FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wally_wabash]

The non-playoff thing is crazy (if that is correct), especially knowing the competitiveness of CC.  

The PFL is eligible for the FCS playoffs, but only if they get an at-large bid.  The PFL doesn't get an automatic qualifier for the FCS tournament.  

[formerd3db]

D3_DPUFan:

I guess you perhaps missed a portion of my initial post on this.  I have to disagree with you slightly on this.  Yes, for the most part DIAA non-scholarship football programs are only slightly above many DIII programs and many DIII programs can beat them as has been mentioned.  However, (and many have discussed this in detail on many occasions in the past on several of these boards here in the past couple of years at various times) you are not entirely correct in categorizing them as always on equal slate with DIII for the simple fact that on occasion, in some years, some of these DIAA non-scholarship teams are very good and can beat other very good scholarship and non-scholarship DIAA teams.  As I mentioned, Drake defeated Souther Illinois this year, a recent perennial scholarship FCS team (i.e. formerly DIAA scholarship division) in their opening game; San Diego (then coached by former U of Mich/NFL QB and current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaguh) last year walloped Yale, and Dayton, on occasion have played some of the Ivies and either almost beat them and one year did as I recall).  So it does happen, and while it is perhaps either the same or a slight step up most of the time, to categorically say it is "across the board" always the same is just not exactly correct.  When San Diego, Dayton, or Valpo (like the latter was a couple of years ago) are at their best, any DIII team better not take them lightly as they will kick their tails; and IMO, non-scholarship teams like Holy Cross and their league would beat most DIII teams except for the likes of one of Wabash's best teams, Wis-WW, and, for sure Mount Union I think most would agree.  You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but the non-scholarship IAA is not as "wimpy" as perhaps you suggest by the tone of your posts, friend.  

[D3_DPUFan]

According to the Paper...the job has been offered to Neal Neathery, CC's long time D-coordinator.  NN has been CC's DC for 121 games.  http://www.thepaper24-7.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=22&ArticleID=13542

Interesting...what do you guys think of that? Who would coach the offense? Is there any chance he would turn it down?

[D3_DPUFan]

I guess you perhaps missed a portion of my initial post on this.  I have to disagree with you slightly on this.  Yes, for the most part DIAA non-scholarship football programs are only slightly above many DIII programs and many DIII programs can beat them as has been mentioned.  However, (and many have discussed this in detail on many occasions in the past on several of these boards here in the past couple of years at various times) you are not entirely correct in categorizing them as always on equal slate with DIII for the simple fact that on occasion, in some years, some of these DIAA non-scholarship teams are very good and can beat other very good scholarship and non-scholarship DIAA teams.  As I mentioned, Drake defeated Souther Illinois this year, a recent perennial scholarship FCS team (i.e. formerly DIAA scholarship division) in their opening game; San Diego (then coached by former U of Mich/NFL QB and current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaguh) last year walloped Yale, and Dayton, on occasion have played some of the Ivies and either almost beat them and one year did as I recall).  So it does happen, and while it is perhaps either the same or a slight step up most of the time, to categorically say it is "across the board" always the same is just not exactly correct.  When San Diego, Dayton, or Valpo (like the latter was a couple of years ago) are at their best, any DIII team better not take them lightly as they will kick their tails; and IMO, non-scholarship teams like Holy Cross and their league would beat most DIII teams except for the likes of one of Wabash's best teams, Wis-WW, and, for sure Mount Union I think most would agree.  You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but the non-scholarship IAA is not as "wimpy" as perhaps you suggest by the tone of your posts, friend.     

Well stated...and my intent was not to paint with a broad brush. The San Diego's and Holy Cross' among others (don't put overhyped Dayton in that class) are certainly exceptions and there are others....appreciate the perspective. 

[formerd3db]

Thank you.  This is all interesting discussion and fun and I appreciate your and the others input as well.  Would I be correct or not to I assume you have a "dislike" for Dayton?   Dayton has been down in recent years, although IMO, when they have a great team (like they have had in some years) they would kick any DIII's tail, except again, perhaps Mount.  Yet, again, that would be one of the exceptions (i.e. one year as an exception) as you mention!

[D3_DPUFan]

Would I be correct or not to I assume you have a "dislike" for Dayton?    Dayton has been down in recent years, although IMO, when they have a great team (like they have had in some years) they would kick any DIII's tail, except again, perhaps Mount.  Yet, again, that would be one of the exceptions (i.e. one year as an exception) as you mention!

Probably more personal than anything..they have had great success....

[smedindy]

Congrats to Chris Creighton and good luck at Drake.

To pull out the football ratings - Drake was ranked 89th in I-AA in MOV ratings per Massey. They're 207th in the Sagarin Ratings. And yes, some D-3 schools could beat Drake, no doubt.

But it's a stepping stone job for sure. Drake has a name cache. Jim Harbaugh used his success at San Diego to move to Stanford. If Creighton does well at Drake, he'll be on a short list to move up to a smaller D-1A school or a larger D-1AA.

