FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

I respected your first comments but the "keeping my mouth shut" wow I didn't attack your coaching or other players just a commend about keeping so many players!  If my son sucks than cut him!  And your right it is d3 which explains the your attitude. (small man attitude -it's not d1).

Who says your son sucks? That seems like an overreaction to him not playing. I'm sure your son has a better perspective on his role on the team.

Why would you cut someone who is willing to show up and work hard?

[skunks_sidekick]

As repeated ad naseum over and over and over and over again.......

It would be so much easier for LK to cut players.  200+ players at practice is a huge challenge just to get things done, and keep everyone involved.  LK has always said (and funny....if you had ANYTHING to do with your son's decision to attend Mount, and talked to LK at ANY time you would know this)..who is he to say a kid can't come out and bust his butt every day with no promise to play.  There have been many kids that never saw the field of play, and still hung with the program to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

No one place is right for everyone.  If your son is not happy, and he gives it time, and still doesn't think Mount is right for him, please encourage him to transfer to another school that might not be as competitive, and he can have a better chance to play.

[FootballRescueMe]

A lot of assumptions here. First, I never said anything about my son being unhappy or complaining.  I questioned the amount of players.  Putting a bulleyes on my son for my comments... I'll take that as a threat.  I questioned the amount of players -  all of you have been disrespectful with your answers.  Regardless if I understand all the D3 rules or not, there were comment during his recruitment.  We didn't find you, you found him.  So yes, I guess, we thought things were different.  I never said my son sucked, the comments were "starters work hard at practice that is why they play" which implied he doesn't. I guess if the posters question or doesn't share your idealology then it is ok to attack them.

[The_end_of_overlook]

This is the type of attitude I see alot coaching high school football... It's the idea that parents feel their kid should play just because he is on the team and he comes to practice. It is college football, it is competitive and the best will play. Believe it or not the freshman, and 2nd and 3rd teams get better by playing scout team and JV games. That is what really prepares them to play on saturdays. It is an honor to get to play on a saturday afternoon even if it is just a play or two doing scrub time. I can remember being a red shirt sophomore and the last game of the year before I got my first time on the varsity field. It was in a game that we probably score 50 in the first half. But there was nothing more memorable then sharing that moment with 2 or 3 other guys in my class who get their first reps that day. It made it all worth it. I have always thought it takes a special person to play and graduate at mount. Not because you win a lot or playing in the National Championship games, but the fact that you go there knowing there is a chance you could bust your butt for four years and never see the field. But to be satisfied knowing that you played your roll on the team, running scout team getting the team ready ever week and got to be part of something truely special. Now thats what its about, not whining about not getting to play. 

[country buoy]

how many young men have waited 2,3, or 4 years to play? would have been a shame  to cut them. CARDS ARE 4 REAL!!! GO CARDS

[reality check]

A lot of assumptions here. First, I never said anything about my son being unhappy or complaining.  I questioned the amount of players.  Putting a bulleyes on my son for my comments... I'll take that as a threat.  I questioned the amount of players -  all of you have been disrespectful with your answers.  Regardless if I understand all the D3 rules or not, there were comment during his recruitment.  We didn't find you, you found him.  So yes, I guess, we thought things were different.  I never said my son sucked, the comments were "starters work hard at practice that is why they play" which implied he doesn't. I guess if the posters question or doesn't share your idealology then it is ok to attack them.

I should be big enough to walk away because you obviously don't get it.  I just can't help myself though.  I have a father that couldn't shut up and he almost ruined football for me.  I skipped my junior season of high school ball because of the issues between my father and myself.  If my Dad came on to a posting forum like this and said what you said, I'd be shaking my head and upset that he'd created a problem by taking this opinion (that shouldn't be broadcast in the interest of the kid in question) to a public forum.  It's ignorant and in poor taste to complain that you travel a long way to not see your son play.  One would think it might be worth it to see your son...period.  Does he have to play in order to make it worth your time?  When my kids go to college, regardless of their extracurricular activities, I'd think I'd be happy to see them doing well at their place of higher learning.  I didn't have children for my own entertainment.  What are the priorities here?

