FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[frank uible]

For approximately the last 12 years or possibly more members of the Ivy Group have exclusively, or almost exclusively, limited themselves to games with other members of the Group or with Atlantic 10, Pioneer or Patriot teams. From my vantage point as an outsider it is not foreseeable that this pattern might change in the short or intermediate term. My crystal ball isn't powerful enough to cover the long term, i.e. 10 years or further in the future.

[enterprise]

MUC trivia,how many Raiders have played in the NFL?Note;played in a game for at least 1 play.Frank,don't forget the 1920's.

[formerd3db]

former: A check with Bucknell's archives reveals that Bucknell has played no DIII college in years 2000-2006.

Frank:
You are right; moreover, you would probably be more familiar with past year's schedules out that way then me.  It was way earlier than that, as I recall, probably early '90's and perhaps even back late '80's - I don't recall exactly.  Also, I may be "mixing up" which teams it was, perhaps not Bucknell but someother team in the same category, although my memory (sometimes faulty !) tells me it was Bucknell.  I recall this situation, because like some other of our colleagues here, I too like to see the occasional interdivision match-ups.  I also agree with you that Harvard in keeping with their last decade or so of scheduling is not likely to schedule any bigger conference teams.  On the other hand, I think it would great to see them do it - they might even win in a year when, for example, Vandy is down (as usual) or certainly they could compete with Duke and Northwestern.    Anyway, always appreciate your input.

MacLeod:

I see where you are coming from - my misinterpretation.  As I mentioned above in response to Frank's posting, it still would be neat to see Harvard try one of those games sometimes.  As far as the UAA, indeed from the academic standpoint consideratons as you point out, that would be in line.  However, unfortunately, the UAA schools havn't quite had the caliber of teams to do that of recent (not intending that as a slight against those schools, so please you UAA posters, do not get upset with me! ).

BTW, did you catch and figure out who my "signature" was?  I'm trying to keep up with you in your neat "signature" posts, although will never match you as "the King of the same" I'm afraid!!

Signed,
Dennis Grady

[frank uible]

enterprise: Unless some one has dug out that information and assembled in one accessible location, it would take me about 1 or 2 hours to do it and be reasonably sure of its accuracy - this being New Year's Eve I'm not going to do it. Sorry. But perhaps you know.

[bambord]

A Happy PRaider New Year – Predictions – Part One...

In earlier posts, "A Merry Raider Christmas - Parts One and Two...", we talked about the possibilities, in 2007, of extending the current Raider win streak to 38 games and, thus, winning the third consecutive Stagg Bowl – Mount's tenth.  It is New Year's Eve - let's let our imaginations loose, conjure still more Raider exploits (fantasies?).  Fans (not players and coaches) can sorta think ahead to 2008 and imagine another talented PRaider team committed to excellence and victories to add to The Raider Tradition?  The freshmen of 2005 have something to really feel badly about – they lost a regular season game, the first in 11 seasons (after 110 regular season victories and 99 OAC wins).  Class of 2009, let not your heart be troubled, you may face a path to greater glory.  With the help of those PRaiders marching before and those following you even now – you can aspire to four Stagg Bowls in a row and Mount's eleventh Stagg Bowl victory.  In part, this thinking was actually triggered while exercising my heart and soul last Wednesday.  I noticed a tee-shirt that said, "Got Eleven?" on the front.  I had no clue as to what it meant.  My mind replied, "No – but Mount does have Nine and that's Fine."  Later, I saw the back of the shirt.  It said, "We Do." and it includes a map of Indiana, with South Bend marked, and eleven trophies representing "National Championships".  Huh.  I'll be darned.  When I arrived home, I had to look around the 'net to see what I could learn about the tee-shirt.  I found the shirt.   I suggest that shirt could be good locker room fodder and could be incentive for the PRaiders to strive for 11 Stagg Bowls – to be the first to actually win 11 NCAA Football Championships on the field – not in the minds of pollsters.  See http://www.amazon.com/Notre-Dame-Football-Eleven-T-Shirt/dp/images/B000A35AKM/ref=dp_image_0_0/105-1542428-7407637?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&img=0&color%5Fname=default.

