My hopes for 2007
Jan
2007
The year 2006 was absolutely fantastic for D3football.com. We were able to do a lot of things, such as send Keith McMillan on the Run to the Playoffs, literally around the nation. I got to see a handful of different programs and places this season thanks to my new geography. We were able to participate in the NCAA’s live videocast of the semifinals. And Kickoff 2006 followed in the successful footsteps of Kickoff 2005.
With a great 2006 behind us, here’s some hopes and wishes for 2007:
More video: We’re at the mercy of some larger organizations on this one, hoping the NCAA will add Division III to the program it put together for Division II football, streaming some 40 games on the Net through CSTV. There are also still streaming companies who are trying to get D-III conferences interested. Conferences — look at this offer and get your schools on board. It benefits the entire division.
More teams: The 2007 season welcomes Birmingham-Southern, St. Vincent and Gallaudet. Gallaudet is attempting to return to the intercollegiate fold … again … from club status. Gallaudet hasn’t won a varsity game since 1991. Birmingham-Southern is moving up to Division III from Division I, in a decision that caused a great deal of rancor on campus and from the scholarship athletes. We hope for a peaceful transition and some football success. St. Vincent is joining Division III from the NAIA and will be in the second year of provisional status next season. And St. Scholastica has announced it will add football for 2008. The more the merrier.
More participation: We hear from more and more readers every year, and we would hope 2007 continues the trend. But the trend in recent years, too, has been not just more posters and blog comments but more sites run by fans dedicated to specific teams. Wabash started team blogs this year, including football. A Gettysburg fan blogs about their team, though it’s mostly a collection of the writings of others. Of course, there are several fan sites, including ones for Mount Union, UW-Whitewater, Cortland State, Bridgewater and others. But anyone can start a blog — perhaps it might be interesting for you to start one as a fan of a team you might think is underrepresented. Citizen journalism is a big buzzword in the media these days and you fans out there can join the group. Get video of your team and put it on YouTube.
More Martel: OK, well, this isn’t very likely — I’m sitting here late night/early morning listening to D3football.com audio director emeritus Ray Martel hosting an overnight talk show shift on WFAN. He and I started doing football games together in 1994. Been a while now.
More aggressive scheduling: Mary Hardin-Baylor/UW-Whitewater and Linfield/Hardin-Simmons were great games this year. Wouldn’t it be great to see more of this? The automatic bid is coaches’ safety net. Take more chances.
More willingness to follow own rules: Yeah, it’s OK to have Millsaps and Mary Hardin-Baylor be within 500 miles by your own definition but ignore it? Uh uh. The NCAA should live by its own handbook.
What would you like to see more of in 2007? (This is not promising we’ll be able to deliver, of course.) 
January 1st, 2007 at 7:21 am
Geneva PA joins the Presidents AC in Fall 2007 and brings its football program from the NAIA.
A win for the LaGrange football program, in its second year.
A win for the Becker football program, in its third year.
A win for Principia in 2007.
A formal conference alignment for the teams comprising the ACFC.
More D3 opponents in the South and Southwest and the Northwest, the more the merrier.
Playoff wins for the Michigan IAA, the Illini-Badger Football Conference and the New England Football Conference.
More sources of revenue for D3football.com and D3hoops.com, to allow even more growth by these sites.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Ooh, Ralph, I like that last one
January 1st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Becker isn’t a bad team. They have a great head coach with Mel Mills and some hard hitting players, I expect them to be a lot better than people expect in a lot shorter time you might expect.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Becker did pick up a win this year, just not against a D-3 team. Still something to build off of though.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:10 pm
MMBosstone: That’s not saying much. I am not sure there are any expectations for Becker right now, so to exceed them might mean they can get to the Mount Ida level.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm
And Bosstone, that win was not only not against a D-III team, it was against a club team. There’s a reason games against club teams don’t count.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I hope that someone besides Mount Union or UW Whitewater make the DIII championship…it was good this year with the east ushering in some new blood…hopefully the rest of the regions can follow suit
January 1st, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Glad to strike a common chord, Keith!
Another wish, for the 1962 Texas Lutheran grad Verne Lundquist to do the Stagg Bowl.
January 1st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
A victory for Coach Hallet and the Student Princes.
January 1st, 2007 at 5:00 pm
I hope I learn to spell hallett
January 1st, 2007 at 6:13 pm
I hope the picture of “Matt Kostelnik’s blocked punt was the turning point for the Purple Raiders in a 35-16 Stagg Bowl win.”
by Ryan Tipps on the home page gets changed soon.
January 1st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
i agree with addendum…i hope it gets changed…
January 1st, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Ralph:
We’ll see if Verne is available to help out
January 1st, 2007 at 8:42 pm
I hope for a peaceful coaching transition at UW-Whitewater. I hope the players accept and work well with the new staff, the administration works well with them, and (possibly most importantly) for the fans and alumni to accept the “new guy.”
Oh yeah, also peace on earth, lots of Warhawk victories, goodwill towards men, etc…
Happy New Year, everyone!
January 1st, 2007 at 9:12 pm
When there’s front page news we’ll change the front page.
I can think of a particular hiring in Wisconsin that might be worthy when it’s official. Then Keith’s year in review.
January 2nd, 2007 at 1:00 am
Other than for a Johnnie national title, my wish is to see a game as exciting as Boise State-Oklahoma, preferably in the Stagg. Wow.
January 2nd, 2007 at 4:45 pm
My wish for 2007 is for Division III football to gain more respect in the national media and be more visible. Televising more games would be a start and provide more press coverage.
Given the scope of the coverage, learning of other teams and programs is restriced to sites such as this, which is excellent. however, if given more exposure by traditional and national media outlets (TV and print media), the popularity and growth potential would be enormous and maybe provide funds to make distance matchups more feasible, draw more attention to programs so teams would have access to a greater talent pool, etc
Plus, it would allow for traditional seedings to take place which could mirror a format like the NCAA basketball playoffs.
Just idle ramblings from a new and interested follower of D3 football.
January 2nd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
My hope for 2007 is that the NCAA finally realize that a D1 playoff is possible, just like it is in all other divisions, so that the entire nation can understand what it’s like to crown the true football national champion on the field.
Oh, and that I can get my 10th National Championship T-shirt from the MUC bookstore for Christmas……
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Wish for 2007:
Hope the NCAA wakes up and accepts the Stagg Bowl bid from Texas. Salem has been a great host, but the time for change is here. No more practices in the parking lot !! No more Mud Bowls !! No more banquets in the gym !!
Dallas-Ft.Worth in December sounds pretty good to me !!
January 2nd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
When was the last mud bowl in Salem?
When was the last time they practiced in a parking lot?
When was the last time they had a banquet in a gym? I’ve only seen them in the civic center arena.
January 2nd, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Well WarhawkTrombone I think you are out of luck.
Not much chance of a peaceful coaching transition at UW-Whitewater. Some of the staff started cleaning out their offices on Friday and even got a chance to tell Bob what they REALLY thought of him on the way out.
Some of the players will accept and work well with the new staff, and some of them already went collectively to the chancellor to lodge their protest.
I am sure that the administration will work well with them–after the AD ignored the interview committee’s UNANIMOUS recommendation to hire Stan Zweifel and hired Lance I’d say it is safe to say things will work out well there.
