FB: American Rivers Conference

[D1HawkD3CUI]

This is my own opinion but I think Central fans are pretty...well, um...boring!

I don't want this to offend anyone, especially the parents of players because they obviously log a ton of miles to watch their sons each Saturday and a lot of them are great fans and great people but the Central crowds always seemed pretty pathetic for how good of a team we put on the field. I realize this isn't Big 10 football but even a small crowd can be fun/loud!

I was a student from 2002-2006, lived with many football/baseball players and I spent many fall Saturdays in Schipper Stadium and I was always so frustrated with our fan base considering how good we were/are.

First, the student section which should be the heart of any collegiate crowd was pretty bad, here's why in my opinion:

1. The A.D. -his nickname is "the fun hater" and he lived up to it.

2. The majority of the student body had little/no interest in supporting athletics. Usually the other athletes were the only ones who really cared about the other teams. There seemed to be a little animosity toward the football team from a lot of students actually.

3. Dry campus-Obviously drinking went on, but no tailgating of any sort minus one group that tried to make it fun at the games for everyone else (We tried and again I know it's not Iowa City or Ames. A lot of people probably appreciate that actually)

4. BKE frat's showing- The BKE's were the one "true frat" at Central and they used to be well represented and loud at the games. they had a bunch of funny cheers that were actually pretty good. That dwindled down to a handful of guys and that took a lot away from the games.

5. Unless it was a perfect fall day, people didn't even show up for the game. It didn't matter who we were playing or how big the game was, 72 and sunny or 3/4 of the student section was empty. A LOT of students go home on weekends at Central, they didn't really get the whole college thing.

6. The Pep Band-This has nothing to do with bad fans but they were pretty awful. I appreciated the effort but you don't have a pep band for football! We would be better off with music over the PA but I'm sure Al had a problem with that.

7. Iowa/ISU fans- A lot of students would rather sit inside and watch iowa or isu then walk to the field. I know I missed a few games for Kinnick myself but rarely missed a home game in my 4 years.

8. All the fun people were on the sidelines! When you have 130+ guys dressing for a home game, that's a lot of guys that probably would be front row making noise after tailgating all morning with us.

AAgain, that's probably what some people like about a D3 game, you don't have to worry about f-bombs all over and beer cans everywhere but Central games just lacked any sort of NCAA atmosphere. I have a great time at Wartburg, Simpson and even Luther but Pella just never seemed to get anyone excited.

I always felt bad for the players myself considering how hard they work and how successful they were but I guess they weren't playing in D3 for the big crowds or big game atmosphere.

Long post, i'll wrap it up.

Somehow I think it is sad that you equate people dropping f-bombs, getting drunk, and people making fools of themselves a good time or an NCAA experience. I can only speak for myself but the players parents put on a pretty good tailgate with some good food and good conversation.  I think SK had some good times with us.  I think of it as having a great cookout good friends and great times.  Fun, Family, and Football.  Does it get any better than that.  I have had a wonderful time being a parent of a Dutch player.  I am looking forward to seeing games without the worries of will my kid get up after taking a pounding.  I will still be at the games and tailgating.  That was a really great time.  Son #1 and his sons will be joining me cooking out pigging out on some great Dutch pastries.  I am not a prohibition guy but why does getting drunk have to equate to a good time?  Not opposed to someone having a Hamm's or two or even three but if you can not control yourself where is the fun in that? 

I really do not think the point was that to have an NCAA experience you need drunken fans and f bombs.  I think he was stating that at Central you do not have to worry about f bombs or beer cans everywhere.  

Wartburg puts on a great NCAA experience and and I think Luther does as well.  There is something to be said when you walk onto the field at these places.  It really makes you feel like you are playing in neat facility.  

I realize that some adults do get drunk at tailgates.  I will go out on a limb and say that majority of  the "dumb drinking" happens by the students.  Since drinking is such a large aspect of the college experience in general, its no wonder the University of Iowa student section is loaded with drunks.  

