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| (above) President Washington's farewell address in 1796 |
Westword Reports On Boone's Departure
Denver Post Reports On Boone's Departure
Denver Post: DU Suppresses Mascot Poll
DU Clarion Reports On Boone's Exit
Video: Boone Mimics Rocky In Philly
Post Lunch Special: Boone Works For DU
Indian County: Profiles Boone Situation
.Denver Post Reports On Boone's Departure
Denver Post: DU Suppresses Mascot Poll
DU Clarion Reports On Boone's Exit
Video: Boone Mimics Rocky In Philly
Post Lunch Special: Boone Works For DU
Indian County: Profiles Boone Situation
New University of Denver head hockey coach Jim Montgomery is profiled today in the Denver Post. The article covers everything from his development in youth hockey to his professional career and his rise in the coaching ranks.
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Looks like DU's move to the Big East conference came just in the nick of time. Today Johns Hopkins will announce they are moving to the Big Ten conference in lacrosse. The departure of DU, Ohio State & Michigan this year and Loyola and Notre Dame in recent years decimated the ECAC.
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After eight years, 1.5 million visits, 5755 posts, 32,596 reader comments and countless laughs; LetsGoDU is ceasing operations today. LetsGoDU averaged 30 visits a day in 2005 to almost a thousand visits per day in recent years and its been a wonderful journey. We launched a mascot, built school spirit to unprecedented heights, covered many epic victories and more than a few heartbreaking DU losses. To those who supported DU through this Blog [du78 & many others] and helped PioNation fight the good fight, we say thank you. To the many DU students who shared our vision and supported school spirit and Boone, you helped change the culture at the University of Denver for the better. Like Boone, LetsGoDU is leaving on top.
210 comments:
1 – 200 of 210 Newer› Newest»Huge bummer....I would read every day. Thank you for the great efforts. What a void to fill....
Mark Seelye
DU '74
I hope this is not because of recent events, particularly seemingly losing the Boone fight. That would really be a bummer, and a testament to the damage to school spirit the university has done. Respectfully, are you quitting, DG?
Thanks for all your hard work, DG!
Oh come on! Don't shut this thing down! This is the most fun place CC and UND fans have to go. As much as I hate Pioneer hockey, I come here everyday for great entertainment. If you can create a blog the enemy goes to all the time, you've really accomplished something
DG, thanks to you and your incredible staff for all of your hard work. This site has brought a lot of Pio Nation together.
It will be missed.
Eight years is enough. I'm really looking forward to the break.
All signs pointed to this summer being the end of an era. Gwozdecky leaving, DU joining new conferences, the new mascot & DU's 150th anniversary.
There are so many social media platforms out there and I'm sure that someone else will come up with something. If not, maybe I'll come back refreshed in a few years with a new concept.
We started Bleacher Creatures in the '80s, LetsGoDU and Boone's revival recently. We have the formula, but you need to keep things fresh.
Lets see how Coombe handles the mascot transition and I'll decide how to proceed in the future. Hopefully something new, different and exciting.
Gwoz for NCHC Commish. Karma is a mofo.
Not the news I was expecting to hear this morning - wish it wasn't true. Thank you, DG!
BRINGBACKBOONE
This site is a big part of daily life for the die-hard DU fan, and it will be missed more than you know...
Thank you Damien, for all of your efforts.
No one, including the people who work full time for DU, has done more for DU school spirit than you have.
This blog, the Boone effort and the thousands of hours (and $) you have invested over the years have made a serious positive difference in the fan culture at DU.
I also believe that our athletic teams have been inspired by the momentum you have helped to build, and that has resulted in better performance and an improved DU brand.
More than that, the generosity of your spirit is what made it all possible, and that is a loss that DU cannot replace.
Thanks.
Thanks for all the kind words.
Important to note all the support from DU staffers in building school spirit as well.
The Denver Post will have an article on Boone and the selection of the new mascot.
Sorry to see this fan blog go. Enjoy the extra free time.
DG-Thank you for all your efforts. What will Sue fans do for entertainment now?
It's been fun being apart of all this DG. Sad to see the only good source for everything DU go.
Thanks DG.
thanks, DG, I hope I'll still see you at the games next year ... I'll be the guy in the coonskin cap! -- chase
Thank-you so much for all your good work.
All the best,
Timothy Wurtz
DU '73
Los Angeles
Damien--sad to hear that you are shutting down the blog, though it's understandable if you want some more free time. I'm sure it's a lot of work, and if anyone deserves a break, it is you.
Not only is the blog a good source of humor, it's the only site out there that I'm aware of, that covers "All Things DU" and consolidates news about all DU sports into one convenient place to look. It truly is the "go-to" place for news about DU, and I'm sad to see it go. Hopefully you will bring it back, or maybe a student or recent grad can pick up where you left off.
Please feel free to reconsider your decision, or at least bring the blog back after you take a break. It's truly valuable to the DU community. Thanks!!!
Good Night Sweet Prince.....
I declare shenanigans! DG, this blog will be missed as will the school spirit that comes with it.
Before you ride into the sunset D.G., did you ever get a reply from Kvistad in reference to the financial woes of the university and the cost of the cbama show? Didn't think so. So long Kimosabe.
The sun sets and darkness looms--but your accomplishments with this blog will be bright and live on for a long time. It will be sorely missed.
our best to you D.G.
Aluuum
Poor DG the school he loves rejected him. Quitter
DG, this blog is where i first reconnected to DU hockey after the SoCal wasteland of college hockey news. Been learning about and appreciating lacrosse too.
Your efforts to bring the alumni back into the fold have been worthwhile. We celebrate Boone, we continue to abhor the formerly known as Fighting Sioux fans and rejoice in our favorite refrain, "CC Sucks!"
Thanks for the memories....
Please don't totally disappear (as Swami did.) We need your spirit to help us through the transition to Coach Monty, the NCHC and then to celebrate the joy of the 1st lacrosse championship and the 8th hockey championship.
Regarding this blog ceasing to exist: WHAT THE FUCK?? WHAT. THE. FUCK.