I cannot speak for all of the fans and alumni, but I won’t accept the “new guy” but it does not matter–I have rid myself of anything I owned that said UW-Whitewater, will never step in that stadium again, and will be sure to warn potential student-athletes about the way things really work behind the scenes at UW-W.
Who hires a guy from the outside with no head coaching experience after going 28-2 with a veteran coaching staff? Paul Plinske does I guess but only because DLK tells him too.
The fewer Warhawk victories, the better.
Happy New Year.
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:43 pm
acoltfan-
While I agree with you (and apparently many others) that Zweifel should have been given a chance and I understand your reasons for being sour on the decision, I’m not completely giving up on the program. I realize that there are people like you who can never forgive and nothing I can say will change your mind.
However, I’m going to try to be open-minded about this situation. Why punish an entire program, including the student-athletes who work so hard and truly deserve our attention and admiration, just because of one bone-headed move?
I’m just going to add this to the long list of reasons that I don’t like Paul Plinske. It’s hard for me to think of much he’s done well and he’s been nothing less than a pain in the side for the student-run basketball pep band we’ve got going. Yes the UW-W athletic teams have done very well during his tenure (national champoinships in Baseball and Volleyball, the obvious football success, WIAC championships for men’s basketball and various other sports, etc.), but I’ll give him absolutely no credit for it. If things go sharply downhill for the Warhawks, I think he deserves a good portion of the blame.
The part of your post that puzzles me the most, however, is the “only because DLK tells him too.” Why would DLK want Plinske to do something that would not only anger fans/other alumni but potentially be bad for the program? To the best of my knowledge everything he’s done has only been for the betterment of the department and program. While I agree that DLK has a lot of influence on the athletic department, I can’t see why he would be behind this move.
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:56 pm
If I were AD I probably wouldn’t be worried with what a trombone player in the pep band thinks. I’ve been both a trombone player in the pep band and a full-time athletic department staffer and let me tell you, the trombone player has no idea what goes on in the department and what those jobs entail.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:27 am
acoltfan,
You obviously have some serious inside information. I hope you will consider very carefully how you wield that power. While I am also incredibly disappointed that Coach Z did not get the position and if what you say is true, that the AD went against the recommendation of the committee to hire him, then I am even more so. But, that doesn’t mean I would do anything to hurt the remaining staff and players and I will give my full support to the new coach. This is a tough, complicated situation and true supporters will not contribute to or promote any more turmoil than there needs to be. The present staff and players have worked very hard and succeeded in taking Warhawk football to the national level and now the program must deal with the glare of the spotlight. This is personal business of the UWW community and every detail doesn’t need to be played out on a national website in my opinion.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 am
Sorry, Pat, for not staying with the intent of this thread. I have purposely not posted anything regarding the coaching situation but felt that needed to be said. My hopes for 2007 would be the same as Warhawktrombone:
“I hope for a peaceful coaching transition at UW-Whitewater. I hope the players accept and work well with the new staff, the administration works well with them, and (possibly most importantly) for the fans and alumni to accept the “new guy.”
Oh yeah, also peace on earth, lots of Warhawk victories, goodwill towards men, etc…”
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:02 pm
While awaiting the Year in Review column, I’ve been reading with interest about the apparent turmoil at UW-W. Though warhawktrombone is not the only poster to diss the coaching selection, I’m wondering why Pat was so condescendingly dismissive in his reply. Would warhawktrombone necessarily know less than any other average fan out there who has similarly posted. Care to share?
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 pm
LG: Given the pissing and moaning that alot of WWW folks have been doing, you would think that the college just hired Elmer Fudd to be the head coach. Maybe Pat was a little tired of most of the Whitewater fans’ tone.
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm
“Would warhawktrombone necessarily know less than any other average fan out there who has similarly posted.”
No. Would he be in a position to know as much about an athletic director as he wants us to think? That’s what I doubt and it is why I responded.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
HScoach:
Appreciate the thought, but the comment was addressed solely to warhawktrombone and not to all UW-W moaners. That’s why I don’t think Pat’s motivation was as you say.
Pat:
Unless I’ve missed something in his two posts to this thread, I interpreted his comments as opinions rather than allegations of fact. Nothing suggests to me he’s trying to come off as a know-it-all. That’s why I was surprised at your comments.
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Pat:
Agreed. There’s no good reason that Plinske should be or is concerned with what I (or any individual fan) think(s). I have no illusions that I know even a fraction of what goes on in the administrative offices. I just know how he’s interacted with me personally and with the basketball Pep Band in general. I also realize that some of my comments about Paul and the job he’s done at UWW were a bit harsh. I guess my logic train got slightly derailed for a bit…
I didn’t mean to imply that I know more than the average, or even below-average fan. I’ve only been following the program for the last 4 years or so since I became a student. If I came off as know-it-all, aloof, arrogant or any other variation I apologize. I was merely stating my opinion and not trying to convince the world that Plinske is a horrible guy.
All-in-all I will still support the program, wether I like the AD or not. And, returning to the original intent of Pat’s post, I hope Leipold can lead the Warhawks to a peaceful, successful and enjoyable season. acoltfan has already assured that the transition won’t be as smooth as initially hoped, but I’ll do my best. Provided work doesn’t take me elsewhere, I’ll be back in the Fall to cheer on the ‘Hawks. Hope to see some of you out there!
Best wishes to everyone for a happy and successful New Year!
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Last mud bowl? 05
Last practice in a parking lot? 05
last time they had the banquet in a gym? I think that “banquet hall” is obviously a gymnasium that’s been made over a bit but definitely………………….Yup, still looks like a gym.
Granted they are switching to field turf so that’s not an issue anymore.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:04 pm
2005 was a mud bowl? Hardly. And yes, you caught your own error regarding the turf. Looking at photos from last year’s game that hardly qualifies.
Sorry you are turning up your nose at having the banquet in the arena. I think you are way off base.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
The pictures don’t do it justice. They spray painted most of the field green to look good in the pictures. Mud with spray paint on it does not make it grass or turf.
I’m not turning my nose up about having the banquet in the arena. Quite honestly I could care less about where the banquet is held. I do care about the game’s facilties i.e. the field but that’s already being taken care of. I was just stating that it was in fact held in a gym though.
January 4th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Dirt is not the same as mud. I spend a fair amount of time on the field before and afterwards. It wasn’t mud.
January 4th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Another great year and job well done by all the D3 staff. I look forward to next year and can’t wait to see how UMHB and U-WW game plays out.
Why all the hard feelings from some of the U-WW fans about the new coach? If coach L does not win he’s out, then coach Z can step in. My question is will the new coach keep some of the assistant coaches? I think the new guy deserves support, his record is a good one, and he is an alumn. I hate to see fans wishing harm on the program because they don’t agree with the new hire. In fact, their loyalty is in question and maybe U-WW will be better off with these fans not stepping foot back into Perkins Stadium.
January 4th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I HOPE we don’t have to move the Stagg Bowl some where else for some of these nit pickers to find out just how good we have we have it in Salem.
I HOPE the the good people of the Roanoke Valley know that the vast majority of us appreciate that we can come and enjoy a football game with free parking and $1.50 hot dogs and Pee Wee players rolling down the end zone hillside in the true spirit of D3 football.
And I HOPE to see the Stone Station gang and the rest of my D3 friends next fall no matter who is on the field in Salem, although I hope ……..
