I remember when Holland caught that one handed TD against Nebraska...I was at a pizza pub in Little Rock and heard ppl around me say "did you see that 'La Tech' TD?".
If we are going to adopt it...I say we go all out and market it, put it on merchadise. I'll buy it. I hope ppl are not thinking we are going to replace our "Louisiana Tech" name but include "La Tech" as an extra identifier for our school.
If we are winning football and basketball games then everyone can call us whatever they want - I just want teams we can be pround of!!!
1. Do you like the use of La Tech when referring to the athletic teams?
I hate the lower capped "A" for Louisiana. I much prefer "LA TECH". The "A" must be capitalized. It's bolder, stronger, and grammatically correct. It also serves as a solid identifier of the state we represent.
2. Why do you like/dislike the words La Tech?
The proper abbreviation for the state of Louisiana is "LA", not "La". So, besides being gramatically incorrect, "La (pronounced Lah) Tech" looks and sounds too feminine. For branding, the bold letters need to be "LA TECH". That's cool and bold.....kinda like "BAMA" is for the Crimson Tide. Remember, we're talking marketing and branding here....."La Tech" is not cool. LA TECH is. In newsprint, I have no problem with "LA Tech". Just remember, the "LA" should always be capitalized. During a broadcast, I prefer the announcers simply call us "TECH", or Louisiana Tech.
3. What do you feel is the significance of the national media using La Tech and we still only refer to us as Louisiana Tech?
The leadership at LA TECH is guilty of allowing the national media to brand (or stigmatize?) all of our sports teams instead of providing the guidence they need to reach a conclusion we prefer. That's our fault, not the national media's. For the most part, the national media will call you what you prefer. We simply need to communicate a clear and distinct message. This entire thread proves we haven't done this.
4. Why would we not adopt the use of La Tech in addition to Louisiana Tech? Would the fan base ever embrace La Tech?
Again, there is a distinct difference between "La Tech" and "LA TECH". Which are you referring to? I will never support a "La Tech" in print or a "Lah Tech" in sound. I much prefer "LA TECH" in merchandise, a "LA Tech" in print, and "Tech" or Louisiana Tech" in sound.
This seems so simple to me.
HD
Last edited by HogDawg; 01-02-2008 at 01:13 PM.
Has anything ever not seemed simple to you, HD?
I greatly prefer to be called Louisiana Tech. I do not like La Tech.
If people can take the time to say Miami of Ohio or North Carolina they can say Louisiana Tech.
That our identity is muddled is very clear with all of the recent national commentator snafu's where we have been confused with ULM or ULM confused with us. It points out the need for our media people to work on our identity and how we are perceived. I'm very glad they have asked the question.
Recognizing that people want a quick abbreviation to refer to schools with long names such as UCLA, Cal State or University of Texas, why not push L-A Tech (not La Tech but the letters L then A then Tech)? I would much prefer 'L-A Tech' to 'La Tech' and I think would be a step toward building our "brand" recognition.
For instance, it has the potential of being a recognizable chant. I believe fans would chant 'L-A-Tech, L-A-Tech, L-A-Tech' similar to what you hear from that other university in south Louisiana. To me, 'L-T-U, L-T-U, L-T-U' isn't going to happen and I don't want to hear 'La-Tech, La Tech, La Tech'. If commentators hear it in this manner and we push the idea, with time we would have an identifiable moniker.
Maybe this is all wet and doesn't appeal to anyone but me. Thoughts?
L-A sounds too much like Los Angeles - as in UCLA.
Jordan Mills on choosing Tech:
“It’s a great experience seeing them play. It was a good atmosphere. The fans stood up the whole game and never sat down. They have a great fan base.”
Noticed on one of the kids shirts today a State T logo with "TECH BULLDOGS" underneath.
Simple, but probably my favorite identifier for Tech.
What if the school does adopt "La Tech" as a short hand nickname, would you accept it?
Champ967, don't let my confidence deter you from exercising your common sense. Afterall, I'm more than just a pretty face ......
I learned a long time ago that some people will make anything difficult......they have a hard time just putting on their underwear. They can't seem to make the right decisons even though the right answers are slapping them in the face.
I'm not one of those people.
However, I do think Jim Oakes might fit into this categotry.
HD