Quote from: bearsalum on Yesterday at 12:53:36 PMLong-time lurker, first-time commenter here, so go easy on me. Also a Bowdoin alum and longtime supporter.

I'm here to say how incredibly disappointed I am in Athletic Director Tim Ryan and Bowdoin as a whole. These student-athletes have been let down for years, and what is happening behind the scenes right now only adds to that disappointment.

Every single player on that roster earned his spot at Bowdoin. Many had opportunities to play at other outstanding academic institutions, and they chose Bowdoin. They show up every day, work hard, support one another, and represent the college with pride. What have they gotten in return? Years of inconsistent coaching, a program that has struggled to find its footing, and now a complete lack of meaningful communication from the administration during what is arguably one of the most difficult periods this program has faced.

And let's be clear, the situation surrounding Coach Hammer's leave of absence didn't develop in a vacuum. Serious concerns about the program extend well beyond wins and losses. I'm not going to speculate about confidential personnel matters or ongoing investigations, but it's fair to say there are bigger questions about leadership, accountability, and how student-athletes have been treated.

Which brings me to Tim Ryan. Where has the athletic leadership been throughout all of this? These problems didn't appear overnight. At what point does the athletic director take responsibility for recognizing that a program is in trouble and doing something about it?

To my knowledge, as of today, players and families have received little more than the announcement that Coach Hammer is on leave. No meaningful explanation of the program's direction, no publicly communicated long-term plan, and seemingly no acknowledgment of the uncertainty these young men are dealing with.

I fully understand that there are personnel matters the college cannot discuss. But that doesn't excuse the lack of communication about the future of the football program. Those are two very different things.
I feel especially badly for the juniors and seniors who have given so much to this program and may never get to experience the turnaround they deserve. And I have to wonder how many underclassmen are questioning their decision to attend Bowdoin. If I were an incoming recruit or parent, I would be asking some very difficult questions right now.
And frankly, I think the Bowdoin community deserves to know what the administration intends to do to restore confidence in this program.

Lastly, thank you to Lumbercat for recognizing the effort these players continue to put forth. This team has not quit. These men continue to show up, work hard, and compete despite everything going on around them. Some are understandably frustrated and disappointed, yet they continue to represent the school with their heads held high.

This roster has talent, including on offense! But talent alone doesn't win games. Coaching, player development, leadership, and play calling matter. Why hasn't Bowdoin invested in the experienced coaching and program support these athletes need?

These players have upheld their end of the bargain. Has Bowdoin?

I think Tim Ryan and the college owe these young men and their families a lot more than silence. I hope people stop seeing this as just another disappointing football season. Much bigger issues are at stake here.
The players deserve better. And Bowdoin needs to do better.

Finally someone comes forward and speaks for Bowdoin with a very well stated account of the situation. This has been an awful display by the Bowdoin Administration and Athletics Dept but it's nice to see a concerned supporter of the College speak up.

Last week on Twitter I saw an announcement from a recruit in California so proudly announcing his commitment to Bowdoin. A great achievement and milestone for any incoming student athlete. His first acknowledgement and thank you was to the Bowdoin HCOF (who was dismissed over a month ago). It was obvious that the young recruit from so far away was not aware of the situation in the Football Program. I'm sure things will work out well for that young man but he won't be playing for the HCOF showing on the Bowdoin website. What a terrible display of arrogance and dishonesty by the College. There are countless others like this recruit who deserve some communication and disclosure on the situation.

I know a local prospect personally who was on the verge of committing to Bowdoin. I suggested to the recruit and his parents that they contact the AD and listen to his explanation and his account of the situation before finalizing a commitment.

Is this the way the 4th ranked Liberal Arts College in the country which prides itself on openness and communication handles a situation that has potential influence on so many? The Bowdoin Athletics community deserves much better.

Considering all the turmoil in the program behind the scenes I think the Bowdoin team is competing with a lot of intensity and pride.

Quote from: nescac1 on October 17, 2026, 04:37:19 PMReally solid win for the Ephs on the road against Middlebury today.  Highlights for the Ephs:

- the D bent a little, but made huge play after huge play in big situations. Especially in the second half, which was the best the Eph defense has played all year, Midd could do very little.  Acheson, Moore and Mangini led the way from the LB position as they were all over the field and making bone-rattling hits.  The Ephs forced three huge turnovers and also stopped Midd on three fourth down plays.  The Ephs did a very nice job controlling McClellan, who has hurt them in the past, he didn't really break lose for any big plas. Finn Ryan had a huge play recognizing a ballsy fake punt play by Midd from deep in their own territory, shedding his blocker, and making a big hit which led to a fumble recovery by Kreakie, who also had a big day. 

- Drew Weiler proved that he is absolutely for real, he had an impressive day hitting 23-34 for 285, two TDs and no INTs against a solid Midd defense. Most of his passes were again right on the money into tight spaces, including a huge 40-yard pass on a dime to Falls from his own one yard line.  The only blemish was taking a few too many sacks, which seemed to be a combination of some protection breakdowns and also holding onto the ball a bit too long. The Ephs also continue to struggle a bit with the center to QB snap, although this week the one that was totally botched wasn't the center's fault. 

