bluecrewprez

I don't know what the OBC is or what the G would stand for, but it's good to be remembered! Dad and I still have season tickets so I'm at every home game still! Talking to kids at the game Saturday (2012 grads vs my 2007) about the good ol' days and them not caring about Anthony Drejaj's 3 pointer at the buzzer during the 2004 NIT made me feel old (at which I broke my nose rushing the court)...and having to explain to them that yes, Danny Brown did play for SLU. Those kids don't know the pain and TRUE dedication required that comes with 9-21 seasons...spoiled kids... Now Im starting to understand how all you old guys feel

My dad and I flew up for the game and though we didn't win, it was awesome getting to see them all together again. I forgot a few times that this wasn't a random post-graduation tournament; they played all out and just as aggressively as if it were a game during March Madness, getting as worked up and involved as I'm used to from them. The calls didn't do our way at the end and I blame that. Seeing Jordair put his hands on the refs shoulders standing face to face was pretty funny (can't do that in college ball). Getting to do kwamain's chant and seeing their reactions to hearing their old SLU chants brought me right back to the good ol' days. If only we could have put Chris Sloan in and see how he would have done...he seemed content to be in the stands though... Yes, we lost, but I'm so glad I flew up for it! This is a great idea for a tournament and an excuse to get the band back together again (speaking of which, let's get the pep band or at least a trumpet and a drum there if they do it again next year). And being me, I have to give big props to the fans that came out. 1/2 of the stands were SLU fans and we were on our feet screaming. I'm always super proud to be a Billiken, but I'm especially inspired by our unity as a fan base. GO BILLS!!

I remember after I graduated in 2007, my parents took me to a nice dinner at Tony's downtown. After we finished and were stuffed with all this amazing food, I offered to buy my parents and brother a beer at Humphrey's. We walked into the bar in our Sunday best and ordered a round for my family. A second later, Jan came up to me and said, "Oh Diane! Come meet Rick Majerus!" My dad and i walked over and Rick was sitting in the corner just inside the door on the right with all his assistants finishing a rather large meal. Jan said, "Coach, this is Diane. She was the president of Blue Crew and just graduated. She's one of the biggest billiken fan you'll ever meet." He stood up, shook my hand and my father's hand and without skipping a beat said, "It's great to meet you. Here..." reached into his back pocket and pulled out a package and said, "have a sausage." That Tony's dinner was nothing compared to a lukewarm sausage from the back pocket of Rick Majerus. RIP Coach.

You know, if that Dayton game had been played in Chaifetz (with OUR refs), it would have been a different outcome. THAT SAID, I am very excited about tonight's game. It's going to be a great match up but I definitely think we have the upper hand. Not just because of home court advantage, I think that we are fired up and we've got some things to prove tonight. Can't wait!!

When I was in the Blue Crew and it was a STUDENT-RUN ORGANIZATION the fee to be in the Blue Crew was $35. That covered tickets, pizza, t-shirts, events, transportation and any other random events that would come up throughout the season. Now the cost is, what, $105 and all they get is a seat and a t-shirt? NO ONE is benefiting more on this than the Athletic Department. If they are charging each student 300% more than what we originally needed to run the organization, where the hell is all of that money going? It's sure as hell not going to events to promote the students going to the games. Now THAT'S a question to ask the administration. Way to leach off of the students, SLU. I get it, I'm in marketing for a living. The thing is that we're talking about it and there is a buzz going, people are getting fired up, they're trying to get more focus on the students. I GET IT! But changing the name is not the answer...PROMOTION is the answer. There are a million other way to get people talking. For any Billiken basketball fan graduate in the last 10 years, ask yourself which do students respond better to: the administration telling them what's cool or other students telling them what's cool? Exactly. YOU CAN'T CREATE TRADITION! If you CREATE tradition, it sure as hell ain't tradition...it's a marketing ploy! Way to alienate alumni who have been waiting YEARS for an arena and for the organizations they we're involved in to be what they always wanted them to be. Way to go AD. Way to go.

