FB: Northwest Conference

[judgetrainer]

A question from a guy that loves his alma mater but wonders how some schools become perennial winners. I am a Lawrence alum from the days when LU football actually won a few games. I actually saw the last conference championship in Appleton (it was 1986 and there were no actual dinosaurs on campus). So, how does a Linfield come to be? How does a Mt Union develop? Where did St. John's come from? I won't talk about WIAC because they are just different beasts.

Maybe I am wondering how one school with 1500 students becomes an athletic power while the next one at 1500 students just hopes no one dies while playing? Any thoughts?

And while I am here what can you tell me about the Speckman Fly?

[wildcat11]

A question from a guy that loves his alma mater but wonders how some schools become perennial winners. I am a Lawrence alum from the days when LU football actually won a few games. I actually saw the last conference championship in Appleton (it was 1986 and there were no actual dinosaurs on campus). So, how does a Linfield come to be? How does a Mt Union develop? Where did St. John's come from? I won't talk about WIAC because they are just different beasts.

Maybe I am wondering how one school with 1500 students becomes an athletic power while the next one at 1500 students just hopes no one dies while playing? Any thoughts?

I'm over simplifying it but staff stability is a major component to why these schools continue to find success and have stability. Linfield for example has a staff that's has been filled with the great majority of former players for decade after decade...and while the game changes, the 'Cats have keep the core values of the program in place. It's the same thing up at PLU and it's why they've maintained a successful program for decade after decade too.

There is so much more that goes into it (administrative support, alumni support, some luck, etc, etc) but I think staff stability (with the right philosophy) is a key ingredient.

And while I am here what can you tell me about the Speckman Fly?

Defensive Coordinators in the conference are going to have nightmares in putting together and installing defensive game planes for it.  It's not a magic bullet (still have to have the horses to play) but if you get the right QB and flanker (fly guy) with some solid offensive linemen, the fly will be wildly effective.  It spreads defenses out sideline to sideline and if you miss a tackle at the point of attack, that offense will break big plays on the ground.  Have fun!

[D O.C.]

And for being the first Lawrence fan to addle over here you get + karma and a free book of S&H Green Stamps for your dinosaur.
If you've ever seen Wildcat 11's webpage there are pictures of the (only) 5 coaches leading the LINFIELD program through THE STREAK, 59 years, - and one of them is the only guy I'm aware of who traded the assistant coach hat for the head coach hat and then traded back before moving to the San Diego Chargers.

This is an additive as well....

http://www.catdomealumni.com/coaching.html

[Pat Coleman]

First *real* Lawrence fan, you mean. 

[D O.C.]

Yes,true.
Probably even some of us have rooted for Lawrence to win a game or two.

[gren]

Can't wait for homecoming.

[catjumper]

When it comes to fielding a strong team year after year, it's not only consistent coaching, but consistently tough competition in practice, day-in and day-out. When I was a Linfield student, I'd ask friends playing football who had just gotten their first start or their first significant playing time how it was. Time after time, they said going against someone from most other schools was easy after they'd spent two or three seasons getting "educated" (i.e.: whupped) by an all-conference or All-America player in practice four days per week.

[Gray Fox]

Getting to the playoffs gets more weeks of practice time for the whole team.

[gren]

And for being the first Lawrence fan to addle over here you get + karma and a free book of S&H Green Stamps for your dinosaur.
If you've ever seen Wildcat 11's webpage there are pictures of the (only) 5 coaches leading the LINFIELD program through THE STREAK, 59 years, - and one of them is the only guy I'm aware of who traded the assistant coach hat for the head coach hat and then traded back before moving to the San Diego Chargers.

This is an additive as well....

http://www.catdomealumni.com/coaching.html

[gren]

DOC is Brett Elliot no longer coaching in Mississippi?

[Westside]

James Madison football has named Brett Elliott as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator.

That was earlier this year... not sure if anything changed in the last few months.

[judgetrainer]

Now I have to ask another question. First real Lawrence fan? There's a story, there, right?

[wildcat11]

DOC is Brett Elliot no longer coaching in Mississippi?

Brett had a great time at Mississippi but as Westside pointed out the QB coach/Co-OC job was hard to pass up.  Great to see him doing great things.

[bluenote]

First *real* Lawrence fan, you mean. 

...they have a nice cafeteria and band room. 

+K Pat.....

[gren]

DOC is Brett Elliot no longer coaching in Mississippi?

Brett had a great time at Mississippi but as Westside pointed out the QB coach/Co-OC job was hard to pass up.  Great to see him doing great things.

Good to hear he is still in football. Brett's a real nice fellow.