BleedGopher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2008
- Messages
- 62,374
- Reaction score
- 19,167
- Points
- 113
per Chip:
The Gophers fan base is remarkably patient but also blessed with a healthy dose of skepticism. They have been burned before, so many of them approach any new sales pitch with caution.
Not the diehards. Those folks will crawl over broken glass just to high-five Goldy. Fleck wants to reach a broader audience. Attract new fans, or win back those who stopped buying season tickets out of frustration.
“When you haven’t won a championship in 50 years, that can take a toll on a program,” Fleck said. “That can take a toll on a fan base. That can take a toll on how you believe.”
His personality and waterfall of Fleck-isms have sparked unfamiliar outside interest. A four-part series titled “Being P.J. Fleck” makes its debut on ESPNU on Wednesday. That kind of publicity is invaluable for a program that’s largely been a face in the crowd on a national level.
A new spotlight also brings added scrutiny.
“People are really excited and they think my energy equals promise,” Fleck said.
Yes, that’s the perception, fair or not. Some will hear “elite” and expect elite results immediately.
“I promise you it will be way different than it’s ever been eventually,” he said.
He emphasized that last word. Eventually.
Fleck said he shared his blueprint with university President Eric Kaler and athletic director Mark Coyle during his interview. He intends to lean heavily on his 2018 and ’19 recruiting classes with the hope and expectation of a big payoff.
Will fans remain patient with the process, with his timeline? Or will Fleck’s energy, visibility and catchphrases create a visceral reaction if/when struggles occur? Deeply rooted pessimism won’t be easy to chip away.
“My job is changing that perspective, that perception, the thoughts and ideas of people,” Fleck said. “You only do that over a long period of time. You don’t do that right away.”
Fleck deserves time to implement his plan, just like any new coach. At the same time, more people are paying attention to Gophers football now because of Fleck. Those might be competing interests, but that’s the price of selling grand plans in a world of instant gratification.
http://www.startribune.com/p-j-fleck-says-gophers-followers-will-see-change-eventually/437763193/
Go Gophers!!
The Gophers fan base is remarkably patient but also blessed with a healthy dose of skepticism. They have been burned before, so many of them approach any new sales pitch with caution.
Not the diehards. Those folks will crawl over broken glass just to high-five Goldy. Fleck wants to reach a broader audience. Attract new fans, or win back those who stopped buying season tickets out of frustration.
“When you haven’t won a championship in 50 years, that can take a toll on a program,” Fleck said. “That can take a toll on a fan base. That can take a toll on how you believe.”
His personality and waterfall of Fleck-isms have sparked unfamiliar outside interest. A four-part series titled “Being P.J. Fleck” makes its debut on ESPNU on Wednesday. That kind of publicity is invaluable for a program that’s largely been a face in the crowd on a national level.
A new spotlight also brings added scrutiny.
“People are really excited and they think my energy equals promise,” Fleck said.
Yes, that’s the perception, fair or not. Some will hear “elite” and expect elite results immediately.
“I promise you it will be way different than it’s ever been eventually,” he said.
He emphasized that last word. Eventually.
Fleck said he shared his blueprint with university President Eric Kaler and athletic director Mark Coyle during his interview. He intends to lean heavily on his 2018 and ’19 recruiting classes with the hope and expectation of a big payoff.
Will fans remain patient with the process, with his timeline? Or will Fleck’s energy, visibility and catchphrases create a visceral reaction if/when struggles occur? Deeply rooted pessimism won’t be easy to chip away.
“My job is changing that perspective, that perception, the thoughts and ideas of people,” Fleck said. “You only do that over a long period of time. You don’t do that right away.”
Fleck deserves time to implement his plan, just like any new coach. At the same time, more people are paying attention to Gophers football now because of Fleck. Those might be competing interests, but that’s the price of selling grand plans in a world of instant gratification.
http://www.startribune.com/p-j-fleck-says-gophers-followers-will-see-change-eventually/437763193/
Go Gophers!!