FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[BashDad]

Agree on the accolades and honors for Hostetler--what a great opportunity for a quality player.

wooscot, nothing wrong with a little focus on the Aztec Bowl--it's all about recognition and celebration for the season just concluded for all in d3 football.  Yes, there was one Wabash player who participated, but there were also representatives from 46 other teams around the country who deserve to celebrate--and have their senior seasons celebrated.  Your real "axe" would seem to be in-house.
You know better than I, Wooster will be back. 

Agree with your assessment of MUC in the Stagg bowl--they were awsome and, to my surprise, simply dismantled Wisconsin W/W.  And, they did it with youth--amazing.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Mugsy]

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

BashDad,

I wish you and your family the same and have a Happy New Year.

[wally_wabash]

MUC dismantled UWWW?  I didn't come off with that impression.  Mount got a big lead, yes, but UWWW came back strong and made it a contest in the fourth quarter.  The statistics for the game are pretty even...MUC had a pretty significant edge in rush yardage, but one 95-yard run tends to skew statistics pretty badly.  UWWW really had no answer for Garcon,but I'm not sure anybody in D-III does.  Gracon is a D-I talent playing D-III ball.  And by the way he played to the cameras during the Stagg Bowl, I think he knows it. 

UWWW made a bad coaching decision in the third quarter, then gave up the monster play that broke the game open.  I wouldn't say the Warhawks got dismantled....the game was pretty even outside of that sequence of plays in the third quarter. 

What really caught my eye during the Stagg Bowl broadcast were the number of underclassmen on both of those teams.  I think both teams are in good shape to make another run to Salem next year. 

[WallyFS4]

wooscott,

No doubt most Wabash poster were very interested in the Aztec Bowl.  We are all very proud of all of Russ accolades he, and the rest of the other players of Wabash have received this year.  No one was slighting the Stagg Bowl.  I think most could watch the Stagg Bowl for thierselfs.  Most would not take the time to listen to the Aztec Bowl.  I for one enjoyed the post.  It really is sad that you are so obsessed with what Wabash poster are doing.  As long as you have that attitude, you will always be looking at our backside.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a very prosperous NEW YEAR!

As Always.

WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS![/size][/font]

[smedindy]

I appreciated the Aztec updates - as I was at a Christmas party (watching the Stagg bowl, though).

[scotty]

wooscot, let's not forget that Dustin Shepherd had a
solid year...Wooster only loses a handful of seniors
with a solid group of returning starters...

[BashBacker#16]

Wooscot,

It wasn't like we were on here breaking down the matchups, discussing game strategy etc.  In fact, I didn't think the posts were excessive at all.  As it has been said, in no way, did this mean we weren't all over the Stagg Bowl too.  I, for one, watched it in its entirety with my Pops.  As for your Aztec comments, we don't really care. 

The comment that I found amusing was your last dig..."with the so-called conference elite, which really aren't so elite any more when compared to the national powers." - not sure if you are looping Wabash in this "elite" but they were right there barely losing to a talented Cap team.  Bash (NCAC's rep) secured a #1 seed in the North region and had earned home field by going undefeated.  It is painfully obvious for you, Wabash fans like where our program stands with an optimistic future (and you don't like it) while you are praying Schmitz & Co. haul in another class like the '04 group.  I have news for you, even if they do (Kearney, Sutton, McNally, Cline, Vega, etc.), its going to be longer then you think before they are winning the NCAC championship.

[wooscot]

Any of you guys ever fish?  A good fisherman always knows what kind of bait to use when trying to attract the big ones. 

Anyway,  I can't take credit for an unintentional dig, i.e. the conference elite comment.  In no way was it aimed at Wabash, although in hindsight I can see how it could be interpreted that way.  In fact, I'd argue the conference has been down for awhile now, meaning the last 2-3 years at least, actually, especially when matched up against our OAC neighbors and specifically the upper tier OAC teams.  Maybe its just me...

Regarding Wooster, I respect the talent that is returning, namely Sheppard (who I haven't seen play, but have heard great things), Schafer (I still think he something left), and Drushal.  All I know is most traditional powers like Wabash, Witt, and especially Mt. Union re-load, rather than take 2-3 years off between conference championship runs.  Do I think it will be that long before Wooster makes another run?  Well, I hope not, but I don't know, which is why I was asking for some insight from some of the Wooster folks closer to the program to find out how recruiting is coming and to hear what is left in the cupboard.  Darkside-D and Scotty seem optimistic, I'd just like to know why. 

Anyway, have a merry christmas and a happy new year.

[bashbrother]

Here's hoping the the NCAC will rebound next year and have a great non-conference run.  I expect the three W's and Gheny to all be solid.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of us that are sick about D3 Football.  Is there treatment for this illness? 

[formerd3db]

Bashdad:
Thanks and my reply posted to you on the MIAA board (sorry, I meant to have posted it on this board).

To all of you other colleagues on the NCAC board - message included there also for you (again, I meant to and should have posted it here!).

[DarkSide-D]

All I know is most traditional powers like Wabash, Witt, and especially Mt. Union re-load, rather than take 2-3 years off between conference championship runs.  Anyway, have a merry christmas and a happy new year.

Wooscot,

Before this year, the last time Bash won the title was in 02.  Witt hasn't won it since 01.  Mount Union, I agree, they always reload.  But in the New NCAC teams do take 2-3 years to reload.  I personally think this is due to the senior leadership that emerges within the teams.  I do not think this shows that the team is not reloading.  Its just that one team has more seniors to step up as leaders than the others.  I also agree in the hope that the NCAC can step up and become more competitive with the OAC foes.  Or rather, as I think the NCAC has competed (Bash and Cap), I think hope the NCAC can win some of those games, rather than come up short.

[smedindy]

This year's Wabash team definitely had the leadership quality that the 03 and 04 teams were missing, for some reason. Anyway, next season should be a good one - as Wabash hosts Wooster, 'Gheny and OWU (among others) and has to travel to Witt.

[reality check]

Happy holidays to all my neighbors in the NCAC.  I wish everyone safe travels and warm wishes.  I know I can't wait for my thirteen hour drive back to Ohio tommorrow. 

Merry Christmas to all.

[smedindy]

Stay safe!

[kcreds]

Okay here is my year end, not rear end, thoughts based on this years posts and from what I observed.

Kenyon had a good year according to their schedule but I was not impressed. Sorry Kenyon fans but you can change my mind at OWU next year.

It kills me that most posters are giving Wooster a chance next year. Nike had me worried this year even after Wooster's weak showing prior to OWU. Sorry Wooster fans but I was not very impressed with your team at all and I think they have a long ways to go, not saying they can't get there. I did however love the atmosphere at Wooster and I am looking forward to going back in a couple years.

Allegheny scares me. Their record was not indicative of how good their team was and I think they will be a team that could give the big two a scare.

The big two has to be Wabash and Witt. I could definitely see the difference between those teams and the rest before the games started against OWU. Unless something major happens with their programs, they will always be the elite of the NCAC. There is a fine line between confident and obnoxious and the Wabash posters in general walked it. They have the most posters and they are also some of the most informed fans.

OWU has the potential to be scary good. They have some very good skill players coming back and most of the defense is intact. What I meant about being scary is, they may do very well or they may not and that scares me. I hope Jr. does his part and becomes a factor next year. Aueagle is my poster of the year because he was always humble and loves the Bishops!

Bashbrother did you mean Wesleyan as one of the 3 W's?

The rest of the teams, no comment.

I want to wish everyone, but more importantly the NCAC'ers, a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!