FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[bulldogalum]

Anyway, Hope is not a bad team and has been steadily improving of recent, yet getting Marietta will be no easy game.

Let me preface this by saying I've been too lazy to look at the stats, and so I have no idea if what I'm saying is backed up on paper.  My impression of the Hope baseball team is that they're a good team, and might be able to steal a series or two in the tournament, but not much more than that.  They've got some guys that can flat out hit the ball, and their offense is clearly their greatest strength.  I don't remember them having many base stealing threats, but they put the bat on the ball enough to get the runners around.

I thought Hope's pitching was relatively unimpressive.  It seemed like a rotation full of #3 starters--guys that'll get you some good innings, and who are pretty good pitchers, but nobody that can take over a game, and nobody that absolutely astounds me.   I think if they want to extend their playoff lives, they'd be well served to plan on putting up at least 6 or 7 runs per game.  I don't think they'll be able to get by against good teams like Marietta with much less than that.

Now that I've said that, watch them with the national title whilst giving up 0 runs and winning endless strings of 1-0 and 2-0 games.

[WLCALUM83]

Heard a couple of Milwaukee area prep players are headed WLC's direction:

The link is:  http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=603775

[formerd3db]

I realize I should be posting this over on Pat's d3baseball web, however, thought I would just mention this here for anyone interested (besides, I'm not signed up over on that site ).  Anyway, unfortunately, Hope's "run" in the NCAA baseball regional ended today with a 6-5 loss to Ohio Wesleyan University.  Thus, ironically, Hope's season began in Florida and ends with a close loss to the same team.  After getting walloped by defending national champion Marietta on Wed this week 9-1 and being placed in the "elimination" bracket, Hope rebounded by upsetting the nation's #1 D3 team Wooster (OH) 5-3 yesterday.  Despite this, is was a good season for Hope, certainly much better than last year I would say.   Bulldogalum's assessment was pretty much on it appears, although one never knows about the post season as strange things can happen.

Nonetheless, congratulations to Coach Stu Fritz and all the Hope team as they had a very good season, MIAA champs and representing the league in these NCAA's.  I think that any one of the Ohio teams in this regional could certainly go all the way, certainly Wooster and Marietta could, although unfortunately and obviously, only one can advance.  The only other comment I might add would be that similar to our discussions regarding football and basketball, IMO, I think that Hope and the MIAA teams need to play some tougher teams in their early spring trips - although Hope did play OWU, I'm talking about on a consistent basis - and some upper level teams (i.e. DII and DI) during parts of the season to gain additional experience that would help in the playoffs.  Some of the teams in the MIAA are returning to that philosophy (Alma plays some DII teams now, returning to situation similar to when they used to play several DI teams - in the early '80's, they played U of Detroit, Eastern MI, Central MI, Iowa State, Georgia Tech - and Olivet played DI Eastern and Western MI this year - despite Olivet losing those games, they gained good experience and almost did beat Eastern in one of the games).  Anyway, it will be interesting to see who wins the DIII baseball title this year.  With all due respect to all the d3 baseball teams, I am (almost ) ready for the football season to begin (of course, after the collegiate lacrosse season concludes next weekend! ).  I will look forward to any other comments that any of you have about any of the above if anyone cares to do so, friends.

[formerd3db]

BTW, guys, keep on posting - we're almost to page 100!

[Mr. Ypsi]

former,

A signup on one d3sports.com site is a signup on all.  No more excuses for avoiding d3baseball.com!  (Though I suppose we probably won't see you 'til next season.)

And congratulations to Hope on a very nice season.

[formerd3db]

former,

A signup on one d3sports.com site is a signup on all.  No more excuses for avoiding d3baseball.com!  (Though I suppose we probably won't see you 'til next season.)

And congratulations to Hope on a very nice season.

Mr. Ypsi:

Good to hear from you and thanks for the congrats to Hope.  Yes, it was a nice season for them and they did come close to getting to the final game today.  But as that old saying goes..."close but no cigar!"

