help me out...

[centex]

how do you like VCU and the Richmond area as a whole. I am thinking of attending grad school at VCU's SportsCenter. I am trying to get some feedback from people who go there. I am also considering JMU. As of right now though, I am definatey leaning toward VCU. Is there alot of stuff to do in Richmond. I grew up in Waco, Texas which is about 150 - 200,000 population. I now live outside of Austin, Texas which has a population of roughly 500,000. There is alot to do in this are in the form of clubs/bars/nightlife. Also I am right between Baylor and UT. Would VCU be worth the cost of my out-of-state tuition? Please help...

[VCU4LIFE]

What graduate program would you be interested in at JMU?

I've heard nothing but good things about the SportsCenter program here. Richmond is a great place to live for college age people and I've certainly enjoyed my 3 years here. The VCU-JMU comparison is a bit difficult. If you like city life, go to VCU. If you like cows and sheep, go to JMU. :lol:

[centex]

The degree that I want to pursue is in Athletic Administration/Coaching. Both JMU and VCU are 2 of the only universities in the nation to offer these degree's. I am partial to city life but not too big of cities, like DFW and Houston or San Antonio here in Texas. There are just too many people. I am coming to VCU this summer to work basketball camp and will pretty much decide where to go at that time. Thanks

[VRam]

Sounds like Richmond would be perfect for you. Good luck.

[BradMan]

Centex,

I went the other way...From Richmond to Houston for grad school. But as far as VCU's sports center I believe it is a good choice both as a grad program but also due to the sports on the East Coast. But seems to me you are more interested in where you are going to live rather than how good a program is...that is completely reversed on what you should be looking for as far as grad school in my opinion.

But regardless. JMU/Harrisionburg is in a very rural area where the city develops around the college for the most part. Unlike Austin where the University/city/capitial all contribute to the surrounding area. Austin is probably more fun than Richmond in my opinion however Ricmond does offer a lot for young people. Plenty of clubs downtown and over the river, plenty of sports in the area, DC is only 2 hours away, beach is 21/2 hours away, mountains are an hour away (being from texas I'll explain - big huge rocks 1000's of feet tall sticking out of the ground :)). Richmond isn't DC, Phili, NY, or Boston but I really enjoyed it.

[BigE]

Richmond is the same size as Austin without the overwhelming UT presence. You will find the Richmond college sports crowd divided into several camps. The summer heat is different - ours also has humidity. You will find everything closer together here (I once had to drive from Austin to San Antonio - never again!).

[centex]

Bradman -

I have throughly researched the academic sides of each university and the opposing programs that I would like to pursue. I am sure that I will like either of the programs academically. It now comes down to which place I want to live. There are other factors however, including cost. I also hope to become the men's basketball grad assistant at whichever program I choose. I do have a connection to VCU and the coaching staff. VCU also has a true GA position in which they give money similar to a scholarship. JMU does not have this position, meaning I would be paying full tuition fo an out of state student and excepting whatever little bit of regualr financial aid that I might receive.

At this point I am heavily leading toward VCU. Mostly because of the SportsCenter program and because of the coaching staff and true GA position. As I stated before, I have been invited to work VCU basketball camp in early August. That should give me a much better understading of the university and the coaching staff. I am trying to get out of Texas for grad school so that I can make more connections.

[RAMMER]

Richmond is a pretty unique city. I grew up in Ann Arbor, moved to Northern VA (suburb of DC), went to school in Williamsburg for five years, then lived in Richmond for 6 years. I must admit my heart is in Ann Arbor. That being said, Richmond is a very good place to live. Cost of living is fairly low, very low for a city this size. You can find a very nice one bedroom apartment for about $700 a month. If you think that is high look at the cost of living in DC, you would have to pay almost twice as much. There are some nice areas to live in where you feel safe. Richmond also has many big city amenities that Harrisonburg lacks, arts and cultural events mainly. It is a great place to be a student as long as the President isn't cutting your program. Since the sports program is on the rise this should not be a problem. Richmond also has a lot of history, it is the former capitol of the confederacy and is one of the older cities in VA.

If you couldn't tell yet I am recommending Richmond.

Plus Harrisonburg smells like dogfood, who wants to live there.

If you have other specific questions, please ask and we will try to help you out.