January 4th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I was out at the Stagg in 2004 and had the chance to be around the field. Granted there were spots that were painted on but the turf held up great with no huge chunks of sod being ripped up (unlike 45 miles north the night before).
It looks like Salem is trying to make game facilities improvements each year and I like the fact that the game as an established identity with Salem. I have yet to hear of a possible destination that sounds more appealing than Salem.
January 4th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Selfishly, I’d like to see the game in my neck of the woods (Coppell, TX). But I hope the powers that be select Salem once again. Like wildcat1144, my better half and I attended the 2004 game, and the folks of Salem could not have been more hospitable and gracious.
January 4th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I too hope that this website finds additional sources of revenue-it has become my source for my D3 fix. Great stuff.
Although I don’t hope for bad things for anyone, I do hope whoever plays Mt. Union in the Stagg Bowl doesn’t get beat by Pierre Garcon like UWW did the last two years.
I hope those that are angry with the coaching selection at UWW don’t take it out on Lance, he is no different than the rest of us when competing for a job.
Lastly, I was a teammate of Lance Liepold-he is a great guy, a dedicated UWW alum and a smart football guy-I hope he has more success at UWW than all his predecessors.
January 4th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
My hope for 2007 is that at least one of the teams in the Stagg Bowl will not be wearing purple. Three years of dub purp is enough.
I overheard someone at the Stagg Bowl, it may have been one of the D3football.com people, say that he would give you every team except MUC and give you five-to-one odds if he could have Mt. Union. There were no takers. I guess we will have to see purple again. But please, only on one side, please?
January 4th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Great topic Pat, and thank you D3Football.com for a terrific year of coverage! I hope I run into you again next season somewhere in NJAC land.
I also appreciate the recognition for CortlandFootball.com. If anyone is interested in starting a web page devoted to their favorite team, you can email me at my website or post on my blog. I will be happy to help you with advice, as well as warn of potential bumps in the road. And I don’t just mean getting lost in Paterson, NJ!
In the past I have corresponded with various webmasters including those from Bridgewater and Whitewater. I talk to JT from Rowan at some point every season.
I agree that more internet video streaming is needed in 2007. Particularly if the games can be archived for later viewing. I am on the road following Cortland every Saturday. I would love to get home and watch the Fisher or Ithaca games, or catch a future NJAC opponent, or see what is going on in the Liberty League.
January 4th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
What I expect from 2007 -
A Mount Union national championship (had to get that one out of the way)
A better team from Morrisville. The Mustangs put a respectable product on the field in its first D3 season. Let’s see what the new recruiting class looks like.
A very dangerous Kean team. The defending ECAC champions will have AJ Roque as a senior. He is the best QB in the NJAC at this point.
Ithaca vs St John Fisher - The “Draw a line in the sand game.” IC gets the 2007 game in their house, and Fisher graduates their all-world running back. IC has to win, or Fisher becomes the new power of the E8 in everyone’s eyes.
A few more scheduling agreements between public and private schools in the northeast. Probably no chance of this happening, but it is sorely needed. There are too many unanswered questions prior to the playoffs every season in the East bracket.
January 5th, 2007 at 4:15 am
Pakownr97,
That was me who hatched that ridiculous bet that no one wants any part of. All I’m saying is — not that I bet, NCAA — give me the Purple Raiders and you get the field at 5-to-1 odds … you never know, maybe they’ll have some devastating injuries or someone else will go on a magical run.
As far as Lance Leipold, I kind of feel bad for the guy, especially since he’s a UWW guy who once worked with Berezowitz and not an outsider like some people are portraying.
Having been through a coaching change scenario as a player, I know everyone always wants the in-house coordinator to be the guy, and if that doesn’t happen, you’re pissed for a while … but at a certain point, the guy is the guy who’s leading you, and you have to accept him and accept that he wants the same things for you as the in-house guy would have, and the things you want for yourself.
Not having followed the situation too closely, I can only offer some basic logic and theory. One, if Plinske picked Leipold over a guy who has worked for UWW for 13/16 years (I forget which was which), it probably says more about how strongly he felt about Leipold rather than how he didn’t feel that way about Zwiefel. It makes sense that he has two candidates that probably can do the job, and he has to select one. I think it was rather bold to select the unpopular candidate, but since the AD would only want the best for UWW, I don’t understand why people won’t give him the benefit of the doubt, since he clearly must have seen something in him to make what he had to know was going to be an unpopular choice.
I am sure Stan Zwiefel will land on his feet, and I am willing to bet that UWW ends up liking the new hire in the long run. It could fail, sure, but it’s an interesting situation. While I don’t think UWW is a Stagg Bowl contender for next year, these are key times for building/recruiting/sustaining the success from consecutive Stagg appearances. And it’s kind of a no-win situation, because if he loses (and I mean only a few games. I could see the Warhawks possibly missing the playoffs or not winning the WIAC next year, depending on what’s back elsewhere) he’ll get blamed, but if he wins they’ll say it was all with Berezowitz’s guys.
Anyway, those are kind of thoughts from afar. Having been through a transition, you kind of have to get on board with the new guy ASAP and start defining your role. For some it’s a fresh start and it works out, some other lose favor they’d curried with the old staff. But you’re all working toward the same goal, and the AD and fans all want the same thing - mo’ Ws - so I don’t see why so much trust and discontent besides the obvious emotional sting, and I don’t mean any of this to be insenstive to Zwiefel.
I guess I’m more of a rational, benefit of the doubt type-guy than a cynic / conspiracy theorist.
FWIW.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:33 am
My hopes for 2007 are simple.
1. People to get over Zweifel not getting the head job at UWW (myself included) and support the team regardless.
2. More great D3 football.
Side note: Does anybody know if Coach Z is staying on as the offensive coordinator?
January 6th, 2007 at 9:29 am
my hopes for 2007…some other team then whitewater…it wasn’t even fun to watch this years stagg bowl…i would think after 2005’s game then would have learned but they didnt…whitewater is not really that great
January 6th, 2007 at 9:46 am
I’m sorry you felt UW-Whitewater wasn’t up to your personal standards. Next time we will run the Stagg Bowl opponent by you first.
January 6th, 2007 at 9:54 am
mtunion141, that lack of humility is disgusting.
When you read the hundreds of blogs that have admired what Mount Union and Coach Kehres have done,
and the appreciation that we D3fans have stated for how he and his coaching staff have brought out excellence in each newly configured team, year after year,
and the dignity that he has publicly maintained in this period of dynastic success,
it is apparent that you are not comprehending the greater lessons being taught.
My prayer for you, in your life, is that you ultimately experience your greatest joy, when you have been in quiet humble servitude to those around you who need it most.
January 6th, 2007 at 10:17 am
My hope is that the rest of the DIII world doesn’t judge the rest of us Mount fans by that tacky statement from Mtunion141. Sounds like he just graduated from the school of “flush the johnnies” University.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
RE: Stagg Bowl
A single response and I will let the issue die.
At the heart of American free enterprise, listen carefully to the beat of competition. Competition drives growth, product quality, and industry advancements regardless of the enterprise. Whether we speak of Salsa (New York City?!!), automobiles, boxer shorts or Stagg Bowls, competition drives the product.