Sincerely,
Anonymous Hockey Season Ticket Holder
Graduate, DU Masters of Tax Program
We'll see you at the next final four, whether it's hockey or lacrosse. Great memories from Boston in 04 and Columbus in 05.
Truly saddened. As a DU student who will be graduating on Saturday I was looking to forward to still having this blog after leaving DU to stay in the loop with DU sports, especially hockey and lacrosse. Here's to wishing you would pass the reins of this blog onto someone else rather than shut it down completely.
Thanks for the great blog!
Thanks for everything DG, you're the best.
Scott Fuson
Class of 2010
Mr. Goddard,
Thank you for all you did to help reinvigorate campus spirit. I'll not soon forget our lunch in 2007 at Spanky's as we planned the early stages of the epic Bring Back Boone Campaign. Looking forward to seeing you at future DU functions!
Cheers.
DG, Thank you for all the hard work!
Rob Perry
DU '07
DG -
Thanks for everything. LetsGoDu will be missed. You filled a huge need and it is much appreciated.
Thanks for everything!
Tim
Thanks DG. As a relative newcomer to Denver/DU this blog has been very informative and a pleasant regular habit and your dedication to it has been impressive.
However for the long term sake of the university I am actually glad to hear that you are taking a step back at this time. The way your contributions to school spirit have been marginalized and diminished has been very disappointing to see and ending the blog is at least one small way in which the impacts of DU's actions can be demonstrated.
I am sure someone else will respond to suggest that this blog is unimportant but from my perspective its existence was a key step in growing both the image of DU athletics and the university as a whole. Lots of schools would love to have such an active online community and hopefully at some point DU will start focusing on supporting loyal alumni such as yourself rather than pushing them away.
I am stunned, but thanks for maintaining this site through the years, DG. I started following DU hockey in 2003, and couldn't believe the wealth of information on here after I stumbled across this blog many years ago. I visited every day, usually several times a day, for DU info, news, and of course humor. Really going to miss this site. Many kudos, DG, for a job well done.
Nooooooooooooooooo!!! You're my #1 source for all DU hockey news, and I know I'm not the only one. what a loss. Thanks and best of luck.
Thank you for all you have done for DU athletics.
I don't think DU realizes how lucky they are/were to have you as a super-fan, DG.
You gave them eight years worth of free media hits, promotion and publicity around the world at no cost to them. Not only that, you gave them a hub of up to date information and a vehicle for fans to have a voice, something their web site could never do.
You gave them a free mascot program that went virtually coast to coast From Las Vegas to Madison to Boston, Baltimore, Philly and DC, operated in a first-class manner where students were sent to mascot camp.
Not only that, Boone became a TV favorite of ESPN, dominating 80% of the DU non player/coach atmosphere shots.
You invested thousands and thousands of dollars of your own money to help develop a fan culture through additional arena visibility through shirts, signs, and giant banners.
You trained many DU students how to build a fan culture, helping many student leaders and helping them navigate the often difficult hurdles.
On top of all that, you gave DU more money and time whenever they asked for it.
Honestly, it's going to take them hundreds of thousands to replace what gave them for free...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! What the hell for D.G. You can't be serious?
DG,
Thank you for a great blog. I will miss it along with Boone and the class and history that went it. I understand your ending the blog. DU is going in the wrong direction right now and this may be my last year as a season ticket holder. They seem to be going out of there way to piss off there fan base and alums yet they continue to ask for money.This PC crap is making me sick. Thanks again and hope to see you at the hockey games next year. It will most likely be my last regardless of what they do and CC still SUCKS...Coombe Blows
Off you go, Lad. I had the pleasure of meeting you a couple times now, including on an out of state road trip. People that don't really know you may be surprised to learn that you've done all this from Texas - very very impressive. Point blank - you post stuff and break stories before anyone else. You cover DU hockey better than DU Hockey did. Had to be a tremendous amount of time and work. I find it hard to believe you'll walk away from this cold turkey.....I think (or should I say hope) that you'll be back. It's in you. You are a Pioneer - and that will never ever change.
Thanks for setting the standard, Man. Go have some fun!
If this were a Disney movie, DG's blog would be up and running to start the season, Boone is in the stands as the official mascot, and Gwoz returns for one more season to take us back to the promise land.
Oh, wait, DU banned Disney on campus. Darn.
Anyway, thanks for all your hard work over the years DG. Will definitely miss the blog. Your contributions over the years are incredible.
No bigger heart or better laugh. Cant spell Damn Good without DG. You the man.
I have enjoyed this blog for many years. So sorry to see it shutting down. Thanks so much for all of your hard work, it has been special.
Wow, I'm really sad. I don't know who can fill your shoes, DG, with the passion, generosity, and dedication you gave us every day, for so many years. Damn. Thanks for everything and good luck.
Thanks DG - I hope to see you at DU events in the future. You are an excellent rabble-rouser!
DG, it has been quite a ride from the fun in Boston at the 2004 Frozen Four until now. Thanks for all you have done. You have persevered and succeeded despite many obstacles. You'll be missed, but I understand why you would need a break. I suspect and hope that there will someday be The Adventures of DG and Freinds Part 2. Sincerely, Dan.
Pretty obvious that all along this was about legacy building thru Boone, not encouraging school spirit at DU.
Now that Boone is on his way out, you quit blogging about DU athletics....Hmmmmm??
PS... You got along way to go to be like either George.
Yawn..........
Needless to say the comments above are humbling.
So much for my plan to slip the departure into the "PioNation News & Notes" and quietly slide out the exit.
LetsGoDU may be dead, but it opens the window for new exciting new opportunities for DU sports fans. We have all summer to monitor the "political" situation on campus and decide whether to proceed with a new project.
Thanks to everyone, its been a great ride.
All of the accomplishments of this blog will live on for a long time.
Thanks D.G.
Chambers, Ramsey, and some of the other newspapermen just lost a big chunk of traffic.
DG, you just need to refresh and refuel and you will come back stronger then ever...ala Six Million Dollar man. Looking forward to the next chapter.
