GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Man. Reading through these (mostly) anti-Zimmer threads every few weeks, I'm starting to wonder if money wasn't the only reason Terry left. Maybe catering to every wish and whim of Jackrabbit fans was causing him some behind-the-scenes work-related stress and he needed something a little less life-consuming. Would love to see what would happen if Zimmer bails on you guys and you're stuck with whichever outsider the Argus brings in to replace him.

Overall I've enjoyed Zimmer's coverage. That doesn't mean I won't complain. Admittedly, we were very spoiled with TV and probably with his predecessor Solari as well.

Being a good beat report for a DI sports program is life consuming. That is the job! If you aren't going to let it consume your life, get a thicker skin when fanatics complain.

I REALLY enjoyed his USF/Augie coverage. I sought out his stories even though I don't really care about those programs. I haven't followed at all since he has been off that beat. IMO his heart was in it and it showed, he was probably one of the best DII beat reporters in the country. I think covering the Sioux Falls college sports scene was his "dream" job, and I think the Argus was dumb to take him off it.

By contrast, Terry said on multiple occasions being the beat reporter for a DI sports team was his dream job. I do think he may have tired of some of the things that job requires by the end - especially all the nights/weekends away from his young/growing family. Dreams can change.

[MrAugustana]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Nice to see Zimmer's family members have time to post on the board.

Eh, I've posted my share of criticisms of Zimmer in the past, just not on this forum. I'm just amazed at how frequently it comes up on this message board and, in general, feel bad for the guy. Particularly because he actually does a very good job compared to writers in other markets for mid-major schools, especially any that have other college and/or semi-pro teams competing with them for local coverage.

I enjoy Zimmer on the beat and think he does a great job.

However, if he did leave for some reason, I'm guessing the Division 1 SDSU beat would attract a high quality candidate applying to the Argus. It's only an assumption, but that type of opportunity with the most loyal following in South Dakota would draw good interest from a seasoned reporter or an up and coming recent college grad looking for their big opportunity to make a mark in sports journalism. It wouldn't necessarily be the same as trying to bring someone in to cover two division 2 teams...although it seems the new guy Ian is doing fine with that, too. Admittedly, I haven't followed his media very closely.

I appreciate the thoughtful response. Ian is doing fine with Augie/USF, but I don't know if he'd come in and survive the gauntlet of covering the SDSU beat, seeing as a solid, veteran writer familiar with the area and teams is publicly expressing his frustration with a notably fickle fan base. I mean, he'd get through it, but I don't know he'd get through it any better than Zimmer has been able to, that's for sure.

As far as a seasoned reporter wanting to come in, it's possible you haven't noticed, but the trend appears to be seasoned reporters LEAVING the newspaper industry, not looking for jobs covering low/mid-major schools in South Dakota. But that's not to say you are wrong. Just what I've seen from sportswriters over the past 5-6 years leaving some of the regional publications and taking jobs in the private sector as the newspaper industry continues to struggle. I find it hard to believe someone of noteworthy talent would leave a larger paper to take the SDSU beat, and I don't know how many would be looking to make a lateral jump from a mid-sized paper like the Argus unless the Argus offered a pretty impressive salary increase, which I don't think the Argus is in the business of doing these days.

What can anyone add about the WIU Leather necks except we have beat them down there? I don't know how this got to be about ZIM but it has. Perhaps some of us just don't have the Augustana Advantage and bitch too much.

The Augustana Advantage might help. Or just recognizing that Terry Vandrovec, for all intents and purposes, was your Nate Wolters when it comes to beat writers, and instead of bemoaning his loss and comparing every future SDSU beat writer to him, making the most with the resources you have (much like this year's Jackrabbit team has done with its roster, proving that you can still be a great team, even if you don't have an NBA-level player on your roster anymore) and realizing that a great talent came, made it a great situation, and moved on. The fans on this forum seem to have figured it out with the basketball team (I haven't even seen Wolters's name mentioned once on this message board in the past several months, which wasn't the case for the first few years after he graduated), but nobody seems to have figured it out yet with your beat writer. Or those that do don't speak up enough to counteract the every-three-weeks anti-Zimmer threads or thread drifts that start up.

[goon]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Overall I've enjoyed Zimmer's coverage. That doesn't mean I won't complain. Admittedly, we were very spoiled with TV and probably with his predecessor Solari as well.

Being a good beat report for a DI sports program is life consuming. That is the job! If you aren't going to let it consume your life, get a thicker skin when fanatics complain.

