FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

Gentlemen:

In response to Cousin Eddie's comments, I do know some aspects about the Rundle "thing", however, I am not going to "air dirty laundry" here. This is not the appropriate forum to do so, rather that is a topic for good dinner's conversation sometime. Suffice to say, there is some animosity there among many factions.  Nonetheless, I would agree with you that perhaps most of the '94 team members are not in a position to make major contributions to any proposed Albion athletic fund.  Yet, at the same time, every little amount helps and I do not believe that it wouldn't be possible raise a significant amount that would be of importance.  And it's just my opinion, yet if I were involved in assisting to organize such a fund, I would not hesitate to put it to the administration that "we" wanted it for athletics-at least for that campaign.  I'm sure the Albion administration would not want to lose a fair amount of alumni donors who would most likely support future funding for academics IF their gifts designated for athletics were accepted for what they prefer.  Once the athletic facilities upgrade is completed (i.e. that funding would obviously not go on forever), then I can't imagine the former players wouldn't donate to the other college fundraising programs. 

Also, you have twice now referred to "pulling an Adrian".  When the Adrian administration first unveiled that plan, there was a lot of flack from some various outsiders thrown at them for doing so.  However, in accessing the overall idea in the end, it was the appropriate strategic plan to implement.  The full time enrollment had fallen to a "new era" all time low, below the 1,000 mark.  By adding men's and women's hockey and men's and women's lacrosse, those 4 at the very least, brought in a ton of $ (tuition at the time was ~$33,000 per year).  The cost for coaches's salaries and cost of the programs were not that much eventually-of course, it helped that two wealthy alumns donated $2 million+ for the on-campus ice arena.  Adrian also has 2 club collegiate hockey AHCA teams, plus the skating teams, all of which fill the ice arean.  Plus, to my understanding, renting out ice skating time to the public (if that is still done-I was told it was initially) brings in additional funds to cover the operating costs. 

In all, this plan brought in a substantial number of student-athletes, which brought stability to the overall enrollment, keeping it where it is today.  It was also my understanding that administration wants to keep the enrollment at 1,700 tops, although I do not doubt they could support having substantially more.  In conclusion, I did not intend the above to be a negative missive towards you, rather just thought I would share a little of what I know and/or was told from some reliable sources about some of these aspects.  The plan might not work or be appropriate for other colleges, however, for Adrian, it appears to have been successful for what it was intended for.  Just MO.   

[IoTriumphe]

Gentlemen:

In response to Cousin Eddie's comments, I do know some aspects about the Rundle "thing", however, I am not going to "air dirty laundry" here. This is not the appropriate forum to do so, rather that is a topic for good dinner's conversation sometime. Suffice to say, there is some animosity there among many factions.  Nonetheless, I would agree with you that perhaps most of the '94 team members are not in a position to make major contributions to any proposed Albion athletic fund.  Yet, at the same time, every little amount helps and I do not believe that it wouldn't be possible raise a significant amount that would be of importance.  And it's just my opinion, yet if I were involved in assisting to organize such a fund, I would not hesitate to put it to the administration that "we" wanted it for athletics-at least for that campaign.  I'm sure the Albion administration would not want to lose a fair amount of alumni donors who would most likely support future funding for academics IF their gifts designated for athletics were accepted for what they prefer.  Once the athletic facilities upgrade is completed (i.e. that funding would obviously not go on forever), then I can't imagine the former players wouldn't donate to the other college fundraising programs. 

Also, you have twice now referred to "pulling an Adrian".  When the Adrian administration first unveiled that plan, there was a lot of flack from some various outsiders thrown at them for doing so.  However, in accessing the overall idea in the end, it was the appropriate strategic plan to implement.  The full time enrollment had fallen to a "new era" all time low, below the 1,000 mark.  By adding men's and women's hockey and men's and women's lacrosse, those 4 at the very least, brought in a ton of $ (tuition at the time was ~$33,000 per year).  The cost for coaches's salaries and cost of the programs were not that much eventually-of course, it helped that two wealthy alumns donated $2 million+ for the on-campus ice arena.  Adrian also has 2 club collegiate hockey AHCA teams, plus the skating teams, all of which fill the ice arean.  Plus, to my understanding, renting out ice skating time to the public (if that is still done-I was told it was initially) brings in additional funds to cover the operating costs. 

