I also read the article in the Temple paper.  I am excited to see guys from the 2004 squad working with the Cru this year.  I still remember Shinn as a player and coach and his passion for the Cru program.  There were others besides him that had this enthusiasm, but getting coached by guys who started the program continually motivated me personally and the team.  Those guys were the first to have a winning season, and now look where the foundation they laid has brought the program. I am sure these GA's are having the similar affect on this squad.  Zunk, Lopez, Bryson and Tito keep it up and take care.

I love this time of year.  I have not checked the posts in a few days, but I have read them.  There were many things mentioned that I agree with

I watched Kleppe in '06.  He was definitely a huge impact on the game.

For UMHB the top games in the program would have to be (at this point) the Stagg Bowl in '04 and  Beating Mt. Union in Alliance  (I know this has been said just saying I agree)

As a player on the 2004 Crusaders I would be happy to lose the top game status to a National Championship title.  As a coach now reflecting on team dynamics, the importance of every year in a program becomes more recognizably critical.  As mentioned earlier in 2004 many fans would have been happy with a playoff victory.  The players and especially the senior of 2004 would not be satisfied with anything less than to be playing for a National title on the last day of D3 football.  The 2004 breakthrough set a new precedent for the program.  Now, instead of having a goal to win some playoff games, the expectations have risen.  I am glad to have been a part of that team, and I am confident that each year the Cru has improved due to leadership both on and off the field.  
Sorry to go on for so long, but I am excited to see where the Cru is now and where the program will continue to go in the future.  I for one am a proud Cru football alum, and I am very anxious to see the CRU play in person this weekend.  

I would also like to see UMHB turn the tables on UWW this year.  In fact, I plan on going to watch the game.  I watched the game in Belton a couple of years ago, and I watched the semi game on the internet last year.  Both teams are programs that deserve the respect that they are given.   UMHB players and coaches definitely respect the UWW football program, which I can say with confidence after conversations with both Cru players and coaches.  I am looking forward to seeing a great game in Belton this week.  I am glad the Cru kept winning so I would be able to see them in action this year.  This will be my first game to attend this year, and I am anxious to see the 2008 edition of the CRU in person.  Good luck to all players and coach at UMHB.  Safe travel to all UWW players, coaches, and supporters that will be making the trip to Belton. 

Sorry didn't see the other post above until after mine was posted. My apologies.  I would like to take this opportunity to say that the Presidents seem to be a class act program with success year after year.  I would also like to compliment the great competitors, coaches, and spectators that were present in 2004 when I played for the Cru in Pennsylvania vs. the Presidents.  Just wanted to share my opinion of the W&J program, coaching staff, and fans.

Not trying to be a jerk, but thought some fans may check here for an update on the score.
Score at the half is
UMHB  49
W&J      7

Playoff update

UMHB    49
W&J      7

at the half!!!
Cru hitting on all cylinders right now.

Playoff update

UMHB 49
W&J    7

at the half!!!
Cru is hitting on all cylinders right now

I would have to agree with Crualum39 about the factor of speed in  2004.  W&J looked fast compared to their opponents on film.  In fact the Oline was concentrating on footwork to overcome W&J's apparent team speed.  The team speed of the Cru definitely impacted the game on offense, defense, and special teams.  Plays on offense that would normally go for a nice gain went for TDs.  The defense stifled W&J's offense for the most part.  Their WR coming open is sometimes due to the Cru spending the majority of defense in a man or man free coverage.  I also think that the special teams speed difference was apparent whether covering a kickoff or returning a punt for a touchdown.  I say all of that to say that team speed was a factor then, and I believe it will be a factor again in this year's version of Cru vs W&J.  I am glad to see the match up in Belton this year.  I am upset I will not be there, but I plan on listening and being updated during the game.  All those going to the game travel safe and GO CRU!!!

