FB: American Rivers Conference

[Ralph Turner]

Dues vary from $900-1800 depending on the division.

IMHO, more symbolism than substance.

...The NCAA Executive Committee approved the suspension of dues for Divisions I, II and III members at its April 30 meeting in Indianapolis based on a recommendation from the Executive Committee's finance committee. Dues range from $900-$1,800, depending on division affiliation. The action will result in a collective savings of about $1.3 million for the membership....

[sportsknight]

My two cents on the past decade debate:  If you think any team other than the 2003 Knights as the best IIAC team of the past 10 years, you might need to get your head examined.  Up until the postseason, nobody they played even belonged on the same field as that team.  A completely shut-down defense, an offense that could run or pass equally well, and specialists that didn't take anything off the table.

The 2007 Central team was probably 2nd best in my mind, and even though they also went unbeaten in the regular season and went further into the playoffs, they didn't completely destroy their opposition like the '03 Knights.

i was thinking more along the lines of the program of the '00s, not the best team in a single year.

If that's the case, then I think Central and Wartburg are basically 1a and 1b.  Central has more championships, but Wartburg has more wins overall and the fact that they never finished worse than third is a pretty strong statement.  Coe is a distant third, and after that its pretty much everyone else.

[jtplayer25]

Hey there.....Long Time No Talk To, I know I know you have missed me dont act too excited  , just kiddin...But Football camp starts up August 14th atleast it does for UD and the New Zweifel era in Dubuque.....I know I am excited as I am sure the rest of you are. There is a good buzz around town about the UD football team this year and with the supposed additions of the "best" recruiting class at UD the spartans are said to be contenders this year....now only if we can close one out against Central instead of losing it by a field goal or in 3 overtimes  , But this year brings excitement for all the teams in the IIAC and I am more than excited to see the results at the end of the year.....As for gossip on the block, dont be suprised to see a change at the helm talking about the QB position this year...Colton Hansens leadership and popularity among fellow players is said to be in question from a valuable source....also look for coach Taylors defense led by seniors Matt Brown and Karl Grant to play "football" fast and bring size along with it, I actually ran into Karl the other day at the gas station and he said the defense looks great...bringing in some size as well as speed  and look forward to bouncing back from a terrible defensive performance last year, he said he feels great and his teammates have been workin hard this off season......But I am sure that is the same for every team and players.....But as always GO SPARTANS!!!!!!!!   

[doolittledog]

The worst part about this time of year is that we are still 3 months away from football.  The best part about this time of year is that we can all still be excited about the prospects this fall for our favorite team. 

Interesting situation in Dubuque regarding Hansen.  From watching him in 2 games last fall, he looks to be about as talented a QB as you will ever see in the IIAC.  Apparently it seems, that despite athletic talent, one of the key componants of being a starting QB is team leadership and having players follow you.  Perhaps that isn't happening. 

I'll get my first look at the Spartans the 2nd week of the season against UW-Platteville.  We're dropping our kids off at my in-laws and making it a weekend in the Dubuque area. 

[Thunderbolt]

                                  jtplayer25

You have used five of your 1st ten posts to say less than flattering things about one single player. I think you need to find a different forum to grind your axe with Mr. Hansen. Thats not what we do here.

[Thunderbolt]

 Having only watched him play one game, I can't comment to much on his leadership abilities. I'm pretty sure his leadership had nothing to do with the Spartans having the worst run defense in the conference. As for his first year in an offense that was built for and around the considerable talents of Jemar Jackson, he did better than anyone else that UD had. Actually I'm struggling to come up with any QB in the conference that would have looked good in that offense, with that O-Line, playing from behind all year.

[badgerwarhawk]

I don't know a thing about Hanson so I'm not trying to demean him but Zweifel is bringing a quarterback from Mankato State with him.  I don't know whether he'll beat out Hanson or not but he may have a slight advantage having played in Zweifel's system for a season.  Also with the addition of Zweifel's son Dubuque is getting an excellent possession receiver.  I'd expect recruit Miles Hookstead to develop into a very good receiver as well though I don't know how much he'd do his first year.  

One of the differences between IIAC rosters and those of the WIAC is size.  The WIAC tends to be larger and I would expect Zweifel to recruit to bulk up the Dubuque roster.  

Knowing Zweifel as I do I'm very interested to see how the Dubuque program develops although I do think it will take a season or two to get going.  But I do think Dubuque fans have every reason to be excited about the future of the program.

[Thunderbolt]

I don't know a thing about Hanson so I'm not trying to demean him but Zweifel is bringing a quarterback from Mankato State with him.  I don't know whether he'll beat out Hanson or not but he may have a slight advantage having played in Zweifel's system for a season.  Also with the addition of Zweifel's son Dubuque is getting an excellent possession receiver.  I'd expect recruit Miles Hookstead to develop into a very good receiver as well though I don't know how much he'd do his first year.  

One of the differences between IIAC rosters and those of the WIAC is size.  The WIAC tends to be larger and I would expect Zweifel to recruit to bulk up the Dubuque roster.  

Knowing Zweifel as I do I'm very interested to see how the Dubuque program develops although I do think it will take a season or two to get going.  But I do think Dubuque fans have every reason to be excited about the future of the program.

I also think there is every reason for UD fans to be excited. I expect them to be better this year. Last years QB may be more suited to Zweifels new offense than he was for the offense he was in last year. Any QB is going to be better if you have a running game to work with. Last year UD didn't have that luxury. I actually don't think who starts at QB this year is as significant as the fact that there are options this year.

