FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

jaybird:
You are welcome and hope all is well with you too.  Will post some additional info on Olivet later on, if we hear about such.

MacLeod:

I think you are right.  This should be the year that will perhaps help to see in what direction Lividotti's system might be going.

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:

Hope you are doing well also and studies going well too.  I've seen the progression photos of Adrian's stadium on their athletic website.  Looks great and very exciting.

I know you are busy, but what do you hear, if anything about Adrian's potential recruits and/or spring practice status this year?  Also, how about your former Bulldog golf team, since you are a former member of that?

[bulldogalum]

formerd3db:

I have been busy, and things are about to get REALLY ugly in a couple of weeks, but I try to keep up with things to some extent.  All I've heard about Adrian's football recruiting class and about next season is that they're excited about how things are looking.  They think they've got a real shot at a ring next year, and based on their success the past few years, I don't see why they wouldn't be a contender.  According to a source currently in the admissions department, enrollment numbers in general are looking way up, so that's encouraging to hear. 

I always thought, during my days at Adrian, that the people (i.e. the coaches, professors, students, etc...) were first rate, but some of the facilities needed to be improved, and the administration was largely clueless and disinterested.  This may be a bit unfair, but I think the fact that, the moment a new administration came in, the dining hall, athletic facilities, and residential facilities were slated to be upgraded says a lot.  At any rate, I think their goal is to be around 1500-1600 students in the next few years.  That's right about where the current campus funtions best as far as numbers are concerned.

As for the golf team, they've got a decent crew returning.  Coach Riley will no longer be coaching golf, as they're making that a full time position and hiring a new coach.  The new coach has not been officially announced yet.  I know a high school teammate of mine was in the running for awhile, but unfortunately is no longer being considered.  Once they get a coach in place, they can really start recruiting for next year.  They want to be very competitive on a national level, but you have to walk before you can run.  They'll be looking for a coach who can recruit like crazy, so we'll see.

On a side note, I made it out to the golf course yesterday, and actually exhibited signs of a real, living, breathing golf game.  Hopefully it doesn't die with my lack of free time between now and finals.

[79jaybird]

Bulldog

Elmhurst runs a spread system and "fun and gun" is a term that I would also use to describe their offense.  Tom Journell ( HC) likes to throw some trick plays in the bag early and likes "quick strikes"  vs. opponents.
Last year we had 2 strong TE's so we had a double tight setup frequently. 
I am curious to see what formations we have this year. We lost our All Conf. running back, All American Tight End, and Elm record breaking receiver all to graduation. 
I can tell you Elmhurst uses all of the field and is not afraid to try "daring" plays. We have a solid 3rd year Quarterback and a strong offensive line.  The real question mark is how our "skilled" positions will be filled in with the new players.

[formerd3db]

bulldog:
Thanks for the follow-up and update info.  Indeed things look very positive for the improvements at Adrian.  I was concerned earlier last summer when I saw their enrollment number was way down (under 1000).  As you mention, though, these new improvements in all areas (not just athletics) should help the school tremendously.  I agree that the enrollment # you mention would be the ideal for them.

As far as the golf team, good that they are now making the coaching position full-time.

Good luck on your finals - I know how that is not much fun in "crunch time", but I know you will do well.  Thanks for your always positive contribution to posting here and the other boards.  Hang in there and talk to you later.

[bulldogalum]

jaybird:  Sounds like an exciting approach from Elmhurst.  I don't usually make trips to Olivet unless I must  but it may be worth it to watch these two teams square off.  You should enjoy Olivet's football facilities, as they just opened a new stadium last year.

formerd3db:  Thanks for the well wishing on the finals.  I did alright first semester, and I'm hoping to continue that this spring.  It's a hectic time, but it'll be over soon.  What have you been up to?  Don't you have a presentation on some historical research coming up (or has it already been presented?)?

[79jaybird]

Bulldog-- I am the "voice" of the Bluejays.  This will be my 6th year doing the play-by-play after 2 years of playing for the team.  I am always eager to visit new schools and new Stadiums.  Sounds like this will be a real treat.  Also sounds like both teams are similar and improving within the last 3-4 years.  In my 6 years this will be my first game in Michigan.

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:
You are most welcome.  Also, you indeed have a good memory!  Yes, my (my co-author and my that is) new book is coming out this weekend (actually has been released by the publisher as we email) and the conference, unveiling of the book and my/our presentation is this upcoming weekend.  An exciting time.  I have not yet seen the final book itself since it has been released (shipped), but am told it turned out fabulous at least to the numberous illustrations it contains (some new previously unpublished ones and other information as well).  Here's hoping (no pun intended ) the critics will feel the same about the substance of the text!  We'll see what happens.  Take care and talk to you later.

[bulldogalum]

BTW, formerd3db, how are the Dutchmen looking heading into next season?

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:

Someone asked me that awhile back.  I still haven't had a chance to get an update from the coaches, but anticpate doing that in the near future.  My own personal take is that QB will indeed be the major position in question.  The 3 year starter has graduated and the backups have little experience.   So it should be anyone's to take - even a frosh could make a run at it.  Also, our DB's and O and D line need to step up - next year.  Some had inconsistent games.  Always seem to have a good crop of receivers; also rumor has it the starting RB might not return.  I can't refute or confirm that at present, so I don't want to comment further.  Will try to find out as prior mentioned however. 

BTW, I assume you are taking a break from all that hard studying in posting at this hour?

[bulldogalum]

BTW, I assume you are taking a break from all that hard studying in posting at this hour?

Hey now, take it easy on the struggling law student.  

I usually do my reading and make notes in my book in the afternoon-early evening after I get out of class, and then later at night, I put some of those notes on my laptop in narrative form in case I get called on (especially the facts and procedural posture of a case, in the event that I'm called on).  While I'm putting those notes into the computer, I've gotten pretty good at multitasking.  In between cases, I usually take a few minutes to clear my mind. 

As I write this, I'm in between classes.  There's not really enough time to get anything done, and all my work for today is finished, so I've got a bit of time.

Good luck unveiling your book

[79jaybird]

formerd3db-- Congratulations and best wishes on the new book. 

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:
Sounds like you have a good system.  Again, good luck on the upcoming exams.  Also, thanks for the well wishes on the book.

jaybird:
Thank you also for the book well wishes.

[79jaybird]

Quite an honor and culmination of many hours of work!  Someday I hope our paths cross and we can meet in person.  We will have to get the AD's to schedule an Elmhurst/Hope game 

[formerd3db]

jaybird:
Yes, that would be a good game to see.  I know that DePauw and Wheaton are booked on Hope's schedule for the next few years, which is good.  Perhaps, though, when Wisconsin Lutheran leaves after the 2007 season, a game with Elmhurst could be slotted.  I'll have to check Hope's future schedules - not sure if they are already filled up as I don't have them right in front of me.