Thorr Bjorn Appreciation Thread

[Blue Man]

The best. The absolute fucking best in the business. This man identified literally the best available coaching hire in the country. Not for URI. But in the country.

He sold our donors on Archie. He sold Archie on us.

When you see Thorr - say “thank you, I love you,” and give that man a hug…or at least a handshake.q Then give athletics some money to make good on all his promises to OUR HEAD COACH ARCHIE MILLER.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1638/lg ... 0&cid=2270

Scroll down to Athletic Directors fund.

[TruePoint]

This is by far the best "First Post After..." that I've seen. Congrats fam.

[reef]

Totally agree love Thorr B !!

[Taylor Swift]

This is absolutely incredible news. I am glad the search wasn’t some HR dim-witted debacle going to the bargain bin. This is what the program needed. Glad to see they were already working on during the ship around prior to it absolutely sinking.

[phipsiGD'11]

Donation made.

I take back every bad thing I said about Thorr. I am a moron and can admit when I am wrong.

[LoveThoseRams]

Donation made.

I take back every bad thing I said about Thorr. I am a moron and can admit when I am wrong.

Donation made to the AD Fund! Lets all do this to show our appreciation to Thorr!

[Rhody74]

Donation made.

I take back every bad thing I said about Thorr. I am a moron and can admit when I am wrong.

Donation made to the AD Fund! Lets all do this to show our appreciation to Thorr!

Just sent mine!

[Rhody15]

Just goes to show that "search firms" are the stupidest goddam thing in college athletics.

[RoadyJay]

BlueMan, I know you are still coming off your Archie induced crack-like high, but this is over the top even for you.. haha

This is a home run hire, no doubt. It's hard to imagine us landing a better option. Thorr is a great AD, I also agree with you there.

I am, of course, celebrating this hire. I'm also relieved, because I found my support for this program hanging by a thread recently. But, I'm also staying grounded as exactly nothing has been accomplished on the court yet.

Maybe I'm just more of a 'show me' kind of guy, but my real celebration will happen when I see the results. This board's motto is 'NCAAs or Bust!' after all.

Was I excited when Dan was hired? Absolutely. However, the real celebrations of Dan Hurley came with the program successes - winning an A10 title, and two NCAA wins.

I love the enthusiasm, as always, but I hope this board doesn't lose its edge with this hire.

[Seawrightspostgame]

We may lose games but we will never lose our edge!

Great job. Ready to renew my Tix and get back to the Rhody routine. I was genuinely worried about URI basketball.

[Bos8]

BlueMan, I know you are still coming off your Archie induced crack-like high, but this is over the top even for you.. haha

This is a home run hire, no doubt. It's hard to imagine us landing a better option. Thorr is a great AD, I also agree with you there.

I am, of course, celebrating this hire. I'm also relieved, because I found my support for this program hanging by a thread recently. But, I'm also staying grounded as exactly nothing has been accomplished on the court yet.

Maybe I'm just more of a 'show me' kind of guy, but my real celebration will happen when I see the results. This board's motto is 'NCAAs or Bust!' after all.

Was I excited when Dan was hired? Absolutely. However, the real celebrations of Dan Hurley came with the program successes - winning an A10 title, and two NCAA wins.

I love the enthusiasm, as always, but I hope this board doesn't lose its edge with this hire.

I think the enthusiasm is based off of what this hire stands for. We know that Archie has been successful, and that it would take a lot to get him here.
But by him agreeing to sign the dotted line, it shows the the commitment is there to win. No, I'm not saying that Coach Cox et al weren't committed to winning. I know that his staff put everything they had into this and did everything that they thought was right. And this isn't saying that Cox or even that Thorr wasn't committed.
But the people above them... how committed where they? How convinced were they to do things the right way? Were people willing to finalize the practice facility? Were they willing to charter planes, or continue to fly commercial? Are they willing to provide bigger salary pools to bring in more talented staff? Better food at the training tables? Fully stock the gatorades and protein bars? Buy enough shooting machines etc etc. I think the excitement is that this hire symbolizes that people above are committing to doing this thing the right way and go all in. It doesn't mean Archie will win right away, but it means the infrastructure is there to win in the long run

[woodennickel1]

The best. The absolute fucking best in the business. This man identified literally the best available coaching hire in the country. Not for URI. But in the country.

