FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[gordonmann]

On the Aggies' field, I concur with the artist formerly known as PBR.  The grass seems to hold up well, even in the rain. Plus how would artificial turf look at an agricultural school that has a turf management program?  

I could tell you what I think will happen in the MAC.  But then that would spoil the fun of this...

[D3FBFan55]

On the Aggies' field, I concur with the artist formerly known as PBR.  The grass seems to hold up well, even in the rain. Plus how would artificial turf look at an agricultural school that has a turf management program?  

I could tell you what I think will happen in the MAC.  But then that would spoil the fun of this...

Gordon, I see your point on the field remaining natural.  However, whats their excuse for the stands?  As a frequent visitor to the school I feel like zero dollars are put into the football facilities.

[gordonmann]

My understanding is Delaware Valley is constrained in how much it can renovate the facility, but just by money.  The facility was built before certain construction standards were set.  Because the facility predates those standards, it's "grandfathered" in to them.  The facility, like other older places, doesn't have to meet those standards.  However, if the College makes significant renovations to the facility, it loses that exemption.  So the school can't take the renovations too far without having to go all the way with something much more expensive.  The school has made some renovations, like redoing the home locker room.  But they aren't visible to most spectators.

[dlippiel]

My understanding is Delaware Valley is constrained in how much it can renovate the facility, but just by money.  The facility was built before certain construction standards were set.  Because the facility predates those standards, it's "grandfathered" in to them.  The facility, like other older places, doesn't have to meet those standards.  However, if the College makes significant renovations to the facility, it loses that exemption.  So the school can't take the renovations too far without having to go all the way with something much more expensive.  The school has made some renovations, like redoing the home locker room.  But they aren't visible to most spectators.

Plus how would artificial turf look at an agricultural school that has a turf management program? Smiley 

+k, nice Gordon

[bman]

My understanding is Delaware Valley is constrained in how much it can renovate the facility, but just by money.  The facility was built before certain construction standards were set.  Because the facility predates those standards, it's "grandfathered" in to them.  The facility, like other older places, doesn't have to meet those standards.  However, if the College makes significant renovations to the facility, it loses that exemption.  So the school can't take the renovations too far without having to go all the way with something much more expensive.  The school has made some renovations, like redoing the home locker room.  But they aren't visible to most spectators.

So what you are saying Gordon, is that Del Val, would rather have it's students and fans subjected to the safety risks inherent in buildings with pre-modern safety standards,  than spending the needed dollars on the corrections?  ...

[PBR...]

My understanding is Delaware Valley is constrained in how much it can renovate the facility, but just by money.  The facility was built before certain construction standards were set.  Because the facility predates those standards, it's "grandfathered" in to them.  The facility, like other older places, doesn't have to meet those standards.  However, if the College makes significant renovations to the facility, it loses that exemption.  So the school can't take the renovations too far without having to go all the way with something much more expensive.  The school has made some renovations, like redoing the home locker room.  But they aren't visible to most spectators.

So what you are saying Gordon, is that Del Val, would rather have it's students and fans subjected to the safety risks inherent in buildings with pre-modern safety standards,  than spending the needed dollars on the corrections?  ...

in short...yes...the stadium is still inspected for safety and would obviously not be allowed to put fans in the stands if something were deemed unsafe. If you would like to contribute $ towards the renovation of the stadium which w/ the economy the way it is they would be more than glad to accept your donation     In all seriousness they obviously know the stadium needs to be redone. But getting alumni/corporations to donate in these tough economic times is not easy. Its hard to justify dumping that kind of $ into something that gets used what maybe 5-7 times a year for football? most would argue that kind of money could be used much better elsewhere hence why you need alumni/corporations to target their donations to that upgrade which wont be cheap as gordon said. BUT in certain respects now would be the time to do it if possible as materials/labor are much cheaper than during a bull economy....

[AUPepBand]

My understanding is Delaware Valley is constrained in how much it can renovate the facility, but just by money.  The facility was built before certain construction standards were set.  Because the facility predates those standards, it's "grandfathered" in to them.  The facility, like other older places, doesn't have to meet those standards.  However, if the College makes significant renovations to the facility, it loses that exemption.  So the school can't take the renovations too far without having to go all the way with something much more expensive.  The school has made some renovations, like redoing the home locker room.  But they aren't visible to most spectators.