It's posters like 10:16 that I feel the worst for. Without spending 5 hours a day trolling another team's blog, what will they do? Poor guys are losing the one thing that made them happy.
Sir,
I appreciate everything you have done. Happy trails. I'll say hi next time I see you at a game.
Thank you!
LetsGoDU more famous dead than alive.
http://blogs.gazette.com/collegehockey/2013/06/04/tuesday-reading-denver-fan-blog-jim-montgomery-minnesota-duluth-wisconsin-ticket-sales-frozen-fenway-participants/
Denver Post article likely to mention LetsGoDU, Boone & new mascot should appear on Wednesday.
Westword jumps on the bandwagon and reports Boone's departure from the DU landscape.
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2013/06/boone_du_mascot_letsgodu.php
As much as it pains this CC fan to say publically, this blog will be missed. I have followed it for a good number of years. I'll miss the banter between our cohorts up north. DG it was a fun ride and you will be missed.
Denver Post article on Boone's departure and most telling thing in the article is that DU makes "no comment."
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_23389901/du-pioneers-mascot-denver-boone-at-center-controversy
Don't sell yourself short, DG. This blog is about so much more than Boone. DU also plays sports. And educates.
It makes me sad that you'd take away such a valuable service of news and commentary because of the mascot debate- that you so strongly feel those two things are inexorably linked.
That being said, this blog is your prerogative, and nobody would argue that you haven't worked hard over the past several years to earn a break.
Two overweight white guys walk into a bar .......
I hope everyone goes to the Denver Post article today and adds their comments:
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges?source=Subnav_Sports_Colleges
8.17- Enjoy the gutless chirps while you can.
DU's Board of Trustees are meeting this week on campus coinciding with graduation.
Chances are the mascot issue will be discussed at some point. Denver Post article timing could not have been better. So leaving comments after the article might be read by some of the key decision makers at DU.
Biggest takeaway from the article. DU did not provide a comment, quote or reaction.
I just fired off a couple of emails regarding the article. I am fairly certain they will either be ignored or deleted.
Yes, the silence from the administration is deafening! Coombe won't come out from behind the ivy walls and discuss his decision. Kind of reminds me of the old Soviet Union. "You will obey the rules or we have ways of dealing with you."
There are two competing visions of DU. For the last 50 years or more, DU has been a slightly conservative university with some reverence for it's Pioneer history and founding. Coombe's DU is a left-leaning kumbaya university where making anyone who feels oppressed happy is far more important than the traditions of the majority,
DU knows that it crammed the mascot decision down everyone's throat as part of a larger movement to shed it's non-diverse image.
The leadership is more than willing to take the heat on the mascot because they see themselves as noble champions for the 'oppressed' and that our little cartoon mascot is keeping them from being the 'inclusive community' they so desire, even though they are excluding the majority.
I hope the Board of Trustees can see through the delusion and bring some kind of compromise to the table. I think there are some Board members who can see the potential damage/alumni rift and others who just don't care about the damage this causes.
We live in interesting times.
Pass the popcorn
Agree totally with the previous poster but here's the juxtaposition for DU Athletics.
Denver is one of the only cities in country with five major professional sports teams [nba, mls, nhl, nfl, mlb]. Throw in competition for discretionary dollars from skiing/mountains and two major state universities within 60 miles. Drawing fans is very, very difficult.
So how do DU build its athletics brand in that kind of environment? Do they go for the arched "Denver" and an Elk or do they stamp themselves as "Pioneers" and build the program around the region's history and culture?
My comment in the Denver Post this morning:
As an alum I will say I feel the current administration is making a concerted effort to chart a path for the school that was developed internally, and no amount of input from students, staff, coaches, alumni, etc will change that path. For example, hockey coach Georege Gwozdecky was fired without notice or explanation. Perhaps the termination was justified, but after 20 years and two national titles, fans deserved to know why. The only word to describe the administration is "arrogant".
On my last call asking for donations, I politely said "no, I will not support a school that is being run with no accountability". That's like giving your money to panhandler - you have no way to know where that donation will be used.
What is to become of the Boone suit? To just be mothballed in a closet somewhere is not ethical at all, DG.....and I challenge you to end this right. I think it would be nice to have it on display at the Pioneer, or Campus Lounge?? Something like that. See what you can do.
I thought you said the blog was ceasing operations?
Apparently the narcissism is flaring back up today.
Excuse me for doing a "victory lap" because the Post wrote an article about Boone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj2pXikeDRg
DG-I Feel sorry for your stalkers, how will they fill their days now?
Hopefully the stalkers will migrate over to DU Today.
http://blogs.du.edu/today/content/news
10.17- Yet you can't stay away? The douchebaggery continues....
Pretty hard to drop a note to Chambers to have him rip on DU.
I'm sorry, but all this is about you. Your ego is too large to just fade away.
This is more like YOUR victory lap....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb2P4o3FqQg
Don't shut down! This is the only place to get Boone related info!!
It a great day to be a rebel Pioneer.
Chambers needs to do more mascot profiles. Obviously a hot button topic.
Denver Post Boone article is the:
3rd most-clicked article of the hour
6th most-clicked article of the day
2nd most-clicked article among Colorado readers of the day
#1 most-clicked article among Colorado readers of the hour
11th most-clicked article among readers outside Colorado of the day
8th most-clicked article among readers outside Colorado of the hour
#1 most-clicked article among Denver readers
4th most-clicked article among sports articles today
Way to give up on Boone DG. Quitter
Supposedly 104.3 The Fan talked about Boone this morning.
The costume should stay in Houston. Let DU introduce the new mascot without the competition from Boone so they can't blame us when they fail. If the costume were to be in Denver, there would be increased risk that someone would be tempted to wear it to a game and cause extra confusion and embarrassment for all. The reality is we've lost the Boone battle for now and we should exit with grace, so that someday, we can ride to the rescue when the new mascot fails, or when new DU leadership might want to unite the school with Boonr.
