Just saw on ONU's website that defensive co-ordinator Stacey Hairston has taken the def.back coaching position with Edmonton of the CFL. Although a tremendous loss for the Polar Bears, what a great opportunity for Coach Hairston.  Stacey was a great coach and even better developer of people. He was the one constant at ONU over the years.  Staffs changed, but Stacey was always there.   If it hadn't been for Coach Hairston, ONU might not even have played the 2003 season.  After the "Kaz" debacle, Stacey was willing to step in and assume the head coaching role and probably should have gotten a chance to assume those duties on a permanent basis.
There hasn't been a better DB coach than Coach Hairston, in the OAC, in recent years.  All one needs to do is look at the number of his players who have been all OAC, All-American or have played professionally to realize what an outstanding football mind he is.
Best of luck to Coach Hairston, "Go Eskimos"!

HSCoach
Hate to disagree with you.....no not really!, but Mount doesn't have 3 backs better than R.J. they have a better "O" line than ONU, and are more versatile on offense than the Bears.  I'll give you Kmic, but not the other 2.  Especially when I saw #28 taunting the ONU crowd early and than he promptly got an unsportsmanlike penalty called on him, out of character and a little embarassing for a team as good and as successful as Coach L.K. produces.

Was at the ONU/Mount debacle.  Great atmosphere, as it usually is at Dial/Roberson, and that was about all the positives I can say about the day if you are a Bear fan.  Hottest October game I can remember being at.
I came away with the feeling that first, either the "purple people from Alliance" are that dominant, or second, ONU is not as good as advertised or third, the rest of the conference is not that strong.  Mount spanked what was supposed to be a solid Bear team and really had no problem doing it.  As posted before, I felt the Bear line was suspect, and I still feel that way; I was disappointed by the starting QB, not very mobile and not really very productive.  As some alluded to before, R.J. can be stopped by a good defense, particularly with an "O" line that is not able to provide many seams and an offense that is not very creative.  Defensively not at all what I expected.  They simply got handled!
I've seen the "purple people from Alliance" 5 out of the last 6 years, and this version looked very good.  Depth being better than in the past.  I will admit it now, if the closest anyone comes to them in the OAC is 44-0, the Stagg bowl will be a laugher, or if it is not, it is indicative of a down year for everybody in the OAC except the "purple people from Alliance".

It sure is reassuring to finally read some ONU/ Mount banter.  For awhile it seemed all I was reading was what conference was the toughest which came as a surprise because, 1.) it was during the "big game" week and 2.) there will never be a unanimous decision.
I am looking forward to seeing the "purple people from Alliance".  I haven't seen the Bears play this year, but if the "purple" are as good as the people they have played say they are, it should be fun to watch.  (sorry "purple backers", but you tend to be a might biased so your votes don't count!!!!)  It may be a tough afternoon for the Bears.  For a repeat of that "fateful day" in October '05, the Bears will have to play flawlessly and come up with some key turnovers, obviously.  The'05 team had a very good "O" line, and I would be hard pressed to think this years is of that caliber. Also, I don't think ONU's receivers have the height of that team, but may be a little faster and I have to agree with an earlier post that maybe the better teams are able to contain R.J. which tests their versatility.  Defensively, it sounds like this years Bears are very capable, but the "purple" have alot of weapons.  Can the Bears pressure Mount's QB like they did against JCU?  The'05 Bears team had 2 all-americans in the secondary in Hostetler and Midlam which sure helped against the pass.  Gunter may be faster than Hos, but not as physical and Midlam's range and speed sure helped over the top allowing both corners to take a few more chances.
No matter what, it is going to be fun and if I may be so bold, if the "purple people from Alliance" do come out on top, ONU will have a chance to get revenge in the post-season!!  (I would think 9-1 would get them there!)  And one more thing, at least the "purple" faithful won't have to tailgate in a gas station parking lot, like the Bear faithful did in '05 in Alliance.

Its nice to see another OAC'er doing well at another level.  I saw where former Polar Bear DB Rusty Midlam was named co-defensive player of the week in the AF2 registering 8.5 tackles, 2 picks and a break-up.  From the blurb on af2.com, Midlam is leading the Louisville Fire in tackles and has 4 picks.

RC

Thought I'd give you a little update on some Polar Bear alumni; Franzer is still the QB for Port Huron in the CIFL and Hostetler is on the roster for Rochester, also of the CIFL.  Hos was listed as a DL and didn't have a number assigned yet.  (Had to have been a typo).  Midlam has been working with the first unit at strong side corner for the Louisville Fire of the Arena 2 league, although I  heard he started at the safety spot in their scrimmage against Cincinnati, due to an injury to their starting safety.  Also he may have sprained an ankle in that scrimmage.

I know you like to stay informed!!!

In regards to the question who will rush for more yards this weekend, Meadows or Kmic, I think Kmic will.  2 reasons; first the D-Line for the "purple people from Alliance" is going to make it tough on a somewhat inexperienced P.Bear O-Line, and second, the Bears may very well find themselves in a position where they will be needing to score quickly and have to go the air, thus maybe limiting touches for Meadows.
Jorris is probably happy his favorite target from last year is gone from the Bear secondary!  Maybe Garcon will have a catch this year.

By the way, RC did you have any input on the new Bear logo?  Reminds me of some of your handiwork.

Okay, since we are all gearing up for the '06 campaign, how about some fun.   conference win/loss predictions.  I'll leap first;

"Purple People from Alliance" - 9-0
Cap                                         8-1,(7-2) tough one
Polar Bears                             6-3
J.C.                                          6-3
Otters                                     5-4
B-W                                         4-5
Marietta                                  3-6
Muskies                                  2-7
Wilma                                     1-8
'Berg                                      0-9

I get a kick out of reading how fast Garcon is, and with his 100m dash time, it is substantiated, but how is the QB going to get him the ball on a "go" route?  Jorris couldn't get it to him last year against ONU, even with Garcon suppossedly slowed with a leg injury.  If I remember correctly, ONU's FS had 3 picks and 2 of them were on balls to Garcon.  I bet Jorris is relieved to know that the FS was a senior.

Saw where the Polar Bears picked up Millikin to open the next 2 seasons.  This year in Illinois, next year at home.
Any thoughts RC?

With what ONU is losing in graduation, it may be a 7-3 year.  Tough to replace that "O" line, and with Hos and Midlam graduating there goes 446 tackles, 35 ints and 2427 all-purpose yards in their 4 years.  The bright side, both Trusnicks are back.

Surprised me that Midlam didn't get a nod for the Aztec bowl.  3rd in the nation in ints this year, 9th last year.  Led the OAC the last 2 years in ints, tied with Hausler last year and Watson this year.  Thought Midlam deserved the Tressel award, 22 career picks, 16 the last 2 years, including 3 against Mount in ONU's win this year, compared to 13 for Hausler, and Hausler has another year left.  Looks like Cap is setting K.Hausler up to be a 2 time Tressel winner.  Definitely not meant to take anything away from K.Hausler, a solid DB.

Hey Moe Daddy
How was the return to Alliance?  It sure had to warm you up knowing what occurred last time your were there.

HS Coach

I wonder what the status will be with K.Hausler next year. He has a year's elgibility left and it sounded like he would be returning earlier in the season.
Maybe "ZenMaster" ELee will know.

HS Coach

By the way, Danison is a Senior as well.

HSCoach

Nice breakdown for next year.  By the way Midlam is a Senior; in looking at his stats he has been a starter for 4 years for the Polar Bears.  The All OAC team had several players' years listed incorrectly.