[ODU2K1]

[quote="centex"]how do you like VCU and the Richmond area as a whole. I am thinking of attending grad school at VCU's SportsCenter. I am trying to get some feedback from people who go there. I am also considering JMU. [quote]

Did you look at Old Dominion for your masters in sports management? The program at Old Dominion does have its NASAM certification. In addition to the athletic department we also have five professional sports teams in the Hampton Roads area for resources to draw from. The quality of life here is great we have the beach, downtown Norfolk, and then the mountains are not far, neither is D.C. I got my BS in Sports Management from Old Dominion and the program was great!

[centex]

odu2k1

thanks for the info. I checked up on ODU a little bit but they didn't have the same type of program that I want to get into. I am also favoring VCU because of the stability of Capel. From what a few people have told me, Coach Dillard and the ODU coach(Blaine ?) have to win NOW or they could be out. I don't want to make a commitment to a school and coach where the environment could be changed by 2004, which is when i will enter grad school. I do understand that this can change anywhere at anytime with coaches, having my dad as a college coach has taught me that. I know a someone at VCU quite well and I am hoping this will give a foot in the door for the GA job there. If the coaching scenery changes there, I will still most likely try and go to VCU just because of the academic side of the program.

[BradMan]

ODU2k1,

What five professional sports do you have down there? Didn't know you guys had any except for things like Minor/farm league, etc. Not belittling the minors or the "semi-pro" as they used to be called...they are professional teams....but that is what you are talking about right?

[dukaholic]

centex -

As a JMU person, I must admit that you sound as if you fit better at VCU. It's very rural here at JMU, with not much nightlife. VCU also sounds like it saves you a bunch of money, which would have to be a factor for you. Either coach, Dillard or Capel III would have numerous connections, and if JMU fires Dillard there will be a national search for a respectable coach.

All in all, Richmond sounds like a LOT better fit for what you're looking for socially and entertainment wise.

Harrisonburg is DIRT CHEAP to live in though.

As far as the dog food...I used to notice it, but I don't anymore. Don't know if it's gone or not. It does surface when it rains sometimes though...

JMU is about 60% female though, and 9000 18-23 year old girls are good enough for my entertainment ;)

[ODU2K1]

ODU2k1,

What five professional sports do you have down there? Didn't know you guys had any except for things like Minor/farm league, etc. Not belittling the minors or the "semi-pro" as they used to be called...they are professional teams....but that is what you are talking about right?

Yea. As of today (and due to the nature of minor league sports this is subject to change)

Norfolk Admirals (AHL Hockey)
Norfolk Tides (IL Baseball)
Norfolk Nighthawks (af2 Arena Football)
Virginia Beach Mariners (A-League Soccer)
Hampton Roads Piranhas (W-League Womens Soccer)

All of these are minor leagues and all are the AAA class of thier respective sports. Rumor has it that we may be getting an indoor soccer team as well but who knows. We are damn near the minor league sports capitol of the country.

[BradMan]

Dukie - you guys have dog food and Richmond has tobacco (or is used to). On warm nights you could actually smell tobacco....not cigarette smoke tobacco smell but the actual before it is processed, plant smell. Also, there used to be a book bindry close to VCU which you could smell...forgot what the smell was.


Dog food?...is that why your mascot is a dog? :) (at least I think it is a dog...lol)

[BigE]

Dukie - you guys have dog food and Richmond has tobacco (or is used to). On warm nights you could actually smell tobacco....not cigarette smoke tobacco smell but the actual before it is processed, plant smell. Also, there used to be a book bindry close to VCU which you could smell...forgot what the smell was.


Dog food?...is that why your mascot is a dog? :) (at least I think it is a dog...lol)

The Tobacco factory is now going to be a Kogers Supermarket. Where was the book bindery...don't remember it.

[VCU4LIFE]

I believe it's on Broad. Think it's a high class restaurant now though.

[ramathon74]

Centex - there is also some good BBQ in Richmond, not as good as Rudy's, but quite good.

[RamKnowledge]

Centex,

I attended both JMU and VCU (and GMU - MBA). Both JMU and VCU are good schools in different ways. You can't go wrong either way.

JMU - rural; beautiful campus; lot of hotties; super all-around school with nice dining facilities, good classes/professors, nice sorority/fraternity system, a football team, great reputation, well-rounded student body (athletically, socially, academically), etc.

VCU - urban, lots to do; good media (newspaper, radio, TV); good bar/club/restaurant scene; some hotties; improving campus/reputation/facilities, good co-op program, better access to companies/networking/internships/jobs, diverse/eclectic student body, etc.

