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.