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Post by broadtail on Apr 12, 2024 11:48:47 GMT -8
Sydney Wiese's Facebook post today:
"Let me make one thing clear before I begin- I am saying all of this on my own accord. This is my own perspective and my own words.
As someone who went to Oregon State for all 4 years and played for Coach Rueck all 4 years, I have taken the time to think to myself- what would I do under the circumstances that these kids are facing? NIL. PAC12 conference is no longer. Transfer portal makes it real easy. It’s a pretty hard trifecta to deny. Can I blame these kids for making an incredibly hard decision to leave? No, not given everything (and personal reasons respective to each individual) that they are working through. College is hard enough- adding this into the mix, I can’t imagine trying to navigate it all. You know what made college a little easier and a lighter load for me to bear? My team. My staff. My community. My college. A stable and consistent home for four years as I went through growing pains, twists and turns, ups and downs, on and off the court. I had a support system that was unshakeable. I was immersed in relationships that I still count on to this very day. The only way that happened was through my commitment, my teammates commitment, my coaches and staff and fans- all of us, committed.
When I look at kids “committing”- whether it’s out of high school or from the transfer portal, I don’t put as much weight in that word as I once did. Because, look at what’s happening- not just at OSU, but around the country. This isn’t commitment; this isn’t team first mentality. As someone who has been a pro for 7 years now, this is a culture that should not be infiltrating the protected parts of the college experience. The main part being an unquestionable team-before-self approach; the rest of life, from a professional standpoint, is basically taking care of yourself. College is such a unique experience (especially as an athlete) where people are literally hired to TAKE CARE OF YOU- from coaches to support staff to academic advisors and so on. Everyone has their reasons to move forward, and I respect it. But, during a decision making process like this, there has to be more resources at the players disposal. They make their choice that is best for them at the end of the day, but are they truly understanding what comes with a decision like this? Again, I’m speaking in total reference about the nature of the NCAA.
Now for OSU, when it comes to Coach Rueck, I think it goes without saying what he has done CONSISTENTLY for this program. He took a team that wasn’t supposed to do much at all this season (they all said) to the Elite 8. That is quite literally.. ELITE. How many times have there been predictions about his team and he has SHATTERED those very expectations? He has nothing to prove to anyone. He earns success, he sets the team up to be successful- every season. When I look back to the teams I was apart of, the reflection of our success points back to Coach Rueck and the way he put us in position to simply make the right play. And how he coached us when the lights were off. It was every single day. That daily grind only we as players know. It took me all four years to become pro ready learning from him. He deserves so much more credit than the collective basketball community has been willing to give him- and that nonsense is for the birds. This man doesn’t need to do anything else to prove how dominant he is as a coach. To this day and probably up until I’m done playing, Coach Rueck is the best coach I’ve ever had, at every level. The whole staff- I know how hard they work, every single day, and they pour their hearts into the kids, every season, including the off season. It doesn’t just start when the first official practice happens; it begins during the recruiting process.. years of building relationships, getting to know families and potential young women who could make OSU a home for four years. This is deep work the coaches do, and they are damn good at it. They are COMMITTED. Support staff included. Coach Ely, Olivia, Jason, and Jeff- their hearts, energy, attention, and time are all pouring into the team. I know because I was there. They don’t deserve any of what is happening. It’s not the kids fault; the whole situation is heartbreaking for all involved. But the staff now remains to forge ahead, to rebuild once more.
I’m here to simply state this team of kids was so special and we will all cherish the run they had. More importantly, because they deserve to be acknowledged and I don’t think anyone really GETS IT- the group of people who work for OSUWBB is full of top notch individuals. There is not another group like them, from college to the pros to overseas. I promise. I know the kids choosing to stick it out and remain at OSU have an uphill battle, but I find peace knowing they aren’t going at it alone. They have the best support system anyone could ask for. I hope for those who have decided to leave that they end up where they want to be. May the rest of their college experience match what their expectations are for starting somewhere new.
Forever, Go BEAVS."
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Post by machd56z on Apr 12, 2024 11:54:29 GMT -8
Thank you for sharing this!
