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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 8, 2014 8:38:19 GMT -6
Catdad's comments on another thread started me thinking about how to sell ACU to prospective recruits. What are the positives that make up the "ACU difference?"
I will start:
1 Excellent academics. A degree in accountancy virtually assures you of a job. The pre-med professions program has a near 100% acceptance rate to Med, Dental and Vet schools. The new engineering program is popular and excellent. Overall, our academic rep is as good or better than any school in the Southland conference and most FBS schools in our area.
2. Excellent football. 3,000 plus yards of offense per season. Two consecutive 12,000 yard passers. NFL coaches know about ACU and we have placed more guys in the league than virtually any school in the Southland and as many as a lot of mid-majors.
3. Emphasis on developing as a man, spiritually, academically, physically and socially. At ACU you are more than a football player. You are a member of the ACU family who happens to play football. That's soooo different than at many schools.
Anything else?
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Post by acucatdad on Jan 8, 2014 19:17:28 GMT -6
4. 14:1 teacher to student ratio
5. Excellent tutoring in every subject imaginable for those that need a little help
6. Less bars and strip clubs near campus (podunk is a GOOD thing)
An even better question, Oscar, is how to sell ACU to the parents of prospective student athletes. If you get a recruit in that listens to his(or her) parents, chances are good that he(or she) are going to listen to their teachers and especially their coaches. These are the student-athletes ACU wants. My son was fortunate in the fact that I've always known what ACU was academically and have known since I was a pre-teen what their track program stood for (Champions). Had you asked me in 2011 what I knew about their football program, I would have responded with this... "I did'nt know they had one." Had you asked me what I knew about the Lone Star Conference, I would have responded with this..."Lone Star Conference? What's THAT?"
Hopefully with the move to DI this will change. It was'nt until Josh started high school that I even began to pay attention to the FCS Southland Conference, as 6 of the schools are withih a 100 mi. radius of where I live, with HBU, Sam Houston State, and Steven F. Austin within a 50 mi. radius. I'll have to take back what I just wrote. Scratch the "Hopefully". With the move move to DI, Abilene Christian will DEFINATELY be on the radar of those parents and student athletes who otherwise would not known who they were had they remained in DII and the Southland Conference.
I'm going to throw a curve ball in, guys, on a no. 7
7. We're going to build a stadium,(Mr. or Ms. Recruit) It's not a question of if, it's a question of when.(hopefully before you graduate)
This is the biggest obstacle ACU is facing at least in the case of football recruits. Not many recruits want to come to college and play in a smaller stadium than the one he played in in high school, especially one with two high school names(or mascot names)in the end zones. It's a fact. The first thing me and Josh said when we seen the stadium was, "Are we at the right stadium? We better call the coach and make sure."
The only other obstacle in ACU'S way, and I don't see it as an obstacle at all. I'd rather see it as a moot point. Josh informed me a number of the recruits came in last year on their official visits and responded after being told they had to attend daily chapel with this..."Say WHAT? We gotta go to chapel every DAY? Maan, F dis s--t, I'm outta here. THESE are the athletes ACU does'nt want OR need. He should have directed them to the first school he paid an official visit to, a very well-known and established DII football program in the Texas panhandle. Their first nightly excursion with the new recruits was to a strip club supposedly owned by a former NFL player (heresay) who went to school there.
Yes, guys, we do have some disadvantages in recruiting, but it is what it is................
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 9, 2014 8:38:44 GMT -6
) The only other obstacle in ACU'S way, and I don't see it as an obstacle at all. I'd rather see it as a moot point. Josh informed me a number of the recruits came in last year on their official visits and responded after being told they had to attend daily chapel with this..."Say WHAT? We gotta go to chapel every DAY? Maan, F dis s--t, I'm outta here. THESE are the athletes ACU does'nt want OR need. He should have directed them to the first school he paid an official visit to, a very well-known and established DII football program in the Texas panhandle. Their first nightly excursion with the new recruits was to a strip club supposedly owned by a former NFL player (heresay) who went to school there. Yes, guys, we do have some disadvantages in recruiting, but it is what it is................ Glass half full perspective: ACU's commitment to its Christian roots might be an advantage in recruiting some athletes who are looking for a place to grow spiritually while also playing football. |
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 12, 2014 6:21:50 GMT -6
8. Whataburger near campus!
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Post by bogeyman on Jan 12, 2014 7:59:56 GMT -6
The Whataburger close by would certainly be a selling point to me (in fact I spent many hours in that very place). Wait, has it been upgraded in the last 45 years? Maybe it's not a selling point  . |
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Post by Scooter on Jan 12, 2014 15:02:13 GMT -6
9. Two words--Crock Pots!
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 13, 2014 12:38:43 GMT -6
9. Two words--Crock Pots! Crock pots. Very funny. Not. Hush up. Don't be talkin bout no Crock Pots on here. The NSA might forward your post to the NCAA. And there ya go. Crockageden.  |
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Post by Cat_A_holic on Jan 18, 2014 11:26:25 GMT -6
So I just now see this thread after asking the same question elsewhere. I'll also chime in.
