FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[4u]

It sounds as though this was a contest where even Doeder could have been considered a good sport!

I vote for Doeder's "Post Pattern" suspension to be lifted.  C'mon, Pat, it's the holiday season...
4u

[Frank Rossi]

Frank you said "if I even sense."

Those were your words and it is what upset me.  As a broadcaster, I hope you think of what you want to say before blurting it out better than you do on here.  Because on these boards it seems you don't do that.  You have spent the last day and a half explaining what you meant to say and what the words you typed actually meant.  I hope you understand what I am saying here.

Ric, you've been a broadcaster long enough to understand that if an announcer is even sensing something strange going on in the stands, it must be a pretty bad scene already.  My attention is squarely on the game, the stats in front of me, what my color commentator is saying and preparing for the next play.  I'm not sitting there watching for bad fan activity -- it almost has to be like a hammer over my head to recognize that.  Place more emphasis on the word "I" than "sense" when you read that phrase and you'd get more how that should be read in the case of an announcer who is already overloaded with things to do.

On another note, I agree I have seen you make comments on the East board to the fact you hope Fisher wins on Saturday.  That's fine, you're entitled to that.  But I wish, since you've made it perfectly clear all week you're doing the national broadcast, that you would refrain from saying that, or from letting everyone know you're doing the broadcast.

Interesting, Ric.  Could you point those comments out to me?  In fact, today during the Coaches' conference calls, I'm the one who pointed out that Stepnick was injured Saturday -- it wasn't even discussed during the Kehres conference call and I brought it up during the Vosburgh conference call because I thought I was missing something (like Stepnick was back at 100% or something).  If I'm pulling so hard for SJF, then I doubt I'd be bringing up SJF's injuries -- especially such an important injury.  So, when you find those quotes, let me know. 

In general, yes, I'm a fan of the East Region and Union College and the Liberty League -- based on the team I've been around for the last 13 years.  However, MUC is part of the East Region this postseason -- I still view the brackets by regions.  I wasn't thrilled that MUC was placed in this region, but more based on the odd geography that it was creating and the fact that this scenario wouldn't be able to play out every year (the "top four teams are all #1 seeds").  It was nothing personal against Mt. Union, but was something I was confused about with regard to the committee's actions.  It's done, though, for this year, and I embrace Mt. Union as an East Region team for three games, including this Saturday.

Because those listening see the game through your eyes.  And if you're slanted one way or the other, it's not your fault, but a person just doesn't see the game the same way.

I guess I just don't see why you have said some of the things you've said this week and I hope you see the mistake you've made because of how you've had to spend time defending yourself.

This is nothing personal.  But I don't get on here every chance I get and talk about how I'm broadcasting this or broadcasting that.  A lot of people here know me and know who I am, but, and Pat can attest to this I'm sure, I post a lot less frequently now than I did years ago. And part of the reason for that is I don't want to get mixed up in what is said on here.

As I said, I posted what I initially said to back up what you were saying about the need to reduce the poor fan behavior, especially in front of your Press Box area.  As the stage gets bigger, the potential for problems becomes bigger, too.  And I think you're basing your opinions on me based on one day of posting instead of five years of posting in the East Region.  I assumed the OAC guys lurked and saw the collegial attitudes and discussions we have over at the LLPP and E8PP and realize that it's not about self-promotion...but about a good time for everyone involved.  I've been a fan of what you've done for many years, so I guess I've paid more attention to you than you have paid to us.  It's all good.

- Frank

[Ric]

Frank I thought I read a couple days back on the East board you wanted to see Fisher through to the semis again this year.  Maybe I'm mistaken but I'm pretty sure I saw it and I'm not going to go back sifting to try and find it, its not that big of a deal. I hope you understand the context of where I'm coming from.  I don't think I have been, nor do I want to fight with anyone.  Let's leave it at that. Safe travels on Friday.

[seventiesraider]

BTW, Tale of the Tape is up and audio highlights from Saturday's game will be up late tonight or tomorrow, for those that care.

www.MtUnionFootball.com

Thanks for all your hard work putting these comparisons together. Nothing really seems to stand out this week as much as that TOTAL of 154 rushing yards given up. Sick, sick, sick.

