FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[AmherstStudent05]

Admittedly the use of "graveyard" was hyperbolic and required explanation. The definition of "coaching greatness" will remain Potter Stewart-like. In my view, the head job at Wake Forest is not by any stretch on the road to greatness, and Clawson can do better. As far as NFL championship rings go, I have two and am declining to claim greatness of any kind whatsoever, football connected or otherwise.

Thanks for the clarification, Frank.  I understand not wanting to precisely define greatness.  But if you know it when you see it, would you mind sharing the names of a couple of MAC coaches who have had suitably "great" careers.  I must confess that I still don't understand exactly what coach/career path you wish Clawson to emulate.  Thanks.

Also, congratulations on the NFL Championships.  Very cool.  Hopefully you can help confirm that those things tend not to be awarded posthumously.

[frank uible]

Bo and Woody are two.

[AmherstStudent05]

Bo and Woody are two.

Ha. Woody just about left Miami the first chance he got.  Pretty poor example of institutional loyalty to the MAC.  Woody was evidently no dope.  Again, I am sure it is a fine conference, but if you want to make a name for yourself as a coach these days, you really need to follow Woody's example and leave the MAC ASAP.  The Power Conferences are where greatness may be established.

Speaking of the "Smart Money," the Smart Money would most certainly NOT advise Coach Clawson to hold out for the OSU job (or is it, THE OSU job?) but it is an interesting thought.   

[nescac1]

As expected Clawson is offered and accepts the Wake Forest job.  I think this is a great move for Clawson.  It's pretty amazing how well Little Three alums have fared in the world of big-time sports.  Amherst boasts three baseball GMs, Wesleyan has Belichik and Mangini, and Williams now has two baseball owners, one football owner, two D1 basketball coaches, an ACC head coach and an SEC offensive coordinator. 

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24370572/bowling-green-coach-dave-clawson-to-be-named-head-coach-at-wake-forest

[nescac1]

http://www.d3football.com/awards/all-region/2013/d3football-all-east-region-2013.pdf

NESCAC guys on the all-East Region team:

1st team: Foote and Allard from Midd
2nd team: Cleary from Bowdoin
3rd team: Sadik-Khan from Midd, Howe from Williams, Kukesh from Bates

Of that group only Howe (basically the sole bright spot for Williams this season) returns.  Midd is going to be a very different team next season with all the offensive firepower they lose (in particular Foote, of course, who is irreplaceable) ... I'm surprised no one from Wesleyan made it, but most of the top Cardinals players return, so they will likely have a few guys on next year's squad. 

[AmherstStudent05]

As expected Clawson is offered and accepts the Wake Forest job.  I think this is a great move for Clawson.  It's pretty amazing how well Little Three alums have fared in the world of big-time sports.  Amherst boasts three baseball GMs, Wesleyan has Belichik and Mangini, and Williams now has two baseball owners, one football owner, two D1 basketball coaches, an ACC head coach and an SEC offensive coordinator. 

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24370572/bowling-green-coach-dave-clawson-to-be-named-head-coach-at-wake-forest

Congratulations to Coach Clawson.  This is an excellent move for him.  While he undoubtedly has his work cut out for him, the ACC platform should provide him a wonderful opportunity to put his talents to the test.  Here's hoping he does at least well enough to never be tempted to return to Williamstown!

[frank uible]

Not since the legendary Peahead Walker, whose term was 1937 through 1950, has any Wake HFC had a winning record over the stretch of his career there.

[amh63]

So the Williams vs Amherst competition continues on the sports celebrity stage
I wish to clarify the rules a little....in that the alum must also have played the related sport in college.  Ownerships is great but it is achievement on another stage.  Better yet, may I suggest a closure on the subject   I may have to argue for definition of ownership % or even worst....do some homework and clarify the limited partnerships of past and present sports franchises of alums.  Just pulling your leg a little here NESCAC 1

[nescac1]

Amh63, would you rather be the Amherst grad who is employed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, or the Williams grads (a father-son duo) who own the team and can choose to fire him at any time?  I'd choose the latter, personally . 

[NCF]

Congrats to Mac Foote on being named a Gagliardi Finalist! Winner announced next Wednesday.

[Gr8ful1]

http://www.d3football.com/awards/all-region/2013/d3football-all-east-region-2013.pdf

NESCAC guys on the all-East Region team:

1st team: Foote and Allard from Midd
2nd team: Cleary from Bowdoin
3rd team: Sadik-Khan from Midd, Howe from Williams, Kukesh from Bates

Of that group only Howe (basically the sole bright spot for Williams this season) returns.  Midd is going to be a very different team next season with all the offensive firepower they lose (in particular Foote, of course, who is irreplaceable) ... I'm surprised no one from Wesleyan made it, but most of the top Cardinals players return, so they will likely have a few guys on next year's squad.

Shame on you nescac1. "Sole bright spot"? 2-6 team places 3 on all-conference teams. The D-back put up virtually team leading stats having only played 7 games. The WR's are wonderful talents. Measure them based on what they were able to do when thrown to, not take the swipe you did largely due to QB play, inexperience on the O-line, and play calling. Most teams in the league would take the RB...another bright spot. Team has been wallowing in a dark place perhaps but Howe (who's season was outstanding) is hardly the sole bright spot. IMO.

[nescac1]

You are right, Gr8ful1, that is very fair, I was thinking more of the season, holistically, and certainly plenty of other guys played well as individuals.  I think that if they played with Foote (and Foote's offensive line and offensive system), for example, Sime, Way, Payton, or Kiesel all would have been all-NESCAC players, easily.  And Cabarle did stand out on defense.  I've noted them (among a few other young players of note returning next year) before, and should not have omitted them on this occasion. 

[frank uible]

Sounds like an excess of optimism.

[Nescacparent]

Is it strange that of the 3 NESCAC teams sharing the championship only 1 has representation on the All East Region team linked above? O

[frank uible]

A cardinal rule for maintaining equanimity in fandom is "don't take all-star teams seriously". They very much tend to be haphazard, careless and full of ignorance and petty politics.