FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Dr. Acula]

Tom Arth is headed to Akron.  Godspeed.

Best of luck to Coach Arth.  I say this as a Kent State fan since I was a kid, so I'm admitting my bias...but if I were choosing my next destination, I wouldn't pick a cash strapped university with enormous expectations because they spent way too much on a stadium that their alumni and community would never be able to fill or support.

I remember when that stadium was first built (almost 10 years ago!) there was a media member who told me (paraphrasing) "It's only a matter of time now before Akron gets every top end MAC recruit.  Everyone else needs to catch up or Akron will dominate for years." 

Since that time Akron has gone 37-74 with one winning season, two bowl appearances, one bowl win, one finish better than 3rd in their division, one in stadium suicide, and zero MAC titles. 

It cost them $61 million to build that stadium.

I get the idea.  They wanted to make Akron less of a commuter school and more of a true college experience.  So you close down through streets and build housing.  Now we have to have a stadium on campus so students can walk there.  And it's going to be a mid-level Taj Mahal.  The best.  Great in theory, but it's Akron.  You stink at football.  Your students don't care about the program.  The local community feigns interest.  And financially it's completely reckless.  I grew up 15 minutes from both Kent and Akron and my friends that went to Kent as a whole are far more engaged and loyal to their sports than my friends that went to Akron.  And Kent isn't exactly setting the world on fire in football and Dix is a dump.

I have to think that either Arth 1) didn't like the way things were going at UTC, 2) just wanted to return to NE Ohio ASAP, 3) both.  I just don't see how Akron is a better job than UTC.  That being said I hope he does well because every success the OAC has in D1 helps everyone after him.

[edward de vere]

Question about D3 sports medicine:  Both starting quarterbacks were banged up but played Saturday night.  They both took a fair number of hits but kept going.

In general, are painkilling shots given in D3 football?  D1 football?  High school?

Edward d v:

As a former 4 year d3 player and long time collegiate football team surgeon/physician, my opinion (and that of many other  team physicians) those have absolutely no place whatsoever in college football (or for that matter in youth or high school football or any sports for that matter), including even in any post-season game and/or championship game I am not so naive to know that it occurs in the process, although it should not really happen there either. Not illegal, but unethical and anyone who says otherwise is being disingenuous ( and I'm using that term lightly.) Fir college, it would violate the NCAA sports medicine and ethical guidelines.  All that being said, I know it has happened on occasion at some d3 schools, but it shouldn't.

Thanks, dude.  You're a great resource to have on this site.  Can you give me more info on  ". . . would violate the NCAA sports medicine and ethical guidelines" ?

[hsbsballcoach7]

I know yesterday wasn't the outcome many wanted, but I'm confident in this roster and coaching staff to have the necessary adjustments. I will stay as difficult as it was for Petro to run on the UMHB defense, he showed great strength and balance.  I really like the freshman Reed to step up. I think he's perfect for Herrington's spot. Very similar with great hands and catch radius, might be a little quicker.
I'm interested to see the growth in backup QBs. Will it be a current freshman like Homol, Moore, or an incoming freshman?

The two guys I think that will be most difficult to replace will be Robinson and Ruth. Not to say the other seniors weren't important, but those guys were key cogs and experienced.

I would put Lou Berry as my #1 guy to replace.  All of the DB's had plays they'd want back, but VK likes aggressive dudes back there who go make plays and he gives them the freedom to do it.  Lou made big plays.  Lots of them.  Robinson was a stud, but I think Williams and O'Hara are going to step right up.  Williams is a stud now.  O'Hara is going to be IMO.  Ruth I'll really miss.  He just seemed like a quiet kid that did his thing.  He reminded me of Junior Collins in that he was good at every aspect.  He had the speed to get deep, but he was equally as valuable catching short passes because of his ability to make the tough catches.  It's a shame he was hurt this year because he would have earned the recognition he deserved with a full season of stats.

I'm embarrassed to say that I forgot about Lou Berry.....I should resign my Raider fan card.....

