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| Frank Mercogliano stops in officially this time. |
BengalChat returned with a rare summer edition with Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Frank Mercogliano, who took questions on everything imaginable involving Idaho State athletics, including the 2008 football season, ISU's new coaches, and anything else the fans wanted to know about.
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| Moderator: Just checking in on a Thursday, but we've already got some questions in, so just a reminder you can submit questions at any time prior to the chat! I finally get to do one!!!! |
| Frank Mercogliano: Ah.....five minutes....five minutes and counting....still time to get questions in...Clayton at Salmon River is getting his in for sure! |
| Frank Mercogliano: Cool....it doesn't say moderator anymore! |
| Frank Mercogliano: Alrighty, well time for the moderator of these things to get out in front and answer some questions....first, some of the housekeeping stuff.... |
| Frank Mercogliano: Just so folks know, and I'll have stuff on the website about this, but during the media portion of the Big Sky Conference Football Media Days on Monday and Tuesday, July 21 and 22, I will have the live chat section open, so folks can ask questions of coaches and players along with the media, and we might even be able to visit with some of the other coaches...the power of wireless internet, if it works at the Marriott. |
| Frank Mercogliano: And thankfully, I have a full-time assistant, which means we can have more of these BengalChats this year, as well as more blogposts on the BengalBlog, which was a big hit at the CoSIDA convention I was at.... |
| Frank Mercogliano: OK, submit questions, and I'll do my best to answer them all, as best I can...this is your chance people LOL....and here we go! |
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| Otis: What is going on with the Women's Basketball Program? Has Ally Sisel actually transferred to Idaho? How are they going to adjust at center with the remaining personnel? |
| Frank Mercogliano: I have to do this...Otis...MY MAN!!!! Sorry...couldn't help myself.... |
| Frank Mercogliano: Ally has transferred to Idaho, yes ... this is something that happens when you lose a coach, especially one that was as talented as Jon. |
| Frank Mercogliano: It's funny, if you walked into the women's basketball offices right now, there is no one there, but alas, they are working....Angela and Jordan are recruiting I believe, and Seton is catching up with the new signees for 2008-09, meeting in person with the parents and the players, at least that's the last I heard. |
| Frank Mercogliano: I really think Seton will do a great job here....he has that same passion and fire that Jon had (and still has) ... Angela is instantly relatable to the current players because she has been here ... I think she will see a lot of herself and her style in a player like Devin Diehl. Of course Jordan already has a rapport with the players as well, so I think they are in good hands. |
| Frank Mercogliano: You gotta love the non-coachy political answers, no? Also, Seton was pretty close to announcing his third assistant, so I imagine that will come soon... |
| Frank Mercogliano: Next question, Mr. Moderator.... |
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| KC ( Idaho Falls): I hear rumors the football team were be wearing all black uniforms at home this season. If this is true when we(the fans) get to see them? |
| Frank Mercogliano: Rumors, huh? Well, I guess this is the official scoop then, because.....yeah, we have changed uniforms. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Now, understand, my personal love was the orange uniforms, as it was unique to me, but the coaches and players wanted the switch, so we are going to be all black at home (tops and bottoms), and white tops with black pants on the road. |
| Frank Mercogliano: I was actually hoping to have a picture of them if they were here, but I haven't seen them come in yet, but maybe Eddie Thompson will get to model them at the Big Sky meetings if they are here. |
| Frank Mercogliano: The sound you are hearing by the way is from all the stat crews on the road that don't have to read orange numbers on a white jersey anymore...that was tough LOL |
| Frank Mercogliano: I should also mention the helmet gets a slight tweak as well....it will stay white, but the thick helmet strip from a few years ago is back (no more pointed one like the Denver Broncos have), but it will be a thick black stripe flanked by two thinner orange ones. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Also, the helmet logo reserves itself, going to a black logo with orange trim. Most folks don't know that I actually designed the helmets and the helmet logo that we have used since 2001...kinda of falls into the weird things SIDs do... |
| Frank Mercogliano: wow...15 minutes, two questions answered LOL...I'll pick up the pace. |
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| Mike (Christiansted, USVI): Why does your previous volleyball coach run camps in St. Thomas, USVI, St. Croix, USVI, Jacksonville, FL, and Jackson, WY? |
| Frank Mercogliano: Mike....um, wouldn't you if you could? If I could do my job in the Virgin Islands, guess where I'd be hanging out? |
| Frank Mercogliano: Seriously though, Mike Welch, the former coach, has always wanted to expand his camp presence, and he has always worked a few summer camps there, so now he can make it more of a full-time venture. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Based on the tan he had when he was checking out my dishwasher a few weeks back, he seems to be enjoying the experience. Mike is staying in Pocatello, as his wife is a teaching in the local school system, and his family and himself are all fond of the area...Mike's a great guy. I wish he would have won a few more games, and I know he feels the same. |
| Frank Mercogliano: OK, Clayton from Salmon River has a bunch of questions here.... |
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| Clayton (Salmon River): Thanks for taking the time to do this, Frank.
