RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

[Ralph Baer]

I am going out for few hours. Since several people think that I have to start the threads, I am starting this in advance because undoubtedly there will be a lot of posts due to the press conference. If there is a great surprise and someone else is named coach, you are on your own.

Previous thread http://board.uscho.com/showthread.ph...26#post6478326

[giwan]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

I am going out for few hours. Since several people think that I have to start the threads, I am starting this in advance because undoubtedly there will be a lot of posts due to the press conference. If there is a great surprise and someone else is named coach, you are on your own.
Previous thread http://board.uscho.com/showthread.ph...26#post6478326

Anyone feel he danced a little around the funding support question? Not like he could come right out and throw out a number.

[TucsonMike]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Shirley mentioned a $20 mil commitment to the HFH (a warm-up facility, apparently) and some "other commitments" I took this as a good sign for the program...

[rpi82]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Anyone feel he danced a little around the funding support question? Not like he could come right out and throw out a number.

I was a little surprised they tossed this one to the new guy to answer. However, I think he handled it well. He couldn't toss out figures but he made it clear that he'd researched the issue and was comfortable with the support he'd receive. Assuming they follow through that should take that potential excuse off the table.

I was glad to hear the thanks to Coach Vines and Coach Graham and that they would be meeting further. While I can't judge their performance (the buck really stops with the HC), with recruiting being a 12-36 month pre-enrollment activity, some continuity may help to keep those committed and to further interest in those considering RPI.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Anyone feel he danced a little around the funding support question? Not like he could come right out and throw out a number.

I'm shocked anyone would actually expect a number from a private institution. However, to hear that the administration is open to his funding needs is a good sign.

[jericho]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

I was a little surprised they tossed this one to the new guy to answer. However, I think he handled it well. He couldn't toss out figures but he made it clear that he'd researched the issue and was comfortable with the support he'd receive. Assuming they follow through that should take that potential excuse off the table.

I was glad to hear the thanks to Coach Vines and Coach Graham and that they would be meeting further. While I can't judge their performance (the buck really stops with the HC), with recruiting being a 12-36 month pre-enrollment activity, some continuity may help to keep those committed and to further interest in those considering RPI.

Also, not that it matters, but I was surprised to hear that Fridge was in attendance.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Shirley mentioned a $20 mil commitment to the HFH (a warm-up facility, apparently) and some "other commitments" I took this as a good sign for the program...

I hope it includes a stage for the band. Right now they're being tossed in the corner like third class steerage...

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Also, not that it matters, but I was surprised to hear that Fridge was in attendance.

I'm not. Hasn't he done a lot of hockey stuff with TWC (now Spectrum) Sports, and isn't his family still residents of Troy? Obviously I don't know if he was there on the clock (probably not), but why not take interest in the community? It didn't seem like he left on bad terms...

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

BTW, with a new coach at the helm, will "Music!" be changing? I know it changed when Fridgen left and Appert came in...

[rpi82]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

Also, not that it matters, but I was surprised to hear that Fridge was in attendance.

That surprised me too. I wonder if he was there in any sort of official role or just because he still feels some connection - either to RPI or to Smith. It might be the latter since Smith mentioned speaking with Dan while pursuing the position.

[jericho]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

BTW, with a new coach at the helm, will "Music!" be changing? I know it changed when Fridgen left and Appert came in...

If you're referring to the WRPI music, if you really think the coach cares about that, as my grandfather used to say, "you're nuttier than a fruitcake."

[REDRocket]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

... "you're nuttier than a fruitcake."

This. So much this.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

If you're referring to the WRPI music, if you really think the coach cares about that, as my grandfather used to say, "you're nuttier than a fruitcake."

So it was just coincidence, eh?

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

It looks like I don't have to change the thread title.

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI 2017 Off-Season (Part II): Mr. Smith Goes to Troy

I was a little surprised they tossed this one to the new guy to answer. However, I think he handled it well. He couldn't toss out figures but he made it clear that he'd researched the issue and was comfortable with the support he'd receive. Assuming they follow through that should take that potential excuse off the table.

I was glad to hear the thanks to Coach Vines and Coach Graham and that they would be meeting further. While I can't judge their performance (the buck really stops with the HC), with recruiting being a 12-36 month pre-enrollment activity, some continuity may help to keep those committed and to further interest in those considering RPI.

I agree. However the question is how did Vines and Graham do in their coaching roles and much of our complaints really should have been aimed at SA?