Again, not a knock at Salem, but they were pretty complacent for a long time until a competitive bid was submitted. Do not be so naive to believe the field turf decision was not driven by competition. Without that Texas bid, we would be looking forward to more painted mud, sorry, dirt.
I am thrilled that another community realizes the attributes of Div 3 and has enough interest to get involved. Looks like these folks have a lot to offer and certainly deserve fair and unbiased consideration. I realize that will be difficult in dealing with the politics of the NCAA and Salem history, but I hope their interest and proposal are not perceived merely as tools to be used to improve the current situation.
Let’s compare and try to be a bit objective on a few points:
Location – Centrally located Dallas \ Ft. Worth vs. East coast Salem location
Transportation – DFW (#3 airport in the country) vs. Roanoke Municipal – DFW is 10 minutes from the proposed stadium
Weather – Average December high temp - DFW 58* vs. Salem 48* - Should we consider average snowfall?
The Market – The folks of Salem may be very hospitable, but do they truly support the event? Trying to be fair, eliminate the highest & lowest figures and the recent 10 year average attendance is below 5,000 !! Most “Friday Night Lights” high school games in this area average more.
Facilities – I recently visited the proposed Texas site – Replacing the turf this summer – 60 yard indoor practice field – 3 adjoining outdoor practice fields – indoor press facilities on both sides – updated locker rooms – sports medicine \ trainers facilities – conference \ press rooms on site
Overall, the Texas facility offers so much more for the players’ enjoyment and safety. Spectators would have a better selection of accommodations, entertainment, and transportation on a smaller budget.
I weigh the facts and the scales tip heavily to one side without the NCAA political weight added to tip the scales in a different direction.
In my opinion, it is simply time for a change. If the game is to grow, it has to move onward and upward. If the staff in Texas performs on level with the market, they could have a nice problem down the line – they could easily outgrow the facility! Uhmmmm – maybe the Cotton Bowl, or Texas Stadium or even the Cowboy new $ Billion Dome. And please, before you respond with the Div 3 preferred “atmosphere” rhetoric, ask the players if they would like to play the Stagg Bowl in front of 30 or 40 thousand!
Happy New Year to all.
P.S. And if the folks in Va. decide to play the card of hosting other championships, I hope they will think twice. I understand that Softball, Basketball, and Baseball can also be found in the DFW area.
January 6th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
“Again, not a knock at Salem, but they were pretty complacent for a long time until a competitive bid was submitted.”
And you know this because … ?
Improvements have been made to the Stagg Bowl every year I’ve been there. Texas was not in the picture.
There’s a reason the NCAA hasn’t put its D-III championships in large cities in the past — it would get lost in the shuffle. In small towns (Salem, Va.; Appleton, Wis.; Danbury, Conn.; Springfield, Mass.) the championship gets championship attention.
Sounds like you have a personal stake in this bid.
January 6th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
One factor Rabbit seems to omit is the relative proximity to the bulk of the DIII world of Salem Vs. Dallas. It would be a major road trip for everyone except a few teams. (I read once that Canton, OH is really the demographic “center” of DIII once if you want to get technical.)(Jeez, wouldn’t the MUC haters out there really get lit about a “Home Game” for MUC in their own county seat?)
Secondly, DFW is one of the most expensive airports in the country if you don’t have a SouthWest hub in your backyard.
Lastly, I remember the Dolphins-Cowboys Thanksgiving “Ice Bowl” a few years ago: perhaps a one year comparison of weather isn’t exactly fair?
Salem has done a great job with the Stagg: if they lose it, I hope the winner knows what they have to live up to.
By the way, my hope for 2007 is for a great, fair, safe and competitive DIII season for everyone. And GO MUC!
January 6th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
“And please, before you respond with the Div 3 preferred “atmosphere” rhetoric, ask the players if they would like to play the Stagg Bowl in front of 30 or 40 thousand!”
I’m sure they would love to, but it ain’t goin’ to happen in Texas or anywhere else for that matter. How long you been in Texas, son? High school football in Texas is king. The Southlake Carroll/Euless Trinity playoff game, a game many Texas high school football fans would consider the real championship game this year in the big-school division, drew 30,000-35,000 at Texas Stadium. And you think the Stagg Bowl featuring DIII teams that most folks in this area have never heard of would draw at least that, if not more?
As for venues in the Metroplex, Texas Stadium will not exist in three years, and the rent on either the Cotton Bowl or the monument to Jerry Jones, plus other expenses incurred, just might be more pricey than the revenue generated from the game.
I appreciate your enthusiasm and support for our area, but your promises are way over the top.
January 6th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Cortland-Ithaca draws 10,000-13,000 fans most years. The 15,000 fan level is about as good as you are going to get in D3, playoffs included. And honestly I would not want it to get larger than that. There is rarely a bad seat at a D3 football game, and the ticket cost is negligible. (Except for the $8 or so it costs to park at Montclair State)
January 7th, 2007 at 4:50 am
My hopes for the 2007 season is that my team (RPI) will finally play to its potential. We have a great coaching staff and we also have terrific student-athletes. I know that we are losing some key players, but I think we will be just as competitive this coming year.
I feel that the east region definetly deserves much more respect than what it has been given, especially with Fisher’s performance against the national champs. There might be a possibility that an East Region team might make it to the Stagg Bowl, I hope that is true, but hey, there is a long year ahead.
January 7th, 2007 at 5:05 am
I mean you may say that a 26-14 victory was not exactly close but up until the blocked Fisher field goal in the 3rd, the game wsa still 19-14, which is a fantastic showing for an East Region team, especially against such a fantastic Mt. Union team. If it were not for Kmic and the MUC O-Line’s performance in that game, who knows who would have been national champs this year. lol
However 2007 plays out, I hope that D3 Football draws an even larger audience, because I truly feel that the D3 level of football is the most pure that this fantastic sport can ever get with guys who play for nothing but their true love for the game. Let’s have an amazing season! Keep up the fantastic work Pat, Keith and Crew! So many people, including myself, depend upon your hard work and dedication.
January 7th, 2007 at 8:52 am
D3Keith - I can’t get involved in this painted-mud-Salem-DFW-mine-is-bigger-than-yours-conversation when there are real issues in the world!!!!
But what I can say is………HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!! That has to qualify as one of the biggest choke jobs in the history of the NFL!!
Getting blown out by the Saints at home on national television……..getting beat by the E-A-G-L-E-S at home on national television on Christmas and then losing to the 2nd worst team in the entire NFL (Michigan’s own Detroit Lions) with a division crown and home playoff game on the line!! And then last night’s debacle……Terry (SHE) Glenn…..T.O and the dropsies…..and the Annointed One botching a clean snap!!! Well at least he’s got Carrie Underwood!! The T.O. Curse Lives On!!!
Heading down to the Linc in a few minutes to tailgate and then watch our beloved Birds with 70,000 of the most passionate and rabbid fans in the world!!!
January 7th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Sents -
I watched the Fisher-MUC game on the internet, and I felt Fisher gave MUC as tough a game as anyone could have. And it wasn’t the element of surprise or luck. Both teams came to play.
I don’t know how to explain your RPI team. They looked great against (an albeit disillusioned) Cortland in the ECAC game. The prior week they took out playoff bound Union. Some of their losses throughout the season look bizarre in retrospect. They blew a golden opportuntiy to be a playoff team, and perhaps a very dangerous one.
When are the new facilities scheduled to be completed?