Ironic that another article in the Denver Post today cautions university presidents to stay out of Athletic Department affairs. Not sure if mascot controversies qualify, but check it out.
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_23393346/time-take-college-presidents-out-sports?source=email
Nice publicity from Chambers' article. DG--you retired the blog too early!
I do have a point of argument, however, with one statement made in the article, with respect to the extent to which the blog and Boone are intertwined. I think it goes without saying that the blog is MUCH bigger than Boone. It serves many purposes, as the comments above attest to. The blog is very valuable to the DU community, even if our mascot is a stupid elk.
In any case, nice to see that Chambers' article is getting some attention.
Go to DenverBoone.com for a link to the Denver Post poll on the issue!
Current stats.
3rd most-clicked article of the hour
4th most-clicked article of the day
#1 most-clicked article among Colorado readers of the day
2nd most-clicked article among Colorado readers of the hour
8th most-clicked article among readers outside Colorado of the day
7th most-clicked article among readers outside Colorado of the hour
#1 most-clicked article among Denver readers
3rd most-clicked article among sports articles today
Boone is beating Paris Jackson's suicide attempt as top story on the front page of the Post web site....
Heck DG; you could never update this blog again; keep this thread up just like it is, and let people continue to comment on this - you'll hit 500 posts easily in no time. It will take on a life of it's own. This is a perfect platform for the CC morons and the North Dakota AssWagons to chime in anytime; you don't have to register like you do on USCHO.com.
Just leave it man; check back in in November.
First 'Inside College Hockey' stopped publishing this year.
Now this is ending. (Big Sad Face)
DG - you've done a great job. Thanks for that.
Along with a number of other posters here, and others I know, DU will not receive another penny from me due to their arrogance.
There are plenty of other things to do ...
Best wishes to you in the future DG ... I'm sure you do fine, and thanks for all of your work!
DU better be careful; looks like the Denver Post has just discovered what LetsGoDU has known for years.
Write a snarky article about DU's arrogant leadership, throw in stats such as DU hiring four Crackers to do the mascot artwork, let the readers pile on with witty comments and then sit back and watch the online traffic pile up like I-25 at rush hour.
Denver Post Boone Article Stats @ 9:30 PM
#1 most-clicked article of the hour
3rd most-clicked article of the day
#1 most-clicked article among CO. readers of the day
#1 most-clicked article among CO. readers of the hour
9th most-clicked article among readers outside CO. of the day
5th most-clicked article among readers outside CO. of the hour
#1 most-clicked article among Denver readers
2nd most-clicked article among sports articles today
Nice job DG
The legacy of your narcissistic blog can be ways to hurt the reputation of DU. Success !
Good riddance to this blog, it started out as a good hockey blog and ways to get information on DU hockey and occasionally other sports, The hockey coverage really dropped in the last few years (to the point I would check in on Goon's blog to hear about WCHA and even DU hockey)
The departing name should be
:"Lets go DG's foam doll"
DU hockey coverage dropped off significantly in the Denver Post, Root Sports and in other media in recent years.
DU used to have almost 80% of their hockey game televised several years ago. Last year was but a handful.
Can you imagine what a elk costume, designed by a committee will look like? Be scared, be very scared!
DG-
Over in the Denver Post comments, you mentioned a Clarion poll, the results of which the University would not allow to be published. Is this true? Because if so, that is a huge deal. Censorship of a collegiate newspaper is beyond shameful, and if such a poll exists, we need to get our hands on the results and expose this parasitic administration to a little bit of sunlight.
Also, thank you for providing an outlet where DU fans could voice their opinions for so many years.
I stand by my quote regarding the Clarion survey. I'll see if I can get some more information.
One has to love DG's dream world 80% of the games were televised. Now that is funny.
As recently as 2009-10 FSN-Rocky Mountain televised 19 games plus two playoff games, plus the Final Five. DU road games against teams like the Gophers or Sconnie would of also been televised
DU Ice Hockey Schedule On FSN-Rocky Mountain
Date Opponent Time
Fri., Oct. 9 - Vermont 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 23 - @ Minnesota 6:00 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 30 - Minnesota State 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 20 - North Dakota 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 27 - St. Cloud State 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 4 - @ Colorado College 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 5 - Colorado College 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 1 - Nebraska-Omaha (Wells Fargo Denver Cup) 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 2 - Boston College (Wells Fargo Denver Cup) 7:00 p.m.*
Fri., Jan. 8 - Alaska-Anchorage 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 9 - Alaska-Anchorage 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 22 - @ Wisconsin 6:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 6 - @ Air Force 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 12 - Minnesota 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 13 - Minnesota 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 19 - Michigan Tech 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 20 - Michigan Tech 7:00 p.m.
Fri., March 5 - Colorado College 7:30 p.m.
Sat., March 6 - @ Colorado College 7:00 p.m.
DG great job over the years. This was always my first stop before and after games. Great platform and sad to see it go.
anon 10:38 - you sound like a hurt, defensive member of the DU Athletic Department ... good riddance to you.
Great job DG! Don't the bummer-heads like him/her get you down. (it could be PBJ herself!)
Most DU athletic staffers I've talked to are quite bummed out about the loss of the blog, as the blog could do things for the fans that the DU web site could not.
Specifically:
-Providing a place for fans to voice opinions
-Talking about recruits not yet signed to LOIs
-Aggregating media from opposing cities
-Aggressive promotion of events
Still not sure how dg comes up with 80 percent of the games being televised you played 40 games that year. 32 were not televised. Nice du degree at work for you.
Lets work through this for you slowly
2009-10 DU games on TV
19 regular season games on FSN-RM
4 WCHA Playoff games on FSN-RM
1 NCAA playoff game-ESPNU
1 MN game on FSN-North
2 Sconnie games on FSN-WI
2 UND games on FSSN
29 out of 40 = 72.5 % Round up to 80%.
DU Clarion student newspaper jumps into the act and covers LetsGoDU & Boone departures.
http://duclarion.com/boone-controversy-stays-heated/
No mention of the mascot survey censorship but the wheels are in motion on that front.