I REALLY enjoyed his USF/Augie coverage. I sought out his stories even though I don't really care about those programs. I haven't followed at all since he has been off that beat. IMO his heart was in it and it showed, he was probably one of the best DII beat reporters in the country. I think covering the Sioux Falls college sports scene was his "dream" job, and I think the Argus was dumb to take him off it.

By contrast, Terry said on multiple occasions being the beat reporter for a DI sports team was his dream job. I do think he may have tired of some of the things that job requires by the end - especially all the nights/weekends away from his young/growing family. Dreams can change.

I agree with you. Zim is good at what he does, but SDSU fans never had it so good as when TV was here. His articles and write ups were fine just like Zims, but his blog stuff, seems like he had extra stuff in there are the time. He followed recruiting closely, he did the post game stuff.....Its like Joanna from office space. Do you want to do the bare minimum, or do you want to wear extra flair. Following college sports is not a 9-5 job. He obviously knows that, but shouldnt take it personally when fans ask for more content. I Also use to read his stuff some from Augie and USF and his other stuff he throws in, but havent read one peice since they changed positions.

[bigticket1]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Overall I've enjoyed Zimmer's coverage. That doesn't mean I won't complain. Admittedly, we were very spoiled with TV and probably with his predecessor Solari as well.

Being a good beat report for a DI sports program is life consuming. That is the job! If you aren't going to let it consume your life, get a thicker skin when fanatics complain.

I REALLY enjoyed his USF/Augie coverage. I sought out his stories even though I don't really care about those programs. I haven't followed at all since he has been off that beat. IMO his heart was in it and it showed, he was probably one of the best DII beat reporters in the country. I think covering the Sioux Falls college sports scene was his "dream" job, and I think the Argus was dumb to take him off it.

By contrast, Terry said on multiple occasions being the beat reporter for a DI sports team was his dream job. I do think he may have tired of some of the things that job requires by the end - especially all the nights/weekends away from his young/growing family. Dreams can change.

I used to plan my schedule around the weekly chat. Now I might read the replay if I happen to think about it. Way too much talk about non-SDSU stuff (both Augie and other topics). I realize that questions significantly determine where the chat goes, but that doesn't make it interesting to me. I've found out I get more pertinent Jacks info by spending 5 minutes here.

[MontanaRabbit]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Overall I've enjoyed Zimmer's coverage. That doesn't mean I won't complain. Admittedly, we were very spoiled with TV and probably with his predecessor Solari as well.

Being a good beat report for a DI sports program is life consuming. That is the job! If you aren't going to let it consume your life, get a thicker skin when fanatics complain.

I REALLY enjoyed his USF/Augie coverage. I sought out his stories even though I don't really care about those programs. I haven't followed at all since he has been off that beat. IMO his heart was in it and it showed, he was probably one of the best DII beat reporters in the country. I think covering the Sioux Falls college sports scene was his "dream" job, and I think the Argus was dumb to take him off it.

By contrast, Terry said on multiple occasions being the beat reporter for a DI sports team was his dream job. I do think he may have tired of some of the things that job requires by the end - especially all the nights/weekends away from his young/growing family. Dreams can change.

How Terry did what he did in regards to coverage for SDSU is simply amazing. When you factor in the issues his family faced it's simply mind boggling. He went above and beyond when he had very good excuses to give just us the bare minimum. To be honest I don't know how he did it.

The fact that Zimmer publicly states he isn't going to give us recruiting news because "he doesn't follow it" or dismisses comments from fans on his live chat because he isn't going to give free content that's an issue. Those people are his paying customers whether he wants to admit it or not. Zimmer is more like Stu than Terry>>>I'll give you what I feel like and not a thing more....I don't care what you (my customers) think.

[jackdaniel]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

How Terry did what he did in regards to coverage for SDSU is simply amazing. When you factor in the issues his family faced it's simply mind boggling. He went above and beyond when he had very good excuses to give just us the bare minimum. To be honest I don't know how he did it.

The fact that Zimmer publicly states he isn't going to give us recruiting news because "he doesn't follow it" or dismisses comments from fans on his live chat because he isn't going to give free content that's an issue. Those people are his paying customers whether he wants to admit it or not. Zimmer is more like Stu than Terry>>>I'll give you what I feel like and not a thing more....I don't care what you (my customers) think.

Agree 100%,it's all about attitude,never did Terry complain about giving away "free" content that I know of.How much the Argus weighs satisfying consumers and demanding a certain level of work production from their employee's vs allowing employee's to dictate what they will or will not do is up to them,but it might contribute to their not being able to sell newspapers or subscriptions in these hard times.

Maybe they have to,I don't know and I'm sure it's more complicated than just that.Finding a balance of keeping consumers happy as well as employee's is often a difficult task...unless you have tons of money to only hire the best and then thus demand a certain amount of work production,even then things can go awry. I don't think the Argus fits the description of having tons of money at the current time.It's a complicated issue for sure.

