I just joined HawkeyeReport, as my message total reflects. I have long read these boards, and have had fun doing so. But, admittedly, these boards seem to be deteriorating. I understand fans being disappointed about not having good/great seasons, but I feel perspective has been lost, somewhat.
I concur with the dislike of having mandatory donations for season ticket holders, in order to maintain the quality of their seats. I think about the 70 year old, that has had tickets his whole adult life, and then can't afford to maintain them. I don't like that. This is a direct result of the arms race going on in college athletics, with regards to having better and better facilities. People should understand, there is no bigger Hawkeye fan than I am. However, it makes me uncomfortable to see the amount of money being put into athletic programs, for things that seem aesthetically pleasing, but unneeded. Everyone does it, that can, so Bowlsby was correct in his arms race comment. I wish there was a cap for everyone, with regards to this, but I would assume that would be considered communism by some. If someone has that much disposable income, why not donate it to medical research, or something similar.
About Ferentz. I was just watching the Arizona game from 2010. There were a lot of good players on that team. Iowa finished the season beating a ranked Missouri team in the bowl game, but undoubtedly lost some games it probably could have won, and lost a couple that were 7 points or less. They did handle Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State if I remember correctly. What I thought was telling in that replay, was Bob Davie reading a graphic that stated Iowa had finished in the Top Ten, 4 of the last 8 years. I don't care who you are(except for the obvious)that's pretty good. This is 4 seasons removed from today. Now Kirk Ferentz is a terrible coach, and Iowa Football doesn't know what it's doing? I even have read quotes questioning his character. That to me is completely absurd. UI and its fans,(it is an academic institution first), should be proud to have him here, when it comes to this issue. And without knowing the numbers, I assume there is a vast number that are. I have said this before to people, and believe me, no one wants to win more than I do. I've been going to Iowa games since I was seven. But, if I had to choose, I would have a poor football team with good ethics, than the other way around. I think most would. However, I think we have both. The last few years have been down(meaning hovering near the mean), but that happens to most schools. Does anyone remember Fry's last decade? There wasn't the instant communication technology, like there is now,and I don't know if fans were on him like they are on Ferentz, but I doubt it. And we still, in my opinion, have a respected program, with a respected man leading it.
This is a board that invites opinion and debate. This is good. I just wish it could be done without the disrespect and personal attacks. We are talking about sports, not geopolitics.
I've written a lot, I know. But, I have been thinking about these things for awhile, and felt like venting them. I wish everyone on here the best, and obviously, GO HAWKS.
