FB: American Rivers Conference

[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.

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.)

I'm not against a dual threat QB, I would love for Iowa to have Brad Banks version 2.0.  I just think Jay Scheel would be a better WR in college than as a QB. 

Maybe his GF, that is a year older and being recruited to play volleyball at UNI might be an inspiration in keeping him closer to home 

[DutchFan2004]

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.)

I'm not against a dual threat QB, I would love for Iowa to have Brad Banks version 2.0.  I just think Jay Scheel would be a better WR in college than as a QB.

IMHO Iowa will not recruit him as a QB as that is not the offense that Iowa runs.  I don't think that fits the scheme that Coach Ferentz uses or likes.  Just my opinion.  I think if this young person is thinking of playing beyond college then listen to Coach Ferentz.  If he wants to play QB go to Oregon.

[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 must have missed where I said a protege would not be successful  hmmmmmmmmmmmm  I did miss it as I didn't say that.  What I said was will a protege be willing to coach and recruit against his mentor?  That is and was my point.  I am not saying they can not or would not become a power at Luther.  The traditional powers in the IIAC are the way they are through hard work and are using a system that works and produces good teams.  Can they do that at Luther I think they can the question is will they?

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

[doolittledog]

So if a young co-OC at a school in Illinois with a new kid had the chance to double his salary and live in an area with a much lower cost-of-living and be closer to family...he wouldn't look at that opportunity because of loyalty to his old school? 

I know for me, I wouldn't want to coach against my old school and understand what you are saying.  But I would think there are others that would jump at the opportunity. 

[Floyd in Iowa City]

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 questioned the hiring of Durnin when the players voted to hire Zweifel over Durnin back in 2007-08.  Why didn't the AD pull the trigger and hire Zweifel (and his son)?  Was it about football resources that Zweifel was going to to demand? 

Zweifel winning at Dubuque hasn't helped my memory of Hefty being shown the door.

What did Hefty getting shown the door help or change Luther Football?  Coach Durnin seemed solid, but so much of the staff and culture stays the same even though the head coaches keep changing.

[Floyd in Iowa City]

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?

With the moves that Dubuque has made over the recent seasons in sports and Coe trying to bring the track programs around, Luther is going to have to pick it up again if they want to continue to compete for the all-sport trophies.

Luther should hire whoever is a great candidate, wherever they are from.  Even if they are only around for five seasons, if they can get the program back to being more like 7-3 or 8-2 some seasons they will have contributed.

Make the opposing sidelines better for fans.  Add a nice press box.  Leave the field alone and go find some good coaches and recruits!

[Floyd in Iowa City]

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

If they hire a Zweifel-type, things could change in a hurry.   The current AD and College need to prove that they care a little more.

Nothing against Marlow and Jaeger, but it is time for some changes overall.  Shakeups with the assistants already makes this coaching change different than the previous ones.  There were rumors in 2007-08 that a couple of assistants in the hiring process did not want Zweifel hired because he was going to demand too much work of them for the pay grade.

It was a really negative atmosphere for senior day against Coe.  I thought the defense played hard, but I remember thinking the coaching staff was damaged goods at that point.

[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 must have missed where I said a protege would not be successful  hmmmmmmmmmmmm  I did miss it as I didn't say that.  What I said was will a protege be willing to coach and recruit against his mentor?  That is and was my point.  I am not saying they can not or would not become a power at Luther.  The traditional powers in the IIAC are the way they are through hard work and are using a system that works and produces good teams.  Can they do that at Luther I think they can the question is will they?

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

Good points (+k), but I disagree. 

I would think that any assistant worth his salt wants a chance to prove his own merit at the best available opportunity. 

Case in point - Luther's basketball coach, Mark Franzen graduated from Wartburg in 1994.  He was an assistant coach at Wartburg College from 1998-2004 and Coe College from 1996-98.  He then took a pay cut to become the head basketball coach at Nebraska Wesleyan for two years before taking the Luther job because he knew that he needed head coaching experience in order to get a HC position in the IIAC.  He wanted to be in the IIAC because the quality of the kids is better than most other gigs so there's not as much babysitting.  Coach Franzen probably would have jumped at any one of the IIAC schools, but he made the move to Luther to advance his career and his family's wellbeing rather than being held hostage to a teenage loyalty.  Any smart assistant would do the same.

The opportunities at Luther are limited only by how they're defined.  I agree with your assessment of what it takes to win - hard work.

Sincerely yours
5 Words or More

[Floyd in Iowa City]

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 must have missed where I said a protege would not be successful  hmmmmmmmmmmmm  I did miss it as I didn't say that.  What I said was will a protege be willing to coach and recruit against his mentor?  That is and was my point.  I am not saying they can not or would not become a power at Luther.  The traditional powers in the IIAC are the way they are through hard work and are using a system that works and produces good teams.  Can they do that at Luther I think they can the question is will they?

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

The Hawks have done pretty well against Barry and Bret.  Just sayin.