January 7th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Cortland-
Yes, we did have some tough losses this past year. A much-improved St. Lawrence team scored 4 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to beat us and we did not come out to play against Rochester, who also has become a terrific competitor. I feel the Liberty League this coming season may be as competitive as any conference, especially in the East Region. Now, about our new facilities, who knows when those will be built. lol. They are supposed to break ground this coming year, but this time last year they were planning on breaking ground in Spring/Summer ‘06, so I’m not going to promise anything. They said that the stadium will possibly host the 2009 Engineer season. If anyone wants to see a video on the new facilities, there is one on the RPI Athletics webpage. The new stadium is going to be top-of-the-line for the D3 level, that is if the project is ever going to be started! lol
January 7th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
UW-W fans,
Give coach Liepold a chance and stop crying. You guys act as if this guy is from Mars. He is an Alum and played for the Warhawks for crying out loud. Sometimes a new face and change is good. Whitewater will be tough to beat again next year, they have alot of good players returning. I plan on flying up from TX to watch UMHB play the Warhawks. UMHB has most of the team back on both sides of the ball. If they hang with UMHB you will know that they are contenders once again. I believe U-WW has a chance to win, it will be fun. Save me some brats and beer.
January 7th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
No kidding Purple, the fans should be glad the O coordinator didnt have a chance to sink the UWW program to the ground.
January 8th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I hope the selection committee gets the correct/deserving teams in the playoffs this fall…
January 8th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Pat:
I don’t know you at all other than reading your posts and hearing reactions from other posters on you and your posts. You seem to be a knowledgable and affable guy.
I am puzzled though as to your responses to those who post opinions that do not coincide with yours. You are very short with them and often come off as “scolding” and standoffish.
Maybe the opinions expressed are not based on full knowledge but, this would be an opportunity to instruct rather than berate. I understand the importance of an informed blog with informed opinions but, please try to be more patient with those that want to get involved but need help in doing so intelligently.
You and Keith ask for more pariticipation but with that call means more instruction to those “newcomers”.
Happy New Year all!
January 8th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Raiderdude-
I’ve been roaming this site for 2 seasons and Pat’s been that way the entire time. Good luck getting him to be less “scolding and standoffish”.
January 8th, 2007 at 11:10 am
I understand the frustration of reading postings that tend to come from the heart more than the mind but, we all need to be tolerant of those that leap without thinking all the time.
We are all good people at our core. Some are just more polished than others.
A hope for 2007 would be to encourage others to participate, provide a wordly opinion of D3Football from all parts of the country, and engage in intelligent debate.
Thank you for responding
January 8th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Raiderdude:
I’m all for new participation. I’m not really a fan of misleading spin and that is the reason why I commented as I did.
January 8th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
First of all, I would like to say that Flush has obviously gone of the deep end. How can anybody that follows UWW football make a statement like that. Coach Zweifel is one of the biggest reasons, if not the single biggest reason, for the Warhawks success in recent years. You say he would sink it to the ground. Well, with new starters next year at QB, WR, and TE, and with 4/5 of the O line and Beaver coming back, the ground seems like a good place to go. Regardless, the situation now is Coach Leipold is at the helm, and I can only hope that Coach Z stays on to call another great season for the Hawks.
January 8th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Nor am I. I just think sometimes we tend to express our opinions and provide support for those arguments with facts that may not be fully accurate.
Correction of those instances need to be dealt with adeptly.
I just want to make clear I appreciate all you do for this site and it’s a godsend to those with an interest in D3. This forum allows for discussion from fans across the country that would not get the opportunity elsewhere.
I just know that the highest achievement anyone can reach is respect. And the largest trait I see in my experience with watching and discussing D3 football is repect. Respect by the players and coaches for each other. The least we can do is show that same respect to our fellow posters and fans no matter what school or region of origin or their opinion.
Thank you again for this forum and I hope that it continues to blossom in 2007.
January 8th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Jeez, just grow up, Pat. You are not the omnipotent Division III person on the planet. I’ve read some of the other forums on here and saw occasions where you had you head handed to you on a platter. Like when you challenged OhioFootball about SJF. OhioFootball responded by saying you never mentioned that in your initial argument. Who is the one spouting misleading spin? Haha. You’ve lost a great deal of credibility. Rather than demonstrate any humility and accept your mistakes, you prefer to act like the part of a horse’s body that best describes you (Hint: you sit on it and your head seems to be residing there as well).
Granted, this is not the way I want to treat others, including you. However, whenever anyone has an opinion (yes, opinion) different than yours, you tend to treat them poorly. I don’t need to hear some wimpy semantic spin doctoring from you to try to change what others have perceived from you. That’s life. Perception counts, too.
What you need is humility. What you need is to accept that you are not a Division III football know-it-all and actually apologize to the people on here who wish to post and hopefully support such a wonderful sport. I won’t bite on some crappy semantic pantload from you trying to start an argument with me. You can’t beat me in one, anyways. If you really want respect, Pat, Be a man and apologize to others or continue to be a horse’s you know what. It’s not too late to change who you are for the good of yourself and everyone else. It’s your choice.
January 8th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Also, just to eliminate this trite return from Pat, no, I am not OhioFootball. I actually reside in Michigan and am a former student and player at Albion.
January 8th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I think the perception Raiderdude and hello_think have shared about some of Pat’s replies are probably shared by others who have not chosen to post on the subject. And we also know which individuals create deliberately provacative and inflammatory posts on a regular basis. What Raiderdude said above is worth repeating.
“I just know that the highest achievement anyone can reach is respect. And the largest trait I see in my experience with watching and discussing D3 football is repect. Respect by the players and coaches for each other. The least we can do is show that same respect to our fellow posters and fans no matter what school or region of origin or their opinion.”
January 8th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I’ve been reading through. Anyone know what the heck hello_think is referring to? I don’t see a post like the one he’s talking about here.
January 8th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
It may have been a personal reply sent via email.
January 8th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I assume it’s a response to a comment from a previous blog posting, about three weeks ago, regarding St. John Fisher’s final ranking being raised because they played Mount Union close.
I’ve made about 15,000 posts on the message board and another 500 on the blog. If you read a few comments here or there you can label me just about any way. Doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Doesn’t mean it’s fair.
The crux of this immediate discussion still stems out of the assertion from the Texas poster that Salem was “pretty complacent for a long time” until competition came along. That’s a false assertion and for me to stand by and allow Rabbit to pass it off as fact is just not something I can do. I’m sorry that the way it comes out is displeasing, but that’s the way I am when someone attacks an entity that works as hard for Division III as the City of Salem does.
I don’t do this site for the money — I haven’t gotten a paycheck since 2000. I do it because I love Division III and I want other people to see what’s going on outside their conference and immediate area. And all sorts of people disagree with me and I don’t have a problem with that.
But I’m not going to stand for someone pushing their agenda if they abuse the facts.
January 8th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I would love to see Flushthejohnnies admit he was wrong about his Stagg Bowl prediction and admit that he is the farthest thing from a college football god. I would also love to see Whitewater get a championship sometime. Preferably a year that by some strange occurence or shifting of the stars and planets, Mount Union doesn’t make the Stagg Bowl. They are quality fans, quality opponents, and a quality program, and they are more deserving than most teams out there. Don’t get me wrong, if the Raiders won it for the next 100 years straight, I would be at every one with bells on (pendning my existence on this Earth), but nonetheless, they deserve it. And if/when they do get it, I hope Bob Berezowitz is still around to see it! That said…..MUC football 07, “Let’s get one for the other thumb!!!!”
