Bears Picked 13 th in Preseason Polls

[UNCBearsSports]

What the Big Sky predicts for the UNC Bears.
13th out of 13
http://uncbears.com/news/2015/7/21...nclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Coach not worried.

 

[beardevil39]

Exactly why I and about 20 other people I know are taking this year off. Some will say you Im not a true fan. I say BS. I have had season tiks for over 20 years and have had enough of this regime. Its my only way of protest. And it pisses me off I have to do it!

 

[Bearfan15]

beardevil39 and about 20 people he knows - ludacris. All the players deserve your support if you are a true fan. You have no control over the coaching whether you like it or not. Teams play better with great crowd support. You and your buddies are not helping the program and the players at all by withholding it.

 

[McCandyman]

beardevil39 and about 20 people he knows - ludacris. All the players deserve your support if you are a true fan. You have no control over the coaching whether you like it or not. Teams play better with great crowd support. You and your buddies are not helping the program and the players at all by withholding it.

I agree with Bearfan15. Beardevil39 and the 20 people he knows need to suck it up and support the team, the players, and the school, or realize that they are NOT true fans, and that they are really just part of the problem.

 

[GoBears_303]

Hi Everyone -- LOOOONG TERM BEARS SUPPORTER WHO HAS FINALLY HAD ENOUGH. PLEASE SEE MY COMMENTS.

Really? Really?!? You are seriously displaying the fact that we were predicted, by both the media and coaches, to finish dead last??? Even our Sports Information / Media Departments can’t get it right. PR 101: Do not advertise the fact that we are a shit show in front of your only relevant audience.

The SID/Marketing departments aren’t the issue though. I have been a long supporter and defender of all things UNC Bears athletics, but I have had enough.

We were a dynasty in DII and, in that division, could compete with any school in the land. I supported the decision to move to D-I with the understanding that we would fully fund all athletic departments, and were in a competitive position to compete with like-minded schools. Our university president, Kay Norton, unfortunately doesn’t share the vision to be competitive. As we see our friends at CU and CSU develop significant upgrades or, in the Rams’ case, build a whole new stadium, UNC sits idly by.

For UNC, we have another year with a high school stadium (actually we aren’t even close to Valor Christian’s high school stadium/weight room/ coaching staff -- Mullen, Regis, Denver South and other high schools are better than our facilities too). We have a decent video board and, otherwise, we have high school/middle school facilities. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but I encourage you to take a tour of the state high school football teams. I am being kind not to include about 20-25 more stadiums that out-do us.

Unfortunately, we have taken a low-budget awful cost-cutting method to our sports teams. We hire the cheapest coaches on the market – ( I could get an “internship” tomorrow just so our coaching staffs have enough warm bodies). We have terrible facilities, no fan/student support, and an overwhelming number of athletes leaving – Just look at last year’s football roster compared to this year's squad.

I have, for WAAAAYYYY TOOOO LONG, defended this program, our leadership and direction. After 10+ years, I am ashamed and embarassed. This football season, I'll go to one of each of the following: CU, CSU, Broncos and one D-II school. Not seeing my beloved Bears until they figure their shit out. What a complete joke.

 

[Bearfan15]

We have terrible facilities, no fan/student support, and an overwhelming number of athletes leaving – Just look at last year’s football roster compared to this year's squad.

There are not an "overwhelming number of players leaving" as you suggest. If you are comparing the rosters, this years roster doesn't have the about 15 incoming freshman that will be listed later.

 

[Beardown]

Hi Everyone -- LOOOONG TERM BEARS SUPPORTER WHO HAS FINALLY HAD ENOUGH. PLEASE SEE MY COMMENTS.

Really? Really?!? You are seriously displaying the fact that we were predicted, by both the media and coaches, to finish dead last??? Even our Sports Information / Media Departments can’t get it right. PR 101: Do not advertise the fact that we are a shit show in front of your only relevant audience.

The SID/Marketing departments aren’t the issue though. I have been a long supporter and defender of all things UNC Bears athletics, but I have had enough.