The name "Billikens" also have a connotation to it that's not so positive, as we can all admit. Now that we're winning and going to have more recognition on the national stage, we are all able to say "I've been a Billiken fan before it was trendy." Same goes for Blue Crew. A student section is a student section, whether kids show up or not. Changing a name that has been a tradition for a decade (whether you like it or not) is a slap in the face to those 5 fans who actually went to games while we have losing records over and over again. Those 5 fans are more dedicated fans than 95% of the kids that are showing up now. Being in the Blue Crew is a SLU tradition, and just b/c we change the name doesn't mean those annoying kids who heckle the student section are going to stop squaking at them and it doesn't mean anyone on this board is going to talk about them differently. I realize the Athletic Department is going for a full makeover of the basketball program, but changing a tradition is disconnecting alumni from the current student population. How are they supposed to build the tradition they want so badly when they're trying to CREATE traditions rather than nurture them?? Nice move AD.

My friend e-mailed me the link to the story about the Blue Crew being re-named through a campus contest and I've been gathering my thoughts about it all day. For anyone who doesn't know my history with the Blue Crew, I was President from 2005-2007 (the last 2 years of the Soderberg era...and still in the Scottrade Center). During my time in the Blue Crew and the three years since, I'm not sure anyone has thought more about what being a student fan means than me (just ask my dad). I have a lot more to say, and I'm sure I'll come up with more, but this is what I feel off the bat. I went running in Forest Park tonight wearing a Blue Crew shirt and it only made me more angry at what is about to happen... Maybe it's just me not wanting to see my era of being a student fan end, or maybe it's my own pride of never being able to tell my kids, "I was the President of the Blue Crew" and they ask me what the heck that is, but I think that the name "Blue Crew" sums up everything that has to do with being a true Billiken Basketball fan. In my day (yeah, I just said that), the Blue Crew were the most dedicated student fans...the ones who would meet up 1.5 hours before game time, ate pizza, painted up, GOT ON A BUS and drove to see our team...even in our 9-21 season. Granted, that may have not been many students every time, but we were there. Blue Crew is a term of true Billiken pride. (Love them or hate them, you cannot knock the fans who actually showing up just because you wish there were more of them). It's amazing for me to go to games in Chaifetz and see what "Blue Crew" has become. The first time I saw the Blue Crew in action in the Chaifetz Arena I teared up (actually, it was the Xavier game and the White Out while they were body surfing the Billiken from the front row all the way to the back of the student section. That was amazing *sniffle*) To rename the Blue Crew is to nullify the work of and the TRUE fans of Billiken Basketball. If you're going to rename the Blue Crew, you might as well change us from the Billikens to some other mascot. By renaming the Blue Crew, I will feel no personal connection with the student section anymore. It is just one more way that the Athletic Department is taking over what was once a STUDENT-RUN organization. To rename the Blue Crew is to negate everything that students did before that to build the program to what it is today. Changing the name of the Blue Crew to something else will NOT make kids show up anymore then they already do. To rename the Blue Crew is to nullify everything that the founding members and the decade of student fans that have come and gone in an effort to build the student section. "Blue Crew" is a name that was created by a diehard handful of students who said to themselves, "We need a student section." I think they should honor the TRUE fans who didn't NEED an arena and most times didn't even need a RIDE to Kiel/Savvis/Scottrade Center (probably since most times the buses were never there). I think they should honor the students who worked to get the Arena and build the excitement. If you're going to rename the Blue Crew, you might as well change us from the Billikens to some other mascot. By renaming the Blue Crew, I will feel no personal connection with the student section anymore. It is just one more way that the Athletic Department is taking over what was once a STUDENT-RUN organization. To rename the Blue Crew is to nullify everything that students did before that to build the program to what it is today. When I was at SLU, the Athletic Department promised the "Blue Crew" a home in the Chaifetz Arena. Change the name, break that promise, turn your back on the fans that showed up before the idea of an arena was even possible...but then again it's the SLU AD. (P.S. I've come to terms with the fact that I will most likely never work for the SLU Athletic Department lol)

I completely disagree with you. It was a quality win, but the kids that were making their threes have always made their threes....props go to Majerus to MANAGING his players and MANAGING who goes on the foul line.

