Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein calls out Chicago area NU fans - "Its time to dream big."

[Alaskawildkat]

An excerpt from Teddy Greenstein's call out of Chicago area Wildcat fans in the The Chicago Tribune:

"No one outside the program expected more than a seven-win season. But the outlook keeps getting better.


A stomping of Stanford brought hope. Drubbing Duke cemented the defense as legit. And what to think now after Northwestern blanked Minnesota 27-0 for its first Big Ten shutout since coach Pat Fitzgerald roamed around in a No. 51 jersey?

Fans, it's time to dream big.

If you're still scarred by what transpired in 2013, when a 4-0 start and ESPN "College GameDay" visit was wrecked by a stunning loss to Ohio State and miserable finish to a 5-7 season, get over it.

If you're a Chicago-area alum who chose Little Jimmy's soccer game over witnessing this potential Big Ten West champion, rethink your future plans.


Even if the 5-0 Wildcats lose to suddenly mighty Michigan on the road Saturday, the winner of Northwestern's Oct. 17 game against Iowa will be the favorite to get to the Big Ten title game.

Barely 30,000 people showed up to Ryan Field on Saturday to take in Northwestern's first Big Ten shutout since a 1995 dismantling of Wisconsin. A few bare-chested students spelled out "LETS GO" and some others began a half-hearted chant of "Undefeated!" in the game's final minute.

This team deserves far more.

This could be the nation's premier defense, having yielded just 35 points — and three touchdowns — in its five victories, three against Power Five teams."



Here is an attempted link to the full article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...estern-football-spt-1004-20151003-column.html

 

[NJCat83588]

An excerpt from Teddy Greenstein's call out of Chicago area Wildcat fans in the The Chicago Tribune:

"No one outside the program expected more than a seven-win season. But the outlook keeps getting better.


A stomping of Stanford brought hope. Drubbing Duke cemented the defense as legit. And what to think now after Northwestern blanked Minnesota 27-0 for its first Big Ten shutout since coach Pat Fitzgerald roamed around in a No. 51 jersey?

Fans, it's time to dream big.

If you're still scarred by what transpired in 2013, when a 4-0 start and ESPN "College GameDay" visit was wrecked by a stunning loss to Ohio State and miserable finish to a 5-7 season, get over it.

If you're a Chicago-area alum who chose Little Jimmy's soccer game over witnessing this potential Big Ten West champion, rethink your future plans.


Even if the 5-0 Wildcats lose to suddenly mighty Michigan on the road Saturday, the winner of Northwestern's Oct. 17 game against Iowa will be the favorite to get to the Big Ten title game.

Barely 30,000 people showed up to Ryan Field on Saturday to take in Northwestern's first Big Ten shutout since a 1995 dismantling of Wisconsin. A few bare-chested students spelled out "LETS GO" and some others began a half-hearted chant of "Undefeated!" in the game's final minute.

This team deserves far more.

This could be the nation's premier defense, having yielded just 35 points — and three touchdowns — in its five victories, three against Power Five teams."



Here is an attempted link to the full article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...estern-football-spt-1004-20151003-column.html

He's 100% right. Last Saturday was a disgraceful showing.

 

[Mr. Stupor]

Well the

An excerpt from Teddy Greenstein's call out of Chicago area Wildcat fans in the The Chicago Tribune:

"No one outside the program expected more than a seven-win season. But the outlook keeps getting better.


A stomping of Stanford brought hope. Drubbing Duke cemented the defense as legit. And what to think now after Northwestern blanked Minnesota 27-0 for its first Big Ten shutout since coach Pat Fitzgerald roamed around in a No. 51 jersey?

Fans, it's time to dream big.

If you're still scarred by what transpired in 2013, when a 4-0 start and ESPN "College GameDay" visit was wrecked by a stunning loss to Ohio State and miserable finish to a 5-7 season, get over it.

If you're a Chicago-area alum who chose Little Jimmy's soccer game over witnessing this potential Big Ten West champion, rethink your future plans.


Even if the 5-0 Wildcats lose to suddenly mighty Michigan on the road Saturday, the winner of Northwestern's Oct. 17 game against Iowa will be the favorite to get to the Big Ten title game.

Barely 30,000 people showed up to Ryan Field on Saturday to take in Northwestern's first Big Ten shutout since a 1995 dismantling of Wisconsin. A few bare-chested students spelled out "LETS GO" and some others began a half-hearted chant of "Undefeated!" in the game's final minute.

This team deserves far more.

This could be the nation's premier defense, having yielded just 35 points — and three touchdowns — in its five victories, three against Power Five teams."



Here is an attempted link to the full article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...estern-football-spt-1004-20151003-column.html

If Greenstein wrote something positive about NU every once in a while, I might actually be able to see this piece as something more than the hypocritical bandwagon jumping that it is. Pathetic. As usual from him.

 

[shakes3858]

An excerpt from Teddy Greenstein's call out of Chicago area Wildcat fans in the The Chicago Tribune:

"No one outside the program expected more than a seven-win season. But the outlook keeps getting better.