- This was the best game of the year by far for the Eph receivers.  I didn't see any drops and they made a lot of tough catches despite tough coverage.  In particular, it was great to see Zach Falls finally get on track with 7-128 and a TD< he looked like the Falls we saw last year, finally.  Weiler and TE Montessano continue to have a great chemistry as well especially in big situations. 

- The Ephs run game (with Fabiano still out) struggled today and they gave up too many sacks, so I imagine the offensive line will see some areas for improvement, but on the plus side, there were a lot of plays where Weiler had time to connect deep down the field. 

- For Midd, Aidan Moss had a solid game as he had to make a lot of plays on the run.  But he was much more effective in the first half than the second. WR Angstreich was awesome and gave the Ephs fits all day catching passes in space in the middle of the field.  Midd's star defender Matt Shaw had a strong day, and the Midd defensive line was rock solid, but Midd kept giving the Ephs a short field to work with which was the difference in the game. 

Wieler is the real deal. Has all the tools. It took about 5 minutes to see that last week in Wtown. Not sure where Johansen might be in his rehab but it will be interesting see what the high intensity HCOF will do from there.

Quote from: Nescacman on October 14, 2026, 07:19:50 PMSo breaking news out of Waterville...Coach Cosgrove is stepping down immediately. No word yet on a replacement. Obviously, we wish him and his family the best. Totally a class act.

More to follow.

Oh no, sad to see. Cosgrove was a friend and HS rival in the Ma class of '74. He'll put his family first as always--the same way he always treated his players. Let's hope for the best for Coach and his family.

I want to thank CarollFan for lendinding his knowledge and experience on the playoff system.

N1-

For DPOTY consideration you make no mention of Liam Keaney of Bates. For my money he's a strong candidate.

NESCAC leader in 3 categories:
#1 in Solo Tackles
#1 in Sacks
#1 (tied) in TFL
He has been all over the field for Bates.

Also, despite missing time due to injury, LB Ryan Rozich is always a force and a perennial all NESCAC player who deserves consideration as well.

Just wanted throw these guys in the mix.

Quote from: nescac1 on October 10, 2026, 02:23:55 PMWow, yeah, FY or no, I'm surprised we have not seen Weiler before this point of the season.  Regardless of the strength of opponent, he is certainly the biggest arm talent Williams has had on the roster since at least 2010 (not saying a LOT, as the Ephs have generally gone with run-first QBs, but it ain't nothing, either).  Weiler was 9-18 for 189 in the half despite three drops by receivers and a pretty blatant uncalled PI.  He also was very impressive running the ball, very nimble for a big QB, ran for 8-53 (net is only 30 because of a huge loss on a bad snap that was in no way his fault).  The entire offensive approach is dramatically different (and a lot more fun to watch) as the Ephs have been spreading the field and abandoned the sluggish, conservative approach from the first three weeks.  They even scored on a clever reverse to Stahelski who's brought some badly needed speed to the offense. Weiler had 3-4 eye-popping plays, none more so than a 55 yard bomb on, I think, 3rd and 29 that he put right on the money to Stahelski; there is a zip on the ball when it leaves his hands that Eph fans haven't seen for quite some time. 

Overall a very impressive day for Eph FYs despite Jack Fabiano not playing (hopefully he is OK). FY tailback Aiden Clark looks good, he's like a bowling ball out there and feels like he's close to breaking a big one soon. Danny Montesano has done a nice job helping fill in for Ben Yedid, another key player who seems to be out, on the DL. Finn Ryan pops whenever he is on the field and is another guy who always seems close to making a game-changing play on defense, he's going to be heard from in a big moment this year.  And Will Machnik continues to do a nice job at CB. 

But the key guy in the class is obviously Weiler and his career could not have gotten off to a more impressive start. Please, please keep him upright, Ephs! 

Bates, I know they've been depleted by injuries this year, and they have definitely gone the wrong direction from last season. 

All good points N1, totally correct. Bates played very inspired Football on fumes last week with injuries to 5 or 6 of their best players in losing that heartbreaker to Tufts on homecoming last weekend. It was a loss, no excuses from Coynes desk. He's a stand up guy who is as mentally tough as any HCOF I've seen.....his day will come.

I arrived at the game today fearing Bates might be flat after an overachieving, empty the bucket effort last week....and they were..... I walked around the field, watched warmups closely, both sides. As the game started I saw a flat, emotionless group of Williams players and a sleepy crowd on the Eph home side to match the lethargic Bates brigade. For the Purple maybe it was mid term break or just not taking their opponent seriously but the Williams faithful seemed listless. For most of the first quarter it was the quietest football atmosphere I can remember. There was more excitement over at venerable Taconic when a guy made a 10 foot putt on the 18th to win a $5 Nassau.


But the Ephs came out and played well.
Kudos to the Purple for a fine effort today and wish them the best going forward. They are a better club than Amherst in all phases. Eph's kicker looks to have a D1 leg, really drives the ball.

