FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

Sorry, I guess that is kind of harsh but I'm sure we'll get complaints from the MIAA and I was trying to head those off.

[Superfoot Wallace]

Guess we could draw this one out and facsimile a head to head between the common opponent, but well leave the algorithms and such to the basketball guys.

signed,
Plumps Last Shot

[wally_wabash]

It was a good year for qb's in the North region.  Brehm was probably the best.  400+ yards per game of total offense, 30 TDs to just 3 INT.  That's pretty good.  And he wasn't even on the team (thanks to his not being nominated apparantly). 

I think you can probably throw a small blanket over Kniss, Pentello, and Huff.  The statistical differences are pretty marginal.  I think the other two guys go above Huff for a couple of reasons.  First, Kniss and Pentello were well known commodities coming into this season (Pentello has been a well known player in D-III since 1997 or so it seems).  Notoriety helps when it comes to these sorts of things.  Also, and probably more influential on the outcome, is the fact that Kniss and Pentello took their squads to the postseason whereas Huff's team did not go.  One of those sad but true things. 

I'm not one to bemoan the results of postseason all-region or all-American awards...they are what they are and it's an honor to be on such lists regardless of whether it is first team or not.

[ski]

RECRUITING + 2007 FOR WOO; Woo will do well to finish at 6 + 4 next year. 5 + 5 is probably more realistic. A lot depends on the running game, Sheppard is capable of putting up good numbers, but will offenss still favor the spread? As far as recruiting goes, Woo is becoming somewhat of a hard sell as other schools have enhanced their athletic facilities.

[bashbrother]

Wally -   Nice call on Brehm.  Looks like others thought he was pretty good too.

Congrats to the fine Scot QB.

[lancer98]

How about a shout out to the SID at Alma.....    

The kid wins the Gagliardi but can't make the All-Region team?

Postseason awards aren't everything but that makes you as a SID look pretty bad when you have that kind of player but don't promote him and give him the justice he deserves.

[Superfoot Wallace]

Brehm was a nice choice for the Gags for a host of reasons

Definitely the most love shown to Witt by the d3.com pollsters in recent memory.  Maybe the results of no SID prompt in years past?  Either that or Pat and Co.  are growing a soft spot in their heart for Witt.

Congrats to Londot and Murray, as well as the highly underrated Tim Funke. Considering the use of directional snaps, pistol and gun in Witts offense Funke should be commended.  (Even if he is a Roncalli guy)

No defensive mentions - hope the boys noticed that and remember.  Preparation for making believers should commence shortly if it hasnt yet.

[kcreds]

This post is for those who sent emails, inquired in their posts, and made our family feel better during tough times this year. Jr. has made it official, he will be attending Marietta College in January and will be a member of the football Pioneers in the Spring.

I find it ironic that he made that decision after I had started a discussion last year why a  player would want to play for a team that is not a contender if they were recruited by a team that has a legitmate chance of contending for a conference championship and playing time was not an issue. I don't mean to start that discussion over again but I do want to let you all know the basis for his decision. There were three big reasons. The main reason was to save money, roughly $15,000 a year. The next reason was the fact 3 of his high school teammates and friends transfered to play for Marietta prior to this season. One from Ohio Northern, one from Witt, and one from Marshall, another one from Fairmont State is considering it. The last big reason was that he wanted more of his family and friends to be able to conviently watch him play. He was originally recruited by Marietta and their new head coach was a part of that recruiting process. Jr. is familiar with the coaching staff at Marietta and considers it a good fit for him. Jr. believes Marietta will contend but he also knows it will be tough in the OAC. There is no hard feelings toward OWU and we still consider Coach H a class act.

I guess I should also mention Jr. respects Marietta's academic prowess.

Jr. still has to prove he can play but the desire is there. He has worked hard this past semester and is bigger and stronger than ever. His injury has not seemed to slow him down so far.

I want to thank all of you that supported us these past 2 years and I will continue to follow this board. I will always have a special place in my heart for OWU, the NCAC, and their fans. Good luck to all of you. 

[Li'l Giant]

Good luck to Jr., kcreds. Don't be a stranger.

[scotty]

i wish Jr all the best...follow your heart...

[formerd3db]

kreds:
Best wishes to your son in his new venue.  Sometimes the decision to make a change is difficult to make, however, it appears, as you nicely listed, he has a lot of positive aspects going for him and will do well.  Marietta is a beautiful college (our daughter briefly considered it but it was too long distance).  Anyway, good luck to you also.  We'll see you around all these boards. 

[Superfoot Wallace]

Congratulations Rick Drushal on being named to the Little All America Team.  In my opinion the height of potential D3 All American teams.


kcreds,

Glad to hear your sons working his back in to playing shape.  We only have so many opportunities to thump melons.  Little overstatement on the not a contender statement.  Seems the OAC predicted third through fifth always end up flopping one another.  Marietta was considered a contender going into this past season but BW and ONU papered and scissored.

[wooscot]

Ski,

I agree, Wooster needs to upgrade its football facilities, though, they really aren't that bad.  Rumors of a fieldhouse were rampant around campus when I was there in the late 90s, but given all the $$$ and resources the school has spent on its academic buildings and dormitories, its clear where the schools priorities are...and rightly so.  After all, this is Division III.  Certainly, the "arms-race" going on at the DI level is a problem that the NCAA will address soon enough. 

Regarding recruiting, I think Wooster has done a good job selling the school (IMO is one of the top 3 schools in the state) and the athletic programs are icing.  Woo has great b-ball and baseball programs, complimented by a good, sometimes great, football program. 

I think ultimately its the admission standards, when couple with the lack of "bells and whistles" that may pose a problem recruiting.  However, I think recruits when they hit campus are truly impressed by the Wooster package, not simply its athletic facilities.  Remember, schools like Wooster, Bash, Kenyon, Denison, etc...only have a limited pool of kids to go after so I would contend that many DIII players are eliminated off the bat due to a variety of admission criteria.

[aueagle]

After watching MUC grab a 9th title on t.v., it seems that the bar has been raised again by The Purple. Talked to my OWU buddy and we were wondering IF, 1) Coach "H" (and players) made the trek up to Alliance to see a play-off game. 2) did the Bishops get together to watch the D3 Championship together. 3) How brutal would a OWU-MUC game be? I know how this (we) board feels about SOME of the OAC posters, but they win championships...bottom line. We need to close the gap on the Purple Machine...but how?

[Li'l Giant]

We need to close the gap on the Purple Machine...but how?

Absent a meteor landing on Alliance it's not happening anytime soon. Your guess is as good as mine.