Gameday Experience

[MasonCrew]

Neither group were particularly hot, unfortunately. In many ways this was a negative Gameday experience for me, which has led me to believe that Brad does in fact read these boards.

 

[MasonSAE4]

I am confused.

I would assume in this age of "War Against Women" that it would be applauded not to have young women having to perform simulated and sexualized dance moves in form fitting clothing to the enjyment and cheers of a largely male audience.

I can assure you, there is nothing remotely sexually stimulating about the Masonettes.

 

[GSII]

Back to the issue.....why did he cut their competition at Nationals? Insurance cost? Why would there be a seperate insurance cost to just that event that wouldnt be covered otberwise? Its like saying your car insurance will go up if u drive outta state.


Not giving the Masonettes a bump in their budget since 1992, is not just Brads fault, but also one TOC fault. Of coarse they are going to incur short falls if cost rise and budget doesnt. Something fishy there and a poor excuse.

Why not find them a sponsor before cutting their events?

Hopefully more sports are cut that lose money. If Brad does cut, just say why.

 

[Pablo]

If Brad does cut, just say why.

IMO, it's the lack of communication that is causing these problems, and this is why there are currently 2 petitions involving the AD. In these cases, why wasn't a comment period provided for the affected parties? Has the AD yet explained the actions that will be taken to ensure the students will not be adversely impacted when the Cage Gym is renovated and dedicated to the basketball teams? Was the Masonettes ever given the option to self-finance their trips to the National Championship?

Personally, I have no problem with the business decisions that were made in both cases. But, it appears to me that these business decision have not been appropriately addressed with the affected parties.

 

[Pablo]

Currently, 2068 supporters of the petition - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/673/...ional-competition-program-for-the-masonettes/:

Brian N.
Oklahoma
8 days ago

"The George Mason Dance Program, The Masonette's, has been a tremendous asset to the GMU Athletic program. My daughter Brianna Norwood was a member of the program for 4 years and she along with the other young lady's on the team gained valuable lessons from successful competition at the National level. George Mason's Masonette Dance team has represented GMU extememly well . Young women need professional competitive dance programs like the George Mason Masonettes. It would be sad for the future young women of GMU community and surrounding areas to be denied the opportunity to compete in athletics at the highest level at a great institution. More opportunities for young women in sports are needed, not less. When you have a successful competitive program like the Masonettes keep it going and continue to grow it. My daughter Brianna fell in love with GMU and the Masonettes when she was in elementary school and came to the Mason basketball games to watch her brother play (Gabe Norwood). It was a magic time and the Masonette's were a driving force of support for a team that went to the NCAA Final Four. The professionalism of the Athletic Department was on full display at that time and there were plenty little girls who dreamed of being involved in competitive dance at GMU. My daughter went to GMU and competed in Dance at the National level. I hope that door remains open to others. Thanks for you time and attention to this matter."


Katie L.
Virginia
2 days ago

"Since it is very obvious now that this is not a financial issue, and the athletic department is trying to take the program in a different direction (in which they have failed to communicate), I will say this. As a former Masonette, I know for a fact that it is extremely possible to serve both the Mason community at games and campus events, and also train for Nationals. The UDA National competition happens during winter break, when games are not happening, so there is no room for anyone to argue that the Nationals experience takes away from Mason events or the game atmosphere. If anything, it ADDS a whole new level of excitement to that atmosphere. The dancers are training hard all year, getting better and better, learning new tricks, and getting into the best shape of their life. Naturally, as the dancers gain talent, the games become more fun because the crowds are excited to see the Masonettes perform. On the contrary, if we take away the opportunity for the team to compete at Nationals, they naturally won't be working as hard. If there is no competition to work towards, it all just becomes fun and games. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if we told the basketball team they weren't allowed any competition, and they had to play scrimmages all year? And if that actually happened, do you think the players would play as well as they do during a championship or a playoff game?"

 

[GMUgemini]

Uh, Katie, since when do games not happen during winter break? That's news to me.