[Nidaros]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

The Augustana Advantage might help. Or just recognizing that Terry Vandrovec, for all intents and purposes, was your Nate Wolters when it comes to beat writers, and instead of bemoaning his loss and comparing every future SDSU beat writer to him, making the most with the resources you have (much like this year's Jackrabbit team has done with its roster, proving that you can still be a great team, even if you don't have an NBA-level player on your roster anymore) and realizing that a great talent came, made it a great situation, and moved on. The fans on this forum seem to have figured it out with the basketball team (I haven't even seen Wolters's name mentioned once on this message board in the past several months, which wasn't the case for the first few years after he graduated), but nobody seems to have figured it out yet with your beat writer. Or those that do don't speak up enough to counteract the every-three-weeks anti-Zimmer threads or thread drifts that start up.

Gee you take an insult and turn into something else. That's not fair. I think Zim is doing the best he can. TV on the other hand could get a job in Washington in the State Department as a diplomat, he is that good with everyone. I think this thread is crazy and going no where. I do appreciate your defense of the Argus staff. Some one has to stand up for them and fear VanGinkel, not Red or Ed.

[filbert]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

I invite a return to the topic of the thread.

[jackdaniel]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

I invite a return to the topic of the thread.

What was it again? Oh ya...Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks, how'd that turn out anyway?......just kidding,ha!....testing,testing,,,,sense of humor....testing, 1-2-3...testing.

Seriously,I will comply with your wishes to get back on topic and stop the thread from drifting to parts unknown.

[sdsu2000]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

I do like how it was the comments about him writting about his flag football team that really upset him according to the chat on Tuesday. Just can't let go of the glory years oh wait wasn't he a backup so maybe it is the never was years.

[MontanaRabbit]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

I do like how it was the comments about him writting about his flag football team that really upset him according to the chat on Tuesday. Just can't let go of the glory years oh wait wasn't he a backup so maybe it is the never was years.

Lol. Poor guy! I'll have to read the chat.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I found it REALLY odd he would do a detailed blog write-up about that, I mean seriously who cares? Then he complains or deflects comments from readers about things he could do that they'd like to see or constructive criticisms about his platform for distributing press conferences. Gotta keep in mind who your customers are.

EDIT: Just read the chat. Lol......does he really think I meant in a literal sense that's what is effecting his coverage? For the record I'm not sure his coverage is that bad, but when your customers are asking for something I believe you need to at least listen to them.


Matt Zimmer

Only when one of my dumb friends texts me to tell me when people are saying things he thinks would make me mad. Then I spend an hour trying to resist the temptation to look and I never win.
I don't take it too seriously, but when someone says, basically, 'Zimmer's not covering SDSU because he's too busy writing about his flag football team', well, that pisses me off. A lot

[JacksFTW]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

I get some of the complaints, but isn't the guy allowed to have fun once in awhile?

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Lol. Poor guy! I'll have to read the chat.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I found it REALLY odd he would do a detailed blog write-up about that, I mean seriously who cares? Then he complains or deflects comments from readers about things he could do that they'd like to see or constructive criticisms about his platform for distributing press conferences. Gotta keep in mind who your customers are.

EDIT: Just read the chat. Lol......does he really think I meant in a literal sense that's what is effecting his coverage? For the record I'm not sure his coverage is that bad, but when your customers are asking for something I believe you need to at least listen to them.


Matt Zimmer

Only when one of my dumb friends texts me to tell me when people are saying things he thinks would make me mad. Then I spend an hour trying to resist the temptation to look and I never win.
I don't take it too seriously, but when someone says, basically, 'Zimmer's not covering SDSU because he's too busy writing about his flag football team', well, that pisses me off. A lot

While I may complain, overall Zimmer is doing a good job. Certainly much, much better coverage than what I've seen from USD's reporter (although I follow them less than even Augie and USF).

I took his chat comments as more of a "I believe I am doing my job to the best of my abilities and it pisses me off that people use my personal life to say that I am not" kind of statement. Who wouldn't get a little rustled by some stranger questioning your ability or professionalism?

One thing I will say, he seems like a pretty candid person - which can be absolutely awesome from sports reporters in particular. IIRC, TV got some flak in the early days for not being Solari, but either ignored it outright or basically said "I will take your concerns into consideration." Different strokes for different folks.

[filbert]

Re: GDT:Jackrabbits vs. The Leathernecks

Somebody who cares more than I do should just bite the bullet and start a Zimmer thread dedicated to the good gentleman. Just a suggestion.