WR benched for mouthing off during practice and having an attitude. Apperntly it's noted as "conduct detrimental to the team."

What does this say about my family: I got my dad the Billiken Band CD for Christmas....he got me the same thing. We turned off the Christmas music and put on the SLU Pep Band CD. Merry Christmas!!!

I think 16 is a good call. I'll tell ya, it's a different game when Kwamain is in the game....

I'm not angry with the MSU students. I felt demeaned as a Billiken fan and I'm irate that the student section would be opened up to an opposing teams fans. I'd rather have an empty student section that a student section filled with opposing teams' fans.

Well then, let's start promoting the games to the high schools that they went to and their alum.

I ran around asking multiple people wearing blue in the student section to come down to the front, and all of them said something like, "Oh, i'm waiting for someone else to get here..." or "Oh, I'm fine." I talked to a few MO State kids, and they said that they road tripped for the game. Tickets should be free for students...like at Dayton. I'm sorry, but you cannot charge kids to go see a team that they don't know or care about. It's cuts the income down a bit, but it's a long-term strategy. Get the section so packed that you HAVE to charge students. Ridiculous.

Thanks for the heads up...I'll definitely follow up on that.

Wow. I have never been nothing but supportive of the SLU community and a huge advocate for the university, but last night was the first time I was actually EMBARRASSED to be a Billiken fan. If the decision to all opposing teams' students take over the student section can do that to me, imagine what it did to everyone else. Way to build a program. I would have loved to hear what Majerus had to say right after the game. My favorite was when I was talking to an usher before the game and i was saying how ridiculous this was and he said, "well, you can talk to my supervisor...i'll point him out when he comes by." Seriously? Something is wrong with that conversation right there.

1. I was NOT wearing my viking hat last night...I passed it on to future Blue Crew Presidents (2 of which wore it, 1 of which broke it...haven't seen it since). 2. How many Pollocks does it take to re-vamp the Saint Louis University Athletic Department....

Thank you sir! I ran into BillikenRoy and SLUSignGuy last night and they guilt-tripped me a bit into coming back on the board After last night, I would GLADLY come back to SLU and be the student liason ("Director of Internal Marketing" as I called it). I told them a million times how badly that position was needed, ESPECIALLY with the arena being built at the time. Honestly, my dream job would entail me coming back to work for the SLU AD doing internal marketing/campus pride development/something along those lines...and the fact that what happened last night was ALLOWED to happen only drives me more to do it. If they called me today, I'd be there. It's more than just the money...it's wanting to do something to better my alma mater. It's creating a university atmosphere that we can all be proud of and be a part of... Declan knows how to get a hold of me.

Absolutely...same here. My boss asked if I was sick today and I said no, I was cheering at the SLU game last night. Thanks for coming down lawyerbilliken...as a fellow alum, I'm glad SOMEONE stepped up and support their university.

It's been a while since I posted, but I had to after what I saw last night: I'm sure someone mentioned this already, but I was too angry to read all of the posts. I was sitting in my normal season ticket seats in 102 and saw the first row of the Blue Crew section being taken over to Mo State kids...so of course, I went down and along with a BC member, argued with the ushers about how ridiculous it was to allow the OPPOSITE teams students sit in our section...the fact that they only had to move back 5 rows was insane. How the hell are you supposed to build a program when you let the Blue Crew section become the student section for the other team?????? I'm ashamed of the general SLU fans. That could have been an amazing show of SLU support had former Blue Crew members and just any alum come down to the student section and pushed them back and out of the way. I almost got kicked out of the game when the other teams fans started chanting with 30 seconds left "this is our house." I am ashamed of the Athletic Department for--in order to make money--open the student section to anyone who wanted to sit there for $10 a ticket...how did they think that wouldn't happen??? I'm sorry, you have to agree, but it is better to have an empty student section with a few SLU kids in it than a full section of the OTHER teams fans. Absolutely ridiculous. Someone should get fired in the Athletic Department for that kind of decision. As an avid SLU fan and probably the biggest advocate of SLU spirit EVER, that was f***ing ridiculous. THAT is why we do not have a strong, devoted fan base...bc they DON'T STAND UP FOR THEIR OWN!!! I do commend the Pep Band though (LOVE them) for stepping up and being the student section. You guys rock everytime and had it not been for you guys, I would have walked out of that game.