He sold our donors on Archie. He sold Archie on us.

When you see Thorr - say “thank you, I love you,” and give that man a hug…or at least a handshake.q Then give athletics some money to make good on all his promises to OUR HEAD COACH ARCHIE MILLER.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1638/lg ... 0&cid=2270

Scroll down to Athletic Directors fund.

Thor is a great AD , He gets it !

[Rhody74]

Kudos to the new prez, too! He gets it, too. I’m sure he had to sign off on it.

[RhodyKyle]

Kudos to the new prez, too! He gets it, too. I’m sure he had to sign off on it.

Was up in his suite for the duquesne game. They have 2 tvs - 1 was on the women's game and 1 was on the men's game. He had them change the men's game to rugby. Parlange is awesome and a great choice to succeed Dooley (him and his wife are sincerely the nicest people I've ever spoken with).

[Rhody72]

This thread's title should be changed by the moderators.

[Blue Man]

This thread's title should be changed by the moderators.

You should be changed by the moderators. But here you are.

But I do tend to agree. Point was made. Thorr Bjorn appreciation thread is a good title change.

[steveystuds06]

This thread's title should be changed by the moderators.

Give me a break…

[RhodyKyle]

This thread's title should be changed by the moderators.

In your expert HR/hiring manager opinion, from 1 to Dustin pedroia in game 1 against the rockies, where would you rank this homerun hire?

Keep in mind you kept telling everyone here that URI didn't have the funds to buy Cox out.

[Rhody15]

This thread's title should be changed by the moderators.

In your expert HR/hiring manager opinion, from 1 to Dustin pedroia in game 1 against the rockies, where would you rank this homerun hire?

Keep in mind you kept telling everyone here that URI didn't have the funds to buy Cox out.

And that Cox should get a 3 year extension because 72 “knows a good coach when he sees one.”

[Rhody74]

This is my favorite thread title of all time.

[ATPTourFan]

I did change it, but the original passionate title remains in the existing replies. A compromise.

[reef]

I love the change , classy

[KingstonLane]

BlueMan, I know you are still coming off your Archie induced crack-like high, but this is over the top even for you.. haha

This is a home run hire, no doubt. It's hard to imagine us landing a better option. Thorr is a great AD, I also agree with you there.

I am, of course, celebrating this hire. I'm also relieved, because I found my support for this program hanging by a thread recently. But, I'm also staying grounded as exactly nothing has been accomplished on the court yet.

Maybe I'm just more of a 'show me' kind of guy, but my real celebration will happen when I see the results. This board's motto is 'NCAAs or Bust!' after all.

Was I excited when Dan was hired? Absolutely. However, the real celebrations of Dan Hurley came with the program successes - winning an A10 title, and two NCAA wins.

I love the enthusiasm, as always, but I hope this board doesn't lose its edge with this hire.

I get your overall point here, but the way we go from being a small time program to a big time program is by not waiting for results

That’s what happened with Hurley, donors and support didn’t ramp up till it was too late.

We need to consistent elevate commitment to the program

[RoadyJay]

BlueMan, I know you are still coming off your Archie induced crack-like high, but this is over the top even for you.. haha

This is a home run hire, no doubt. It's hard to imagine us landing a better option. Thorr is a great AD, I also agree with you there.

I am, of course, celebrating this hire. I'm also relieved, because I found my support for this program hanging by a thread recently. But, I'm also staying grounded as exactly nothing has been accomplished on the court yet.

Maybe I'm just more of a 'show me' kind of guy, but my real celebration will happen when I see the results. This board's motto is 'NCAAs or Bust!' after all.

Was I excited when Dan was hired? Absolutely. However, the real celebrations of Dan Hurley came with the program successes - winning an A10 title, and two NCAA wins.

