A Message to YSU Fans From Eric Wolford

[penguinpower]

I think wolford has demonstrated some humility asking for fan support. I have to give him credit for his effort, intentions, and actions. Just as wolford is part of the team's support structure, the university athlectic department is part of Wolford's support structure. As fans we cannot allow the ineptness of the athletics marketing get in the way of supporting the football program.

Get the word and and ask a friend to attend. I have already done so. It is now time for the community to show this team what we are capable of as fans. We can make the environment memorable and fun for the team. We just need to do it.

[ValleyTalk]

I think wolford has demonstrated some humility asking for fan support. I have to give him credit for his effort, intentions, and actions. Just as wolford is part of the team's support structure, the university athlectic department is part of Wolford's support structure. As fans we cannot allow the ineptness of the athletics marketing get in the way of supporting the football program.

Get the word and and ask a friend to attend. I have already done so. It is now time for the community to show this team what we are capable of as fans. We can make the environment memorable and fun for the team. We just need to do it.

I have no problem having Wolford ask for fans to come out, but it seems as though this is the only measure athletics marketing is going to take for this game. I said 3 weeks ago, don't wait until the last minute to get people to the game. What did they do? They waited until the last minute and that is what angers me.

If they don't have a lot of money to spend, that is fine, but there are plenty of ideas out there that they should be exploring right now. I discussed this with a couple of friends of mine, including a former player.

-They have access to the entire email database of 14,000 YSU students, faculty, and staff. Send out an email message to everyone encouraging their attendance. Perhaps include a YouTube video clip from Coach Wolford or even Coach Tressel encouraging attendance.

-Allow all high school students in for free. When I was at South Dakota, they were having a recruitment weekend on campus. All of the high school students on their visits got into the game for free. This is great publicity for not only the athletics department, for the university as a whole. Sure it isn't some recruitment weekend, but high school kids are always looking for something to do that they can afford. This could attract a number of students from across the Valley.

-Tag along with the Jambar to hype this game up. Just like the Jambar and Student Government pushed for #Gameday2YSU, they should be going all out to get students out to this game.

-Get a hashtag going on Twitter! They had #PackTheCastle for the Illinois State game, but nothing thus far as of Monday night. Hell, the Twitter account did not have a SINGLE tweet about the NDSU game this week. Furthermore, they should be having posts daily on Facebook about this game, encouraging everyone to share each post to get people excited about this game.

This is the easiest sell for YSU football in the longest time. The weather is perfect for the middle of November, 52 and sunny. We are playing the #1 team in the country. We are a top 15 team in America and a win can give us a great chance at winning the Valley. Also, Jim Tressel, a man worshiped locally, will be in attendance and is getting honored. Need I say more.

All I have to say is this: that place better be near capacity on Saturday. There is absolutely, positively no excuse for it not to be filled.

[Train]

I dont understand all of the critisism of wolford and his coaching last week....you are not going to go into northern iowa and blow them out...they have not been beat by more than a touchdown all year...it was going to be close game...noone wants to mention we dropped an interception on there last drive that my 3rd grader would have caught for the win...as far as wolford reaching out..can you blame him....he sold these players and recruits on the big game atmosphere at ysu...instead they are getting a big lame atmosphere...would be suprised if we had 10k at the game...real bodies...not some bs number...last i checked we are still 8 and 2...

[ysuguins4]

Wick is spot on. Had Wolford coached well this past Saturday, the hype would have taken care of itself.

You boys ain't lyin.  Our group will be there, but the casual fan count took a hit after that poor performance.

[ysuindy]

Heard Bruce Burge intereviewed at halftime of the Sunday basketball game.  Talk about a guy who knew how to promote a game.

[IAA Fan]

I have no issues with Wolf reaching out. It is the age of the internet. We would say nothing if Wolf did it on a news or radio interview. The internet is no different. It is an especially wonderful way to attract students, faculty and staff. Also HS students.

[robmat2571]

My wife and I will be there.  LET'S GO GUINS!  A win against those bad boys, and we probably get a 1st round "bye".  LET'S GO GUINS!

[GOpenZ]

I like that Wolf has shouted out to the community.  However, I am somewhat surprised that this is the first of its kind in his tenure, as it seems the most obvious was to encourage new fan support.  I like some of the other ideas that are being discussed as well.  Anything to encourage and promote the larger attendance.

However, as die-hards on this board we need to understand that there will be opportunites that get in the casual fans that are not as rowdy and will not stand up and cheer on third down.  Until there is a waiting list for tickets (lol), we can not demonize this group and must also encourage their attendance and commitment to the team and university.  I've said before, I know some of those who come and knit or play on their ipad.  The ones I know are very supportive of the team and I am happy to sit near them.  My frustration comes mainly from the prior two years of fans behind me encouraging me to sit down (and they aren't "knitters").  I have not had that problem this year.  Likely, they have not attended this year.

Continue to promote to those you know outside your group to come and tailgate.  Promise them your extra tickets if you have them.  Those with social media expertise keep up the continued push. 

