Expectations

[wrestler_73]

It seems that most have little or no expectations.  Alibis and excuses from some that defend this less than average program.  I feel good for the individual success story at Nationals.  Perhaps there will be more stories like that in the future.  Any momentum or passion for Badger Wrestling is all but lost because of leadership decisions. 

[littleguy301]

Why does it appear that most of you are okay with accepting mediocrity?  ...

I am just a fan of a (college) team. That doesn't give me the right to expect that they win more than they lose (or anything else)...I am simply a fan. I am a fan when they win - I am a fan when they lose. I am no less vested when they win or when they lose. I am a fan. My life is not affected in any other way than me merely being a fan of the team. There comes a point when people need to understand that a fan does not run the team...although they will forever have the right to cheer (or boo) but in the end, the reality is that they are still only a fan. Or they can choose to not be a fan.

Geeez guys, it's just a collegiate sport and some of you are so terribly entrenched in this notion of living vicariously through the exploits of others...21 year old kids much less, that most of us have never even met.

A little perspective is called for.

You make some great points nat. I have really dived into D2 and D3 wrestling and sports in general. Lots of local athletes and just fun to follow after high school. I believe Ben Askren said that it doesn't matter what level you compete but if you finish 4 years of college sports you are a stud! Watching and following the other divisions is awesome to be a fan and enjoy. Toss a couple bucks their way and buy a hat or shirt still means something to them.

I think the problem lies some where in between fan and vested interest. I just looked at the Madison fund raiser in another thread. The cold hard fact is many of the fans now have been called on and asked to start donations and a much larger amount than in years past. Now being a fan is more than that it becomes a vested interest I believe. Outside buying season tickets and scheduling going you now as a fan are guilted/asked to open up that wallet to help pay to keep athletes in your favorite sport. Now doing all that's asked and donating a good chunk of money you additude changes from a fan to vested interest.

Not sure if i am correct but like any other hobby or enjoyment thing when the cost becomes more than the fun the hobby/entertainment usually gets left. I used to always head to at least 1 football game a year but when the price hit 250 plus for 2 tickets, toss in gas money and a 7 hour drive, I opted out to buy a new TV and watch at the comfort of my home. Not quite the same but........

I wish the Badger all the best but just struggle at when being a fan is enough. I certainly not going to start tossing around thousands of dollars and I seriously doubt if I am not going to donate that i have any voice or they even want me around. Just the way it goes in today's enviorment.

You can donate any amount you want, it does not need to be $1000. It could be one dollar. You can also make a recurring donation and be part of the legends club. That has levels $25, $50 and $100 per month but again you can go on Madtown link I posted or on Wisconsin RTC and donate any amount you would like at any time.

Ok thanks. I wasn't trying to misslead anyone here. The sight is a bit wonkie.

Hope the Badgers make their goal!

[wrestle03]

I'm sorry, the donation site is way more than just a bit wonkie.  Did a 3rd grader design that web page?  I'm sorry, but that is very poorly put together and looks unprofessional.  It might be an idea to coordinate with with some students at the UW for some help with web developing and graphic artist assistance.

[charteroak1]

wrestle03, I was thinking the same thing.  It would be nice to see at least the RTC logo to make this look valid.  With the current state of scams these days, any bit of legitimacy would be helpful.  I think Coach Bono would get a sizable increase of funds incoming if he were to actually make an announcement and indicate who's going to what events and how the funds might actually be allocated.  With the history of the club under Coach Bono, that might go a long way.

[asdf]

One individual on this forum likes to reference West Virginia, so I went to their RTC.

https://wv-rtc.com/

They have what college athletes are part of the RTC (it's not all of them), has their Head Coach (Flynn) listed as RTc coach, easy pay pal link to donate and what $ is for, recent news, on and on.  I would bet Bono could find dozens of other RTC's as a template.

Another point-I saw a graph on Twitter as to revenue streams by d1 schools.  Camps was listed as a long portion of revenue on average.  Does UW do any?

It just seems like Badgers have very little interest in finding more $$$$ (besides cornhole and steak fry's).  I just don't get it?

[stbird]

I don't think anyone is managing the RTC site anymore. In the beginning it was well run. I got in at $25 a month and got the shirt that's advertised. A year later I increased my donation to $50 a month. Never got a shirt or a thank you or any recognition that I had increased. Awhile later I accidentally increased my monthly donation to $75. Again, didn't receive the next level shirt, a thank you note or anything. 6 months later I reduced back to $50 a month. The guy I was supporting the most was Eric Barnett. With his departure and lack of communication from the RTC I attempted emailing the RTC about how I go about stopping my monthly allotment. Got an email saying that I could do it on the site, but this is not correct I ended up having to pay my bank $29 to stop the allotment.  Not sure what's going on, but management of the site is not occurring. New shirt designs have been pending for several years now. I'm waiting for improvement of the site, better communication, new shirt designs, and actual proof of management of the site before I start giving again. I am excited for this team going forward. Love the performance of Zan, Nicolar, and Goebel at NCAA's and excited for next year.

[Tuco]

One individual on this forum likes to reference West Virginia, so I went to their RTC.

https://wv-rtc.com/

They have what college athletes are part of the RTC (it's not all of them), has their Head Coach (Flynn) listed as RTc coach, easy pay pal link to donate and what $ is for, recent news, on and on.  I would bet Bono could find dozens of other RTC's as a template.

Another point-I saw a graph on Twitter as to revenue streams by d1 schools.  Camps was listed as a long portion of revenue on average.  Does UW do any?

It just seems like Badgers have very little interest in finding more $$$$ (besides cornhole and steak fry's).  I just don't get it?

I was referencing their Country Roads Trust. The management is made up of mostly former athletes (for example, former alumni basketball great Jerry West before his passing). This fund raiser produces enough cash that every athlete, men and women, receive some NIL benefit. That would never happen with Badger sports. People are too tight in Wisconsin.

[stbird]

I wanted to update everyone, that after my post above Coach Bono reached out to me via text and asked me to call him to discuss. I talked to him this morning and I believe that RTC management is on solid ground. Garrett Model has been named executive director and I believe he will have the time and resources to effectively communicate with donors and do the small stuff like sending out thank you cards, t-shirts, and address concerns. This has not happened since Covid.  I am back in as a donor and hope for great things to come!! 

[vsmf2010]

I wanted to update everyone, that after my post above Coach Bono reached out to me via text and asked me to call him to discuss. I talked to him this morning and I believe that RTC management is on solid ground. Garrett Model has been named executive director and I believe he will have the time and resources to effectively communicate with donors and do the small stuff like sending out thank you cards, t-shirts, and address concerns. This has not happened since Covid.  I am back in as a donor and hope for great things to come!! 

Thank you for sharing. That is very good information.