The best game I've ever seen first hand was the 1st round of the 2004 NIT with the come from behind and the last second three-pointer from Anthony Drejaj to win it. I broke my nose rushing the court....best game ever.....

I was pumped to see everything come together last night...the arena, the new team, THE BAND LETTING LOOSE IN THEIR NEW HOME (sounded nice and loud in the nose-bleeds). My seats have a guard rail directly in front of them, so my view was a little bit obstructed, but I see a lot of potential in these new kids. They definitely are freshmen. I had a problem with Cotto posing after every 3 he would make, so I'm sure he'll get something for that from coach today. They would make some rookie mistakes, like not bringing the ball down strong on the rebound, and some of the big men didn't have completely control over their limbs (the refs definitely let a lot of things slide), but overall I am extremely optimistic about this new team. I think Reed is definitely going to be something to watch...especially if they do end up red-shirting him. Imagine what he could be with one year of straight practice before being unleashed. I understand we're going to need a year or two to grow, and I'll be patient, but once we get going, we're going to be a force! Also, of course I have to comment on the student section. I was very excited about what I saw...I couple of really excited freshmen, and the new President, Ben, wearing the horns proudly That kid is amazing, by the way...you know he's passionate when for Halloween he goes as a Blue Crew member in full face-paint!! Very excited about this year!! GO BILLIKENS!!!!!!!

I talked to some Blue Crewers and they said that the AD has been promoting this event since Christmas Break. Also, some of those students were incoming freshmen (they always like to bring those kids to the biggest game). Last night was EXACTLY what should happen every single game: the AD should promote every game like that, get tons of different organizations involved, and actually have a DESCENT half-time show. That is exactly what the job I pitched to Cheryl Levick would have been trying to do every game. Great job last night students. The ticket office said they sold 1,400 student tickets...I got chills sitting in my nose bleed seats seeing over 1000 students all chanting, jumping up and down, and looking like they cared. Way to go guys. Way to go. P.S. Random note: One of the Blue Crewers running for Prez next year said that to be in Blue Crew next year, including tickets and members, is going to be $130 (up from $50 last year and $60 this year). Just noting it in case no one had posted it yet.

