FB: American Rivers Conference

[Fannosaurus Rex]

To add to the Notre Dame discussion, while their opponants want to beat them, their main focus is to win their conference championship.  Once an independent joins a conference they find it harder to win on a consistent basis...(Penn St).  Not only does Notre Dame make more money as a football independent, they would also find it harder to be competitive on a constitant basis with their football team in a conference.  For me personally, I would like to see Notre Dame either independent in all sports, or in a conference for all sports.  And if Notre Dame chooses to be independent I don't want them getting BCS money on years they don't make the BCS and all the other concessions they get from the BCS that other independents don't get.       

For older Iowans, the Fainting Irish is more in our memories than for others around the nation.  For a team in the 1950's that put out the image as good catholic boys that took time away from their books and church to play a little football, they sure had some curious morals when it came to winning back in the day.  I will add, this was drilled into me at an early age by a dad that had played in the Hawkeye marching band in the 1950's and had seen this 1st hand...but maybe he had a bit of bias on his side as well that corrupted the story just a tad   He had even stronger feelings against Michigan as their marching band once went over their alloted time on national television and jipped his Iowa marching band out of playing on national TV.  He eventually, after many decades, was able to root for Michigan to win in a bowl game because he wanted the Big Ten to do well on the national stage...but it was still hard for him

This made me sentimental for the days when they acutally used to broadcast some of the half time show.  And speaking of Notre Dame, I was at the game Satuday night at the LA Coliseum.  I was disappointed the Notre Dame band wasn't there but the USC band and song girls and Traveler the horse and the card section were all spectacular.  Oh yeah, the game wasn't bad either.  There was a little bit of annoying recorded music but they had the good sense to keep it to a minimum.

[notlongago]

Mike Durnin resigns at Luther

http://iowaconference.com/news/2012/11/27/FB_1127122421.aspx

Always sucks to see someone "resign", but I can't say it surprises me. I think the general rule of thumb is to let a coach get "his" players as upperclassmen and see how he performs, and now that "his" players are upperclassmen and graduated and there has been no improvement...one could say there is clear downward trend.

A complete overhaul could be exactly what Luther football needs.

[DutchFan2004]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

I agree with your take on the young coaching talent.  There are a lot of young good coaches out there.  The question is will they want to go to Luther?  I don't see a Wartburg or Central grad that is coaching at an their school wanting to go to Luther and then face their mentor and alma matre and coach against them.  Now if there are some other coaches not tied to the school that they are coaching at I could see them taking a leap but there is loyalty to consider and do they want to bite the hand that has fed them?  I would say a good MIAC, WIAC, or CCIW coach with no ties to the IIAC might be where they get their next coach. 

[Phred]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

Seems to be a serious glitch on "Coach" Torgerson (now LC president) to fire a coach when the new president will not have a say in the selection and support.  The outgoing president made a mistake in MHO.  However the AD needs to look to see if he has any support among Luther fans after recommending (or hiring) the last 3 head FB coaches who have each lasted only 5 years apiece.

This topic does not seem to be of much interest on this board.  I just hate to see good people get the axe........but I suppose that's the coaching profession.  Glad I'm not in it now.

[NewKnightDad]

I hear that Oregon was in Laporte City recruiting Jay Scheel today.

Not DIII or IIAC related but still interesting.

[doolittledog]

I hear that Oregon was in Laporte City recruiting Jay Scheel today.

Not DIII or IIAC related but still interesting.

Here is some IIAC related info in his story.  Scheel is lucky to have former BVU head coach Hadachek as his HS HC.  He gets series in every game at QB, WR, and RB.  Not every HS coach would develop a game plan that could showcase all he has to offer and still put a winning product on the field.  College coaches will get plenty of game film of Scheel at each position in which to evaluate.   

While many are salivating over Scheel as a dual threat type QB, and he really lights up a high school field.  I believe Iowa is correct in recruiting him as a WR.  I think he could be a future all-american WR at the college level.  I'm not so sure about him as a college QB. 