1) Do you or athletic office make use of student interns as much as possible? I remember as a student, I would try to gain as much valuable experience as I could. In turn, this looks great on a soon-to-be graduate's resume. I'm sure there are many communications students, for example, who would love to work on media guides, press releases, and the website. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Student interns are a funny thing....sometimes they work out great, sometimes they are honestly very flaky. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Take Katie Zigars for example...she started out as a volunteer intern five years ago when she was a walk-on on the tennis team. She was given some assignments, and handled them...so she got some more. Eventually she did two internships for credit, then a graduate assistantship, and then suddenly, the right door opens and she's got the assistant job. In fact, Jason Erickson who was here before Katie was a volunteer intern as well, so the answer is yes, we'd love to have folks come in and want to help, especially ones who have a little writing experience. |
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| Clayton (Salmon River): Any thoughts on improving "Bengal Review?" The set is dark and gloomy, and it seems like it's best moments were when it was pre-recorded (coming from the floor of the arena right after a game, for example). The station which produced the show also made a point last year of announcing itself as the "home" of another in-state college team. It makes me wonder just how committed they are of producing a top-notch TV program. The show NEEDS more energy, a brighter upbeat set, and more "live" interviews with student-athletes, assistant coaches, and administration members. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Bengal Review...it is a little dark in the studio, isn't it? I don't know if they would want to change the studio backdrops and stuff up (for contrast, check out the Today Show indoor set...lots of bright colors and pastels). |
| Frank Mercogliano: But, our colors are black and orange, so it is limited...also the show tapes pretty early afternoon on Sunday, and in the fall with two slots for football, one for soccer, one for volleyball, plus a taped piece, I'm thinking there isn't a ton of room for live student-athlete interviews normally, but I'm not averse to it...I can check into it. I do think Brad has a nice passion and does a good job hosting the show, as Dave did before that. Also, I wouldn't bust on KPVI for doing the "Home of the Broncos" thing...they had their TV games....I understood it. They definitely are very supportive of us here. |
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| OB: Hi, Frank. What's the prognosis for parking fees, surcharges, etc. at Holt? Thanks. |
| Frank Mercogliano: OB, is this Joe O'Brien LOL? |
| Frank Mercogliano: From what I understand it is still in the talking stages, because there are different thoughts on how to implement it (charge for everyone? for all events? for just non-ISU events?). |
| Frank Mercogliano: So the answer is I'm not sure...I personally think something will happen, but it won't crush a person's wallet, and there will probably be ways to get season parking passes or something...I mean how about this...for the Tampa Bay Rays, parking is $10...unless you have 5 in a car, then you are considered "Being Green" and "Eco-Friendly" for carpooling, and parking is free! So I mean there's lots of variables they are working on...I think it'll happen, just not sure when. |
| Frank Mercogliano: I don't dance around anything baby LOL |
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| Katie (Pocatello): Are you looking forward to working in the new press box when the football team travels to Boise State? |
| Frank Mercogliano: First of all, I'm assuming this is Katie my new assistant, so get back to work.... |
| Frank Mercogliano: but seriously? I'm totally pschyed to see it. I love Holt Arena, and I love games in here, but the only press box worse is Northern Arizona's, since it hangs from the ceiling and actually sways. |
| Frank Mercogliano: The Holt press box is really small, and one quarter of the first two levels are unusable because of the stairs. Now, we have done about as much as well can, with monitors for stats, and the press box P.A. system, but we are in desperate need of a new one. |
| Frank Mercogliano: So yes, I love going to other places that have good press boxes...this year I get Boise State, Cal Poly's new one, Northern Colorado's in nice, and Eastern Washington's is great too...good times. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Back to Clayton |
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| Clayton (Salmon River): What can be done to improve ISU's marketing efforts? Little is still heard around the state regarding ISU athletics, and what TV spots I have seen are still very "amateurish." Montana had an excellent TV commercial last year. North Dakota State has an excellent TV commercial this year (with the theme "Will You Be There?," available to be seen on YouTube). |
| Frank Mercogliano: It's funny...I'm a big Marlins fan, and I hear from my friends in Florida who yap because they feel the team doesn't do enough to market themselves, and they are marketing machines down there. |
