FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[polbear73]

Top home field venues in the NESCAC-

Williams- the new facility trumps Amherst and is the best in the league. As good as it gets.

Bowdoin- although the playing surface has deteriorated and the infrastructure is old it's still the most iconic venue in the NESCAC.

Bates- the new Garcelon field has a great feel that combines the old tradtion at Bates with the renovated stadium which is located at the direct center of the Bates campus. Best Fan support is best in the league. Fans are closer to the action at Garelon than any other Nescac venue.

Amherst- a nice new facility set behind a track located at the far edge of the expansive Amherst campus. Jeff students may take Ubers to the games? Never be as good as Williams but great tailgating allowed right at the field.

Hamilton- the most underrated facility in the Nescac but nobody goes there because it's so damn far from New England.

Colby- Mayflower Hill is a nice place but when you sit in the stands to you need binoculars or a periscope to see the game-- the stands are set way back behind the track and an expansive berm. The game is a rumor from those stands- never been to a field where fans are further from the field.

Trinity- The largest stadium in the league but in a location where there is no intreraction with the campus and teams have that long hike from the locker rooms to the field. However this is the high end Nescac facility in terms of capacity.

Wesleyan- a football field in a baseball Field.....reminder of the days when the Boston Patriots played at Fenway Park. Cards football needs their own stadium....you can't move Wes baseball from that iconic venue.

Tufts- Ellis Oval- sterile facility with stands set way back off the track......typically more fans on the visiting side at Ellis but believe that will change very rapidly as Big Civ continues to mold the Brown and Blue culture.

Middlebury- almost forgot---a very nice facility, one of the very best but anyone who has ever visited it has the same comment........why are the stands only on one side?.....drop the whole mountain scenery thing and put some stands on the other side for the visiting team- it won't compromise the great view.

Interesting post and, having seen all of the venues, I agree with your characterizations.  There are some great places to play football in NESCAC.

Very disappointed in Bowdoin's lack of announcement regarding a Whittier Field renovation as plans have been drawn up for a long time.  Hope it's administrative in nature and not a sign that Bowdoin won't commit to bettering the football program. 

[lumbercat]

Polbear73-

I am not connected to the Black and White as you are but all of my contacts said it was a done deal at Whittier? ........howevever they did point out that the conservationists at Bowdoin are a formidable opponent to almost any advancement- especially in athletics which is why the great natural turf at Whittier has deteriorated to a mud puddle.

I am at a distance but have only learned recently of these alleged headwinds in athletics in Bowdoin athletics, not sure I buy it.-

I hear of animosity on campus specifically among the faculty against expenditures and admissions accommodations for the fine Bowdoin hockey program and further resentment of expenditures for Football coupled with questions about "helmet sports"......really?

..........always thought Bowdoin was sports friendly but following the Caputi firing I am not sure.

Just hope they don't let that Whittier field complex deteriorate- its one of the very best D3 football facilities in the northeast.

[polbear73]

Lumbercat--I too thought Whittier was a done deal and expected an announcement around the time that Coach Wells' hiring was announced.  I have heard the same thing about the conservationists-apparently they are concerned about chemicals leaching into an aquafer running below Whittier's surface.  All of us old Polar Bears remain extremely proud of the venue, but understand that it has deteriorated and become a detriment to recruiting.  Hopefully that will be rectified. 

I'm not sure that the Bowdoin faculty's attitudes are that much different from the other NESCAC schools.  I do know that the Mills Administration wanted a more competitive football program and did grant more resources, but not in the manner nor in sufficient quantities to ensure program success.  Hopefully the Rose Administration will provide the necessary support.  I also think Bowdoin is sports friendly but football seems to lack the necessary support, going beyond the numbers argument.  I believe to a very large degree, Coach Caputi was a victim and not a cause. 

Great post, Lumbercat.  Lots of good information.

