The post a few days ago about perennial doormats popping up and having good seasons got me thinking... what programs have been trending in the wrong direction the last few years?
First one that comes to mind is Haverford. A look at records since the run to the Elite 8 in 2015:
2015: 18-4 (9-0 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA Elite 8
2016: 14-3-4 (8-1 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA Round of 32
2017: 10-5-3 (5-3-1 CC), lost in CC first round
2018: 14-4-1 (8-1 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA First Round
2019: 9-6-3 (5-3-1 CC), lost in CC first round
2020: No season due to COVID
2021: 7-9-1 (4-5 CC), missed Centennial playoffs
2022 so far: 3-6-5 (1-3-2 CC), will likely missed Centennial playoffs
This was a program that, for a few years, looked like it could join Messiah and F&M as powerhouses in the region. Would have liked to see them advance deep into the NCAA tournament more than once, but three Centennial championships in a four-year span is certainly admirable. I remember their previous coach Shane Rineer left after the 2017 season (believe he took an assistant position at Colgate, not sure where he is now). Former Gettysburg assistant Zach Ward took over for Rineer and enjoyed a successful debut campaign with a conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth, but looks like he has really struggled to bring in talent since then. Can't imagine it would be the hardest sell for athletes looking to play in college - beautiful campus, solid academics, and right in Philadelphia's backyard. Anyone have any insight into Haverford/watched any games this year?
First one that comes to mind is Haverford. A look at records since the run to the Elite 8 in 2015:
2015: 18-4 (9-0 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA Elite 8
2016: 14-3-4 (8-1 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA Round of 32
2017: 10-5-3 (5-3-1 CC), lost in CC first round
2018: 14-4-1 (8-1 CC), Centennial Champs & NCAA First Round
2019: 9-6-3 (5-3-1 CC), lost in CC first round
2020: No season due to COVID
2021: 7-9-1 (4-5 CC), missed Centennial playoffs
2022 so far: 3-6-5 (1-3-2 CC), will likely missed Centennial playoffs
This was a program that, for a few years, looked like it could join Messiah and F&M as powerhouses in the region. Would have liked to see them advance deep into the NCAA tournament more than once, but three Centennial championships in a four-year span is certainly admirable. I remember their previous coach Shane Rineer left after the 2017 season (believe he took an assistant position at Colgate, not sure where he is now). Former Gettysburg assistant Zach Ward took over for Rineer and enjoyed a successful debut campaign with a conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth, but looks like he has really struggled to bring in talent since then. Can't imagine it would be the hardest sell for athletes looking to play in college - beautiful campus, solid academics, and right in Philadelphia's backyard. Anyone have any insight into Haverford/watched any games this year?