In all, this plan brought in a substantial number of student-athletes, which brought stability to the overall enrollment, keeping it where it is today.  It was also my understanding that administration wants to keep the enrollment at 1,700 tops, although I do not doubt they could support having substantially more.  In conclusion, I did not intend the above to be a negative missive towards you, rather just thought I would share a little of what I know and/or was told from some reliable sources about some of these aspects.  The plan might not work or be appropriate for other colleges, however, for Adrian, it appears to have been successful for what it was intended for.  Just MO. 

My comments regarding Adrian are most likely biased, yet I still think it's a fair point.

Adrian decided to take on a large amount of debt (as well as found some wealthy donors) with the idea of "if you build it they will come". Adrian has invested a TON of money with the philosophy of building facilities that are unmatched in order to attract students. For the most part, this is a decent strategy and it has worked in their favor. They certainly have turned around the admission numbers and now need to invest in retaining and increasing the academic component. Adrian made a risky gamble and I'm not sure Albion is willing to make that same gamble.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Adrian was able to take on debt, solely because its amount of operating debt was a fraction of most schools of its like and size. This was part of the reason for the decline, no upgrades to anything, no money spent on anything. I was there during the lean years  2000-2004 and have been associated with the College since then and the turn around is remarkable.

The upgrades that have recently been applied to academic facilities are not as widely acknowledged but none the less impressive with all facilities on campus getting major upgrades with the addition of  specialty programs and several masters degree programs as well (Athletic Training, Accounting, Industrial Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Teacher Education and Sports Administration and Leadership). There have also been some major private donations, including off hand a $20 million dollar gift in 2011 and there was major private money for the baseball stadium, ice arena and tennis courts. The endowment is up as well which is another net positive and donations have been much more forthcoming overall since improvements have been made. The commitment to the College from the Administration has driven positive developments across the board.

The reality is before Docking came aboard with a plan, the College was dying. The 2nd semester numbers hovered around 800 and the admission criteria were such that the school suffered a lack of regard and the football team played in a shared HS stadium with no locker room (we sat on a tire under a tree at halftime, true story). This is the same strategy which was partially implemented at Washington and Jefferson when Docking was there as well.

Since that time enrollment is now up to around 1600, the academic requirements are far more stringent and the College is far healthier and more robust across the board than at any point in its history. It was actually just announced this week that there will be a further development of an on campus medical clinic that is a joint venture with Promedica that will provide high quality on campus health care as well as added experience in the athletic training and health studies programs.

Re: The ice arena they still do rent ice time, community skates, an over 30 hockey league and junior programs as well as skating lessons. The facility is well used.

[formerd3db]

IoTriumphe and ADAWG:

Appreciate the follow-up details.  As you say, IoT, the Adrian Model (A.M.) will not work for every school and I believe you are correct that it would most likely not for Albion.  And ADWAG, I knew you obviously knew about the details of the A.M. having played there.  While I knew many of those details you shared (one of my son-in-law's father knows your school's President), however, being an "outsider" I believed it more appropriate that I keep my "description" in a more general sense.  Nonetheless, thanks for sharing that.

Anyway, turning back to tomorrow's first round, what  do you guys (and/or any other of our MIAA board posters here) think about how Albion will do against Wabash?  I do hope it warms up for the game(s) tomorrow for everyone.