Disagree with N1 a bit on the FY QB Weiler (only one game). I think you are overestimating his arm talent- he throws a nice ball and will have no aerial problems in the NESCAC but there's not a super big time arm there. However, his asset is great feet in the pocket. He will be unstoppable as a runner. His speed and anticipation is outstanding to go along with a good arm. He's going to be very good. His biggest asset will be his legs.

What amazes me is the embarrassment of riches The Ephs have with recruited Quarterbacks.- These guys were all recruited as QBS !!!!!

Owen Johansen- one of the best athletes in the league who hopefully get on the field again.
Brady Carroll- probably going to be an all NESCAC DB
Will Baker- probably going to be an all NESCAC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN !!!! added some weight and playing like a force.
Owen McHugh- after a phenomenal Freshman year is now a slot receiver and hopefully will get some looks as the season progresses.
Drew Renzella- Would have been a starter in multiple NESCAC programs- probably gonna hold a clipboard and maybe get some backup reps this year depending on injuries.
Drew Weiler- Maybe the heir apparent. Could Johansen go back to TE/HBack if Weiler continues to perform at today's level. Time will tell.

EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES IN WILLYTOWN

On another note N1.....Wish there were some restaurants in town.

For 5 consecutive years some very good Wesleyan teams have posted an annual sub par effort in games they should have won. They have all occurred against teams in the lower half of the standings. For 4 consecutive years preceding this year they have dropped games against Bates, Bowdoin (twice) and Colby.
 
Trinity doesn't allow that to happen.

This years version occurred last week at Hamilton. However, the Cards were able to squeak this one out so I predict they will go into this years Trinity game undefeated.
A lot can happen and there much more Football to be played but this years game in Hartford shapes up as a potential classic. If things unfold as predicted it should be one for the ages with a playoff opportunity at stake.

VooDooDoc wabsh

 The facts of the case involving Hammer at Allegheny as stated are correct and a matter of public record.


I originally directed message to Owl in error

Quote from: The Third Division on October 04, 2026, 11:33:29 PMfor the record: (link removed)

Different case.

Yes, back to Football.

Another great report, right on money by NM. The reach of his corespondents is impressive and informative. In the early days of his NESCAC journalistic endeavor if there was no news his syndicate diligently worked to find and maybe create, some stories but it's different now. He is a very credible journalist with a committed and objective focus on Nescac Football. His group provides great reporting and content which I think we all enjoy.   

I'll clarify one thing on the Bowdoin situation- The majority in Brunswick feel that Hammer will be gone but let's see how everything plays out.

The firing of his predessor JB Wells was very controversial. It was a leverage play by a small group of well capitalized Bowdoin Football supporters who simply decided they wanted Coach Wells gone. Shaking in his boots cub Bowdoin AD Ryan succumbed to their wishes and Wells was fired. The funding of the Whittier Field renovations and construction of the new Football building adjacent to Whittier coincided with the firing of Wells. The Polar Alums leveraged their contribution on the Wells firing. Ryan played along a gave the Bowdoin trustees a wink. It was a financial win.

Now, Coach Hammer is on the hotseat. I don't know how many in Brunswick realize that AD Ryan fired Wells and then proceeded to hire Hammer. Yes BJ Hammer....the same guy who was the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by a member of the Allegheny Football team where the Hammer was Head Coach of Football prior to being recruited by AD Ryan for Bowdoin. The sexual harassment lawsuit was settled by Allegheny. It involved a kicker for the Allegheny Football team who was female. It was messy. The progression of the suit resulted in a judgement against Hammer and Allegheny which was settled for a sum exceeding 2,000,000.

Ryan evidently did not do a thorough background check on Hammer before bringing him to Brunswick. Of all places one would think Bowdoin would be the last place he might land given prior events.

It's puzzling how or why Ryan and the Bowdoin Athletic Department got the esteemed Bowdoin Administration embroiled in this series of transgressions. These developments in Bowdoin Athletics seemed totally inconsistent with the public identity of Bowdoin and their ideals as the #4 rated liberal arts college in the nation.

The difference in the firing of Wells and the potential firing of Hammer is pretty significant. Wells was fired clearly without cause. If Hammer is fired it will be with cause.

Since the cat is evidently now out of the bag can anyone disclose who the interim Head Coach is at Bowdoin.

Hearing from more than one source regarding controversy at Bowdoin surrounding a potential personnel issue relative to the coaching staff. I won't comment on rumors here on the board until the situation can be factually clarified. Rumor only at this point from what I can see.

Does anyone closer to the program know anything about developments and disclosures that may have been issued within the Bowdoin community?

Yeah, it's nice to have the option to do the Missouri thing, I get it. But when you're scouting and recruiting a kid like this you go all in. Sure he could get hurt but as an incoming prospect Hamilton got a potentially great one here with credentials that exceed any of the other RBs I've seen in this class- maybe the best all around RB prospect since Chance Brady at Tufts.