Who are our" Boosters"? And who represents the collective voice of "the boosters" ?

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Here's a thought - this is Teague's 1st big hire at the U - maybe the signature hire of his tenure here. If he bows to pressure from "the boosters" and hires their preferred candidate, then Teague comes out looking weak. Every time he was facing a big decision, people would be waiting for him to cave to pressure.

Unless one of these "boosters" is holding a check for $15Million to pay for the practice facility, I don't think the boosters are going to play a huge role in the choice of a new coach.
 

I think the next step would be for me to receive via an unmarked package a blurry photo of what I think is a group of guys sitting around in a blurry meeting hall deciding the fate of the MN basketball program, again everything blurry and not quite clear enough to make out anything...Yet Doogie is tied in with this group.
 


Clark W. Griswold said:
Usually the Vu. We were close to getting a meet and greet with Shaka last week, but word got out and he ended up declining the invite.
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The Vu, is that the show with whoopie goldberg, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Elizabeth Hasselbeck? Seems like very weird place to meet but whatever floats your boat...
 


Dwight Schrute said:
Who are our "Boosters"? Who represents the collective voice of "the boosters"

Anyone who says "Our boosters want this...." might be working off suspicious references, unless someone can tell me who represents the collective voice of "the boosters?"

My best guess at looking at any collective voice on U of MN sports is by looking at the Gopher Hole, and opinions are all over the place, thus anyone speaking as though one voice exists on this issue seems suspect to me...
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The 3 names listed on the Golden Dunkers web site are probably a good start for the collective voice of that group...Paul Presthus, Don Bromen, and Phil Osheim. After that the first name(s) I would start looking to are Dick Ames, and a few others who may have both football and basketball interest.
 

coachswede said:
The 3 names listed on the Golden Dunkers web site are probably a good start for the collective voice of that group...Paul Presthus, Don Bromen, and Phil Osheim. After that the first name(s) I would start looking to are Dick Ames, and a few others who may have both football and basketball interest.
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Now we are getting someplace...Granted they give a lot of money to the U of MN athletics and these powerful men should be heard. But are they an elected board who represents all the boosters, or do they just represent their individual preferences and self-interests? Because if they represent only their interests, then how can they speak for the multitudes of little boosters who also care about our next coach as well? If these big power broker boosters do listen to the wee little boosters, where does one go to influence this over-arching strategy that the powerful boosters ultimately decide which they go on to relay to Doogie for publication, as representing "the will of the boosters"?
 

lakesgopher said:
i cant tell the difference between sarcasm and actual opinions on gopherhole anymore. so many nut jobs recently
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That can be fixed easily with the :sarcasm: smiley. Oh wait that didn't work. :nevermind:
 

Dwight Schrute said:
Now we are getting someplace...Granted they give a lot of money to the U of MN athletics and these powerful men should be heard. But are they an elected board who represents all the boosters, or do they just represent their individual preferences and self-interests? Because if they represent only their interests, then how can they speak for the multitudes of little boosters who also care about our next coach as well? If these big power broker boosters do listen to the wee little boosters, where does one go to influence this over-arching strategy that the powerful boosters ultimately decide which they go on to relay to Doogie for publication, as representing "the will of the boosters"?
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I can't speculate as to Doogie's source. Nor do I know a ton about the Golden Dunkers, minus the names sitting there on the web site with email and phone numbers, which makes for an easy contact from the biggest collective booster group for basketball. If they have any sort of board or governance it is not listed on their web page that I can find. My guess is that they are only a portion of the equation, and that there are individuals out there with deeper pockets who are involved. I mentioned one name earlier and it certainly wouldn't surprise me if he, and others, are involved somehow in a new basketball or football facility.
 



Dwight Schrute said:
Who are our "Boosters"? Who represents the collective voice of "the boosters"

Anyone who says "Our boosters want this...." might be working off suspicious references, unless someone can tell me who represents the collective voice of "the boosters?"

My best guess at looking at any collective voice on U of MN sports is by looking at the Gopher Hole, and opinions are all over the place, thus anyone speaking as though one voice exists on this issue seems suspect to me...
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Seriously, haven't you heard, corporations are people too. Those with the deepest pockets have the most alumni voice.
 

Dean S said:
Seriously, haven't you heard, corporations are people too. Those with the deepest pockets have the most alumni voice.
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You are right and I expect those with deep pockets to have a voice, they should. I love capitalism. But, the media quoting "The boosters demands", seems a bit far flung and really makes me question sources, as Im not sure "the boosters" have a solid voice but probably many independent ones, like what we see on Gopher Hole. I'm sure many independent boosters have voiced concerns to NT and his office but I hope Teague takes it as that, just one voice of the many. He's paid to make the big decisions not to cow-tow to individual booster whims and requests unless they promise to build the practice facility or something like that. Again reading your fan base is important, but leadership is selling the fan base on your decision, to get them to follow you. Lets see how that plays out, once things are settled.
 

