SWC -- a personal reminiscence ...

[stuckinbig11]

Thank you, CTO -- things we never knew.

 

[littlereg]

I'm really sad about the loss of SWC. So many of our board legends are gone and I miss them. Orangeyes, SWC, CaliCuse...

This community that you created cto has brought me so much joy and belonging for 25+ years, and the friends we've made here are something I will cherish.

It’s crazy because In a sense I’ve bascially grown up on this board. I started on here when I was 14, didn’t even make my own account and start participating until I was 16 and now I’m turning 28. Half my life I’ve spent participating on this board hahah. It’s awesome the community we have here is truly one of a kind. There isn’t another fanbase quite like ours.

 

[FrancoPizza]

This is a good point - maybe an ambassador program for the tailgates. Someone (doesn’t always have to be the same person) to help you meet others and get out of the way as you get your feet under you.

As a way to honor Steve and to address the social challenges for first-timers, I think a designated ambassador at tailgates would be a great idea. New members could be directed to the “SWC75 Tent” or to look for the man with the puppet.

 

[baggerbob]

Also, please don't forget Igor (or Bonn, or the many other handles he used over the years). He was the ultimate curmudgeon who annoyed and angered many people with his incessant "tavern-league" posts, but he was a big part of the fabric here. And, believe it or not, he was a really nice guy in person.

To everyone on here, I want to personally thank each and everyone of you for making my love of Syracuse Sports so much better.
When I was a teen in the 50's it was pretty much just family and friends.
It's wonderful to be able to come to a place where you can interact with fans who have the same love for SU Sports as you have.

 

[IthacaMatt]

we should not assume that. If you are new to a social function many people will feel some degree of social anxiety especially when meeting new faces. I went to the fine mess last fall with 2 of my kids and one of their friends - and everyone was in their cliques (which is expected). It’s not like there’s a welcome station for first timers with name tags. I thought about introducing myself in the ticket line but in the back of my mind I wasn’t sure what kind of reception I’d get especially when people tend to already have “labels” based on their board persona.

But back on point I could see why an introvert would feel out of place there. This is not a criticism - just saying large social gatherings don’t appeal to everyone and first-timers often rely on someone who’s already in the circle to be their wing man. If you don’t know where to start or who to turn to, it can be a scary bridge to cross over at these events. It can definitely be a deterrent to giving it a shot. Not everyone is an extrovert or super confident flying solo.

I personally am open to giving it another shot because I desperately need to connect with other SU fans that share my level of passion. And I’d like for my kids to see that there are other crazies out there besides their old man. But there has to be a welcome tent or a greeter or some plan for first timers. I am not going to walk around yelling my board name expecting good things to happen.

He was probably on the autism spectrum, like my daughter, and (probably) myself to a lesser extent. His extremely analytic nature and social anxiety seem on point.

 

[IthacaMatt]

While controversial, StudIgor deserves consideration also.

He was an Internet Troll before there was even such a thing.
He got a big kick out of yanking people's chains on this board and its several predecessors.

When we were on AOL and I was the first moderator, I must have banned him a half dozen times before learning, years later, that he had been my high school football coach. He was always encouraging young players to transfer, and that used to really set me off. LOL

 

[sutomcat]

we should not assume that. If you are new to a social function many people will feel some degree of social anxiety especially when meeting new faces. I went to the fine mess last fall with 2 of my kids and one of their friends - and everyone was in their cliques (which is expected). It’s not like there’s a welcome station for first timers with name tags. I thought about introducing myself in the ticket line but in the back of my mind I wasn’t sure what kind of reception I’d get especially when people tend to already have “labels” based on their board persona.

But back on point I could see why an introvert would feel out of place there. This is not a criticism - just saying large social gatherings don’t appeal to everyone and first-timers often rely on someone who’s already in the circle to be their wing man. If you don’t know where to start or who to turn to, it can be a scary bridge to cross over at these events. It can definitely be a deterrent to giving it a shot. Not everyone is an extrovert or super confident flying solo.

I personally am open to giving it another shot because I desperately need to connect with other SU fans that share my level of passion. And I’d like for my kids to see that there are other crazies out there besides their old man. But there has to be a welcome tent or a greeter or some plan for first timers. I am not going to walk around yelling my board name expecting good things to happen.

I get the trepidation. it is natural and expected to be uncomfortable joining a big group,of people who mostly are good friends.

I would just say, for anyone who is thinking of going to a tailgate or other board gathering, especially forthe first time, to please not be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, give your handle and ask who they are.

I think you will find people are friendly, and warm, calm and welcoming.

Speaking only for myself, I really enjoy meeting other posters for the first time. I am always sad when I find out a poster attended an event, and I didn’t get a chance to meet them. When I found out, you came to a tailgate Franco and we didn’t get a chance to meet, I was sad. Genuinely.

Take a chance, come to an event, and say hello to the gang. We would love to meet you. Even if you are a ljerker who has never made a post!