Makes perfect sense dg round up from 72.5 to 80. Now we know how the du players make the all academic team.
BOONE IS DONE
GONE THE FUN
FROM MAGNESS FROM THE EAST FROM VEGAS
FROM THE COURTS TO THE FIELDS TO THE ICE
THERE WERE SMILES THERE WERE CHEERS THERE WERE WINS
ALL WILL BE WELL WHEN BOONE RISES AGAIN
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Very nice. :-)
Wait, let me get this straight. Goddard, you were quoted in the Post as having said that the blog is pointless unless we have Boone. This whole time, I was under the impression that the blog was about the athletes, not the mascot. Leaving is an incredibly infantile attempt to display political dissent that will ultimately hurt DU's athletes and fans much more than it will hurt Boone dissenters. You really ought to have thought this one out more, friend.
Fan blogs whether its this one or the thousands of other blogs following teams all over the world view the action through the eyes of the fans.
Lets see what DU does with the mascot situation and I'll decide whether or not to proceed with a new project to build spirit at DU.
It won't be a blog.
Damien,
Thanks for all your dedication and hard work with the blog. You were my first go-to site for DU hockey and other athletic news. I, too, have been disappointed with administration decisions, but will renew our hockey tickets (29 years). Thanks again.
This atom bomb was just dropped in the Clarion. To those who asked if DU's was covering up the "Boone Survey" ....
http://duclarion.com/boone-controversy-stays-heated/
FROM: Manthan Bhatt • an hour ago
"The Clarion was asked by the head of the Mascot Steering Committee, an arm of USG, to not publish the results. The Clarion ended up not publishing the poll because it was not appropriate in the Best of DU. The Clarion will be keeping the results and might publish them in the future. It was an informal survey but the response was overwhelmingly for Boone.
In my personal opinion, USG has done some very unethical things this year under the leadership of Estenson/Calbert. They have implied threats and even introduced bills that specifically target the Clarion to onerous regulations under USG bylaws. These regulations would have shut down the Clarion. USG went even further and stole money from the Clarion's student organization account. The Clarion ended up only receiving half the stolen money back. As a student, I can't believe that the administration allowed their continued unethical and disgusting behavior. I am graduating this year and I promise to never donate to DU.
The funny thing is, Estenson and Parker won by a handful of votes and would have never been elected if they were upfront about their position on Boone/the Clarion. It's sickening that they can exploit an apathetic DU population by running on nothing but #yovo(their catchphrase "you only vote once").
And I personally don't care about Boone and in all honestly I think DU needs a new mascot. However, USG and Will Guy(the head of the mascot steering committee) have alienated alumni and apathetic students with their heavy handed approach; they have no idea what they are doing and it shows."
A dropped my full season tickets to the power pack. Told them it was because of Gwoz and Boone. They said several other people have done/said the same thing.
Katherine, nobody is stopping you from doing something bigger and better than DG. Instead of talking chit, how about doing something?
Gotta wonder what the hell DU was thinking encouraging the Clarion to conduct a poll. (I'll ignore the fact that it's totally unethical in this fair and open process to conduct a survey and then cover up the results).
They had to know, unless they are truly blind, that the results wouldn't show what they were looking for. Every politician or person trying to sway public opinion knows that you don't conduct fair surveys. You pay some marketing company $25 grand to give you the answers that you want. e.g. "if Boone were proven to be a rapist, do you support Boone?" 100% say "no". Then you publish in the Denver post that 100% of respondants said "no" when asked the question "...do you support Boone?". I'm actually disappointed in DU for not doing this. Get your head out of your ass DU! If you want to be a dictator, you have to play like a dictator.
My compliments to Manthan. He is a TRUE PIONEER. He showed a ton of courage by telling the truth in the Clarion.
The USG deceived the students of their intentions and then are strong arming everyone in their way. Will and Sam will never be Pioneers.
I am sure that I will make a few more comments about this issue but for now I would like to salute Manthan for shedding the light. He has the courage of a Pioneer!
Send them off to Colorado College to finish their degrees.
Really Dude? Dropping your DU season tickets due to a coach and a Mascot? Don't tell Joey Legs or Mr. Zajac that. You're the ideal Denver Cutthroats fan. Forget NCAA D1. Go Fish!! Only, watch out for those DUI's.... don't get all hissy when your Captain goes to jail
Thanks for all the memories, and for "Pioneering" The Gauntlet. I am glad to know you and will miss your sense of humor and your masterful trolling.
Boone is not dead, he's just resting up.
Denver Post article on Saturday about DU pressuring the Clarion to not run the results of a survey showing that Boone won in a landslide.
Funny thing is that Boone wasn't mentioned as one of the seven mascot candidates in the survey, but DU students chose to write him in.
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_23416542/denver-boone-wins-suppressed-mascot-poll-at-du#ixzz2VbVY98HO
Wow this is really a sad day. I check in on this blog every couple of days and am going to miss the hockey news terribly. Maybe you can come back soon, DG.
The arrogance of these people is breathtaking. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, they persist with the fiction that the students "want" a mascot they can "call their own." Maybe the students who couldn't find Magness on game night with a GPS locator want a mascot they can "call their own." But the majority of students want the mascot they had. Baghdad Bob's got nothing on the folks running DU.
How dare I ask this - and please consider that I really don't keep up on the team from Grand Forks - but, aren't they in the same predicament, in essence? All they have are 2 letters for their mascot. The Indian head/Chicago Blackhawks logo got deleted. Makes you think???? There's some similarities. Is UND looking for a new mascot? My only point would be, maybe those people are just hardcore sports fans, and don't care too much about the logo?? I'm sure their Indian thing is much more of a "political" thing.
6:19, the NCAA was the instigator in the departure of the "Fighting Sioux." BTW they didn't have a costumed Sioux as a mascot. Yes the NoDak was more political on a statewide basis. DU's politics are internal and were not proscribed by the NCAA, WCHA, RMISA, MPSF, WAC or any other athletic conference or governing body
DG,
Where can I get one of the Boone signs I see at the rink? I'd like to bring one to the games this year to keep the Boone image alive and well.
