FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Desertraider]

You didn't of course!    For the most part I agree with your "I don't feel bad for them at all." But to me, there is a difference from "at all" and "That being said, I feel bad for the majority of those kids from a football point of view."  That's what I was taking a second look at.

I can understand that to a point. But - and this is only speaking for me - I played on some really crappy teams growing up. I would rather stand the sidelines and see spot or mop-up duty at Mount and be associated with a team that is a national power - then play more at say a Hiram and go 0-for-almost all of them. Besides - I actually know a guy that tried to walk on at OSU in hopes of just getting a picture taken with the helmet on. Who knows what the motivation is for these 150.

[jknezek]

Then they didn't really want to play football. They should have just been managers or equipment guys. But I get it. Who knows what is going on in a 19 year old's head? I'm not sure I even knew what was in my own at that age. That being said, there's a 150 first years, and I bet at least 100 of them, probably closer to 120, never see a varsity down. I've got to believe there are a lot of those 100-120 who wanted to play and just didn't realize UMU wasn't going to be a place to make that happen. Those I feel bad for.

[Desertraider]

Then they didn't really want to play football. They should have just been managers or equipment guys. But I get it. Who knows what is going on in a 19 year old's head? I'm not sure I even knew what was in my own at that age. That being said, there's a 150 first years, and I bet at least 100 of them, probably closer to 120, never see a varsity down. I've got to believe there are a lot of those 100-120 who wanted to play and just didn't realize UMU wasn't going to be a place to make that happen. Those I feel bad for.

I remember one thing (at least) about being 18: you couldn't convince me I couldn't play at Mount Union. Willing to bet a number of those 150 are thinking the same thing ('if I work hard, lift and train - I can do this').

[jknezek]

Then they didn't really want to play football. They should have just been managers or equipment guys. But I get it. Who knows what is going on in a 19 year old's head? I'm not sure I even knew what was in my own at that age. That being said, there's a 150 first years, and I bet at least 100 of them, probably closer to 120, never see a varsity down. I've got to believe there are a lot of those 100-120 who wanted to play and just didn't realize UMU wasn't going to be a place to make that happen. Those I feel bad for.

I remember one thing (at least) about being 18: you couldn't convince me I couldn't play at Mount Union. Willing to bet a number of those 150 are thinking the same thing ('if I work hard, lift and train - I can do this').

100% agree... Doesn't make them right though... Darn kids.

[Bishopleftiesdad]

Any opinions on the new matte black and chrome helmets for this season?  I think they're pretty cool as an alternative lid, but I want to see what they wear them with before giving them the thumbs up.

I like them but whenever I see a flat black like that my fingernails start to itch/hurt. To much like a chalk board.

[bceagle80]

That's a lot of football helmets. I'd to see that line item on the budget.

Drop in the bucket compared to tuition, room and board. For any college I know of, first years provide the most revenue. Between required room and board and generally the larger class sizes of entry level classes versus higher level classes, first years are great to have around for budget reasons. If they transfer before they are seniors or drop football because they'll never see the field, that's OK. They don't live on campus, or pay as much for meal plans, as they become upperclass students. Transfers help keep the class size averages down, plus you lose the expense of having them tearing up your football equipment.

150 first year football players is all about the dollars, and having to buy more helmets doesn't affect that equation one bit. What UMU, and any other school that plays in these numbers, does with the dollars and how it benefits the student body going forward is key to the value of the school. By any measure of college standings, UMU's regional and national reputation has done nothing but improve throughout its dominant football run, so the benefits are there to those who have or will earn the degree.

That being said, I feel bad for the majority of those kids from a football point of view. If they really wanted to play D3 football, most of them should have gone somewhere else.

I don't feel bad for them at all. They made the choice on their own. Kudos. Most will not see the field in competition - and I think they may know that. Some may think that regardless - it is DIII (the old glorified HS football mentality) and not appreciate the speed or size of an elite DIII team until they suit up. However, I am confident that the 150 chose Mount for more than football. I have had many students in the past that said they chose Mount over BW, Ashland, and OSU for (insert program here - mostly education majors) and played because they loved football and took a shot. They did not last on the team (except for one that I recall) but stayed at Mount. My .02 cents.

The amount of dedication each player has a lot to do with it. Assuming similar athletic prowess, the athlete who works harder and longer tends to be more successful. Examples of this are Mike Frank and Tom Lally.