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Post by believeinthebeavs on Apr 12, 2024 11:55:06 GMT -8
Thanks for posting this. Everyone should read it and learn from a true Beaver
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Post by beavaristotle on Apr 12, 2024 11:56:28 GMT -8
Sydney Wiese for president, a voice of reason and very well said
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Post by flyfishinbeav on Apr 12, 2024 12:16:33 GMT -8
Maybe the best s%#t samich I've ever read! Wow! gave me goose bumps!
For those of you who don't know what a s%#t samich is......
You start off saying something nice(bread), then you get to meat of it, or the complaint (s%#t) and you end it with something nice(other piece of bread).....it's a mature-ish way to tell somebody they suck without making them feel like they totally suck.
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Post by markwbeaver on Apr 12, 2024 12:43:43 GMT -8
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Sydney Wiese.
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Post by beaverstever on Apr 12, 2024 13:27:01 GMT -8
This is why I think OSU will be fine, especially if Rueck stays, but likely even if he doesn't.
I also think that there's a good chance only 1-2 of the transfers see the Elite 8 or better the rest of their career. Unless they get into one of the big 4-5 programs, I don't see their deep NCAA run odds improving over having stayed at OSU. If they chase joining specific players at other programs, those players are quite likely to chase NIL money elsewhere the following season as well.
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2ndGenBeaver
Sophomore
Posts: 1,837
Grad Year: 1991 (MS/CS) 1999 (PhD/CS)
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Post by 2ndGenBeaver on Apr 12, 2024 14:04:25 GMT -8
Syd was always wise beyond her years and had amazing perspectives, along with the gift of being able to express those incredibly deep views eloquently. Much respect to one of the best people/players to ever step foot on the Gill hardwood.
Just this closing sentence of hers alone speaks volumes: "I hope for those who have decided to leave that they end up where they want to be." A 'but we have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him' statement if I ever saw one. Very proud that Syd and I went to the same school.
Go Beavers!
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Post by speakthetruth on Apr 12, 2024 14:23:25 GMT -8
I don't know if Syd is ever brought in when a big time recruit is on campus, but she should be. Too bad she wasn't brought in toward the end of the season and talk reality to the departed.
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Post by skyrider on Apr 12, 2024 16:58:38 GMT -8
I had posted the following earlier :
It is my belief that the clearly demonstrated long term support of loyal Beaver WBB fans deserves transparency, disclosure, and full open discussion concerning the recent women's basketball team situation.
All aspects should be included (OSU President, AD, Head Coach, assistant coaches, training staff, support etc). Perhaps having an outside source involved to conduct fact finding, etc. might be of value
The idea here for me is not to provide information for criticism and complaining.
The thought is to use this very bad situation as a catalyst for a better future. This current situation can be just the beginning of a continuing downward spiral or if dealt with openly and thoroughly could lead to a better future than we could have imagined for the program
Doubt that it will happen but if Coach Rueck does not see that not being open and honest will adversely affect his recruiting from now on, then I think our prospects for the future are very dim.
Go Beavs!
After reading what Syd wrote, Her wise, informed, analytical, and caring brilliant summation of the current and past history and situation and past events, cause me to (a) request that every Beaver fan read and save her writing and (b) allow her wise thoughts to hopefully guide us all to becoming better and more loyal Beaver fans. I still believe that a thorough transparent airing of all aspects of the program should occur. However after her post, I believe the major spotlight for scrutiny should be the College President, Board of Governors, Athletic Director and other entities who allowed a 100 year old conference to go down the drain,
If it has been possible to hire excellent coaches (Scott R., Mitch C., etc.,etc.) is it not possible to hire (on a short term basis) the necessary legal, promotional, and other talent to get us out this mess>?
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Post by algernon14 on Apr 12, 2024 17:35:11 GMT -8
Thank god for Sydney Wiese, a voice from someone who's been there and done that, a post that shows wisdom and reason, thank you.