| Frank Mercogliano: That being said, it's a two-fold issue, personnel, and money. The year we had probably the best "marketing" was Jim Senter's first year, but we had like eight or nine people working at it...this year, right now, we are down to like two, and that counts Russ Eisenstein our broadcaster. |
| Frank Mercogliano: So, Steele and Associates as part of their agreement with us does our commercials and stuff, but obviously, the folks who pay them $$$ get first dibs and stuff, which is perfectly normal. By and large they do a good job with it...to be honest, a bunch of us came up with a great idea for a theme and commercials, but a little too late to get it going for this year. It takes a lot of planning...it's amazing and bewildering at times... |
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| Steve (Pocatello): Frank, as a retired ISU stat team member of yours (from several years ago) I am thrilled to hear about the black uniforms - they should be a while lot better to read numbers from a distance plus the new look is long over due especially with new coaching staff. Thanks for setting this chat up -keep up the good work. Steve |
| Frank Mercogliano: Beatty!!!! Steve was part of my original "Million Dollar Stat Crew"...I actually had a rocket scientist on the crew at one time LOL. |
| Frank Mercogliano: It's so funny, and again, this is my personal opinion here, but I don't like the all-black look....I'd rather see white pants with a black shirt. I think that all uniforms nowadays (and this opinion is shared on uniwatchblog.com as well by many folks), that uniforms and uniform designers are trying to make athletes look like superheroes. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Seriously, I had a softball game at like 10 pm when it was 35 degrees outside, so I put on my wife's Under Armour stretch top....I felt like the Flash in that thing...slimmed my gut down too, but I think the all black is just too superheroish for me. |
| Frank Mercogliano: BUT......I'm like the only one who thinks so, because EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE is so excited for these uniforms to come, and hey, sometimes a new uniform portends to great things, right? |
| Frank Mercogliano: Running out of time here (having lunch with the wife don't you know!), so time for a few more...get them in quickly! |
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| Tom(Pocatello): What is going on with the Women's Basketball Program? Now that its too late to recruit a center, what are the plans for that position? Has Ally Sisel officially transferred to Idaho? |
| Frank Mercogliano: Tom, as I stated above right at the beginning, Ally did transfer to Idaho (she isn't listed on their website yet, but they only have like eight names listed right now). She is there though, and she has to sit out the year due to transfer regulations. |
| Frank Mercogliano: As for the position, I think Seton is going with what we have...he is really high on Oana (and I think she will be the breakout player this year) we well as Verity. Remember, Verity was seeing lots of time until Oana overtook her, and really, how much time was there with Natalie blocking the way? |
| Frank Mercogliano: I think Verity will have a nice sophomore season, and Oana will be solid, so I think Seton is good there. What he doesn't want to do is rush out and grab a body late just to have a body. He would rather use the recruiting year to get someone of impact as opposed to a body, and I can't say I don't disagree with that strategy...I'm telling you guys and girls, Seton is on the ball... |
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| Mark (Pocatello): Frank:
Talk a little bit about the preparation work that you and your department have to do to get ready for each season. I imagine summer isn't just spent relaxing is it? |
| Frank Mercogliano: I don't sit around drinking margaritas if that's what you mean LOL (Kidding, I don't even drink LOL). |
| Frank Mercogliano: I actually spent most of May and June working on the media guide, which will get posted online next week before I leave for a little R&R (camping and crawdads.....yum). |
| Frank Mercogliano: Once I get back from Park City for the football meetings, and a little more time off to see the family, it is full-tilt go...I mean I started the basketball guide yesterday (Matt Stucki's page is HUGE...seriously...bigger than Schroeder's LOL) |
| Frank Mercogliano: But yeah, there is a lot of planning....July is the one month were I sort of try to reconnect at home and recharge the batteries, but now that the fiscal year rolled, it's also a time of reorganizing and getting ready for the new year...it's honestly a lot of busy work. For me the fun stuff are the game notes, and the games ... and this ... talking with fans. |
| Frank Mercogliano: Wisconsin and some one else have this FAN FIRST initiative, and I just love the idea of catering to your fans....they are the lifeblood...they are the best advertisers we have. I'm really into a Fan First philosophy (hence this chat...the BengalBlog...my ISUSID posting on the message board). |
| Frank Mercogliano: TR in Boise gets in JUST under the wire.... |
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| TR (Boise): Why did Jayson Bird's name disappear from the projected roster? Is he still planning on playing if health and the NCAA allows? |
| Frank Mercogliano: His name disappeared because honestly, I pulled it just to be safe....have you ever read the NCAA Manual? It's ridiculous... |