I think it is important to consider how the small-town environment does appeal to many parents. Talking recently with a mom of a stud lineman from a Denton hs who is interested in ACU (she was a graduate here, and her dad used to teach here, thus the interest). She said she loves the fact that there is a lot less distraction here. Obivously, if a person is intent on getting drunk, going to a strip club, or other sorts of trouble, they can find these things in Abilene. However, there is less of this on the surface or outwardly flaunted as there is in other places.
She also talked about Collum's (and the program as a whole) emphasis on grooming men for life. They won't all be NFL stars but most of them will be husbands, fathers, and participate in society. I think this also adds to our uniqueness.
Finally, not just the professor/student ratio (which is solid!) but also the quality of people who work here. There really is not other place where people care as deeply, are as eager to help if they can, and want students to succeed in all aspects of life. Not that you can't find individuals in other places where these things are true, but it is hard to find a place where this sort of thing dominates a campus culture, as it does at ACU. It is a very special place in that regard.
One thing I didn't see mentioned is the recent success in getting people to the next level of football. I know one could point to this being Chris T's doing (though Ken C was certainly a part of it!), and that the newer higher academic standards of DI will prevent us from getting anytime soon players of the Bernard Scott or Johnny Knox caliber. But, right now there are 4 ACU players on NFL rosters (Scott, Richardson, Gates, Manning-Aston Whiteside is on the Bengal's practice squad) and several others (Radway, Gale, Washington, Turner) who are still playing professionally (I don't think anyone picked up Lineberry after Carolina waved him in Nov.). There are no other SLC teams that can boast this kind of success, right? Actually, not a lot of teams in the area period that have this kind of professional connection. Or, because of the DI academic standards, do recruits know that these days are probably over, thus rendering this pitch moot?
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 18, 2014 12:40:58 GMT -6
So I just now see this thread after asking the same question elsewhere. I'll also chime in. There are no other SLC teams that can boast this kind of success, right? Actually, not a lot of teams in the area period that have this kind of professional connection. Or , because of the DI academic standards, do recruits know that these days are probably over, thus rendering this pitch moot? I won't tell recruits if you don't. I have you question prompted by your comment about our not selling ACU based on play offs or championships, since we aren't eligible. Another difference between the Wildcats and other programs in the SLC is that most other schools play at least one major FBS team per year. Next year's SLC schedule includes games against LSU, TAMU, and Texas Tech among others. Does our playing against mid-majors like Ga State rather than a bigger name school help or hurt recruiting? |
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Post by acucatdad on Jan 18, 2014 13:59:22 GMT -6
So I just now see this thread after asking the same question elsewhere. I'll also chime in. I think it is important to consider how the small-town environment does appeal to many parents. Talking recently with a mom of a stud lineman from a Denton hs who is interested in ACU (she was a graduate here, and her dad used to teach here, thus the interest). She said she loves the fact that there is a lot less distraction here. Obivously, if a person is intent on getting drunk, going to a strip club, or other sorts of trouble, they can find these things in Abilene. However, there is less of this on the surface or outwardly flaunted as there is in other places. She also talked about Collum's (and the program as a whole) emphasis on grooming men for life. They won't all be NFL stars but most of them will be husbands, fathers, and participate in society. I think this also adds to our uniqueness. Finally, not just the professor/student ratio (which is solid!) but also the quality of people who work here. There really is not other place where people care as deeply, are as eager to help if they can, and want students to succeed in all aspects of life. Not that you can't find individuals in other places where these things are true, but it is hard to find a place where this sort of thing dominates a campus culture, as it does at ACU. It is a very special place in that regard. One thing I didn't see mentioned is the recent success in getting people to the next level of football. I know one could point to this being Chris T's doing (though Ken C was certainly a part of it!), and that the newer higher academic standards of DI will prevent us from getting anytime soon players of the Bernard Scott or Johnny Knox caliber. But, right now there are 4 ACU players on NFL rosters (Scott, Richardson, Gates, Manning-Aston Whiteside is on the Bengal's practice squad) and several others (Radway, Gale, Washington, Turner) who are still playing professionally (I don't think anyone picked up Lineberry after Carolina waved him in Nov.). There are no other SLC teams that can boast this kind of success, right? Actually, not a lot of teams in the area period that have this kind of professional connection. Or, because of the DI academic standards, do recruits know that these days are probably over, thus rendering this pitch moot? Good points, Cataholic, and welcome aboard. Coach C did mention the number of ACU players in the NFL back 2 yrs. ago when he and coach Collins sat at our table, but what resonated with me as a parent most was the grooming of men for life. Sure, every kid coming in wants to make it to the NFL, but just what is the actual percentage of college football players (at all levels) that DO make it? Does anyone out there have the answer to this? Here's another question for yall. Which major FBS program had to lower their academic standards recently in order to be more competitive on the field? Hints....they still lost lost their stud qb due to grades (guess they could'nt fit enough home ec. classes into his schedule) and Touchdown Jesus watches over their stadium. |
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Post by Cat_A_holic on Jan 18, 2014 14:09:35 GMT -6
Thanks. I've been a lurker both here and on the former DII board. Finally decided I'm going to start posting some.
