ABC BEAR said:
historian said:
Probably so. But I still think the environment in Austin is toxic.
I doubt that UT has the sense of community like we have at Baylor. It's not put-on at BU either, it's real. Money is not a substitute for positive vibes and intangibles. People who are accustom to buying everything they want have a hard time getting their arms around that.
As a graduate of Texas and someone who spent years working in their athletic department (and am still an avid BWBB fan and supporter), I would not make blanket claims like that. There have been issues in the past at Texas, much having to do with complacency and a history of going after namesake coaches rather than ones that fit the university's personality.
Kelly Graves, the new softball coach, is probably the worst thing that could have ever happened for any UT coach on the hot seat. Not only did he leave the #1 team in the country to come to Austin, but in less than a year he produced a new #1 team in the country, completed, for the first time in Texas softball history, a sweep over the then #1 and #2 team on back-to-back days and his star player was named the NCAA Player of the Year. His quick turn over of the program, which had been struggling for the better part of a decade, allowed everyone to see what could be accomplished by a fantastic coach who fit the UT system, given UT's resources.
Aston was fine, and she wasn't fired because she couldn't beat Kim. I don't care what the ESPN article says. She was fired because she was never in the realistic running for a Big 12 Championship and she was becoming victim to a wealth of transfers - a strong sign that something isn't right within the staff. Had she been in the running for a championship in the final weeks of the season, we would have a completely different situation right now. Instead, she constantly found herself pre-season ranked and then falling out and being unable to win the Conference 3-4 weeks before the end of the season. At Texas, they like to win, but they hate not competing much more. Her inability to even be in the conversation is what got her the can.
I am not convinced that Schaffer is a great hire for Texas. First, he is a male and many on the Board wanted a female. There is also a major style difference between the SEC and the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how well he can transition. There is a reason Texas A&M has been decent but never Elite since moving to the SEC...it's a different style and Blair hasn't been able to fully make the transition. Time will tell if Schaffer is able to do this better.
Texas has given Herman time to develop his system, Aston was given 8 years to recruit and build a program, Smart is heading into year five with the full support of the athletic department, swimming & dividing won another NC this year, tennis won one last year. Much like Baylor, a lot of great things are happening on and off the court/field in Austin.
And much like when the news of the Title IX scandal broke at Baylor and I defending Baylor here in Austin, I also feel I need to defend Texas to those in Waco. Both are great schools with solid programs. So, keep the criticism to what happens on the field. We shouldn't be talking about an overall toxic environment that lacks community. UT has one of the most accepting and diverse student bodies in the country and we forget how much more fun the season is when there is a rivalry to enjoy. I could be wrong, but I don't feel opinions on culture and environments should be assumed. If you've been to Austin and have been part of one of their programs, then I have overstepped and I apologize. But for someone who was part of the department for over a decade, it hits me personally when these type of blind accusations are made.
*Rant.......over.