Obvious statistic without emotion
I wanted to ask a question as a fact without emotion of representing team or favorites. Okay so I live in Skiatook and work for the Thunder. So my loyalty is obvious. But my obvious question Monday mornings when I get to work is this ... WHY? Why is Thunder beating their opponents by So much?
I mean there's teams in Nebraska --- how many years was University of Nebraska a power house in Football? You cannot tell me that ALL of the quality players from that area went to the NFL and that of the guys who didn't, they have no desire to continue. What about Arkansas the home field (which I thought the facilities, although out of the way, were very enjoyable!) is 20 minutes at most from the University of Arkansas! The Missouri Venom - Oklahoma City Gunners - well you can see where this is going. All of these semi-pro teams are within a stone's throw from major Division I colleges and many respectable Division II or Junior Colleges as well. So is it a simple task of skilled recruiting? Is it a matter of publicity? Is it a matter of financing? Because as I stated in a post before I have 5 girls. One is a college athlete and at least one more has her sights set on it. This I know -- money or not -- my girls will not stop playing until they're ready. They won't have to be paid to play when it is what their heart beats for. Eventually their priorities will shift and they will decline playing anymore, but that won't happen because they graduate, drop out or aren't offered money.
So why is it that the Thunder seems to be able to recruit such an amazing team? I know two of the coaches pretty well - great guys sure and from what I can see from the t-shirt booth, not too bad at play calling! (LOL) Is it finding people willing to invest blood sweat and tears into an organization? We're lucky at Thunder - we do have people that can invest more time than others, but I know for myself - things like this become personal. So whether we profit money for our personal pocket or give a most of it back to the team, it's because my husband and I have become invested for more than just money.
The teams who have gotten beat have made the occasional comment about 'stacking our team' and other things, but I refuse to believe that could even possibly be the case! Again before you post a sarcastic reply towards me or my team be grown up and help us discuss your major obstacles for drawing in players. If it's money ... it may not be much, but I know how much my booth is able to split with the Thunder. It isn't much but sure as the world could pay for ya'll to have all matching helmets and decent jerseys. No it's not a lot but it's a start. There's a dozen or more other ideas we have implemented that will help you more and more with each year that passes.
I care about the success of the WFL, it's owners, players, and fans. If you want ideas and help on your merchandising and marketing and have people you trust who are willing to learn how to accomplish these things contact me. There's people out here willing to help. If it's marketing -- get elbow to elbow with the local high school - junior college and major college coaches in your area. They would absolutely be open to you helping their organization in any skill you have to offer and in return send quality players your way who have not gotten the ability or opportunity at that time to advance to the NFL.
WHAT do you see as your major obstacle? Please reply in honest willingness to let the league pull together and make each other better. Sarcastic replies ... please just opt to go turn off your computer and go to bed!
Thanks!
I mean there's teams in Nebraska --- how many years was University of Nebraska a power house in Football? You cannot tell me that ALL of the quality players from that area went to the NFL and that of the guys who didn't, they have no desire to continue. What about Arkansas the home field (which I thought the facilities, although out of the way, were very enjoyable!) is 20 minutes at most from the University of Arkansas! The Missouri Venom - Oklahoma City Gunners - well you can see where this is going. All of these semi-pro teams are within a stone's throw from major Division I colleges and many respectable Division II or Junior Colleges as well. So is it a simple task of skilled recruiting? Is it a matter of publicity? Is it a matter of financing? Because as I stated in a post before I have 5 girls. One is a college athlete and at least one more has her sights set on it. This I know -- money or not -- my girls will not stop playing until they're ready. They won't have to be paid to play when it is what their heart beats for. Eventually their priorities will shift and they will decline playing anymore, but that won't happen because they graduate, drop out or aren't offered money.
So why is it that the Thunder seems to be able to recruit such an amazing team? I know two of the coaches pretty well - great guys sure and from what I can see from the t-shirt booth, not too bad at play calling! (LOL) Is it finding people willing to invest blood sweat and tears into an organization? We're lucky at Thunder - we do have people that can invest more time than others, but I know for myself - things like this become personal. So whether we profit money for our personal pocket or give a most of it back to the team, it's because my husband and I have become invested for more than just money.