I find it very sad that in todays society we jump to such drastic conclusions as being "drunk" when we talk about drinking.  Alcohol is a big part of culture and a big business in this country.  Beer and sporting events is almost a national past time.  Just because a guys wants to have a few Bud Lights at a tailgate does not mean hes going to get sloppy drunk.  

But lets face it folks, alcohol is a lubricant.  If people have a 3 beers before a game they will be a bit looser and tend to take part on those goofy cheers.  I realize that we do have those type A personalities who will cheer at the drop of the hat, but whens the last time anyone on here stood up and started a cheer, other than DF1

Thanks Klop.. I tried to reiterate that a couple of times and I realize it's not Iowa City, and that's something some D3 fans prefer. Central is definitely a great place to bring the whole family over for a game and not have to worry about exposing them to all of that.

What I'm talking about is atmosphere, the buzz surrounding the stadium and energy from the crowd. Players feed off of it on the field and it makes the games more enjoyable for everyone. It doesn't take 70,000 people who have been tailgating for several hours to have that, although that's what I love about Iowa games myself!

I would say the same thing about Northwestern. We were out at that game last fall and it didn't feel like a Big 10 game really to me. Just like Central didn't always feel like a NCAA game because the crowd always seemed dead.

My point definitely wasn't that you need excessive boozing to have good fans but there's nothing wrong with having a good time before/during/after the game.

[footballdaddy]

I would agree wioth that. Everyone loves a winner- see Iowa, and to a lesser extent, Iowa State fans. It was the same thing with Drake basketball, no one showed up until they started winning (and the local media begged people to come out).

I shouldn't but I will.  To a LESSER extent ISU???

I guess I take exception to the notion that Iowa has bandwagon fans while ISU has true fans.  I have been in Kinnick stadium when the team stunk and the place was sold out.  I have been in Jack Trice when it was less than half full. 

The smallest crowd I have ever seen at Iowa was 53,000 for an early season non-con against a MAC team.  The Hawkeyes lowest season average has been 61k and change going back to 1999.  I have been in Jack Trice when there wasn't over 20k in the stadium.  And that was in 1985 when they were 4 years removed from being a bowl team!!!  ISU has averaged between 37k and 46k dating back to 1999 with Iowa averaging between 61k and 70k.  They have both had a 9k range in averages, but percentage wise Iowa would be the more consistant.   

Oh never mind, you can't change peoples opinions. 

Whoa!

I meant to a lesser extent at ISU because they haven't WON as much!

[doolittledog]

I would agree wioth that. Everyone loves a winner- see Iowa, and to a lesser extent, Iowa State fans. It was the same thing with Drake basketball, no one showed up until they started winning (and the local media begged people to come out).

I shouldn't but I will.  To a LESSER extent ISU???

I guess I take exception to the notion that Iowa has bandwagon fans while ISU has true fans.  I have been in Kinnick stadium when the team stunk and the place was sold out.  I have been in Jack Trice when it was less than half full. 

The smallest crowd I have ever seen at Iowa was 53,000 for an early season non-con against a MAC team.  The Hawkeyes lowest season average has been 61k and change going back to 1999.  I have been in Jack Trice when there wasn't over 20k in the stadium.  And that was in 1985 when they were 4 years removed from being a bowl team!!!  ISU has averaged between 37k and 46k dating back to 1999 with Iowa averaging between 61k and 70k.  They have both had a 9k range in averages, but percentage wise Iowa would be the more consistant.   

Oh never mind, you can't change peoples opinions. 

Whoa!

I meant to a lesser extent at ISU because they haven't WON as much!

Ah, ok.  Sorry about jumping on that.  Most of the parents of the kids my wife watches are ISU fans and they have been hounding me about how Cyclone fans are better than Hawkeye fans because they follow the Cyclones through thick and thin, unlike the Hawkeye fans.  And I haven't been able to figure out how they come up with that argument.  Again, sorry about jumping on your post.