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Post by acucatdad on Jan 18, 2014 14:29:35 GMT -6
We'll get you lurkers eventually, right, Oscar. That's okay, Cataholic, I lurk around sometimes too.
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jan 18, 2014 14:44:30 GMT -6
So I just now see this thread after asking the same question elsewhere. I'll also chime in. I think it is important to consider how the small-town environment does appeal to many parents. Talking recently with a mom of a stud lineman from a Denton hs who is interested in ACU (she was a graduate here, and her dad used to teach here, thus the interest). She said she loves the fact that there is a lot less distraction here. Obivously, if a person is intent on getting drunk, going to a strip club, or other sorts of trouble, they can find these things in Abilene. However, there is less of this on the surface or outwardly flaunted as there is in other places. She also talked about Collum's (and the program as a whole) emphasis on grooming men for life. They won't all be NFL stars but most of them will be husbands, fathers, and participate in society. I think this also adds to our uniqueness. Finally, not just the professor/student ratio (which is solid!) but also the quality of people who work here. There really is not other place where people care as deeply, are as eager to help if they can, and want students to succeed in all aspects of life. Not that you can't find individuals in other places where these things are true, but it is hard to find a place where this sort of thing dominates a campus culture, as it does at ACU. It is a very special place in that regard. One thing I didn't see mentioned is the recent success in getting people to the next level of football. I know one could point to this being Chris T's doing (though Ken C was certainly a part of it!), and that the newer higher academic standards of DI will prevent us from getting anytime soon players of the Bernard Scott or Johnny Knox caliber. But, right now there are 4 ACU players on NFL rosters (Scott, Richardson, Gates, Manning-Aston Whiteside is on the Bengal's practice squad) and several others (Radway, Gale, Washington, Turner) who are still playing professionally (I don't think anyone picked up Lineberry after Carolina waved him in Nov.). There are no other SLC teams that can boast this kind of success, right? Actually, not a lot of teams in the area period that have this kind of professional connection. Or, because of the DI academic standards, do recruits know that these days are probably over, thus rendering this pitch moot? Good points, Cataholic, and welcome aboard. Coach C did mention the number of ACU players in the NFL back 2 yrs. ago when he and coach Collins sat at our table, but what resonated with me as a parent most was the grooming of men for life. Sure, every kid coming in wants to make it to the NFL, but just what is the actual percentage of college football players (at all levels) that DO make it? Does anyone out there have the answer to this? Here's another question for yall. Which major FBS program had to lower their academic standards recently in order to be more competitive on the field? Hints....they still lost lost their stud qb due to grades (guess they could'nt fit enough home ec. classes into his schedule) and Touchdown Jesus watches over their stadium. 2.6%. wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_odds_of_a_college_athlete_becoming_a_pro_football_player?#slide=13 |
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Post by Tom the Cat on Jan 18, 2014 15:05:16 GMT -6
We have academics and such on our minds. Here is what impresses one of our recruits on campus this weekend:
"ACU has the number 2 rated cafeteria in the nation.... I could get used to this "
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Post by Tom the Cat on Jan 18, 2014 15:10:05 GMT -6
What impresses recruits, part two: One of our prospects is visiting UIW this weekend. He posted pictures standing next to Ricky Williams Heisman Trophy. Williams coaches running backs for the Cardinals.
Hard to top that.
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