FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[amh63]

Forgot some info!
In an earlier posts wrt a former Midd QB starter being a running threat...as pointed out by NBN...I eluded to a star Midd QB that graduated in '11 that was presently coaching in the CAC.  Donnie Mc Killop who was a 4 year starter for the Panthers and holds many school records and won zillions of awards, including ROY and all Nescac QB two years in a row...is now the RB coach at Amherst.  Joined the staff this year.  He will recruit in all the states that the more senior staff rather not, like Alaska...just inferring here..long trips and lots of time away from family . Seems he was a baseball assistant coach at Midd last Spring.  My memory is going to pieces

[quicksilver]

NBN has its Bowdoin preview up with a partial explanation for some of the missing players that clarifies the illusion to "academic probation" in the Bowdoin Orient article. The NBN preview says that 5 or 6 players were lost to a "plagiarism scandal." Also, according to the NBN post, Philippe Archambault, the French Canadian who was excellent as a frosh at LB in 2015, has returned to Canada where a little sleuthing discovered him to be on the roster for Queen's University in Ontario . . 

[DC 53]

  My son is a 2015 graduate of  Hamilton College. In the fall of 2011 he joined 28 other football recruits, which  comprised one of the largest and deepest classes that Hamilton had seen in a long time. (The 2010 group numbered 11). Expectations were high as the Continentals won their first two games.  Unfortunately, my son and his teammates would win only two more games over the rest of their football careers.  This is a cautionary tale; the NESCAC is a tough, unforgiving league. It is also a league where coaching really matters.
  After a 3-5  2011 season, (which was a couple of plays away from being a 5-3 season) most associated with the program felt a positive "buzz" about the direction of Hamilton Football.  Off-season workouts were excellent, and another large class of recruits headed to Clinton. Then a bomb dropped. Just before the end of the spring semester, players were informed that the HFC was being "re-assigned" in the athletic department, and that a nationwide search would be undertaken to choose a successor. We now know that Dave Murray was the interview committee's first choice. Unfortunately, (that adverb would be used all too often in conversations in the ensuing years) he demurred, as his children balked at a move in the middle  of their high school years. A completely understandable situation. Unfortunately, (that word again) Hamilton was forced to settle for a 3rd or 4th choice coach when an announcement was made in late July. It proved to be a disastrous (not merely unfortunate) choice.
  The new coach was completely clueless about the academic demands facing NESCAC student-athletes. Meetings and lifts were scheduled on HIS time, often conflicting with classes and/or labs. My son, a Type 1 diabetic had to lift 3 days a week at 5:45 a.m., before dining halls opened. The HFC told him to "deal with it". To his credit, my son did deal with it, but it wasn't easy. The HFC also "ran off" both players and assistant coaches. Some attrition is usual with coaching changes, but NESCAC schools don't usually get rid of  players in the the manner of big time football factories. After a 1-7  2012 season was followed by  an 0-8  2013, (which featured an embarrassing sideline meltdown by the HFC at the Middlebury game) the "reign of  error" ended with the hiring of  Dave Murray in the spring of 2014.
  Despite an 0-8 record in 2014,  my son and his dozen, remaining senior teammates thoroughly enjoyed their final season of football.  When I asked my son about his first impressions of his new coach he said, "Forget about football, Coach Murray is a really great guy!  And he also happens to be a terrific football coach!" Though the record didn't show it, (remember, it's a very unforgiving league) it was evident during the 2014 season that Hamilton football was in a much better place. I regretted that my son would only play one season for Dave Murray and his staff.
  Despite the record of the football team in his 4 years on the Hill, my son had an excellent experience. I recently retired from a 40 career as an educator. In addition to my classroom duties, I spent the better part of 30 years as a lacrosse coach in the maelstrom of Long Island h.s. lacrosse. I also coached some football and basketball. I'm now a h.s. lacrosse official, so I've enjoyed an interesting perspective on coaching, recruiting, and parental behavior relative to athletics. I truly believe that the NESCAC experience, in all aspects of college life, is second to none. Our introduction to NESCAC football began when my son was 4or5 years old, when we watched the annual NESN broadcast of the Amherst-Williams game. A former coaching /teaching colleague was an assistant coach at Amherst for 18 years before moving into his current position as Assistant  A.D. at the school. My son was actively recruited by Centennial and Liberty League schools, in addition to 5 of the football playing NESCAC schools.  (Out of loyalty to my friend at Amherst, he refused to even consider an informal look at Williams) I attended all 32 games of his football career, so I have a reasonably informed view of all of the schools in the NESCAC. All of them are wonderful, though Williams should be embarrassed by the gestapo-like tactics of  their security people regarding alcohol policy. It's WAY, WAY over the top, and really a bad reflection of a great institution. On the occasion of my son's first college start I was examined by an alcohol detecting device which was aimed at my body and my locally purchased coffee. Two years later, we smuggled in everything that we wanted/needed. Touche'
  My advice to FY parents is simple: ENJOY the experience, regardless of relative success/failure or amounts of playing time. The bottom line is that your son will get a great education, no matter what happens on the football field. Also, in your travels there are many good cultural opportunities, if you do a little homework.  Bowdoin's art museum was a favorite. Instead of banging my head against the nearest tree, I sometimes found postgame solace at Hamilton's Wellin Museum. ( Though I don't recall missing a postgame tailgate either!)
  My spies in Clinton tell me that a spirited 3 way battle is ongoing for the QB spot. Word is that the defense has been ahead of the offense in camp.  We'll know a lot more after Saturday. Dave Murray is a great guy with a self-effacing sense of humor. Fortunately,  (love that word!) he's nobody's fool, and his football team does not intend to be anyone's punching bag.