Barry:
1990 - Iowa wins
1991 - Iowa wins
1992 - Iowa wins
1995 - Iowa wins
1996 - Iowa wins
1997 - Wisconsin wins
1998 - Wisconsin wins (Hayden retired)
1999 - Wisconsin wins
2000 - Wisconsin wins
2001 - Wisconsin wins
2002 - Iowa wins
2003 - Iowa wins
2004 - Iowa wins
2005 - Iowa wins (Barry retired)

Bret
2006 - Wisconsin wins
2007 - Wisconsin wins
2008 - Iowa wins
2009 - Iowa wins
2010 - Wisconsin wins

When you think about how good Wisconsin has been, Iowa has done better against the Badgers than ISU or Northwestern at times.

Iowa needs at least a new offensive coordinator if we are trying to fix damaged programs today.   Luther could turn it around quicker than Iowa if the administration gets on it in Decorah.  I am not sure what oversight there is for staff and structural changes in Iowa City?  What role does Barta really play?

[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

If they hire a Zweifel-type, things could change in a hurry.   The current AD and College need to prove that they care a little more.

Nothing against Marlow and Jaeger, but it is time for some changes overall.  Shakeups with the assistants already makes this coaching change different than the previous ones.  There were rumors in 2007-08 that a couple of assistants in the hiring process did not want Zweifel hired because he was going to demand too much work of them for the pay grade.

It was a really negative atmosphere for senior day against Coe.  I thought the defense played hard, but I remember thinking the coaching staff was damaged goods at that point.

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but think you can't, it's almost a cinch that you won't
If you think you'll lose, you're lost, for in the world we find success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
but soon or late, the man who wins is the one who thinks he can. 

[doolittledog]

Loras futbol lost in OT in the national semi-finals to #1 ranked Messiah.  Great season for the Duhawks and they represented the IIAC well on the national stage. 

[hazzben]

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.)

Depends on what Scheel wants. Does he really want to play QB or is he content being a WR. If he wants to play QB, Iowa would seem like a strange fit. Sure Banks had a great career there, but the pro-style offense isn't well designed for the talents Scheel brings to the table. If he wants to play WR, it'd be as good a fit as any and very close to home.

Oregon's offense would be a perfect fit. My concern, if I were him, would be the looming sanctions in Eugene that may even preempt Coach Kelly to jump to the NFL, Pete Carroll style. By the time he makes his decision, I'm betting Oregon has received their punishment from the NCAA.

To be honest, a great fit would be Nebraska. Breck's wide open offense is perfectly suited for a dual threat QB and they've shown they can develop a guy. Just look at the progress Taylor Martinez made in year two of the system. None of us know what Scheel really wants. But if he's looking to stay close to home, play QB and play for a competitor, Nebraska probably fits the bill better than anyone. All that said, he'll get a much better feel for himself once he starts taking official visits.

One thing we can all agree on, it's great seeing small town/school midwest kids get big looks. Even more fun when the take the field on Saturdays and make an impact. I love hearing the major media outlets marvel over a small town kid succeeding, like it's amazing rural, midwest people even know how to tie our shoes, much less play sports at the highest levels. 

[NewKnightDad]

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 questioned the hiring of Durnin when the players voted to hire Zweifel over Durnin back in 2007-08.  Why didn't the AD pull the trigger and hire Zweifel (and his son)?  Was it about football resources that Zweifel was going to to demand? 

Zweifel winning at Dubuque hasn't helped my memory of Hefty being shown the door.

What did Hefty getting shown the door help or change Luther Football?  Coach Durnin seemed solid, but so much of the staff and culture stays the same even though the head coaches keep changing.

This is interesting to me because we hired a Luther grad 2 years ago that played football and I am certain he told me the players voted to hire Durnin not Stan.

[doolittledog]

Luther names Paul Hoffman as interim Head Coach.

http://www.decorahnewspapers.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=33&ArticleID=29790

From the article...

Paul Hoffman has been named the interim head football coach at Luther College.

Hoffman is the offensive line coach. He takes over for Mike Durnin, who resigned following the 2012 season.

Brian Eayrs is the offensive coordinator and offensive backfield coach.

Also still on the staff are Mike Tangen - defensive secondary; Zach Hebl, inside receivers, kickers and punters; and Chris Calixte, outside receivers.

[DutchFan2004]

So if a young co-OC at a school in Illinois with a new kid had the chance to double his salary and live in an area with a much lower cost-of-living and be closer to family...he wouldn't look at that opportunity because of loyalty to his old school? 

I know for me, I wouldn't want to coach against my old school and understand what you are saying.  But I would think there are others that would jump at the opportunity.

I am pretty sure that would not happen any time soon.  He has only been a full time coach for two years and an OC one.  While he put up some good numbers this year like having the #30ish ranked offense in D3 I think he thinks he needs some more seasoning before taking a leap at head man.  Remember he is only 26 and believe it or not has a player on his team his age due to an enlistment in the service.  Not sure that would be helpful in recruitment of players when he walks into a home and meets the parents.  Give him a couple more years and then maybe if the right job came open he might look at it.