Loren Tate chat: 11 a.m. Monday
Monday, August 23, 2010 - 11:00am
Chit-chat with legendary News-Gazette columnist and WDWS personality Loren Tate
Chit-chat with legendary News-Gazette columnist and WDWS personality Loren Tate
Good morning ... let's talk Illini sports before I head out to see Stricker. Loren
Good Morning Gents: What is the real reason Monica Perry left the softball team? She had a great season! Did she get along with Coach Sullivan? Thanks guys.
RepublicanEd, the only reason that I have been informed about is that she said he father had a form of cancer and she wanted to be closer to him. If she had a problem with her coach, I'm not aware of it. It is a big loss for a very good softball team that appeared ready to contend in the Big Ten and go to the NCAA tournament. It'll be tough now. Loren
Loren I have three short questions if I may. 1. Thumbs up or down for Obama's first 2 years? 2. What would be your dream date be if your were single again? 3. Who is the most famous person on you phone? Thanks Legends
Water Cooler ... Those questions are not for me. Sorry. Loren
Tate,
1) Anything new with funding for the Assembly Hall?
2) I believe you mentioned that Huff Hall is being expanded? What are they adding on?
drew, there won't be anything new on the Assembly Hall until, and if, a major corporate sponsor steps in for half of the anticipated cost of renovation.
The north end of Huff will have classrooms and offices when they finish. Loren
Loren...I suppose you noticed that Jim Barnhart, former sports editor of the Pantagraph, has passed away.
I am from Clinton and he was the sports interpreter of my time in high school during the late 50's.
I don't know if you'll have an article, but I assume you knew him.
Terry, yes I knew Jim Barnhart and was aware for a time that he was a next-door neighbor of Lou Henson in Las Cruces after Jim retired. He later moved to another location related, I believe, to family. Too bad. Loren
Are you of the opinion that it is impossible to win without all the best facilities that money can buy? And, that therefore, raising money is the most important role for the AD?
Uremovich, raising money is the No. 1 responsibility of the UI president -- he spends more time doing that than anything else -- and the No. 1 responsibility of all the colleges, and the No. 1 responsibility of the athletic director. They can't operate without money. I didn't make it that way, but that's the way it is. When it comes to naming a successor to Guenther, it'll be important to find someone who raise money and keep the department in the black. Loren
stagnant motor?
Jerry, just another bad choice of words, one of many I tend to make. Loren
Loren, an observation and comment if I may -- Your column today (Sunday 8/22) referred to logic vs. emotion in evaluating Ron Guenther's tenure.
My comment is that, in this environment, emotion is entirely what drives these discussions. I completely agree with you that that's wrong. In the current economy, keeping the DIA in the black, facilities renovations moving forward and the program out of NCAA hot water are significant accomplishments that are unappreciated by too many. Fixating entirely on W's and L's leads to problems we're seeing at several other institutions,
I think if the foundation is solid, the wins will come and frustrating as it may be at times your analysis is solid. And if that makes both of us "old school" then so be it!
Jeff, that won't change everyone from getting depressed when the Illini fumble on the field. Loren
You are not off your rocker - you are 100% accurate!
Next time remind the teabaggers that Guenther inherited Lou Tepper thanks to the second of two awful decisions by Mort Weir (the first being naming the bland and snooty Mackovic as Athletic Director).
Also, be sure to ask the complainers how many 1st and 2nd round NFL draft picks in the past five years played high school football in Illinois. If we learned anything from Mike White it was that in order for Illinois to win in fotball it had to recruit "out of state" big time.
And remind the chronic complainers that Guenther was not "too cheap to keep Bill Self." Self wanted the K U job. End of sermon!
Uncle Al, be careful, next thing you know the critics will think you're as stupid as me.
By the way, Mackovic was not a bad choice as football coach, but should not have been asked to take on the double duty. It was just too much with all that was going on, and the Illini continued to lag in facilities and now-developed revenue streams. Loren
Hello Loren. When do you and Jim resume Monday Morning quarterback? It is a very enjoyable show as is the Saturday Sportsline. I look forwad to the day that WDWS or IlliniHQ starts streaming them live so those of us out of Champaign can listen live and participate. Hope all is well and best of luck to Trvis in his new job.