[nescac1]

If you are creative you can find an unofficial preliminary roster on the Williams site.  This won't be the final roster since every single guy with eligibility from last year's team is listed, so certainly there will be some changes.  But there are no surprise names on (no transfers, no fifth-year seniors), and it does include over 20 frosh:

http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/fball/2015-16/roster

Most of the frosh listed have been reported already.  A lot of these guys are two-sport players so I wonder how many will stick with football long-term.  The most interesting prospects (and of course this is largely guess-work) appear to be the tailbacks Sorrento and Dumont, who are sure to challenge for immediate PT given the thin depth chart at RB, QB Dunn, who is one of only two non-senior QBs in the program, some of the linemen on both sides (in particular Governale, Loughran, Salveson, Andrews, and Thomas), and converted QB Moaney, whose position is yet to be determined but figures to play either WR or DB. 

Loads of question marks for Williams heading into the season, more than just about any that I can recall.  TB is wide open, there are several key slots to fill on both interior lines, it is totally unclear who the kicker and punter will be (no single dedicated K/P on the roster, rather the position is filled by guys who play other positions as well), and will Pomella play some at QB behind Lommen or be converted to a full-time WR, among various others.  Hopefully a least a few of the frosh will be ready to help early. 

[PolarCat]

I hear of animosity on campus specifically among the faculty against expenditures and admissions accommodations for the fine Bowdoin hockey program and further resentment of expenditures for Football coupled with questions about "helmet sports"......really?

..........always thought Bowdoin was sports friendly but following the Caputi firing I am not sure.

There is a very vocal anti-jock element in Brunswick, though I don't know how much the Administration is influenced by it. 

Example: As a first year, my daughter was told by two NARP's (non-athletic regular persons) to vacate a prized private study area in the library, because "you're an athlete and you don't deserve to be here."

Example: A recent grad told me quite proudly that he had never, ever attended a football game during his time at Bowdoin   The way he said it clearly sent the message "serious students are above that nonsense".

Example: Some of the comments in the Bowdoin Orient following Dave Caputi's resignation favored abolishing football entirely and redirecting the football budget to more financial aid.  "Good riddance. Next step is getting rid of the football program entirely."  And, "Resources (Money/Admissions) are used for a Football. The money could be used to enhance the academic experience at Bowdoin (more professors/better financial aid). Removing tips (admitting under qualified student athletes) would help raise the quality of student enrolled at Bodwoin"  (One could say resources could also be used for a spell checker, but that would be snarky).

Example: One of the top candidates for student government last year ran on a platform that would have drastically curtailed the budget for ALL sports: eliminate all paid assistant coaches, require the athletes to purchase their own uniforms, require the athletes to drive themselves to away games, etc.  The money thus freed up would be used to expand financial aid for middle class families.

Viewed against that backdrop, I would not be the least bit surprised if there were vocal elements on campus who would like Whittier Field used as an organic garden, a housing complex for Syrian refugees, a LGBT center, a Wiccan worship center, or a similar cause that would help rid Brunswick of the backward-thinking and subversive athletic elements.

I'm sure this sentiment exists on all campuses, but at Bowdoin the NARP's take inordinate pride in their anti-jock-ness.  It will be illuminating to see where President Rose weighs in.

[polbear73]

One would also wonder, PolarCat, if a winning (or more competitive) program would silence, or at least tone down, the NARPs.  Historically, the community gets behind (successful) sports teams.  It would be a nice change here. 

[PolarCat]

Let's try it and find out!   

[NewtoNescac]

I do believe successful football programs bring increased alumni fundraising. And, it adds an important non-academic element to every school. These are things football "haters" will never admit. So be it.

[P'bearfan]

One would also wonder, PolarCat, if a winning (or more competitive) program would silence, or at least tone down, the NARPs.  Historically, the community gets behind (successful) sports teams.  It would be a nice change here. 

I think you're spot on.  I've seen the student body turn out in force for a number of big men's basketball games. 

Hopefully the new HFC can turn the program around and enjoy support from the broader student body.

Also, I find the comments that athletes are not serious students to be simply ignorant.....most of the MBB players I know work their tails off in the classroom and overall do quite well.....one of them, some kid named Swords, graduated cum laude and was one of just two students granted the President's award for his overal contribution to the school.