Anyway, I guess I'm "dumb" because I was unaware that signing up (i.e. registering) on any of the d3.com sites allows you to participate in them all.  That is great and thanks to Pat and crew for allowing that.  Yes, I'll probably not post on the baseball site (although I like college baseball and have some nice memories of when my brother played in the NCAA DIII baseball regionals some years ago, I'm still a fb and now also lacrosse man!).  Anyway, I wish good luck to the teams that make it into the DIII "World Series".  Also, hope you are doing well and have a great upcoming Memorial Day Weekend and, of course, summer as well.  August fb will be here before we know it!

[formerd3db]

Getting back to football, has anyone heard anything more about Tri-State's indoor football/lacrosse facility since it was announced last fall?  I tried to find the section on their website that outlined the plans which several of us saw late last fall, however, I couldn't locate it on there now.  Just curious.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

formerd3db:

From what i had heard before leaving Adrian is that plans for that had been scrapped and that it was no longer going to be an indoor facility.  I dont know if thats the truth or not, but rather just mumblings from althletic department officials.  It never made sense to me why they would build an indoor stadium as football season is usually such great weather and there field is normally in such prime shape with their turf managment program.  It would be a shame to see the nicest grass in the league go by the wayside.

[formerd3db]

formerd3db:

From what i had heard before leaving Adrian is that plans for that had been scrapped and that it was no longer going to be an indoor facility.  I dont know if thats the truth or not, but rather just mumblings from althletic department officials.  It never made sense to me why they would build an indoor stadium as football season is usually such great weather and there field is normally in such prime shape with their turf managment program.  It would be a shame to see the nicest grass in the league go by the wayside.

DAWG:

I thought perhaps that might have been the case.  From what I heard among the staffs around the league, they were questioning the reasoning for those plans as well.  Since those plans/campaign is no longer posted on the TSU website, it would appear your assessment is right on.

On the other hand, while an indoor facility would be, shall we say, somewhat "different" in these regions, although certainly not crazy since Northern Michigan Univ has one as does Syracuse, in one sense, it does make sense.  I would differ with you on Shive Field's natural turf - last year when we played on it, it was horrible - the worse I've seen in many years including when Hope had old Riverview Park Stadium.  It was so bad, that even the sidelines, which were covered with expensive tarps, would sink down about a foot and water would run into your shoes.  An indoor facility would also take care of those severe cold, rainy, snowy weather days for both practice and games toward the end of the season.  However, critics will rightly point out the "counter-argument" for that is 1) football is made to play outside i.e. the "traditionalists" view and 2) TSU can solve the field problems by installing synthetic turf.  At the very least, they (IMO) should renovate and update the stadium itself i.e. seating, attractive brick and old style iron entry gates to add to the "old college atmosphere" (they've kept and renovated their oldest two buildings on campus i.e. Old Main and another building on campus in keeping with that "atmosphere") similar to what they did for the baseball stadium, obviously they need locker rooms at the stadium.  I believe that at least some of these are planned.  If they are smart they'll do this (and they seem to get enough $ contributed by big-time business alums for their campus projects which continue to grow).  Certainly, at the very least they need the synthetic turf (my apologies to the naturual turf lovers  and there is nothing wrong with that!).   Natural turf allows for many other sports to use it, and also allows, for example, early Feb games for lacrosse, even when it snows - and they are going full varsity with lacrosse next year as you know.  Anyway, those are just MO's.  Thanks for the follow-up.   

[SaintsFAN]

formerd3db,

Yes...doing well here.  Just busy with work.  I am working for a 3rd Party Logistics Provider....so its the busy season with produce moving for the Holiday. 

How are things with you and the family?

Also, check out the HCAC Board.  Thomas More is moving forward with a new athletic complex....Bank of Kentucky has donated $1 million to get started..