 

[Falco]

Currently, 2068 supporters of the petition - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/673/...ional-competition-program-for-the-masonettes/:

Brian N.
Oklahoma
8 days ago

"The George Mason Dance Program, The Masonette's, has been a tremendous asset to the GMU Athletic program. My daughter Brianna Norwood was a member of the program for 4 years and she along with the other young lady's on the team gained valuable lessons from successful competition at the National level. George Mason's Masonette Dance team has represented GMU extememly well . Young women need professional competitive dance programs like the George Mason Masonettes. It would be sad for the future young women of GMU community and surrounding areas to be denied the opportunity to compete in athletics at the highest level at a great institution. More opportunities for young women in sports are needed, not less. When you have a successful competitive program like the Masonettes keep it going and continue to grow it. My daughter Brianna fell in love with GMU and the Masonettes when she was in elementary school and came to the Mason basketball games to watch her brother play (Gabe Norwood). It was a magic time and the Masonette's were a driving force of support for a team that went to the NCAA Final Four. The professionalism of the Athletic Department was on full display at that time and there were plenty little girls who dreamed of being involved in competitive dance at GMU. My daughter went to GMU and competed in Dance at the National level. I hope that door remains open to others. Thanks for you time and attention to this matter."


Katie L.
Virginia
2 days ago

"Since it is very obvious now that this is not a financial issue, and the athletic department is trying to take the program in a different direction (in which they have failed to communicate), I will say this. As a former Masonette, I know for a fact that it is extremely possible to serve both the Mason community at games and campus events, and also train for Nationals. The UDA National competition happens during winter break, when games are not happening, so there is no room for anyone to argue that the Nationals experience takes away from Mason events or the game atmosphere. If anything, it ADDS a whole new level of excitement to that atmosphere. The dancers are training hard all year, getting better and better, learning new tricks, and getting into the best shape of their life. Naturally, as the dancers gain talent, the games become more fun because the crowds are excited to see the Masonettes perform. On the contrary, if we take away the opportunity for the team to compete at Nationals, they naturally won't be working as hard. If there is no competition to work towards, it all just becomes fun and games. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if we told the basketball team they weren't allowed any competition, and they had to play scrimmages all year? And if that actually happened, do you think the players would play as well as they do during a championship or a playoff game?"

Serious question. Do the majority of fans care about the stunts/performance?

 

[Patriotsince81]

Serious question. Do the majority of fans care about the stunts/performance?

I don't, but I am probably in the minority. I go to watch the games period. I could care less about all the other noise. I hope the program gets to the point with attendance where we don't have to market/cater to kids, families, and old farts. A crowd full of elementary kids, Cub Scouts, and seniors who are bothered by noise will hardly strike fear in any opponent. I hate the halftime and time out crap contests. I would love to have a loud, rowdy, knowledgeable, and intimidating crowd. Doubt that will ever happen though.

 

[sleeperpick]

I don't, but I am probably in the minority. I go to watch the games period. I could care less about all the other noise. I hope the program gets to the point from the attendance point where we don't have to market/cater to kids, families, and old farts. A crowd full of elementary kids, Cub Scouts, and seniors who are bothered by noise will hardly strike fear in any opponent. I hate the halftime and time out crap contests. I would love to have a loud, rowdy, knowledgeable, and intimidating crowd. Doubt that will ever happen though.

saddest part is more than 3/4 of the season ticket holders seem to be in this ^ category. Old farts are way worse than the families IMO. most of the families try and have fun at least

 

[Falco]

As we all know college is expensive. It would be nice to have a raffle for free textbooks for a semester for a semester. I'm thinking they draw a ball at one of the timeouts and if your seat number matches the ball you win.

Or first thousand students receive a coupon for discounted text books.

Just trying to think outside the box to get more students to the games.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

saddest part is more than 3/4 of the season ticket holders seem to be in this ^ category. Old farts are way worse than the families IMO. most of the families try and have fun at least

Hey as an "old fart" I really enjoy the games - I like watching the Masonnettes as closely as possible - and this Old Fart still heckles the ref, opposing fans, and the visiting team. I eat a lot of wings and drink a lot of beer while louldy cheering. At the end of each game I am probably hoarse and drunk and rely on the wife to drive me home ---- if she is still talking to me. Otherwise I beg a ride from an AOII.

Old fart my f**king a**.

 

[GMUgemini]

We have enough computer geniuses to do this. How about put in a student's ID # (or soc sec #, whatever) and student who attend a certain number of games (10?) then automatically receive a certain amount off books at the bookstore? How many students attend 10+ games already? Besides the Catholic group, that is. Money better spent than hiring the Game Guy from Virginia Lottery once/year.

