FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[bulldogalum]

Rookie:

My brother is a TE for Albion.  He's a junior with sophomore eligibility.  He's got a pretty good shot at starting next year, if he can put on a few pounds (he was more of a WR in HS, and has since tried to put on TE weight).  He likes Rundle, but it seems to an outsider like me that Rundle is either the kind of guy that you either love or hate (most of his players love him).  They do have a JV team, but I'm not sure what kind of numbers they have.  I think there are over 100 players on the whole roster.  They don't cut anyone, although some players cut themselves.  He'll be getting his ring in the spring, I think.  They have to be designed and ordered and all that stuff, but I'm sure he'll be thrilled to get it.  Of course, if his head gets too big, I'll remind him that Adrian has beaten his Britons for 4 straight years

[wlcalum]

A junior with sophomore eligability - over 100 on the roster -

Wish we had that problem - Think this year we actually left a couple players behind for the road games. Years past we had to take the full team.
Will take many more years before we get a year less eligability for our players or even over 100 on the team. Thats where recruicing comes to play and we are a very small college with no history...so to speak.
Some very successful players... who have yet to get the recognition deserved from the MIAA. That too won't happen as we are a lame duck team.
Sound pretty negative as I reread this post but not meant to be...evcept for the recognition part. 

[ROOKIE]

Wlcalum,
I know exactly what your talking about. Sometimes it takes a while to build a successful football program because of the turnover in coaching and small college academic/athletic politics. Coming from a very small Catholic school south of Detroit, we were a powerhouse with only 30 players. I wish you luck with gaining the advantage and recognition in the MIAA. One day those teams with like for example "K" college will turn it around. Like the old saying goes, "you can only put 11 players on the field at a time." I'm for the underdog. Also, I know of a few players that didn't go to the MIAA first place teams basically because they wanted to play more for a college that needs players. Interesting. Thanks.

[bulldogalum]

I have no doubt WLC will be able to build a strong program in the years ahead.  They've improved quite a bit over the past few years.  It's all about getting some capable coaches in place that can sell the school, themselves, and their philosophy to recruits.  Tradition may be against them, but as Rookie pointed out, there are many kids who will go to a school that isn't a traditional power because they'll be able to get more playing time.  At any rate, good luck!

[wlcalum]

I also think, when we move to the new conference after the 2007 season we will gain local press and that should really help with the number of players who will know about us.
I am excited about the talent increases in the past five years. We will lose a ton of players this year and have no freshman class to replace them. Hopefully the coaches get busy this spring and double the numbers we got last year or our program is going to go down the dumper real fast.

[ROOKIE]

bulldogalum,
Please help me out here... I was looking at the All-Region team today and saw D. J. Howard on the third team. His stats for a fresman is not very impressive. Granted he had a good year this year as a Sophmore-but All-Region? There are many, many Seniors that had decent careers for four yearsand good accumulative statistics. It appears like the votes are for one year only, and not accumulative. So what happens next year. Could he be picked as a Preseason All-American punt returner? There a lot players that start off on special teams as freshman and sophmores (they end up blocking punts, being leading tacklers, key fumble recoveries, interceptions ect.) Then as Juniors and Seniors move on to be captians of their team and lead them in several team categories. Shouldn't these be the ones that are nominated and selected? I'm just saying that one good year shouldn't make it All-Region. Thanks.

[bulldogalum]

Rookie:

Trust me when I say that I'm far from an expert on the selection of All Region teams.  I guess my response depends upon what the goal of the All Region team.  If the goal is to celebrate career-long achievements, then D.J. probably shouldn't have been named to the team this year.  But if the goal is to recognize players who had outstanding seasons, then I think D.J. fits the bill quite nicely. 

As to where I stand, I think I'm more on the season by season basis.  I say this knowing quite well that career achievements do a great deal to make a player's achievements in a season, if for no other reason than that people already know who they are heading into the season and have high expectations from the outset.  But in theory, I think it's best to reward great seasons for these teams instead of good careers.  Of course, this opinion might be biased, as DJ is in the great season--and not the good career (yet)--category .

[Pat Coleman]

It appears like the votes are for one year only, and not accumulative.

Absolutely. It is the 2005 All-Region team, not a lifetime achievement award.

[ROOKIE]

Pat,
Questions for you... Is there an outside chance of any MIAA players making second or third team All-American even if he wasn't recognized on A.) All League or B.) an All Region team? I don't know what the protocal is. Also, do you think a coach could purposely leave out a well deserved All region player just to get him on the All-American team? If it does work out that way, then it's good strategy and "politics" on his part. Thanks.

[wlcalum]

Gotta put my congrats to UW Whitewater on here since they are kinda a sister school. Would be nice if they can win it all and earn some respect for the tough Wisconsin teams.

Had the athletic banquet today at WLC. Final time for our great senior class to recieve the recognition they so richly deserve. Good luck to all the seniors in the MIAA may you find success after college.

[bulldogalum]

Exciting to see Mike Lewis named as a First Team All-American.   He's a great talent and a good guy.

[ROOKIE]

bulldogalum,
Good stuff. I saw Adrian play two years ago. Mike looked big, fast, and strong. Congratulations to your alma mater. thanks.

[Ryan Tipps]

I honestly don't know how many (if any) K-zoo folk peruse the board, but I came across an AP story about a new-ish program that gives Kalamazoo public school students a chance to get a free education at a state school. You all probably have heard of it by now, but I thought it was pretty interesting.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051217/SCHOOLS/512170324/1026/METRO

Is there any chance that a program like this could hurt recruiting -- in any sport -- at Kalamazoo College or some of the other private MIAA schools? Seems like a lot of graduating high schoolers could be tempted away from the private schools if they had an inexpensive or free education at their fingertips.

[BashDad]

formerd3db:

To you, your family, and all in the MIAA, I hope you all have the merriest of Christmases and Holiday Season.  I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you in person during the playoffs, and look forward to exchanging comments for years to come.  I've got the D-III bug too--bad!

Special congrats to Adrian's Mike Lewis, for his season, and for his All-America selection.  Russ enjoyed meeting you in Mexico and complimented your play.  The USA defense in that game was amazing!  Best of luck as you go forward with the rest of your life.     

[formerd3db]

Bashdad:

Thanks very much my friend.  Allow me to return the same sentiments to you and your family; I wish you all a most enjoyable Christmas and New Year's holiday.  I, too, enjoyed meeting you in person and enjoy our correspondence along with your colleagues.  Congratulations again on Russ's fine season and career.  I'll look forward to keeping in touch with you and your NCAC board friends in the future as well.  All the best to you.

Also, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all of the rest of you NCAC'ers as well.