FB: American Rivers Conference

[LCNorse]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

[DutchFan2004]

No, it's a league for the media companies in the D.C. area so there's a weekly preview and roundup and that sort of thing. Journalists, you know.

I got to ask what was you nickname.  Killer? sultan of swat?  Come on Pat give us the dirt!

[DutchFan2004]

No, it's a league for the media companies in the D.C. area so there's a weekly preview and roundup and that sort of thing. Journalists, you know.

So you're getting traded to the Minnesota slow pitch league for a beat reporter and a college intern to be named later???

I heard there were draft choices in the deal as well 

[DutchFan2004]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

That is the question with UD.  Not just the on field antics but can they replace the talent as well.  I think they can but that will remain to be seen till the season starts.  That is what makes this such a great game.  Central and UD IMHO have the most question marks as far as graduates go.  Coe, Luther and Wartburg are next.  Not being cruel to the rest of the league but their losses are question marks but since they were not in the running being practical how much did they lose?  I know Wartburg has a lot of guys returning but their MVP candidate in Weber is not back and he was kind of their go to guy.  Suckow and Vanrees at RB are other losses too.  Luther I threw in because you just don't replace a Sherden and their Oline.  Coe lost a 5 year guy at QB (I know only 4 at Coe but a year of maturity is worth something) Then the coaching turnover there are many questions to be answered this season. 

Questions for each team

1 Central-Can Coach Mac keep the wheels rolling on the Dutch Machine?  Coach Mac did a great job turning a program that had its first non winning season in like 40 years to three titles in a row.  Can He replace the talent he lost.

2 Wartburg-Can they get there lossed replaced and finally win the IIAC when they are the favorites?  Wartburg seems to have a loss when they should not.  If Coack K can get those losses filled and keep the team focused will this be the year that the Knights come out on top?

3 UD-Can Coach B replace a talented class?  Will the leadership shown by the seniors get ingrained into the underclassmen?  If the answers are yes they can remain in the title hunt and avert becoming a bottom teir team again.

4 Coe-Can Coach S replace Coach Raeburn?  Will Coe be able to replace their QB?  New coaches can help turn a team around but they are an unknown.   

5 Luther-Can Luther replace a talented Oline?  Can they find a passing game and become more balanced?  Will the new coach be able to turn them around?  Will Luther stay in the middle? Move up?  or slide back to the lower teir?
 
6 BV-Can BV replace a 4 year starter at QB?  Will the D suffer without Pierce?  Can they get enough recruits to help out and expand their roster? 

7 Simpson-Will a coaching change help the moral of this team and generate more W's  They have a great deal of returning kids.  Can experience help them with a new coaching staff and playbook?

8 Loras-Can Coach Osterberg get things going?  I think this is his third year now at Loras.  Should now have some recruits that are his and old enough to start to help turn the tide. 

9 Cornell-Is this the year that Cornell climbs out of the IIAC cellar?  If Bush (a pretty talented young QB) comes back they may, but if its back to a freshman then the season could be another long one in Mt Vernon for the Rams. 

I listed them this way as that is how they finished the year last season.  Let me know the thoughts on this recap. 

[New Storm]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

That is the question with UD.  Not just the on field antics but can they replace the talent as well.  I think they can but that will remain to be seen till the season starts.  That is what makes this such a great game.  Central and UD IMHO have the most question marks as far as graduates go.  Coe, Luther and Wartburg are next.  Not being cruel to the rest of the league but their losses are question marks but since they were not in the running being practical how much did they lose?  I know Wartburg has a lot of guys returning but their MVP candidate in Weber is not back and he was kind of their go to guy.  Suckow and Vanrees at RB are other losses too.  Luther I threw in because you just don't replace a Sherden and their Oline.  Coe lost a 5 year guy at QB (I know only 4 at Coe but a year of maturity is worth something) Then the coaching turnover there are many questions to be answered this season. 

Questions for each team

1 Central-Can Coach Mac keep the wheels rolling on the Dutch Machine?  Coach Mac did a great job turning a program that had its first non winning season in like 40 years to three titles in a row.  Can He replace the talent he lost.