Wouldn't this have to come from Barnes & Noble and not the university?

 

[GMUgemini]

I think some fans need to realize where the university is (hint: not downtown Richmond). If you're going to invite the community in, you have to accept the fact that it's mostly families and old farts.

By the way, young kids, if coached properly by their parents, are a lot more fun at games than drunk college kids (just ask PiKapp).

 

[Patriotsince81]

Anyways, as far as the kids go, during winter break would we rather have kids there or empty seats?

Yup, at this point you fill the seats.

 

[Jack Strop]

Let me make sure I understand. Brad Edwards was sitting in this office and said, "hey, I'm just not going to fund the Masonettes going to a national competition just for kicks. That sounds like a fun thing to do!"

Yeah, sure.

How excactly are the Masonettes now restricted from national competition? Is it the loss of funding that the group needs to overcome, or do they need some sort of official University endorsement or commitment to be eligible to compete that the University is no longer willing to offer?

If the Masonettes have 15 members plus coach and other team officials attending national competition, you'd have to think the cost is going to exceed $5,000 by a large margin. However, if the costs of maintaining the dance team can be covered by alternative means then what would prohibit the team to compete nationally? If the money is there, no matter where it comes from, internally or externally, then I say, "Knock yourself out! Go and compete and you have my blessing. If you can pay for it then go!" At least give the team the option to self-fund.

The Masonettes are a nice addition to the Mason community. I'd like to keep them as part of the program. What else is going on here? It appears to be more than money.

 

[Patriotsince81]

Except for vcu. Too many vcu people get in. I say we hold their games at the RAC and only season ticket holders, students, and Mason alumni in the building! Sure, we'll lose some $ by not selling them tickets, but think of the money we would save on air freshener.

This is a great idea. It always amazes me how many of the great unwashed from Richmond travel. I guess when you sleep with your sister-wife in a camper it makes it easier.

 

[Pablo]

Let me make sure I understand. Brad Edwards was sitting in this office and said, "hey, I'm just not going to fund the Masonettes going to a national competition just for kicks. That sounds like a fun thing to do!"

Yeah, sure.

The following are direct quotes from Brad Edwards posted above:

"We have received your emails with your concerns regarding the competitive element of the Mason spirit teams."

"First of all, we very much value our entire spirit squad."

"The primary purpose of the Masonettes, outside of earning a college degree, is to promote and enhance game day atmosphere."

"The Mason Spirit Program creates energy inside EagleBank Arena, fosters camaraderie with our fans and makes our athletic department and the Fairfax County community a more vibrant and welcoming place."

"This is the part of the program our Mason Athletics prioritizes, and because of that, continuing to focus on the competitive aspect does not align with our department’s ongoing strategic plan or the current NCAA collegiate athletics landscape."

"By way of process, an internal committee was formed and charged with evaluating all aspects of the spirit program."

"This study revealed that the teams’ participation in the non-NCAA affiliated competition carried with it major deficit spending that continues to grow at a double digit pace annually and has been covered each year with funds raised from our NCAA sport programs."

 

[Falco]

We have enough computer geniuses to do this. How about put in a student's ID # (or soc sec #, whatever) and student who attend a certain number of games (10?) then automatically receive a certain amount off books at the bookstore? How many students attend 10+ games already? Besides the Catholic group, that is. Money better spent than hiring the Game Guy from Virginia Lottery once/year.

Love it! Mason needs to start getting creative to drive attendance. and I think this is genius.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

I think some fans need to realize where the university is (hint: not downtown Richmond). If you're going to invite the community in, you have to accept the fact that it's mostly families and old farts.

By the way, young kids, if coached properly by their parents, are a lot more fun at games than drunk college kids (just ask PiKapp).

Yes my son is far more disciplined than I was or am at basketball games. But - you see - I don't care what anybody thinks.

Plus - he gets waaaaay more AOII's than I did at his age.

 

[GMUgemini]

Except for vcu. Too many vcu people get in. I say we hold their games at the RAC and only season ticket holders, students, and Mason alumni in the building! Sure, we'll lose some $ by not selling them tickets, but think of the money we would save on air freshener.

Aren't we talking about thousands of tickets lost?