FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Just checked the MIAA website - Master Calendar.  It hasn't been updated for this year, but last year the football coaches met on Thursday, August 5 (which I believe is when they did their poll).  If they keep to the same schedule, that would mean they're meeting tomorrow.

[LetItRain]

Trine players report for camp next Tuesday so I hope Media Day is sometime this week.   

[Pat Coleman]

MIAA's media day is Aug. 8.

Trine reports next Tuesday? That's pretty early. Even though they play their opener on Thursday night, they have to count their practice opportunities as if they played on Saturday in Week 1, like everyone else.

There's more to it than that, since it involves the date of the first day of classes, but an Aug. 9 report date is really early.

[ThunderHead]

I believe they report the 9th but don't hit the field till the 10th.

Many Big Ten programs start on this coming Saturday or Sunday, so I'm sure there is a method to the madness when it comes to the NCAA practice count.

And TUangola, I think Coach Lands got things handled lol, and I'm not sure I could deal with the NCAA D3 limits on practice policy and meeting times. As a coach I always went full tilt, and while Trine seems to be geared that way, many other D3 programs are not. In some cases its a big step down from high level high school football programs. Maybe when I'm retired Ill look into it as a part time gig, which is generally what most D3 programs need. Itd keep me in the game but without the "serious" comitment that other levels require.

Go Trine

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Maybe when I'm retired Ill look into it as a part time gig, which is generally what most D3 programs need. Itd keep me in the game but without the "serious" comitment that other levels require.

Not trying to cause a stir, but I suspect your statement which I quoted above would "raise a few eyebrows" or even the blood pressure for some of the coaches and staffs in DIII.  From what I see, these folks (regardless of the sport they coach) have a full time, year-round commitment that is for many, all-consuming.  To say it's not a "serious" commitment is a slap in the face - even if it was intended to be tongue-in-cheek.

[ThunderHead]

No it wasn't meant to cause a stir, it's rather a compiment toward D3 staffs that are handicapted by limitied practice time, contacts workouts, and film sessions. Even though they are an NCAA program they work without the benefit of even limited scholarships, limited budgets, and sometimes little to no fan support in what can be out dated facilities. And yet many of them are still hired and fired by AD's who compare them to D1 programs.

After re-reading my post I agree it comes of a bit prickish and this wasn't my intent. Its kinda an inside joke i suppose as I know a few ex-D1 guys who coach D3 ball and they call it "part time" work because its half of what D1 requires, even Coach Land will tell you that D3 football still let's you coach your kids little league team and watch your daughters school play. These things just do not happen in D1 football. I think any D3 coach will tell you that as far as time comitted goes its less of a responsiability then D1 football. That's not a "knock" on anyone or any program, its just the reality of the beast.

So there is definit appeal to coaching D3 football and I have tremondus respect for any coach at any level.  At this point I would probably not do well with the very same limits that many coaches like about D3 football, that's all.  I wasn't try to cause a stir, so if I raised your heart rate or blood pressure I'm am sorry. That wasn't what I was trying to do, I should have used more smiley faces to indicate the humor. Again, my bad fellas. I hope you'll accept my apology here for any inplied negitivity.

And thanks for pointing that out and allowing me to elaborate. No harm meant.
Go Trine   

[Pat Coleman]

Many Big Ten programs start on this coming Saturday or Sunday, so I'm sure there is a method to the madness when it comes to the NCAA practice count.

Which, of course, is different in different divisions. This is not a relevant comparison.

[BOYA87]

Let's remember the whole reason of DIII focusing on the STUDENT-athlete.  Of course DIII doesnt have the same time rigors and commitments that a DI program has...ITS DIII!!!!  Never once was I paid to put my time and effort in on the field.  I never received anything from participating on the football team other than the shear opportunity, joy, and amazing lessons that can be learned on the grid iron.  If anything these coaches should be paid MORE for their jobs as they have smaller staffs, less resources, and are responsible for developing these young men on the field and in the classroom.  There seems to be little accountability for coaching staffs at the DI level for this. 

I dont know why we continue to compare apples to oranges when it comes to DI and DIII.  They are so obviously different.  I know DI gets all the exposure and we here so much every day on sports center about rules, regulations, practice commitments, and things like that.  But truth is a very small portion of those things fall in line accross the board with all NCAA divisions.

Here's to the coaches of DIII football who not only do a great job recruiting and coaching young men, but developing them as well!

[ThunderHead]

Boya - you're right it's definitly apples to oranges, which in a round about way was my point. I still will very much argue that it's my experience many, many D1 programs are very focused on the Student. Some obviously have fallen away from that, but many others have not.

At the D1 programs I spent time at the "student" part of student-athletes was a huge priority for us both as a staff and a learning institution.

While I know it's not the popular opionion here I disagree with those who think D3 is more "pure" becuase there is no scholarship money. While players may not receive anything for playing, I think many of them, if offered, would gladly accept scholarship money if offered, and by doing so I don't believe this in any way makes their brand of play less pure now.

But again that's just my opionion.

And Mr. Coleman my point was simply that I'm sure Coach Land is aware of how many practices he's allowed prior to the start of the season, but none the less I appreciate you alerting me to the fact that the Big Ten is in a different division then the MIAA, I now see how bringing that up was completely irrelevent.

Go Trine

[02 Warhawk]

.