Even without the Got Eleven Tee, PRaiders should not have a problem getting up for 4 National Championships in a row.  They would, then, walk with the legends of Augustana College while producing the NCAA's third-longest winning streak (53) in history.  I know, the Anti-Raiders, the doom and nay-sayers predict the demise of the Raider Nation.  But, isn't it possible, just possible, that the following list of only 24 sophomores, in 2006, soon to be juniors, contains enough gallant Raiders to carry the day through the 2008 season?

Sophomores:
6 Ely, Daryl CB 5-9 170
12 Bradshaw, Rahim DB 5-10 180
13 Micheli, Greg* QB/P 6-3 205
17 Reynolds, Chad TE 6-0 195
18 Nickoli, Craig* S 6-0 195
20 Barge, Matthew * RB 6-0 190
28 Morring, Terrance RB 5-10 205
30 Blount, Patrick CB 6-0 175
36 Kmic, Nate* RB 5-9 190
40 Wilk, Ryan P/K 6-2 220
41 Millings, Joseph DE 6-1 195
44 Chaffin, Troy LB 5-10 205
45 Yoder, Chas* LB 5-11 220
46 Hall, Andrew LB 6-3 215
50 McClendon, Craig LB 6-0 220
52 Davidson, Brenin DE 6-3 220
60 Tressa, Nick OL 6-4 270
61 Sunderman, Michael OL 6-2 295
62 Bird, James OL 6-1 250
76 Gardner, Brandon OL 6-4 275
77 Summers, Luke OL 6-4 260
85 Hancock, Jake DL 6-4 225
86 Stokey, Brandon TE 6-2 190
88 Kumse, Greg TE 6-4 205
95 Norris, Eric DL 6-2 250
*refers to letters earned prior to the 2006 season

There do seem to be some fair quality D3-type players on the list.  Are there any PRaider quality players among them?  I think there may be, in fact I "know" there are.  What do you Anti-Raider, Raider Nation doomsayers think?  If the PRaiders do struggle on to Stagg Bowl victory number 11, in 2008, it would be the third time the Raider Nation has achieved 53 wins.  Matching the Augustana record of four consecutive national championships would be a crowning milestone in Raider History; perhaps calling for a commemorative change.  Fifty three wins, three times, may suggest the change.  PRaider, or Purple Raider, could henceforth mean PRaider as in Prime Raider.  You see, 53 is a prime number; but, I don't have to tell the more statistically inclined PRaider fans about prime numbers.  And, it goes without saying that PRaider fans are "prime" fans.  53 wins, three times and 11 Stagg Bowl victories; what could be more "primer"?  
   As before, I owe a debt to Ric Brienza as much of the data came from his website.  However, I accept responsibility for any errors in fact.
   Happy New Year PRaider Class of 2009, PRaiders fans everywhere and, of course, to the lovable Anti-Raiders.  Anti-Raiders, Raider Nation nay-sayers, it is New Year's Eve, 2006 – do you know your destiny?

[frank uible]

enterprise: A quick and dirty search discloses that no Mount Union player is in the college fb hof or the pro fb hof.

[ADL70]

My search revels no Bucknell v D3 games since 1985.  Merchant Marine, Rochester, and Carnegie Mellon were scheduled in the first half of the 80's. CMU defeated Bucknell in 84 and 85.

[bambord]

So, what could the freshman class of 2006 do to enhance Raider Tradition?  They could do a lot. They could graduate in 2010 after going where no man has gone before?  Maybe, just maybe, the PRaider's fifth Stagg Bowl in a row (Got Twelve, ND?) and 68 NCAA wins in a row.

The November, 2006, roster reveals 104 freshmen.  Over one half of the players on that roster were freshmen.  And, we need them.  A lot of terrific PRaiders have gone on to life after Mount Union College Football.  Most of their replacements will come from that 2006 recruiting class.  Will they be able to carry on Raider Tradition?  Why not?  Are Anti-Raiders everywhere going to bet against this bunch?  Better think about this for just a bit longer.  From the following list will emerge some of the PRaider stars of 2007, probably more in 2008 and maybe even more in 2009.  In the freshman list, I retained the home and school info to let you gain some familiarity with players with which you've not yet come to know so well.

