FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[nescac1]

Go Ephs!  2-0 is a heck of a lot better than 0-8.  Once again led by frosh.  Maimaron and his three top targets, all frosh, continue to do good things in the passing attack.  Those guys can do things if the offensive line can provide some time.  Maimaron, very poised, does not play like a frosh, but Trinity will be a test like nothing he has experienced.  The two leading tacklers, both frosh LBs, have been all over the field in the first two games.  It's been a long time since the Ephs had LBs who could cover ground like those two.   And the frosh kicker, who is very accurate from close range, provides some badly-needed and long-overdue stability in the kicking game. 

Next week will be a learning experience for sure.  Hopefully the young guys at least have a few good moments to build on while getting a taste of what they want to strive for in 2-3 years.   But Williams has already hit their realistic over-under for the year and any more wins will be gravy.  Bates and Hamilton seem like at least realistic targets for a possible third win ...

Trinity looks terrifying indeed.  Wesleyan, Midd and Amherst are the only teams with any sort of prayer against them.  But I would not bet on anyone to beat Trinity this season.  Amherst seems like they are playing at a much higher level than last season.  Depth they have at QB is pretty crazy. 

[westcoastDad]

Night game for Tufts v Wesleyan? This will be a good game!

[polbear73]

Tim Ryan, Bowdoin AD, was interviewed at halftime of the Bowdoin-Middlebury blowout and indicated that Bowdoin will play a night football game next year. No details. As for today's game, a Bowdoin football alumnus in attendance said that it was "men vs. boys" with very few signs of progress. Enough said.

[amh63]

Be direct and blunt wrt the Amherst - Hamilton game.  It was nice in the shade of the trees on the upper level of the stands.  It was hotter on the field in the sun.  Refs were pouring liquid on their heads to cool down.
QB Foy started and looked good.  The Offensive line dominated and basically wore the Conts down.  TB Hickley ran inside and outside.  Foy's father at game.  Foy ran for a TD but was bruised a bit and replaced.
By the third quarter, the Offensive line was replaced and the defensive side had almost everyone in.... check the list of defensive players that got game time. 
Hamilton players played hard but there would be NO comeback by the host team in Clinton.  You could see the Cont students starting to leave in the 2nd half.

[PolarCat]

Trinity looks terrifying indeed. 

After what I saw today, I think you are absolutely spot on.  The Bants' second team looked as good or better than any of the mid-CAC teams from 2016.  The third string looked as good or better than Bowdoin and Williams last year.  Chipouras and Puzzo are D1 caliber, and if the Bants have any weaknesses, they were not in evidence today.  (Their K did miss a FG attempt, but they drew a bogus roughing the kicker penalty, so in the end it won't affect his stats).  Be very afraid.

Overheard an interesting conversation in the stands.  A bunch of Trinity parents were sitting on the home side, where there was shade.  (Kind of tacky IMHO; octogenarian Bates grads who'd come for Homecoming were forced to sit in the baking sun because these Bants fans grabbed the good seats).  According to the guy seated behind us, Trinity sent out a letter to parents and alums earlier this month, informing them the College would be admitting far fewer legacies, because they have decided to admit more under-privileged inner city kids.  The Bants parent stated the letter indicated Trinity would be (further) lowering its admissions standards to accept these inner city kids.

Probably good news for the basketball and football teams, not-so-good news for the swimming, ice hockey and lacrosse teams, since the inner cities aren't producing many athletes in those sports.  Frankly, if Trinity eases admissions requirements too much, one wonders how long they will be able to stay in the NESCAC?

Again this is all second hand (maybe third hand) so I may not have my facts straight.  But he did indicate the parents and alums were up in arms.  Can Trin 8-0 or any of the other Trinity alums / parents / fans offer any clarification?  Maybe quote or paraphrase the letter you received?  Sorry if this is controversial, but if sh*tting on players who left the 'CAC 3 years ago is fair game on this board, I figure this should be, too.

[PolarCat]

OT in Middletown.  Fascinating having the Whale as the color commentator.

[JoeBag]

Trinity looks terrifying indeed. 

After what I saw today, I think you are absolutely spot on.  The Bants' second team looked as good or better than any of the mid-CAC teams from 2016.  The third string looked as good or better than Bowdoin and Williams last year.  Chipouras and Puzzo are D1 caliber, and if the Bants have any weaknesses, they were not in evidence today.  (Their K did miss a FG attempt, but they drew a bogus roughing the kicker penalty, so in the end it won't affect his stats).  Be very afraid.

Overheard an interesting conversation in the stands.  A bunch of Trinity parents were sitting on the home side, where there was shade.  (King of tacky IMHO; octogenarian Bates grads who'd come for Homecoming were forced to sit in the baking sun because these Bants fans grabbed the good seats).  According to the guy seated behind us, Trinity sent out a letter to parents and alums earlier this month, informing them the College would be admitting far fewer legacies, because they have decided to admit more under-privileged inner city kids.  The Bants parent stated the letter indicated Trinity would be (further) lowering its admissions standards to accept these inner city kids.