Pros and cons for both. I liked 'em both!! GMU was good too.

[VCU Toni]

Centex, I LOVE my school a lot. If you are from the north, chances are you won't like Richmond (I don't know anyone from up there that like it!). But since you are from Texas, you will love this city. It sounds as if you will love Richmond though. Following are a couple of things I've learned...

VCU SPORTSCENTER--
--------------------------
-great facilities...excellent place to work
-very nonchalant learning experience...it's a very nice environment to be in (i've heard this from all types of people from coaches to fresh grads)
-lot's of opportunities for graduates, current students. I know a lot of people who get jobs quickly because of the respect that our program has acquired.
-it's only getting better..it's only been around for a few years and it's already at the level of other programs (similar to the Engineering School..how proud are we of that??)

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE COMING--
---------------------------------------------------
-am i living on campus or not? if you are trying to live on campus, APPLY FOR HOUSING THE DAY YOU APPLY FOR SCHOOL! if not, you will end up on the MCV campus, which is not bad, but many people don't like it (too undergrad-like).
-what do i want out of life here? what are my goals? make your plans before you come here..it's easy to get sidetracked.

RICHMOND--
---------------
-BRING A CAR if you can...it'll help your social life a LOT with easy access to the nightlife.
-everything else will come..it's cool here, you will like it a lot

GOOD LUCK HERE IN RICHMOND..YOU WILL LOVE THE CAMP, WORKING IT IS A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE. YOU WILL LOVE THE PEOPLE MOST OF ALL..VCU IS VERY WELL-ROUNDED; IT MAY HAVE IT'S UPS AND DOWN'S BUT IT'S WELL WORTH THE JOURNEY :)

hey, and JMU really does smell like dogfood..VCU4L, remember when we got out the car? I was like "what is that smell"?????? lol :) :)

[UofRfan]

I would wager Blaine will be at ODU longer than Capel at VCU. Capel is one good year from moving on, Blaine will get a chance to play with his recruits. If ODU has a good year he wont be going anywhere too fast I wouldn't think just because of some of the baggage.

[Bighorn]

URFan, I'm wondering why you think JC3 might be so upward bound?

What has he done - other than beat UR at Siegel Center - that leads you to feel that he is a cut above?

I don't have strong feelings either way. To me, the jury is totally out. But it puzzles me why folks believe he's got some extra gear that others may not have.

The Third Edition's first edition went 18-10 with a team that would have probably gone 18-10 with McCarthy, or just about any other coach you can think of. It also lost to Drexel in the CAA semifinals - IN RICHMOND! - that put a wart on the whole compaign, and likely cost VCU a post-season bid.

The Third hasn't begun to prove himself as a recruiter, and the lack so far of a big-man signee this recruiting season has left many with a furrowed brow.

Under Capel's leadership last winter, guards Jones and Willie went backwards and inside players Reid and Moore showed little improvement along the way.

Don't interpret this the wrong way. I'm not saying that Capel won't be a strong coach - I'm only implying that he hasn't proven much yet and I don't quite see why evaluators are so quick to project him to a higher level.

I'm not arguing with you - I just don't understand.

[RAMKING]

I think just being part of the Duke fraternity and being 28 are the two things that keeps him on the radar screen as far as coaches moving up. If he was able to add a 25 win season and a NCAA tournament bid over the next year or two, then his stock would skyrocket. If he doesn't, then he doesn't deserve to move on. It's interesting that we are talking about this as the last three VCU coaches (Pollio, Smith, McCarthy) had their careers end here.

And, the loss to Drexel in the semifinals DID cost us a post season bid. VCU goes if they win that game.

[BradMan]

It may be difficult to get a big man if you ask me...with the possible exception of a Freshman center...and even that may be difficult. With the exception of Godwin and Moore, all our other frontcourt players will be here for at least 2 more years - Reid (could act as center or forward - 2 years), George (3 years), Doles (2 years), Story (2 years)....not to mention that Drew Johnson is a combo G/F player.. With talent like that it would be hard to get aJuco to come in and few freshman want to possiblity of sitting on the bench for 2 years waiting to get the opportunity to play. We may yet get some one, perhaps someone very good...but with our frontcourt it would be difficult for most coaches to get someone.