January 8th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I certainly didn’t intend to make a large issue of this Pat.
A hope for 2007 was to increase the interest by entertaining and encouraging new posters to the site.
I merely stated that, until these new posters are brought up to speed with the whole of D3 Football, it would be incumbent on those veteran posters to be patient and respect those newcomers. That would entail correction of misconceptions with tact.
I am not attacking your level of knowledge nor your commitment to this site. They are both above reproach. You deserve props for your efforts.
January 8th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
RaiderATO, good one. Hope Mount Union Bookstore starts selling t-shirts with slogan “One for the Other Thumb.” (LK might be the only one who could wear them all.)
January 8th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
As a new poster to this site, i have been reading it for the last 2 years since my son went to wesley to play football, i have never found pat or keith’s comments to be insulting to others. if the information is inaccurate, they have responded as they should. i have found some of the comments from others to be so over the top opinionated that they were hilarious, yet they have been allowed to be posted. it is amazing to me how easy it is for some to criticize or nitpick about a single comment. from what i can tell both pat and keith work extremely hard to have accurate information available for us to read. i know that it has helped me greatly appreciate the other schools that wesley has played and given me insight into what i should expect in the game. pat and keith do not need to apologize to anyone and should be applauded for this fantastic website. guys, keep up the good work and i look forward to reading during the off season, especially the pre season rankings and predictions about this upcoming season for wesley and the other top teams around the country.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Woj has been there for all of em too I believe…
January 9th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
IMHO, Pat Coleman knows more about Div III football than anyone else I have ever heard or seen. The ESPN crew are a joke compared to Pat and his crew. His colleagues, Keith McMillan and Pat Cummings are also very knowledgeable about D3, as are many of the regular posters, Matt Barnhart, Ralph Turner, and others. If you want to know about D3 football, listen to these guys.
Having said that, I have read several posts where each of these guys appear to come off as arrogant and/or self-righteous. I think it has to do with the written manner of bulletin boards and blogs.
I have met all of the above mentioned persons, except Ralph Turner, and everyone of them are great people whose passion for D3 football is unsurpassed.
We all need to grow some thicker skin and enjoy this website whether what is written about our team is favorable or not. This is the best forum I participate in on any topic. Enjoy it and give Pat and crew a great thank you for giving us this site.
January 9th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
RaiderATO, Yep, Woj has 9 rings now.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
D3Keith - Our Birds live to fight another day…………..when will this real life “Rocky” story end?! Thank God the state of Florida is non-existant in the world of D3 football. With the studs that state puts out………ouch!!!
What they did to Ohio State/Ohio football was downright criminal. I didn’t see that coming in a million years. If they played 100 times, Florida would win 98 of those games. Between that game and the current state of professional football in Ohio………Thank God for the Mount!!!
I’ve asked questions before about how many Mount players might get an NFL look see……………watching the size, speed and athleticism on that field last night, I’ll never ask that question again. The differences aren’t nominal……they’re absolutely monumental.
January 10th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Hopefully Sunday.
January 10th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I am amused at the extrapolation of one game to an entire state regarding football. There is no doubt that Florida was the better team on Monday night and I am sure there are many reasons for it. To say that Florida would win 98 out of 100 times may be a bit over the top.
And I imagine that when Ohio State beat Miami, FLorida in 2003, that was one of the 2 out of 100 times.
In any event, props to Florida and good luck to all in 2007!
January 10th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Oh….. and props to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins for making the NFL playoffs.
January 10th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
98 out of 100 isn’t over the top, its ascenine. Granted, Florida won, deserved to win, and deserved to be national champs. If that game was played again on Tuesday, I guarandamntee you it would have been alot closer than that. OSU failed to adjust to offensive pressure, and failed to adjust coverages and blitzes defensively. I’m a huge Jim Tressel fan, but he was outcoached to the fullest Monday night. It’s sad that their season had to end that way, because they won’t be remebered for how good they are outside of Ohio, they’ll be remebered as the third worst loss in a BCS title game ever. A Florida defender was quoted as saying, “They wern’t even that good, I can name 5 or 6 teams in the SEC that could beat them”. Please. Dont let one very off night ruin their legacy!………. Now, back to D-3 sports, the real reason we’re all here. Are the 2007 preseason rankings out yet? If so, where? and if not, when?
January 10th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
RaiderATO-
You’re kidding? It’s Jan 10th and you want a pre-season poll? Everybody in the world knows Mt U will be the preseason #1 and we’ll have to endure another boring season of D3 football.
January 10th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
lg1970 - What part of Louisiana are you from?
January 10th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
UWWRUNNER,
I think that the Warhawks will be in the thick for the national championship. However, just because coach Z is a great O coordinator does not mean he would be a great coach. I think UW-W will be stronger with Liepold and Zweifel around.
January 10th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Irving….as in Texas. I’m more of a Dallas Stars fan than a Dallas Cowboys fan. And I’m not so much an anti-Eagles team as I am anti-Eagles fans. My feelings about them originated on a Sunday afternoon in the Vet which turned out to be Michael Irvin’s final game. I’m sure you know what I’m referring to. I respect and admire most Eagles players, particularly Donovan McNabb and especially in his dealings with T.O. And you’re right…..T.O. brings nothing but dissension and discord wherever he goes. Very short-sighted and short-term decision by Jerry Jones which, were he not the owner, ought to get him fired. Long story short, I don’t wish ill will on the Eagles, but I don’t mind seeing their fans disappointed yet another year. That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it.
January 10th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Purple Crush …..Zwiefel is not coming back to UWW…..
January 10th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
lg1970 - I actually agree with parts of your post. I love Mark Cuban (Pennsylvania native!!) and I wonder if this is the Mavs year. I’ve been to 13 Eagles-Cowboys games in Irving and have never felt intimidated……..I know that it is the opposite for Cowboys fans venturing to Philly though. It truly is a Northeast (Philly, NY, Boston) thing and our passion for our teams (over the top at times) and the general intensity of the people and how we/they attack work and pleasure. I’ve has friends move to Miami, Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix and they all talk about how much slower things move and the lack of the intense passion relative to the East Coast. If you must know the entire story about Michael Irvin (no Saint himself……..and T.O’s best friend……enough said)….the booing started in earnest when Deion Sanders came off of the sidelines, layed hands on him (he recently had “found” religion) and proceeded to do some type of ritualistic dance. The crowd went nuts. Emmitt Smith has actually talked about how most of the Cowboys players wanted to pull Sanders from the field and tie him down!! Home losses to the Saints, the Eagles and the incredible game against the Lions……as well as the debacle against the Seahawks did prove one thing though. Jerry Jones (more facelifts than Joan Rivers!) was bit by the T.O curse. If they have any idea what they’re doing, they’ll cut him before his 3 million dollar roster bonus on March 15. Maybe we can spread the curse to Dan Snyder and the Redskins next year!!