Mark, Jim Turpin said we'd resume the Monday show directly after the football opener in St. Louis. I look forward to doing those shows. Loren
I must have missed the reports on the players overseas and the final Tisdale report on the New york experience. Have you any information on how these players performed. Will there be any interviews with these players on how they felt they did?
Illinigator, Jay Price said Griffey and Paul averaged just over 10 points in their five wins overseas. Griffey hit about 25 one game, but got in foul trouble in another. Paul played point the entire time, and concentrated more on his passing. A good thing.
Tisdale was a practice player in New York, and we don't know much about how he did. He may be on with Kelly and Klee on Wednesday at 5:10 p.m. Loren
Loren: You are His Excellency's shill, aren't you?
Repeat after me Loren: One hundred twenty six losses. 126 losses! 126!!!
Since you started your career in the early 1950's, scramble the gray matter and let us know if there is any other D I AD since 1950 that has survived 126 losses in football.
Related, even if there are 2-3, why would a guy like His Excellency get a pass?
Does it go back to your, "Look, you are just not going to win at Illinois" mantra?
Just a pathetic article by you.
Neale, why would you bother to respond to someone who you obviously dislike so much? That's question No. 1.
Question No. 2 is: Would it be possible to disagree on this subject without insults?
I guess not. Your idea of what's important is different than mine. There is a lot more to being AD than how a particular coach does in a particular sport. Loren
Loren -
You are a legend. What advice would you give to Zook and his assistants to have a successful season? (successful season = 6-6 record and lower tier bowl game)
Charley, I don't have any particular advice to give. I just try to go one game at a time and report on what I see. It is as simple as that. Loren
I enjoy reading you, but why do you feel at times, it is necessary to insert your political views in your work? In your recent report on the AD, which I felt was accurate, you made a not so subtle jab at the Tea Party movenent, and your support of the President during the election was obvious.
I look forward to your reporting because of your insight on the ILLINI, not your beliefs as a Democrat. Please, stick to sports, if I want a liberal political jab or view, I will read the NY Times or watch CNBC. Thank you.
Jerry, ha, I fooled you. My dad's newspaper was the Piatt Country REPUBLICAN. You're the latest example of someone turning things around by trying to read between the lines. If there's a bigger conservative than me, I'd like to know who it is. But let me add that there is a difference between being conservative and being a Republican ... just to keep you confused. Loren
Loren,
Your summer must have agreed with you, your columns of late have been superb. Given the difficulty of football's opening Big Ten schedule, what do you see as a best case and worst case for this squad. Personally, because so little is expected and so many veterans return, I expect a decent season [7-8 wins].
Marty, I can't guess with you. I keep going back to Churchill. As things change, so do my opinions. Who's going to get hurt? How will the squad react to setbacks? Etc, etc. For me, picking the number of wins is pure folly. I never do it unless forced by someone above me. I just don't ... because I don't know. Loren
When a team improves, what percentage of the improvement comes from the coaching staff, or in this case, the new coaching staff at Illinois?
Steve, I'd think that if improvement happens, it'll be the direct result of Petrino and Koenning. But, remember, they are implementing news systems, and that seldom works immediately. I would describe myself as ever-hopeful but not optimistic. Loren
Loren, enjoyed your entire article this morning re: "QB Keeper". In reading various articles re: the personalties styles of coaches Vic & Petrino are that they are high energy, enthusiastic & demanding type coaches. Would you describe them this way? Do you sense that Coach Zook has become more demanding of his staff & players vs. the past few seasons at this stage of the season? Also, just wondering, I am originally from Lansing, Ill. & I first heard of your name when you played w/the Lansing Old Timers (?). Correct me if I am wrong & do you have any fond memories of your time playing with them?
"GO ILLIN"
Gino, yes, that is a good discription. They are cap throwers and don't hold back in the language. Koenning has been more openly disappointed, whereas Petrino's attitude changes from anger to optimism when he moves from the field to the media.
Playing for the Lansing Old-Timers was one of the great times in my life because I finally, in mid-20s to mid-30s, became a better pitcher. We won three state titles and my last game with Lansing was a win over Alabama in the national tournament. I left with the bases loaded in the 9th and we held on. Then I came to Champaign three days later. Boy, do I miss those days. Loren
Mr Tate, in your column on Ron Guenther, you say he shouldn't be blamed for the failure of a subordinate, i.e. the football coach. But shouldn't he be held accountable as the manager who hired them to do that job? After having two shots at choosing the person for that job fail, shouldn't someone else make the decision the next time? I know as a manager if I make a bad hire two times in a row, my boss is going to hold me accountable.
