I think this is a great thing.

Respect the Elders.

Fantastic news! Congrats, Coach Elder! Welcome home!

Welcome back….
back to where you always belong….

are we sure he can’t play QB this year?

I’m going to go all Naysayer on you guys…I’m not sure this is a good move. Is his brother even good enough to get any playing time with the studs we have right now? Does Trey have the ability to coach at this level so quickly? I’m not so sure.

Good guy, but I think we could do better. yea, I know these guys work for peanuts and I appeciate his loyalty to App. Good luck to him (and to us).

Remember, Two great coaches we had that won socon championships and 3 nat’l championships were the same age as Trey. Now one is the oline coach at USC and the other is Off-Co at FIU. Greatness has to start somewhere.

His title may be “wide receivers coach,” but I see him having a big influence D Pressley and Jamal Jackson. Let’s not forget how dirty he was, me thinkin he’s gonna be coaching QBs and receivers, and our QBs apparently need it.

If you’ve read the blog for a good while, you already know my opinion on Elder. But, in case you forgot, here is why I like this.

1. He was essentially the field level QB coach when he was on the team.

2. Obviously knows the offense.

3. Probably here longer than a year.

4. Grad assistant in 2008. Satterfield had left.

5. Byrnes is a top notch high school program.

6. Satterfield was around the same age when he coached receivers.

7. The receivers already know him.

Blake made some big catches for us last year, don’t underestimate his contribution.

Apparently, Blake isn’t studly enough for Midwest.

Midwest, in my opinion there was not a better clutch reciever in the playoffs this year than Blake. Cline was clutch as well, but recall that big 1st down he got where he got waylaid into the ground. I didn’t think he was alive.

The Elders have heart. I’m still not happy about Trey not getting a snap on Senior day in his last year. That was just wrong.

Blake and Trey both know Blake’s role. Trey probably understands better than anybody considering what his role became after he was replaced by Armanti. Blake will be fine and I don’t think Coach Elder will feel any pressure to get Blake into the game anymore than what his role determines.

Didn’t Blake make a crucial catch from his backside in the Richmond game?

He’s not a feature receiver, but he’s a great glue guy.

Good move bringing back Trey – he’s going to be needed far more developing younger guys like Lott, Walker and Washington – and even a converted vet like Cadet – than working with Hillary, Quick, and Cline…those guys need to be helping him.

With 4 very experienced WRs coming back, he has a full year to get comfortable in this job before really having to fully take it over.

None of those guys know Trey as a player – only as a coach – and that’s why this makes sense. He’s got great experience working in 2 fast break passing systems, and with some great teachers of the offense (Bentley, Satterfiel), so I think he can only help our young WRs get better.

I do not see how this is not an actual coaching hire with great upside and little down side. It could and probably will be a long term hire.
As far as Blake, he played better than any of us could have hoped in a larger role down the stretch. But we are much more dangerous with Quick, Coco, and Cline than Quick, Blake, and Cline. Trey knows Blake and his own role. Both Elders have a track record for helping out as needed and when called upon.

With all due respect to the Elders, I do question this move on a few levels:

1. Is it really wise to have a brother coaching a brother. I am not claiming there will be favoritism, but I think it can lend itself to locker room tension.

2. I know for a fact that we had 2-3 recent players who were WR’s that were interested in this job. It seems very odd to me that someone who played the position and has coaching experience would be passed over for a former QB.

I hope that this works out in the long-run and that Moore looks like a genius in the end. I just do not quite understand how this makes more sense than some of the other scenarios that could have worked out.

This isn’t a knock on anybody but a serious question, who do you trust more in the clutch – Brian or Blake? (Note: Coco or Cline are probably the top two choices).

Cline obviously but out of those two I would have to go with Blake. Richmond catch alone puts him there. Brian dropped a pass that should have been caught at UM. Lets do not talk about that though.

This is a little scary but one thing is for sure. He knows the offense inside and out. He is a great guy though.

Also, I do believe guys end up coaching other positions than those they played. A lot of times, it’s positions that are related on the field (O-line to D-line coach, WR to D-backs coach, etc.)

His brother has proved himself on the field. Trey will do the right thing to win, just like he did when he sant on the bench while Armanti started. He’s a team guy. Don’t underestimate the recruiting impact of having him back. He was and is very well thought of back home and in SC in general. I think a solid move.

Trey was an excellent passer so that connection will work with the WRs. He will be able to tell them exactly what the need know from the QB side of it.