[Willie University]

I don't know a thing about Hanson so I'm not trying to demean him but Zweifel is bringing a quarterback from Mankato State with him.  I don't know whether he'll beat out Hanson or not but he may have a slight advantage having played in Zweifel's system for a season.  Also with the addition of Zweifel's son Dubuque is getting an excellent possession receiver.  I'd expect recruit Miles Hookstead to develop into a very good receiver as well though I don't know how much he'd do his first year.  

One of the differences between IIAC rosters and those of the WIAC is size.  The WIAC tends to be larger and I would expect Zweifel to recruit to bulk up the Dubuque roster.  

Knowing Zweifel as I do I'm very interested to see how the Dubuque program develops although I do think it will take a season or two to get going.  But I do think Dubuque fans have every reason to be excited about the future of the program.

I also think there is every reason for UD fans to be excited. I expect them to be better this year. Last years QB may be more suited to Zweifels new offense than he was for the offense he was in last year. Any QB is going to be better if you have a running game to work with. Last year UD didn't have that luxury. I actually don't think who starts at QB this year is as significant as the fact that there are options this year.

I agree with both of these posts but am curious about the mankato st QB transfer? I had heard from a reliable source he was not coming to UD? Do you know for a "FACT" that he is indeed going to be a spartan or is this hear say from the recruiting wars?

Meaning, unless you know someone in admissions or on the coaching staff at UD, your source is not that reliable. I did hear he was considering transferring but hadn't made that decision yet and then I heard he decided not to?

Your thoughts?

Willie U

PS- I am VERY excited for the upcoming spartan football season and the future of Spartan Football under Coach Z. 

[badgerwarhawk]

I do know someone on the UD staff very well and he's very reliable.  However it's possible things have changed since I last spoke with him a couple of weeks ago.   At that time he was coming.

You're also getting a pretty decent sophomore running back transfer from UW-WHITEWATER and I know my source is very high on him.  We would have liked to keep him here but we're loaded at running back, he was 4th on the depth chart, and there is another back in his class who is already starting.

I've already said that I don't know anything about the current roster so maybe neither of these kids will be starters.  And I don't mean to discredit anyone on UD's current roster with my comments.  I just know what I've been told by someone very close to the program.  But, again, I wouldn't expect a miracle to happen overnight.  It takes time to build a competitive program and from the looks of things Dubuque has a ways to go.

[the_mayne_event]

I know Zwiefel to UD is very exciting and all, but it is almost starting to sound a lot like what happened at ISU 2 years ago with the hiring of Chizek. Some incredible assistant coach comes in, loses for a couple years and bolts for a better program.
I understand the excitement, but let's not put the cart before the horse.

[doolittledog]

I know Zwiefel to UD is very exciting and all, but it is almost starting to sound a lot like what happened at ISU 2 years ago with the hiring of Chizek. Some incredible assistant coach comes in, loses for a couple years and bolts for a better program.
I understand the excitement, but let's not put the cart before the horse.

Where Chizek was a young, up and coming assistant coach.  Zweifel is an older assistant coach.  Maybe a bit more comparable to...wait for it...Kirk Ferentz   Which I would be happy with similar results

Maybe he could be compared as a bit younger version of Staker as well.  Either way, what else do we have to go on during these summer months without any real football.  This fall we will see a bit more clear of a picture.  2-3 years from now we will have a much clearer picture of what is going on at UD. 

[Willie University]

I know Zwiefel to UD is very exciting and all, but it is almost starting to sound a lot like what happened at ISU 2 years ago with the hiring of Chizek. Some incredible assistant coach comes in, loses for a couple years and bolts for a better program.
I understand the excitement, but let's not put the cart before the horse.

I will bet that Zweifel has VERY different results then Chizek. Do you think the fact that all the IIAC coaches are buying Zweifel's books and tapes means they are just a "little" scared? 

Willie U

[Willie University]

I do know someone on the UD staff very well and he's very reliable.  However it's possible things have changed since I last spoke with him a couple of weeks ago.   At that time he was coming.

You're also getting a pretty decent sophomore running back transfer from UW-WHITEWATER and I know my source is very high on him.  We would have liked to keep him here but we're loaded at running back, he was 4th on the depth chart, and there is another back in his class who is already starting.

I've already said that I don't know anything about the current roster so maybe neither of these kids will be starters.  And I don't mean to discredit anyone on UD's current roster with my comments.  I just know what I've been told by someone very close to the program.  But, again, I wouldn't expect a miracle to happen overnight.  It takes time to build a competitive program and from the looks of things Dubuque has a ways to go.

All I know is I am excited for Coach Z's son, the whitewater RB and every other recruit Coach Z and his staff were able to land this year. Can't wait for August!

Willie U

[Purple Heys]

It's Summer...hope springs eternal.

I agree with the 'Bolt, quit bagging on young Mr. Hansen, JT...it is not becoming of a fan of the program.

I have great interest to see the Zwiefel-ization of the Spartans.  I have interest in the follow-up year for the Orange Kanigets...I have interest in how the Dutch rebound...can the Storm sustain...will the Beaver break out or burrow in...is Loras a one hit wonder...can the Norse keep building...and does anyone really actually like Coe?  

But I have greatest interest in the Rams to see if they can break the streak AND get an IIAC win.  I also think their Tight End is a stud and I am looking for that boy to have a great year.   8)

(Full disclosure for you newbies, that TE is Heys Jr.)