This season, it’s been fascinating to watch Cris Dishman, the first-year Texas Southern coach, learn the ins and outs of Tigers football.
It is nearly impossible to assess certain things from the pre-employment curb.
We’ve heard Dishman’s vocal responses to some of the unique situations he encounters while attempting to revive a program that hasn’t had a successful season in decades. The Air-B-N-B occupation agreement TSU has with Shell Energy Stadium and its two main occupants, the Dynamo and Dash, was his first surprise.
You are welcome to come, but don’t settle in.
The Tigers’ kickers must practice on turf while playing on grass because they are unable to enter Shell Energy Stadium for sessions. Dishman has responded by stating they feel like guests at home in some subdued zingers. Making reference to Shell Energy Stadium as their cousin’s home stadium was the funniest.
The former Houston Oilers cornerback has likely been most irritated by the lack of fan and alumni support during home games, which is the most recent reality check. During the Tigers’ thrilling 17–14 victory in their home finale, Dishman noticed that there weren’t many spectators in the stands.
During his introductory remarks at the weekly SWAC Football Coaches Media Call, Dishman spoke without being asked.
According to Dishman, the lack of people in the stands was the most annoying thing. Everyone from Texas Southern should, in my opinion, show there and cheer on Texas Southern athletics. Support these people by getting into the stands.
Dishman was not incorrect.
The Third Ward school should get greater funding because of its large Houston alumni base.
When Dishman took over last January, he promised to make the program better, and he did just that. The Tigers ended the season with a two-game winning run and have been much more competitive. After finishing dead last in the division according to the SWAC Preseason Poll, they finished the 2024 season with a 4-4 record and a 5-6 overall record, achieving a.500 record in the difficult SWAC West.
However, the supporters’ reaction to what the Tigers have done hasn’t been there.
The official attendance for the final home game against Bethune-Cookman at Shell Energy Stadium was 6,916. However, it was actually far lower because the 20,656-seat venue appeared to be empty on what was also senior night.
According to the official attendance report, the Tigers’ five home games this season—including the Homecoming Game at campus’ Durley Stadium—averaged 10,224 spectators.
Support for the football program should be improved. They deserve it.
“The most disappointing thing to see in a stadium with 30,000 seats is that we probably had less than 1,500 people,” Dishman remarked. I would want to thank everyone who attended. Get your tickets and attend the game if you weren’t there. Don’t just state what you should do; actually do it.