We were a dynasty in DII and, in that division, could compete with any school in the land. I supported the decision to move to D-I with the understanding that we would fully fund all athletic departments, and were in a competitive position to compete with like-minded schools. Our university president, Kay Norton, unfortunately doesn’t share the vision to be competitive. As we see our friends at CU and CSU develop significant upgrades or, in the Rams’ case, build a whole new stadium, UNC sits idly by.

For UNC, we have another year with a high school stadium (actually we aren’t even close to Valor Christian’s high school stadium/weight room/ coaching staff -- Mullen, Regis, Denver South and other high schools are better than our facilities too). We have a decent video board and, otherwise, we have high school/middle school facilities. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but I encourage you to take a tour of the state high school football teams. I am being kind not to include about 20-25 more stadiums that out-do us.

Unfortunately, we have taken a low-budget awful cost-cutting method to our sports teams. We hire the cheapest coaches on the market – ( I could get an “internship” tomorrow just so our coaching staffs have enough warm bodies). We have terrible facilities, no fan/student support, and an overwhelming number of athletes leaving – Just look at last year’s football roster compared to this year's squad.

I have, for WAAAAYYYY TOOOO LONG, defended this program, our leadership and direction. After 10+ years, I am ashamed and embarassed. This football season, I'll go to one of each of the following: CU, CSU, Broncos and one D-II school. Not seeing my beloved Bears until they figure their shit out. What a complete joke.

We don't have to compete with CU and CSU with facilities. We will always lose that battle. We normally don't recruit the same level of athletes. We just need to compete w/ other Big Sky teams; of which many of the same schools recruit the same players.

I'll be at Nottingham this year for just about every game. My money will go to the Blue and Gold Club as well.

 

[kaydee]

I totally empathize with the fans who have had enough. At times I want to take the same approach. I respect their decision not to support UNC.
That said, I will be at every home game and as many away games as I can, rooting for the Bears. As somebody has already said, the kids must see the fans support.
It is the time of the season to be optimistic (considering some of my past posts I am sure that sounds strange coming from me) and BELIEVE that our team will have a successful season.
As one of the current players is always telling me, "IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BEAR."

 

[GoBears_303]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

 

[Beardown]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

I agree we need to continue to upgrade our facilities, but maybe you weren't here for the D2 days. We have vastly improved our facilities. As far as fans...Nottingham used to be pretty full when we won in the D2 days. Over 10 years of crappy football will deplete ANY fan base.

 

[GoBears_303]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

I agree we need to continue to upgrade our facilities, but maybe you weren't here for the D2 days. We have vastly improved our facilities. As far as fans...Nottingham used to be pretty full when we won in the D2 days. Over 10 years of crappy football will deplete ANY fan base.

I wasn't there for the DII days. My undergrad was from 04-08. I had an awesome freshman year watching Vincent Jackson and all the DII recruits compete with the I-AA teams...From there, it's been miserable. I have seen facilities upgrades too; you are absolutely correct -- good work in Butler-Hancock (or whatever they're calling it these days). But you have to admit, aside from the new video board, that our field is a joke by any measure. I mentioned four high schools JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD that have better fields.

 

[BearArms]

I'm excited about the upcoming year despite what these polls say. This is a new team with a fresh start and some great talent at skill positions. I think the new up tempo offense is going to work, and I trust Boyer will figure out how to make it work with the talent he has. It's crazy what a few wins early on will do for this young team. Let's not give up on these players and coaches before even taking a snap - that's a shitty fan! I for one will be cheering them on and hoping for a few early season breaks to get their confidence going. I think that's what they need to turn the corner. They have some very talented players, I can assure you! Give them your support and let them prove these polls are wrong! I like what Collins had to say in that he wasn't concerned with where they are in the polls at the start, as long as they aren't there at the end. I think you'll see a big improvement this year, just a hunch. Go Bears!

 

[Beardown]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

I agree we need to continue to upgrade our facilities, but maybe you weren't here for the D2 days. We have vastly improved our facilities. As far as fans...Nottingham used to be pretty full when we won in the D2 days. Over 10 years of crappy football will deplete ANY fan base.

I wasn't there for the DII days. My undergrad was from 04-08. I had an awesome freshman year watching Vincent Jackson and all the DII recruits compete with the I-AA teams...From there, it's been miserable. I have seen facilities upgrades too; you are absolutely correct -- good work in Butler-Hancock (or whatever they're calling it these days). But you have to admit, aside from the new video board, that our field is a joke by any measure. I mentioned four high schools JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD that have better fields.