[Mr. Ypsi]

IoTriumphe and ADAWG:

Appreciate the follow-up details.  As you say, IoT, the Adrian Model (A.M.) will not work for every school and I believe you are correct that it would most likely not for Albion.  And ADWAG, I knew you obviously knew about the details of the A.M. having played and now coaching there.  While I knew many of those details you shared (one of my son-in-law's father knows your school's President), however, being an "outsider" I believed it more appropriate that I keep my "description" in a more general sense.  Nonetheless, thanks for sharing that.

Anyway, turning back to tomorrow's first round, what  do you guys (and/or any other of our MIAA board posters here) think about how Albion will do against Wabash?  I do hope it warms up for the game(s) tomorrow for everyone.

With their offense, I think Albion has a 'puncher's chance' at an upset.  But my head says the Wabash defense will stifle that incredible offense, and Wabash wins by several TDs.  I hope to be proven wrong!

[formerd3db]

IoTriumphe and ADAWG:

Appreciate the follow-up details.  As you say, IoT, the Adrian Model (A.M.) will not work for every school and I believe you are correct that it would most likely not for Albion.  And ADWAG, I knew you obviously knew about the details of the A.M. having played and now coaching there.  While I knew many of those details you shared (one of my son-in-law's father knows your school's President), however, being an "outsider" I believed it more appropriate that I keep my "description" in a more general sense.  Nonetheless, thanks for sharing that.

Anyway, turning back to tomorrow's first round, what  do you guys (and/or any other of our MIAA board posters here) think about how Albion will do against Wabash?  I do hope it warms up for the game(s) tomorrow for everyone.

With their offense, I think Albion has a 'puncher's chance' at an upset.  But my head says the Wabash defense will stifle that incredible offense, and Wabash wins by several TDs.  I hope to be proven wrong!

Well, my friend Mr. Ypsi, I tend to think you are/will probably be right.  It would be an upset for sure and a big plus for the MIAA.  However, after seeing Albion play in person, I don't think that is going to happen, especially down at Wabash's home stadium.  We shall see.

[Wabash Hokie]

The weather is not going to be doing Albion any favors.  It is a wet and windy track right now and only going to get worse during the game as snow is on the way.  The wind will make it tough on the downfield passing game for both teams.   Albion has a great short passing scheme so the wind may not play as much of a factor.  Good luck to both teams and safe travels to the fans.  Heading out in a few minutes - getting bundled up and bringing an ample supply of antifreeze.

[formerd3db]

Wabash Hokie:

You are long gone "out the door" by now as I post this.  Anyway, I agree with you.  The wet conditions (and if any wind as well) will not help Albion.  They played "okay" in those same conditions against us (Hope).  IMO and the same of many other people, that basically made the game a more even match, which Hope almost won at the last seconds of the game (but blew our chance).

Yes, good luck to both teams today.  Safe travels to you and everyone there and back.  Keep warm and hope you enjoy the game.  I ended up not being able to come down for the game, however, like many others, will be watching periodically today for the results of the game and the other playoff scores. (Plus, hoping that Michigan beats Penn State and Ohio State beats Michigan State ).

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Weather looks absolutely nasty at Wabash. Snow accumulating on field, yard lines shoveled off and its still coming down.

[FyteOnne]

...

In 2004-05 Albion had a very good basketball team and won the right to host the second round game against College of Wooster and the sectionals. Kresge only holds 1000 people and the bleachers were over flowing onto the floor and with in arms length of the court. It was a great atmosphere, a lot of fun, but did not sit well with the NCAA. Especially due to Calvin being in the same sectional, just down the road and with a large fan base. Calvin ended up beating Albion in the Elite Eight and as the low seed and had a larger and better facility in Grand Rapids. The rumor is as soon as the NCAA arrived at Albion they told the then Athletic Director "If I knew what your facility looked like you never would have been allowed to host". I would love to see the box score and attendance numbers, but I doubt it exists.

...

This one?  http://gobrits.com/sports/mbkb/2004-05/Statistics/m312caab.htm

Most of the others from that season:  http://gobrits.com/sports/mbkb/2004-05/Statistics/TEAMSTAT.HTM

Go Brits!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Score doesnt show it, but the stats do. Wabash defense really doesnt have a good answer for Albion O to this point. Albion moving ball very well but turnovers have hurt. Clear field so far for second half and both offenses look good.

