FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[PolarCat]

Which, as a fan of a perennially lower tier team, I find quite disturbing, particularly in view of the rebuilding efforts of the lower tier teams. Winning begets winning.

I think it depends which lower-tier team you have in mind.  Tufts was a perennial lower-tier team, and boy, have they come back.  Williams was a lower tier team, and all indications are they are on the path to recovery.  Hamilton, Bates, Bowdoin and Colby seem to be stuck in the cellar.

At least Bowdoin has made an effort: new HC with a decent pedigree, big staff of qualified assistants, snazzy new uniforms, new field, what looks like more support from Admissions.  Unlike Trinity, a Polar Bear fan can't gripe that Williams has less restrictive admitting policies than Bowdoin.  If Wells can't emulate Raymond, maybe there are other problems.  Is Wells just not recruiting the Bobby Maimaron's of this world?  Is he not coaching up the talent when he gets it?  Or are there other factors in play?

In contrast, the Bobcats are getting zero help or support from the Spencer Administration.  My son's game uniform is 4 years old, with more mended holes, rips and tears than I can count.  The white away jerseys are so stained with years of blood, sweat and grass that the equipment manager can't get them clean; they look perilously close to the Jumbos gray away jerseys.  The boys were promised new UnderArmour uniforms in 2015, but apparently the Administration spent those funds elsewhere.

My kid's helmet is 8 years old.  In this era of CTE and concussion awareness, what statement does that make about support for the program?  The AC's are woefully underpaid, and the talent Harriman is able to attract often reflects that.  The coach sent out an email earlier this season, asking parents to fund the expense of the additional travel game.  We know President Spencer voted for the 9 game season (it was unanimous) but apparently she won't put her money where her vote was.  As far as building for the future?  Tough to do when the recruiting budget is non-existent.

But Coach Harriman, his staff and his players do the best with the hand they're dealt, and in the end that's a pretty good life lesson.  No sense whining about lack of Administration support, because all indications are it ain't gonna happen in my lifetime.

[nescac1]

Nescaman, if you read the portion of my post you quoted, I said "barring ties."  And under the new rules, are ties even possible?  Or if they are possible, they would certainly be almost unheard of.  There is no way those three combine for fewer than 3 wins.  And the odds are at least 50-50 that at least one of them picks up a win in the seven remaining games vs. Williams or Hamilton, as well.  (I seem to recall you saying just a week or so ago that Hamilton didn't even have a football program, after all ... how quickly we forget). 

[polbear73]

Which, as a fan of a perennially lower tier team, I find quite disturbing, particularly in view of the rebuilding efforts of the lower tier teams. Winning begets winning.

I think it depends which lower-tier team you have in mind.  Tufts was a perennial lower-tier team, and boy, have they come back.  Williams was a lower tier team, and all indications are they are on the path to recovery.  Hamilton, Bates, Bowdoin and Colby seem to be stuck in the cellar.

At least Bowdoin has made an effort: new HC with a decent pedigree, big staff of qualified assistants, snazzy new uniforms, new field, what looks like more support from Admissions.  Unlike Trinity, a Polar Bear fan can't gripe that Williams has less restrictive admitting policies than Bowdoin.  If Wells can't emulate Raymond, maybe there are other problems.  Is Wells just not recruiting the Bobby Maimaron's of this world?  Is he not coaching up the talent when he gets it?  Or are there other factors in play?

In contrast, the Bobcats are getting zero help or support from the Spencer Administration.  My son's game uniform is 4 years old, with more mended holes, rips and tears than I can count.  The white away jerseys are so stained with years of blood, sweat and grass that the equipment manager can't get them clean; they look perilously close to the Jumbos gray away jerseys.  The boys were promised new UnderArmour uniforms in 2015, but apparently the Administration spent those funds elsewhere.