I can see how that would work.

The Panthers have faith that a QB can learn WR position so why couldn’t a QB teach the WR position. It’s all X’s and O’s right?

This move is a little scary? You guys are being ridiculous. Its freaking Trey Elder, he knows the guys, he knows the system and he has instant credibility and respect on that team. They aren’t going to throw him out there to drown, he has plenty of help to call on. Plus its freaking Trey Elder….

All that aside, he still looks like he is 13.

Who knows he might be primed to take over as offensive cordinator some day. Yes he still looks 13. I bet he gets carded everywhere.

If only he’d been eligible in 2008…

Both Clayton and Jamey make some great points. I like the Elders, I really do, but I question whether Trey is qualified (at this point in time) for the position. It is also a conflict of interest. Blake made some good catches, but he is nowhere near as talented as the other receivers we have at this point in time.

Like I said, I wish him the best and I will support Coach’s decision.

Trey Elder was the ultimate team player when he was here. That will be no different in his role as a coach. This is not a “conflict of interest”.

If he plays his brother when more talented players are sitting, then it is a conflict of interest.

I’m just not sure that one year of high school makes him qualified to coach our wide receivers. That’s all I’m saying. He seems to be a great guy with a huge upside.

Does he actually have anything to do with dictating playing time? Don’t the offensive sets dictate what groups (i.e. which backs, which TE’s and which receivers) will be on the field for a given play?

Lack of experience, tons of upside…hmm, who’s that sound like?

so richie williams is qb coach?
trey elder wr coach?

anyone else on staff who played from 05-07?

I believe Richie is in the Drive for Diversity program with NASCAR. He is wanting to be a pit crew member. He may be with Hendrick not real sure tho.

Like the hire…tons of upside!!! He’s young, yet respected in the locker room. Should have no problem being able to relate to young players and keep them motivated and focused. He brings a winner’s mentality to the table and what it takes to get to the top and stay. Probably made some good connects last year coaching HS in SC to help in recruiting, not to mention Byrnes produces some good talent and he’s a direct pipeline.

If what I heard about Daniel Wilcox coming back to work with Coach Kent in an assistant strength and conditioning role, TE can pick DW’s brain on techniques used in the pros. TE can make a few calls to ASU’s local NFL wideouts in AE and DJ for some pointers as well. TE is the ultimate team player and has a very high football IQ, which should nullify any nepotism.

It is my understanding (as well) Richie is gone….to NASCAR.

I think this is a great hire. Trey is a class act. I don’t see him showing favoritism to his brother. In fact, I believe it will be the opposite. Older brothers do not typically take it easy on their younger brothers. I think he will push Blake harder than anyone on the team.

I do have one concern this year. Which one of the coaches will step up to be the vocal leader on the sideline? Coach Speir can get fired up at times, but Elliot was always fired up!

Dan,

You cannot put someone in charge of coaching wide receivers without giving them a voice as to who plays and how much they play. MGT 101.

I’m ok with the hire, just wish he had a little more experience. Just an opinion.

He won’t have an voice that over-rides JM or the rest of the offensive staff, is my point.

Blake’s probably already playing more than some “more talented” receivers on our team. He also probably earns that playing time.

It might be different if we had a number of unknown receivers. That’s not the case. I think the folks running the show know who these guys are and who ought to be getting the most PT. Blake is a quality backup and will get his share of playing time and catches. I don’t think he’s going to replace anyone in the lineup because his brother is the WR coach. Like everyone else, he’ll have to earn it in camp or during the season.

Having this man in ANY capacity in this program is a HUGE asset. No assistant in this program stands alone and he is the ultimate team player.

Conflict of interest?????? For crying out loud you do know Jerry’s son is an assistant coach?

This isn’t Wall Street…..or we’d be FBS by now……Remember “Greed is Good”……

Yes Mario Acatelli who graduated last year as an All American lineman is on the staff……Do you think he’ll do okay?

Wasn’t Blake listed as the number 1 back up to one of the receive spots on the 2 deep? I doubt very seriously that changes because his brother coaches here now…

So where is Naysayer?

Yes, Big Dave, I know that…and I am not a fan.

I’ve witnessed Trey Elder conduct coaching clinic sessions on the App State offensive system attended by hundreds of high school and college coaches – they were all blown away.

His knowledge and understanding of the offense that we run is on par with anyone that has been on our coaching staff since we’ve been running the spread-option.

