FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Raider 68]

Any good MIAA recruit talk?

I am aware of a couple Michigan based Seniors heading to Trine
Winning and the Campus improvements are building more interest.
I recall just 6-7 years ago, many MI kids would not attend Tri-State.

There is also a MIAA QB transferring out to DII.

The A's and Hope need to cast a wide net, the "blip" in recruits, wins, etc...
Is now a trend.

With the economy stable, I did not say improving in Michigan. I expect that the DIII schools may see a little more interest. People are a little more confident in their jobs, or prospect of future business, or should I say I hope this leads to more Student-Athletes in the MIAA.

The question is, what MIAA team will provide Trine with some competition this fall? Hopefully they (Trine) will have to earn the top spot with some close games!

I am going to be honest here....Hopefully Trine will play many tough opponents in the non-conference and conference schedule, and will CRUSH them all, allowing many players lots of playing time.  Tight, close games are not good for my heart.   

Do you know Trine's 2011 non-conference schedule,  I could not find it?

[sac]

Is Alma still considering replacing its turf with a maroon turf?   Or has that decision not been made yet?

[formerd3db]

Is Alma still considering replacing its turf with a maroon turf?   Or has that decision not been made yet?

I had not heard that sac.  I could check with my Alma sources, although perhaps slfzman knows something about that.  If they are seriously considering it, at least it most likely would not be as irritating to the eyes as that red turf at FCS (formerly D-IAA) National Champion Eastern Washington's home turf.  Boise State's blue turf I can tolerate, however, the Eastern Washington one gave me a slight headache watching the semi-final playoff game there on TV.

What do you hear slfzman?

[Raider 68]

Is Alma still considering replacing its turf with a maroon turf?   Or has that decision not been made yet?

I had not heard that sac.  I could check with my Alma sources, although perhaps slfzman knows something about that.  If they are seriously considering it, at least it most likely would not be as irritating to the eyes as that red turf at FCS (formerly D-IAA) National Champion Eastern Washington's home turf.  Boise State's blue turf I can tolerate, however, the Eastern Washington one gave me a slight headache watching the semi-final playoff game there on TV.

What do you hear slfzman?

formerd3db,

Maroon sure beats that urgly red or Boise Blue! How about green, now that is a good color!

[formerd3db]

Well D306, I hope so (i.e. more h.s. players coming back to considering the MIAA schools for continuing their football careers (obviously, for those who aren't trying for or have a chance at DI somewhere).  However, as we have discussed on here this fall, I think that will still be a tough sell even with the economy being more stable here in Michigan as you point out.  If a kid has the talent to play at either DII or DIII, I think that the MIAA schools will still have a problem in getting the better players to enroll (unless they simply want to go to that particular school and their parents can afford it) simply because if the DII (of course, all the GLIAC schools) and/or NAIA scholarship schools (i.e. Concordia-Ann Arbor, Siena Heights, Notre Dame College, Malone, Walsh, Ohio Dominican, Marian, IN) offer those prospective recruits a scholarship (even if it is only a 1/2 ride as it is in the GLIAC), they are going to go with the scholarship.  Hope and many of the others just cannot compete with that like they could in years past.  They just aren't able to offer the financial aid packages to compete with that like they used to in relative comparision, again, just due to the changing times.  I can tell you I've heard this repeated from the various coaching staffs around the MIAA.  One might argue that Trine is doing fine despite this, so, again, as I'ved mentioned before, I'm not sure how that fits in with what I've outlined above, other than they are a solid winning program like Albion was in that stretch in the 1990's.  But, I guess, we'll obviously see what happens over the next couple of years.

BTW, you being a former "Michigan Man" (i.e. actually you still are ), I appreciated/enjoyed reading your thoughts/comments on the recent Hoke hiring and the process.  It will be interesting to see what happens there as well.  Do you think there is a chance that Lefluer (sp?) will get the QB coacing job back now that Smith has gone to Indiana?

[formerd3db]

Raider68:

Yes, I would still have to go with the "traditional" color!  Those who have known me for a long time, know that I am a "traditionalist" .

[Raider 68]

Raider68:

Yes, I would still have to go with the "traditional" color!  Those who have known me for a long time, know that I am a "traditionalist" .

formerd3db,

I am as well! Here is a tidbit of information (fields). In 2001 Mount Union installed in new turf (green Astro-play), but for several years kept the field only green no writing in the end zones per the wishes of Coach Kehres. it was only 3 or so years ago that the end zones now have the schools names with the center of the field with no logos.

[D306]

D3DB

Ouch for second I thought you were telling me I was a "former" Michigan man Like I lost faith, or something.

Then I re-read the comment.

I concur the DIII schools have been taking a beating lately on players coming into program.
The cost at schools is becoming prohibitive, especially if your main motivation is to play sports.
Walk on if you have to at a DII, NAIA it will cost less.
I have stated numerous times, that the only DII school that I feel is on par with the MIAA top end is Hillsdale. GVSU is improving but their profile for Football is quickly becoming High End DII, DI transfers / JUCO looking for playing time. The GVSU typical time to graduate for standard student is now 5+ years, I assume a Athlete would be the same.

I also feel the neighborhood, local towns looks is becoming a bigger issue for Albion than other MIAA schools.
The numerous DII and NAIA schools around are sucking a lot of MIAA guys away.
I see a lot of "target" profile guys heading to GLIAC schools. SVSU, Northwood etc...
These guys enter the school with a higher profile academically than they would at Hope, Albion, Kazoo. These are the comments I hear from Coachs and Parents.

Interesting development, and I am not sure in the short term there is a lot that can be done, except to stress the Educational advantages and "family feel" that the MIAA schools provide.

