FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[usee]

Uncle Rico,

Your post seems to indicate that because Trine has worked hard they should win. I think the Wheaton team has worked pretty hard too so what makes you think Trine has an advantage because of that? I am sure Trine is an excellent football team but Wheaton is no slouch.

Its going to take a lot more than hard work to win for either team today. Taking care of the football, executing, and the old adage of getting off blocks to make a tackle will rule the day.

[hope1]

good  luck trine today  get a win

[Mugsy]

Congrats to Trine on an outstanding season.  They played very well today. Better than most were giving them credit for...

The coaching staff has done an outstanding job building the program there.  Lots of very talented, young players...  Trine should be a force in the MIAA next year and I'm looking for them to break through an win a playoff game for the MIAA.

[miaafbfan]

Thanks for your kind words, Mugsy.  Obviously many of us in the MIAA are disappointed with today's result.  The playoff drought has been long, but it will end.  The young and talented Trine players may yet have a chance to end it.

[formerd3db]

Congratulations to the Wheaton and you Wheaton fans for the first round win against Trine today.  I would also like to congratulate Trine's team and their fans for a very fine season.  Although the result for the MIAA was another first round loss in the NCAA playoffs, nonetheless, the game as a closer one than in recent years.  I would say a surprise somewhat in that (as had been previously mentioned by others) that Wheaton smashed Hope and Trine only beat Hope by a point.  Anyway, best of luck to Wheaton the rest of the way - they will, however, have to step it up a notch I believe to continue to advance.  They'll need to try and capture their early season momentum before the losses that set back their campaign a bit.

As to the Hope/Alma game today, I must say that it was a good game to watch.  Obviously, a disappointing loss for Alma.  I was impressed by their DB's and, of course, their excellent QB McGrady who had a fine day.  Their OL and DL lines were good as well and the coaching staff did a fine job and mixed it up and stayed positive.  Overall, though, it just wasn't their day as Hope returned to their much better form.  It was, indeed, Hope's day - running game and blocking went well; our kicking game has finally arrived, defense played much better.  Although there were still a few glitches in the secondary, they did have some great plays today and stopped some drives with INT's.  Good hard hitting on a snowy field, but a much more comfortable day for the game than many of us thought it was going to be (windless almost and sun came out).  A smaller crowd as expected, however, very loyal and boisterous support by both team's fans.  Overall, a nice positive way for Hope to rebound and end the season; coaching staff did a great job in keeping everyone positive and not dejected; by teaching this i.e. the perseverence and dedication from this season by the players is a good lesson for life, particularly as the seniors move on to the next step in life - i.e. the disappointing season for seniors at Hope and those at Alma in losing their last game.  Anyway, I would like to wish all of them the very best in their future endeavors and may eveyone reflect and cherish the good memories in their careers and this season, even among the disappointments.  Also, thanks to all the fans for supporting their teams and the enthusiasm and sharing on this board here among our colleagues/friends. 

We'll continue to follow the playoffs.  This is always an exciting time of the year, even though we know the season is nearing the end.

BTW, Grand Valley State defeated Ashland University in the second round of the DII playoffs today (in a rematch of their regular season game).

[formerd3db]

I forgot to mention that I was shocked to see that St. Johns lost quite overwhelmingly today. 

[usee]

Back from Angola. Although Trine did not win the game, they certainly could have. That has not been true of past MIAA playoff representatives. The type of athlete that is playing at Trine I have not seen from MIAA teams since the Albion teams of the late 80's and early 90's. I think they will win their share of playoff games. Trine's defensive front is as good as I have seen from most teams this year. They are big and physical. Pearson is a stud. 6 foot something 250 pds and he brings the lumber. He is an excellent player. Also the other LB's and Dline were very well coached and physical. Trine's db's are not great at pass coverage but they are very physical and well coached. If your offense had been more efficient and you were able to take advantage of the chances Wheaton gave Trine, they very easily could have prevailed today. If this Trine team is an indication of the type of football we will see from the MIAA rep going forward then the North Region will be a lot more competitive.

Congratulations on an excellent season. A great atmoshpere for a d3 game. Packed crowd, loud fans and band and the parachute guys before the game was insane. 4 guys dropping out of a plane from 3500 feet in subzero weather and they came down fast. Very cool.

[fc_alum_84]

Congrats to Trine on a great season 10-0 is tough and Trine won some tough games to get their. I was at the Trine/FC game and Trine took advantage of FC mistakes coupled with making big plays when they needed to be made and won the game.  That specific game had specific bearing on the seedings and sent FC on the road (we got the win today but we are still on the road as a result).

Trine's QB play was particularly memorable as he is a solid thrower and can run outside the pocket.  FC did not have an answer that afternoon

[formerd3db]

Just because all MIAA football teams are now done for the 2008 season, let's not all disappear from this board you guys.  I'd like to hear your comments/opinions on the further playoff games as they occur.  Also, don't forget that MIAA league selections will be forthcoming this week and I'm sure there will be some interesting comments and probable controversy as usual over some of those

[formerd3db]

I'd also like to put a "plug" i.e. a big thank you to some of the Hope College maintainence staff and maintainence sports staff (and our administration) on the great job they did for preparing the field at Holland Municipal Stadium today.  It is my understanding that the city did not (or was not able) to get the job entirely done and the Hope people "stepped up to the scrimmage line" to get the snow cleared on the lines, paint markings for that as well; portable heaters for the players; athletic training staff did a great job as usual, too.  Thanks to all the "behind the scenes" people.

Alma fans were a nice group to visit with as well.  As I mentioned, they along with our Hope fans were very, very vocal for a smaller crowd.

[Parker45]

I photographed the "thunder bowl" today. I wish the results had been better but us thunder fans can look forward to more good years to come with this talented young team.

Here is the link to my online gallery

http://hceimages.exposuremanager.com/

[hope1]

nice seasson trine to bad you could not beat wheaton

[formerd3db]

Any of you care to briefly 'throw in" any predictions and/or your own choices for ALL-MIAA selections at some of the positions before this week's meeting and vote?

[D306]

1st congrats to Trine for the great season.
I was hoping for a win, though it is 1 step at a time for the MIAA.
It was a good competitive game, and Trine represented the MIAA as competitive this time.

As far as post season awards I will have to review the stats, as that is what the votes are for not always the "best" players.

Will be tough to pick on the offensive side.  Some big numbers posted by several players.  I expect trine and Adrian will gather quite a few, good years and some big numbers. Alma QB, and Kazoo WR had some sick numbers as well.

Good stuff guys lets try to keep this rolling during the off season.

[LetItRain]

When does the MIAA meet to choose the all-conference players?