I love the enthusiasm, as always, but I hope this board doesn't lose its edge with this hire.

I get your overall point here, but the way we go from being a small time program to a big time program is by not waiting for results

That’s what happened with Hurley, donors and support didn’t ramp up till it was too late.

We need to consistent elevate commitment to the program

Agree with you. This hire and the commitment from the University and deep-pocket donors signals to the fan base we should be confident to put butts in seats and be willing to put some of our hard earned money into the program. Not saying people need to wait for results to do this.

I’m very optimistic. And that’s a miracle given I was about as down on the program as I could be a couple of weeks ago.

I just prefer we act like we’ve been here before…

[bigappleram]

Give that man a raise!!!!!!!

[RF1]

I do not fault Thorr for initially hiring Cox as it seemed to make sense at that time. I however do think extending Cox after the 2019-20 season with how the team struggled down the stretch that year was a mistake.

[Blue Man]

I do not fault Thorr for initially hiring Cox as it seemed to make sense at that time. I however do think extending Cox after the 2019-20 season with how the team struggled down the stretch that year was a mistake.

Irrelevant. That only matters if we weren’t able to buy out Cox/hire Archie this year.

He was never getting fired before the end of this season.

[theblueram]

I do not fault Thorr for initially hiring Cox as it seemed to make sense at that time. I however do think extending Cox after the 2019-20 season with how the team struggled down the stretch that year was a mistake.

Who cares. We are paying Cox $1M buyout and we just hired Archie Miller for 5 years/$9.5M. It appears URI Basketball is not going to be the same anymore.

[reef]

I do not fault Thorr for initially hiring Cox as it seemed to make sense at that time. I however do think extending Cox after the 2019-20 season with how the team struggled down the stretch that year was a mistake.

Who cares. We are paying Cox $1M buyout and we just hired Archie Miller for 5 years/$9.5M. It appears URI Basketball is not going to be the same anymore.

Yeah it all worked out for the best and we have as bright a future as anyone in the A10

[ramster]

In reading the UMASS message board and the New Coach search thread I came across this. Nice story about Thorr.


stevemaz
Senior
Re: Coach Search 2022
Quote
Post Thu Mar 24, 2022 6:46 am

I would be surprised if Martin deal isnt finalized today. Of course, I said Young was on track to be the guy a week ago so what the hell do I know..(anyone and everyone feel free to insert UMass to B1G joke here..LOL)

Looking at SC situation, they had a decent year this season finishing 9-9 in a very competitive SEC and 18-13 overall.. not too far from an NCAA or at least NIT bid. They also had a good chance to get into NCAA in 2020. I think it will be a good hire by Bamford despite the apparent bumpy road over the past few weeks.

As far as Bamford goes, It was a mistake not going after Thor years ago to be our AD. The guy has a done very good job at URI and I know he has the "people person" quality that is really necessary for a job like AD.. Quick story.. Back in 1989-90 season I was a senior and upon Coach Cal calling for face painters and basketball's on heads, my buddy Dan and I became the first two face painters in the Cage during that era (maybe ever). Cal acknowledged us, but so did a gregarious big dude who managed the ticket office (Thor) as he came over and sat with us for awhile before the game started. During the rest of the season, we probably stopped by the ticket office 5 or 6 times trying to get tickets to road games (freebies since we had limited funds) and Thor came through. Fast forward 25 years later and I find myself at Umass/Rhody game down there and I was just walking to the concession stand as Thor approached in the other direction. He immediately stopped when he noticed me, calling out my name gregariously. We had a quick convo reminiscing about the glory days. I was amazed that he remembered me from 25 years ago as I was now 40 lbs heavier with a shaved head (one of the reasons I like Martin). The gist is that i think we would have been better off with him as AD.