Speaking about my son, I know his focus and dedication will make dramatic difference for him this year. He has combined his great leg workouts with a new upper body workout. He has made a great improvement in upper body strength and he is faster. I believe he will have significant play time this year. However, he has worked his butt off to get it.

[raiderguy]

Then they didn't really want to play football. They should have just been managers or equipment guys. But I get it. Who knows what is going on in a 19 year old's head? I'm not sure I even knew what was in my own at that age. That being said, there's a 150 first years, and I bet at least 100 of them, probably closer to 120, never see a varsity down. I've got to believe there are a lot of those 100-120 who wanted to play and just didn't realize UMU wasn't going to be a place to make that happen. Those I feel bad for.

Hey take it easy on the equipment guys. Back in the day that was my specialty. Don't underestimate our importance. There was this one player that was on our team back then.....I won't mention any names but his initials were LK...and if it wasn't for  the outstanding job we did keeping his cleats clean during the games using  hundreds of tongue depressors ...he might have fallen flat on his arse and who knows where he might have ended up. I've heard he has done pretty well for himself. No thanks necessary....all in a days work for the equipment guys!

[purple]

 My favorite Mount Union player, Gary Smeck, has been elected to the Purple Raiders Hall of Fame. I am elated. Gary was the sophomore quarterback on the 1998 miracle team that may be Lk's best coaching job ever. They also had luck, a senior middle linebacker named Jason Hall, great senior leadership, and God on their side that year. Gary was a winner if there ever was one.

[Dr. Acula]

I was happy to see Adam Marino in that induction announcement as well.  Even with WR's going to the NFL Marino is definitely still on the Mount Rushmore of Mount WR.  He wasn't a freak athlete at the D3 level like a Shorts or Garçon.  He was just the best.  Very good athlete, great hands and arguably the best route runner Mount has had.  His knack for selling the double move and getting behind defenders was amazing. 

[Craft_Beermeister]

Former Wesley QB Joe Callahan is looking good in Browns Green Bay game tonight

[section13raiderfan]

Any receiver that can maintain posession while unconcious absolutly should be in the hall of fame! Marino was an awsome punt returner as well. He ranks in my top 5 best ever. Well deserved honor!

[Dr. Acula]

When I think of Marino's career I immediately think of his crazy game against ONU.  Over 300 yds receiving and 4 scores against one of the best ONU teams ever.  He was unstoppable that day.  That and Chuck Moore laying waste to a vaunted Witt D were probably my two favorite performances of that era. 

[raiderpa]

I talked to a guy who officiated a Mount game, was back in the end zone  and a pass was thrown in his area.  The pass was so high and wide, he was getting ready to give the incomplete signal when Marino came out of nowhere and snagged the ball.  Said it was the greatest catch he ever saw in his refereeing career.

On the chat about why 19 year olds come to Mount, even if they don't have a chance of seeing the field.  I really believe that they overestimate their own abilities, and live in the fantasy they can play there.  It is not uncommon to think this as most of them dominated their high school squad.  Then in the first week of practice realize that the level of athletic ability, speed, and strength required is beyond their wildest considerations or thoughts.

[Dr. Acula]

If you dig into the numbers from that great run from 96-02 there are some crazy stats.  For example, Knestrick averaged 126.6 yds/gm and 1.5 TD/gm during his career.  And he's still the only Mount WR to average north of 20 yds/rec for his career.     

The thing that Marino did so well was being consistently outstanding over 3 years.  His "worst" year was 74 catches, 1337 yds and 14 TD as a soph in 98.  And if I'm remembering correctly he had to emerge as the #1 guy on that 98 title team in the playoffs because Kershner had a hammy issue or something. 

[Dr. Acula]

If anyone needs to kill some time during lunch Mount has the freshmen roster up already.  The 150 number floated out there was a little high.  They did end up with 140 reporting though.  It looks like they really hit MI hard in recruiting this year.

Freshmen by position:

DB--21
DL--26
K--5
LB--20
OL--24
QB--10
RB--9
WR--25

Freshmen by home state:

OH--55
FL--22
MI--16
PA--12
GA--7
IN--6
CA, VA--4
MD, NY, TX--2
KY, ME, NC, NJ, OK, OR, TN, WA--1