| Frank Mercogliano: Anyways, Jayson is "Loophole Transfer" ... basically (and I'm going with I-A and I-AA here, so deal with it...), a rule was passed right after we got Matt Gutierrez that said a I-A player could not transfer to a I-AA school if he was a one-for-one, meaning he had one year of eligibilty, but if he was a senior that could redshirt and then play, that was fine. |
| Frank Mercogliano: The reason for that is because they didn't want "rent-a-player" to be a I-AA mentality (and it was for us...Matt transferred right back to Michigan, although he took his schooling very seriously...some guys transfer in for the football season, and never go to class). |
| Frank Mercogliano: Jayson would be a one-for-one, meaning he can't come here.....but there is a loophole that states if a I-A player GRADUATES from the I-A school, he can enroll in a graduate program at a I-AA school and be eligible immediately once the NCAA clears it. That's where Jayson falls into, but they NCAA hasn't cleared him yet (they will, just a question of when...could be today, could be end of July)... |
| Frank Mercogliano: So, just to be safe, I pulled him. He can't take part of any official conditioning drills or things, but when the guys get together for passing things and just to play, he is there...so that's the answer to that... |
| Frank Mercogliano: And it's been an hour....if I didn't get to your question, I apologize...remember to watch the website, because we will have information on the Big Sky football meetings in Park City, and hopefully, I'll have the chat function running on Monday while we are sitting with Eddie Thompson, and on Tuesday with John Zamberlin and the other coaches....should be a fun way to handle the day...for THE FANS BABY!!!!! |
| Frank Mercogliano: Enjoy your weekend everyone....thanks for stopping by! |
| Frank Mercogliano: and GO BENGALS !!!!!! (and Marlins!) |
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| Otis: What is going on with the Women's Basketball Program? Has Ally Sisel actually transferred to Idaho? How are they going to adjust at center with the remaining personnel? |
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| KC ( Idaho Falls): I hear rumors the football team were be wearing all black uniforms at home this season. If this is true when we(the fans) get to see them? |
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| Mike (Christiansted, USVI): Why does your previous volleyball coach run camps in St. Thomas, USVI, St. Croix, USVI, Jacksonville, FL, and Jackson, WY? |
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| Clayton (Salmon River): Thanks for taking the time to do this, Frank.
1) Do you or athletic office make use of student interns as much as possible? I remember as a student, I would try to gain as much valuable experience as I could. In turn, this looks great on a soon-to-be graduate's resume. I'm sure there are many communications students, for example, who would love to work on media guides, press releases, and the website. |
|
| Clayton (Salmon River): Any thoughts on improving "Bengal Review?" The set is dark and gloomy, and it seems like it's best moments were when it was pre-recorded (coming from the floor of the arena right after a game, for example). The station which produced the show also made a point last year of announcing itself as the "home" of another in-state college team. It makes me wonder just how committed they are of producing a top-notch TV program. The show NEEDS more energy, a brighter upbeat set, and more "live" interviews with student-athletes, assistant coaches, and administration members. |
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| OB: Hi, Frank. What's the prognosis for parking fees, surcharges, etc. at Holt? Thanks. |
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| Katie (Pocatello): Are you looking forward to working in the new press box when the football team travels to Boise State? |
|
| Clayton (Salmon River): What can be done to improve ISU's marketing efforts? Little is still heard around the state regarding ISU athletics, and what TV spots I have seen are still very "amateurish." Montana had an excellent TV commercial last year. North Dakota State has an excellent TV commercial this year (with the theme "Will You Be There?," available to be seen on YouTube). |
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| Steve (Pocatello): Frank, as a retired ISU stat team member of yours (from several years ago) I am thrilled to hear about the black uniforms - they should be a while lot better to read numbers from a distance plus the new look is long over due especially with new coaching staff. Thanks for setting this chat up -keep up the good work. Steve |
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| Tom(Pocatello): What is going on with the Women's Basketball Program? Now that its too late to recruit a center, what are the plans for that position? Has Ally Sisel officially transferred to Idaho? |
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| Mark (Pocatello): Frank:
Talk a little bit about the preparation work that you and your department have to do to get ready for each season. I imagine summer isn't just spent relaxing is it? |
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| TR (Boise): Why did Jayson Bird's name disappear from the projected roster? Is he still planning on playing if health and the NCAA allows? |
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