With the recent BCS drama that is going on, I have noticed the large amount of media coverage that it has received. Some of the critics are upset that Florida is playing Ohio State, and some think that another Michigan-Ohio State match would not be as exciting.
While looking at what is being said about each of these teams– you have to wonder why some things are being said– and the question is– what makes a team? Is it their reputation? Their image? The perception of their leader in the public? I would say that there are several elements that make up a team.
1. Spokesperson / Leader of Team: It all starts at the top– if you have a great leader that respected, admired, and is loved by the media– then your team will be golden! Of all the coaches that I have seen and heard about in Football in the BCS drama, I would have to say that the best example of a great leader is Pete Carroll. His quotes in the media are great– they are well structured and direct– and they are always focusing on the positive. 🙂 There are some coaches that do not do this, only talk about themselves, and are labeled as a “Whinner”. Ouch! This is a label that can not only be passed on about a coach, but the entire team– which is not good.
2. Reputation and Image: The reputation and image of a team is critical, especially if you are trying to increase the number of fans that come to your game, or the number of recruits that you want to come to your university. If a team is known for being a trouble team dealing with a lot of crises (ex. Colorado and Duke), then this will really damage their reputation in the public, among their fans, and the media. It’s important to realize that the most valuable asset a team has really is their reputation, and what they do with it.
3. Third-Party Endorsers: Third party endorsers are those that are not really officially associated with the team, but they are people that are outside that still make a huge impact on the team itself. These individuals can be well-known fans that attend all the games (ex. celebrities at USC) or those that serve as “gatekeepers”. I would have to say that a team that knows the “right” people to serve on committees or part of a sports organization– the team will usually get the press and exposure in the media and the public.
4. Players themselves: You can tell a lot about a team the way that the players interact with the press and others off and on the playing field. There are some athletes out there that have really done a great job in working with the press (Matt Leinart and Chris Leak), and then there are others that are what I consider to be “PR Nightmares.” This does play a part to how the team is viewed overall in either a positive or negative manner among their fans and boosters. Remember– the fans and boosters are the people that pay the big $$ to see you play. 🙂
5. Support and Networking: When I am talking about support, I mean that a team does depend on how much support that they get not only from their university, but from their community as well. There are many towns that shut down practically if there is an athletic event going on at the local university, and money is always there for the athletic department. I am still amazed that there is a WAITING list at USC to join the Cardinal and Gold Club and give money to the university! Amazing!!! 🙂
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