Tonka

Thanks David. Is there a goal for when we want to break ground on the new arena?

When you guys get back, if you provide any info from the meeting that would be great. I'm curious to see what was said after last night's game. Thanks!

the Baby Blues performance last night? I wasn't wanting to get your feedback on that. Also, I stand corrected on my original post about that Baby Blues. Last night during timeouts I watched the cheerleaders as they were closer to me. Rich, your observation was correct.

Wasn't referring to you Skip

Well said!

I am a little curious and maybe you guys can help me out. Why is that soccer fans / players are so defensive about their sport? Sports fans in general are passionate people, and I understand the passion fans have about soccer. But, it has been my observation throughout the years that if you bad mouth soccer, people get very defensive. If you go make fun of baseball or football to a respective fan, it never seems to evoke the same kind of emotion. It's like soccer fans go out of their way to try and legitimize and pump up their sport. Well, I have news for you. Soccer is a legitimate sport. It has been and always will be. In some countries, it is the only sport. So, why defend that? It is what it is. The fact of the matter though is that soccer is not the most popular sport in America. It's not even the most popular professional sport in St. Louis and this is the mecca for soccer. Professional and collegiate soccer will never draw more fans or create more revenue or get more TV time or get more media exposure than basketball, football, baseball, or even hockey. That should be no surprise to any of you. Even though, that is not the case, that does not de-legitimize soccer in any way. It just is what it is. Soccer is the not the most important sport on campus. When I was at SLU, hardly anybody knew who the soccer players were, yet everybody knew who the basketball team was. There is no doubt that soccer has been the most successful sport at SLU. In fact, it's incredible the tradition and success that has gone on here. I am in no way a soccer fan, but will always support the soccer Bills and wish them success. I may even go to a game as they progress far. (Also, my wife likes socer) I just don't understand the defensiveness of the sport and was hoping you guys could explain it to me. As far as Rich posting, he can say whatever he wants. You find me a sports board or a sports chat room, where there aren't opinions like Rich's. He's enititled to his opinion and you do not have to respond to him. I, personally, enjoy reading the controversy. If you try and limit the posts that are on here, then you'll have to pinpoint a bunch of people. I have seen everything from restaurants to high school football be talked about on this board. Just because it's Billikens.com, doesn't mean it's always going to focus on that. That is just the foundation for everything, and for the most part it is limited to that as it should be. Just my opinion.

Skip, that is very insulting to say Rich has been beat up by soccer players. That's really taking it far.

You know I have been hard on Varner and harder on him than a lot of you liked, but I should probably direct some of my exasperation to Izik. I have heard great things about the guy and I have said great things about him myself. I know last year, he had stamina problems, and I know he has played out of position, and I know he had a sprained ankle last night. But, other than one game last year, what has this guy done. He still hasn't really stood out. His defense has always been lackluster and I'm not sure how much better he'll get on defense. I agree, that he does have some of the best offensive skills as a big man, and handles the ball extremely well. But, if we're going to be competitive this year, he has got to show up and show up soon! If he becomes the offensive threat we all hope for, it will make everybody better. Let's go Izik!

You know I totally agree with you guys, but on the other hand if that is the case, then we won't win one road game.

David, I admire you pulling the positives out of this thing. I tend not to be able to do that right when I get home from the game. IO was very disappointing, and for a team that is not offensive minded to begin with, this does concern me a little. But, I'll follow your lead and try and not get myself worked up over this. Okay, I just tried that and it failed. I'm worked up. Shooting was horrible, 3 point shooting was worse and free throw shooting sucked. IO has yet to impress me as a Billiken other than one game last year. Let's hope he shows up soon! I agree about DC. I liek his look as well. His shot seemed horrible though. But, we can work on that.

I can assure you I am not, whoever the hell that is!

One can never have enough toys! Hey what can I say, I was sitting on a 30 minute conference call that didn't require much participation on my part, so it was either draw or do this.

Here's a story of a Greek named Ian, He hails from the shore of the Aegean. His shot is a wonderful hook, So the Billikens gave him a look. He decided to travel far away, Because SLU is where he wanted to play. He showed up at the very first game, And unfortunately, we could only show him shame. As we read the very first reports, We didn't expect it to be about his shorts! It was his uniform that was visually stunning, As his shorts prevented him from running! Hopefully by now he's gotten wise, And they've given him the proper size! Now let's just hope his shorts aren't too small, It won't look look right on a person so tall! For longer are much better when he struts, And personally I'd rather not see his nuts!