Send me an email.
dggoddard "at" aol dot com
6:23, really dude. However, if you think this is just about a coach and a mascot, you're mind is really amateur.
*your
Who goes to the game these days? Students are busy. They can watch it on tv or the web. They're every bit of fans as those that go to the game, right?
3 hours of class 4 days a week is not my idea of busy.
Looks like Monty has flipped one of his former players to committing to DU. Mike Szmatula has decommitted from Northeastern and is supposedly going to sign with the Pioneers....from uscho....nice work Monty. Next time make it a und recruit ;-)
I'll start doing some research but if this is true, its a real nice pick up for the Pioneers.
Szmatula [5'9 179 lbs.] is a 20 year old left winger from Commerce Township, MI who put some big numbers in the USHL last season.
In 63 games he had 37 goals and 39 assists. Looks like he will be a nice four year player at DU.
Besides playing for Monty at Dubuque, Szmatula was also a teammate of DU recruiting commit Dylan Gambrell.
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 38 gms, 3 goals, 15 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 40 gms, 8 goals, 4 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 36 games, 11 goals, 6 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 47 games, 14 goals, 14 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 41 games, 6 goals, 19 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 45 games, 7 goals, 13 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-City, USHL) 44 games, 17 goals, 30 assists
D Nick Neville (Texas, NAHL) 45 games, 5 goals, 18 assists
F Mike Szmatula (Dubuque, USHL) 63 games, 37 goals, 39 assists
2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 46 games, 4 goals, 13 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 44 games, 4 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 30 games, 6 goals, 5 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 49 games, 11 goal, 8 assists
2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 45 games, 5 goal, 19 assists
2016 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Troy Terry (Thunderbirds, AAA) 41 games, 14 goals, 35 assists
Puck Swami was named runner-up in the Best of DU under the category "DU Lifer"
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=639765842718564&set=a.104383942923426.9588.100000554630520&type=1&theater
If Boone can’t be bothered to show up at hockey games, why should the students attend? We can all watch it on tv.
Here's a link to Western College Hockey Blog about the Mike Szmatula recruiting story. Some pretty juicy details and it turns out he'll have to be released of his National Letter on Intent.
http://www.westerncollegehockeyblog.com/western-college-hockey-recruiting-ncaa/2013/6/10/4414918/michael-szmatula-northeastern-hockey-east-denver-dubuque-ushl-jim-montgomery-madigan
http://www.westerncollegehockeyblog.com/western-college-hockey-recruiting-ncaa/2012/11/14/3647950/michael-szmatula-commits-to-northeastern
Holy smokes. DU Board of Trustees member under investigation by the SEC, the Denver Post revealed today.
"DU has a Code of Business Conduct that applies to trustees, faculty and staff alike. Its first section deals with complying with laws and regulations. The third addresses stands of ethics and integrity and says, "Even the appearance of misconduct or impropriety can be damaging to the University."
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_23429925/reiman-remains-du-trustee-after-resigning-from-board#comments
Anyone else bothered by the fact that in the Clarion vote Post article the DU communications official stated that "students want a new mascot" without any proof? And also that alumni don't matter? If they want to make unilateral decisions on this sort of thing, that's fine, it's a private university, but own it if that's the case. It's especially offensive, as someone who's been both a student and alumnus throughout this process, that things are getting pawned off on us to make it look like a more widespread initiative.
You bring up the key issue in my opinion that is starting to become a pattern.
Coombe's statement about Boone offending groups without data, the email to alums stating that "students" want the new mascot, intimidating the Clarion and now as you say the Communications Office.
DU has an Honor Code and Ethic rules that not only applies to students, but staffers, faculty and administrators as well.
Couple all this attention in the Post about Ethics at DU and the school is looking increasingly bad.
According to the USG's own Constitution they are accountable to: "promote the general welfare of the University of Denver and its students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater University of Denver Community." Clearly, in the Boone saga, they are missing the mark!
Code of business conduct investigation? No way. Will the truth be revealed about the REAL cost of the obama show? Stay tuned
So far, Coombe and the Trustees believe that the elimination of Boone was in the best interests of the university going forward.
The big reason I hear over and over from DU administrators is that the demographics of college admissions are changing, and they feel that anything that might put off applicants in an increasingly diverse applicant pool is a potential loss for DU...
I would argue that DU's applicant pool is still (and will still likely be) dependent on full-pay students to subsidize the more diverse pool (since the endowment can't subsidize all the financial aid they want to give out) and if you are going to pander to selected admissions groups, it is far better strategy to pander to the people who actually pay DU's bills, and that's where Boone is a help...
Of course, there is also a huge current all over higher education, that diversity programs help create the kind of social engineering (utopias?) that college administrators love to create. For these, many mascots are a distraction, since they tend to create more unity and they don't celebrate differences, which multiculturalists love to do...They aren't into melting pots - they like mosaics.
Honestly, if Boone can't be official, it would still be a big win if the school called off the new mascot search for any reason (cost, ethics, poor designs, public sentiment) and said "We're better off without an official mascot."
That way, Boone could resume his subversive status as unofficial.
"Obama show" was getting old many months ago. Shut up, seriously:
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/10/mitt_romney_wins_the_presidential_debate_did_the_republican_nominee_have_one_good_night_or_has_he_changed_the_race_against_barack_obama_.html
OK. how bout this? The REAL cost of the Romney show. obama or Romney show, doesn't matter. What does is the actual cost to the university to host. Much, much higher than dear leaders would like you to believe. Better?
Better.
With the $20-30 million DU got in media impressions around the presidential debate, even if the hard budget ran over by $1-2 million, DU still comes out ahead.
DU's applications are up 30-40% this year in a year where the national applicant pool is smaller and tuition went up again.
Agree that the Presidential Debate was great for DU no matter what it cost.
BUT, if the Presidential Debate was a factor in slashing the Athletics Budget by $500,000 next year AND freezing faculty salaries that is very troubling.