Dwight Schrute said:
You are right and I expect those with deep pockets to have a voice, they should. I love capitalism. But, the media quoting "The boosters demands", seems a bit far flung and really makes me question sources, as Im not sure "the boosters" have a solid voice but probably many independent ones, like what we see on Gopher Hole. I'm sure many independent boosters have voiced concerns to NT and his office but I hope Teague takes it as that, just one voice of the many. He's paid to make the big decisions not to cow-tow to individual booster whims and requests unless they promise to build the practice facility or something like that. Again reading your fan base is important, but leadership is selling the fan base on your decision, to get them to follow you. Lets see how that plays out, once things are settled.
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I can tell you with football it was a group of boosters, not necessarily tied to one person or singular group, that went to Norwood and said what do you need from us? Someone in the AD said something along the lines of "a remodeled locker room at Bierman for football". They got together and had the money. Now...we have a remodeled locker room at Bierman for the football team. That group got things like sideline passes (after buying their own season tickets) to the football games for their donation. Not input into the next hire for a football/basketball program.
 

coachswede said:
I can tell you with football it was a group of boosters, not necessarily tied to one person or singular group, that went to Norwood and said what do you need from us? Someone in the AD said something along the lines of "a remodeled locker room at Bierman for football". They got together and had the money. Now...we have a remodeled locker room at Bierman for the football team. That group got things like sideline passes (after buying their own season tickets) to the football games for their donation. Not input into the next hire for a football/basketball program.
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Very interesting and I appreciate the knowledge on the issue. That being said, is it safe to say that when people like Doogie, and other media members, claim to have a source for demands on NT, then go on to say things such as "The boosters want", we can probably discount it?
 



coachswede said:
I can tell you with football it was a group of boosters, not necessarily tied to one person or singular group, that went to Norwood and said what do you need from us? Someone in the AD said something along the lines of "a remodeled locker room at Bierman for football". They got together and had the money. Now...we have a remodeled locker room at Bierman for the football team. That group got things like sideline passes (after buying their own season tickets) to the football games for their donation. Not input into the next hire for a football/basketball program.
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Sid said that Kill raised that money himself. So now we have two versions. One saying Kill raised the money the other saying it was Teague. Wonder who's telling the truth or is it just a miscommunication?
 

basically, anyone who contributes over 5,000 per year = a booster......
Endowment Levels for fully endowed scholarships established as of July 1st, 2004, or later are recognized at the following levels:

GOLD LEVEL ENDOWMENT $300,000+
MAROON LEVEL ENDOWMENT $150,000-$299,999
BRONZE LEVEL ENDOWMENT $25,000-$149,999

Norwood is creating a special Platnum level for those over 1M.........
 


Iceland12 said:
Sid said that Kill raised that money himself. So now we have two versions. One saying Kill raised the money the other saying it was Teague. Wonder who's telling the truth or is it just a miscommunication?
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Sorry maybe I should have put Norwood/Kill or Kill/Norwood for who they approached first. Both were intimately involved per my understanding, but I was told the group talked with Norwood when it came to the money involved. Maybe Sid is right, maybe Sid wouldn't remember my grandfather...who knows with him...
 

Dwight Schrute said:
Who are our "Boosters"? Who represents the collective voice of "the boosters"

Anyone who says "Our boosters want this...." might be working off suspicious references, unless someone can tell me who represents the collective voice of "the boosters?"

My best guess at looking at any collective voice on U of MN sports is by looking at the Gopher Hole, and opinions are all over the place, thus anyone speaking as though one voice exists on this issue seems suspect to me...
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the first rule of being part of the "Boosters" is no talking about who is in the "Boosters"
 

Dwight Schrute said:
You are right and I expect those with deep pockets to have a voice, they should. I love capitalism. But, the media quoting "The boosters demands", seems a bit far flung and really makes me question sources, as Im not sure "the boosters" have a solid voice but probably many independent ones, like what we see on Gopher Hole. I'm sure many independent boosters have voiced concerns to NT and his office but I hope Teague takes it as that, just one voice of the many. He's paid to make the big decisions not to cow-tow to individual booster whims and requests unless they promise to build the practice facility or something like that. Again reading your fan base is important, but leadership is selling the fan base on your decision, to get them to follow you. Lets see how that plays out, once things are settled.
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When the serious money boosters talk, NT should listen. They know what they are doing. I have enjoyed the facilities that some of these rich donors have bestowed on the U. I am old school. I like backroom deals with little press coverage. It gets things done. The big donors gave the U TCF and they did it with class and a bit of vox populi tossed in. The whole thing comes across as a first class operation. If they can do this for basketball, I know I will be grateful and impressed.
 