Freshmen
2 Charles, Velius WR 5-10 175 Fr. Miami, FL/Norland
2 Wilson, Wil RB/DB 5-6 170 Fr. Buffalo, NY/Williamsville South
3 Javey, Jamall WR 5-11 175 Fr. Euclid
5 Petruziello, Vince WR 6-1 185 Fr. Mentor/Lake Catholic
5 Divis, Chris DB 6-2 170 Fr. Brunswick/St. Edwards
5 Wyatt, Tommy RB/QB 5-10 185 Fr. Sedona, AZ/Red Rock
6 DeLande, Drake WR 6-0 180 Fr. Willoughby/South
7 Collins, Tyrik DB 5-11 170 Fr. Beaver Falls, PA
7 Renbarger, Ryan DB 6-0 165 Fr. Euclid
8 Shorts III, Cecil QB 6-0 170 Fr. Cleveland/Collinwood
9 Herbert, James DL 6-0 215 Fr. Sagamore Hills/Nordonia
9 Miley, Josh DE 6-2 210 Fr. Delaware/Hayes
9 Wright, Jon WR 6-1 180 Fr. Lafayette, IN/McCutcheon
11 Moore, Ed DB 5-11 188 Fr. Detroit, MI/Catholic Central
12 Wiggers, Joel TE 6-3 200 Fr. Panama, NY
13 Brostek, Ryan DE 6-3 215 Fr. Sagamore Hills/Nordonia
14 Dyke, Tim S 6-0 195 Fr. Vermilion
14 Rocco, Kurt QB 6-6 200 Fr. Cincinnati/Roger Bacon
15 Stewart, Roger S 6-0 185 Fr. Pleasantville/Fairfield Union
15 Bobka, Andrew DB 6-0 175 Fr. Bellaire
15 Lloyd, Nate DB 6-2 170 Fr. Columbus/Delaware Hayes
16 DeRosa, Vinny LB 5-11 215 Fr. Amherst, NY/Central
16 Fach, Kohl WR 5-10 165 Fr. Dover
17 Lamolinara, Evan DB 6-3 190 Fr. Jacksonville, FL/Nease
18 Smith, Darvell WR 6-0 175 Fr. Mansfield/Madison
19 Jones, Cortez S 6-1 190 Fr. Akron/Garfield
20 Harrold, Judd TE 6-4 215 Fr. Chagrin Falls
21 Previlon, Jonathan CB 5-10 180 Fr. Miami, FL/Norland
21 Cannon, Brandon WR 6-2 180 Fr. Dublin/Scioto
22 Coppeler, James S 5-10 180 Fr. Columbus/Worthington Kilbourne
22 Moran, Sean LB 5-10 205 Fr. Orchard Park, NY
23 DiBattista, John S 5-10 160 Fr. Canton/St. Thomas Aquinas
24 White, Ced WR 5-10 175 Fr. Cleveland/Shaw
24 Beil, Tommy RB 6-2 215 Fr. Maple Heights/Trinity
25 Mitchell, Matthew DB 5-9 170 Fr. Miami Gardens, FL/Miramar
25 Bailey, Andy LB 5-11 180 Fr. Butler, PA/Clearfolk
26 Wedge, Zach LB 5-10 190 Fr. Chardon
27 Crawford, Brent S 5-10 175 Fr. Canton/Central Catholic
28 O'Cain, Damen DB 5-9 180 Fr. Good Natrona, PA/Licking Heights
29 Sheppard, Isaiah DB 6-1 200 Fr. Akron/Walsh Jesuit
30 Presley, Jeremy LB 5-9 175 Fr. Steubenville
31 Baker, Brett DB 6'0 180 Fr. St. Marys/Memorial
32 McClain, Drew DB 6-1 185 Fr. Newark/Licking Valley
33 Bonanno, Mike S 6-0 190 Fr. Parma/Normandy
34 Barnes, Carson LB 6-2 225 Fr. Kenton
35 Evans, Clint TE 6-0 205 Fr. Amanda/Clearcreek
36 Gagni, Shaun S 5-11 180 Fr. Marion/Pleasant
37 Wourms, Curtis RB 5-10 190 Fr. Versailles
39 Carpenter, Jay P/K 5-10 185 Fr. Fairmont, WV
39 Crapis, Rocco RB 5-9 180 Fr. Allegheny, PA/Clarion Valley
39 Wilson, Ryder LB 6-1 200 Fr. Tequesta, FL/Southfork
40 Bero, Jermiah LB 6-0 190 Fr. St. Louisville/Licking Valley