By bullseye think this: if it becomes obvious who your kid is, then coaches, fans, players, etc. will all know that his dad was the one criticizing and making outlandish statements out of emotion and angst that shouldn't have been made in public in the first place.  It's not becoming and out of line.  It's regrettable.  As a high school coach myself and with the experience I've had with my own father, I think it's unfortunate what some parents can say when they speak emotionally and without the thought of repercussions and aftermath both for themselves, their son and the program in general.  What you say in a public forum can be tied negatively to others whether those sentiments or opinions are accurate or not.  In some cases that negative sentiment can be tied to the person speaking or fall back on the shoulders of an undeserving player.  That is why I hope identity remains in question because the player here doesn't deserve to be "the kid who's parent mouthed off" at the program.  I've got two brothers in my program that constantly apologize for their dad's comments from the stands and it's not something a 16 year old kid should have to take on when explaining that "they get it but Dad doesn't"; likewise it's not something a 19 year old kid should have to bear either.

[raiderpa]

RE chances to play at Mount Union...at least 10 JV games for younger players to strut their stuff...two games this weekend, Waynesburg and JCU replay, I think....  Plenty of opportunity to get on the field if you have the stuff.  Also, before I would commit to a school, I would do some background on the situation and be well aware that MU always brings in 100 frosh and has 200 on the practice field the first day, and try to be realistic about my chances.  Some have left MU and been starters at other OAC schools. Other OAC schools are pumping up roster numbers too, as it is not always about football at D3, it is about numbers to help colleges survive academically and bring in money.

[Kehresma]

A lot of assumptions here. First, I never said anything about my son being unhappy or complaining.  I questioned the amount of players.  Putting a bulleyes on my son for my comments... I'll take that as a threat.  I questioned the amount of players -  all of you have been disrespectful with your answers.  Regardless if I understand all the D3 rules or not, there were comment during his recruitment.  We didn't find you, you found him.  So yes, I guess, we thought things were different.  I never said my son sucked, the comments were "starters work hard at practice that is why they play" which implied he doesn't. I guess if the posters question or doesn't share your idealology then it is ok to attack them.

I should be big enough to walk away because you obviously don't get it.  I just can't help myself though.  I have a father that couldn't shut up and he almost ruined football for me.  I skipped my junior season of high school ball because of the issues between my father and myself.  If my Dad came on to a posting forum like this and said what you said, I'd be shaking my head and upset that he'd created a problem by taking this opinion (that shouldn't be broadcast in the interest of the kid in question) to a public forum.  It's ignorant and in poor taste to complain that you travel a long way to not see your son play.  One would think it might be worth it to see your son...period.  Does he have to play in order to make it worth your time?  When my kids go to college, regardless of their extracurricular activities, I'd think I'd be happy to see them doing well at their place of higher learning.  I didn't have children for my own entertainment.  What are the priorities here?

By bullseye think this: if it becomes obvious who your kid is, then coaches, fans, players, etc. will all know that his dad was the one criticizing and making outlandish statements out of emotion and angst that shouldn't have been made in public in the first place.  It's not becoming and out of line.  It's regrettable.  As a high school coach myself and with the experience I've had with my own father, I think it's unfortunate what some parents can say when they speak emotionally and without the thought of repercussions and aftermath both for themselves, their son and the program in general.  What you say in a public forum can be tied negatively to others whether those sentiments or opinions are accurate or not.  In some cases that negative sentiment can be tied to the person speaking or fall back on the shoulders of an undeserving player.  That is why I hope identity remains in question because the player here doesn't deserve to be "the kid who's parent mouthed off" at the program.  I've got two brothers in my program that constantly apologize for their dad's comments from the stands and it's not something a 16 year old kid should have to take on when explaining that "they get it but Dad doesn't"; likewise it's not something a 19 year old kid should have to bear either.

very wise and edifying, +K

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

RE: Varsity Repetitions

I would guess that JV players get better "Varsity" experience at practice going against the MTU 1st and 2nd Strings than they normally would getting mop up time on a Saturday.

[Bein_86]

I hope for the son's sake that this remains anonymous.  Not only does it appear that this parent doesn't understand the system, Division III in general or this message board for that matter, they'll also be putting a bullseye on their own kid for the comments and sentiments made here.  If you want to see your boy play every week at an early age, don't sign the deposit check at the best program in the country over the last 15 years.  God knows you could find somewhere cheaper to see your boy play on Saturdays than UMU. 

This makes me respect Bein 86 even more because he's seen his boy on teams at various levels but came in with some sort of understanding and respect for Division III football, its programs, the players, alumni and fans of the respective programs without finger-pointing and complaining about where his boy is and what he's playing for.  Props to you Bein 86!