The teams who have gotten beat have made the occasional comment about 'stacking our team' and other things, but I refuse to believe that could even possibly be the case! Again before you post a sarcastic reply towards me or my team be grown up and help us discuss your major obstacles for drawing in players. If it's money ... it may not be much, but I know how much my booth is able to split with the Thunder. It isn't much but sure as the world could pay for ya'll to have all matching helmets and decent jerseys. No it's not a lot but it's a start. There's a dozen or more other ideas we have implemented that will help you more and more with each year that passes.
I care about the success of the WFL, it's owners, players, and fans. If you want ideas and help on your merchandising and marketing and have people you trust who are willing to learn how to accomplish these things contact me. There's people out here willing to help. If it's marketing -- get elbow to elbow with the local high school - junior college and major college coaches in your area. They would absolutely be open to you helping their organization in any skill you have to offer and in return send quality players your way who have not gotten the ability or opportunity at that time to advance to the NFL.
WHAT do you see as your major obstacle? Please reply in honest willingness to let the league pull together and make each other better. Sarcastic replies ... please just opt to go turn off your computer and go to bed!
Thanks!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Yarbrough on -
I am also hoping better turnouts for the River City Raiders next season! I believe once the word starts getting around that we are in the most highest league of Professional Minor League Football then those ex-college players that have played D-1 and D-2 will notice this and want to get back out on the field and play the game again. Me personally is getting the advertisement of the WFL out there more. I think that more people seeing this will create a spark in them! And this goes for the league as well as all the teams. But the advertisement needs to be pushed towards all the teams in the league, I dont know how this could be done but like you said you wanted suggestions so that is mine!!
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Permalink Reply by Heather Westover on -
Thank you both - I have Advertisement and credibility on the board so far. I will not respond to the suggestion Thunder pays its players or the other comments I think I asked not to be put down. Really I am interested in promoting the WFL and your team. I cannot do this if I have to spend time defending my team. If everything about the Thunder was selfish interest I would not have wasted my time posting this question. I would be playing with my 5 girls or glorifying Thunder.
However -- Thank you for the input and I'm not a miracle worker but some of the best successes started as a 'what if' discussion. Keep them coming I'll be coming up with suggestions from within and outside the WFL to bring you options that may work in your area. Please don't take my comments like there hasn't been enough effort on the part of other teams. I just hear a lot of frustration both with us for the success we've gained as well as with your current situation. With the size of resources I've got access to and with a few (thousand) pair of fresh eyes we may get lucky!
Mike Yarbrough said:I am also hoping better turnouts for the River City Raiders next season! I believe once the word starts getting around that we are in the most highest league of Professional Minor League Football then those ex-college players that have played D-1 and D-2 will notice this and want to get back out on the field and play the game again. Me personally is getting the advertisement of the WFL out there more. I think that more people seeing this will create a spark in them! And this goes for the league as well as all the teams. But the advertisement needs to be pushed towards all the teams in the league, I dont know how this could be done but like you said you wanted suggestions so that is mine!!
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Permalink Reply by Heather Westover on
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Nancy - thank you for the suggestion. If you have connections outside the Tulsa area that can benefit some of the WFL teams we may need to consider the option of getting those radio stations to trade advertising for advertising. Banners at the games and mentions over the PA system in return for our scores and highlights being mentioned on a weekly basis ( and not just Sunday morning after the game). This is one partnership that can be formed without a $ commitment on either side.
PA Paul - first, thank you for your feedback. I am confused, please help me out so I know which way to approach your team's unique situation. Are you one of the owners, and coaches, or like myself someone involved who wants to do some of the 'blood, sweat, and tears' work to make this team go forward?
Your recruiting situation is unique, but not impossible. We have guys that drive for a couple hours each week for practice and games, they carpool and do whatever it takes. While you may not have a Huge pool to draw from, I know Wichita is only 2 hours maybe from Oklahoma State University. And while I'm sure they are pretty much a well oiled machine, you could volunteer to scout for them (high school talent), or if this is what it takes to build that relationship - practice your salesman skills and find a sponsor to give them a free meal weekly or monthly. These things are appreciated and will eventually yield you the relationship you seek.