A stomping of Stanford brought hope. Drubbing Duke cemented the defense as legit. And what to think now after Northwestern blanked Minnesota 27-0 for its first Big Ten shutout since coach Pat Fitzgerald roamed around in a No. 51 jersey?

Fans, it's time to dream big.

If you're still scarred by what transpired in 2013, when a 4-0 start and ESPN "College GameDay" visit was wrecked by a stunning loss to Ohio State and miserable finish to a 5-7 season, get over it.

If you're a Chicago-area alum who chose Little Jimmy's soccer game over witnessing this potential Big Ten West champion, rethink your future plans.


Even if the 5-0 Wildcats lose to suddenly mighty Michigan on the road Saturday, the winner of Northwestern's Oct. 17 game against Iowa will be the favorite to get to the Big Ten title game.

Barely 30,000 people showed up to Ryan Field on Saturday to take in Northwestern's first Big Ten shutout since a 1995 dismantling of Wisconsin. A few bare-chested students spelled out "LETS GO" and some others began a half-hearted chant of "Undefeated!" in the game's final minute.

This team deserves far more.

This could be the nation's premier defense, having yielded just 35 points — and three touchdowns — in its five victories, three against Power Five teams."



Here is an attempted link to the full article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...estern-football-spt-1004-20151003-column.html

Personally, I thought the student section was great. No it wasn't full, but the kids that were there were having fun, enjoying the game and were being loud. I'm a huge of the students repeating the announcer's comments "Time to move the chains," and my favorite, "JUSTIN JACKSON THE BALL CARRIER." I was cracking up all game.

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

Sorry - but why is going to a college football game a better choice than going to "little jimmy's soccer game"? I will never chose going to a college or pro game ahead of my own children. I agree with the sentiment of the article, but the reality of 11 am games is parents are put in a position to make a choice most Saturday's and personally I can't chose a college game over my own kids.

 

[iskaboo]

The article may be a bit of bandwagon-jumping, but it is still positive media coverage in a publication/website that still has a lot of influence in Chicago and the surrounding area. So, this is a plus.

Actually, I haven't had that much trouble with Greenstein's coverage of the Cats over the years (although it will now decrease as he is no longer the beat writer). It must be difficult to be objective when you cover your lama mater, and I think a lot of fans/alumni expect him to write positive things about NU all the time, even when it is not warranted.

IMO, the Tribune still provides way too much coverage to Notre Dame, just as it does with the Bears. That is not Greenstein's fault; rather it lies with the editors. Hopefully, when the Cats are 11-0, we will get more coverage than the Irish.

 

[NJCat83588]

It must be difficult to be objective when you cover your lama mater,

Mother Llama?

 

[elgatoloco]

Sorry - but why is going to a college football game a better choice than going to "little jimmy's soccer game"? I will never chose going to a college or pro game ahead of my own children. I agree with the sentiment of the article, but the reality of 11 am games is parents are put in a position to make a choice most Saturday's and personally I can't chose a college game over my own kids.

Maybe it was just a throwaway line? Fell flat to me as well, as I have a lot of soccer conflicts at game times.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Why is this such a big deal? Chicago is a Bears town even when they blow. This isn't Lincoln, Iowa City, or Madison where there is basically nothing else to do other than drink. NU is way smaller than our B1G competitors and many have more alum than NU. The people that were there were great on Saturday. Students very enthusiastic and crowd was into it in my section.

There will be plenty of band wagon jumping a if we keep winning and then we will complain that they aren't anything more than that.

 

[HappyNUyear]

Why is this such a big deal? Chicago is a Bears town even when they blow. This isn't Lincoln, Iowa City, or Madison where there is basically nothing else to do other than drink. NU is way smaller than our B1G competitors and many have more alum than NU. The people that were there were great on Saturday. Students very enthusiastic and crowd was into it in my section.

There will be plenty of band wagon jumping a if we keep winning and then we will complain that they aren't anything more than that.

This was the first time in years, that I actually observed almost everyone on their feet on 3rd Down and making noise. It's not a Bears Town, It's a Blackhawks Town Now!!! ;-) However, there's only ONE real Football Team in Chicago currently and they wear PURPLE!!

 

[StreamCat]

Well the


If Greenstein wrote something positive about NU every once in a while, I might actually be able to see this piece as something more than the hypocritical bandwagon jumping that it is. Pathetic. As usual from him.

Somebody get Mr. Stupor some anti-depressants. He's bringing us all down.

 

[Overly_Invested_Cat]

The article may be a bit of bandwagon-jumping, but it is still positive media coverage in a publication/website that still has a lot of influence in Chicago and the surrounding area. So, this is a plus.

Actually, I haven't had that much trouble with Greenstein's coverage of the Cats over the years (although it will now decrease as he is no longer the beat writer). It must be difficult to be objective when you cover your lama mater, and I think a lot of fans/alumni expect him to write positive things about NU all the time, even when it is not warranted.

IMO, the Tribune still provides way too much coverage to Notre Dame, just as it does with the Bears. That is not Greenstein's fault; rather it lies with the editors. Hopefully, when the Cats are 11-0, we will get more coverage than the Irish.