Dean S said:
When the serious money boosters talk, NT should listen. They know what they are doing. I have enjoyed the facilities that some of these rich donors have bestowed on the U. I am old school. I like backroom deals with little press coverage. It gets things done. The big donors gave the U TCF and they did it with class and a bit of vox populi tossed in. The whole thing comes across as a first class operation. If they can do this for basketball, I know I will be grateful and impressed.
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Maybe our "serious money boosters" are to blame then for our horrible track record in our major sports (basketball, Football), sans hockey, if they are truly the guiding hand behind the curtain here? We might have a first class operation with 3rd class results. Maybe the "serious money boosters" should take a different role which might be to take a back seat, and make sure the people the University hires to be our Athletic Director and coaches are committed to winning. Not committed to mediocrity, but committed to winning. Its been far too long in this town. Maybe the "serious money boosters" are largely to blame? Maybe they are the wrong voices in the room? So Far Teague seems like he is trying to move in this direction. Lets see how this coaching search ends...
 

Dwight Schrute said:
Maybe our "serious money boosters" are to blame then for our horrible track record in our major sports (basketball, Football), sans hockey, if they are truly the guiding hand behind the curtain here? We might have a first class operation with 3rd class results. Maybe the "serious money boosters" should take a different role which might be to take a back seat, and make sure the people the University hires to be our Athletic Director and coaches are committed to winning. Not committed to mediocrity, but committed to winning. Its been far too long in this town. Maybe the "serious money boosters" are largely to blame? Maybe they are the wrong voices in the room? So Far Teague seems like he is trying to move in this direction. Lets see how this coaching search ends...
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You've got the makings of a great idea there Dwight. Just tell the donors to get lost. Then things will run better.
 

bga1 said:
You've got the makings of a great idea there Dwight. Just tell the donors to get lost. Then things will run better.
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No, that is not what I am advocating, but I can see how you might think that. I think these "serious money voices" need to examine what they have been advocating and ask themselves, are these the right things for future success, and adjust accordingly. We cannot function without them, but if a group of "more powerful boosters" have been guiding things behind the scenes on football and basketball, the track record is dismally obvious. Im sure this group is as committed to winning as anyone, they have just went about it the wrong way for 50 years. The status quo simply hasn't worked...Again I like what Teague might be trying to do here and shake things up. I just don't trust the "powerful boosters" demands ....Nor should you.
 

Dwight Schrute said:
No, that is not what I am advocating, but I can see how you might think that. I think these "serious money voices" need to examine what they have been advocating and ask themselves, are these the right things for future success, and adjust accordingly. We cannot function without them, but if a group of "more powerful boosters" have been guiding things behind the scenes on football and basketball, the track record is dismally obvious. Im sure this group is as committed to winning as anyone, they have just went about it the wrong way for 50 years. The status quo simply hasn't worked...Again I like what Teague might be trying to do here and shake things up. I just don't trust the "powerful boosters" demands ....Nor should you.
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Let me educate you on something Dwight- People don't give big money to things they don't understand the inside workings of. If you don't listen to them and let them in the door to have some influence- the money goes elsewhere. It's the job of the administration to have a strong vision and gameplan that people can sink their teeth into and believe in. That's what has been lacking. You present it, allow for feedback and shaping of the plan and ask for involvement in time and money. I think Teague has a vision and that's progress. He will also need to listen and make friends or the vision dies penniless.
 

If there's somebody out there who has the wherewithall to build a practice facility, I think that person should pick the next coach.
 

sunnyday2 said:
If there's somebody out there who has the wherewithall to build a practice facility, I think that person should pick the next coach.
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:) They have already taken a pass on a similar opportunity.
 

bga1 said:
Let me educate you on something Dwight- People don't give big money to things they don't understand the inside workings of. If you don't listen to them and let them in the door to have some influence- the money goes elsewhere. It's the job of the administration to have a strong vision and gameplan that people can sink their teeth into and believe in. That's what has been lacking. You present it, allow for feedback and shaping of the plan and ask for involvement in time and money. I think Teague has a vision and that's progress. He will also need to listen and make friends or the vision dies penniless.
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Fair enough and I don't disagree with your assessment & role of the boosters and how or why they give or don't give money. We actually agree that the admin (Teague and co) need to lead on this and garner booster support for their vision. If this is a change in approach for the U that is great, and I hope leads to better results because our old system, whatever that was, surely has not worked for a long time.
 

sunnyday2 said:
If there's somebody out there who has the wherewithall to build a practice facility, I think that person should pick the next coach.
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I understand the need for a practice facility, and its upside to recruiting but is it really the last missing piece to ending our basketball woes?

Last time I checked, we built a new football stadium, that already needs renovations, and we still have only made it to some unknown muffler bowl...Hopefully we are on the right path, but we seem to max out at mediocre around here...
 

bga1 said:
:) They have already taken a pass on a similar opportunity.
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Why was that? If the boosters are so in favor of a winning program, why would they pass on an opportunity to take us to the next level and build a practice facility?
 

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