And I can't wait for football to start this fall.  My dad and I are hoping the little guy will be able to go with us to some games this fall!!!

[doolittledog]

I found attendance reports for 2005-2007.   And this should probably be taken with a grain or two of salt since these numbers get fudged big time at the D3 level. 

Out of 231 D3 schools the IIAC ranks as follows for 2007

6. Wartburg 4,476
25. Coe 3,270
30. Luther 2,999
37. BV 2,780
73. Simpson 2,300
97. Central 1,925
98. Dubuque 1,901
161. Loras 1,246
205. Cornell 800

1st was St. Johns with 8,769
231st was Principia with 121

In 2006 attendance broke down as...

4. Wartburg 4,343
7. Luther 4,163
17. Loras 3,439
63. Coe 2,271
102. Central 1,766
116. Dubuque 1,618
135. Simpson 1,440
142. BV 1,340
203. Cornell 740

1st was again St. Johns with 8,547 per game. 
229th was Blackburn with 202 per game. 

2005 breaks down as...

5. Wartburg 3,996
32. Loras 2,961
55. Simpson 2,500
63. Central 2,375
78. BV 2,080
86. Coe 2,000
151. Luther 1,212
158. Dubuque 1,145
175. Cornell 960

1st was yet again St. Johns with 7,925 per game.
227th was Maranatha Baptist with 245 per game. 

Quite the differences from year to year. 

[Purple Heys]

I was thinking more about video - I emailed WC and the response was that they might do a few next year    Not sure I would pay for it though.  I would also rather picture it in my mind. 

I would pay (within reason) for video streaming.

Cheaper than a plane ticket from CA.   

[doolittledog]

I was thinking more about video - I emailed WC and the response was that they might do a few next year    Not sure I would pay for it though.  I would also rather picture it in my mind. 

I would pay (within reason) for video streaming.

Cheaper than a plane ticket from CA.   

Ask Walston, but I believe the Midwest Conference had $5.00 PPV for games last season.

If you stay home in Cali and watch the games on your computer...how am I supposed to get good beer when we visit for the Cornell/Central game this year??? 

[LCNorse]

First time poster...long time reader...In response to your topic on Central's atmosphere...I would agree with you in that it is probably one of the more boring places to play. I played at Luther from 04-08 and never really thought about the atmosphere when going to Pella. I know I always looked forward to playing at Wartburg, Loras, and even BV to an extent. Not sure what it was about playing at Central but when I think of places that I really looked forward to playing at that was probably towards the bottom along with UD. Thats just from my experience, unfortunately it never seemed to bother the Dutch...

[5 Words or Less]

First time poster...long time reader...In response to your topic on Central's atmosphere...I would agree with you in that it is probably one of the more boring places to play. I played at Luther from 04-08 and never really thought about the atmosphere when going to Pella. I know I always looked forward to playing at Wartburg, Loras, and even BV to an extent. Not sure what it was about playing at Central but when I think of places that I really looked forward to playing at that was probably towards the bottom along with UD. Thats just from my experience, unfortunately it never seemed to bother the Dutch...

Do students read this board?

[New Storm]

First time poster...long time reader...In response to your topic on Central's atmosphere...I would agree with you in that it is probably one of the more boring places to play. I played at Luther from 04-08 and never really thought about the atmosphere when going to Pella. I know I always looked forward to playing at Wartburg, Loras, and even BV to an extent. Not sure what it was about playing at Central but when I think of places that I really looked forward to playing at that was probably towards the bottom along with UD. Thats just from my experience, unfortunately it never seemed to bother the Dutch...

Do students read this board?

I'm sure they do 

[Old Dutch]

Having lived both north and south of I80, I would have to argue that FB is better up north, more fans, better HS teams and more excitement - I'm sure many southern Iowa fans will differ with me, I'll let you guys do the research.  One big factor in Wartburg's bigger crowds is that basketball is king in Pella (other than for the far more intelligent Dutch fans!) and that reduces the potential fan base.