I am looking forward to a great game.  I won't be able to make it to the game, but I did have an opportunity to make it down to Belton and talk with some of the coaching staff.  The preparation for this week is intense as it is every week.  I am planning on listening to the game.  I think it will be a close game also, but both teams will get some points on the board.  My guess would be UMHB 35 Wesley 27.  Would love to see the Cru continue to improve each week.  Hope everyone has had a great thanksgiving break.  GO CRU!!!

I am here also. I hope that the game Saturday is really exciting and capped off with a Crusader win.  I would have been able to go if the game was in Belton, but I don't think that my six-month pregnant wife would want to be dragged across the country or be left alone while I went cross country.  Anyways I believe that the Cru will show up prepared to play, and I know that Kubiak and all the Seniors will play to lengthen their last season as a Crusader.  Take care and safe travel.  GO CRU!!!

Roocru,
I have a slight correction to your list of scores reflecting the scores between HSU and UMHB.  UMHB won in 2003.  The score was correct 43 (UMHB) to 36 (HSU) but the Cru won the game.  Trust me I was on the field and remember making the first down to seal the victory.  I figure it was probably just a typo, but any chance to remind HSU fans of the first time that we beat them in Abilene is always fun.    .  Anyways thanks for your continued support.  Go Cru and take care of the Presidents like in '04.

I think that the UMHB and HSU game is going to be awesome.  Both teams are full of talent and have film from this year so that they can learn from their mistakes.  I am just upset that I will be unable to make it to the game.  As long as UMHB prepares, as the guys know they should, than the game will be very exciting and conclude with a great win for the Cru.  As long as the defense continues to do well then the Cru will be in great shape.  Hopefully the Cru offense will continue to improve and make a statement on Saturday.  Well, I am looking forward to a great rematch.  No matter which team wins, I would love to see an ASC team make a run all the way to the National Championship.  Good Luck to the Cru. Have a great game seniors!

Quote from: minni on November 06, 2006, 11:28:38 AM
HSU is just going to have to do what UMHB did in 2004 and win every single game on the road and represent the south in the Stagg. 

That would definitely be an impressive feat.  I think that one of the biggest hiccups in that plan may be when they have to play UMHB again (but I do remember '04 and the playoff game so both teams better be ready to play).  I am looking forward to that game, because both teams have always hit me as high quality athletes and people.  Are fans may get rowdy, but both teams are made of quality athletes and men.  I want to see the ASC well represented again this year, and I hope that they can keep this game from being played real early in the playoffs. 

I agree with UMHBalum-n-Catland.  The rankings are fun things for us to look at and discuss.  By the way, I too agree that D3football.com's top 25 is definitely very well done and the most correct from the games that I have seen.  We may disagree at the pairings, but it is true, if you win out you win it all.  UMHB (#10) on the poll used on TV (AFCA I think not sure) and Linfield (#2) played for the National Championship.  What a great example of how no matter the rankings before the playoffs, if your team gets in you get a fresh start to show what you are made of (hopefully in December @ the Stagg  ).  Anyways D3 football is the purest scholar athletes and guys who really just want to play as long as they can, which is why I was a D3 player and will continue to be a huge D3 supporter (not just my team either which I hope all of you out their will continue to support D3 whether your team is playing in the Stagg Bowl or not).  Good luck to the Cru this week keep taking care of business.

Quote from: CruAlum39 on November 02, 2006, 04:52:30 PM
I said I was slow crualum75, but you didnt have to take it that far! 

Hey, do you remember that time you tried to pancake me in inside drill and and I reversed it and laughed in your face as you were trying to push me off of you?  Ahhhh.... those were the days! 

Hope life is well ol' buddy.

Nope, I don't seem to remember that  .  I do remember getting my pancake a couple of times though.  I am sure we took turns reversing on each other    Hope you are doing well too. I think I'll send you an email sometime to see what's up. Actually I may do it right now.  Anyways I hope you're doing well too, and don't feel bad, remember how ever slow your were/are I am still slower  . Take care bud.