It seems to me that the erosion of what I consider to be the reason for being a fan continues. The team represents the school that I feel deeply about. But, that by itself is almost empty of any passion or Fan-aticism. I don't feel passionately about the Miners logo. So, a large part of the fanaticism comes from the players on the team. They are supposed to become part of "the family". They too, would be proud graduates of the school and share the love for it with us. I think that may have been why Floyd left. I think his heart was with the school he loves and the frickin players have become completely mercenary. Breaks my heart. Maybe because I had a very different relationship with the team back then, but the last time I remember the team being a group of players that seemed to have an allegiance to UTEP was when TB brought in a bunch of young men from Memphis. Even then, though, they came in as a group of Memphis kids, with more allegiance to TB than UTEP, perhaps. They were such good men though, that we adopted them whether they liked it or not. Under Floyd, we had years of one or two players we could get to know a year, so the connection has withered. I am hoping that the new coach can bring back a reason to love the team again. The very best way to build that kind of team is to build it upon a deep love and respect. The players should have a deep love and respect for the school. People that deeply love and respect something refuse to allow anything less that the very best from all involved to protect and bring glory to that something. I maybe would rather watch a team I loved and who loved the school they represent try with all they had to win and come up short that watch a team of players who hated the school but could win. Here's the deal. I don't think we have to choose one or the other. But, I am losing hope that we will get what I would want.