His ability to describe each offensive player’s role and teach how to read the defense and react accordingly is unbelievable for someone his age.

This is a great hire.

Anyone who thinks there is a potential conflict with Trey/Blake doesn’t know the first thing about the integrity and character for which they stand.

Recent players are grad assistants on most football staffs.

Also, John Holt is the tight ends coach.

Plus, as Rufus said, its freaking Trey Elder.

PLUS ITS FREAKING TREY ELDER!

Trey Elder is a great guy with little experience. My only point.

Moore’s son is also not the best candidate for the job, but it is what it is.

We are not a high school team.

Yeah, I’ve not heard great things about Chris Moore, however his RB’s tell a different story, so who’s to argue?

I have always been and remain one of Trey’s biggest supporters. Having said that I’m not certain this is the move I envisioned for the WR coach. RB or QB coach, no question, but if going with a young guy and ASU grad I’d would have taken a hard look at Hans Batichon.

Kevin Richardson and Devon Moore. The 2 feature backs that Chris Moore has coached. The end of that discussion.

What position did the wide receivers coach that helped us win 3 national championships play?

As for Chris Moore, I would say he has had some pretty good running backs and they have performed under his coaching.

Regardless of my initial thoughts on this move, I am going to 100% support Trey in his efforts to be the best WR coach in the history of ASU. He obviously earned a lot of respect during his time as a player and I know he will bring the same passion and knowledge to his coaching career. The coaching staff will undoubtedly have some growing pains this year due to the numerous recent departures of key players and coaches, which is to be expected. My hope is that the young guys that are taking the reins are given the time and patient to learn their roles and build towards to the future. Coach Moore is obviously working to keep the tradition of excellence in house and build for long-term success with his recent hires.

Well said Jamey and I agree 100%. Coach Moore has earned our respect, even though it is beneficial to have these debates and discussions. I will give Coach the benefit of the doubt.

Before you make crazy assumptions about the abilities of Trey Elder as a coach, make believe you did not know his name. Look at his skills as a player, leader, and speaker. Two 4A state champion titles, 3 National Champion titles. Has been involved in the creation of the Byrnes pipeline and if you dont know how special that is you need to, doesnt split the team, but acts as Edwards eyes off the field and was ready in an instant to play. Check the Byrnes stats at wr last year and remember they had the#1 rated rb in the nation. We are a FCS school and landing someone of this level and potentialis terrific. Im so glad he did not go a few miles down I85 from his home and wind up being a star recruiter and coach for the Paladins. WE DODGED THAT PURPLE BULLET TWO TIMES.

Daniel,

No one is disputing the points you are making. However, he has minimal coaching experience and we could have possibly landed someone with more or better coaching experience. Comparing App to Furman is a joke…we are in a different league (well, soon we will be).

The other point I would like to make is that it is OK to think critically about a move like this. It does not mean you do not love and support your school. You do not have to always be a homer and agree with everything that goes on.

Case in point…Clayton agrees with every move that App or the sports admin makes and tried to shoot down (with one liners) anyone that every questions a move. That’s called a homer.

Many who know a lot more about coaching than I do voice that Chris Moore is not a great coach. Again, I will defer to Coach Moore because of his track record.

This has no bearing on the coaching ability, however at 2:12 this is one of my favorite moments of App football.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUMV52IqVQw

Freaking Trey Elder………

maybe we could get someone experienced like Buzz….oh wait…..

Concerning the conflict of interest….Cline, and then Quick and then Elder experience wise. Has anyone forgotten that COCO really let us down in the off season. This is a great hire for Appalachian State. The past WRs coaches left after a year. Trey loves Appalachian. He is a team player and make no mistake about it, Trey is not lucky to have ASU. ASU is lucky to get Trey. I know him and his family. Maybe he will help keep CoCo on the field and out of community service.

Looking forward to a great year with a great new Coach. Anyone who thinks this is a bad hire really needs to open their eyes.

danny wilcox is coming to help trey out.

This coaching staff never ceases to amaze me. I think we are all fans of Trey and we all have a great deal of respect for him, but I’m not buying this. Hans Batichon was in complete control of the WRs at Savannah State University and couldn’t get a GA at App and they hire Trey after coaching HS. As a fan of a successful staff, I don’t question much, but I would love to hear the logic behind that.

How much coaching experience did the guy who left have? This is a position that for the last two seasons had relatively young, inexperienced coaches who departed for other pastures. I don’t think that will be the case here.