40 Dahoud, Hassan LB 6-2 185 Fr. Melvindale, MI
40 Stafford, Da-Shawn RB 5-10 234 Fr. Akron/Central Hower
41 Carter, Anthony RB 5-10 190 Fr. Hollywood,FL/Boyd Anderson
42 Lutz, Justin LB 6-2 225 Fr. Bloomville/Tiffin Columbian
43 McMorrow, Tony DE 6-2 205 Fr. Orrville
44 Mingone, Tony LB 5-10 185 Fr. Pittsburgh, PA/Brentwood
45 Vanhoose, Matt DB 6-1 180 Fr. Lorian/Clearview
46 Way, Derrek DB 5-11 185 Fr. Streetsboro
47 Wood, Stefan LB 6-2 190 Fr. Chillicothe/Southeastern
50 Medzi, Anthony LB 5-11 195 Fr. Barberton
50 Talsma, Alex LB 5-9 190 Fr. Sylvannia/Southview
51 Williamson, Matt DL 6-0 235 Fr. Columbus/DeSales
52 Gilmore, Eric OL 6-1 265 Fr. Steubenville
53 Ebinger, Dan DL 6-4 260 Fr. Parma/Normandy
54 Coan, Tim OL 6-5 265 Fr. Mentor/Lake Catholic
55 Gaitor II, Darrell LB 5-8 225 Fr. Miami, FL/Goleman
56 Houston, Ryan OL 6-4 250 Fr. Delray Beach, FL/Heritage
57 Miller, Bob LB 6-0 220 Fr. Willoughby/South
58 Gintz, Jordan DL 6-2 240 Fr. Dover
59 Purnell, Luke OL 6-3 265 Fr. Springfield/Catholic Central
60 Smith, Jeremy OL 6-3 290 Fr. Elyria/Lorain Clearview
61 Cook, Dan RB 6-0 245 Fr. Burr Oak, MI/Colon
63 Linturn, Steve OL 6-1 265 Fr. Mansfield/Senior
64 Mazil, Junior OL 5-8 230 Fr. Pompano Beach, FL/Blanche Ely
65 Murphy, Kyle DL 6-2 235 Fr. Cincinatti/Mariemont
67 Gwyer, Zach OL 6-2 250 Fr. Dover
68 Sanford, Andy OL 6-2 270 Fr. Lakewood
69 Vagnier, John OL 6-2 280 Fr. Daytona Beach, FL/Seabreeze
71 Crowl, Caleb OL 6-4 275 Fr. Lisbon
73 Reed, Andrew DT 6-0 245 Fr. Columbus/Grandview Heights
74 Sunderman, Dave OL 6-0 285 Fr. Cincinnati/Roger Bacon
75 Cottle, Andy OL 6-0 280 Fr. Seven Hills/Normandy
76 Berkey, Nate OL 6-1 295 Fr. Sarasota, FL
77 Peckham, Tyler DL 6-2 320 Fr. West Milton/Troy
79 Thomas, Greg OL 6-5 270 Fr. Cincinnati/McNicholas
80 Studlien, Halden TE 6-2 210 Fr. Sunbury/Big Walnut
82 Alton, Casey DE 6-0 235 Fr. East Knox
83 McGarity, Shawn WR 5-10 160 Fr. Liberty/Lakota East
84 Barlow, Trevor TE 6-1 220 Fr. Pembrook Pines, FL/Flanigan
85 Wallace, Tawon WR 6-3 210 Fr. Charleston,WV/G. Washington
88 Marshall, LaRon WR 6-2 190 Fr. Cleveland/Collinwood
90 Liggett, Clantz DL 5-10 260 Fr. Uhrichsville/Claymont
91 Rembert, Ricardo DL 6-1 205 Fr. Cleveland/Collinwood
92 Heyne, Billy DL 6-0 245 Fr. Nashville, TN/Hillsboro
93 Claros, Kristopher DB 6-0 190 Fr. Miami, FL/Miramar
93 Humphrey, Zach DL 5-11 295 Fr. Zanesville
94 Guerrero, Samy DL 6-0 225 Fr. Dublin/Scioto
95 Saum, Zac DL 5-10 230 Fr. Lancaster/Amanda Clearcreek
96 Elkins, Kelvan DE 5-11 220 Fr. Youngstown/Chaney
97 Stanford, David DL 6-0 270 Fr. Toledo/St. Francis
98 Smith, Justin DL 6-2 245 Fr. New Castle, PA/Laurel
99 Reese, Kyle DL 6-2 260 Fr. Brunswick