Jimmy, I think the feeling is strong among many in Illini Nation that Guenther shouldn't be the one to name the next coach. Did you feel that way in 2001, or in 2007? And what control did he have after Turner and Zook fell off their pedestals. Hasn't Guenther done everything possible to support them?
So if it makes you happy, let's have someone else name the next coach. For me, I'd just as soon it was Guenther. Loren
Loren, In your opinion is there any way the Illini football team can go 6 wins and 6 losses this season?
Mitch, sure, that's possible. So is 3-9. So is almost anything. Why do so many people get fixated on the numbers when we don't know the condition of opponents along the way, and we don't know the condition of the Illini. The teams in 2001 and 2007 got stronger as they went, and some of their opponents staggered. Other Illini teams have gotten weaker. Loren
loren:
without betraying confidences, can you comment generally on the working relationship between the coordinators and the head coach and specifically on the much-discussed (at least in private circles) recent "discussion" between one of the coordinators and the head coach about who is
temujin, since we are not privy to their meetings, I have no idea what the real relationship is between the head coach and his assistants. Based on what I see in practice, they seem to get along quite well. But there is no question they differ with the media. The assistants tend to tell you how they really feel, at least part of the time, and Zook always goes directly into coach-speak. It is very hard to get anything concrete from Zook unless it is his positive spin. Loren
loren:
no doubt ron guenther has accomplished many a great thing during his tenure as athletic director, but ... why isn't the overall record of the football program a reasonable metric by which to measure his "success" at illinois? isn't FB the life-blood of the DIA? and is it really unreasonable to question marketing efforts outside of east central illinois? or to question the failure to capitalize on the basketball program's success of 2004-05 and the football program's recent rose bowl appearance?
temujin, football is one factor among many that should be considered. If you feel football should be the only consideration, fine. That's you, and that's OK. But it's not me.
And who is to blame for slippage after the basketball run in 2005? You can blame Weber. But should you also consider that the Chicago lifeline is marked by 100,000 teen-agers involved in more than two dozens gangs, and a level of cheating that even the Big Ten commissioner acknowledged earlier this month. Let me ask you: How would you like to recruit in Chicago? Loren
QB is always a key to winning. After reading Bob's and your take on Nathan, it appears he maybe the real deal - he has both the tangibles and intagibles. How would you compare him to Kurt Kittner?
Danny, Kittner had a much better arm and demonstrated, over time, a remarkable ability to come through under fourth-quarter pressure. Nathan is faster, has nowhere near Kittner's arm, and hasn't had a chance to show whether he'll be good in the clutch, or whether his style will allow him to stay injury-free. These two quarterbacks are not comparable in any way. Loren
Do you ever think that a semi-pro team will ever come to Champaign-Urban and use Illinois facilities? (Assembly Hall, Memorial Stadium)
My friends and I were talking and we think that this would be great for the summer when Illini sports are not going on.
Bloomington/Normal has several teams now.
Robert, I like the idea but I don't see it happening. Loren
Loren, love the chats. With the home opener being on Sept. 11, what kind of flyover can we expect? I figure they have to go big or else the SIU fans will think we're a bunch of nancys. Thoughts? Do you think there will be a stealth bomber flanked by a pair of F-16s, F-15s or F-18s?
Flight, pigeons will be fine if we can get them to go to the bathroom prior. Loren
Hi Loren, any chance in the near future of the football or basketball teams scheduling a Texas school for an away game? Perhaps they can play a game in Jerry's World in Arlington? We can dream, right? I miss watching my alma mater live and I do not get back to Champaign too often these days.
Texas*Illini -- I checked with Klee and he agrees that it isn't likely. Loren
Hi Loren, quick question about Track & Field. After Wayne Angel resigned in November, the AD mentioned that a search would commence in the late spring. Yet there has been no news and interim head coach Turk has already welcomed in a (underwhelming) recruiting class. What is the status of the mmen's track coaching search and judging from the slide into mediocroty since the mid-1990s is it fair to conclude that Track is not a priority for the athletic department?