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

formerd3db:

I was down at TSU for a late season JV game this year and although the field was not up to the standard it was the previosu year it was better than some.  I took it as a lack of upkeep based on the rumor for the domed stadium, but who knows.  All I know is that two years ago, they had the most well maintained turf I had personally ever seen football played on, but as wel know alot can change in a year. 

As for Northern Michigan and their domed stadium, it does make sense for them as they are pounded by snow much earlier than the rest of the state and on a more frequent basis along with more accumulation.  The same goes for Syracuse which if you recall last year had basketb all games cancelled due to the amount of snow that fell.  While I do think it would be an interesting addition to the menagrie of stadiums in the league, I agree that it would be more efficent to simply install field turf.  I agree that their stadium does need updating, they have the worst press box I had ever been in with a low angle and windows that obsturct vision, it felt like playing at a small high school rather than a college.  For a great example of what a stadium should look like, take a look at Franklins, beautiful stadium, red brick, gates, the whole deal.  Thats just what I recall from playing there several years ago, but it was a wonderful atmosphere.

Adrian toyed with the idea of doming their field in the winter, an idea which was put forth in recruiting materials last year.  Needless to say with all the hoopla and pomp and circumstance around the facilities it has yet to appear.  President Docking has explicitly stated in speeches with recruits that they would dome the field.  I dont know if it will happen or if he is just blowing smoke, only time will tell.

[ACRULZ]

Who do you guys believe the early favorites are to be MIAA champs?  I know there is not much info available on incoming recruits, but I think we are in for another very competitive MIAA season.  Especially with a lot of teams improving like Tri-State (lot of youth coming back and enthusiastic youthful coaching staff).  I think it could come down to any of the top five teams in Adrian, Alma, Albion, Hope, and Olivet.  It will be interesting to see how some of these teams respond with losing some very key players (Adrian's Wallace & Marry, Alma's Brehm & Cline, Albion's Shaw & Sheldon, Hope's Huizing, Olivet's Warren).  I think the MIAA race will be very interesting!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

I gave some early predictions for the upcoming season a while ago, but its so fun to do I will do it again.  As it is every year I see this being a very competitve race, but I see it coming down to three teams with a possible darkhorse fourth.  The top three I see are Hope, Olivet and Albion with Alma being the darkhorse depending on how the QB position comes around.

Hope - Great coaching staff and a great program put Hope in contention every year, even though they are often overlooked and under the radar.  The return of the MIAA defensive MVP is huge as well as the return of Booko at RB.  Receivers are always good and the qb position should be stronger this year.  Strong lines on both offense and defense highlight hope teams as well as strong fundamental play on both sides of the ball.  If the passing game is in line with the run, Hope is the team to beat.  Always a well tested team coming into the MIAA season with their non confrence schedule.

Olivet - Coach Livedotti has one great thing going for him, that is an experienced team with a ton of athletes.  The Olivet defense was the number one in the league last year and for good reason, athletic players who closed fast and some great safety play.  The offense will punch you in the mouth and tell you it is going to and can afford to with its stable of RB's and its offensive lineman.  If the passing game for Olivet can average 150yds a game Olivet could make some big noise.

Albion - Consistency is the hallmark of the Albion program and Coach Rundle has done an excellent job with this program despite disagreements with administration.  A strong season should be in the works with 4 out of 5 OL starters returning next year from a very good and well coached unit with Coach Shudel.  Albion is  a power team in terms of the run and will stretch the field on you in the passing game.  Defensivley they are solid up front but did lose some key players.  They will no doubt be in the running the whole season and ready to go with the tough non confrence schedule that they play.

Alma - Another great and creative coaching staff, obviosuly the Scot Gun was a new thing in the MIAA years ago when it came about, but it appears that many teams still havent quite figured out how to stop it.  The QB position is going to be key as they lost Broehm to graduation, but Alma has had a tradition of great QB play for the last 7 years(Slowke and Broehm).  I would imagine that coach Leister will have someone ready to go, Alma also returns two good RB's who will be looked at to carry much of the load.  A fast attacking defense is always in the works at Alma and as much as their numbers dont show it due to the amount of time they are on the field, they are a very solid unit. 