My kid's helmet is 8 years old.  In this era of CTE and concussion awareness, what statement does that make about support for the program?  The AC's are woefully underpaid, and the talent Harriman is able to attract often reflects that.  The coach sent out an email earlier this season, asking parents to fund the expense of the additional travel game.  We know President Spencer voted for the 9 game season (it was unanimous) but apparently she won't put her money where her vote was.  As far as building for the future?  Tough to do when the recruiting budget is non-existent.

But Coach Harriman, his staff and his players do the best with the hand they're dealt, and in the end that's a pretty good life lesson.  No sense whining about lack of Administration support, because all indications are it ain't gonna happen in my lifetime.

Thanks, PC. Puts it in perspective.

[PolarCat]

I have a slightly-used soapbox for sale.  May come in handy for the Airing of Grievances at Festivus.  I'm going to put it on Craigslist, but thought I'd offer it to my friends here, first.  $20, or a 6 pack of your favorite craft brew.   

[JEFFFAN]

This coming from an Amherst fan ... the Eph fans should be thrilled by this first season under the new coaching regime.   They are starting multiple frosh with good potential, they have a "franchise" quarterback leader who is showing his chops early, and there is now reason for hope.   Facing facts - under the prior coach there was zero room for optimism.  He couldn't recruit and he couldn't coach effectively either.  This guy is the real deal and in a matter of a few years they will good again.   Take that to the bank.

They changed the faceoff rules in college lacrosse because of Jim Brown.   What might seem to most an innocuous, strange sort of thing, faceoffs in lacrosse are an essential part of the game.   As Wilt did in basketball with the multiple rule changes put in to stop the greatest basketball player of all time, Jim Brown's play changed an important part of the game of lacrosse.

Sorry, but we have to correct you Jefffan. This is not Raymond's first year. He was 0-8 last year so the two wins in 2017 make his NESCAC record 2-8. However, the class of 2021 IS Raymond's first real recruiting class since the powers that be in Belleville did such a great job of hiring Coach Raymond so late in the recruiting process in 2016 that last year was basically a recruiting wasteland for the Ephs.

I stand corrected but I think you understood my point in terms of this being his first class.   I have enjoyed this run of Amherst wins over Williams but, alas, nothing lasts forever.  Ephs will be back.

[westcoastDad]

Should be a law against being forced to play with 8 year old helmets!  5 years should be max!

[amh63]

PolarCat....does it have to be a "craft" beer?  How about a brand made in Delaware?  The company's name means "baby sharks"...makes an ancient ale called "Midas Touch".
Ugh...old helmets.  Not good.  WCD's comment is more a medical one than mine. 

[Nescacman]

2017 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings-Week #2

1. Hartford State (2-0; Last Week-1): Another impressive win for HS at UB. Zero points in 2 games. No serious games for the Bants until week #5 when they play the Original Elephants.
This week:  Williams in Hartford

2. Amhurst (2-0; LW-2): The real Hamilton showed up. Amhurst continues to display a balanced attack. Things could get very ugly this week at home against the PBers. 
This week: Bowdoin in Amherst

3. Middlebury (2-0; LW-3): Lopsided win on the road for the Pants. Even if QB Lebowitz doesn't play on Saturday, should be a cakewalk over one of the worst team in the league. Even if Coach Caputi used Mac this week at QB subbing for an atoning Lebowitz, he'd still roll over the hapless Mules. 
This week: Colby in Middlebury

4. Wesleyan (1-1; LW-4): The most dynamic playmaker in the league, WR Breuler had another big day for the Cards. They did a good job avoiding penalties and not turning over the ball. Wes is the only top tier Team in the league that has actually played real competition in the first two weeks. They now head into a lull in their schedule.
This week: at Hamilton

5. Tufts (1-1; LW-5): When QB McDonald plays, this Team can compete against anyone. Problem is, when he goes down, they can lose to anyone. Tufts is one hit away from being back with the ankle biters.   
This week: at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)