2 cents makes a valid argument. At a time when we clearly need more diversity on the coaching staff, why not Batichon? Maybe Elder has stronger leadership skills? I don’t know…???

My concern is that a lack of diversity on our coaching staff will begin to affect recruiting.

Bottom line…Trey and Blake are two of the greatest guys you could meet, with strong beliefs, and great moral and character. There is not a conflict of interest, and don’t expect some type of special treatment. What ever is best for AppState football is what is going to happen, don’t doubt that for a minute. I’m happy that Trey is back with the program, and I hope in the future they can find a permenant position somewhere for him because he knows all there is to know about the system, the tradition of excellence, and the expectations.

MAN I’M READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

So if Savannah St says he is good enough, we should too? I like Hans and I think Courman would have been a good look as well, but I’m not buying anything race related here on any level. That includes filling a quota. As I recall, Trey played behind two black QB’s. If Moore didn’t think he was a better coach or long term fit, then he would not get this role either.

hapapp, You can not discount the previous two guys played the position Alabama and benefited from being taught by high caliber coaches. I think the world of Trey and I hope he does well, but when you toss in his lack of experience at the position and the lack of diversity on the staff I have to think there were better options available. I also hope you don’t think simply because someone is likely stay around for a while is justification in hiring them.

Gwalt,

The point is we need some diversity on the coaching staff. Elder may very well be our best option, but some are starting to ask questions…

Gwaltineer, oh… just forget it.

we had two black coaches the last two years and they left. you dont hire based on diversity, you hire the best person for the job. Trey is going to be a great coach. We didnt play Armanti because he was black, we played him cause he was better. I think Trey is a clear choice for this job and will be a great o coordinator one day. He didnt coach at A HS , he coached at an elite HS. He coached players that will play division 1A. Great discussion but I know you all will be greatful we have Coach Elder on the sidelines.

I understand. But it would be a poor hire if a potential coaches race outweighed Moore’s feeling about the person who would do the best job.

Appman, I’m not sure why you care who coaches our recievers. Best case scenario Elder has a role in coaching our players to another FCS title which you have called “JV” and something that is not fun for you. So why does it matter?

Amen to hiring the best person for the job…I just think there are some very qualified brothers out there who are damn good. Is Elder the best person for the job? Not so sure, but time will tell.//

First off, I didn’t say anything about race, but since you all are mentioning it…the minimum usually kept just went to 0. Name one big time school where more than half of the players are black without one black coach. We’ll all wait.

Gwalt, What makes Trey more qualified?..Coaching at an established powerhouse in SC that pummels its competition and not really having to coach because the top players want to be at your HS?…Or is it because he was one of our “Christian” players that everyone feels sorry for because Armanti came along?…Courman would have been a terrible hire for the WR coaching job. GA for him would have been great, but that would never happen.

Fact of the matter is, it didn’t have to be an App guy, black, blue, or green. It could have been anybody and they chose Trey. I just feel like if you go with experience, or lack there of, both Hans and Trey…I don’t understand how you could dispute Hans as the likely candidate. Character, leadership ability, knowledge of the system, actually playing the position, changing the way our WRs run certain routes still to this day…Hans.

Running a coaching staff is a lot like running a business. You hire diverse candidates not because Jesse Jackson, the NAACP, or King O tells you to. You also don’t hire minority candidates because you feel sorry for them. You hire a diverse staff because it’s smart business. Diversity opens you to new markets that would not normally exist.

Examples:

Hiring a gay man: Gay men have the highest disposable income of any group and are very brand loyal

Hiring a Jewish person: close community who tend to do business with those of the same faith

The point is that at least 50% of our success can be attributed to landing good recruits. Who gets you into the areas with the best athletes? It sure as hell isn’t Chris Moore and it’s not Trey Elder.

Think about it…

Furthermore, our play calling at the beginning of the season last year was horrible. It was the ATHLETES who made plays out of terrible calls. If our recruiting diminishes, we could be in serious trouble.

Remember Armanti looking at the sidelines and throwing his hands up in the air like “what the hell are you guys thinking?”

Girl, you know it’s true.

I’m just glad Coach Moore doesn’t consult with some of you idiots before deciding on his coaching hires.

Without question Jerry Moore is far more qualified than anyone that has ever posted on AppFan, myself included, as to who should be on his staff.

If they are good enough for him – they are good enough for me.

appfantoo,

You are completely missing the point. Coach Moore is not perfect. Good man, good coach, but needs diversity on his staff.