So what you are saying Gordon, is that Del Val, would rather have it's students and fans subjected to the safety risks inherent in buildings with pre-modern safety standards,  than spending the needed dollars on the corrections?  ...

in short...yes...the stadium is still inspected for safety and would obviously not be allowed to put fans in the stands if something were deemed unsafe. If you would like to contribute $ towards the renovation of the stadium which w/ the economy the way it is they would be more than glad to accept your donation     In all seriousness they obviously know the stadium needs to be redone. But getting alumni/corporations to donate in these tough economic times is not easy. Its hard to justify dumping that kind of $ into something that gets used what maybe 5-7 times a year for football? most would argue that kind of money could be used much better elsewhere hence why you need alumni/corporations to target their donations to that upgrade which wont be cheap as gordon said. BUT in certain respects now would be the time to do it if possible as materials/labor are much cheaper than during a bull economy....

The home grandstand at Merrill Field (Alfred University), which had been constructed in 1983 from an erector set, was declared unsafe in May 2009 (or perhaps earlier) because poorly designed welds were popping. AU might have been the homeless Saxons last season except for the securing of said welds with bolts as a temporary fix. Pep is not sure where AU is getting the $1.2 million to replace the home grandstand (plan is to sell 200+ stadium style seats located at center of grandstand) but the campus has been assured that the funding will NOT come from the University's very tight operating budget. Meanwhile, the AstroTurf12 is being replaced (as previously scheduled) with FieldTurf.

On Saxon Warriors!

[bill]

Del Val people

I understand your pain about a stadium. Remember what the stands at FDU used to look like? They certainly weren't safe! It took us 10 years to raise money for the current field...maybe you'll get lucky!

Of course, you could always pull an Albright style deal and have Doylestown public schools kick in a few million

[PBR...]

Del Val people

I understand your pain about a stadium. Remember what the stands at FDU used to look like? They certainly weren't safe! It took us 10 years to raise money for the current field...maybe you'll get lucky!

Of course, you could always pull an Albright style deal and have Doylestown public schools kick in a few million

HA! nice one bill....yeah unfortunately all the central bucks schools have just redone all their stadiums(except for c.b. east whose stadium has been in litigation for 100+ years it seems). so they have brand new all weather tracks and nextTurf for a field and stands. This way the fields dont get beat up w/ football/soccer/fieldhockey playing on them almost every night of the week.

[G-manWU]

So, you want to talk facilities? Well...LET'S TALK FACILITIES, baby!!!!!

As other MAC schools have updated their football facilities, I have always waited for Wilkes to take their place among those with upgraded stadiums. Now, after many seasons on that old grass and those lovable but rickety old bleachers, Ralston Field is seeing some much-needed attention. You can read all about the project, and view a week-by-week gallery of photos on the project, at the following link:

http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/3797.asp

One of the things that makes me proud about this project is that the university as a whole is recognizing the tremendous contributions made to the school by the athletic program, and that the field renovations follow several years of outstanding facilities renovations and acquisitions on the banks of the Susquehanna. From the time of my arrival at Wilkes in August of 2004, to the time of my graduation in May of 2008, the university acquired several buildings that added to the school's physical footprint, and also placed new priority on "green" technology that has been evident all throughout campus. Some of those renovations were  smaller in nature, while others were on a very large scale. But all were important, needed, and quite impressive.

As for the product that the Colonels will put on the field this year, I have little info to build on. In terms of graduation losses, Wilkes will be breaking in a new starting QB, and will also need to replace several key performers in the secondary. But some skilled players look set to return, and if the new QB can pick up the offense at a reasonable level, I have no doubt that Coach Shep can keep the team competitive and then some. If you look at last season, no doubt many observers were writing the Colonels off for a 2-8 or 1-9 year. Well, it is true that Wilkes got trounced by the two best MAC teams. But the Colonels also finished with a winning record, which included handing Montclair State their only loss of the regular season. Not bad for a team many had dismissed before the first whistle.......

This season marks the senior season for the guys who were freshman during my last year with the team...here's hoping it will be a memorable one at the newly-renovated Ralston Field

[PBR...]

So, you want to talk facilities? Well...LET'S TALK FACILITIES, baby!!!!!

As other MAC schools have updated their football facilities, I have always waited for Wilkes to take their place among those with upgraded stadiums. Now, after many seasons on that old grass and those lovable but rickety old bleachers, Ralston Field is seeing some much-needed attention. You can read all about the project, and view a week-by-week gallery of photos on the project, at the following link:

http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/3797.asp

One of the things that makes me proud about this project is that the university as a whole is recognizing the tremendous contributions made to the school by the athletic program, and that the field renovations follow several years of outstanding facilities renovations and acquisitions on the banks of the Susquehanna. From the time of my arrival at Wilkes in August of 2004, to the time of my graduation in May of 2008, the university acquired several buildings that added to the school's physical footprint, and also placed new priority on "green" technology that has been evident all throughout campus. Some of those renovations were  smaller in nature, while others were on a very large scale. But all were important, needed, and quite impressive.