 

[orangefog]

I get the trepidation. it is natural and expected to be uncomfortable joining a big group,of people who mostly are good friends.

I would just say, for anyone who is thinking of going to a tailgate or other board gathering, especially forthe first time, to please not be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, give your handle and ask who they are.

I think you will find people are friendly, and warm, calm and welcoming.

Speaking only for myself, I really enjoy meeting other posters for the first time. I am always sad when I find out a poster attended an event, and I didn’t get a chance to meet them. When I found out, you came to a tailgate Franco and we didn’t get a chance to meet, I was sad. Genuinely.

Take a chance, come to an event, and say hello to the gang. We would love to meet you. Even if you are a ljerker who has never made a post!

And...bring ginger ale?

 

[bevosu]

I'd like to put a word in for CTO. I've never met her, but I did directly communicate with her at least 14-15 years ago. We both shared employment at GE. I was a floor sweeper in Bldg 5 on Electronics Pkwy when I was in my late teens and she had a career at a much higher level.

During that email intro she graciously offered her seat at the Dome for a basketball game. I'm not the only one she has done that for. I appreciated the offer, but never took her up on it. She's a special lady. Obviously deserving of being a legend on the syrfan board. When it comes to fandom she's as devoted as any of us..

Thanks for your post about SWC (I initially thought he was a Southwest Conference fan). He did give off vibes even on this site that he was not all that comfortable getting out of his comfort zone.

I have to admit that I've cried a few times reading the many posts about how much he meant to this crazy group.

 

[FrancoPizza]

I get the trepidation. it is natural and expected to be uncomfortable joining a big group,of people who mostly are good friends.

I would just say, for anyone who is thinking of going to a tailgate or other board gathering, especially forthe first time, to please not be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, give your handle and ask who they are.

I think you will find people are friendly, and warm, calm and welcoming.

Speaking only for myself, I really enjoy meeting other posters for the first time. I am always sad when I find out a poster attended an event, and I didn’t get a chance to meet them. When I found out, you came to a tailgate Franco and we didn’t get a chance to meet, I was sad. Genuinely.

Take a chance, come to an event, and say hello to the gang. We would love to meet you. Even if you are a ljerker who has never made a post!

I will say the west lots are not the easiest to access unless you’re willing to park down that side. I used the MLK lot but my kids did not feel safe walking those side streets. Empty bottles, broken glass, homeless carts littered near the bridge. Definitely a nicer “college experience” coming up by Marshall st. and through the quad.

I’ll keep my ears pinned - maybe there are other events besides the Fine Lot?

 

[orangefog]

I'd like to put a word in for CTO. I've never met her, but I did directly communicate with her at least 14-15 years ago. We both shared employment at GE. I was a floor sweeper in Bldg 5 on Electronics Pkwy when I was in my late teens and she had a career at a much higher level.

During that email intro she graciously offered her seat at the Dome for a basketball game. I'm not the only one she has done that for. I appreciated the offer, but never took her up on it. She's a special lady. Obviously deserving of being a legend on the syrfan board. When it comes to fandom she's as devoted as any of us..

Thanks for your post about SWC (I initially thought he was a Southwest Conference fan). He did give off vibes even on this site that he was not all that comfortable getting out of his comfort zone.

I have to admit that I've cried a few times reading the many posts about how much he meant to this crazy group.

She is beyond legend, she is the Creator.

 

[LAOrange]

Also, please don't forget Igor (or Bonn, or the many other handles he used over the years). He was the ultimate curmudgeon who annoyed and angered many people with his incessant "tavern-league" posts, but he was a big part of the fabric here. And, believe it or not, he was a really nice guy in person.

I loved Igor. He and Stan used to bring that "alternate point of view" better than anybody.

 

[knicks07]

View attachment 250419

One of my best friends invented Hooper. Haven’t seen one around in a while. Have one tucked away in a closet.

 

[Cheriehoop]

I get the trepidation. it is natural and expected to be uncomfortable joining a big group,of people who mostly are good friends.

I would just say, for anyone who is thinking of going to a tailgate or other board gathering, especially forthe first time, to please not be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, give your handle and ask who they are.

I think you will find people are friendly, and warm, calm and welcoming.

Speaking only for myself, I really enjoy meeting other posters for the first time. I am always sad when I find out a poster attended an event, and I didn’t get a chance to meet them. When I found out, you came to a tailgate Franco and we didn’t get a chance to meet, I was sad. Genuinely.

Take a chance, come to an event, and say hello to the gang. We would love to meet you. Even if you are a ljerker who has never made a post!

Glad you welcomed not only SU lurkers but those SU jerkers too. Seriously though, nice post.

 

[LAOrange]

we should not assume that. If you are new to a social function many people will feel some degree of social anxiety especially when meeting new faces. I went to the fine mess last fall with 2 of my kids and one of their friends - and everyone was in their cliques (which is expected). It’s not like there’s a welcome station for first timers with name tags. I thought about introducing myself in the ticket line but in the back of my mind I wasn’t sure what kind of reception I’d get especially when people tend to already have “labels” based on their board persona.