I do think there are some good DBs waiting, but none like Lou... Yet

[formerd3db]

edward d v:

Thank you.  I don't want to create a political or ethical debate among our colleagues here on this site regarding this topic (and I'm sure that Pat doesn't want that nor would appreciate it either; nor am I saying you would cause or expand on that either as I know you are simply posing a sincere inquiry.) However, allow me to say that, in general, it a) fits in with the hippocratic oath which all physicians take when they receive their medical degrees and b) it essentially fits in with the NCAA guidelines of philosophy of avoidance of enhancement substances for performance i.e. to win at all costs if you will.  The guidelines have some specific regulations against some drugs and other performance enhancement drugs as you know, and while it may not specifically mention injection pain medications, it does suggest in general how to approach injuries (for trainers and team physicians) and the majority of team physicians I know believe that using pain killer injections is not acceptable [Also, for some clarification, my previous post meant to say that we know it occurs in the pros-I mis-typed it as it incorrectly read..."in the process" in that particular sentence. Please also excuse any spelling errors which I did not correct as I was using my cell phone to create that post and I have that "fat finger syndrome" since my phone keyboard is so small. ]

Anyway, you could obtain a copy of the current issue of the NCAA Sports Medicine guide and I believe that would give you an additional overall view insight as to why I, as an orthopedic surgeon collegiate team physician and other team physicians believe that way. I hope this is helpful to you.

[formerd3db]

Toph, Dr. Acula, HScoach and desertraider:

Thanks for your comments/opinions and "inside info" regarding the Akron situation.  Indeed, we'll see what happens and while we all wish Coach Arth the best, I believe (like I and others did with LL, CC and MC) that he probably is the one who has the best chance to make it work.

[raiderpa]

The linebacking corp at Mount will be as strong as ever next year, IMO.  Two frosh, Smith and Kovath played tremendously when they got the chance.  I think they will both be strong and Kovath could be dominating, he appeared dominating against second units when he was on the field.  The defense will be as strong next season once the DB's get it together.

I would not be surprised if we did not see a transfer QB, but I am not as worried about Fulford as I am the O-line.  Also, if the rumor about the Alliance kid coming back to Mount is true, he is a game changer in the OAC.

[edward de vere]

edward d v:

Thank you.  I don't want to create a political or ethical debate among our colleagues here on this site regarding this topic (and I'm sure that Pat doesn't want that nor would appreciate it either; nor am I saying you would cause or expand on that either as I know you are simply posing a sincere inquiry.) However, allow me to say that, in general, it a) fits in with the hippocratic oath which all physicians take when they receive their medical degrees and b) it essentially fits in with the NCAA guidelines of philosophy of avoidance of enhancement substances for performance i.e. to win at all costs if you will.  The guidelines have some specific regulations against some drugs and other performance enhancement drugs as you know, and while it may not specifically mention injection pain medications, it does suggest in general how to approach injuries (for trainers and team physicians) and the majority of team physicians I know believe that using pain killer injections is not acceptable [Also, for some clarification, my previous post meant to say that we know it occurs in the pros-I mis-typed it as it incorrectly read..."in the process" in that particular sentence. Please also excuse any spelling errors which I did not correct as I was using my cell phone to create that post and I have that "fat finger syndrome" since my phone keyboard is so small. ]

Anyway, you could obtain a copy of the current issue of the NCAA Sports Medicine guide and I believe that would give you an additional overall view insight as to why I, as an orthopedic surgeon collegiate team physician and other team physicians believe that way. I hope this is helpful to you.

Very good.  I'm just trying to get an idea of the policy AND the practice.  I'd love to hear from more of the former college players in D3 on their experience in this regard.

[OzJohnnie]

Hi, there, UMU.  Tough loss.  It sucks to get out muscled and hustled, particularly by that UMHB defense.  Insane speed and athletic ability on that side of the ball.  Fortunately, the offensive side of the ball is about as imagination-filled as an actuarial convention.

You may not appreciate this, but here's a highlights vid of the big game from an interesting channel.

https://youtu.be/v3N_liQfC48

[D O.C.]

THX OZ

[SaintsFAN]

Question about D3 sports medicine:  Both starting quarterbacks were banged up but played Saturday night.  They both took a fair number of hits but kept going.

