FB: Northwest Conference

[swede]

Tuxguy

You gonna bring some of those salty ones for the tailgater?

See everybody around 11:00 tomorrow.

[swede]

Will the 'cats be in all Purple tomorrow? Swede says yes.

[Pat Coleman]

This is the post I was thinkig of.

For what it's worth, I've heard lots of reasons that coaches can't fill their schedules.  Some of them are not particular to Mount Union or isolated regions.  Those reasons include...

1) "Everyone around us has lots of conference games": the MAC runs into that next year when the NJAC expands (a role reversal from when the MAC had 10 teams and the NJAC needed games). It's a different sport, but this was one of the factors that pushed Lincoln (Pa.) to go Division II in basketball.

2) "We have trouble filling our schedule because we're an independent": This is one reason teams will drive long distances to part of illogical conference alignments.

3) "No one wants to play us because we're too good": One coach of a new program jokingly told me the opposite.  "Everyone wants to play us to be their homecoming queen."

4) "We can't afford to travel that far": One team had an intriguing offer to play a game half way across the country, but the school doesn't have the funds to make the trip.  "That would blow our whole budget for one game," he lamented.

5) "We can't find enough opponents who are 'like minded institutions'": No one has explicitly said the words "like minded institutions" to me, but there have certainly been implications that some schools are not interested in playing others because they view their institutions' approach to athletics as inherently different.  The corollary theory is...

6) "They won't play us because we're a public school"

7) "We can't find games because no one wants to travel here": The implied completion of the sentence is "...and we're not going drive to Wassamatta U if they're not returning the favor next year."  Can't say I fault those coaches.

8 ) "We just can't make the schedules work":  This may be the case where coaches are trying to avoid having a game on a particular week.  One coach told me he couldn't schedule games for Week 1 because of quirks in the institution's academic schedule.  Tough to fault them for putting the schoolwork first.

No. 7 can also combine with No. 3 to limit opening week opportunities.  Another coach who had a bye in Week 1 told me he couldn't fill that week because it would mean bringing players back to campus a week early and they couldn't afford to pay for the players' accommodations.  This was a coach who was easily within driving distance of lots of schools...but his budget wasn't.


The point is, putting together a schedule is hard for lots of reasons.  And those reasons aren't always evident from a comparison of open dates or looking at Mapquest.

[bluenote]

That's an interesting post Pat. In our case it's probably a combo of a few factors listed or maybe some other reasons we're not aware of...in any case I'd like to get any or all of the following on our schedule: MUC, UWWW, SJU, Central, Rowan, UMHB or any of many others!

swede...don't tell me we painted our helmets purple too now for your all purple color scheme..... 8)

[Olinemom]

I just love it when you have the slogan like it is now under the picture of the CatDome.  I really had a great time out there in September, getting to go to the tailgate and meet so many people to whom I have written so often.  I sure hope that you all beat PLU tomorrow big time!!! GO WILDCATS!!!

[PLC Knight]

mike check... is this thing on?

i hope there isn't any kind of rookie hazing on this thing.  long time reader, just decided to create an account.  i look forward to contributing what i can.  felt like the lutes could use a little more representation.  So... GO LUTES!!

look forward to the game tomorrow.

[Pat Coleman]

There seems to be but we try to keep them in check. Welcome to the board!

[speedybigboy]

mike check... is this thing on?

i hope there isn't any kind of rookie hazing on this thing.  long time reader, just decided to create an account.  i look forward to contributing what i can.  felt like the lutes could use a little more representation.  So... GO LUTES!!

look forward to the game tomorrow.

PLC Knight, welcome aboard, we can always use more Lutes!  If you were a Knight then I'm sure you "mature" enough to handle the hazing that will surely come your way.  

[PLC Knight]

mike check... is this thing on?

i hope there isn't any kind of rookie hazing on this thing.  long time reader, just decided to create an account.  i look forward to contributing what i can.  felt like the lutes could use a little more representation.  So... GO LUTES!!

look forward to the game tomorrow.

PLC Knight, welcome aboard, we can always use more Lutes!  If you were a Knight then I'm sure you "mature" enough to handle the hazing that will surely come your way.  

yes sir.  a little good hearted banter never hurt anyone.  even a little mean spirited jawing isn't too much to forgive.

not sure if anyone knows, but i recall a post concerning the health of PLU reciever craig chiado (sp?).  any news on that front?  he seems to be a big heart on this years edition.

[Proud Papa Joe]

Hey whats up Cat fans.

Just got in from HS Football game.

Can't wait for tommorow. Fly out at 8:10 for CAT game. First home game for Wife and I.

Hope to see some of you at Tailgate party's.

PPJ

[d-train]

mike check... is this thing on?

i hope there isn't any kind of rookie hazing on this thing.  long time reader, just decided to create an account.  i look forward to contributing what i can.  felt like the lutes could use a little more representation.  So... GO LUTES!!

look forward to the game tomorrow.

PLC Knight, welcome aboard, we can always use more Lutes!  If you were a Knight then I'm sure you "mature" enough to handle the hazing that will surely come your way.  

yes sir.  a little good hearted banter never hurt anyone.  even a little mean spirited jawing isn't too much to forgive.

not sure if anyone knows, but i recall a post concerning the health of PLU reciever craig chiado (sp?).  any news on that front?  he seems to be a big heart on this years edition.

Welcome PLC Knight. Yeah, Chiado was hurt in last week's game. I don't know the status for tomorrow, but that could make a difference.

[Proud Papa Joe]

Welcome aboard PLC Knight.

I am new also. Good to have you around.

PPJ

[d-train]

   Drove by Michelbook CC awhile ago and the boats were on the coarse. I'm sure we will hear some good stories tomorrow at the tailgater.

   Thanks to WC11 and d-train for the afternoon entertainment, some classic stuff.
   Dee, I printed your pick'ems for the game tomorrow, don't forget to stop by and say Hi. 

   WC64 just stopped in to say hello, and to say see you all tomorrow.
   
   Thanks Mrs. coco, got it.

GO WILDCATS
ONE PLAY AT A TIME
ONE GAME AT A TIME
LET'S LEAVE NO DOUBT

I played Michelbook once in July when it was 98 or 99 degrees. A former superviser was a Linfield alum and a member there.

[PLC Knight]

Welcome PLC Knight. Yeah, Chiado was hurt in last week's game. I don't know the status for tomorrow, but that could make a difference.
[/quote]

yeah, i saw that.  couldnt tell if it was a shoulder or a back issue.  either way, it's a tough loss if he's out.  but you and i both know, if he is out, someone else will STEP UP!!  (bracing self for first backlash)

[wyd]

Alright another Lute!