[Blue Man]

In reading the UMASS message board and the New Coach search thread I came across this. Nice story about Thorr.


stevemaz
Senior
Re: Coach Search 2022
Quote
Post Thu Mar 24, 2022 6:46 am

I would be surprised if Martin deal isnt finalized today. Of course, I said Young was on track to be the guy a week ago so what the hell do I know..(anyone and everyone feel free to insert UMass to B1G joke here..LOL)

Looking at SC situation, they had a decent year this season finishing 9-9 in a very competitive SEC and 18-13 overall.. not too far from an NCAA or at least NIT bid. They also had a good chance to get into NCAA in 2020. I think it will be a good hire by Bamford despite the apparent bumpy road over the past few weeks.

As far as Bamford goes, It was a mistake not going after Thor years ago to be our AD. The guy has a done very good job at URI and I know he has the "people person" quality that is really necessary for a job like AD.. Quick story.. Back in 1989-90 season I was a senior and upon Coach Cal calling for face painters and basketball's on heads, my buddy Dan and I became the first two face painters in the Cage during that era (maybe ever). Cal acknowledged us, but so did a gregarious big dude who managed the ticket office (Thor) as he came over and sat with us for awhile before the game started. During the rest of the season, we probably stopped by the ticket office 5 or 6 times trying to get tickets to road games (freebies since we had limited funds) and Thor came through. Fast forward 25 years later and I find myself at Umass/Rhody game down there and I was just walking to the concession stand as Thor approached in the other direction. He immediately stopped when he noticed me, calling out my name gregariously. We had a quick convo reminiscing about the glory days. I was amazed that he remembered me from 25 years ago as I was now 40 lbs heavier with a shaved head (one of the reasons I like Martin). The gist is that i think we would have been better off with him as AD.

I know I’m probably the fan-boyiest fan boy for Thorr (and Dan, and Archie) on this board - but it’s for a reason.

If anyone can find a negative story about Thorr it would be the first and only.

He’s a first rate AD and a better man. Period.

[Iggy1979]

Old timers like me remember the horrible days of John Chuckran and Ron Petro. Mo Zarchen was a love or hate AD. It's why I've said before: Thorr is the best AD ever at URI. And hiring Archie and retaining Tammi was the best week a URI AD ever had. Give him an extension and a raise!

[Running Ram]

100%, Thorr is first rate, a good person and a great AD. I've mentioned before, the few times I've approached him, he's been a total gentleman and very kind to give an honest few minutes of his attention to me, some Joe Blow. I bet he would be a very good mayor or governor...

[Running Ram]

Ugh! Ron Petro, don't remind me Iggy

[reef]

In reading the UMASS message board and the New Coach search thread I came across this. Nice story about Thorr.


stevemaz
Senior
Re: Coach Search 2022
Quote
Post Thu Mar 24, 2022 6:46 am

I would be surprised if Martin deal isnt finalized today. Of course, I said Young was on track to be the guy a week ago so what the hell do I know..(anyone and everyone feel free to insert UMass to B1G joke here..LOL)

Looking at SC situation, they had a decent year this season finishing 9-9 in a very competitive SEC and 18-13 overall.. not too far from an NCAA or at least NIT bid. They also had a good chance to get into NCAA in 2020. I think it will be a good hire by Bamford despite the apparent bumpy road over the past few weeks.

As far as Bamford goes, It was a mistake not going after Thor years ago to be our AD. The guy has a done very good job at URI and I know he has the "people person" quality that is really necessary for a job like AD.. Quick story.. Back in 1989-90 season I was a senior and upon Coach Cal calling for face painters and basketball's on heads, my buddy Dan and I became the first two face painters in the Cage during that era (maybe ever). Cal acknowledged us, but so did a gregarious big dude who managed the ticket office (Thor) as he came over and sat with us for awhile before the game started. During the rest of the season, we probably stopped by the ticket office 5 or 6 times trying to get tickets to road games (freebies since we had limited funds) and Thor came through. Fast forward 25 years later and I find myself at Umass/Rhody game down there and I was just walking to the concession stand as Thor approached in the other direction. He immediately stopped when he noticed me, calling out my name gregariously. We had a quick convo reminiscing about the glory days. I was amazed that he remembered me from 25 years ago as I was now 40 lbs heavier with a shaved head (one of the reasons I like Martin). The gist is that i think we would have been better off with him as AD.

