Wow, Kermit deserves so much credit in addition to anything and everything the university can do to reward Kermit for such amazing success at MT.
For many longtime fans (a few on here a lot longer than that) the preceding couple of decades, the current level of success for MT basketball is only something that could be dreamed. Myself, I arrived at and became a fan of MT just a few years after big success then scandal and sanctions in the late 80s. Even though I became a huge MT bball fan, I had never witnessed the success that others had that had been around far longer than I. There were plenty of seasons where .500 was barely achievable even with 2 or 3 non DI opponents to start ooc play.
Crowds were really abysmal for home games. For seasons, it seemed like the norm for there to be 1,500 in attendance for non-rivalry home games. A couple of big home games that come to mind that were the exception in that era were the Vandy home game when MT won in OT. That game had a huge Murphy Center crowd. The other game was a TSU home game when MT won another OT game. If I recall correctly, such a TSU game could draw over 8000 with about half from TSU.
I also recall listed exhibition games that would barely draw more than 50. I also remember plenty of early ooc games vs DI teams that didn't even draw a 1,000. At least early in the Wiel years, Saturday home games in conference were starting to push 4,000. Sadly these crowds saw too many losses to teams such as Murray St and SEMO and resultant drops in attendance.
A lot of years went by with MT not being able to advance out of the first round of the ovc tournament. It was all pretty frustrating as a fan and student as one could obviously see the growth and potential of the university. Seasons of success, championships, or any new banners were relegated to dreams.
Most on here are plenty familiar with Kermit's tenure. These last 6+ years have been downright special for long suffering MT bball fans who witnessed two decades worth of seasons without any new banners going up in The Murphy Center. While nothing would please me more than sellouts for the remaining three home games, even 9,000 or 10,000 would be viewed as pretty darn good crowds considering many past seasons. Again, sellouts are preferred and achievable.
Now MT has achieved a national Top 25 ranking. Another huge milestone. Another level of tremendous success by the team and Kermit. Again, this is tremendously impressive stuff that Kermit has been leading. Myself, this has been one heck of an enjoyable ride. I say thank you to Kermit, the asst coaches, and all the players for the fun enjoyable seasons you all work hard to bring to us MT fans and alums. For so many games these recent years, I just sit and watch Blue Raider games with a huge smile on my face.
For many longtime fans (a few on here a lot longer than that) the preceding couple of decades, the current level of success for MT basketball is only something that could be dreamed. Myself, I arrived at and became a fan of MT just a few years after big success then scandal and sanctions in the late 80s. Even though I became a huge MT bball fan, I had never witnessed the success that others had that had been around far longer than I. There were plenty of seasons where .500 was barely achievable even with 2 or 3 non DI opponents to start ooc play.
Crowds were really abysmal for home games. For seasons, it seemed like the norm for there to be 1,500 in attendance for non-rivalry home games. A couple of big home games that come to mind that were the exception in that era were the Vandy home game when MT won in OT. That game had a huge Murphy Center crowd. The other game was a TSU home game when MT won another OT game. If I recall correctly, such a TSU game could draw over 8000 with about half from TSU.
I also recall listed exhibition games that would barely draw more than 50. I also remember plenty of early ooc games vs DI teams that didn't even draw a 1,000. At least early in the Wiel years, Saturday home games in conference were starting to push 4,000. Sadly these crowds saw too many losses to teams such as Murray St and SEMO and resultant drops in attendance.
A lot of years went by with MT not being able to advance out of the first round of the ovc tournament. It was all pretty frustrating as a fan and student as one could obviously see the growth and potential of the university. Seasons of success, championships, or any new banners were relegated to dreams.
Most on here are plenty familiar with Kermit's tenure. These last 6+ years have been downright special for long suffering MT bball fans who witnessed two decades worth of seasons without any new banners going up in The Murphy Center. While nothing would please me more than sellouts for the remaining three home games, even 9,000 or 10,000 would be viewed as pretty darn good crowds considering many past seasons. Again, sellouts are preferred and achievable.
Now MT has achieved a national Top 25 ranking. Another huge milestone. Another level of tremendous success by the team and Kermit. Again, this is tremendously impressive stuff that Kermit has been leading. Myself, this has been one heck of an enjoyable ride. I say thank you to Kermit, the asst coaches, and all the players for the fun enjoyable seasons you all work hard to bring to us MT fans and alums. For so many games these recent years, I just sit and watch Blue Raider games with a huge smile on my face.