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Post by Judge Smails on Apr 12, 2024 17:39:13 GMT -8
I had posted the following earlier : It is my belief that the clearly demonstrated long term support of loyal Beaver WBB fans deserves transparency, disclosure, and full open discussion concerning the recent women's basketball team situation. All aspects should be included (OSU President, AD, Head Coach, assistant coaches, training staff, support etc). Perhaps having an outside source involved to conduct fact finding, etc. might be of value The idea here for me is not to provide information for criticism and complaining. The thought is to use this very bad situation as a catalyst for a better future. This current situation can be just the beginning of a continuing downward spiral or if dealt with openly and thoroughly could lead to a better future than we could have imagined for the program Doubt that it will happen but if Coach Rueck does not see that not being open and honest will adversely affect his recruiting from now on, then I think our prospects for the future are very dim. Go Beavs! After reading what Syd wrote, Her wise, informed, analytical, and caring brilliant summation of the current and past history and situation and past events, cause me to (a) request that every Beaver fan read and save her writing and (b) allow her wise thoughts to hopefully guide us all to becoming better and more loyal Beaver fans. I still believe that a thorough transparent airing of all aspects of the program should occur. However after her post, I believe the major spotlight for scrutiny should be the College President, Board of Governors, Athletic Director and other entities who allowed a 100 year old conference to go down the drain, If it has been possible to hire excellent coaches (Scott R., Mitch C., etc.,etc.) is it not possible to hire (on a short term basis) the necessary legal, promotional, and other talent to get us out this mess>? Good lord. There’s got to be somebody to blame right? Or maybe all of our leaders were blindsided by the 10 traitors and have done everything in their power to make the best of it. Who should we sue first? Lol
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Post by skyrider on Apr 12, 2024 18:07:46 GMT -8
As a super positive step that Beaver fans can take, I propose we start a petition collecting signatures requesting that the OSU athletic department hire Syd Wiese on a full time basis, with a salary that shows the tremendous value she can bring to the department in so many ways.
Enough screws up have occurred recently to last lifetimes, let's not make another one by not ensuring that Syd is an important element in Beaver athletics for as long as she wishes to stay!!!
Perhaps someone(actually everyone) with more social media skills than I, can get the ball rolling on how we do this? Perhaps a starting point would be the posting of her recent facebook text (see post on this blog for complete transcript) on a website that would then accept signatures and comments?
I for one am tired of just getting bad news. Let's create our own good news and perhaps also help with a better future for women's ball.
Go Beavs!
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Post by Judge Smails on Apr 12, 2024 18:09:54 GMT -8
As a super positive step that Beaver fans can take, I propose we start a petition collecting signatures requesting that the OSU athletic department hire Syd Wiese on a full time basis, with a salary that shows the tremendous value she can bring to the department in so many ways. Enough screws up have occurred recently to last lifetimes, let's not make another one by not ensuring that Syd is an important element in Beaver athletics for as long as she wishes to stay!!! Perhaps someone(actually everyone) with more social media skills than I, can get the ball rolling on how we do this? Perhaps a starting point would be the posting of her recent facebook text (see post on this blog for complete transcript) on a website that would then accept signatures and comments? I for one am tired of just getting bad news. Let's create our own good news and perhaps also help with a better future for women's ball. Go Beavs! Lol. You should take your act on the road. Hilarious!
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Post by skyrider on Apr 12, 2024 18:26:02 GMT -8
As a super positive step that Beaver fans can take, I propose we start a petition collecting signatures requesting that the OSU athletic department hire Syd Wiese on a full time basis, with a salary that shows the tremendous value she can bring to the department in so many ways. Enough screws up have occurred recently to last lifetimes, let's not make another one by not ensuring that Syd is an important element in Beaver athletics for as long as she wishes to stay!!! Perhaps someone(actually everyone) with more social media skills than I, can get the ball rolling on how we do this? Perhaps a starting point would be the posting of her recent facebook text (see post on this blog for complete transcript) on a website that would then accept signatures and comments? I for one am tired of just getting bad news. Let's create our own good news and perhaps also help with a better future for women's ball. Go Beavs! Lol. You should take your act on the road. Hilarious!
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