A couple of your categories seem to boil down to money. When a league is new obviously it cannot provide uptopia.... the financial situation you describe seems to fall more in place with the NFL than a semi-pro situation. Your response on insurance can be taken a couple ways...1. You feel that the WFL should "provide" health insurance for all of it's players, and coaches. 2. You would Like for the WFL to provide insurance, but understand not everything can be provided all at once. Very few employers "provide" health insurance cost free for it's employees. No matter how idealistic it would be for that to be the case it is not logical to expect especially in the semi-pro community. The AFLAC policy that has been offered you have mentioned on this thread as well as another one to be awful. I recently had the opportunity to decide whether to take out an Aflac policy at my work. I too was a little surprised at what the policy actually was compared to the impression you get on TV. However, we cannot imply that this is somehow a shortcoming the WFL can be accountable for. The policy is what it is and that is because AFLAC sets their policies -WFL cannot dictate what we would like and impose that on them. Until we reach NFL status unfortunately the provision of these things, need to be the responsibility of each team. However, with at least 40 players on each team (some more and some less before your reply) -- this is a big enough group for the team to contact their local BlueCross and negotiate a group price for medical insurance costs. If each player can afford that then great! Your willingness to be the one to contact major medical insurance companies and negotiate a deal will go a long way to protect these young men from injuries. As far as expenses -- for each team goes - any time you build a business, everyone knows that for at least the first 10 years you have to pour more money in than will come back to you. I do work in the office where WFL business is conducted and while I have no connection to the financials, I do know that the organization has been supportive as it can be (remember this league is 3 years old) to each team and coach at this point. Some are grateful for the help, for some they always need more. But this is life. I understand that there are some teams that may not make it until the WFL can become self sufficient. And while no one wants to lose any team or person. We can only do what we can do keeping in mind that we cannot stretch the WFL thin to the point of putting it in danger. The major sponsor for the WFL has not been secured at this point as the "provide all" benefactor, but don't mistake that with the idea that we are not looking for one and Trying to secure that relationship.
Lastly, several areas seem to look to try and point the finger at the Thunder as being the 'golden child'. Here I'm referring to more than just your comments so please don't take these responses personally. We seem to not lack for things needed ..... Does anyone know why? There seems to be the implication that Thunder is getting funding at the expense of the rest of the teams. There are several local vendors at the games who all have negotiated a price with the team owners to split the profits with the team. There are 13 people (off the top of my head) who donate their time and ask everyone they know to join in supporting the team for things like meals, travel expenses, equipment, advertising and 100 other things. But it takes more than just waiting for the coach or the WFL to provide it all. I'll be contacting each of you privately tonight to begin to get a better understanding of where you are on some of these things and maybe how I can help (ME not the WFL).
Lastly - Trash talking .... Really? We all have to know that if the competition were closer and wins/losses were being traded there would be guys from each team on here running their mouth. Also, becareful what impression you choose to believe about Saturday's game. Everyone will always want to believe we are mostly at fault because we win. What I saw was shared equally. Yes we have guys get on here and say some things they shouldn't but keep in mind we have a couple guys get on here and say those things. We have approx. 50 players the 43 guys who don't -- don't seem to be getting any credit for their restraint. And while all of this keeps going on, I keep replaying the tv clip in my mind of Bill Romanowski hacking a big (not sure how to spell this) luggie in an opponents face and it dangling from that guy's face mask for an gross amount of time. I know I'm a woman, but I am an athlete at heart.... Confidence, arrogance, and cockiness HAPPENS. Sometimes you need to be disciplined for it, but you cannot keep it from happening when you are a true competitor. Back to Romanowski --- isn't Some of this just Football? WE need to set the boundaries for things on this website sure, but just looking down on Thunder simply because it happens doesn't even seem realistic.
Thanks Paul -- again I'll send you a private message this evening regarding the advertising/marketing/merchandising ideas we use here - maybe some of it can help you in Wichita.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Yarbrough on
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Thank you Heather, I appreciate everything that is being done. I think we will have more of an impact next season even though we have no really fared to bad for a first year team (Raiders) in the WFL. I agree with not being a miracle worker! I know that kind of stuff is tough! Thanks again for your hard work to help with the advertisement:)
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Permalink Reply by Heather Westover on
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Thanks Paul! I'm excited to be able to pull from not just your experiences, but the connections you've undoubtedly created through the years as well! I will be in touch!