My main point is that Jerry Moore has shown that he tends to make what he things is the best personel move either on the field or with his coaches. He did not go to Elder because two other WR coaches (one who was a Western grad) left after one season. Nor did he start Armanti after the third game in 2006 because he is black and Richie workerd out so well.
Other comments are who feels sorry for Blake or Trey Elder? Why is Elder the only white coach who should not have been hired or promoted instead of a black candidate? Why does a coaching job at Savannah St qualify anyone to coach at App? That is all anyone has suggested as a point for Han’s over Elder except for his race.

Your opinion on the topic doesn’t make it a fact.

Why the need to defend your opinion against all who disagree? Just state your case and allow others to do the same.

A wise man once said:
“..I have a dream that one day college football coaches will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character..”

For the record, I said a year ago right here that one of the keys to our sustained success is to have more diversity on the staff. Trey just happens to be the last position filled.

Recruiting is the key to college football success (ie Spurrier at Florida). If you can’t get decent athletes, it’s tough to win. Let’s face the facts here, most of the better athletes are African American. People trust and admire (initially) those with whom they can identify. Sitting in mama’s living room, who makes the sale…Hans or Trey?

A wise man once said: Don’t call those with dissenting opinions idiots then return with a neutral “let all be heard” speech.

Coaching at Savannah State doesn’t make you qualified, but Byrnes High most certainly doesn’t either. Forget race, I just feel like Hans is more qualified of the two, but we’ll have to agree to disagree.

I could care less about race, but stats are stats. App can’t keep a minority coach and now we don’t have one, that has to raise an eyebrow.

I agree 2 cents, it is a major concern. Imagine the Florida game on TV and they pan over to the sidelines (with potential recruits watching) and all they see are middle aged white guys. It’s a concern.

I completely understand why Nay and DRM don’t come around any more.

I wonder if all the assumptions would stop if you guys knew the wide receiver position was initially offered to a black man.

There actually may be some issues with the NCAA regarding our lack of diversity. I do not have all of the particulars but I have heard from folks who have coached in the NCAA that a completely white coaching staff would be a major red flag to the NCAA. They actually speculated that Trey works out because he apparently has some Cherokee blood. Seriously, this was their thinking on this one.

While I am all for the hiring of the best candidate, regardless of race…I hope that this does not create any negative effects from the NCAA.

If Savannah St nor Byrnes High qualfies you, then it is either about race or who you think will do the better job. I think Moore chose who he thought would do the better job.
I do not dissagree that we need diversity, but I’m not sure why Elder is the only hire taking that heat.

And to reiterate…I am all for hiring the BEST CANDIDATE regardless of their race. Does the NCAA have their own version of the Rooney Rule regarding minority hiring or just the wording that there must be a minority candidate interviewed. Based on the fact that we have had multiple coaching positions that have changed this year I would be interested to hear how that process works at the college level.

Minority hiring is an issue at all Universities. There are something like 6 black head coaches at 119 FBS programs. This isn’t limited to ASU.

Most of you are missing the point. You don’t hire miniority candidates because someone tells you to. You hire minority candidates because it makes good business sense (recruiting, opens up markets).

Dan- we’re talking assistants here, not head coaches. Is it too much to ask to have one minority assistant who is damn good. I question whether we left no stone unturned in looking for the VERY best candidates.

Just like we left no stone unturned in the Basketball coach search?

Random sampling:

Nova – 1 black assistant
Montana – 3 black assistants
Wyoming – 1 black assistant

You guys act like we emlpoy 50 assistants and have no diversity within that. We’re talking about 12 spots, and compared to some of our competitors, we’re not really that far behind.

I’m willing to bet we have plenty of diversity in the grad assistants and other support staff that aren’t listed on GoAsu.

Hire the best person for the job, there’s no grand conspiracy out there keeping our staff at the diversity levels we’re at.

I am just shocked that we did not hire another GA from Alabama that Nick Saban recommended. That had worked out so well for us in the past.

I am gonna give Trey some advice for his first day on the job: When you get to the film room, make all the WR’s sit down at watch the Montana game. Now turn the TV and tell each player this….

IF YOU DO THAT THIS SEASON I WILL BEAT YOU WITH A FROZEN FISH!

We did hire a black BBall coach. The white one before him should have been purple from the beatings he got after he played his little game.

