fightingsioux4life

Sanderson was snake-bit with injuries. Not his fault. Not anybody's fault.

I don't disagree with you on the Covid year. But that doesn't explain away the point I made.

How long a leash? For some people, as long as he wants.

And how many people even know about it? Not everyone is plugged into social media on a regular basis.

Agreed.

That is both funny and sad at the same time.

Then how did Denver and Duluth each win two NCAA titles since our last one? Other programs win multiple titles in a short period of time, but it isn't "realistic" for us? That makes no sense whatsoever. I don't hear other programs blame the tournament format for lack of tournament success like our fan base does. That being said, I agree with the rest of your post 100%. If 2023-24 is similar to this season, it may be time to talk buy-out.

My "narrative" is that the athletic department as a whole has been mired in mediocrity. Funds are lacking in every sport not played on ice and that has been the case since we moved up 15 years ago. And that ties the hands of our coaches trying to compete with our regional rivals. But you just keep defending the establishment and the individuals in place if that suits you.

A harsh truth, but a truth nonetheless. Nobody remembers teams that win a bunch of regular season games, but choke in the big moments in March and April. I am not saying it is right or healthy. I am saying it is what it is. Denver and Duluth have each won two NCAA titles since we last won one (UMass had the other one). If it was "unrealistic" to win NCAA titles, our conference rivals would not have been able to achieve something like that. All of this has very real consequences for recruiting. So does the dumpster fire that is this season. If the 2023-24 season is more of the same, it will put us on a path to the same place we were in the early 1990's. I was there and it was ugly. Look at what has happened to Wisconsin. It can happen to us; don't think it can't.

Chaves is almost invisible. You don't see him in the community. I have not heard him articulate a vision for where the department as a whole is going and/or should be going. That said, improving the athletic department as a whole has to start at the top, with President Armacost. If he doesn't set the standard, it simply won't happen.

#biteme

It was a shot at Chaves, who has shown he is nothing more than an empty suit.

Really? You think Chaves is doing a solid job? Please lay out your argument for me.

Well, we can't do much worse than what we have right now.

So we are just screwed from now on? Our days of contending for championships are over? I don't buy that for one second. Blais had no problem recruiting the Twin Cities. And having to live in the climate doesn't change depending on what sport you play. Cold is cold. Some people here will do anything to defend the current regime. I care more about defending the program.

I wonder how many times the "bleep" button was used on Philly sports talk radio today?

How many of those "studs" will stick around longer than 1 or 2 years? A balance between 1-2 and 3-4 year players is needed or else you are starting over every season.

NDSU wouldn't have had the success they have had in FB if the climate was such a big problem. We are complaining about things that have been in place forever, but it didn't stop us from hanging lots of green and white banners. Berry and company need to figure it out and fast.

Are we really going to use the climate excuse for hockey? Schools like UM-Twin Cities and UM-Duluth are not in "tropical climates" either, but that doesn't stop them from recruiting and winning. I hate the whole "our climate is bad" in the MBB threads and it makes even less sense for hockey.

Denver (and Duluth) have won two NCAA titles since we last won it all. Pretty good "next level down", don't you think?

Could be a shootout.

It is obvious which team FOX wants to win.

Are you suggesting the program isn't in as bad of shape as it looks?

That rings true if this putrid trend continues.

Fair enough, I see your point.