I 100% agree we need an upgrade at Nottingham. Usually though that stuff is followed by winning teams. I'm not sure if you follow the rest of the Big Sky, but take a look at Eastern Washington and what's been happening with their supposed upgrades. They've been a consistent winner for a while at this level and their football stadium isn't much better than Nottingham. They were supposed to have major upgrades to their stadium in what was called "The Gateway Project." Building new stands, etc. It was supposed to be done by this year. What has happened? Nothing.

As far was what has happened at UNC, I would have taken a different direction than what Hinrichs did. The practice fields are nice, but I would have used that money elsewhere. Maybe upgrade the student section?

 

[GoBears_303]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

I agree we need to continue to upgrade our facilities, but maybe you weren't here for the D2 days. We have vastly improved our facilities. As far as fans...Nottingham used to be pretty full when we won in the D2 days. Over 10 years of crappy football will deplete ANY fan base.

I wasn't there for the DII days. My undergrad was from 04-08. I had an awesome freshman year watching Vincent Jackson and all the DII recruits compete with the I-AA teams...From there, it's been miserable. I have seen facilities upgrades too; you are absolutely correct -- good work in Butler-Hancock (or whatever they're calling it these days). But you have to admit, aside from the new video board, that our field is a joke by any measure. I mentioned four high schools JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD that have better fields.

I 100% agree we need an upgrade at Nottingham. Usually though that stuff is followed by winning teams. I'm not sure if you follow the rest of the Big Sky, but take a look at Eastern Washington and what's been happening with their supposed upgrades. They've been a consistent winner for a while at this level and their football stadium isn't much better than Nottingham. They were supposed to have major upgrades to their stadium in what was called "The Gateway Project." Building new stands, etc. It was supposed to be done by this year. What has happened? Nothing.

As far was what has happened at UNC, I would have taken a different direction than what Hinrichs did. The practice fields are nice, but I would have used that money elsewhere. Maybe upgrade the student section?

Absolutely GREAT points with Eastern Washington. Their facilities, while a little better, are on par with what we have in Greeley. However, unlike our Bears, Eastern Washington invests their money in the coaches. Their head coach's salary was approximately $166,000 compared to Collins's approximately $105,000, and a significantly larger assistant coach $$$ pool. They have good coaches, and they pay fair - above market price to retain them. We have poor coaches, and pay little to retain them.

Good points about the facilities, though! EW gets it done with a budget in the lower tier of our conference. But they realize good coaches take precedence! If we INVEST in a great coaching staff, we can see GREAT returns without the cost of a new stadium.

 

[GoBears_303]

And I don't propose a new stadium -- just a significant upgrade to Nottingham. #GoBears

 

[Beardown]

I probably shouldn't have mentioned CU/CSU, so good point. Look, I get that we don't need to compete with CU and CSU, but we need to prove to the fringe Colorado recruits that we are a viable option over the CSU Pueblo's and Colorado Mines (both with VERY impressive facilities) of the world. If I'm a recruit and one of those schools is after me, I am definitely choosing them over UNC. It's not even close -- Options: 1. go compete for a national championship at the DII level, have awesome facilities and fan support ORRRRR 2. go to a high school field, win 0-5 games a year and compete in front of 900-2,000 fans? Uhhh...that's pretty simple.

I love UNC, and I've been optimistic for the past 10 years. I am usually Mr. UNC Bear. I got on this forum because I am finally sick of it, and don't see any reason for optimism. I just finished my master's degree from UNC, and have my undergrad there so I definitely care. I have been the defender, and I'm over it.

Somebody give me reason for optimism. Throw something out there.

I agree we need to continue to upgrade our facilities, but maybe you weren't here for the D2 days. We have vastly improved our facilities. As far as fans...Nottingham used to be pretty full when we won in the D2 days. Over 10 years of crappy football will deplete ANY fan base.

I wasn't there for the DII days. My undergrad was from 04-08. I had an awesome freshman year watching Vincent Jackson and all the DII recruits compete with the I-AA teams...From there, it's been miserable. I have seen facilities upgrades too; you are absolutely correct -- good work in Butler-Hancock (or whatever they're calling it these days). But you have to admit, aside from the new video board, that our field is a joke by any measure. I mentioned four high schools JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD that have better fields.

