I tend to be on Spoofin's side on this one. The oar does not mean "Gopher Football" to me. The oar, and Row the Boat, are aspects that Fleck brought with him from his previous job. The oar used to show excitement for Western Michigan FB. Now, it apparently shows excitement for Gopher FB. If he leaves MN for another school at some point in the future, I expect the oars and RTB will go along with him.
So, let's say this - in 5, 6 or 7 years, if Fleck is coaching at Big-Time Helmet School, and he's promoting oars and RTB, what happens to the oars hanging up in Dinkytown? Do they still show excitement for Gopher FB?
hey - I'm all for promoting the program. But, the U of M has been around for a long time. The school and the FB program have long-standing traditions. Maybe I just don't like Fleck. Maybe I'm a grumpy old man who hates change. Either way, if I walk into a business, and see an oar, it just doesn't mean that much to me. If it makes you go all warm and fuzzy, good for you. You're free to believe whatever you want to believe. Just don't expect everyone to believe the same thing.
And please remember this - I want the Football team to win. My ultimate loyalty is to the Football program - not to any specific coach. I wanted the Gophers to win when Mason was coaching. I wanted the Gophers to win when Brewster was coaching. I wanted the Gophers to win when Kill was coaching. I wanted the Gopher to win when Claeys was coaching. And I want the Gophers to win now that Fleck is coaching.