FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[hamgrand]

I went to see St. Anselm play Sacred Heart last night.  My friend's son (and my son's best friend) plays for St. Anselm.  It was an entertaining game although D-2 St A's lost to D-1 AA Sacred Heart 43 - 19.

At the game there was a lot of discussion about the proposal to go D-3 put forth by the relatively new President of St. Anselm.  Lots of the parents were up in arms.  According to what I heard, they are evaluating joining what will be a new D-3 conference in New England that will consist of some New England D-3 schools.  I know MIT and Springfield College were mentioned as two on the list.  If it is accurate, it would mean that Springfield and MIT would switch from their current leagues.  Word is that if it goes through, it would happen for the 2017 season.  They would honor all current scholarships for all athletes but would stop giving any out going forward.

As it was told to me, there was a meeting a few weeks ago and it was the first time any of the coaches heard of the proposal.  Anyone in New England hear anything about this situation or this new conference?

[hamgrand]

Sorry, all info from previous post was what I heard at the game last night.  I just did some quick web searching (probably should have done before I posted) and found this article on the subject.

http://herosports.com/collegebasketball/d2-saint-anselm-explores-move-d3/

[PolarCat]

It's a done deal, and it's called NEWMAC.  Here's an article: http://www.newmacsports.com/landing/2014-15_News/footballannouncement

With 7 teams moving from existing conferences to NEWMAC, at least one conference may no longer have enough teams to get an AQ (automatic qualifier) bid to the NCAA tournament.  It makes sense that they would be scrambling to seduce other programs away from their current conferences.  So St. Anselm could be thinking about moving to NEWMAC, Liberty or NEFC.

I love having Hamilton in NESCAC.  But I can't help but wonder if, given the Liberty League defections (and the fact the Continentals football team has unsuccessful - to date - in NESCAC), they might be tempted to cut down on their travelling and move over to Liberty.

I know one Hamilton coach who is plenty frustrated by the recruiting / admissions restrictions imposed by NESCAC membership.  I bet they would love to spend more time coaching up their players, and less time battling with Admissions.  I would guess that NEWMAC, Liberty or NEFC would all be much less restrictive in this regard,

[hamgrand]

Thanks for the info.  Interesting changes - and the world certainly does not stand still.

I can see your point about Hamilton, but I hope something like that doesn't happen.  I really enjoy the NESCAC league.

[polbear73]

For what it's worth, my Hamilton contacts tell me that the administration remains fully committed to NESCAC as it aligns more closely with the league's academic profiles. 

[PolarCat]

Switching gears.  I enjoyed watching the ND - Texas game last night, despite the lopsided.  The NB QB was superb, and the Irish won't be missing Golson.  And their FY kicker (Justin Yoon, from Boston-area Milton Academy) was impressive. 

But I thought Brian Kelly was extremely unsportsmanlike.  Texas was going for a 52 yard FG.  Not once, but TWICE, Kelly called time out just as the ball was being snapped.  Each time, the Texas K split the uprights, but it didn't count.  On the third try, the kid missed wide left.  (He came back later and made a 42 yarder).  Patriots haters love to rag on Belichick, but I thought Kelly's stunt was worse than anything the Hoodie's done.

And I do wish NESCAC had marching bands.  I remember some pretty funny / vulgar halftime shows from the Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale and Princeton bands back in my day, but last night's Kansas State performance really raised the bar on insulting your rivals: 

http://www.complex.com/sports/2015/09/kansas-state-starship-enterprise-in-jayhawks-mouth?utm_campaign=complexmag&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&sr_share=facebook

[Pat Coleman]

Don't want to splash cold water on the joy of speculation, but we will all be dead and gone before NESCAC changes its posture on intercollegiate football except, of course, the long term possibility of one or more colleges dropping play entirely.

Speak for yourself.

[P'bearfan]

But I thought Brian Kelly was extremely unsportsmanlike.  Texas was going for a 52 yard FG.  Not once, but TWICE, Kelly called time out just as the ball was being snapped.  Each time, the Texas K split the uprights, but it didn't count.  On the third try, the kid missed wide left.

PolarCat - I watched that game as well and have to heartily disagree (full disclosure I'm a lifelong ND fan).  Kelly's use of timeouts was simply great coaching.  Time was expiring in the first half and he doesn't get to carry the timeouts over to the 2nd half.  If Kelly can prevent Texas from scoring it's a big pyschological blow to them. 

Whether the timeouts got into the kicker's head, caused fatigue or something else....they were effective.  I can see why some fans don't like the disruption to the flow of the game but I wouldn't call it unsportsmanlike.

[polbear73]

I am a lifelong ND hater and I have to agree with P'bearfan. Kelly's tactics were effective and a classic example of gamesmanship but not poor sportsmanship.

[amh63]

A little small world comment and other things.
Sacred Hearts U. Is what...div1-aa in football?!   My brother-in law grew up in Easton...went to Sacred Hearts Academy and then Fairfield U.  My wife's cousins both went to Fairfield Prep and then Fairfield U.  Fairfield Prep was a H.S. Football powerhouse and a feeder school like Staples to the Nescac.  Do not believe Fairfield Prep or the University supports football now.  Yet Sacred Heart seems to grow in sports.  where do they play football?  not much open land available in that Gold Coast region.  hamgrand..any comments, corrections.
Amherst football remains quiet...no roster update.....as other Fall Sports start play on Tues.
Did see some more pics of players at a local ice- cream place...bonding and wishing a teammate a birthday.  The birthday boy..Jr defensive lineman...was holding Crutches!  Only 4 days into practice and an injury of note..it seems.

[PolarCat]

It took this a while to register, but judging from the photos they posted Saturday on their Facebook page, Bates has made some changes to their uniforms for 2015, at least to the jerseys.  Both the home (Garnet) and away (White) jerseys have gained contrasting side panels - black and Garnet, respectively.  The away jerseys have also picked up some snazzy Garnet and black striping on the arms.

No sign yet of the pants, but it appears the monochromatic uniforms (some might say old school, others might say "visually uninspiring") are gone. Now, I'm not suggesting any NESCAC go to these extremes, but it is nice to freshen things up a bit: http://www.sbnation.com/2015/9/5/9266265/oregon-ducks-new-uniforms-sexy-bees

[lumbercat]

Polarcat-
Those are old game jerseys that Bates wears in practice. Bates has gone through some of the trendy uniform fads with side panels etc. Before your son arrived they wore black pants. A few years ago they switched back to the Garnet pants and the traditional jersey that you see today.
Not sure if changes are in place for this year but expect a similar look.

[NewtoNescac]

Does anyone know the scrimmage schedule for any teams? I'd love to watch some early football.

[lumbercat]

 I believe Colby-Bates scrimmage is Fri 9/18.

[NewtoNescac]

Thanks, Lumbercat.