6. Williams (2-0; LW-8): Ephs beat another bad team. Reality sets in this week as they head to the Coop. We think the Bants will pile it on to prove a point. For those following the former HCOF, 0-4 and counting at Shorter University.
This week: at Hartford State

7 (tie). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) (0-2; LW-6): Made the inevitable change at QB. We think UB has regressed. Time will tell how far.
This week: Tufts in Lewiston

7 (tie). Hamilton (0-2; LW 7): Hamilton comes back to earth against the Mammoths. We went back and watched the game film of their week 1 OT loss against the Jumbo's. It's amazing how easy this game is when you are playing against a second string QB and the opposition doesn't cover your receivers. Another tough one at home this week against the Cards. 
This week: Wesleyan in Clinton

9. Colby (0-2; LW-9): Not the way they wanted to start the season.
This week: at Middlebury

10. Bowdoin (0-2; LW-10): Worst team in the NESCAC.
This week: At Amhurst

[ColbyFootball]

For the record, Colby is capable of beating any team in the NESCAC. That blowout at Trinity did not have to happen. Or the home loss to Williams. The missing ingredient is offensive coaches that are aggressive and play to win. Not play to avoid losing. Now let's shut down Middlebury's passing game and force them to beat us with the run. And let's leave it all on the field aggressively on offense. These Mules can beat those Panthers.

[amh63]

Nescacman....thanks for the power ratings!  Something to chew on until game reviews come out near the end of the week.  Seems Amherst does not provide them this season.....until they hire a new SID.
It is an interesting Fall season in all Fall sports,  Rankings and predictions are crumbling everywhere. 
I look forward to the humor filled ones from NBN...they blew their upset of Amherst...but graciously admitted their error.  Midd writer was raised well....parents are/were Midd faculty members.
ColbyFootball...like your outlook.  Believe better days ahead for the Colby Football Program...truely.
Was going to point out the head coach is the key to a solid football program, but there are other critical parts needed to sustain it over time...yes, all intertwined.  Parts include facilities, staff, administration support, recruiting.  All wrapped in the need for funding.
Amherst's Prez came aboard to rebuild the college faculty, the facilities.  The new Amherst football facility "money" was NOT to interfere with any Capital Campaign effort.  A relative small group of football alums and friends came up with the money shortly.  Facilities help recruiting, etc., etc. 
Tufts' program rebuilt started with the HC, then the facilities with money from a co-owner of the NY Giants, etc, etc.  Wes's present HC is a EPH alum/player and came for the Cardinal rebuild witH the Whale.  Oh yes, Tufts' HC is a Trinity alum/ player, I believe.  Heck, Caputi has been all over the Nescac...Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin and now Midd.  Remember him sending some Popcorn to Amherst's head basketball coach at Williams.  I was at the game in Willytown when Coach Hixon was scouting. 
Bottom line.....I believe  what is going on in Maine and elsewhere around the CAC....the Nescac will be a REALLY competitive conference.  The components for solid football programs  are coming together But on different schedules now. 
Hope this make some sense....ColbyFootball.

[ColbyFootball]

Nescacman....thanks for the power ratings!  Something to chew on until game reviews come out near the end of the week.  Seems Amherst does not provide them this season.....until they hire a new SID.
It is an interesting Fall season in all Fall sports,  Rankings and predictions are crumbling everywhere. 
I look forward to the humor filled ones from NBN...they blew their upset of Amherst...but graciously admitted their error.  Midd writer was raised well....parents are/were Midd faculty members.
ColbyFootball...like your outlook.  Believe better days ahead for the Colby Football Program...truely.
Was going to point out the head coach is the key to a solid football program, but there are other critical parts needed to sustain it over time...yes, all intertwined.  Parts include facilities, staff, administration support, recruiting.  All wrapped in the need for funding.
Amherst's Prez came aboard to rebuild the college faculty, the facilities.  The new Amherst football facility "money" was NOT to interfere with any Capital Campaign effort.  A relative small group of football alums and friends came up with the money shortly.  Facilities help recruiting, etc., etc. 
Tufts' program rebuilt started with the HC, then the facilities with money from a co-owner of the NY Giants, etc, etc.  Wes's present HC is a EPH alum/player and came for the Cardinal rebuild witH the Whale.  Oh yes, Tufts' HC is a Trinity alum/ player, I believe.  Heck, Caputi has been all over the Nescac...Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin and now Midd.  Remember him sending some Popcorn to Amherst's head basketball coach at Williams.  I was at the game in Willytown when Coach Hixon was scouting. 
Bottom line.....I believe  what is going on in Maine and elsewhere around the CAC....the Nescac will be a REALLY competitive conference.  The components for solid football programs  are coming together But on different schedules now. 
Hope this make some sense....ColvyFotball.