I'm very disappointed in Central's game atmosphere.  DF1 has it right, there have been good crowds with BKE or TKB contributing to the fun but it seems that days have disappeared somewhat.   Its especially  frustrating with homecoming crowds, they pack the stands but they sit on their hands and socialize, as if the games were not important. 

Sept. 20 Warty at Central for Dutch homecoming.  No Iowa or ISU home games.  The Knights will be favored (slightly) but it should be a whale of a game, (those are red shades I'm wearing).  It will be interesting to see what kind of crowd shows up.

[warthog]

OD:

Perhaps your HS football comment is correct, but lets look at 2007.

In 3A it appears approximately 51 of the 64 teams were north of I-80. 

In 4A you will find 13 of the 48 teams were definately north.  3 were definately south.  The remaining 32 were within a 20 mile band that runs along the I-80 corridor. (Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Des Moines suburbs, Marshalltown, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Muscatine, Davenport, Bettendorf, Clinton)

Basically the chances of having better teams north of I-80 becomes a numbers game.

In 2007 the Football champions were:
4A - Bettendorf (I-80 corridor)
3A - Keokuk (south)
2A - Solon (I-80 corridor)
1A - Council Bluffs St. Albert (I-80 corridor)
A   - Wapsie Valley (north)

Maybe instead of North or South of I-80, it should be the corridor will take on the rest of the state.

[DBQ1965]

Speaking of attendance - how many of the schools have web live streaming of their games?  How many listen on the web?  Not sure you can put a # on the last one?   Is this going to change the face of attendance?

I listened to the web streaming for the Sparans.  It doesn't affect my attendance since I live an 8-hour drive from UD.

[DBQ1965]

Here is an up-date, with a couple of additions as of 7/10/08

IIAC FAN BASE

UD:  doolittledog, DBQ1965, Spurrier, WillieU, Keith45

Central:  dutchFan2004, Dutchfan1, Klompen, KCDutch, Dutchlb, oldbeake, Airborne Dutch, D1HawkD3CUI, Old Dutch

Wartburg:  Walston Hoover, sportsknight, Wartburg Fan, footballdaddy, TheOne89.1, warthog

Luther:  Ram2, LCNorse

BV:  The Show, Klopenheimer, BeaverOfYore

Coe:  Charlie Kohawk, coocooforcokohawks, Kohawk Krazy, the_mayne_event, Kohawk Remedy

Cornell:  Purple Heys, Ash Park

Loras:

Simpson:  Storm-what?, sc-stormchaser, New Storm

[New Storm]

Here is an up-date, with a couple of additions as of 7/10/08

IIAC FAN BASE

UD:  doolittledog, DBQ1965, Spurrier, WillieU, Keith45

Central:  dutchFan2004, Dutchfan1, Klompen, KCDutch, Dutchlb, oldbeake, Airborne Dutch, D1HawkD3CUI, Old Dutch

Wartburg:  Walston Hoover, sportsknight, Wartburg Fan, footballdaddy, TheOne89.1, warthog

Luther:  Ram2, LCNorse

BV:  The Show, Klopenheimer, BeaverOfYore

Coe:  Charlie Kohawk, coocooforcokohawks, Kohawk Krazy, the_mayne_event, Kohawk Remedy

Cornell:  Purple Heys, Ash Park

Loras:

Simpson:  Storm-what?, sc-stormchaser, New Storm

Loras has too have at least a couple of fans 

[doolittledog]

They haven't had anybody on the football board for a couple of years now.

I talked to some Loras posters on the basketball side of this forum last winter and they said they would post on here once football season started.  I'm not holding my breath though.  They were students that dissappeared whenever Loras lost a game so I doubt we hear from them unless Loras really does end up the surprise IIAC team this fall!!!