Reality check - thank you for the kind words...My son was at a D1 school (two actually) and was actually successful..but when he arrived at Otterbein spent the first week practicing with the freshman..all newcomers together..there is a process and we have to respect that. That is part of life...the cream rises and if a player is good enough they will play..UMU plays for National Championships, trust me when I say if a player will help LK do that, he will be on the field.

Other schools are playing for respect or honor or anything that can motivate them and they want to show their alumni and students the best they have each Saturday. Coaches are trying to win, even when they play UMU.

Do coaches in the recruiting process make promises? Yes ! Do all those things come through? No...Most things they say are based on best case scenario, but it is like that at EVERY level...

First my kid was not going to redshirt at Syracuse, then he did, then they wanted to burn it and start him, then they decided to allow him to stay a redhirt to give him the extra year. You deal with it and move on, just like life.

GO CARDS !

[Pat Coleman]

Too many wr too count,  REALLY!  I saw the same 2nd string numbers.  It would be nice from a parents point of view if we actually knew when our son would play.  The trip is way too long. Beginning to think this is a way to keep that college going. Take all the boys you can=huge amount of money. I would rather see cuts than a bunch of false hope.  How many freshman actually come back?

I think when you make a post like this, attacking something many of your fellow posters hold dear, you're going to catch some flack. But it might be interesting to note that it's not just Mount Union fans responding to you.

[Toph]

Too many wr too count,  REALLY!  I saw the same 2nd string numbers.  It would be nice from a parents point of view if we actually knew when our son would play.  The trip is way too long. Beginning to think this is a way to keep that college going. Take all the boys you can=huge amount of money. I would rather see cuts than a bunch of false hope.  How many freshman actually come back?

Those who can play, play.  Those who can't don't.  I hope, for your son's sake, that he doesn't share your sentiments.  He'd miss out on a great program.

Toph returns! Great, glad you are back! +k

I'm always around.  I don't often have much to say. 

I was at the game Saturday.  Mount Union played pretty well.  It's early, so I expect they will improve as the season goes along.  That number of penalties would concern me, no matter whether you agree with every call or not.  Also - as weird as it is to say, JCU had its opportunities in the middle of the field throughout what I saw (I left mid third).  If O'Brien doesn't overshoot his targets, the receivers were open.  A better team with better execution would be a concern based on what I saw Saturday.

As for the Streaks...what can you say?  Not enough talent, first and foremost.  It's a far cry from Tom Arth going down with an injury and the Streaks still getting to the playoffs.  I'll probably head over for one more game this season, so I can't say that I'll be keeping a super close eye on the team.

[RaiderBacker]

RE: Varsity Repetitions

I would guess that JV players get better "Varsity" experience at practice going against the MTU 1st and 2nd Strings than they normally would getting mop up time on a Saturday.

As a parent of a current player, who plays on Saturday, the above statement is true. The experience the boys get in practice out way the hits they take in JV games. One should not look at the JV games as beening less or not meaningful. They help prepare and secure the future of Mount's program. There are many programs across this nation that do no give young players the opportunity to compete against other teams. Many boys are Red shirted leading to frustrations.

I would encouarge those parents who are frustrated with the lack of playing time to think back to when their boy was a freshman in HS. I would imagine that they did not play Varsity ball and if they dressed for Friday night games it was to block the wind.

When deciding on a program it is always wise to look at the depth chart to determine the likelihood of making it to the top. i.e. Knowing that Mount started a SO for QB last year and had a SO QB as a backup chances of getting game time is limited since that spot appears to be locked down for at least the next two seasons.

[RaiderBacker]

Too many personals last night.  Makes UMU look bad.  Regardless of the decision made by other teams/players our boys shouldn't.  The high score indicated a good time to play some other players.  How are your jv boys going to get v experience?

MTU played the most of the 4th quarter with 2nd and 3rd string players on O and D.  Played 3 QB's and 3 TB's and too many WR's to count.  O-line only went 2-deep, but they're a little thin up front and typically the 2nd offense plays with the 1st line to actually get them a decent look.  Putting in all freshmen up front is a good way to get your back-up QB hurt.  Even against a team as bad as JCU.

Which pains me to even say.  Wow has JCU fallen.  It wasn't that long ago they were just inches away from beating Mount.  Now they're Wilmington.  Sad to watch.

Need to keep in mind that there were two other games that needed to be played on Sun and Mon. The players are limited to the number of quarters they are allowed to play each week. So, why play someone for one or two posessions on Saturday when they can play an entire game on Sun or Mon.

[FootballRescueMe]

thanks for the imput