I was just listening to Sirius 84 (College Sports) in the car and they were talking about (raving, actually) the facilities at Colorado and how they had been upgraded to include a lot of perks for the players. They talked about how it would appeal to players who came from disadvantaged situations and how it had the bling factor (my term, not theirs) that attracts younger players.
I contrasted this to our facilities. They are relatively new, very nice, quality weight room, quality training facilities, dining hall very close, updated weight room and state of the art indoor facility. But also very basic with no "bling" factor, mostly at the choice (I think) of the previous staff or head coach. I say "think" because I don't really know and am basing it on public pronouncements and comments by posters here. The "Blue Collar" approach or "hard-hat" approach.
I realize that it is quite possible, maybe likely, that this approach was impacted by the availability of dollars. I also understand that plans are in the works to "bling up" the player facilities. Are there any details on that and where are we in the process?
To me, a school like Iowa State needs to be aggressive in what we offer - in order to offset other disadvantages, perceived or real. Uniforms need to be upgraded. I love seeing the different options. Don't always like them, but the kids do and that is what is important. We need a player's lounge for team building in a more relaxed environment. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
It isn't the 70's anymore and we don't want it to be the 80's, 90's or 2006-2015, so we have to change as rapidly as possible. It isn't happening this year, but I think and feel that we have a coach that "gets it." Whether it starts this Saturday, later in this season or next season, I really feel that turnaround will start. I'd prefer it begin this Saturday against K-State. I won't be devastated longer than an hour or so if it doesn't, because we are improving and will get there.
But we have to keep pushing our envelope to provide. Somehow, someway.
I contrasted this to our facilities. They are relatively new, very nice, quality weight room, quality training facilities, dining hall very close, updated weight room and state of the art indoor facility. But also very basic with no "bling" factor, mostly at the choice (I think) of the previous staff or head coach. I say "think" because I don't really know and am basing it on public pronouncements and comments by posters here. The "Blue Collar" approach or "hard-hat" approach.
I realize that it is quite possible, maybe likely, that this approach was impacted by the availability of dollars. I also understand that plans are in the works to "bling up" the player facilities. Are there any details on that and where are we in the process?
To me, a school like Iowa State needs to be aggressive in what we offer - in order to offset other disadvantages, perceived or real. Uniforms need to be upgraded. I love seeing the different options. Don't always like them, but the kids do and that is what is important. We need a player's lounge for team building in a more relaxed environment. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
It isn't the 70's anymore and we don't want it to be the 80's, 90's or 2006-2015, so we have to change as rapidly as possible. It isn't happening this year, but I think and feel that we have a coach that "gets it." Whether it starts this Saturday, later in this season or next season, I really feel that turnaround will start. I'd prefer it begin this Saturday against K-State. I won't be devastated longer than an hour or so if it doesn't, because we are improving and will get there.
But we have to keep pushing our envelope to provide. Somehow, someway.