Adrian - Huge question marks with the Adrian program.  Lost their two best defensive players from last years team and both are ILB's with little experience to replace.  Also lost the best overall DL from their team and there are still some questions as to whether the best pass rusher will be back.  The secondary could be a great unit next year with lots of players back.  Offensivlety Adrian lost its starting QB, RB, TE, WR, best offensive lineman and is going through the learning curve of a new OC.  Word is he wants to start a freshman QB which more than likely wont be good for the win column.  With the new administration and stadium there is huge pressure to win and win now.  Coach Lyall's job could be in jeopardy without an MIAA title this year and with all the losses and change it could be a tough year.  Also Adrian is fairly untested with its non confrence schedule over the last several years, although they have picked up Huntington from Alabama this year.

Tri State - If they improve as much this year as they did last year, they could be a pleasant suprise.  A young and enthusisatic coaching staff has brought life to what two years ago was a doormat program.  The question now will be can they sustain the growth as team size and the lines on both sides of the ball were a bit lacking.  Hung in alot of close games this past season and played some of the big boys tight.  It is a school that looks to be doing things right with a new emphasis on their athletics.

Kzoo - Hard to win football games when you are hampered by recruiting quotas and IVy leauge standards.  Coach Brooks has done a good job in getting his players to belive they can win, now it is just a matter of winning games.  Offensivley Kzoo is limited in what it can do due to lack of size, but still comes up with creative options.  The defense is traditionaly solid and very creative.  Kzoo has played spoiler to some MIAA contenders in the past, but I dont know if the program can ever compete for a title.  Due to the intelligence of their players however they are always well coached and have a large variety to their offense and defense which at least for a half allows them to cover their lack of size and speed.

Wisconsin Lutheran - WLC had one good year since joining the MIAA(5-5 3-3).  They had some great players on that team but have not really had that many since.  Two years ago they did have three very good OL to go along with Kehl at RB, but this last season without the OL Kehl stuggled(not for lack of talent he was the best RB in the MIAA).  Defensivley they have a collection of players that are to small or to slow who have a hard time stacking the line against the strong MIAA run games and als a hard time keeping up with the spread teams.  This is their last year in the MIAA, and they should fare much better in their new league.

[Brits39]

ADAWG-
What will the Freshmen classes for each team look like this year? Any Impact players coming in that may shock some people. Also any information on Albion would be great, from anyone. And Finally,Thanks for the update and predictions for next season. Glad to see that you're still involved with the MIAA even after Leaving Adrian. What have you been up to lately? Just coaching up here in the Northern Country of Minn.

See ya at Red Beard's Cabin the 7th


Pound Purple Pound!!! 8)

[iKNOWstuff]

I'm new to this website and I've been reading some questions but i do have an answer to the recruiting class, I m a recruit myself but we will get to me later.

Have you ever heard of Lumen Christi, the 2,3,4, i dont know time defending state champs, but there quarterback, a d1 prospect will be joing the class of 2011 in the fall.  I guess he's the one someone was saying will probably start next year but I dont know.  oh yeah his name is Jeff Watjusik (dont know if i spelled his last name right.

plus a hard hitting Inside Linebacker-Jason White of jackson high school

He is the Jackson Area Defensive player of the year
here are some stats from max preps...but he's a pretty nice solid linebacker...
edited to shorten link

oh yeah he is gonna wear #49,,,WINK WINK
there are some articles of him i will try to post them some time but you have to give me some time....

we have a solid i mean solid recruiting class this year, i was up there for recruit day and Klotz was telling us how they were focusing on the best recruits possible they aren't bringin that much in probably around 30--35 its some nice players look foward to see these players on the field