2 Wartburg-Can they get there lossed replaced and finally win the IIAC when they are the favorites?  Wartburg seems to have a loss when they should not.  If Coack K can get those losses filled and keep the team focused will this be the year that the Knights come out on top?

3 UD-Can Coach B replace a talented class?  Will the leadership shown by the seniors get ingrained into the underclassmen?  If the answers are yes they can remain in the title hunt and avert becoming a bottom teir team again.

4 Coe-Can Coach S replace Coach Raeburn?  Will Coe be able to replace their QB?  New coaches can help turn a team around but they are an unknown.   

5 Luther-Can Luther replace a talented Oline?  Can they find a passing game and become more balanced?  Will the new coach be able to turn them around?  Will Luther stay in the middle? Move up?  or slide back to the lower teir?
 
6 BV-Can BV replace a 4 year starter at QB?  Will the D suffer without Pierce?  Can they get enough recruits to help out and expand their roster? 

7 Simpson-Will a coaching change help the moral of this team and generate more W's  They have a great deal of returning kids.  Can experience help them with a new coaching staff and playbook?

8 Loras-Can Coach Osterberg get things going?  I think this is his third year now at Loras.  Should now have some recruits that are his and old enough to start to help turn the tide. 

9 Cornell-Is this the year that Cornell climbs out of the IIAC cellar?  If Bush (a pretty talented young QB) comes back they may, but if its back to a freshman then the season could be another long one in Mt Vernon for the Rams. 

I listed them this way as that is how they finished the year last season.  Let me know the thoughts on this recap. 

Very good at listing concerns for each team Great job 8) 8)

[KoHawk01]

Was this on a slow pitch softball message board?
I don't know of too much "non-ingame" smack talk that I've heard. Loras and Luther used to be some of the worst talkers and could never back it up when I was playing. Not that they can now either, I just don't know if they still talk as much as they used to.
UIU was known for diarrhea of the mouth as well.
UD talked for about the first series and by then the game was over.

Wartburg was never much for trash talking ... they just had the dirtiest o-line I've ever played against ... Luther ALWAYS ran their mouths regardless of the score, especially some of their o-linemen.  I never noticed much trash talking coming from Loras; the only guy who would get really fired up for them was Hall ... he was the only one on that team you didn't want to get fired up but what can ya do ...

As for what I know about next season concerning Coe and Loras (I have family at both schools)

Coe - returns quite a bit, defense will be one of the tops in the leage if not thee top ... offense will spread the ball around and keep things two dimensional

Loras - uugghh ... no QB at all!!!!  (not that they had one last year)  Defense will be average like every other year ... loss of Hall will kill the team ... His back up last year was very weak ... #24 (vesely) i believe his name was ...

[doolittledog]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

That is the question with UD.  Not just the on field antics but can they replace the talent as well.  I think they can but that will remain to be seen till the season starts.  That is what makes this such a great game.  Central and UD IMHO have the most question marks as far as graduates go.  Coe, Luther and Wartburg are next.  Not being cruel to the rest of the league but their losses are question marks but since they were not in the running being practical how much did they lose?  I know Wartburg has a lot of guys returning but their MVP candidate in Weber is not back and he was kind of their go to guy.  Suckow and Vanrees at RB are other losses too.  Luther I threw in because you just don't replace a Sherden and their Oline.  Coe lost a 5 year guy at QB (I know only 4 at Coe but a year of maturity is worth something) Then the coaching turnover there are many questions to be answered this season. 

Questions for each team

1 Central-Can Coach Mac keep the wheels rolling on the Dutch Machine?  Coach Mac did a great job turning a program that had its first non winning season in like 40 years to three titles in a row.  Can He replace the talent he lost.

2 Wartburg-Can they get there lossed replaced and finally win the IIAC when they are the favorites?  Wartburg seems to have a loss when they should not.  If Coack K can get those losses filled and keep the team focused will this be the year that the Knights come out on top?

3 UD-Can Coach B replace a talented class?  Will the leadership shown by the seniors get ingrained into the underclassmen?  If the answers are yes they can remain in the title hunt and avert becoming a bottom teir team again.

