The 20-21 Pandemic season ended with a 12-8 record and the third winning season in a row. Undeniably, a season like no other. Game on, game off. Our team got booted out of the County and had to live in hotels. Covid ruled. Terrible.
Hats off to the coaches, staff, administration, and all who had to juggle innumerable obstacles.
Despite all of the turmoil and hardships, IMO, both the team and Bronco fans wanted more. Winning the conference was not on the table, but rising inside the conference to finish third or fourth was there. Losses to Loyola twice, San Diego, and Pacific took their toll.
In his five seasons, Coach Sendek and his staff have a record of 76-72. Achieving four winning records in five seasons much better than the two wining seasons in nine from his predecessor. Our A.D. Renee Baumgartner pledged more winning and we have that, but we don't seem to be gaining on the other pledge - national relevance.
Expectation set. Not forgotten.
That's why I say we need a "shot in the arm."
Literally, vaccinations will be the shot that frees the program to get back to normal. Figuratively, we need to get on with the "stampede" mantra in our PR and be contenders.
Will the new Athletic Excellence Center be the shot?
Can we find that Nash-like player who's shots will take us there?
Do we need take a shot at a bold new strategy?
Do we need to recommit to the Goals we are shooting at?
We need to make some noise - soon! Right now, it's "All Quiet on the Western Front." Not much from the "U" except the nonstop fundraising. The last three news posts on the MBB site were last April and you guessed it - fundraising.
Fundraising is always needed - but we need to start "raising" some banners to put in Leavey. The formula isn't rocket science. Raising banners raises money.
How about a reconnection strategy with fans and season ticket holders? Maybe some words on our recruiting status? How about an updated plan to achieve the Commission on Athletics goal of national?
Without Jerry Smith and the Women's Soccer team coverage raising another national championship trophy, we're mute. They just get it done. Eleventh seed - no problem.
The task for MBB may get harder going forward. Most everyone has improved facilities, recruiting success, and with the transfers free for all, it's very hard to keep young stars.
It's time to take our shot. Our shot at being relevant. Our shot at being contenders and not just a great school with an Athletics Center.
A famous Silicon Valley executive was once asked his thoughts about an up and coming competitor who might eat into their Company's dominant market share. He replied "Big Hat, No Cattle."
Reminds me of what Mark Few just said, blaming their NCAA final game loss on the middling competition they play in the WCC. Big talk, no titles. At least the Zags GOT THERE...
It time for us to get the Bronco horses out of the corral and drive those cattle to "stampede" our way into the upper echelons of the WCC and some national cred.
