[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fI4iGR3ThXGBllZrtIBz6MLNf3F0P32gxLLBHM7ETJEY":3,"$f7CehvWBjTFYyPxxC6kcll8TpKHkIhX5F5PC4QH5zoHw":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},189674,"Dennis Thomas","D",8,null,"dennis-thomas",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":98},[14,27,33,45,56,67,76,87],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},2596024,"The economics of our recent national situation, with oil and natural gas prices that's the big part of it. We're very proud of what people have done (in Viroqua). We feel it's very unfortunate this decision had to be made. We wish we didn't have to do this, but we have to stay in a position where we can be a leader and compete in the industry.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},5574546,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},10689,"compete",{"id":28,"quote_text":29,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":30,"source":31,"quote_tag":32,"commentary":9},2596016,"You couldn't find nicer people. They tried to treat their people right.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":34,"quote_text":35,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":36,"source":37,"quote_tag":38,"commentary":44},2596011,"I have to deal with speculation all the time. But 10 years from now, I see a conference with 12-to-14 basketball-playing schools and at least 12 football-playing schools. We do have a strategic plan, and we'll follow it.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[39],{"id":40,"tag":41},5574532,{"id":42,"tag_name":43},70626,"conference","**The Backstory**\nDennis Thomas, a former University President at Tennessee State University, likely uttered these words amidst the speculation and skepticism surrounding his ambitious vision for the university's athletic programs in the late 1970s or early 1980s. This era was marked by significant social and economic upheaval, with many institutions of higher learning grappling with issues of diversity, equity, and financial sustainability.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nAt first glance, Thomas' quote may seem like a straightforward expression of optimism and confidence in his strategic plan. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper insight into the human experience: that even in the face of overwhelming speculation and doubt, true leaders must balance short-term skepticism with long-term vision. This paradox requires a unique ability to navigate the tension between external criticism and internal conviction.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, professionals and creatives should learn to distinguish between the noise of external criticism and the quiet voice of their own conviction. By doing so, they can stay focused on their long-term vision even in the midst of uncertainty or adversity, knowing that true progress often requires navigating such tensions with courage and resilience.",{"id":46,"quote_text":47,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":48,"source":49,"quote_tag":50,"commentary":9},2596003,"That is one of the oldest union companies we have.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[51],{"id":52,"tag":53},5574524,{"id":54,"tag_name":55},9469,"companies",{"id":57,"quote_text":58,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":59,"source":60,"quote_tag":61,"commentary":9},2595992,"A lot of people think the playing field is level now for head coaches and administrators. It's not.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[62],{"id":63,"tag":64},5574515,{"id":65,"tag_name":66},5762,"coaches",{"id":68,"quote_text":69,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":70,"source":71,"quote_tag":72,"commentary":9},2595988,"We'll generate significant, significant revenue for the conference and the institutions that participate.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[73],{"id":74,"tag":75},5574510,{"id":42,"tag_name":43},{"id":77,"quote_text":78,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":79,"source":80,"quote_tag":81,"commentary":9},2595969,"I don't know of any employer, even if it's the NFL, who judges a kid based on whether he played in front of 70,000 or 15,000. You're evaluated based on your ability to help an organization.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[82],{"id":83,"tag":84},5574493,{"id":85,"tag_name":86},1428,"ability",{"id":88,"quote_text":89,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":90,"source":91,"quote_tag":92,"commentary":9},2595945,"Now why did you have to go remind me of that? Of course they would have brought fans, but we have to be neutral.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[93],{"id":94,"tag":95},5574475,{"id":96,"tag_name":97},98308,"brought",{"currentPage":99,"totalPages":99,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":100},1,10]