[Frank Rossi]

Frank I thought I read a couple days back on the East board you wanted to see Fisher through to the semis again this year.  Maybe I'm mistaken but I'm pretty sure I saw it and I'm not going to go back sifting to try and find it, its not that big of a deal. I hope you understand the context of where I'm coming from.  I don't think I have been, nor do I want to fight with anyone.  Let's leave it at that. Safe travels on Friday.

I was stating to a fan how Fisher could host a game again -- in the semis.  I said that fan should pull for Bethel to win, assuming the fan was rooting for SJF to win.  I obviously see where you're coming from, too, since my original post came from the same perspective -- that fans should be secondary to the players on the field in terms of the attention they draw.  I'm just hoping you understand where I've been coming from a bit better.  It's not a fight -- nor have I viewed it as one.  It's always good to see folks passionate about their programs who promote their programs well throughout the country.  Thanks for everything.

- Frank

[The_end_of_overlook]

Pat Coleman,

Didn't mean to make it seem like I was jumping off the deep end, wasn't close to that at all, just posting my feelings on the situation. Which is why I thought  most of us are here. I apologize if I struck a nerve. 

[reality check]

I've just finished reading thr NJAC pages.  I earlier read the E8 pages to fully understand the storylines that are being discussed and I think a lot is being made of out of very little with regards to the TCNJ issue from last week.  The E8 pages only trouble me for the reasons I'll address below.

Frank

As a national broadcast team you have one strike against you regarding impartiality due to the fact that the color guy is an alum of one of the participating schools.  (It's not his fault his school's playing but that does enter the mind of the casusal observer regarding calling the game right down the middle.)  Add to that the fact that you're an East Region guy yourself.  To many potential listeners this already appears slanted.  Then I read comments made in the E8 PP by yourself that are equally troubling whether you've thought about how they come across or not.  You've since edited one such comment and have chosen to point fingers at Ric as a commentator instead in that post.  I respect Ric a great deal and that fact alone bothers me, but when you continue to pal around the E8 page and continue this nonsense with OAC posters and other radio guys, it troubles me (and I believe it does so for very good reason).  Why on earth, would you even involve yourself in these types of conversations this week given your position on Saturday?  I made certain to stay off the participating boards when I worked on the webcasts so as to avoid this exact type of situation.  It destroys journatlistic credibility and puts an unneccessary focus on your position as a broadcaster.  I'm just troubled and disappointed by the way in which you as a broadcaster have elected to handle this week.  Perhaps your original intentions were all well and good but the method of delivery was shaky and unclear at best. 

Just as a player has no business posting in these forums, little good can come when a purportedly impartial broadcaster comes in and gets involved in the crap that flies from time to time in here or any of these forums.  Good things can come to a broadcaster in here (ie backstories, interesting facts, etc.)but introducing yourself the way you did was a big faux pas IMO. 

I hope the broadcast goes well Saturday and you get to call a good game as I also hope you've learned a thing or two in the way things have blown up in here.  Fans can be touchy, irrational and inflammatory but broadcasters shouldn't be and I think you have been caught in that a little bit whether you wanted to or not.  That is unfortunate.

Good luck in Alliance and I hope you see/call a great game.

[rscl70]

The reaction Frank got on this board is an excellent illustration of why police officers don't like domestic disturbance calls.  No matter how good your intentions it's always wise to stay out of some one else's family squabbles.

[Frank Rossi]

I'm sorry, but what post did I edit?  Generally I edit for grammar and spelling reasons, so don't assume an edit in a post by me was for content purposes.  Then, I'll perform an "(Edit: xxxx)" at the bottom of such a post.  And I'm not sure where I've come out at Ric -- I've consistently said that I support the things he said about the fan issues since I began reading them.  And I have always been a fan of his efforts, as I have stated.  There seems to be a lot of fabrication, soundbyting and other non-kosher things going on here regarding my posts that do cause concern.  

As for introductions, I've posted here before...and posted on this site for five years.  If I need to introduce myself still, then I really need to talk to my agent-type advisor guy.