Well lets see what the score is.
JM three Nat Championships
All posters combined O
If you think JM makes any decision based on color you are out of your minds.
As to the question of “not being able to keep black coaches” I would take a look at where they are going. Are they lateral ( escape ) moves or are they moves up.
By the way you didn’t answer a question that appfantoo asked.

haha, nice Jamey.

bcoach – at least our last WR coach moved up (to the Jets, if I recall correctly). Not sure about the guy before him.

Again, missing the point. No one is saying that Coach is racist. I simply pointed out some advantages of having a more diverse staff.

Wyoming and Montana have more white players than most schools, so it would seem logical that the coaching staff is mostly white.

Ask and expert on diversity and they will agree with me that diversity opens up new doors and enhances performances. No one is suggesting that we dont’ hire the best candidate. If Trey is the best, then I’m fine with that. I think we went with an easy pick that didn’t take a lot of extra time to research.

Kind of our M.O. around here, isn’t it?

Who even said Hans wanted the job?? Is this all hearsay?

Geekers, Are things so polarized that kids don’t want to come to ASU because we don’t have enough coaches of one color or another?

Do our coaches show respect to the players? Does the best athlete end up on the field?
I think the results speak for themselves and I think Trey has and will continue to earn the respect of the WR’s regardless of race. I think he is extremely qualified and being at a HS verses Sav State has nothing to do with that qualification. Hans by the way was one of my all time favorites! This move was as much about future recruiting and haveing good role models as it is aboutcoaching capability. With Dan Wilcox Trey will have plenty of help….

I think midwest is making a good point that is being missed here. He is not saying that ASU is intentionally avoiding black coaches or that we should hire a black coach just to have one. He is simply stating that a potential recruit COULD look at our current situation as concerning when considering ASU.

Does anyone think that Jerry Moore is racist? No

Does anyone think that Trey Elder is truly a bad candidate? No

Would hiring any other qualified candidate, black or white, have been good as long as they enhance our program? Yes

But…the fact is that in some cases we may fall victim to the pPERCEPTION that we have a very closed minded environment in Boone based on what recruits see. I would hope that our recruits would take a closer look at track record and character though.

The 2 key things that I looked at when I read the initial article were these:

1. Can Trey Elder help this program? Answer: I think he can so I like it.

2. Does the NCAA have any requirements regarding staff diversity and have we complied?
Answer: I do not know, but I trust the judgment of the people who run our program to make the best decisions for ASU.

I see your point on diversity, I guess my counter is that I would expect the diversity of the team to have a larger impact than that of the staff.

Again, who knows if Hans even showed interest in the position???

Dan, good point, but it takes both. Keep in mind, some of these kids are looking for a father figure…someone with whom they can identify. Jerry has done a great job playing that role for so many kids, but he is now moving into the grandfather role (with all due respect to Coach).

“Appman, I’m not sure why you care who coaches our recievers. Best case scenario Elder has a role in coaching our players to another FCS title which you have called “JV” and something that is not fun for you. So why does it matter?”

#1, ASU happens to be my school and I’ve invested thousands of dollars and countless hours into trying to make it better. #2, just because I don’t like the level we find ourselves playing football at doesn’t mean I don’t support the program.

Can you not grasp the simple idea someone can love and support their school without agreeing with everything decision.

The point is I don’t there is a point to this discussion. Is it a sensitivity that our administration takes seriously? Absolutely. Has there ever been a recruit who said it was an issue? Not to my knowledge. Has the generation younger than ours finally looked past the color/race issue and regards a coach and a program for what they are, winners, honest and a head coach that earns respect for being a man a parent can trust their child with? I think so. For where we are now I think its a mute point. Do we remain vigilant? YES but don’t read more into this than is there.

By the way, we fired a white basketball coach and overlooked a white assistant to hire a unproven black head coach. The argument at ASU is moot. We select who we think is going to help is win, on the field and off. We’ve come such a long way.

Nothing to do with sensitivity, BIG D. Everything to do with our sustained ability to recruit talent and to give players someone with whom they can identify.

A good coach and a good program they can identify with Midwest, the percentage of minority athletes verses the percentage of non athlete minority undergrads proves the point otherwise your premises says “all black players should go to “historically black schools”. These young people don’t need a Judas Goat to follow. I give them more credit than I’m giving you at the moment.

Could we have gone with Jim Bob on this one? White coach with cornrows? May have covered both sides of the coin and he is still famous for exlaiming to the world “BOONE NORTH CAROLINA! BOONE NORTH CAROLINA!” after the greatest upset ever.

