I Am Optimistic About the Future of Troy. And Here's Why
Sept 12, 2014 18:15:33 GMT -6
Trojan Warrior and Hemi Man like this
Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2014 18:15:33 GMT -6
I have said before, in the not too distant past, that I think we have some of the worst students in D1. At the time I made that opinion public I was basing it off of going to football, basketball and especially baseball games and seeing horrendous student turnout and involvement. Tonight I'm ready to say I no longer feel that way. I am excited about the future of Troy with the involvement students are finally showing.
What changed my attitude? A simple Friday afternoon soccer match.
A 4:00 p.m. start is difficult for a guy with a Mrs. TrojanChad and two little TrojanChad's, but by the time we walked into the soccer complex with about 30 minutes to go in the match, I was absolutely amazed.
This is the first match we've been able to go to this season and I can't speak for the others, but this one would make almost anyone a fan. The stands were packed to the point where this was a "well, I see a good spot on the far end to sit" type crow.
On a Friday afternoon in Troy, Alabama at a little after 5:00 p.m. students were in Troy. On the campus of Troy University. They weren't packing their car and racing for 231 or picking up a snack in Greenville as they got on I-65.
A big part of the crowd was athletes. There were a few parents of Jax State players, but students showed up.
You can thank John Hartwell's affinity program. You can thank a winning season. You can thank the coaches and players. You can thank pretty weather for all I care, but I am thankful for that full seating area.
This crowd wasn't just there to be seen and play on their phones. They cheered. They jeered. They yelled at the ref (nothing Hemi-level, but they're still young).
Some of you may not believe but I actually saw a girl taking some grief for having to leave early.
The fight song was sung at the end of the match and some of the crowd stayed around to wait and talk to the players.
These are the kids that are going to leave Troy and be proud of Troy. They will spread Troy to all corners of the globe. They will grow Trojan Nation. These are not students who are treating Troy as their diploma mill, night school or trade school. These are Trojans one and all.
What changed my attitude? A simple Friday afternoon soccer match.
A 4:00 p.m. start is difficult for a guy with a Mrs. TrojanChad and two little TrojanChad's, but by the time we walked into the soccer complex with about 30 minutes to go in the match, I was absolutely amazed.
This is the first match we've been able to go to this season and I can't speak for the others, but this one would make almost anyone a fan. The stands were packed to the point where this was a "well, I see a good spot on the far end to sit" type crow.
On a Friday afternoon in Troy, Alabama at a little after 5:00 p.m. students were in Troy. On the campus of Troy University. They weren't packing their car and racing for 231 or picking up a snack in Greenville as they got on I-65.
A big part of the crowd was athletes. There were a few parents of Jax State players, but students showed up.
You can thank John Hartwell's affinity program. You can thank a winning season. You can thank the coaches and players. You can thank pretty weather for all I care, but I am thankful for that full seating area.
This crowd wasn't just there to be seen and play on their phones. They cheered. They jeered. They yelled at the ref (nothing Hemi-level, but they're still young).
Some of you may not believe but I actually saw a girl taking some grief for having to leave early.
The fight song was sung at the end of the match and some of the crowd stayed around to wait and talk to the players.
These are the kids that are going to leave Troy and be proud of Troy. They will spread Troy to all corners of the globe. They will grow Trojan Nation. These are not students who are treating Troy as their diploma mill, night school or trade school. These are Trojans one and all.