As for the product that the Colonels will put on the field this year, I have little info to build on. In terms of graduation losses, Wilkes will be breaking in a new starting QB, and will also need to replace several key performers in the secondary. But some skilled players look set to return, and if the new QB can pick up the offense at a reasonable level, I have no doubt that Coach Shep can keep the team competitive and then some. If you look at last season, no doubt many observers were writing the Colonels off for a 2-8 or 1-9 year. Well, it is true that Wilkes got trounced by the two best MAC teams. But the Colonels also finished with a winning record, which included handing Montclair State their only loss of the regular season. Not bad for a team many had dismissed before the first whistle.......

This season marks the senior season for the guys who were freshman during my last year with the team...here's hoping it will be a memorable one at the newly-renovated Ralston Field

excellent stuff for the wilkes players and fans. Just hope that DVC needs they need to redo the stadium soon which pbr believes they do its just a matter of money. Problem is it becomes a strong recruiting tool. When kids are looking at the MAC schools and most have new/top facilities vs. older/dated facilities that can be a real turning point for recruits. Right now albright/wilkes and others have very good facilities and its DVC's time to step up.


EDIT: btw was down at widener for my kid's track meet a few weeks ago. That campus is getting huge. Cant believe how big a footprint they have now and how many buildings on that campus. They have grown a lot since pbr was there last

[D3FBFan55]

Comparing Albright's facilities to Del Vals is night and day.  If I was an 18 year old being recruited, its a no brainer.  I have been in both locker rooms and on both fields, and while Del Val has a great grass field, Albrights is still nicer.  And yes, I know its financially related, but Del Val has built a few buildings in the past 10 years, so they are not hurting for money.

[PBR...]

Comparing Albright's facilities to Del Vals is night and day.  If I was an 18 year old being recruited, its a no brainer.  I have been in both locker rooms and on both fields, and while Del Val has a great grass field, Albrights is still nicer.  And yes, I know its financially related, but Del Val has built a few buildings in the past 10 years, so they are not hurting for money.

thats part of it....dvc decided to get a bigger bang for their money. new buildings dorms/classrooms etc get much better return on their money. Also part of it is the coaching staff. DVC obviously has been very strong for awhile in football and the kids like the idea of going to the playoffs every year or at least a good chance. Facilities arent the only factor in deciding a school but definetly play a part. W/ DVC moving up to a university status from college status pbr is hoping they continue to upgrade facilities including the football stadium.

[bman]

EDIT: btw was down at widener for my kid's track meet a few weeks ago. That campus is getting huge. Cant believe how big a footprint they have now and how many buildings on that campus. They have grown a lot since pbr was there last
[/quote]

It's from the football stadium revenue 

[rams1102]

So, you want to talk facilities? Well...LET'S TALK FACILITIES, baby!!!!!

As other MAC schools have updated their football facilities, I have always waited for Wilkes to take their place among those with upgraded stadiums. Now, after many seasons on that old grass and those lovable but rickety old bleachers, Ralston Field is seeing some much-needed attention. You can read all about the project, and view a week-by-week gallery of photos on the project, at the following link:

http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/3797.asp

One of the things that makes me proud about this project is that the university as a whole is recognizing the tremendous contributions made to the school by the athletic program, and that the field renovations follow several years of outstanding facilities renovations and acquisitions on the banks of the Susquehanna. From the time of my arrival at Wilkes in August of 2004, to the time of my graduation in May of 2008, the university acquired several buildings that added to the school's physical footprint, and also placed new priority on "green" technology that has been evident all throughout campus. Some of those renovations were  smaller in nature, while others were on a very large scale. But all were important, needed, and quite impressive.

As for the product that the Colonels will put on the field this year, I have little info to build on. In terms of graduation losses, Wilkes will be breaking in a new starting QB, and will also need to replace several key performers in the secondary. But some skilled players look set to return, and if the new QB can pick up the offense at a reasonable level, I have no doubt that Coach Shep can keep the team competitive and then some. If you look at last season, no doubt many observers were writing the Colonels off for a 2-8 or 1-9 year. Well, it is true that Wilkes got trounced by the two best MAC teams. But the Colonels also finished with a winning record, which included handing Montclair State their only loss of the regular season. Not bad for a team many had dismissed before the first whistle.......

This season marks the senior season for the guys who were freshman during my last year with the team...here's hoping it will be a memorable one at the newly-renovated Ralston Field

Hey easy on handling Montclair State comment. 

Just kidding. I hope all is well with you. Good luck to Wilkes this year. You guys have given us too many headaches. I've become a Grandpa and it's really special. Again good luck to you guys this year.