[doolittledog]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

Seems to be a serious glitch on "Coach" Torgerson (now LC president) to fire a coach when the new president will not have a say in the selection and support.  The outgoing president made a mistake in MHO.  However the AD needs to look to see if he has any support among Luther fans after recommending (or hiring) the last 3 head FB coaches who have each lasted only 5 years apiece.

This topic does not seem to be of much interest on this board.  I just hate to see good people get the axe........but I suppose that's the coaching profession.  Glad I'm not in it now.

I'm the one with the tin foil on my head yelling about conspiracy theories regarding Luther football.  The reality is that it's probably just a coincidence that Luther comes in 1st or 2nd every year in the all-sports trophy while their football team plays middle of the road or worse for 30 plus years.  Who is responsible for coaching hires?  Football non-con scheduling??  The out going President or the AD???

I still scratch my head that football has trouble bringing in recruits that can qualify for the high academic standards at Luther yet all the other teams there challenge for conference titles every year. 

What is the Luther history for hiring a HC?  Historical ties to Luther or the local area?  Assistant at the D3 level?  HC experiance somewhere?  No rhyme or reason...just try to find the best possible candidate? 

[Willie University]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

Seems to be a serious glitch on "Coach" Torgerson (now LC president) to fire a coach when the new president will not have a say in the selection and support.  The outgoing president made a mistake in MHO.  However the AD needs to look to see if he has any support among Luther fans after recommending (or hiring) the last 3 head FB coaches who have each lasted only 5 years apiece.

This topic does not seem to be of much interest on this board.  I just hate to see good people get the axe........but I suppose that's the coaching profession.  Glad I'm not in it now.

I'm the one with the tin foil on my head yelling about conspiracy theories regarding Luther football.  The reality is that it's probably just a coincidence that Luther comes in 1st or 2nd every year in the all-sports trophy while their football team plays middle of the road or worse for 30 plus years.  Who is responsible for coaching hires?  Football non-con scheduling??  The out going President or the AD???

I still scratch my head that football has trouble bringing in recruits that can qualify for the high academic standards at Luther yet all the other teams there challenge for conference titles every year. 

What is the Luther history for hiring a HC?  Historical ties to Luther or the local area?  Assistant at the D3 level?  HC experiance somewhere?  No rhyme or reason...just try to find the best possible candidate?

Just an outside opinion looking in but I don't think they invest enough in the program including assistant coaches and recruiting. And who knows what kind of "fences" the administration put around coach durnin. From what I know, he was a heck of guy and a very good coach. Unless the admin becomes more supportive and makes football a priority, I don't see the end results improving much from the past 15 years. Sure, after an 0-fer season, any coach is going to look like a savior. Let's see where the program is 4-5 years from now. You can hire the best coach in the world but if there isn't the admin support necessary, he's only going to go so far.

[5 Words or Less]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

I agree with your take on the young coaching talent.  There are a lot of young good coaches out there.  The question is will they want to go to Luther?  I don't see a Wartburg or Central grad that is coaching at an their school wanting to go to Luther and then face their mentor and alma matre and coach against them.  Now if there are some other coaches not tied to the school that they are coaching at I could see them taking a leap but there is loyalty to consider and do they want to bite the hand that has fed them?  I would say a good MIAC, WIAC, or CCIW coach with no ties to the IIAC might be where they get their next coach.

Protégés frequently kick mentor's tail

• Dan Gable - ISU vs. Iowa
• Barry Alvarez - Iowa vs. Wisconsin
• Bret Bielema - Iowa vs. Wisconsin

[5 Words or Less]

Two long time assistants have been released from their duties at Luther:  Dan Marlow (14 yrs) Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator and Roger Jaeger (33 yrs) Defensive Line Coach.  There are many rumors floating around as to why they were dismissed, but it's obvious that the administration is dissatisfied with the results of the past several decades and is making significant changes. 