But back on point I could see why an introvert would feel out of place there. This is not a criticism - just saying large social gatherings don’t appeal to everyone and first-timers often rely on someone who’s already in the circle to be their wing man. If you don’t know where to start or who to turn to, it can be a scary bridge to cross over at these events. It can definitely be a deterrent to giving it a shot. Not everyone is an extrovert or super confident flying solo.

I personally am open to giving it another shot because I desperately need to connect with other SU fans that share my level of passion. And I’d like for my kids to see that there are other crazies out there besides their old man. But there has to be a welcome tent or a greeter or some plan for first timers. I am not going to walk around yelling my board name expecting good things to happen.

Since I've mostly lived on the west coast since I left school, I attended my first tailgate in Vegas last year. I loved it, but I will agree with Franco that I genuinely wish that everybody connected to the board had worn nametags. I've known everybody here for twenty+ years and no one looked like I thought they would.

 

[Millhouse]

He was an Internet Troll before there was even such a thing.
He got a big kick out of yanking people's chains on this board and its several predecessors.

When we were on AOL and I was the first moderator, I must have banned him a half dozen times before learning, years later, that he has been my high school football coach. He was always encouraging young players to transfer, and that used to really set me off. LOL

He probably wanted you to transfer and redirected it
(I'm kidding)

 

[FrancoPizza]

He was probably on the autism spectrum, like my daughter, and (probably) myself to a lesser extent. His extremely analytic nature and social anxiety seem on point.

Maybe. Probably. But going alone to these events takes onions, autism or not. If there was an ambassador or greeter I would’ve spoken up. It’s not natural to randomly butt into small groups minding their own business.

 

[Cheriehoop]

I will say the west lots are not the easiest to access unless you’re willing to park down that side. I used the MLK lot but my kids did not feel safe walking those side streets. Empty bottles, broken glass, homeless carts littered near the bridge. Definitely a nicer “college experience” coming up by Marshall st. and through the quad.

I’ll keep my ears pinned - maybe there are other events besides the Fine Lot?

I love to be recognized, everyone just say hi to me anytime you see me.

 

[MSOrange]

Here's a couple more posts SWC made where he referenced working for Social Security. He did have a pretty funny sense of humor that he snuck in his posts sometimes

Then and Now Part 7: the Kicking Game and Summary

Then: As a freshman, Andre Szmyt, (‘Schmidt’), kicked 30 of 34 field goals and all 61 extra points for 151 points, second in the country and won the Lou Groza award as the nation’s outstanding place kicker for our 10-3 team of 2018. The next year, a 5-7 team didn’t give him as many opportunities...

syracusefan.com

Why Syracuse Will Win

- Because we are Syracuse and they are Colgate and we haven’t lost to Colgate since 1950. The last nine games have gone like this: 61-7, 34-6, 47-0, 71-0, 46-6, 51-8, 47-24, 49-15, 42-7, the last being the game in which Nate Eachus ran for 147 yards in 35 carries. - Dino Babers has been...

syracusefan.com

 

[kingtidge]

He was probably on the autism spectrum, like my daughter, and (probably) myself to a lesser extent. His extremely analytic nature and social anxiety seem on point.

Was gonna say the same.

Puppet would be a crutch he used to get the words out in interpersonal interactions.

Also makes sense why his posts were so analytically dialed-in.

 

[sabach]

Sad to see board legends move on. This place hasn't been the same since Orangeyes passed and won't be the same now that SWC is gone. Reminds us all to never take anything for granted and to savor our time together while we have it.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I loved Igor. He and Stan used to bring that "alternate point of view" better than anybody.

They both used to drive me so crazy! (A short drive, yes ...)

 

[PoppyHart]

Never met Steve, but whenever I think of him or see his screen name, I reflexively think of “The Most Interesting Man in the World, his former avatar.

 

[Cheriehoop]

They both used to drive me so crazy! (A short drive, yes ...)

I saw Igor and spoke on the phone a few times after his stroke. He was definitely an internet professional againster and provocateur, saying some ridiculous things but different, more mellow and personable, quick to laugh, in person. He was a very good friend to Boca Doug during Doug’s wife and Doug’s own serious health issues before they both passed.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I saw Igor and spoke on the phone a few times after his stroke. He was definitely an internet professional againster and provocateur, saying some ridiculous things but different, more mellow and personable, quick to laugh, in person. He was a very good friend to Boca Doug during Doug’s wife and Doug’s own serious health issues before they both passed.

He and Bees used to sit near each other at games, and attended practices together.

When I moved back to Syracuse in 2003, he got in touch when he realized I had been his former student in middle school English, and a player for him on the varsity football team as a frosh and soph at OCS.

We got together for lunch in Skaneateles and had a great time.