[polbear73]

Great catch, quicksilver and your right, Archambault was impressive last year and a big loss for Bowdoin.  One of the things I have noticed throughout the years of following Bowdoin football is that they always seem to be a young team with potential.  That potential never seems to materialize as Bowdoin always seems to lack depth and enough solid players in supporting roles.  This off season is particularly devastating. 

[Vandy74]

Forgot some info!
In an earlier posts wrt a former Midd QB starter being a running threat...as pointed out by NBN...I eluded to a star Midd QB that graduated in '11 that was presently coaching in the CAC.  Donnie Mc Killop who was a 4 year starter for the Panthers and holds many school records and won zillions of awards, including ROY and all Nescac QB two years in a row...is now the RB coach at Amherst.  Joined the staff this year.  He will recruit in all the states that the more senior staff rather not, like Alaska...just inferring here..long trips and lots of time away from family . Seems he was a baseball assistant coach at Midd last Spring.  My memory is going to pieces

I don't see him listed yet amh63, but don't be surprised if Amherst HC Brian Hamm (Middlebury '02) finds a place for Donnie Baseball on his own assistant staff come spring.  That said, McKillop arrived at MC by way of Poway, CA.  His familiarity with the west coast is probably why his football recruiting assignment is that region. 

[lumbercat]

DC53-
Great post. One of the best I have read. You really put the NESCAC experience in perspective.
From an old(er) guy who was fortunate to attend a NESCAC school it took me years later to realize what a great experience it was.
These kids may not know it quite yet, but in time they will embrace the experience.

[hamgrand]

DC53,

Great post and perfect depiction of the story of Hamilton football over our sons careers.  Your son is an outstanding individual and you should be very proud!  He worked so hard and had to persevere and overcome obstacles many kids will never face.  I know my son was so glad he transferred to Hamilton, became friends with your son and had the opportunity to play with the class of 2015!

I also wish my son had the opportunity to play more years for Coach Murray and be developed by his staff.  I know Hamilton will improve and win more games under Coach Murray and I look forward to watching it develop.

Best of luck to Hamilton in 2016.  I hope Hamilton wins every game except 1 (against Middlebury)!

[AUPepBand]

DC3 has aptly described the influence a head coach of Dave Murray's caliber can have on the athletic culture and an institution. Murray came to Alfred in 1998 and inherited a football program that had suffered from negligence as 13-year Coach Jim Moretti, whose Saxons had losing records in five of his last six seasons of an otherwise successful coaching stint, took on the dual-role of head football coach and athletic director.

As a stark example of his positive influence, AU had lost to Union 43-0 in 1997 and, with Murray in charge in 1998, AU beat the Dutchmen, 28-9. AU had about five mediocre seasons before getting over the hump in 2004 and the Saxons had post-season play each of his final 10 seasons at Alfred.

The current AU Pep Band was formed in fall 1999 as a kazoo band and expanded to include "other instruments" in 2000. All the while, Murray was an encouragement to the pep band and our musicians were always appreciated for their time and support. Murray often remarked that the pep band was "worth 7 points" for the Saxons.

Since Murray's departure, one of his long-time assistants, Bob Rankl, has taken over the head coach duties. Rankl learned much while working alongside Murray and the transition has been seamless. Rankl has a fine cadre of assistant coaches and GAs and has maintained the football culture that Murray instituted. Football is fun at Alfred. Murray always said that AU had a successful football team because he had good kids. Working in the library at AU, Pep encounters many of the football players and can honestly say it's still true today.