That gives me a great idea……NEW BILLBOARD AS YOU COME INTO TOWN WITH HIM ON IT AND THE WORDS: BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

Jim Bob, cornrows, and a goat.

Wow

Someone make it stop I want off …

Follow the goat on your way out………..

LMAO

“#1, ASU happens to be my school and I’ve invested thousands of dollars and countless hours into trying to make it better. #2, just because I don’t like the level we find ourselves playing football at doesn’t mean I don’t support the program.

Can you not grasp the simple idea someone can love and support their school without agreeing with everything decision.”

Appman, disagreeing with a decision…not a problem. Belittling the most impressive accomplishments in our football program’s history does give me a problem and cause me to have a hard time respecting your point of view. Now is that a hard concept for you to grasp?

Trey coached and played at Byrnes High School.

If that becomes a pipeline, this recruiting argument is garbage.

I don’t know of many coaches of any color who have not moved up when they left us. I really don’t think color has anything to do with it. We loose a lot of coaches because of who we are. We are winners and that starts with coaching. Our staff is on the radar of all levels of football. Do we have a problem keeping some coaches ? Sure do but that is because people want them not because they want to leave.

Coaches who were App players are less likely to take off after short stays than those that came from other institutions. There’s nothing wrong with any of them wanting a better gig, but you’ll see a little more loyalty out of those that played here.

If you refer to the FCS national championships as “the most impressive accomplishments in our football program’s history” I beg to differ. The win over Michigan dwarfs all three of them combined. Referring to the FCS as inferior to FBS cannot be argued. It is not belittling the accomplishment of winning FCS national championships. The issue is with the FCS, not the team’s performance within the division and please spare me the old “belittling the division is belittling the accomplishment” argument. The fact remains FCS football is nothing more than a screwed up dumping ground for schools the NCAA doesn’t know what to do with. An argument can be made FBS is not an equitable arrangement either. However, at least the NCAA requires every school in FBS achieve and maintain a minimum number of football scholarships & total program scholarships awarded. Those two simple requirements indicate a level of commitment which does not exist within the whole of FCS football.

A fair argument. However, one could just as easily argue that winning 3 championships in a row is actually a more significant accomplishment than what happened in one game. Clearly the Michigan win is the the single most significant win in ASU history and to the outside world the most significant thing ASU is noted for. But to win three titles in a row requires a great deal more effort than to pull off one upset.

Most of you are still missing the point as to why you diversify your management/coaching staff. Forget it. Talk to me when we lose out on some top notch recruits because we made a Hillbilly decision. There is life outside of them thar hills you know?

Appman, belittling the three titles does insult the program. Like it or not, we play to win the SoCon and FCS title. That is the goal of App St football in 2010-2011. Obviously you do not like it, respect the accomplishments, nor enjoy the experience. So just express your opinions in late November before the Florida game since that will be the only one you care about.

Everybody knows what you mean, Midwest. We just don’t like you.

Durn Midwest

The kids we have came here becasue of the PROGRAM not diversity of coaches!!!!! AND our recruiting classes have gotten better with the successes. Warm weather would help us more than hiring coaches of color…. You GOAT.

Somebody help me out. Is appfanmidwest and MIDWEST the same person?

yes. his excuse is that he cannot use the same screen name due to different computers/hand helds.

Diversity does matter to the NCAA.
Diversity does matter to recruits.
You think an African American athlete from Atlanta, Miami, Tampa doesn’t arrive in Boone and say “hmmmm…?”. Might be nice to have some coaches who know what that feels like. I imagine the players respect and like Trey, and he has the potential to be very good. It is not fair to judge him because he was the one hired for what has long been the lone African American position. But diversity matters to alot of people.

I don’t understand what old wooden ships have to do with football.

I don’t understand what Midwest has to do with being an appfan

I didn’t say diversity didn’t matter. I believe in diversity but it shouldnt be the driving force or consideration in a hire.

While we are on the subject of diversity…can we hire a latin coach who can recruit a soccer player to kick? Just asking.

-slightlymorewestthanmidwestbutnotquitewest coast

Gwaltineer, since I do not share your love of FCS football it has become obvious your only desire is to be combative with me and everyone else who has a similar opinion. As has been the case with all your responses to any comment I make, you taking my opinion on Trey Elder in a totally different direction is just another indication you are unable to comprehend someone’s dislike of the FCS from their ability to enjoy Mountaineer football. Your wild assumption it shouldn’t matter to me who coaches our players is asinine. I suppose 30+ years as a season ticket holder and Chancellor’s level donor to the Yosef Club is a clear indication of my dislike of our program. Taking all this into consideration I have decided to abstain from responding to you any longer and I’d appreciate the same courtesy from you. However, I would appreciate one last response from you detailing your history and level of support for the program.