4 Coe-Can Coach S replace Coach Raeburn?  Will Coe be able to replace their QB?  New coaches can help turn a team around but they are an unknown.   

5 Luther-Can Luther replace a talented Oline?  Can they find a passing game and become more balanced?  Will the new coach be able to turn them around?  Will Luther stay in the middle? Move up?  or slide back to the lower teir?
 
6 BV-Can BV replace a 4 year starter at QB?  Will the D suffer without Pierce?  Can they get enough recruits to help out and expand their roster? 

7 Simpson-Will a coaching change help the moral of this team and generate more W's  They have a great deal of returning kids.  Can experience help them with a new coaching staff and playbook?

8 Loras-Can Coach Osterberg get things going?  I think this is his third year now at Loras.  Should now have some recruits that are his and old enough to start to help turn the tide. 

9 Cornell-Is this the year that Cornell climbs out of the IIAC cellar?  If Bush (a pretty talented young QB) comes back they may, but if its back to a freshman then the season could be another long one in Mt Vernon for the Rams. 

I listed them this way as that is how they finished the year last season.  Let me know the thoughts on this recap. 

DF2K4,

I think Pat and Keith could copy and paste your recap there.  Very well done. 

[OzJohnnie]

Doolittledog;

I love your avatar pic.  It's like I'm looking at me sitting on a mower with my cousins - it's got a good feel about it.  It makes me homesick.

[doolittledog]

Doolittledog;

I love your avatar pic.  It's like I'm looking at me sitting on a mower with my cousins - it's got a good feel about it.  It makes me homesick.

That mower has special powers.  Last fall after Dubuque was down at the half to Simpson 20-7 my wife made me leave the house and go mow.  2 hours later I come back in and Dubuque had won the game 35-20!!!  After that I always tried to mow on saturdays sometime around game time.   

I like your avatar...maybe it plays up the Aussie stereotype but I have always thought most Aussies would be happy to throw back a beer and talk with whoever it was that sat down beside them.  And on another note, my kids have been helping the Aussie economy out by buying anything and everything Wiggles related for about 5 years now.  3 concerts and countless DVD's later I am sure the Wiggles will all enjoy nice retirements!!!

[Purple Heys]

How about this?  Pretend you are writing the Kickoff Capsule for Pat

Since I follow Cornell and not the other IIAC teams and while I may not be totally objective, I do have some insight based on having been to games and talking to direct participants; where our respective opponents only usually get to observe us on a one time basis.

Similarly, I only get one impression of each individual team; so by no means is my opinion of a given team very comprehensive.

This describes most of us with respect to the teams we follow.  I propose we each attempt to offer our most objective as possible opinion of our own team for the benefit/entertainment/derision of others.

Format
2007 Record       2008 record (predicted)

Season outlook:

Offense (key players/ones to watch):

Defense(key players/ones to watch):

Your Team will have a good year IF:

Your Team will have a bad year IF:

[Wartburg Fan]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

That is the question with UD.  Not just the on field antics but can they replace the talent as well.  I think they can but that will remain to be seen till the season starts.  That is what makes this such a great game.  Central and UD IMHO have the most question marks as far as graduates go.  Coe, Luther and Wartburg are next.  Not being cruel to the rest of the league but their losses are question marks but since they were not in the running being practical how much did they lose?  I know Wartburg has a lot of guys returning but their MVP candidate in Weber is not back and he was kind of their go to guy.  Suckow and Vanrees at RB are other losses too.  Luther I threw in because you just don't replace a Sherden and their Oline.  Coe lost a 5 year guy at QB (I know only 4 at Coe but a year of maturity is worth something) Then the coaching turnover there are many questions to be answered this season. 

Questions for each team

1 Central-Can Coach Mac keep the wheels rolling on the Dutch Machine?  Coach Mac did a great job turning a program that had its first non winning season in like 40 years to three titles in a row.  Can He replace the talent he lost.

2 Wartburg-Can they get there lossed replaced and finally win the IIAC when they are the favorites?  Wartburg seems to have a loss when they should not.  If Coack K can get those losses filled and keep the team focused will this be the year that the Knights come out on top?