While I know it's not the popular opionion here I disagree with those who think D3 is more "pure" becuase there is no scholarship money. While players may not receive anything for playing, I think many of them, if offered, would gladly accept scholarship money if offered, and by doing so I don't believe this in any way makes their brand of play less pure now.

But again that's just my opionion.

And Mr. Coleman my point was simply that I'm sure Coach Land is aware of how many practices he's allowed prior to the start of the season, but none the less I appreciate you alerting me to the fact that the Big Ten is in a different division then the MIAA, I now see how bringing that up was completely irrelevent.

I think you might be surprised on the number of kids that turn down scholarships to play for DIII. It's not always about money, as it is the fit of the program and coaching staff.

DIII: Home of the REAL student-athlete.

[ThunderHead]

I'd be VERY surprised at anyone who would perfer to go into debt vs not going into debt.

If that's the case then I'm sure these same kids would turn down federal grant money and academic aid. After al, its not about the money right?

To say D3 football is the home to the "real" student athlete is laughable, anyone who is a student and is playing a sport is a student athlete. To say otherwise is ridiculas. While some have definitly messed up many many more have not and represent their school and sport with first rate class.

Tell you what Warhawk, if you're in IN before mid-august let me know, I introduce you to a few academic all americans that were also standout D1 athletes, I'm sure they would love to hear your opinion on how they aren't real "student athletes".

[Flying Dutch Fan]

I'm quite sure there are many examples someone could cite of DI student-athletes who were academic AAs, and Rhodes Scholars and more.   We could do the same for DII and DIII.

We can also cite numerous examples of kids who turned down scholarships to attend DIII schools - this is nothing new.  And yes, these kids are probably going into debt due to that choice.  Fact is it happens, so the question is why?   

Obviously there can be multiple reasons, but I know from talking with several students who made this choice that it came down to academics.  Choosing a DIII school tends to mean a smaller school with smaller classes, taught by professors (not grad assistants). 

[formerd3db]

ThunderHead:

You opened this "can of worms" .  While I realize that you have been involved in DI programs and I respect that, I have known DI players and coaches myself.  As such, I would respectly disagree with you on some aspects.  I do not doubt what you say about many DI athletes being serious about their academic responsibilities.  However, it is also just as true that there are many who don't "give a rip" because all they care about is playing football and their goal is simply to get to the next level, whether it be the NFL or some other venue.  While I am not knocking that goal because anyone is entitled to that dream, on the other hand, to say that there are not DI athletes who care about nothing other than themselves and football is simply not true.  And that situaion is indeed, very sad.

I would also challenge you that being a DIII level coach is, for many coaches, indeed a year round commitment and they spend as many hours as the DI coaches do - that is a simple truth.  You might want to ask some of their wives and kids about that and I think you will find it a little different than you implied.  Also, some of your DI colleagues will tell you the same thing - I do know that those coaches I have known at the DI and DIII level personally agree with me as well.  There certainly are different priorities at the different levels as well as the fact there are similarities with regards to other aspects as well, including some (a few ) academic issues.  And finally, I'm sure that many others here will tell you of some situations where recruits and their families do turn down a scholarship offer and there are many reasons that can be involved.  To say that doesn't happen is simply not true.  Everyone's situation is different and there are certainly families that make that choice; certainly some that really shouldn't because it might be a more difficult challenge for them regarding the economic aspects, while others can afford doing that and still others find a way to get it done. Just because a scholarship is offered doesn't always make it the easy choice as there are many, many other factors that are involved in that ranging from the campus, the academic programs, the staff, yes the economics i.e. $, travel distance, the football program itself, etc., etc., etc.  Sorry, but I respectfully disagree with you and I had to get my $0.02 in here since you and the others brought this up.  Besides, I was one of those people who did have a chance to do the other level and chose to go DIII (and yes, it was a difficult challenge in that regard for my parents, but they were in total agreement - I'd do it again without hesitation and wouldn't trade my DIII experience and memories for anything.  Nor would I take that away from someone who had a good experience at the DI level.  But, again, there are differences without question and none of us can put a "cookie cutter" perspective on the process/experience.

[wabco]

Thunderhead ... sounds like you need to spend more time getting to know Div III rather than just claiming this or that.  If you check out - for instance - Wabash College you will find its athletic facilities ranked this year by Princeton Review (student surveys) as #4 nationally  - including Div I, II, II schools - (ahead of The Ohio State), the coaches pretty darn good and full time dedicated, and student athletes who warrant both the title of student and of athlete.    The same can be said for MIAA schools as to coaches and students qyuality both athletically and scholastically.  And yes, Virginia ... a number of the football players have selected a no athletic scholarship road for their education as opposed to a Div II or Div I or NAIA athletic scholarship ... balancing a rewarding and challenging athletic experience along with a good education and career opportunities which follow the good education.  Div III spans the full gamet of size from UWW to Wabash.  A number of Div III athletes have gone on professionally in their sport ... a personal knowledge directive to you would be Pete etzelaars ... formerly 14+ year NFL tight end with 5 Super Bowl rings (4 Buffalo and 1 Colts) and is now the Colts line coach.  Most have gone on to professions as teachers, professors, doctors, lawyers and the like.  SO ... yes ... Div III is a proper and very first class place to be - despite what your buddies of the claimed vaunted Div I experience may describe to you.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

I've also heard many times from former DI athletes who aren't happy with "being owned" by their school/team.  This leads to kids who transfer or just flat out leave.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to bash DI or anything like that.  Just sharing what I've heard.