BMarkey said

why not start a fund-raising effort?

I placed an inquiry as to wether we could designate where tickets purchases could go - if enough was received to warrant sending some band members - but did not receive a response back that i am aware of…

Maybe we can buy a palet of M&M's and send them out to Walmart? ;D

Just kidding!

(maybe)

;)

Yes it sucks that the band isn't going, but I'm sure that people will understand the circumstances.  It's an awful economy…the University(and universities across the country), are facing budget cuts….People aren't donating money.  It's a Bowl in Detroit the day after Christmas and we won't bring many fans.  It's a tough situation…it's an expensive trip.  Like F_O said, a week ago, we weren't expected to go anywhere.  So if the choice is going to a Bowl on a shoestring budget or none at all, I'm taking the Bowl every time.

Besides, the program needs this success and exposure to grow the fan base and ensure that we will always have the resources to bring the full "crew" to every future Bowl game.  What people will remember is the fact that we went to back-to-back bowl games in our 3rd full season in I-A football, not that they had to travel on the cheap.  Plus, it'll make the story even better when a team from Boca Raton, traveled to Detroit, into a stadium full of opposing fans, without even the support of their school band, and walked out with the trophy!  ;D

fauowls44 said

What people will remember is the fact that we went to back-to-back bowl games in our 3rd full season in I-A football, not that they had to travel on the cheap…a team from Boca Raton, traveled to Detroit, into a stadium full of opposing fans, without even the support of their school band, and walked out with the trophy!   ;D

Amen!

You just reminded me that this would be another round of records…


If people want to poke at us, let them…besides:

They are most likely fans of Teams sitting on the couch watching us play 8)

Before you worry about the support groups-keep in mind FAU isnt even bringing the whole football team.  Unlike the New Orleans Bowl where everyone went only a travel roster of 65 will go this time.  Thats the real disappointment here.  Many bowl teams wont be bringing their dance teams and bands due to money and the economy but were the only ones Ive heard of not bring all the players.  I have however heard they will have a small chearleading squad go so we wont be without some spirit.

Unlike the New Orleans Bowl, I don't think there is an organized luncheon for the cheer/dance/band to perform at. That luncheon last year was awesome!

They have a luncheon, but the MCB web site doesn't say anything about spirit performances.

It would be nice to bring everyone, but like other mentioned - We just don't have ALL the resources yet to be able to do so.

Last year was special - 1st Bowl game for the program.

This year, more business like.

As we continue to grow athletics, we will be able to do more, but I have no problems traveling with the essentials.  There will always be some scarifies that need to be made, unfortunate as it may be for the support groups.

It takes time to put all the necessary resources in place to make everything happen & its not like we are in a BCS conference.  But as we continue to send more teams bowling every year it will help.

One step at a time.

And last year, everyone could be bused. This year, that's not an option.

Plus those players who aren't going RS Freshman, injured players, practice squad whatever it may be if they are on the team next season they're going to want to work that much harder so they can say "I played in a bowl game"

Jab979 said

Plus those players who aren't going RS Freshman, injured players, practice squad whatever it may be if they are on the team next season they're going to want to work that much harder so they can say "I played in a bowl game"

Actually that is a very good incentive for the players staying home - to work harder to get a chance to go bowling next year, by earning playing time.

The band, cheerleaders, dance team, etc. ARE the essentials. They are part of the program, without which none of the games would be half as interesting.

The money CAN be found.