I only see three QBs on the freshmen list.  One is a slash.  We will want scouting reports on those three; actually on all of the incoming freshmen in 2007, as well, because our vision is far into the future.  Who will replace Garcon after 2007?  Micheli and Kmic after 2008?  The "who will replace" questions are routinely asked, with wringing of hands, at Larry Kehres Stadium.  The answers are routinely provided by the Larry Kehres Recruiting Team and when watching JV Football at Mount.  Inquiring minds will want to know; but, not too anxiously.  The needed talent and skills exist and the names will come to light as needed and when needed.

Sorry for the long post, I blame the pursuit of excellence by the Larry Kehres Recruiting Team.  As before, I owe a debt to Ric Brienza as most of the data came from his website.  However, I accept responsibility for any errors in fact.

Well, that completes the Merry Raider Christmas, Happy PRaider New Year - Predictions tetralogy.  See you on down the road – to Salem

[reality check]

When will you be gracing us all with the other OAC rosters and their respective importance to their own programs by class?

[Small but Slow]

Out of 104 freshmen a few quality guys will rise to the top.  DI teams are much more limited in the number of recruits they can bring in each year than MUC is.  Florida is thrilled by the 25 freshmen they brought in this year and hopes that 10 of them will be able to start at some point in their careers there.  With LK's ability to adapt the system to the talent there's a good chance that the string will continue.  With Dr. Giese's appreciation of the program MUC may become a dynasty even ESPN will appreciate. 

[seventiesraider]

A Happy New Year to all my friends in Division III athletics across the country

PS Out of that list of 104, keep your eye on Cortez Jones (You heard it here)

[frank uible]

Small: In the 71 years of my lifetime the general public, including the media, has never given anything but the most passing of recognition to small college football. I don't expect that condition to change anytime in the future irrespective of the circumstances. It is suggested that you enjoy it as you may but do not expect very many people to care about it. In any given year about twice as many people attend the games of the 11 teams of the Big Ten as all of the games of the 234 DIII teams.

[Small but Slow]

Frank,  I realize and accept that DIII will never receive the media attention it deserves, but I can assure you that those who truly know and follow football respect MUC, LK, and other top D3 programs.  DI coaches know who LK is, what he has accomplished, and pay attention to his program.  Many have studied his approach and have used it in building their own.  For me, this is all the satisfaction I need.  DIII is football at its purest form.  That we can be thankful for.

Happy New Year to all!

[seventiesraider]

Every now and then, knowing that I'm from Mogadore, someone will ask what ever happened to Tommy Lee? Tonight I'm proud to supply this link:

Area Marine bears weight of duty in stride

Still wish he would have played more than one year for Mount

[Superfoot Wallace]

Just to show my age seventies, President Ford was in office when I was born.  Very proud honor for one of your Mogadorans. (Mogodorites, Mogadorinians?!?)

My good friend hung his shingle out in a building downtown Indianapolis where they held Lincolns body per transport after his expiration.  My buddys a Wally of the Crawfordsville breed, but well forgive him this slight trepidation.

Played some ball for this sagey old Marine a few summers back that had a a great tagline on his computer communications.  To the effect, 'we all sleep sound in our beds because gentlemen are ready and vigilant to visit upon those who would do us harm.'  Loved it when my uncle called him doggie.

As it turns out, just for formerd3s A10 division tie in,  the Kernel broughht along this upper division AA tailback turned semipro TE extraodinaire.  Little did it occur to me until earlier this evening they were both from the same family as old Witts Coach Baldridge.  Morehead State.

Now, if Muc cant get a Lehigh or a Bucknell to at least throw out a controlled scrimmage, surely there're a few in Kentucky that would oblige.  Though not really more than a few for the Little All American outside Mars Hill.

signed,
THE a FORMATION versus yers