One result that is certain for the Luther football program is that the numbers on the roster will drop.  The Norse had 83 players listed on their 2012 roster and will lose 20 seniors.  Luther typically has excellent retention within the program (the senior recruting class was about 25 as freshmen), but there was a 20% loss of underclassmen in the transition between Hefte and Durnin.  The new Coach will be hired before Christmas, but the assistants won't be replaced until later and a reduced staff during recruiting season means fewer freshmen on the roster.  I could see a roster in the 60's this fall.  It's going to take several years to build the program back up to the 100+ level.

Each of these coaches will land on their feet and I wouldn't be surprised to see Durnin roaming the sidelines of another IIAC school along with an old WIAC buddy.

Sincerely yours,
5 Words or More

[doolittledog]

Two long time assistants have been released from their duties at Luther:  Dan Marlow (14 yrs) Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator and Roger Jaeger (33 yrs) Defensive Line Coach.  There are many rumors floating around as to why they were dismissed, but it's obvious that the administration is dissatisfied with the results of the past several decades and is making significant changes. 

One result that is certain for the Luther football program is that the numbers on the roster will drop.  The Norse had 83 players listed on their 2012 roster and will lose 20 seniors.  Luther typically has excellent retention within the program (the senior recruting class was about 25 as freshmen), but there was a 20% loss of underclassmen in the transition between Hefte and Durnin.  The new Coach will be hired before Christmas, but the assistants won't be replaced until later and a reduced staff during recruiting season means fewer freshmen on the roster.  I could see a roster in the 60's this fall.  It's going to take several years to build the program back up to the 100+ level.

Each of these coaches will land on their feet and I wouldn't be surprised to see Durnin roaming the sidelines of another IIAC school along with an old WIAC buddy.

Sincerely yours,
5 Words or More

Hmm, I hadn't thought of that with Dubuque.  If that is the WIAC buddy you were hinting at.  (It's too early for me to think of other IIAC coaches with WIAC history)  I do know the UD DC is young and looking to move up the coaching ranks, but, he is also a 1st year student in the UD seminary as well.  So might not be looking to leave for elseware at this point.  Unless you think Dubuque could bring in Durnin in some unspecified defensive roll and supplement his income with teaching duties at the school. 

[5 Words or Less]

I'm sure a national search will turn up a quality coach.  On the other hand, I think the Norse could get a decent coach by looking across the field to the sidelines of some IIAC conference schools.  There are some good, young, eager assistants in this league that could make the Norse a winner.

President Torgerson (Coach Torgerson as Wartburg fans remember him) will try to make one of his last hires, one of his best hires.

Seems to be a serious glitch on "Coach" Torgerson (now LC president) to fire a coach when the new president will not have a say in the selection and support.  The outgoing president made a mistake in MHO.  However the AD needs to look to see if he has any support among Luther fans after recommending (or hiring) the last 3 head FB coaches who have each lasted only 5 years apiece.

This topic does not seem to be of much interest on this board.  I just hate to see good people get the axe........but I suppose that's the coaching profession.  Glad I'm not in it now.

I'm the one with the tin foil on my head yelling about conspiracy theories regarding Luther football You're not the only one.  The reality is that it's probably just a coincidence that Luther comes in 1st or 2nd every year in the all-sports trophy while their football team plays middle of the road or worse for 30 plus years.  Who is responsible for coaching hires?  I believe that the AD makes a recomendation to the Prez for the hire.  Football non-con scheduling?? Coaches make their own schedules, although UW-W offered Luther $10K for travel expenses for a non-con game in Durnin's first year.  Luther's prez vetoed the proposal. The out going President or the AD???  The administration doesn't micromanage.