I know I’m probably the fan-boyiest fan boy for Thorr (and Dan, and Archie) on this board - but it’s for a reason.

If anyone can find a negative story about Thorr it would be the first and only.

He’s a first rate AD and a better man. Period.

Let’s enjoy this with the new President, Thorr Tammi and Arch , our future is so so bright !!

[Jdrums#3]

100%, Thorr is first rate, a good person and a great AD. I've mentioned before, the few times I've approached him, he's been a total gentleman and very kind to give an honest few minutes of his attention to me, some Joe Blow. I bet he would be a very good mayor or governor...

Shhhhhh RR, don’t put any ideas in his head. We need him to stay here. ADFL!

[steviep123]

Agreed. I've only met Thorr at 2 or 3 events and only talked to him for a minute, but he's really engaging. I remember years ago, Blue Man and his now mrs. hosted an outdoor tailgate the morning of that game vs. Valpo at the Ryan Center in the fall of 2015. Thorr stopped by to say hello to all us crazy fans who were tailgating pregame. I truly think he loves the engagement. It's evident.

[RAMFAN]

[RhowdyRam02]

Should be on in 10 minutes at 6:30

[theblueram]

I'm waiting to hear Thorr, but this is the worst sports talk radio I have ever heard.

[section(105)]

I'm waiting to hear Thorr, but this is the worst sports talk radio I have ever heard.

….Little Kevi’s strong suit is not radio……BTW, where is our Coach’s Show Radio Show?……..must be some sponsors lined up, like Miller Lite…….?

[Bos8]

Enjoyed the interview with Thorr, but he didn't say anything new or ground breaking. He did mention watching some of Archie's practice/work outs with the guys. Would have liked a follow up question pertaining to WHO he has practicing/working out, but can understand why he didn't ask that.

[RAMFAN]

he said the assistant coaching staff would be announced as a group in a week or 2. i assume the individual names will leak out here before that

[Blue Man]

The best. The absolute fucking best in the business. This man identified literally the best available coaching hire in the country. Not for URI. But in the country.

He sold our donors on Archie. He sold Archie on us.

When you see Thorr - say “thank you, I love you,” and give that man a hug…or at least a handshake.q Then give athletics some money to make good on all his promises to OUR HEAD COACH ARCHIE MILLER.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1638/lg ... 0&cid=2270

Scroll down to Athletic Directors fund.

This aged well. Archie. Tammi. Practice Facility.

More importantly from the Rhody Baseline interview, getting URI athletics on the next bond initiative (URI Athletics hasn't been included on a bond since the approval of the Ryan Center in 2000).

I have always been a Thorr stan because I knew when he FINALLY got the support from URI that would support his vision, this would be the place we would get to.

The biggest change is obviously Marc Parlange. The first president to not only trust Thorr's leadership, but to invest in his vision. The first president who understands how important athletics can be for the entire university - providing a platform to reach new students you wouldn't get otherwise.

This is a tuition-funded university. You need enrollees, specifically the out of state ones, to make the University grow. You need to market to them. The best marketing is through the NCAA tournament. There is nothing like it.

Build yourself a men's (and women's) basketball program that can make consistent appearances in March, and get some late March runs in? You literally cannot buy that kind of publicity.

Thorr has made a habit of identifying the absolute best coaches and selling them on his vision for URI. Finally, URI gave Thorr the investments to make that vision a reality.

It's a good day to be a Ram. I'll see ya around town.

[RhowdyRam02]

The best. The absolute fucking best in the business. This man identified literally the best available coaching hire in the country. Not for URI. But in the country.

He sold our donors on Archie. He sold Archie on us.

When you see Thorr - say “thank you, I love you,” and give that man a hug…or at least a handshake.q Then give athletics some money to make good on all his promises to OUR HEAD COACH ARCHIE MILLER.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1638/lg ... 0&cid=2270

Scroll down to Athletic Directors fund.

This aged well. Archie. Tammi. Practice Facility.