I am who I am, RC, and that doesn't change this week.  The E8 guys and LL guys and I are friends, and not because of their conference affiliations (Lord knows, I have no reason I should be friends with E8 guys being a Union College guy).  So, sorry, I'm not going to stop communicating with my friends about things this week.  And I haven't been touchy.  I've just explained my comments over the last day, except when hscoach went a bit personal on me earlier.  That's his right -- but I was disappointed in him for that.  Otherwise, I'm still upbeat about coming to Alliance on Saturday and hoping that the hospitality is as described by many others.

[The_end_of_overlook]

Reality Check,

Thanks for

I've just finished reading thr NJAC pages.  I earlier read the E8 pages to fully understand the storylines that are being discussed and I think a lot is being made of out of very little with regards to the TCNJ issue from last week.  The E8 pages only trouble me for the reasons I'll address below.

Frank

As a national broadcast team you have one strike against you regarding impartiality due to the fact that the color guy is an alum of one of the participating schools.  (It's not his fault his school's playing but that does enter the mind of the casusal observer regarding calling the game right down the middle.)  Add to that the fact that you're an East Region guy yourself.  To many potential listeners this already appears slanted.  Then I read comments made in the E8 PP by yourself that are equally troubling whether you've thought about how they come across or not.  You've since edited one such comment and have chosen to point fingers at Ric as a commentator instead in that post.  I respect Ric a great deal and that fact alone bothers me, but when you continue to pal around the E8 page and continue this nonsense with OAC posters and other radio guys, it troubles me (and I believe it does so for very good reason).  Why on earth, would you even involve yourself in these types of conversations this week given your position on Saturday?  I made certain to stay off the participating boards when I worked on the webcasts so as to avoid this exact type of situation.  It destroys journatlistic credibility and puts an unneccessary focus on your position as a broadcaster.  I'm just troubled and disappointed by the way in which you as a broadcaster have elected to handle this week.  Perhaps your original intentions were all well and good but the method of delivery was shaky and unclear at best. 

Just as a player has no business posting in these forums, little good can come when a purportedly impartial broadcaster comes in and gets involved in the crap that flies from time to time in here or any of these forums.  Good things can come to a broadcaster in here (ie backstories, interesting facts, etc.)but introducing yourself the way you did was a big faux pas IMO. 

I hope the broadcast goes well Saturday and you get to call a good game as I also hope you've learned a thing or two in the way things have blown up in here.  Fans can be touchy, irrational and inflammatory but broadcasters shouldn't be and I think you have been caught in that a little bit whether you wanted to or not.  That is unfortunate.

Good luck in Alliance and I hope you see/call a great game.

Thanks for jumping off the deep end with me. lol I think you hit the nail on the head.

[Pat Coleman]

I'm not concerned about using a former player as an analyst on this game -- we did it a couple years ago, using a John Carroll player on a Mount Union game and sure, someone may be more familiar with one team over the other, but having a former player adds value to the broadcast and we try to do that whenever possible.

And with that, I am very much done talking about our broadcast. Hopefully you can be too.

[lewdogg11]

I could've sworn I heard Troy Aikman do a Cowboys game a few weeks ago.  The NFL should be ashamed to let that happen!!!  Gimme a break...

[JT]

I'm not concerned about using a former player as an analyst on this game -- we did it a couple years ago, using a John Carroll player on a Mount Union game and sure, someone may be more familiar with one team over the other, but having a former player adds value to the broadcast and we try to do that whenever possible.

And with that, I am very much done talking about our broadcast. Hopefully you can be too.

And the John Carroll kid did a good job.  I was in the booth at halftime warming my tootsies.

[lewdogg11]

I could've sworn I heard Troy Aikman do a Cowboys game a few weeks ago.  The NFL should be ashamed to let that happen!!!  Gimme a break...

I bet the NFL pays those guys a bit more than d3 pays too!!!

[reality check]

Pat

I have no problem with a former player doing games.  A former player on the air is always a plus.  Some listeners I'm sure will wonder though how impartial a SJF alum will be in an SJF contest.  The JCU guy calling a MUC game is a little different situation.  I'd even let KMack cover a Catholic game if I was you.