On Saxon Warriors....and let's go Continentals!!

[mariner75]

Here are the ground rules listed on the Jumbos site for Saturdays' clash with Wes:

MEDFORD - Tufts University will host its first-ever night football game this Saturday (September 24) against the Wesleyan University Cardinals with a 6:00 pm start time at Ellis Oval / Zimman Field.
Due to the light stanchions and night start time, we are providing the following information to fans and ask that those coming to the game abide by the included ground rules:

- Admission is free and there are no advance ticket sales
- Lower Campus Road will be closed along Ellis Oval
- Alcohol and pets are not permitted inside the Captains' Gate entrance to Ellis Oval
- Tailgating is not allowed after halftime. There will be no post-game tailgating
- Open flame grills are not permitted on campus
- Additional parking is available in the Cousens Gym lot or the Dowling Hall parking garage
- Halftime activities and contest will be held for students and spectators with prizes from Bob's Food, Nick's Pizza, and the Tufts University    Bookstore
- Concessions provided by Tufts Softball and Track & Field
- Game day programs will be available for purchase

[polbear73]

I join the group saluting DC 53's post for capturing the true meaning of NESCAC and its place in college athletics.  Those values are enduring as they are just as valid today as they were 40 years ago when I had the privilege of playing.  These memories will stay with your son forever. 

[polbear73]

By the way, Nothing but NESCAC just posted its rankings of the league's football venues.  Given my alma mater's ranking, I will stay silent on the issue, but it should make for lively debate. 

[nescac1]

I would also like to solute DC 53's stellar post, well-done!  I had a Hamilton football player working for me as an intern a number of months back -- a very impressive young man (and based on reports an excellent player as well).  He had only great things to say about the current leadership and direction of the program. 

Has there EVER been a time with such strong leadership across-the-board at NESCAC?  At Amherst, Wesleyan, Trinity, Tufts, and Midd, the recent results speak for themselves.  But the programs currently in the bottom half of the league have for the most part relatively new, enthusiastic, and impressive coaching regimes in place as well.  I think we may be in for a very competitive fun time in NESCAC football, without the traditional bottom-feeders, once the new coaches at Bowdoin and Williams have a chance to bring in a few recruiting classes ... usually there are a few head coaches around who are kind of outmatched or going through the motions.  After the recent coaching changes at several schools, I don't think that is the case anywhere in NESCAC.  IN three years from now, the conference landscape could look quite different as a result, and hopefully a bit less predictable, with fewer blow-out outcomes. 

[PolarCat]

We've just been informed the visitors' tailgate area at Trinity will be at 1710 Broad Street, an abandoned gas station located across the street from the gated campus (i.e. in a really bad area).  We've had some pretty lousy tailgate spots when visiting Trinity with our daughter's team, but this is the first time we've been stuck "outside the wire". 

Nothing but NESCAC can say what they want about the fans and the stadium, but Trinity's treatment of visiting fans is pretty poor.

[ITH radio]

I grew outside Hartford and agree that's a crummy deal. Why not pregame over by New Britian Ave? Or Downtown like Arch St Tavern? J Restaurant is pretty close too.

[Trin9-0]

We've just been informed the visitors' tailgate area at Trinity will be at 1710 Broad Street, an abandoned gas station located across the street from the gated campus (i.e. in a really bad area).  We've had some pretty lousy tailgate spots when visiting Trinity with our daughter's team, but this is the first time we've been stuck "outside the wire". 

Nothing but NESCAC can say what they want about the fans and the stadium, but Trinity's treatment of visiting fans is pretty poor.

I'm surprised that the school is mandating visitors tailgate in a specific area, especially at an "off campus" location. As I recall most visitor tailgates took place near the Trinity parent tailgates behind the Athletic Center and often spilled over onto the nearby fields. My guess is that the restriction has something to do with the ongoing construction to the athletic fields (baseball in particular) combined with the Family Weekend festivities.

I think the combination of Family Weekend, the first game of the season, the christening of the new turf/scoreboard and excellent weather forecast will result in a very large crowd at The Coop. I had to contact the alumni office to reserve a space in the lot near the north end zone.

With Tufts, Middlebury and Amherst all playing in Hartford this year I would expect Trinity to challenge Tufts for the highest home attendance this year. With regard to the NBN rankings of places to play I would put Bowdoin and Wesleyan much higher. The grandstands at Whittier may be old but they're gorgeous and I'll never forget the walk through the pines. Also, Andrus provides a great setting with it's location in the heart of campus. Of course, I'll agree that Jessee/Miller Field has the best atmosphere and I hope the new fencing that separates the seating from the field doesn't change that too much.