This is exactly what I submitted to Cheryl Levick in January 2007 about the internal marketing position: Job Description: -Serve as the liaison between the Saint Louis University Athletic Department and the general student population. -Serve as the liaison between the Saint Louis University Athletic Department and the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Fraternities and Sororities, and student organizations. -Serve as the liaison between the Saint Louis University Athletic Department and the Office of Student Life. -Serve as the liaison between the Saint Louis University Athletic Department and on-campus news and media outlets (i.e. KSLU, University News, SLU TV, etc.). -Serve as advisor to the student spirit organizations (i.e. Blue Crew, Legion 1818). -Work with student organizations and the Office of Student Life to create activities and events aimed at creating awareness and attendance at athletic competitions. -Work with Alumni Relations to comprise a working e-mail and mailing list of Alums who would like to continue their involvement in Billiken Athletics post-graduation. -Create an open, strong, and lasting bonds between the Athletic Department and general student population. -Promote athletic events to all Saint Louis University students through on-campus promotions (i.e. signs, tailgates, pep rallies, etc.). -Serve as the Saint Louis University Athletic Department’s voice and presence at all SLU 101 sessions over the summer as well as any other incoming student events to promote athletics as well as to obtain new student season ticket holders. And this totally ruins springing some of my ideas on them, but I like you guys, so here ya go: Objectives & Ideas: -Develop, write, maintain, and update a weekly Billiken Athletics e-mail list of SLU students to alert them of the week’s athletic events. -Work with the Student Government Association to create a tangible on-campus “trophy” and/or tradition signifying a Billiken Athletic win. Ex) a blue light on top of the clocktower each time a team wins a game or sets a new record. Ex) Billiken “Bat Signal” to shine in the sky each time a team wins a game or sets a new record. -Develop and manage a “Billiken Athletics Street Team” comprised of at least 5 current undergraduate students to help in promoting athletic events around campus. -Counter the stigma that SLU students have against the Athletic Department by showing/doing outward support activities for student organizations/campus activities -Build buzz around the new Saint Louis University Arena by giving bi-monthly updates on the Arena’s progress to the Student Government Association. -Put a countdown clock in the middle of campus with days/hours/minutes/seconds to the first tip-off. -Sell BLUE CREW-supporting t-shirts in SLU Bookstore and in Chaifetz Merchandise Store -Basketball: Scan IDs at the door, where you will be issued your ticket with your seat number on it (based on the number of games you attended the previous season) – Michigan State University -Pre-Season Campout to make yourself eligible for best seats -Marquette “Fanatics Rewards Program” – E-Mail students at beginning of school year with how to sign up and create an account http://gomarquette.cstv.com/fanatics/rewards-program.html The Fanatics Rewards Program, NEW for the 2006-07 athletic season is a loyalty based program implemented to commend students for their attendance at Marquette athletic events. The Rewards Program will give YOU the opportunity to earn points / prizes throughout the year based upon your attendance at (men's & women's soccer, volleyball, men's & women's basketball). The more events you attend, the more points you will earn, and ultimately receive prizes. -Change name of the Billiken Kid’s Club to “The Junior Blue Crew” (or "Blue Crew: Kid's Crew") -Work with Marketing Department to come up with an opportunity for Senior Marketing Majors to develop a marketing plan to promote attendance at particular sports (different groups of students, each one assigned one sport, none of which being Men’s Basketball) - Yale & Notre Dame – Big pep rally before the big games/first games; band, players, head coaches give a big talk to freshmen/everybody - At Virginia Tech they developed a program where they asked their Hokie Club Reps (those individuals/volunteers who help their Athletic Fund Office raise money) to help them sell tickets. They developed a reward system where they compensated the individuals for their efforts (i.e. if you sold two new season tickets, you received a poster with the coach's signature on it. The more tickets you sold, the more prizes you won). - Using the university credit union. Get the university credit union involved in promoting the team. Print an ad on the back of ATM receipts and/or include it in bank statements. - Highlight video. Show highlight video of the sport at halftime of other sporting events (include ticket information). - Read public-address announcements for the sport at all home sporting events. - Provide opportunity to gain practical experience. Solicit the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in majors such as sport management, journalism, marketing and public relations. Challenge the students to increase attendance and improve promotional efforts of the sport, while giving them practical experience with event management and promotions. - Allow students to meet athletics department personnel. Arrange a meeting between the students and any athletics department personnel. - Have one athletics department staff member and one member of each of the respective academic departments involved as directors of the program. - Guest columns. Get the institution's coach involved as a guest columnist in the University News. - Street pole banners. Create street pole banners for the campus and/or downtown light poles. - Student media. Ask on-campus, student radio/newspaper/television to get involved and give them some ownership in the sport itself. - Market the games as events and create an atmosphere at the site throughout the entire sport season. Use cheerleaders, bands, visual aids and the media. - Campus-wide E-mail/voicemail. Send a campus-wide e-mail and/or voicemail message promoting the event. - Facebook announcements for games

Matt is actually my cousin.