I know several students that attended MIAA as a legacy, and value the traditions. As more 2nd generation students attend other colleges, this avenue also reduces.
I see /saw this in the Catholic Schools in the Detroit Area. The majority have closed or lost significant head count.
Good thread and a subject we have beat to death numerous times. I will stop here too many comments that may taken the wrong way.

[formerd3db]

D306:

First, my apologies - in re-reading my post also, I should have written that better - I meant no disrespect.  As I recall, i.e. from some of your previous posts in the past, I assumed that you are a former player there, and, as such, you will always be a "Michigan Man".  So that is actually what I meant!

Secondly, good comments on the general subject.  You certainy don't need to stop talking about it because we should all have the opportunity anytime here to continue to post opinions/comments/thought provoking aspects on this when anyone wants to - that's what this site is for!  I also do not I think that your comments in your last post will be taken in the wrong way.  They are legit concerns, observations, and...no one can dispute the fact that many of those were related to you by coaches themselves.  I know that also because some of those same concerns/theories/thoughts, etc. have been expressed to me by some of the coaches (and other people connected with the colleges in various positions) as I tried to explain/mention.

Anyway, your postings/contributions to this board are always appreciated - at least they are by me, for what that's worth!

BTW, one last question - you forgot to give me/us your opinion about my question regarding the QB assistant coaching position at Michigan, even if you/me and others are speculating and just mentioning opinions/possibilities here!

[sac]

Is Alma still considering replacing its turf with a maroon turf?   Or has that decision not been made yet?

I had not heard that sac.  I could check with my Alma sources, although perhaps slfzman knows something about that.  If they are seriously considering it, at least it most likely would not be as irritating to the eyes as that red turf at FCS (formerly D-IAA) National Champion Eastern Washington's home turf.  Boise State's blue turf I can tolerate, however, the Eastern Washington one gave me a slight headache watching the semi-final playoff game there on TV.

What do you hear slfzman?

A friend who has a relative attending Alma said it was a question tweeted to the student body.  Something like should Alma install a maroon field.

So its second or third hand info, but I had heard it again from someone this weekend.  I was just curious if it had legs or not.

It would be odd, and the colored field madness needs to stop.  I don't want anyone in Holland getting any orange field ideas.

[formerd3db]

"You got that right", sac!  The orange I fear would cause me go go blind!  Heck, at Hope we and the football staff can't even get the City and the College to swing for just some that regular "green synthetic" turf for the stadium (and I should say the practice fields as well), both of which are sorely needed.  On the other hand, as you know, the soccer and lacrosse stadium synthetic turf is great and well liked, even by the soccer guys and gals! (Which is surprising since soccer people usually like the natural grass - yet, no more "rain out" postponements and rescheduling of games for lacrosse and soccer now, which is a great plus).

 

[Uncle Rico]

All these multi-colored turfs turns me off.  At least lets PRETEND it is grass by keeping it green!  

Walking out on a nice grass football field has that smell and feel that brings me back to the days when my neighborhood buddies and I used to gather at someones house and play football in the back yard.  If you didn't have grass stains and dirt ground in, you weren't playing.  

There are 100 reasons why turf is better to play on, but the smell of a grass playing field still brings me back.  Right after the very last game that Trine played on grass before putting the field turf in, I cut a small section out and planted it in my front yard.   Probably the greenest little patch of sod in my whole yard!  

[D306]

Scot Loeffler

would certainly be a great choice, he has coached many very fine QB's whom are now in the Pro ranks and doing quite well.

Scot was recently let go at Florida with the Coach retiring and a new staff coming in.

Not sure if he will be brought back in, Brady will be deligent in his research and allow OC to have a big say in staff.

I mis - read your comments I did not feel you were implying anything, just "old man" having to pay more attention when I read.

No is my thought on any color other than Green. I prefer Grass as Uncle Rico said.
Got to Love the smell. the feel, the dirt, the mud, the snow, that's Football you are supposed to look and feel like you played when you are done. Nothing like a good sweat going on a wet, muddy day. Steam coming off your head. I know I sound like a NFL films guy 

I admit, Turf saves alot of money and can be used for multi sport locations, which really helps schools in many ways. I can live with that.

[Raider 68]

All these multi-colored turfs turns me off.  At least lets PRETEND it is grass by keeping it green!   

Walking out on a nice grass football field has that smell and feel that brings me back to the days when my neighborhood buddies and I used to gather at someones house and play football in the back yard.  If you didn't have grass stains and dirt ground in, you weren't playing. 

There are 100 reasons why turf is better to play on, but the smell of a grass playing field still brings me back.  Right after the very last game that Trine played on grass before putting the field turf in, I cut a small section out and planted it in my front yard.   Probably the greenest little patch of sod in my whole yard! 

The approximate cost of new field turf is $800k to $1 million depending how much ground work is required. Most schools look to their alums for the majority of the cost as a special drive program.

[Uncle Rico]

All these multi-colored turfs turns me off.  At least lets PRETEND it is grass by keeping it green!   

Walking out on a nice grass football field has that smell and feel that brings me back to the days when my neighborhood buddies and I used to gather at someones house and play football in the back yard.  If you didn't have grass stains and dirt ground in, you weren't playing. 

There are 100 reasons why turf is better to play on, but the smell of a grass playing field still brings me back.  Right after the very last game that Trine played on grass before putting the field turf in, I cut a small section out and planted it in my front yard.   Probably the greenest little patch of sod in my whole yard! 

The approximate cost of new field turf is $800k to $1 million depending how much ground work is required. Most schools look to their alums for the majority of the cost as a special drive program.

Wow!