Probably good news for the basketball and football teams, not-so-good news for the swimming, ice hockey and lacrosse teams, since the inner cities aren't producing many athletes in those sports.  Frankly, if Trinity eases admissions requirements too much, one wonders how long they will be able to stay in the NESCAC?

Again this is all second hand (maybe third hand) so I may not have my facts straight.  But he did indicate the parents and alums were up in arms.  Can Trin 8-0 or any of the other Trinity alums / parents / fans offer any clarification?  Maybe quote or paraphrase the letter you received?  Sorry if this is controversial, but if sh*tting on players who left the 'CAC 3 years ago is fair game on this board, I figure this should be, too.

I know that beat down must have been difficult to watch...... but really?
Who send out letters any more?

[Vandy74]

Night game for Tufts v Wesleyan? This will be a good game!

When you're right, your right.

[PolarCat]

Up in Lewiston, we've learned to accept beat downs as part of life.

Guy said letter.  Maybe he meant email.  Or maybe he was fill of sh*t.   Or maybe he was an LJ plant wearing a Bants shirt.  If no one else has heard anything, we can assume it was fake news..

[fulbakdad]

I don't have a dog in this fight.  But I follow your board because my son played Prep Ball in the Boston area.  He then went on to play out in the Mid West and had a very successful career and is now coaching D3 ball in that region.  The school he went to was a perennial doormat of their league.  The new coach (current coach) recruited a new couple classes and while they didn't cut, he sat many seniors and let the freshman and sophomores start and get experience.  This changed the program from a doormat to a conference co-championship in a 3 year span.  They remain at the top of their conference.  Sometimes you have to shake things up to get results.  This is collage football.  Not Pop Warner with minimum play rules.  I agree with Polar Cat.

One last point.  My sons coach met with EVERY player each week.  He made a point to tell every parent, "Before you make a call to me about a problem with your son in the game, make sure you ask him what he was told about his play/practice effort in his last meeting."
Every coach should be communicating to his players, where they stand!

[westcoastDad]

Maybe every NESCAC school should adapt the "less legacies and more inner city/underpriviledged" concept. 

Seems to be getting a better more competitive product on the field for Trinity. 

I'm sure the swimming and lacrosse programs will embrace the increased talent pool.  Jim Brown was an All-American.  Gotta be a few other diamonds out there.

Don't panic.  It has already been stated that this isn't participation college sports.  Legacy at some of these schools needs the infusion of new talents IMHO.

That Tufts Wesleyan game was amazing!

[amh63]

WCD.....legacies is a touchy subject in the Ivies and Nescac, imho.  The percentage taken by CAC schools...during the ED period can vary greatly.  The last time I checked, Amherst has a program for alum children.  Alum children can have an evaluation by the Dean of Admission and told if they will be competitive with the school's application pool.  If not, they will be given a list of colleges that  would "accept" them.  Such interviews often occur during the Spring ...at reunions and Homecoming of the students junior year.  Amherst takes a low percentage of legacies compared to many Ivies and CAC schools. 
It should be pointed out that several recent top Amherst football players...one a captain...had fathers that were fine Williams football players.  They played during the era of Williams' HCOF.  On the other hand, I know of two top Midd football players that are the sons of Amherst alums.  One is a kicker in the NFL now and the other was a Midd QB, named Foote...a transfer from Brown.
Also watched the Wes- Tufts game.  Even on grass and under the lights, the players were getting the cramps.  Tufts'  QB is quite a runner.  The game may have been different if he was not taken out due to cramps in the 4 th quarter, imo.

[PolarCat]

WCD, interesting and provocative comments.  A few comments / questions of my own.

How old was Jim Brown when he started playing lacrosse?  Is it even possible to teach lax, skating on a power play, or the IM to an 18 year old with no prior experience, and have them compete on a D3 level?

Are legacies really an issue holding the LJ football program back?   How many legacies are playing with your son?  How much better would the Mammoths be if they were replaced by inner city kids?

Who's going to foot the bill at Trinity?  Presumably, many of the legacies are paying full tuition.  I don't know the specific number at Trinity, but my bills from Bates and Bowdoin are each over $65,000.  Presumably, the legacy kids parents are also contributing to the Alumni Fund and/or the Parents Fund.  What's the impact on Trinity when that revenue stream dries up?

[westcoastDad]

Polar Cat, I have no idea when the great Jim Brown began playing LAX.  Next time I play golf with him, I will ask. 
The legacy issue isn't one for the LJs.  Amherst has been winning.  I was thinking maybe the other schools were needing a change.

You pay 65K.  I'm paying 76K this year.  Even inner city kids are full pay sometimes.  Its expensive but thank goodness my "legacy" is enjoying his college experience and taking full advantage of the many opportunities.  No guarantees but at least no regrets.
I've always read on this board Hartford State when referring to Trinity.  So, I've always assumed the entrance requirements were not as challenging.

Why the alarm now? 

[westcoastDad]

Did anyone from the board attend the Wesleyan game last night?  Attendance was logged at 2703!  Outstanding!  Last year's Amherst v Trinity game was very well attended.  Love when the D3 schools get a little bit of that big time "feel or atmosphere".

Kudos to those that made it a great night of football