I still scratch my head that football has trouble bringing in recruits that can qualify for the high academic standards at Luther yet all the other teams there challenge for conference titles every year.  Try Lanacane 

What is the Luther history for hiring a HC?  Historical ties to Luther or the local area?  Assistant at the D3 level?  HC experiance somewhere?  No rhyme or reason...just try to find the best possible candidate?  A couple of decades ago, Luther grads seemed to have been preferred.  Nowadays, coaches come from all parts and the best qualified person is hired.  Wartburg grads (Franzen '94 and Hartl '99) have had a lot of success at Luther and seem to enjoy kicking their mentor's tail.

[doolittledog]

I watched a highlight of the UD/BVU game on youtube that got me thinking.  Most schools, UD included, will put together a game highlight that shows all their good plays with an inspirational musical background.  After watching the video you get the impression your school won the game 56-0 even if you know your school actually lost that game.  Great for recruiting purposes, and great for fans of your team, but not really to anyone else.  The video I saw was about 10 minutes long, only had the radio commentary playing, and included all scores by both teams, showed every turnover by both teams, and other important plays of the game.   

This got me thinking.  With technology out there from Stretch Internet, and other sites like HUDL and others, it would be nice if the IIAC office had each school (or they themselves) edit up a highlight video similar to this one.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2MYEgN9bw&feature=plcp

The IIAC website then could have a video section right there on their website and on youtube that gives people a fairly unbiased view of each game. 

[notlongago]

I hear that Oregon was in Laporte City recruiting Jay Scheel today.

Not DIII or IIAC related but still interesting.

Here is some IIAC related info in his story.  Scheel is lucky to have former BVU head coach Hadachek as his HS HC.  He gets series in every game at QB, WR, and RB.  Not every HS coach would develop a game plan that could showcase all he has to offer and still put a winning product on the field.  College coaches will get plenty of game film of Scheel at each position in which to evaluate.   

While many are salivating over Scheel as a dual threat type QB, and he really lights up a high school field. I believe Iowa is correct in recruiting him as a WR. I think he could be a future all-american WR at the college level.  I'm not so sure about him as a college QB.

Which is why, IMHO, he will never be a hawkeye. If Oregon is recruiting him as dual threat QB, Iowa should follow suit, Oregon clearly knows what they're doing, and Iowa........doesn't lately. What happened last time Iowa had a dual threat QB? 2nd in the heisman race, Orange bowl bid, #8 ranking. (obviously there were pieces than Banks, but the point is Iowa's offense can be explosive w/ a dual threat QB.)

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Mike Durnin resigns at Luther

http://iowaconference.com/news/2012/11/27/FB_1127122421.aspx

This is a bit of a surprise to me.  I thought he would have  1 or 2 more years to turn Luther around.  He 's a good coach I understand but had difficulty recruiting.  Some feel Luther's
Administration needs to get more on board but this is also the Luther President' last academic year.  A new page is about to be turned for Norse I hear.

Mike Durnin's record at Luther:

2008          5-5
2009          5-5
2010          5-5
2011          3-7
2012          0-10

Paul Hefty's record at Luther:

2002          4-6
2003          6-4
2004          6-4
2005          6-4
2006          2-8
2007          5-5

Both guys took over when the roster was in a tough place and both guys did a solid to good job at times on the Norse sideline.  I would argue that Hefty built up the Norse roster into a much better place for a few years before the 2-8 season seemed to be the start of the end for him.  Did Durnin ever build up the Norse roster?  The numbers would say no.

Both guys from the outside look like the the first sub-.500 record season was the start of the end.

The whole Luther Football coaching staff situation needs to change.  Whoever schedules games before conference play starts needs to be fired as well as that was a joke the last two years given the lack of depth for the Norse!

I hope there is some heat on the AD and the President for how low of a place football fell back into the past couple of seasons.  The school should not cheat or bend rules to recruit, develop, and win games, but it is all right to act like football matters as much in Decorah as other conference towns.  You can also have a good football team and still have a good academic school, a good music program, and lots of good sports programs!

Decorah just won the state high school title.  How many kids will end up playing for the Norse?