January 10th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Apologies to other D3 fans as I prolong this Cowboys-Eagles discussion (I promise this is my last post on the subject)…..
dukefinadv,
I concede your point concerning the relative passion among fans in various cities, regardless of record (witness Bears and Cubs fans). But those fans in Philly who “went nuts” still witnessed an unquestiongly serious injury and, in my opinion, stepped beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior. The popularity (or lack thereof) of a certain player should not dictate the response he might get when he suffers a potentially life-threatening or career-ending injury.
If your plans next year include a trip to Dallas for the Eagles game, let me know and I’ll attend the game with you. Wear your Eagles jersey, and I’ll wear my Stars jersey!
January 11th, 2007 at 6:45 am
lg1970 - You got it buddy!! Have a happy and healthy 2007…….and no need to apoligize to the others about the non D3 football talk. The number of posts/posters slows down to a crawl for the next several months.
January 11th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Likewise to you. And if the game is played durung the D3 regular season, we might even catch a UMH-B or H-SU game. They’re only two to three hours from Dallas.
January 11th, 2007 at 10:47 am
pumkin- Its Jan 11th, 3 days removed from the D-1 national championship and we have several 2007 preseason polls out there. Why is this such a stretch for d-3? I would like to see how the rest of the nation is ranked as well, being as though I am a college football fan! If you think D-3 is so boring, then why do you spend so much time here?
January 11th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I would like to say to the entire staff of D3football.com - thanks for another great year of people like me enjoying your site immensely. I know that next year will be just as good if not better.
I am looking forward to next year just as I did for last season. Keep up the good work.
Anything going to come out of the suggestions from at the end of the season?
January 11th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
RaiderATO-
Why is this such a stretch for D3?— There’s something called scholarships in D1. It’s much easier to gauge a teams returning talent when you have scholarships.
January 11th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
pumkinhead - How many new incoming freshmen make that big of an impact on the PRESEASON rankings? Granted, they impact the final rankings tremendously, especially those of the caliber of Percy Harvin, amongst others. However; noone can project an incoming players talent so much that it directly affects the rankning they place on a team before the season starts, and even furthermore before that player has stepped foot on a field. They usually base these on returning starters, depth chart, and rosters, all 3 of which division 3 football has. So my question remains: Does anyone, who’s not trying to formulate an argument, know where I can find preseason division 3 rankings? And pumkin, don’t be mad at me because you’re team will ineveitably be behind Mount Union…
January 11th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
RaiderATO-
The point is there’s nothing officially binding a D3 player to remain at his current school such as a scholarship. So all your “returning starters,depth charts, rosters” can transfer anywhere they want and play for another d3 school in ‘07. That is 1 reason it’s a stretch to come up with a d3 preseason poll at this point in the year. In other words- good luck in finding one in January.
You really burned me with that last statement. Are you in the band or on the cheerleading squad at Mt because I know you are not a player or former player.
January 11th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Pumkinhead,
Actually if he was an ATO at Mount, he probably played something. That has historically been the “jock” fraternity at MUC.
RaiderATO,
I’m not sure if it is posted yet, but HSCoach mentioned that he was working on a preseason ranking for the OAC for Ric’s site: http://www.mtunionfootball.com. It’s not national, but it might satisfy you a little bit as to the OAC.
January 11th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Yup, I’m working on a “Way too early preview of the 2007 OAC season” right now. Also going to take a stab at some of the national teams that I expect to make a run to Salem in ‘07. Should be done before spring practice.
January 11th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
If you think Pat Coleman is difficult on the boards, you should see him in person. Man all he did was scream at me at the West Conn game this season.
Just kidding.
Pat is a good guy. Based on some of the goofy things which posters come up with on the message boards, it is amazing Pat hasn’t gone postal yet.
January 12th, 2007 at 8:20 am
JK and HSCoach- Thanks for your help, thats all I was asking for, Ill be sure to check out the link provided…
Pumkin head-As a former player at MUC, I enjoy keeping up with college football D-1 thru D-3 and NAIA….People have the right to transfer at any school, no matter what division, scholarship or not. If someone has started or is in line to start at their respective school and has remaining eligibility left, then thats a great reason to assume they will return for the following season, and that is enough to bind many young D-3 athletes to their schools; the opportunity to play. I mean, thats the whole reason they decided to play at the next level. Why would they transfer to another school where they will be relatively unknown, when opportunity is slapping them in the face. These assumptuions help establish the rankings I speak of, and really thats all they are, is assumptions. A scholarship is not binding, anyone can back out of one at any time for any reason. Maybe you should check out the link JK has provided as well, so you can see what we’re talking about.
January 12th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Both Pat and Keith are as knowledgeable about D3 as anyone out there that isn’t on the “inside” of a program.
In the past, I have posted some things that have been off base or from a slanted opinion. All Pat or Keith or anyone has ever done is correct me when I was clearly wrong or present other facts to make me think about what I said. I don’t think I have ever been personally attacked, i.e. called stupid or asinine, but some of my comments have been, and sometimes the validity of the comment has been questioned, but never have I felt that I was unwelcome or belittled. I think some people need to grow a thicker skin and/or make the distinction that it is their comment that is in question, not them personally.
Additionally, I am concerned with the attacks on anyone, but especially on Pat and the rest of the D3.com guys. Maybe it is my upbringing, my past as an athlete, and/or my career choice to be an Army Officer, but I certainly would never think to personally attack anyone in a position of authority, and Pat and his crew are clearly the authority on this site. I am truly grateful that they give us this forum to express our opinions and our loyalties. I think a bit of respect for that fact is in order.
January 12th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Amen JK!
January 12th, 2007 at 8:47 am
JK, well stated.
Thanks for serving.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:45 am
D3Keith - Heading down to Phila International with my gang for the trip to the Big Easy……..wish us luck!! I’m hearing about a ton of people going down because of the affordability of tickets and flights and the ease of hotel rooms. We will represent….listen out for us!! There are no fans that travel (with all respect to the pro fans on the other side of our glorious state!!) in such numbers (and with such attitude!!!) as the Eagles fans!!
Duke
January 12th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
RaiderATO-
I’m well aware a scholarship doesn’t mean you “can’t” transfer- my point again was it’s much easier to guage what you have coming back and what you have coming into your program when scholarships are invloved- and thus easier to have a January preseason poll. It usually makes the sports page when a D1 player transfers or gets dropped from the team as opposed to D3 when you “really” don’t know what you have on your team until Mid-August.
I’m out- had enough…
January 12th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Instead of arguing my point, I did some research. I used stats, returning starters, and depth chart to determine a 2007 top ten. Granted, its a quick, crude top ten and I only researched the top 25 teams in the end of this years polls, but nonetheless; I wanted to see if it could be done. I only hope that its worthy enough!
January 12th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Here it goes:
1. Mount Union-The Raiders return their entire backfield along with All-American guard Blanchard and center Safran. Not to mention Gracon at receiver. Defensively, the Raiders return LB’s Rees and DeRiggi and DBs Wilson and Kostelnik. Their biggest question will be the D line.
2. St Johns Fisher-SJF returns three outstanding receiver soffensively in Jackson, Marion, and Nowicki, and their leader returning rusher is Reile with 805 yards. Not to mention Kramer’s back at QB after throwing for 2,019 yards last season. All-American tackle Fortune is back as well. Defensively, SJF returns AA DB Stepnick as well as Miranto and Driscoll. SJF also has two strong LBs in Fox and Casel
3. St Johns(MN)-QB Kofoed is back after throwing for 2800 yards last season, and top rushers returning combined for over 850 yds last year. Defensively, the Johnnies return AA DT Gunderson as well as two great DBs in Cloeter (4 picks) and Klint, who is only a sophomore.