You make all valid points. It's the game planning, including the inexplicable personnel moves, and game day play calling, that has me scratching my head. But Saturday in Middlebury is a new day, and the game starts 0-0. Now let's beat the Panthers and get noticed.

[amh63]

All that money my parents and others spent on my education, I still cannot spell or proofread
Sorry ColbyFootball.  Really need a Tax Relief!  I know,....avoid politics here.

[meadowdale]

Wow.  Where did that come from?  Here are my comments, scientific or not.

• Tobacco.  That's an insulting straw man argument.  Please.  You can do better.
• Sample size.  The study was based on a whopping 214 (two hundred and fourteen) men who played football.  I'd be willing to bet there are +/- 40 million men in this country that played football at some point in their lives.
• Sample integrity.  32% of the sample played in the NFL.  48% played college ball.  Does that sound like a representative cross section of former youth football players to you?  Is there any possible way to posit that the cognitive issues arose because of YOUTH FOOTBALL, not playing in college or the pros?
• Control group.  What was it?  How was it defined?  Was there even a control group?  Or did the researchers look only at their 214 man sample, and extrapolate that there was a trend toward more impairment the longer one had played the game?
• Post hoc ergo prompter hoc logic.  What was really the determining variable here?  The age at which the kids started playing?  The number of years they played?  Or the ferociousness with which they played?  I find it impossible to believe there is no statistical difference between a kid who plays Pop Warner for 5 seasons, with a kid who has a passion for the game and grows up to play D1 or makes it to the NFL.  It feels to me like the researchers disregarded other hypotheses which would fit their data.
• The average age of the study participants was 51.  Remember what our helmets were like in the 1970's?  Is there much / any resemblance between those buckets to the stuff kids wear today?  Heck, my first experiences in tackle football were sans helmet, playing on the sandlot.  I'm sure others here can relate.

How about a study of a REPRESENTATIVE sample of American men who played football, including those who never played HS ball, never played college ball, and never made it to the pros?  I'd place credence in that study.  This smacks of sensationalism.

PS: Anecdotal evidence, from my own small sample size of 2: My kids both suffered multiple concussions in youth sports.  But the sports responsible were soccer and lacrosse.  Fit that into the data and tell me why youth football should be vilified?

I agree with everything you said and would add
Full contact almost everyday
Tackling a yard out of bounds was ok
Smelling salts got you square.

Too many variables in the studies so far.

[PolarCat]

The smelling salts comment took me back.  I wish I had a dollar for every time one of those little glass tubes of ammonia was popped under my nose or a teammates nose.  Do they even have those things any more? 

[meadowdale]

For the record, Colby is capable of beating any team in the NESCAC. That blowout at Trinity did not have to happen. Or the home loss to Williams. The missing ingredient is offensive coaches that are aggressive and play to win. Not play to avoid losing. Now let's shut down Middlebury's passing game and force them to beat us with the run. And let's leave it all on the field aggressively on offense. These Mules can beat those Panthers.

NO, THEY ABSOLUTELY CAN'T....
But I do appreciate the loyalty..