Z

[paladin]

I've been a regular for over 25 years with seats in the Penguin Club seats.  I have yet to see the players on the playing field looking for fans to be standing up when they are ready to run a play. And standing isn't necessary to cheer or be loud. But if you look at the fan base, its old. And I have now joined them. Had  surgery last December for hip replacement and missed much of BB season. Still have a arthritis problem with my lower back and other hip. Very painful to get up and down in the seats. I know others with other ailments who also don't  need to be getting up and down all game. And now I appreciate why many dislike some a-hole standing up blocking their view  of a game they are into. It isn't necessary to stand to cheer. That can be done sitting down. It is, unfortunately, another  sign of Youngstown and the a-holes that are developed here. The reputation precedes this place because of the unruly, people lacking manners and in general, being a total a-hole with no consideration for those around them. Youngstown wears it well. People come ( casual or hard core) to see the game and cheer on YSU. Why is it necessary to offend most of the fans and block their view while standing up to cheer when you can remain sitting & cheer ? That make you feel like some bad azz ? Or Is it a sign of the ignorance that permeates the area and makes it viewed as a low life area to the outside world ?  Some day, some of the a-holes will be where many in the stands are -- out for a game you want to support and see with some a-hole standing up in front of you while you struggle thru the pain of arthritis or other medical problem to see.The athletic dept depends more on the gray panthers who show up in large numbers to support and watch the team  than a small group of a-holes giving no consideration of others to look like bad boys. Security  is there to ensure that people can watch the game  and not let some jerks ruin it for all.

[ScarletRook]

Why is it necessary to offend most of the fans and block their view while standing up to cheer when you can remain sitting & cheer ? That make you feel like some bad azz ?

I don't think standing up during the game makes anyone feel like a "bad azz" unless the intent is to purposely trying to annoy people.  Speaking only for myself, I get carried away in the excitement sometimes and find myself standing; however, many around me are doing the same.

Maybe they could put a section in behind the students for people that want to spend most of the time standing similar to the Dawg Pound in Cleveland.  I seldom see the visitor stands sold out and possibly the enthusiasm from the fans or students would play off on each other.

Just trying to come up with some positive ideas.

[ysufan0505]

I like to sit high up so I can stand and not annoy very many people behind me 😉

[GOpenZ]

So why do some fans sit and others stand?  Some thought provoking articles linked below.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124147578109184945
http://www.sbnation.com/2010/9/3/1667401/fan-guide-standing-games-etiquette-football-rules

I agree that someone standing an entire game (outside of the student section) could be quite annoying to many of the fans, not just limited to the silver sneaker club.   And maybe thats where our agreement ends... 

I dont stand the entire game, even though at times I would like to stand more than I do. However, as fans (fanatics) I don't see a problem with standing during meaningful plays or critical junctures in the game including but not limited to 3rd down and 4th down (especially when the entire team and coaching staff is asking you to stand) and final plays of the half and game. 

I know that our fan base includes a dynamic set of ages.  Is there some place to compromise here?  A "silver-platinum Penguin" package where there is no standing or blocked view?  No doubt different than most if not all stadiums but it would be appreciated by those who use it...including me at some point down the road.  How about a "rowdy-roddy penguin" package that includes those who love to stand the entire game? 

Z

[ysufan0505]

So why do some fans sit and others stand?  Some thought provoking articles linked below.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124147578109184945
http://www.sbnation.com/2010/9/3/1667401/fan-guide-standing-games-etiquette-football-rules

I agree that someone standing an entire game (outside of the student section) could be quite annoying to many of the fans, not just limited to the silver sneaker club.   And maybe thats where our agreement ends... 

I dont stand the entire game, even though at times I would like to stand more than I do. However, as fans (fanatics) I don't see a problem with standing during meaningful plays or critical junctures in the game including but not limited to 3rd down and 4th down (especially when the entire team and coaching staff is asking you to stand) and final plays of the half and game. 

I know that our fan base includes a dynamic set of ages.  Is there some place to compromise here?  A "silver-platinum Penguin" package where there is no standing or blocked view?  No doubt different than most if not all stadiums but it would be appreciated by those who use it...including me at some point down the road.  How about a "rowdy-roddy penguin" package that includes those who love to stand the entire game? 

Z

Good luck. The athletic department can't even promote one of the biggest home games in the last 7 or 8 years.

[rayI09]

Go guins! Were goin to pound and ground them boys from north dakota for 4 quarters. At the end of the day them boys will know who the real kings of fcs football are. We got 4 championship banners hamgin up in the ice castle. How many do them boys got?

This ain't are first go around. We were hoisting trophies when them boys were still figuring out how to put a jock strap on. Aint no new kids on the block going to come in here and beat the guins. Like coach wolf says that s**t dont fly around here.

[ValleyTalk]

So why do some fans sit and others stand?  Some thought provoking articles linked below.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124147578109184945
http://www.sbnation.com/2010/9/3/1667401/fan-guide-standing-games-etiquette-football-rules

I agree that someone standing an entire game (outside of the student section) could be quite annoying to many of the fans, not just limited to the silver sneaker club.   And maybe thats where our agreement ends... 

I dont stand the entire game, even though at times I would like to stand more than I do. However, as fans (fanatics) I don't see a problem with standing during meaningful plays or critical junctures in the game including but not limited to 3rd down and 4th down (especially when the entire team and coaching staff is asking you to stand) and final plays of the half and game. 

I know that our fan base includes a dynamic set of ages.  Is there some place to compromise here?  A "silver-platinum Penguin" package where there is no standing or blocked view?  No doubt different than most if not all stadiums but it would be appreciated by those who use it...including me at some point down the road.  How about a "rowdy-roddy penguin" package that includes those who love to stand the entire game? 

Z

Good luck. The athletic department can't even promote one of the biggest home games in the last 7 or 8 years.

Only thing on their Facebook page is about Eric Wolford's plea to get people to the game. Although I hope that means they are doing stuff behind the scenes, I highly doubt it.

This is an easy sell, yet they can't even get this place near capacity. Need to continue to push this grassroots style on the social media universe!