And if the $500,000 slash in the athletics budget was a contributing factor in the Gwozdecky fiasco, then it really sucks.
Finally after DU freezes wages and fires the hockey coach they waste $40,000 on this stupid Mascot Steering Committee they deserve all the crap they receive in the Denver Post.
1-2 million? you wish.
If the Debate went over budget by over $2 million they need to inform the Alumni.
Ethics, Ethics, Ethics.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has a special "Lunch Special" on today Boone. Chambers is becoming the Post's go to guy on mascots. Today he compares Boone to Ralphie.
http://www.denverpost.com/lunchspecial/ci_23435536/denver-boone-still-works-pioneers-university
The blog isn't dead. It's just been moved to the comments section of this thread.
Per DU's communications department, alumni don't matter.
"The blog isn't dead. It's just been moved to the comments section of this thread."
Shhh. Don't tell anyone, its an secret "Blog within a blog."
Is there anyplace I can post that the DU Lax team is ranked #14 in The Baltimore Sun's early 2014 top 20? I would assume most services will have us in the top 10.
Wow, things must really be slow at Chamber's desk.
This whole Boone saga is very amusing....You all CHOSE to go to DU, an elite private college. And you're surprised and appalled that the school is run and governed by PC loving liberals?
I am amazed that anyone would be surprised that this is what comes with a $250,000 bachelor's degree.
PS.....DG, get a life!!
For most of the last 60 or 70 years, DU has been a centrist school with a slightly conservative but generally tolerant administration. In the Coombe years, since 2005, DU hads moved leftward as it attempts to become more diverse and marketable to the wider spectrum of prospects. For many DU alumni, seeing a left leaning administration is pretty new....
How about an administration that doesn't listen to the alumni.
Apparently, you're not donating enough or they would be listening.
Money talks.
Talk is cheap!
11:13 is obviously teatarded....
Your shtick is stale.
On an entirely unrelated note...
Hey everyone! I am a part of the University of Denver Pioneer Enterprise Program and we are conducting some travel market research. I would really appreciate if you could take a few seconds to fill out this survey. It takes under 2 minutes, and your responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q4mJiqwfRRcnPepcqXYudNR1Lu9PNYqinvXKHjUXoBM/viewform
Dave, I've really enjoyed your blog and sad to see you are shutting it down. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your hard work. I'm going to miss being able to keep tabs. Best of Luck!
Northeastern is not allowing newest DU recruit Mike Szmatula out of his National Letter of Intent to play for Denver next season.
https://twitter.com/MikeMcMahonCHN
I hesitate to even bring up the Washington Redskins as the Denver Boone situation is not even remotely comparable in terms of the explanations for why the concepts are offensive. However whether or you not you agree with NFL commissioner Goodell defending the Washington Redskins name (and citing polls showing "only" 10-11% find the name objectionable) his actions provide quite a contrast to what is going on at DU. I wonder if Chancellor Coombe now regrets not having taking a similar position years ago against the less than .01% who did not approve of Boone. I know most DU stakeholders wish he had so that this embarassing, demoralizing and neverending saga had never begun. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2013/06/12/roger-goodell-defends-redskins-nickname-in-a-letter-to-congress/?tid=pm_sports_pop
Boone's success over the past five years in the stands, on TV, with kids and social media presence has added to the recent groundswell of support.
My advice to Coombe Daddy would be to very carefully weigh the consequences his next moves regarding the mascot.
"My advice to Coombe Daddy would be to very carefully weigh the consequences his next moves regarding the mascot"
Do you realize how idiotic you sound when you make statements like that?
Facts are facts......There isn't enough rich white kids in the US to attend DU. Therefore, you have students from all over the world and across all ethnic groups attending DU.
News flash......If DU wants to keep the doors open, they may have to appease some folks other than 50yr old white dudes.
Subjects and objects should agree in tense and number. It's kind of a rule.
Your homepage is outdated. There's a classic quote from a WCHA fan in the upper right corner. Please either simply change that to show it was infact quoted by an NCHC fan; or else put up a whole new "screw DU/Boone Lives/we love George/Coombe hates Alumni type of quote. Thanks.
Your doddering mind is quite obvious and your comments have become superannuated.
You sound quite besotted and stolid.
Previous post if for our friend Old Pio.
Oh please. Some kid in Singapore wouldn't come to DU because Boone was the mascot?
There's a line out the door for students that want to come to Colorado and smoke legal weed.
And if the tuition at DU is too high, Coombe's certainly not the answer because he's raised tuition every frickin' year he's been Chancellor.
Did that guy really just say that people choose colleges based on their mascot?
He does have a point that DU, for the most part, is a white school. And, from a business standpoint, expanding your demographics expands your potential revenue. I could theoretically see that DU is treating Boone as some sort of a sacrificial lamb so that they can get all of this free press to get their name in the media that they are standing up for minorities. Maybe they know how misguided and baseless all of this is. Maybe they don't give a damn about Boone. They just saw this as an opportunity for free press. That, in a way, would be pure brilliance.
Evan Janssen from Dubuque has committed to DU. Will be skating in Magness Arena in 4 months. Coach Jim is bringing champions to Colorado....I like it. Keep 'em coming!
Sad story out of CC. Former Tiger, Scott Winkler found dead at his home in Norway.
Sorry to hear that.
Didn't know that Winkler was a 3rd round draft choice of the Dallas Stars.
Thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates.
Can't figure the Northeastern situation not letting Smatula(SP?)out of his letter. Doesn't that put a disgruntled player on the ice for them? Maybe he will opt out and play another year of juniors. Any news on that?
Terrible news. My best go out to Scott and his family.
Very Sad for Scott.
The Stars needed to decide whether or not to extend an offer to him this summer or risk him to free agency, and from all reports so far, that was expected be a tough decision for the team.
Downer of a day with Scott Winkler's passing. All DU fans really do care and send our best to the entire CC family.
DU men finished #29 & DU women #61 in the Directors Cup final standings. A host of name brand schools finished behind DU.
http://www.capitalonecup.com/assets/standings/complete-capital-one-cup-standings.pdf
DG: Are we #1 foe schools without football?