Our football program’s goal is to win the SoCon and then the FCS title. To win both of these titles, they have to play FCS teams. It is just really hard to respect someone and their opinion who says they are such a huge fan but does not respect anything they do. Your statement that our 2005-2007 seasons were fun only if you like JV sports is far more telling to me this blog than thumping your chest about your age and donations. I’d ask that you revisit your attitude towards the competition that App will face to achieve the team’s goals this year and in years past.

Clayton, wooden ships? What’s your aim?

From one South Carolinian to another… thanks for coming back to coach, Trey, and best wishes for success. You’ve got the pedigree.

You have taken appman’s comments completely out of context and distorted his position. It is quite a stretch to make a correlation between his opinion that in the college football world most FCS teams are “JV’s” and him showing disrespect to ASU’s accomplishments.

If it’s JV, then it’s an unenjoyable JV championship. I believe that’s the quote. Not that much of a stretch.

2005-2007 the most fun any team was for their fan base in any sport was App St. Would you really trade that for the honor of playing ECU, Marshall, and Mid Tenn St?

Comment by Gwaltineer 07.17.10 @ 7:48 am

If you enjoy playing jr high ball I guess it could have been considered “fun.”

Comment by AppMan 07.17.10 @ 8:58 am

I do not see it a stretch that this is mocking and belittling our football team’s accomplisments from 2005-2007, which were in fact, the most succesful teams in the hisory of the program. Like it or not, we play D1 FCS football. Want to move to FBS? Fine. But do not expect to make friends by making statements like this about our team’s past.

How is calling a Div 1 football team JV not showing disrespect?

Wow. We will move one day. While we are here we might as well win as many JV, little league whatever we call it championships as we can. We are all beating our chests as to how good we will be this year. No excuses for not putting another notch in a our little league belt before we bolt for big time college football.

Where ever we are our main goal is to win and that should bring us all together.

commonsenseapp, thanks for the backup, but I’ve given up trying to reason with these guys. If they like being the bully in 7th grade getting their kicks out of beating up on the little kid that’s fine, but not me. GSU is a prime example of a program which did not take advantage of their success. Their administration decided to rest on their laurels and remain status quo. Today they are a shadow of their former self and I’m not talking simply about wins and losses. Reading the comments of their fans it becomes quite clear they are angry with their administration for allowing a program they once dominated to catch, pass, and leave them in the dust. If you aren’t moving forward, you are moving backward.

Guess Gwaltineer would rather insult me than answer a question about his level of support for the program. I find a large number of folks who want to keep the program where it is, are usually unwilling to make a serious financial commitment to the program.

bcoach, Presbyterian, Jacksonville, & Davidson all D-I programs, are they varsity level programs?

I find that high level givers tend to feel freedom to think their giving in some way gives them ownership of the (public) program and thus they can insult it however they like. Yet when questioned or held accountable for their statements they just point to their name on a brick and think that negates their words. I believe it’s in Proverbs, my brother, that “Out of the mouth, the heart speaketh.”
I give my share.

Oh, you guys.

Yes Good? No varsity? yes

Is Duke a varsity level program?

Clayton, I know, I know. It just irks me when those who invest so little bark the loudest about the direction of the program. These people enjoy the fruits which come from the donations, but ridicule the donors. Kinda like those poor people who love to put down the wealthy, but would not have a job if not for them.

bcoach, considering Duke is in a BCS conference I think they are a varsity program.

But you get my point. Duke has a pretty weak program but they are still varsity.
Presbyterian, Jacksonville, & Davidson are weak programs but they are still varsity.
My point is that we all seem to have an opinion on whether we should move or not. I just wish we could make our points without insulting our players and each other.
Every team in the SOCON is in the same division so we are all clasified the same therefore if we say we are playing in a JV league we are saying that our players are JV and I just don’t believe that. We have to have an argument that does not insult our own players.

The “fruits” we all enjoy come from mostly student donations.

…and the football playes. I enjoy the football players.

Is Appman the kid who wears a black cape to the games and has yellow lightening painted on his face?

No, that’s me.

how much did Appman say he paid the football players to come to App?