3 UD-Can Coach B replace a talented class?  Will the leadership shown by the seniors get ingrained into the underclassmen?  If the answers are yes they can remain in the title hunt and avert becoming a bottom teir team again.

4 Coe-Can Coach S replace Coach Raeburn?  Will Coe be able to replace their QB?  New coaches can help turn a team around but they are an unknown.   

5 Luther-Can Luther replace a talented Oline?  Can they find a passing game and become more balanced?  Will the new coach be able to turn them around?  Will Luther stay in the middle? Move up?  or slide back to the lower teir?
 
6 BV-Can BV replace a 4 year starter at QB?  Will the D suffer without Pierce?  Can they get enough recruits to help out and expand their roster? 

7 Simpson-Will a coaching change help the moral of this team and generate more W's  They have a great deal of returning kids.  Can experience help them with a new coaching staff and playbook?

8 Loras-Can Coach Osterberg get things going?  I think this is his third year now at Loras.  Should now have some recruits that are his and old enough to start to help turn the tide. 

9 Cornell-Is this the year that Cornell climbs out of the IIAC cellar?  If Bush (a pretty talented young QB) comes back they may, but if its back to a freshman then the season could be another long one in Mt Vernon for the Rams. 

I listed them this way as that is how they finished the year last season.  Let me know the thoughts on this recap. 

Great Post. Even from a Dutch fan    +k

[BeaverOfYore]

WH...I think you will recall one of more intelligent posts coming from a player that happened to be on the BV campus.  This is not a place for players.  To your point about the coaches, I know they read this as well.  Its very interesting what their views on the points are as well. 

Gau? Dau?? Something like that. I remember him playing a few years later but I don't remember if he was any good or not. What's that guy up to?
I think UD or Loras had a one-and-done player/poster a couple years ago as well.
WHo has been on the board the longest? I think of our current posters, its probably been Warthog, although I remember DF1 being on for quite a while as well.

Yes it was Gau.  He played tight end.  He ended up starting a year or two.  Big strong kid.  I think hes a personal trainer in Des Moines now, but I could be wrong.  I have not had any contact him since I graduated. 

I recall a UD player getting on here and posting some crap as well.  I recall reading that when I was playing and then looking him up on the roster.  He was pretty well trashed by the end of the day.  I found it to be pretty funny.  The thing was I think he made a post about beating how they were going to monkey stomp Wartburg or Central.  That was in 2003 and I do know if they won a game that year.  Pretty entertaining. 

In regards to getting fired up.  There were some things that motivated me at points.  There were times when we were playing UIU and people were picking us to fall on our face.  Again, thats why I steared clear of the board for the most part during my playing days.  Now being a post who is away from the program.  Its much easier to see why people say what the do and think what they do. 

Gau was always known for his intelligence.  Like the time he accidentally sent an email containing some crudely photoshopped pictures and an invitation to the parties during the week after season to the AD by mistake...the night before his last game as a senior.  If you want to know what he's been up to, just check out Facebook.  Plenty of pictures of him doing keg stands at frat parties at ISU and taking his shirt off at the bars in Des Moines.

There was another player from BV who was posting on here last year, going so far as to brag himself up as all-american material.  I ended up deleting my posts calling him out so he wouldn't get in trouble with the coaches (at his request), but hopefully that scared some of the other guys from pulling the same crap.

[OzJohnnie]

And on another note, my kids have been helping the Aussie economy out by buying anything and everything Wiggles related for about 5 years now.  3 concerts and countless DVD's later I am sure the Wiggles will all enjoy nice retirements!!!

One of the amazing things about living in Oz is how 'small town' many things are.  My oldest girl (now 8 ) was taken to a Wiggles "concert" when she was 2 by my wife.  I put concert in scare quotes because it was held at a community gym.  The Wiggles performed, including Dorothy and Capt Feathersword and all the other characters, on one of those makeshift foot high stages and my wife and daughter sat cross-legged on the basketball court floor about 6 feet from the stage.   From memory, tickets were about $7.