Indian Country a news source that covers Native American issues published an article mentioning the Boone controversy, LetsGoDU and a Boone photo from the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four in Philadelphia. Interesting article.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/13/new-west-confronts-old-west-colorado-university-149844
Coombe Daddy take note. DU's hockey blog gets more media attention than most of his professors.
Six Nations resident Brendan Bomberry has committed to attend DU to play lax starting in 2014. He's apparently OK with Boone.
We are #51 in the NACDA Directors cup right now, which does dot include baseball and a few other minor sports. We are the top D-I non football school, ahead of Wichita, Creighton, Marquette, Pepperdine, BU etc.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/june14releasenew.pdf
Does this count as journalism?
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/13/new-west-confronts-old-west-colorado-university-149844
Looks like it was authored by a high school, no, middle school student. Provides little information, doesn't address the facts, I feel sorry for anyone who pays for a newspaper that publishes such crap.
I would like to know what values or characteristics an elk has that match the University's values or mission statement and project its place in the future?
Chambers posted an article supporting Boone on June 11th at http://www.denverpost.com/lunchspecial/ci_23435536/denver-boone-still-works-pioneers-university
As The World Turns...
Now lets think about this Elk thing some more. Might be attracting a non-traditional hockey audience... the outdoorsmen and hunters. Orange caps with ear flaps night? They can sell elk callers as souviners. The mascot can trample and gore the opponents' mascots. Who wouldn't love to see the CC tigger get a 10 point rack rammed through his head, and a hoof shoved up his ass? I don't know man.... this is growing on me. The hunters will buy alot of beer at the games; I'm OK with them as long as they're not the Ted Nugent type of extremists
Looks like it's finally dead. Long live LetsGoDU.
U.S.C.H.O.
Gwoz. spotted on campus of Alabama Huntsville.
@12:52
Yes. It is dead. What else do you expect from a whiney quitter who doesn't get his way? Don't worry. A better DU blog will be unveiled sometime soon. One that is not mascot-oriented and is for true supporters. Stay tuned.
It will not DIE until the true cost of the obama show is finally revealed, finally exposing the lies of dear leaders, and the impact of said lies on the financial situation of the university.
Chop chop DG. No quit in him
You should name the new blog, "The Elk was caught Jackaloping in Magness."
The mascot battle raises many interesting dilemmas for DU's leadership.
Is Coombe going to get bogged down going after John Evans after the smashing success of his mascot fiasco?
Will future DU leaders try and erase the "Pioneer" name knowing the pushback from alums over Boone?
June 21, 2013
To: All University of Denver faculty, staff and students
Pay attention to your email early next week, for a very important message sent from University of Denver, email address DUsurvey@du.edu, with the subject line "Give us your feedback on a new mascot character for the University of Denver". The Denver Pioneer Mascot Survey will be sent to your email, and the Denver Pioneer Mascot Steering Committee encourages everyone to participate!
In addition to your inbox, make sure you also check the folder your email system sends "spam" messages, as it's possible the message will incorrectly go there.
This survey is your opportunity to continue adding your voice to the comprehensive development of a new Denver Pioneer mascot character.
Results from the online survey, which will be sent to approximately 75,000 people in our University community, will be used to determine if any of the final three concepts can move forward or require further refinement.
We hope you will join our Pioneer community in providing input as we create the next mascot character together. You’ll receive an email to the address on file in Banner with a link to the survey.
Thank you in advance for your participation. If you have questions about the survey or the process, or want to provide feedback, please send an email to dumascot@du.edu.
The Mascot Task Force that has ignored thousands of DU alums, fans and alumni requests to include Boone as part of the process, wants feedback on the survey they send out?
Interesting...
So the survey is only being sent to students, faculty and staff and NOT THE ALUMNI. Something is fishy about this.
Alumni don't count EXCEPT when they ask us for money.
Kevin Carroll & DU were very stupid to contact all the alums during the school year about the mascot search.
They underestimated the backlash on the mascot issue and all its done is rally the alums and cause people to not donate.
Now they are going to send out another email. The reaction is going to be overwhelming negative.
These idiots don't realize the damage they are doing to donations, season ticket sales and support of the university.
DG..... You've made the same boring argument 50 f@@king different ways. Get some new material!!!
While your working on that, get a refill on your meds to treat your severe narcissism.
I almost hate to post this here, because, after all, this is really LetsGoBoone, not LetsGoDu; but DU has a new goalie...
http://www.westerncollegehockeyblog.com/western-college-hockey-recruiting-ncaa/2013/6/18/4443502/evan-cowley-commits-to-denver-nahl
and
http://www.westerncollegehockeyblog.com/2013/6/24/4455836/2013-nhl-draft-prospect-evan-cowley
Enjoy!
Finally ..... Somebody who realizes that DG is a complete fraud.
Other than buying airline tickets and drinks for 20 yr old impressionable college students, what exactly has he done to enhace school spirit and student participation at DU?
"Here, wear this shirt, hold this sign and lift this banner.......Drinks are on me after the game"
Name one thing that encouraged school spirit that wasn't wrapped in a Boone banner?
"Other than buying airline tickets and drinks for 20 yr old impressionable college students, what exactly has he done to enhace school spirit and student participation at DU?"
Quite a fair amount, I'd say.
Though, IMHO, ever since Gwoz was fired, DG has gone well off the reservation.
WELL off.
Just my opinion, though.
75,000 people is a lot more than faculty , staff and current students...looks like they are looking for lots of input
ring of fire, thanks for the hockey news, DG gave up on DU hockey long ago !
"Quite a fair amount, I'd say."
Really? Let's hear it.
I just fired off an email to Kevin. I sent several in the past week, but have yet to get a response. Gee, what a shock!
Denver faculty ,staff and students doesn't get close to 75 thousand people. They left out the word alumni but the no.75k implies that they will be also sending it to alumni. I hope so.
Plus, there are very few regular full time students on campus in the middle of summer.
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