4. UW-W- The Warhwaks are back agin with Justin Beaver as well as 4 of their 5 linemen from last years squad. Also, watch for Soph fullback Hunt to get in the mix. On D, Ogrizovich is back at DL and Benish at DE. The Warchwaks return their entire secondary!
5. Uw-Lacrosse - Lacrosse is lead up front on O by OT Olsen and Olejniczak. The loss of QB Shumna hurts, but Donoval and Hall should carry the rushing load. WRs Everson and Wagner return as well. Defensively, Lacrosse has 3 of 4 back in the seconadary and three great LBs in Cordes, Neitzel, and Kiefer….The loss of Teeple hurts!
Theres my top 5….I’ll be back with 6-10 in a little while!
January 12th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
6. Springfield- Returning for Springfield is AA QB Sharpe who rushed for 1.941 yards as a junior, and Jackson is back at FB after 928 yards in the 2006 campaign, however; they lose AA Guard Adam Feit. Defensively, Harasymiak is back at DB after a 10 interception campaign. Also back is another DB in Zalenski with 4 picks last year, and Capoarale is the top retruning LB. Springfield must air it out a little more if they wanted to advance deep into the playoffs.
7. Wesley - After a 13-1 campaign in 06, Wesley returns Aaron Jackson in the backfield as their top returning rusher with 1095 yards last seaosn. Although Warrick is gone for Wesley, Mike Clark returns as the top receiving threat, after racking up 1304 yards receiving. On D, Wesley is lead by AA DE Robinson, and DBs Marquile and Matthews who robbed three passess apiece last season.
8. Central- The number one team in Iowa, but number 8 on my list. Central returns Connell at QB (1500 pass, 470 rush yards) and Schuring at RB (1200 yards) from last seasons 10-1 squad. The top returning receiver is Huisman with 552 receiving yards. All-American guard Nick Reed is gone, but the O line will continue to be strong. Central returns three solid linebackers in Lehn, Thompson, and Myers, and also a strong secondary with Dood and Badeaux at the corners and Baethke at Safety.
9. Wilkes - Wilkes O is lead by the return of AA guard Jordan Purdy. Returning QB Karafa could have a big year after throwing for nearly 2000 yards last season and rushing for almost 200. Nabba is the top returning rusher with 338 yards. Defensively, Wilkes loses both All-American Serafin and Ferriero but retrun 3 air tight DBs in Gilroy, Grande, and Friedel. The trio combined for 8 INTs last campaign.
10. Whitworth - Whitworth loses All-American TE Mike Allen andf QB Joel Clark but return RB Havercroft (563 rush yads) and Wideout Silva (759 Receiving yards). Defense with have to carry them early and the return of their entire secondary will definitely help. Marshall, a junior, Tully, Entel, and Grow totaled 22 picks last year, and look to do the same in 07′.
Well, theres my top 10 based purely off of stats, depth chart, and returning starters. I’ll even throw in some honorable mentions in a little while. If I can do it, in my spare time, with littlehelp or prior knowledge of many of these players, then surely someone who spends more time covering D-3 and has more insight can formulate an even better one than this. Please, tell me what you think and feel free to add your input as well…Be back in a few!
January 12th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Honorable Mentions:
Occidental - Even though AA QB Andy Collins has departed they return a slew of offensive weapons. Most notably, OL Emerson and Kyles, RB Anderson, and TE Wertheimer. Their top defensive returnee is OLB Ostland.
Rowan - You can never count Rowan out, even though the defensive side of the ball will be almost completely new for the Profs. On the bright side, Edwards is back at RB after amassing almost 600 yards on the ground last season, and Katcher is back with not only the best name in D-3 for a receiver but also almost 300 receiving yards under his belt.
Hardin-Baylor - After a 10-3 campaign last season, Thrasher returns at RB(1137 rushing), with ironically the best name for a RB in D-3, as well as Welch at QB (1200 passing), Smith at receiver, and Medlock at TE. Hardin-Baylor needs to find a quality kicker soon. Defensively, All-American LB Freeman is back, as well as quality DBs in Barcack, Burris, and Henry at LB. Hardin-Baylor will be a solid team in 07′ and will look to knock off the Purple Raiders again, much like 04′….I may regret not having them in my top 10!
Well, thats enough from me! I know Im no Pat or Keith, but I tried!
January 12th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
RaiderATO,
Looks like a solid fit for a 1-5, with pretty good analysis. I’m not convinced of the St. John Fisher, but they could very well kick but next year too.
I hope the CCIW can finish with a couple of teams in the top 20. I really hope one is my beloved Augustana Vikings. GO AUGIE!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
my hope for 2007…this stupid thing and the people on here get a life….mt. union is going to win it all again and the rest of d3 is just on lookers…go raiders!!!!!!
January 13th, 2007 at 12:48 am
And yet we continue to play the games.
Foolish us!
January 13th, 2007 at 12:51 am
Duke,
Be safe. Root hard.
I think we’ve got a 50-50 shot on this one. We can score, they can score, we can’t stop the run, they can’t stop the run.
Should be fun. And I think next week might be easier for whoever wins.
Now back to D3
January 13th, 2007 at 10:11 am
No wonder the rest of the world hates Mount Unuion fans…way to make us look like good!!!
January 13th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
My 2nd hope for 2007 is that ALL of us Mount Union fans learn to win with as much class as Kehres, the team and MOST fans do.
Go Raiders! Win one for the other thumb!
January 13th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Did d3knowitall and flush the johnnies morph into mtunion141 in the past few weeks?
January 13th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Keith and Duke:
Maybe next year.
January 16th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
I dunno,
This year was a lot of fun.
People get too caught up in whether you won it all or not, rather than whether you had fun on the journey.
I would much rather be an Eagles (or Colts) fan and have enjoyed the past six years with a shot at winning it all and not winning than have been a fan of say, Tampa Bay or Baltimore, who each won it once and has had a few miserable years mixed in.
I think you can apply similar logic to D3.
Once you get over the hurt of losing to Mount Union, you can go back and appreciate what you/your team did do.
(thinks about another shameless plug for Year in Review, Part 2, but passes)
January 17th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
mtunion141,
It is obvious that your professors at Mt. Union are not teaching you writing skills, , or punctuation.
What kind of kids are they letting in that school? Idiots?
Win four in a row!
January 17th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
HS Coach…exactly what HS do you coach at? If you dont mind!
January 17th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Yeah, man — at Augustana the double-comma thing is all the rage.
January 17th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Keith:
One of my hopes for 2007 is that your philosophy on winning, losing, and enjoying the journey is shared by more people. We read far too many posts by individuals so caught up in winning, image, historical performance, etc. that they lose all sense of perspective.
Glad to see you (and Duke as well, I’m sure) recognize the great year the Eagles had and who are not be ashamed whatsoever falling to a team that may well be destined to winning it all. Who knows?
January 17th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Before the grammar police weighs in….my last sentence should read:
“Glad to see you (and Duke as well, I’m sure) recognize the great year the Eagles had and are not ashamed whatsoever falling to a team that may well be destined to winning it all. Who knows?”
January 18th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Augie!