[Li'l Giant]

Interesting...what do you guys think of that?

I don't envy Coach Neathery here. This is a tough choice. I think this is a good job. But, I couldn't blame him for moving up either.

Who would coach the offense?

Draft #3! 

[joepieters]

Enough with the cryptic B.S. 

Here's what everybody is talking about. 

Well that stinks!!!!

Good luck to C.C.

Couldn't imagine that a succesful young coach would stay in Div III forever when the big dogs come calling, but this still stinks!!!!

[wabco]

Just started to scab over from coughing up blood ... not heliotrope but blood.

Now some thoughts to prime the pump:
1.  If Coach C wants to do this ... he has my best wishes ...
2.  Why Drake?  essentially a doormat.  Hmmm.  if you take over a doormat ... and the administration has made some promises .... and you simply quickly make it a 1/2 doormat ... hmmm.
3.  One never "stays" in a Drake ... except as a hotel ... so Hmmmm.
4.  Life goes on at C-ville ... I suspect with just a couple of stutter steps from which good balance will be quickly regained.
5.  Coach C leaves ... in addition to a legacy ... a football system in place and basically a cupboard full ... nice problem for the successor in interest.
6.  If you do not believe this ... check out who returns plus did not play because they were hurt (and were slated to play)... D line largely back and deep, O line absolutely back and deep, backfield intact, need receivers and some d backs but the receivers are there just not yet known names.
7.  What was needed? ... just a continuing stream of very fine young Wabash Men who are also football players.  That is the task for the incoming successor in interest.
8.  New look at O?  Hey that might be a "ticket".  Same with D?  Another ticket.
9.  Wabash support?  Will be just fine for successor in interest.  I have my grill fired up ready for the first game.
10.  Renewal is good ... not bad.  So ... we are in good shape ... an awful lot which people in the profession of coaching might ... say ... give their eye teeth for this opportunity in this time in space.
11.  I simply plan to double my efforts to help our football coaches to recruit in our area and do whatever they might ask.  How about you guys?
12.  If Coach Neatherly is the successor in interest ... fire up the grill more.
12.  Now if Coach Neatherly chooses to stay with the Creighton team (no knock on that choice at all) then ideas to start the day and this list serve for the rest of the day:  Ward?  or perhaps the Franklin Coach who knows Indianba players and has proven he can do the mojo?
13.  SO ... the blood has clotted.  It is time to get out there and kick some bottom.
14.  Words to the new coach/successor in interest:  DePauw to Hell ... Get us the Bell

Wabash Always Fights

And as a post script:  I opine:  Wabash will run the table on the NCAC next year, will beat DePauw, and will see the elete 8 again ... all in 2008
 

[wabco]

Speaking of renewal:

with Coach Petty retiring ... no reason not to get a kick but Indiana player recruiting BB Coach ... and then Wooster will be unhappy all year round

[BayernFan]

Is this Mac's last year as BBall coach?

As for the Fball HC job... I have to think that thanks to CC, the Wabash job is VERY desirable.  I'm reading between the lines here that the job is Neathery's but that CC wants him to join him at Drake?  Is that the deal?

If Neathery goes to Drake, then what names are out there?  Wasn't CC a surprise when he was hired?  All kinds of young coaches out there across the midwest that we have not heard of who would love this job and do well at it.... WITH WC support of course.

Speaking of WC support, is there some truth to the rumors of improvements to LG Stadium (field, Press Box, stands, scoreboard, etc etc)?   

WC needs to stay in the Top Ten consistently.

[Knightstalker]

Then school me, ace...what's so curious about this?  Who jumps directly from D-III to big time FCS or FBS without a stop in D-II or something like the PFL?  From where I'm sitting, this is a logical move for a somebody who has coaching aspirations beyond Division-III.

KC Keeler went from Rowan to Delaware and won a national championship within a couple of years and played for the title again this season.

[Li'l Giant]

WC needs to stay in the Top Ten consistently.

Reminds me of a quote by Mack Brown:

We have been in the neighborhood of the top 10 a few times. What we need to do is buy a house in that neighborhood.

KC Keeler went from Rowan to Delaware and won a national championship within a couple of years and played for the title again this season.

Keeler also coached in 5 Stagg Bowls before he made the move. Clearly, he was ready.

[joepieters]

Speaking of WC support, is there some truth to the rumors of improvements to LG Stadium (field, Press Box, stands, scoreboard, etc etc)?   

WC needs to stay in the Top Ten consistently.

That would seem to me to be the next logical step.  

They just finished major rehab on two academic buildings, and aside from the reconstruction of Kingery Hall - which had its roof blown off in a storm this past year, and some on going frat house rennovations, I don't know of any major construction planned on campus.

As has been pointed out by others before me, our "soccer facilities" (calling those "facilities" is really a significant stretch of the term) and our baseball diamond could use some attention.  Rehab of those facilities in conjunction w/ upgrade of Hollett could reasonably take place as a single project.

Hey, the life of an alumnus is not complete without the constant drum beat of correspondence from the alma mater's regarding the latest capital campaign.