administration. I'm 100% with you; how we can keep an AD that DESTROYED our bball program and has failed to resurrect, even a little, our football program is beyond me.

[NowherePoke]

And yes, I was a Bohl fan first, but I was on the way to becoming a Wyoming fan as well. But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

Do you really think there are that many negative posts about Bohl?

Because there is a thread questioning Stanard?

Many of us want significant changes in the athletic administration and strategy and express that. Bohl is a football coach, not a miracle worker. No need for anyone to be overly critical, nor to anoint him.

You should have read some of the posts by CSU fans about McElwain around the time he lost his first Border War game to Wyoming 45-31 on the way to a 4-8 season. Two years later, Bohl is in the same position and frankly the response on here is similar or less frustrated than CSU fans in the same position. It's standard message board banter.

While giving out advice on a message board is probably one of the lamest routes an individual can take, I will do it here anyway. My advice: Don't take anything said in a Game Thread or on Gameday too seriously. Those posts usually involve 15 years of pain and frustration mixed with alcohol. With clear hindsight on a snowy day next spring when spring camp opens I will recognize what Bohl inherited and the long road it will take to build a winner, but on a fall night at 2 AM when I see two defensive backs go in the wrong direction and give up a TD to Hawaii on the way to a terrible loss? Yeah, reason and logic are not my strong suits at that point.

[yopaulie]

I would never let a fanbase football forum dictate whether I rooted for a particular team. 100 people on here vs 20000 attending games.

[TSpoke]

I don't see anyone being overly critical to Bohl. I think most of us consider him a good coach but that doesn't mean he is above critisism. Most or all of us are very happy to have him here but the fact remains he hasn't proven anything here yet. And that isn't to say I beleive he should be doing better at this point(I see a well coached tema that has played hard using a different system) but he hasn't earned the undying loyalty of Wyoming fans yet.

[Brew_Poke]

But with the comments and opinions of the group as a whole, I'm no longer certain I want to be associated with this fan base.

lulz.
That's called something.....what is the word again?
Oh yeah, poop.