Tough times, I know, but come on...

[nil]

I know times are tough right now with your young team, but man have you guys changed... I think you are getting a taste of what we warned you of last year. At this level, these things happen. What is supprising though, is how all of your fans have fled so quickly. Everyone loves a winner, its who sticks around to keep things going in the right direction that will support future success.

I dont want to kick you while you are down, so I'll only say it once... I'm enjoying this a little with all the $hit your fans talked about Butler. Its good for the conference when several teams are playing well, so its a good thing if you would hurry up and get better. Just remember this period the next time you guys find success, and maybe you'll handle it a little better. Remember, the conference championship will always run through Hinkle.

[pantherdon]

How does the conference championship always run through Hinkle?
In fact, I can't even remember the last time it was anywhere but Milwaukee.

I think were gonna be even more obnoxious next year when were hosting the HL Tournament again.
And BTW, were still conference champs until the season's over.

[ArtVandelay]

Don't worry about kicking us while we're down Atherton. We most likely deserve some ribbing for the sh*t that some of our fans have talked over the years. This season, much like Butler's in 04'-05', should make any future success that much more sweet for those who haven't faced this type of adversity with the program.

Best of luck to Butler this year, while my team isn't doing well I still can enjoy Butler carrying on a solid tradition of success for the top team in the Horizon League. I have this funny gut feeling that we will be back though, so don't get to comfy sitting at the top of the conference


Art Vandelay

[Rawls]

ppl like Atherton make it hard to root for anyone besides Milwaukee. If youre not going to kick us when were down, then don't. You've also got to expect SOME $#!t-talking, we're rivals, the rivalry would suck without it. Despite this, I'll be rooting for BU in all but 2 games this year (plus an applicable HL tourney game) as they have thus far proven themselves the HL cream of the crop. The farther they take this streak the better for the HL as a whole.

iViva la Liga de Horizonte!

[zvillehaze]

nil said:

Just remember this period the next time you guys find success, and maybe you'll handle it a little better.

Maybe Atherton should heed his own advice. Before you guys get too fired up, understand that AB does not speak for all Butler fans.

I posted over here earlier that this year would be struggle for your team and that you couldn't lose 7 seniors and expect to win 20 games or go 12-4 in the conference. That reality is now setting in, but doesn't mean you guys should stop supporting your team or stop looking forward to a brighter future.

I'd ask that you don't take the comments of one person and attribute them to "Butler Fans".

[brewtownbrian]

I think anyone who has read previous posts of AB's over the years realizes that he doesn't represent a majority of the BU fans.

He's more of an irritant that gets under your skin than anything else. Plus his post on this thread is loaded with contradiction.

"I don't want to kick you while you're down, so I'll only do it once..."

If you don't want to "kick us while were down"... don't do it at all.

"Just remember this period the next time you guys find success, and maybe you'll handle it better."

Right back at you buddy! Listen to your own advice.

And in closing...I'd like to ask how have we changed? Most of the peeps on this board are big fans. There may have been an adjustment period when reality set in, but not too many of the posters here are jumping ship or anything.

If you're referring to the lack of smack talk, I would say to you...that's how it works. When your team is up...you talk smack. When your team is down...you tend to keep quiet or else you can end up looking like an idiot.

That's fundamental in the rules of smack-talking.

In all honesty, I agree and feel how others, who have posted, feel. And that is I'll root for Butler in all but 2 games this season. The same can be said for the other HL teams. The more we win as a conference, the better it is for everyone in the conference.

I'll still wear my "Buck Futler" shirt for the BU/UWM games though...

[reggiewheelerfor3]

There's been nothing but support for Butler and the success they've had so far this season, in several different threads on this board. Glad you're showing your appreciation, Atherton. Geesh.

[coldwind]

We already know Atherton's grasp of the English language is tenuous at best...he's from Indiana for God's sake

[boosyourdaddy]

What do you mean struggle? We're still undefeated in HL play.

[TBone]

Have people stopped supporting the team? I know the casual fan has, but I think most of the posters here are in it for the long haul and will continue to support the team regardless of the record.

And Butler's playing some lights out basketball so far this year. Here's hoping they continue up until they play us.

T

[Pantherholic]

nil said:

Remember, the conference championship will always run through Hinkle.

Just like last year, and the year before, and the year before that right?

[panthers6thman]

nil said:

I'm enjoying this a little with all the $hit your fans talked about Butler. Its good for the conference when several teams are playing well, so its a good thing if you would hurry up and get better.

I forget, when were you the youngest team in the nation, when you struggled?

[Rambler63]

Success in college sports is a very powerful drug. UWM got a swelled head for several years, just as UIC did in the Banks/Bailey years and Butler has a bit now.

Of course, as a Loyola fan, I can make that observation because we've been drug-free for 21 years and counting!

[raar]

This is about the worst UWM team I have seen in 5 years +. I am not so sure what it will take to turn this team and program around. Youngstown State is a bad program with really bad teams every year... they should not even be in the Horizon Conference. And right now they are better than UWM. What the?!! I don't see how UWM has a chance to win another game this year...not without luck

[gbbunk]

And the fan base is gone! It took the past 6 years to get the fan base where it was last year, (which was respectable). But this one year of young play, struggles, will have that fan base down to nothing for next year. I know many alums that have been following this team since they graduated in 2000, they use to miss work parties, b-day parties, and (in-general) re-arrange their schedule to make every home game, and even a few away games. But this year, after the parkside game, nobody has even mentioned Milwaukee basketball. It will be difficult to get the fans back next year, if flowers, Johnson and Johnson make an improvement to the current team. It is one thing to win a championship and then turn around and be mediocre...it is another thing to win a championship and then plan suck!!!