Ok Billikens, it's time once again! It seems like forever since the last exhibition game. Let's start some frickin momentum in tonight's game, so when we head into the regular season we are ready to go! Let's knock the crap out of this EA Sports team tonight! Let's play some tough D!!! If they have a player that is faster and more agile than you tonight, then take him down! TF, I want to see you sock somebody in the jaw tonight!!!! RB, let's see that shot we are all anticipating and slash to the hole as well! Ian, tie your shorts! AD, show us that Tomahawk jam we're told you have! Varner, play out of your as# tonight and reunite this board that you tend to divide with your ability! Ian, wear smaller shorts! IO, nobody can guard you out there, prove that! Fish, let's be a shark tonight! JJ, I hope you straightened up your act, so we can see you tonight! Sloan, do everything! Bryce, wear that red shirt proudly and dream about what you are about to be part of!!!! Phillip, be on the Hunt! DC, show us you belong here!!!! Ian, tape up that waistband!!! Bluecrew, show up in full force!!! Band, play loudly. Everyone else, like Roy says, let's show them the "Sea of Blue"!!! Skip, tear into the refs and threaten them if you have to!!!! Ian, hem your shorts!!!! Let's create hostility!!!! Wake up your neighbor, throw crap on the court!!! Let's go, let's get this train moving!!!!!!!!!!! ****Disclaimer****Disclaimer****Disclaimer****Disclaimer**** The previous paragraph does not promote violence, threats, hostility, or suggest the throwing of any object on the court. This paragraph also does not represent the views of Tonka or any other poster on Billikens.com. It is merely for entertainment purposes and should be regarded as such. It is merely bottled up enthusiasm and expression trying to convey that we want to play tough, stay safe, and win. The previous paragraph does however promote that Ian fix his shorts.

okay, that made me laugh. You are so right. It is really sad though, but I don't ever see it changing. I think it will only get worse.

Roy, do you not believe it is that way here as well?

I second that! I have graduated from SLU in the past 15 years, and I can tell you that the students know all the basketball players and couldn't name more than just a few soccer players. Basketball always got more hype and more energy than soccer did.

Skip, I definitely will introduce myself. It's hard for me to lay off soccer. I know it is popular all over the world, but depsite what Americans think, it is not even close to the most popular sport here. I grew up in St. Louis and know that this city is soccer heaven. I have had several family members play at high levels in the game and a lot of my friends have as well. For some reason, I just can't get passed a few things to fully enjoy it or respect it. Don't get me wrong, the players are extremely talented, are in great shape, and can run circles around me, but there's an element to the game that I think is missing, and I just can't pinpoint what it is. I will always support the Billiken soccer teams and when they go far, I may even catch a game.

Rough Soccer, isn't that an oxymoron?

I'll watch Rome periodically and I enjoy it when I do. I couldn't watch him ongoing as I think it would drive me crazy and drive me away. I actually like his take on soccer as I tend to agree. I also like when he brings up things to athlestes they'd rather not talk about. I think Jim Gray does the same thing, but in an librarian type of way. Rome is obnoxious and it's easy to not in the mood for him.

Roy, I think that's pretty subjective. I guess you have to define what the term "true fan" means. And then again, that is subjective in itself.

Thicks, I think that is based off of total revenue. I, like you, know as much about Rap as I do about Country. Saying somebody is the best is subjective any way you look at. I have heard that about Eminem in terms of most sales. Often the top selling, or the higest rated, or most watched is often then titled "best". I guess it doesn't necessarily mean best in every sense as that again is subjective.

got it...it's done

Okay, so if mine didn't have any thought or point, then what did yours just have? I am little concerned for you though. If you haven't already come out of the closet, you really should. I see you didn't respond right away, but then I remembered it's Thursday night TV. My wife was in the other room watching Will and Grace. I'm sure you were doing the same! Will you admit it and come out of the closet. In just a few posts, it's amazing how many referrals there are to you being soft in the shoes. Initially, you talked about a "hard core flaming" you wanted to give me. Then you supposedly did, and I was waiting to avoid that, because I don't like a flamer coming after me. Then, you talk about giving me a "spanking". Then, you mention some Dungeons and Dragons game, which I hadn't heard of but I'm sure it's some sort of bondage S&M game you and your buddies engage in and now you're back to talking about how you're a flamer. Just come clean. Don't hide behind the Baby Blues thing, it's okay - just come out of the closet. Society is progressive enough today and will accept you. Quit putting yourself through the mental anguish and be who you are.

Hey A-Hole! I'm sorry, I mean A-Bomb! Wow, you really got me! Holy crap, I will never be able to show my face anywhere. I guess I knew it was coming though, after you said you'd be giving me the "hard core flaming". So, this is it???? Dungeons and Dragons, what is that? I would bet more than anything you are a former cheerleader yourself. Yip, I know you are! That's cool, some guys have to be the ones. Thank you for the "flaming". You really are the flamer you said you'd be!