Now days, of course, the Wiggles, even in Melbourne, perform in an arena (most likely Rod Laver where the Aussie Open tennis is held) like they do elsewhere in the world.  But it was only a few years ago that it was still a 'small town' feel down here.

(And speaking of retirement, I believe the Wiggles are the highest paid entertainers in Oz, passing AC/DC recently who still make a surprising about of money from the odd tour and massive recording sales)

[BeaverOfYore]

I would definitely agree with how far UD has come...even in just the 4 years I was at Luther, I remember the first two years at least one player was ejected each time we played them for different reasons. The last two years were different mostly because of player leadership...if one person would get out of line someone would put him back in his place were as before they would either turn their backs or join in. It will be interesting to see how they do after this senior class leaves.

That is the question with UD.  Not just the on field antics but can they replace the talent as well.  I think they can but that will remain to be seen till the season starts.  That is what makes this such a great game.  Central and UD IMHO have the most question marks as far as graduates go.  Coe, Luther and Wartburg are next.  Not being cruel to the rest of the league but their losses are question marks but since they were not in the running being practical how much did they lose?  I know Wartburg has a lot of guys returning but their MVP candidate in Weber is not back and he was kind of their go to guy.  Suckow and Vanrees at RB are other losses too.  Luther I threw in because you just don't replace a Sherden and their Oline.  Coe lost a 5 year guy at QB (I know only 4 at Coe but a year of maturity is worth something) Then the coaching turnover there are many questions to be answered this season. 

Questions for each team

1 Central-Can Coach Mac keep the wheels rolling on the Dutch Machine?  Coach Mac did a great job turning a program that had its first non winning season in like 40 years to three titles in a row.  Can He replace the talent he lost.

2 Wartburg-Can they get there lossed replaced and finally win the IIAC when they are the favorites?  Wartburg seems to have a loss when they should not.  If Coack K can get those losses filled and keep the team focused will this be the year that the Knights come out on top?

3 UD-Can Coach B replace a talented class?  Will the leadership shown by the seniors get ingrained into the underclassmen?  If the answers are yes they can remain in the title hunt and avert becoming a bottom teir team again.

4 Coe-Can Coach S replace Coach Raeburn?  Will Coe be able to replace their QB?  New coaches can help turn a team around but they are an unknown.   

5 Luther-Can Luther replace a talented Oline?  Can they find a passing game and become more balanced?  Will the new coach be able to turn them around?  Will Luther stay in the middle? Move up?  or slide back to the lower teir?
 
6 BV-Can BV replace a 4 year starter at QB?  Will the D suffer without Pierce?  Can they get enough recruits to help out and expand their roster? 

7 Simpson-Will a coaching change help the moral of this team and generate more W's  They have a great deal of returning kids.  Can experience help them with a new coaching staff and playbook?

8 Loras-Can Coach Osterberg get things going?  I think this is his third year now at Loras.  Should now have some recruits that are his and old enough to start to help turn the tide. 

9 Cornell-Is this the year that Cornell climbs out of the IIAC cellar?  If Bush (a pretty talented young QB) comes back they may, but if its back to a freshman then the season could be another long one in Mt Vernon for the Rams. 

I listed them this way as that is how they finished the year last season.  Let me know the thoughts on this recap. 

Hawkins only started 3 years.  Don't mistake decent play for leadership--he was one of the most divisive figures on the team when I played with him, and I heard his senior year was even worse.  There are some pretty decent QBs who have been waiting in the wings, as well as some decent freshman QBs coming in.  Pierce will be missed, but Sly, Franklin, and some others will be back.  Don't give Pierce too much credit.  He was an excellent linebacker, but BV's Will LBs always have a tendency to make a lot of tackles partially due to the design of Larry's defense.  I talked to Jay at several weddings this summer, and it sounds like this will be BV's best recruiting class in many years.  Let's hope they're the type who will stick around long enough to see what they can do.  Retention has been an even bigger problem than recruiting for BV.  Hopefully this will be the class that can reverse the trend.

[Walston Hoover]

Wartburg was never much for trash talking ... they just had the dirtiest o-line I've ever played against

I know nothing of that which you speak. 

What years did you play?