Unlikely.

I mean the shift in coverage, not the 11-0 record.

 

[shakes3858]

Sorry - but why is going to a college football game a better choice than going to "little jimmy's soccer game"? I will never chose going to a college or pro game ahead of my own children. I agree with the sentiment of the article, but the reality of 11 am games is parents are put in a position to make a choice most Saturday's and personally I can't chose a college game over my own kids.

Because there are 365 days in a year. More in certain years. Having your life revolve around your kid's schedule 358 of them and taking 7 days to watch what could be a once in a life time team seems completely reasonable.

Trust me your kids will be ok riding with their best friend on the team and not having you around.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Because there are 365 days in a year. More in certain years. Having your life revolve around your kid's schedule 358 of them and taking 7 days to watch what could be a once in a life time team seems completely reasonable.

Trust me your kids will be ok riding with their best friend on the team and not having you around.

Helicopter dads? Brings back memories of my getting chewed out by another dad for not being there for the game when I went to pick up my kid from a little league game. I had two other kids playing on two other baseball teams the same Saturday afternoon. Can't be in three places at once.

 

[Styre]

If you would rather go to your child's soccer game than an NU football game, great! Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many people would even call that admirable. Just don't complain about our attendance at the same time, that's all.

 

[willycat]

Sorry - but why is going to a college football game a better choice than going to "little jimmy's soccer game"? I will never chose going to a college or pro game ahead of my own children. I agree with the sentiment of the article, but the reality of 11 am games is parents are put in a position to make a choice most Saturday's and personally I can't chose a college game over my own kids.

Well OK we all know that 'little jimmy's" game that Saturday will likely be the last of his career, so how about purchasing tickets, maybe even season tickets to NU games and if your otherwise tied up sell or give them to someone who would love attending a college game.

 

[willycat]

Why is this such a big deal? Chicago is a Bears town even when they blow. This isn't Lincoln, Iowa City, or Madison where there is basically nothing else to do other than drink. NU is way smaller than our B1G competitors and many have more alum than NU. The people that were there were great on Saturday. Students very enthusiastic and crowd was into it in my section.

There will be plenty of band wagon jumping a if we keep winning and then we will complain that they aren't anything more than that.

NU should and would take all of the bandwagon jumping fans it can get.

 

[CatsDad]

I remember being a kid and going to the gas station and getting football stamps to fill players on each team. The last team you wanted was the Patriots. Then when my eldest son was a kid I found a brand new football jacket for dirt cheap, it was the Patriots. Everyone made fun of him when he would wear it to school. He stayed a Patriots fan till this day. The funny thing now is how many people want Patriots stuff and how many fans they have. I understand the lack of fan support, we haven't earned it. But we are on the right track. When I first got on this board talking BIG Championships and things like that , many of the people on here called me out on it calling me a dreamer, and saying I was unrealistic. Fitz has the program on the right course and as we win and build a tradition of winning, the fans will come. They will come and swear the they have Always been a Wildcat's fan. But fans come and go with success and with failure. Go read some of the tweets at Cardale Jones, it is amazing the fans begging him for autographs a year ago are now writing such vile things to him today. In a few years when you cant park or get tickets to Ryan field, you will be missing the days of under 40k fans.

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

If you would rather go to your child's soccer game than an NU football game, great! Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many people would even call that admirable. Just don't complain about our attendance at the same time, that's all.

Who's complaining?

 

[willycat]

Who's complaining?

WCCF, you must not read these boards much.

 

[willycat]

Who's complaining?

WCCF, guess your to busy to read these boards as well as getting to a game.

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

WCCF, you must not read these boards much.

I guess I've missed the posts from people both complaining about attendance but then also explaining that they personally have other commitments during the middle of the day on Saturdays

 

[Mr. Stupor]

If you would rather go to your child's soccer game than an NU football game, great! Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many people would even call that admirable. Just don't complain about our attendance at the same time, that's all.

Actually, it's really not that great. I think that by being there for them For EVERY FRICKING GAME, we as fathers deny them important levels of independence and also deny them important story telling skills.

I can't tell you how many times after a great day pitching little league or playing golf or whatever, I tore home on my Sting Ray and ran into the house to give dad the full play by play.

I believe we actually hurt our kids by always being there. The key word here is always. Never is clearly a mistake. But always is equally mistake. The parenting comes in figuring out the right amount in the middle. It's gotten so crazy with all this travel this and feeder that ... I know it's hard but it's important to miss a game here or there. Or at least disappear from the game for a while if you had to drive them to booneyland. They need that independence.

One last thing. I read a really great study on this topic a couple years ago.

Do you know what the #1 thing kids dislike about sports? The ride home.

Think about that. As hard as it is as dads, we need to butt out more, not less.

 

[SmellyCat]

I think it depends on the sport. When my son was playing baseball, I couldn't get enough. For soccer I hope for a rainout every week, and no one seems to be upset if I miss a game or two.

Then again, soccer games are on Saturdays in the fall. Baseball games are on *other* Saturdays. That could have something to do with it.