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Post by B1Gminnesotafan on Dec 8, 2016 17:47:11 GMT -5
I think TV has a lot to do with improved attendance. For years I went to Gopher volleyball matches and no one said a thing. Once Big Ten started covering I started to here "...I saw you on TV last night..." So now its out, everyone wants to go:)
Seriously I think TV does have something to do with it. The other thing is quality of play. Not just Minnesota's but their opponents too.
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Post by gogophers on Dec 8, 2016 19:29:19 GMT -5
But the popularity of the sport (JO participation) and home-grown players is not new. Hugh is definitely new, but I'm not convinced people paid that close attention to the NT. And Mike was much more open with the Gopher following than Hugh has been. This is not a knock on Hugh. It's just a difference in personality and program philosophy. It's become a less accessible program -- but that has not harmed its popularity either. Maybe it's been the additional TV exposure? I really don't have a good explanation. Having Hugh on board may add to the impression that the Gopher program is big time, but I doubt that Hugh's pedigree can explain the big jump in attendance. The biggest boost from having a NT name become coach should have come in 2012, when he joined the team immediately after the Olympics ended; yet we weren't talking about attendance boosts in Hugh's first three years.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 20:20:09 GMT -5
I honestly think Hebert was a bigger name when he was hired than McCutcheon was when he was hired. I mean, they were both well-respected coaches in the volleyball world, but as for name recognition?
Anyhow, I don't think the McCutcheon hire was the catalyst. I could be wrong, but I don't see it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 20:50:34 GMT -5
I honestly think Hebert was a bigger name when he was hired than McCutcheon was when he was hired. I mean, they were both well-respected coaches in the volleyball world, but as for name recognition? Anyhow, I don't think the McCutcheon hire was the catalyst. I could be wrong, but I don't see it. I disagree. Hugh was and is the bigger name. Hebert made this program really good for Hugh to bring it to that next level ...which Hebert couldn't.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 21:01:17 GMT -5
Wow. I totally disagree with that. Three final fours, including a semi-final win. Not to mention the fact he built the program after there was basically no recruiting for 2 years.
Bigger name? Debatable. You have to remember we're talking about 1996 v. 2012 when comparing the names, too.
Don't get me wrong. Hugh was a huge hire and a very prominent name. But Hebert (and Illinois) were major powers in the 80s and 90s.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 21:22:18 GMT -5
You're comparing someone who's greatest accomplishment was, at the time, 3rd in the NCAA tournament to a coach who had a Gold Medal, Silver medal and numerous World championship medals when taking the helm. And name recognition follows those awards. don't get me wrong Hebert's accomplishments are great, but you can't compare.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 21:28:31 GMT -5
Yep, I am. 1996 v. 2012.
Who was the bigger name internationally? McCutcheon, no doubt. But you are underselling how big of a name Hebert was in the college game in 1996.
Remember what we are talking about. A name that the Minnesota fan base would get excited about. And lead to the explosion in attendance.
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Post by ugopher on Dec 8, 2016 21:29:48 GMT -5
Attendance could be the coming together of a multiple factors. Primarily, the disappointment of the local male teams - Twins, Wolves, Vikings, Gopher football, Gopher basketball. The Lynx success may have helped, too, as followers of that team were looking for another women's team to follow and the WVB team had success last year.
I also think the Pav had something to do with it, too. You get 4000 people in that place and it rocks. 5000 and it becomes electric. The smaller size helps because it can create a shortage in tickets. And, I know (R)uffda isn't a big fan of the place, and with legit reasons, but you are fairly close to the action. Not 50 yards away
It is a good program without scandal, the players are good people (too bad we can't get to know them better), and it is an exciting sport. People come with their children, it's a great atmosphere for them, and parents bring them back.
I could be way off base and probably am. But, it is great too see!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 21:37:36 GMT -5
SOME people are close to the action. MOST are FAR FAR away. But, yes, the smaller venue has its perks.
I do think it may be as simple an answer as the athletes. People like watching them play. And not just because they are talented. They like them.
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Post by ugopher on Dec 8, 2016 22:09:31 GMT -5
Talk about the media not leading, no articles in the Strib about the regionals which start tomorrow.
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Post by ugopher on Dec 8, 2016 23:11:18 GMT -5
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Post by spikerthemovie on Dec 8, 2016 23:22:59 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 23:25:30 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 23:27:00 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2016 23:35:18 GMT -5
Btw, I have no data to back it up, but those Tapp kids? Probably a big part of the reason the attendance is soaring.
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