[RetiredMule]

Polarcat-

I think you make some great points and bring examples to the divide between athletes and no-athletes at NESCAC schools.  While I believe all of these schools experience this divide to differing degrees, Bowdoin's does seem quite tense as acknowledged by your examples and my tangential experience through other Bowdoin athletes that I knew.  The gap between athletes and NARPs comes this lack of an understanding or lack of a desire to understand the time and physical commitments of student athletes at a NESCAC school.  While people like to discount this as D3 sports, those same people tend to forget the 6 hour afternoons committed each fall by NESCAC football players between lifts, meetings, practice and rehab. 

This lack of understanding manifests itself as a sort of segregation between athletes and non-athletes.  Since the athletes care not to have their decision to play constantly questioned or mocked, they spend their time with other athletes who understand this commitment.  Similarly, non-athletes spend their time with other non-athletes due to the lack of these specific time commitments due to sports.  It deepens this divide.

Now this is not to say that friendships do not exist across this gap, but it is definitely easier and more comfortable to hang out with those in your athlete or non-athlete sphere.  I kind of attribute it to the same way people tend to self segregate to their own socioeconomic class because it lessens the opportunity for mismatches in time/opportunity and thus awkwardness.

[PolarCat]

You're right.  "Segregation" is a good word for it.  Remember the movie "Revenge of the Nerds?"  I think part of this is the "Revenge of the NARP's" as the kids who were always picked last for dodgeball finally have a chance to disparage their more-athletic peers.  In Bowdoin (and probably elsewhere) they do this by proclaiming that too many resources are wasted on "dumb jocks."

It's a stereotype that doesn't hold water.  Two of the "dumb jock" football players from my Alma Mater went on to become US Treasury Secretary and CEO of General Electric (Hank Paulson and Jeff Imelt, respectively).  But the NARP's aren't willing to hear that.

To be fair, the athletes do their part in perpetuating the divide.  A NARP can forget about getting admitted to a party at Crack (the late, lamented football/lacrosse house at Bowdoin), the baseball house, the soccer house, or any of the other hotbeds of Brunswick social activity.  (And the same thing happens, though with less vehemence, at Bates).

It's funny, but my kids actually had a MORE inclusionary experience at their New England prep school, where all students (even NARP's) were obliged to participate in a sport for three years.  That produced a much healthier campus environment than the jocks-vs.-NAPR's culture they have in college.

How many days till the season starts?  Can't wait to start discussing lineups, clutch plays, upsets and OT heroics instead of these tangential topics!

[quicksilver]

The "NARP"-athlete divide is hardly unique to Bowdoin in the NESCAC. The same thing with regard to faculty whining about sports at Bowdoin -- that has been going on forever at Bowdoin as it has at many other (most??) NESCACs. There was an extended and polarized discussion of the "NARP"-athlete in the Middlebury student newspaper last year that began with this piece and included this response from a Middlebury basketball player . . .

The delay in the improving of Whittier is likely due to the fact that Clayton Rose has only been president of Bowdoin for a little more than 7 weeks and is proceeding cautiously while he figures out the lay of the land. The sorry condition of the field at Whittier is due to the Town's restrictions on the use of fertilizers because the Town's aquifer is beneath the field. I suspect that some of those concerns could carry over to a reconstruction of the field. Brunswick also has a new town manager, who got the job in part because the last town manager was let go after rolling over too easily to accommodate Bowdoin's projects and plans. So new guys in both the president's and town manager's spots are likely to slow the process down. And of course it is now too late to upgrade the field in time for the fall season so no reason to make an announcement when the work probably cannot begin until the spring of 2016. Or at least I hope that this is what is happening!!!   

[RetiredMule]

It's funny, but my kids actually had a MORE inclusionary experience at their New England prep school, where all students (even NARP's) were obliged to participate in a sport for three years.  That produced a much healthier campus environment than the jocks-vs.-NAPR's culture they have in college.

It is funny that you bring up the prep schools as a side point. I too found a much more inclusive environment within the prep schools of New England where all played sports to some degree.  But I think that also speaks to the prep school environment as a whole and one which I am extremely supportive of. 

To be fair, the athletes do their part in perpetuating the divide.