Wabash running game is strong, the Zurek kid is impressive.

[formerd3db]

...

In 2004-05 Albion had a very good basketball team and won the right to host the second round game against College of Wooster and the sectionals. Kresge only holds 1000 people and the bleachers were over flowing onto the floor and with in arms length of the court. It was a great atmosphere, a lot of fun, but did not sit well with the NCAA. Especially due to Calvin being in the same sectional, just down the road and with a large fan base. Calvin ended up beating Albion in the Elite Eight and as the low seed and had a larger and better facility in Grand Rapids. The rumor is as soon as the NCAA arrived at Albion they told the then Athletic Director "If I knew what your facility looked like you never would have been allowed to host". I would love to see the box score and attendance numbers, but I doubt it exists.

...

This one?  http://gobrits.com/sports/mbkb/2004-05/Statistics/m312caab.htm

Most of the others from that season:  http://gobrits.com/sports/mbkb/2004-05/Statistics/TEAMSTAT.HTM

Go Brits!

Typical of the NCAA, they can be jerks at times.  While I support them in some aspect, I don't agree with them on a lot of aspects overall (in general) in many different areas.  If there was an objection or concerns about the facility hosting capabilities (and in the end, it wasn't a problem at all), it was the responsibility of the NCAA representative to have investigated/addressed those well before he even went there.  Obviously, did not do his job very well.  But...all that is "water under the bridge" long ago.

BTW, thanks to IoTriumphe for the statistics of that game.  The attendance for that game was great for the Kresge facility.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Wabash 35 Albion 14 final.

Albion offense proves its for real, moved the ball pretty much at will all game against an elite defense. I think Wabash was allowing 7.6 pts per game and something like 1.6 yards per carry on the year. Parks 6.5 ypc, Czarneki 7.3 ypc, Bona 5.6 ypc. The story for Albion today was turnovers. 2 fumbles in the first half in nasty conditions and 2 second half INT by Bona really killed the point production, the first INT coming in the redzone. Albion definitely had a chance in that game and Coach Beurers offense, despite the turnovers was very impressive.

The RB, Zurek, from Wabash was a one man band today. 38 carries for 312 yards, 4 TD with a long of 70. HE dropped a TD pass too in the game (Wabash scored anyways).

Congrats to Albion on a fine season. A win for the MIAA would have been good for everyone but just wasnt in the cards today with the way the game played out.

[formerd3db]

Wabash 35 Albion 14 final.

Albion offense proves its for real, moved the ball pretty much at will all game against an elite defense. I think Wabash was allowing 7.6 pts per game and something like 1.6 yards per carry on the year. Parks 6.5 ypc, Czarneki 7.3 ypc, Bona 5.6 ypc. The story for Albion today was turnovers. 2 fumbles in the first half in nasty conditions and 2 second half INT by Bona really killed the point production, the first INT coming in the redzone. Albion definitely had a chance in that game and Coach Beurers offense, despite the turnovers was very impressive.

The RB, Zurek, from Wabash was a one man band today. 38 carries for 312 yards, 4 TD with a long of 70. HE dropped a TD pass too in the game (Wabash scored anyways).

Congrats to Albion on a fine season. A win for the MIAA would have been good for everyone but just wasnt in the cards today with the way the game played out.

Indeed.  I thought the weather conditions might make it a closer match.  However, you can't have turnovers like Albion did and expect to win a game-especially in the playoffs. 

Congrats to Albion on a fine season.  Also, congrats to Wabash.  I'd like to see them continue on.  If they can tighten it up a bit, I think they will have a good chance.

[Joe Wally]

Congrats to Albion on a good season.  Heck of an offense you run.  Would like to see it under reasonable conditions.  The weather did no favors today.

Safe travels home to the Britons.