More importantly from the Rhody Baseline interview, getting URI athletics on the next bond initiative (URI Athletics hasn't been included on a bond since the approval of the Ryan Center in 2000).

I have always been a Thorr stan because I knew when he FINALLY got the support from URI that would support his vision, this would be the place we would get to.

The biggest change is obviously Marc Parlange. The first president to not only trust Thorr's leadership, but to invest in his vision. The first president who understands how important athletics can be for the entire university - providing a platform to reach new students you wouldn't get otherwise.

This is a tuition-funded university. You need enrollees, specifically the out of state ones, to make the University grow. You need to market to them. The best marketing is through the NCAA tournament. There is nothing like it.

Build yourself a men's (and women's) basketball program that can make consistent appearances in March, and get some late March runs in? You literally cannot buy that kind of publicity.

Thorr has made a habit of identifying the absolute best coaches and selling them on his vision for URI. Finally, URI gave Thorr the investments to make that vision a reality.

It's a good day to be a Ram. I'll see ya around town.

I haven't been able to listen to the Rhody Baseline interview yet, I guess I need to get around to that

[RF1]

The funding for the Ryan Center did not go through a voter bond referendum as it was approved by the legislature (as was also the case with the DDC). The most recent URI athletics funding ballot initiative was for Athletic Performance Center and Meade Stadium improvements back in 2004. It lost by a wide margin as 65.5% voted NO.

Rhode Island Question 10, Meade Stadium Bonds (2004)
https://ballotpedia.org/Rhode_Island_Qu ... nds_(2004)


2004 Question 10
"Approval of this question will authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $6,700,000 to construct an Athletic Performance Center at the University of Rhode Island and renovate existing facilities at Meade Stadium and Keaney Gymnasium at the University of Rhode Island."

[Blue Man]

The funding for the Ryan Center did not go through a voter bond referendum as it was approved by the legislature (as was also the case with the DDC). The most recent URI athletics funding ballot initiative was for Athletic Performance Center and Meade Stadium improvements back in 2004. It lost by a wide margin as 65.5% voted NO.

Rhode Island Question 10, Meade Stadium Bonds (2004)
https://ballotpedia.org/Rhode_Island_Qu ... nds_(2004)


2004 Question 10
"Approval of this question will authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $6,700,000 to construct an Athletic Performance Center at the University of Rhode Island and renovate existing facilities at Meade Stadium and Keaney Gymnasium at the University of Rhode Island."

Thanks for keeping me straight RF!

[Brian Forster]

Mo Zarchen was great.
Chuckran (and Eddy) took a hot hand and rode it into the ground.
Petro was too conservative.
Remember Tom McElroy?

[RF1]

I unfortunately do not have high hopes that a bond measure that had URI Athletics in its name would get RI voter approval. Some years, the bond issues for academic buildings at URI in fields like the sciences which can generate economic benefits even struggle to get approval. The 2004 election results were a resounding 65.5% NO for funding athletics infrastructure even with the dollar request of $6.7M relatively low. Very few bond questions lose that badly. The recent Letter to the Editor in the Projo complaining about Archie Miller's salary illustrates the feeling of some Rhode Islanders providing an example of the opposition a bond might face. The only way that URI athletics funding could likely get voter approved is if it were a PART of a bigger Bond Question that included something else that was very popular.

I think URI would have a better chance of getting state funding for athletics via the Ryan Center, RICC, and Dunkin Dounts Center route where approvals were from the legislature and governor and not at the ballot box.

[RAMFAN]

The best. The absolute fucking best in the business. This man identified literally the best available coaching hire in the country. Not for URI. But in the country.

He sold our donors on Archie. He sold Archie on us.

When you see Thorr - say “thank you, I love you,” and give that man a hug…or at least a handshake.q Then give athletics some money to make good on all his promises to OUR HEAD COACH ARCHIE MILLER.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1638/lg ... 0&cid=2270

Scroll down to Athletic Directors fund.

hi blue man, i'm donating and have a question. is the athletic director's fund for the entire department or basketball specific?

thanks