I 100% agree we need an upgrade at Nottingham. Usually though that stuff is followed by winning teams. I'm not sure if you follow the rest of the Big Sky, but take a look at Eastern Washington and what's been happening with their supposed upgrades. They've been a consistent winner for a while at this level and their football stadium isn't much better than Nottingham. They were supposed to have major upgrades to their stadium in what was called "The Gateway Project." Building new stands, etc. It was supposed to be done by this year. What has happened? Nothing.

As far was what has happened at UNC, I would have taken a different direction than what Hinrichs did. The practice fields are nice, but I would have used that money elsewhere. Maybe upgrade the student section?

Absolutely GREAT points with Eastern Washington. Their facilities, while a little better, are on par with what we have in Greeley. However, unlike our Bears, Eastern Washington invests their money in the coaches. Their head coach's salary was approximately $166,000 compared to Collins's approximately $105,000, and a significantly larger assistant coach $$$ pool. They have good coaches, and they pay fair - above market price to retain them. We have poor coaches, and pay little to retain them.

Good points about the facilities, though! EW gets it done with a budget in the lower tier of our conference. But they realize good coaches take precedence! If we INVEST in a great coaching staff, we can see GREAT returns without the cost of a new stadium.

They aren't the highest, but not the lowest salaries in the conference. Here's an article on coaches salaries at UNC. http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/12086374-113/coach-assistant-salary-dunn" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Certainly agree w/ the coaches pay, especially the assistants. Dunn has rewarded good coaching, with good $$$. Look at BJ Hill and Etheridge. Both produced and rewarded.

 

[larryteeling]

EW plays 12 sports and we have 17 thats how they get it done.If we want to complet with the big boys on our limited money we need to drop some sports.I would hate it but the fact is we do not have the money to fund 17 sports.

 

[303Bear]

Significant upgrades generally require significant support. Significant support generally requires a winning football program. A winning football program generally requires a quality coaching staff. A quality coaching staff generally requires quality pay for not only the head coach but for the entire coaching staff. So many deficiencies at UNC it is embarrassing. Nothing is going to change until this administration steps up and gets rid of this staff and is willing to pay the new staff in the range of the top 1/3 of the conference.

I love the sunshine pumping going on, but anybody that expects different results this year is fooling themselves. 13th is right where the Bears belong and right where they will end the season.

 

[BearArms]

Looks to me that Coach Collins (and I'm assuming asst coaches) can get paid significantly more if he puts a winning team out there. All coaches have these incentives to varying degrees. This is from June of 2014 on footballscoop.com (http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop/saturday-june-14-2014-3/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false

Northern Colorado (FCS): Head coach Earnest Collins, Jr., has received a contract extension through 2017. He has a base salary of $117,000, plus $15,000 for home paid attendance of 4,500 or more, $20,000 for an APR of 940 or greater, $2,500 for a team GPA of 2.85 or higher, $1,000 for each win beyond six, $5,000 for a Big Sky championship, $5,000 for winning Big Sky Coach of the Year, $5,000 for an FCS playoff appearance, and $20,000 for an FCS national championship.

I think Coach Collins is a great person having talked to him at length personally and I know he is very excited about what he has this year to work with! Go Bears!!

 

[beardevil39]

Significant upgrades generally require significant support. Significant support generally requires a winning football program. A winning football program generally requires a quality coaching staff. A quality coaching staff generally requires quality pay for not only the head coach but for the entire coaching staff. So many deficiencies at UNC it is embarrassing. Nothing is going to change until this administration steps up and gets rid of this staff and is willing to pay the new staff in the range of the top 1/3 of the conference.

I love the sunshine pumping going on, but anybody that expects different results this year is fooling themselves. 13th is right where the Bears belong and right where they will end the season.

Thanks for putting it all in perspective ! A few people have ripped me by saying Im not a true fan but I guess they have not reached the breaking point yet like I have. It is very hard to sit and watch the same outcomes year after year. On the contrary, we are huge fans and still support the Bears just can't watch until things change.