Kansas DBacks PA Paul said:Thank you for your response. I am the cautioned observer, (PA announcer & scoreboard operator) so I am only offering my completely detached view of the WFL. I am a PA announcer for the local Minor League baseball team, formerly the Wichita Wranglers, now the Wichita Wingnuts. I watch the business of sports work everyday, and if the league is not willing to support their struggling franchises then it essentially isnt a league, just a name. I have worked for the Texas League and now Independent League baseball franchises for years, and I seem an overall lack of focus with the league. I hope to share my professional experiences w/ you, and help in a collabrative effort w/ the League to make this work. If the WFL is not involved, then these discussions are useless.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Bragg on -
I myself live in Skiatook, home of the Thunder, but drive weekly to play for the Oklahoma City Gunners. I do this for my love of the game but i would agree, the financial situation for some teams is horrible. I provided my own pads, pants and helmet(which does not match with the team)to help keep costs down for travel, tape, etc. and that was no problem with me. My biggest fear, along with i assume every other player in the league is injuries. I know that some players do not want to take thousands of dollars out of their pocket for injuries from a game we are playing for practically nothing. If we can find someway to find numerous sponsors for equipment, travel and insurance for the entire league, Im sure we would have more talent from ex-college players throughout and the blowouts may become more scarce.
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Permalink Reply by Anthony Blessington on -
I've been playing at this level for about 9 yrs now, and have seen it all. From the owner who takes the player fees and runs, to the league that takes the team fees, and charges players to play in the all star game, and leaves you out to dry when it comes to thier end of the deal.
This league seems to be different. The ownership wants to help and has done many things to show the Kaos how to be a successful team in the WFL. We entered the league a little late for some of the plans to work out for this season, but next year we will be better prepaired. I see our owners taking steps toward next year already. Something I have never seen before. The WFL is a good organization, and I believe it will only grow to be the elite League at this level and on to the next.
To the Thunder, what I saw was a great team, that could compete with some universitys. They played together, they didnt get tired, and they win. I try not to get caught up in all the message board bs. it does nothing but boost egos, or in turn bruse them. I believe that every player puts his pants on just like the other. But it comes down to commitment, and exicution. The Thunder have try-outs where they have to cut players. They have practices with the entire team there. They condition in practice. And they have the players that are invested in the team. It's not thier fault that every team in this league dosent have the same commitment.
I have an exeption to some of the coaching stratagies, but I wont go into that. It has nothing to do with this post. Teams need to go to thier local High Schools, Junior Colleges, and Lower level Colleges, talk to coaches, put up fliers. Get involved in the communities, put your faces out there. Find a local Television station and show them game film (preferably not a game against the Thunder) and sell the idea of airing home games.
As far as the insurance goes, AFLAC is AFLAC, but the blue cross blue shield is a good idea. But take it a step further, and see if the league could go to them, and say we have x amount of teams in the WFL, with x amount of players on each team. Maybe the rate could be even that much lower. Its like Ford Motors (I know bad example right now) with all of thier locations all over the country, do you think they let each location supply thier own ins. or does Ford Motors work a deal with one ins. company for thier entire workforce. Just an Idea.
As far as what Mr. Fields said about the many teams in Omaha burning the town, and potintial players. Its a very good point, there are so many teams in the Kansas City area, and bad owners here that players dont want to invest the time, effort, and money, it takes to be involved in these teams. Hopefully with the plans laid out by the WFL, and getting on TV (maybe) players will be more inclined to believe that this league is differnet, and they will seek us out.
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Permalink Reply by Tyson Ross on -
Here is a small suggestion to help build your teams fan base and get more people out to your games. Take each home game and make a theme night out of it. Here are some of the things the Kaos is doing to attract more people to our games.
Theme Nights; Team Sports Night-contact your local youth teams/organizations and invite them out to your game by offering them free admission if they wear their jerseys or team apparel, then announce the team over the PA during the game.
Scout Night-get ahold of your local scout organization and do the same as the team night.
Harvesters Night-contact your local food pantry and offer to collect canned goods for a combined effort of advertising. Offer $1 off admission for each canned good brought to the game.
These are a few things we are doing this year and just wanted to offer any help we can to the rest of the teams.
Make sure everything you do you try and make it known to all. We have an awesome PR department and one person that is a big help is Courtney Green, she helps with press releases in your area.
Remember guys most of us are new to this league all we have to do is make sure we stay in front of people and we will get noticed. Everyone i have talked to about this program thinks that with the youth program this is a no brainer, also have had several people tell me with the WFL having our season at this time they get Football all year long. When you hear a couple people say that then more than likely thats the way the masses feel so use it when you are talking to people about our program.
All of us are passionate about this game or we wouldnt be involved. Use that passion and excitement when you are gtalking to people about your team and the league. Excitement and passion are contagious.
GO KAOS!!!
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