While the jury is still out on Capel's recuriting, he has done a decent job so far. He was able to keep Godwin (Macks recruit) after Mack left. He recruited the CAA ROY in Nick George, and has recruited a top State recruit in BA Walker. Harper and Johnson I know much less about and we will have to wait and see.

And while yes I really would like to also get a big man, I'm not too worried about our frontcourt next year. We haven't lost anyone (unlike several other CAA teams), plus they will have had a full year of experience under Capel. Dole came up to speed quickly after almost 2 years off and should be even better. Story hopefully will start where he left off. Nick will be stronger and better. Reid continually progressed throughout the year Godwin is a bull (and if he comes back at between 280-290 instead of 320 we will know he worked during the summer. And I really hope Moore picks his game up...he has one year left of college ball..he needs to give it every thing he's got.

[VCU4LIFE]

Where the hell did this discussion stem from on this thread?

[BigE]

Centex, I LOVE my school a lot. If you are from the north, chances are you won't like Richmond (I don't know anyone from up there that like it!). But since you are from Texas, you will love this city. It sounds as if you will love Richmond though. Following are a couple of things I've learned...

VCU SPORTSCENTER--
--------------------------
-great facilities...excellent place to work
-very nonchalant learning experience...it's a very nice environment to be in (i've heard this from all types of people from coaches to fresh grads)
-lot's of opportunities for graduates, current students. I know a lot of people who get jobs quickly because of the respect that our program has acquired.
-it's only getting better..it's only been around for a few years and it's already at the level of other programs (similar to the Engineering School..how proud are we of that??)

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE COMING--
---------------------------------------------------
-am i living on campus or not? if you are trying to live on campus, APPLY FOR HOUSING THE DAY YOU APPLY FOR SCHOOL! if not, you will end up on the MCV campus, which is not bad, but many people don't like it (too undergrad-like).
-what do i want out of life here? what are my goals? make your plans before you come here..it's easy to get sidetracked.

RICHMOND--
---------------
-BRING A CAR if you can...it'll help your social life a LOT with easy access to the nightlife.
-everything else will come..it's cool here, you will like it a lot

GOOD LUCK HERE IN RICHMOND..YOU WILL LOVE THE CAMP, WORKING IT IS A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE. YOU WILL LOVE THE PEOPLE MOST OF ALL..VCU IS VERY WELL-ROUNDED; IT MAY HAVE IT'S UPS AND DOWN'S BUT IT'S WELL WORTH THE JOURNEY :)

hey, and JMU really does smell like dogfood..VCU4L, remember when we got out the car? I was like "what is that smell"?????? lol :) :)

You are right Toni, the Northerners were like that even back in the "good ole days" when I was in school. But you know what...most of them are still here....hummm! :shock:

[BradMan]

LOL...I think I had just read a post about getting a big man and also commenting on part of what bighorn said regarding Capel and recruiting. Guess I got a bit off track....it's been known to happen on occasion :)

[VCU4LIFE]

I was speaking more to the infestation of UR fans on the thread. It was a discussion of comparing two schools and graduate programs, not a VCU-ODU bitchfest like too many of the other threads are. Though I sure do love arguing with Blomi!

[Bighorn]

It's time for this thread to take another twisted turn ...

With each passing day with no recruiting announcement, it's appearing more and more like VCU4life might be the Rams' backup center.

Lifter has good height, sharp elbows (I've heard this from Pavarotti) and unlike many, he doesn't need to go to the weight room to pick up a LBs.

Before anyone snarls, consider that this could be a good thing - at least in terms of media attention that some feel is lacking.

Imagine the story line: Long-armed Saxophonist leaves the pep band to serve as Godwin's fill-in!

I can see it now, Godwin picks up No. 2 midway into half one, adn Capel looks down his bench. He sees Reid and thinks "nah." He looks toward K-Mo and mumbles "no way."

Then he peers into the band, and summons for Lifer, who bounds onto the floor.

I visualize Dickie V going crazy in the announcer's booth ... even Billy Packer loosening his tie. What a headline - "This Ram really does have horns."

[VCU4LIFE]

Sorry, my college eligibility is spent... :oops:

[centex]

I know that this thread has kind of gotten out of hand, but I just wanted to thank everyone for their input and feedback. I have been taking everythig into consideration. Currently I am working on improving my GPA and preparing to take the GRE test. I want to ensure that I will have no problems getting into grad school. Thanks again.