In general, are painkilling shots given in D3 football?  D1 football?  High school?

Edward d v:

As a former 4 year d3 player and long time collegiate football team surgeon/physician, my opinion (and that of many other  team physicians) those have absolutely no place whatsoever in college football (or for that matter in youth or high school football or any sports for that matter), including even in any post-season game and/or championship game I am not so naive to know that it occurs in the process, although it should not really happen there either. Not illegal, but unethical and anyone who says otherwise is being disingenuous ( and I'm using that term lightly.) Fir college, it would violate the NCAA sports medicine and ethical guidelines.  All that being said, I know it has happened on occasion at some d3 schools, but it shouldn't.

Thanks, dude.  You're a great resource to have on this site.  Can you give me more info on  ". . . would violate the NCAA sports medicine and ethical guidelines" ?

Not painkilling shots but certainly cortisone...

Also: 

Austin White... wasn't a punch, should've been penalized and IS bush league.  Just the same as as the other stuff going on... both squads crossed the line of chippiness at times.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Austin White did get called for that Personal Foul at the beginning of the 3rd Quarter.  It looked like to me that he was trying to punch the ball out.

But since he didn't get called for the face-mask smack, then football Karma got him back.

[JCUStreaks70]

Hey Everyone, I was not boycotting the boards, it's just been very busy here at work. I would like to say my congratulations to you Mount fans on another trip to the Stagg Bowl. Though it was not the outcome we were hoping for (I say we being an OAC fan!), I am confident that Mount will be back.

As far as Arth is concerned, I was estatic to hear the news. I was on the phone with all BlueStreaks66 and my former teammates all weekend. One of our teammates did say that it sounds like Zagorski (who was our O-Line Coach before moving up to OC) will be joining him as will Matt Feeney who was a LB at JCU when I was there and DC under him at UTC. It will take a lot of work, but it was Arth and Z that turned JCU around. I am confident that given the time he will meet the same success. From my understanding, it was his NE Ohio ties and desire to recruit the area that gave him the advantage in the job selection.

Lastly, for anyone who cares about my football interests, I must say it was a pretty good year! JCU got back into the playoffs; my beloved Army Black Knights Beat Navy for the 3rd year in a row and the CIC for the 2nd straight year and have found themselves in the Top 25; and yesterday Da Bears not only won the NFC North for the 1st time in 8 years, but also eliminated that team who shall remain nameless from up North from the playoffs!

[hsbsballcoach7]

The linebacking corp at Mount will be as strong as ever next year, IMO.  Two frosh, Smith and Kovath played tremendously when they got the chance.  I think they will both be strong and Kovath could be dominating, he appeared dominating against second units when he was on the field.  The defense will be as strong next season once the DB's get it together.

I would not be surprised if we did not see a transfer QB, but I am not as worried about Fulford as I am the O-line.  Also, if the rumor about the Alliance kid coming back to Mount is true, he is a game changer in the OAC.

I agree that they'll be as talented and I'm excited to watch them for sure! I think they'll miss Robinson more from the leadership point. He knew where everyone needed to be and put them in good positions to be successful. I'm sure Williams will pick up the slack as he's been around enough. Obviously the coaches will coach them up, but I'm just saying that those high intelligence players aren't always there and mean a lot to me.

I think the Oline will be fine, but just needs refined. They'll be pushed hard this off season.

[skunks_sidekick]

After an action packed weekend this is my first time to post.  Congrats to UMHB as they definitely earned their 2nd championship in the last three years.  It seemed fairly evident to me that they certainly had the better athletes on the field overall.  Mount played quite well at times, and kept trying to find ways to win the game.

I thought our play-calling was questionable at times, but then again what the heck do I know?  As to the chippiness, that was happening both ways so I am of the belief it was a product of some hard hitting, hard fought football.

On the positive side Jr did graduate on Saturday, and we got to see a fun Browns victory while celebrating.  Happy Holidays to all out there, and may your season be safe, fun, and fulfilling.

Cheers!

[crufootball]

Question for the Mount faithful, a few player of the players appeared to do a horns down gesture through the game. Is that a reference to something I don't know about or a shot at Texas in some way?