(03-14-2022 06:52 AM)steve4840 Wrote: I've been critical and happy at times with recent recruits from CC and staff. I have to admit that Viotto and Malik committing for the '23 class is the best start I've seen since I started following the team 7 years ago. Looks like SAPC, bowl games and opportunity to play are major factors in coming to EMU.
Agree. Unless a team gets lucky (someway, somehow e.g., get a big name coach like that one in Mt. P) the typical process to change the perception of a football program takes much longer.
Lot of the groundwork is done during those 'junior days.' Show them the SAPC. Show them the Convo. Let them see the campus. Let them draw their impression NOT what OTHERS say, but what they see THEMSELVES.
I'm guessing this is what has happened with Viotto. He could see the program and facilities evolve over the last few years.
And as I have mentioned many times, it is not just Rynearson and the SAPC. It is new student health center. New housing coming in the next few years. Plus all of the great existing things like the student union.
C.C. is the salesman but he needs a good product to sell and the product is getting better and better. C.C. says, "I'll match our facilities, amenities, etc. against any comparable university. Period."
A P.S. One of our fmr. hoops posters would email me after two consecutive wins, "Do you think it will help our recruiting?" I'd say, "No." Recruits need to make a comprehensive assessment of everything, the coach and staff, players, etc. etc. as well as the entire university. I doubt anyone cares if the MBB team is 16 - 14 or 14 - 16. To me, they are basically the same. I don't get into the silliness of saying "well one is a winning record while the other is not."