And I do believe that athletes do their fair part to reinforce these divides.  Luckily in the NESCAC we have a few less Ogres standing on the roof screaming "NERDS!", but alas they are present and make themselves known occasionally.  Some guys even have fun playing into this at times. But part of that comes with the psyche brought upon by countless hours in a locker room interspersed with banging your head into other oversized humans.

[TheHerst2and4]

Amherst put together a little hype video for the 2015 season for those interested, about a month away from the season opener-can't wait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhecplUq19M&feature=youtu.be

[Trin9-0]

Top home field venues in the NESCAC-

Williams- the new facility trumps Amherst and is the best in the league. As good as it gets.

Bowdoin- although the playing surface has deteriorated and the infrastructure is old it's still the most iconic venue in the NESCAC.

Bates- the new Garcelon field has a great feel that combines the old tradtion at Bates with the renovated stadium which is located at the direct center of the Bates campus. Best Fan support is best in the league. Fans are closer to the action at Garelon than any other Nescac venue.

Amherst- a nice new facility set behind a track located at the far edge of the expansive Amherst campus. Jeff students may take Ubers to the games? Never be as good as Williams but great tailgating allowed right at the field.

Hamilton- the most underrated facility in the Nescac but nobody goes there because it's so damn far from New England.

Colby- Mayflower Hill is a nice place but when you sit in the stands to you need binoculars or a periscope to see the game-- the stands are set way back behind the track and an expansive berm. The game is a rumor from those stands- never been to a field where fans are further from the field.

Trinity- The largest stadium in the league but in a location where there is no intreraction with the campus and teams have that long hike from the locker rooms to the field. However this is the high end Nescac facility in terms of capacity.

Wesleyan- a football field in a baseball Field.....reminder of the days when the Boston Patriots played at Fenway Park. Cards football needs their own stadium....you can't move Wes baseball from that iconic venue.

Tufts- Ellis Oval- sterile facility with stands set way back off the track......typically more fans on the visiting side at Ellis but believe that will change very rapidly as Big Civ continues to mold the Brown and Blue culture.

Middlebury- almost forgot---a very nice facility, one of the very best but anyone who has ever visited it has the same comment........why are the stands only on one side?.....drop the whole mountain scenery thing and put some stands on the other side for the visiting team- it won't compromise the great view.

Great topic! I enjoy these types of comparisons among NESCAC programs. I'll add a few thoughts; first Andrus Field at Wesleyan is the oldest consecutively used football field in the nation so I wouldn't expect them to change that anytime soon.

I always loved the views in Middlebury but admittedly have never viewed the game as a spectator there. As I recall, Hamilton also has limited or no seating behind the visitor bench and the view from the home stands isn't nearly as picturesque. My favorite venue as a visiting player was at Bowdoin. I loved the very long walk through the pine trees and the grandstands, while due for a face-lift, are gorgeous.

I have not yet seen the renovations to Williams, Amherst or Bates but they all look very well done based on the photos and videos I've seen. Tailgating just beyond the end zone at Amherst was always my favorite place to watch as a fan. The no alcohol policy at Williams games ensured it's among my least favorite places to tailgate.

I agree that having the track between the stands and the field is a detriment at Tufts and Colby, but at Trinity fans are permitted to stand and walk along the track which means you can follow the line of scrimmage throughout the game and get a great, close-up view of the action. I have attended many Trin games since I graduated and I don't think I've ever actually sat in the stands.

I can't help but view your stance on Bates having "the best fan support in the league" to be somewhat slanted. According to the data at NCAA.com here are the average home attendance figures for the NESCAC over the past four seasons:

Trinity - 3,572
Wesleyan   - 3,109
Amherst - 2,321
Bates - 2,132
Williams - 1,947
Bowdoin - 1,732
Middlebury - 1,725
Tufts - 1,715
Colby - 1,228
Hamilton - 1,109

It remains to be seen if the aura of the 13 year undefeated streak in The Coop can return following an unthinkable two game home losing streak for Trin. But, while I'm admittedly biased, here's a video that helps illustrate why I believe the atmosphere at Jessee-Miller Field is second to none in the NESCAC:
https://vimeo.com/135969301