No one was in the stands when we played for the division championship or the conference championship. Nothing seems to make you fair weathered fans happy. Move on
Sadly, many have moved on and may never return. That exactly explains your statement of “No one was in the stands when we played...”. Many MT alumni, fans, or even long-standing Murfreesboro residents are indifferent at best or find the sum total of leadership decisions and culture to be objectionable with the mission of a well managed university. Simply stated, MT is not remotely measuring up to standards and expectations of a FBS/DI institution like those found in the ACC, $EC, B1G, or even the AAC where our peer the University of Memphis resides. We can positively do better in so many ways, but unfortunately those who are appointed in power fail to see what is needed or are unwilling to ensure that we can. Our perception is more like FCS or even D-II with the choices we are making.
Our problems go far beyond the football team or men’s basketball; it’s really in marketing and branding, identity as an institution of higher learning, alumni loyalty, and accountability through all levels. Various aunts/uncles/cousins of my extended family, immediate family, or myself, have had some level of engagement to the college or university continuously since 1948 either as an employee, a student, at times both, and at times multiple individuals throughout my family tree in those roles. For instance, My dad worked 23 years at MT, My mom for about 5 total in different jobs, and have two cousins that are employed to this day—one as faculty and another at a staff level. And, I am an alumnus who graduated 28 years ago who wants my university to be excellent, not just average or meeting the lowest common denominator of the student body to bolster enrollment to get additional operational dollars from the state and Federal sources.
I’m nobody special on the totem pole (Harvey or Shinny Ninny), but think an individual can and should have positive affinity to their alma mater. However, in today’s climate it is very difficult, if not impossible, to reach traditional expectations and regain the school spirit that makes our university special. Affinity, excellence, and genuineness is what’s missing!