FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[P'bearfan]

A little snippet of news for the Bowdoin fans on this board.  My sources tell me that BC transfer Tevin Montgomery will be playing both football AND basketball for the Polar Bears next year.  Tevin is one of 3 members of his HS class profiled in this quick video: https://www.facebook.com/taboracademy/videos/879505115431949/

Wow!  Haven't heard anything about a football player joining the basketball team next year (but to be honest I haven't heard anything about any recruits for next year either).  At 6'-4" and 316, I think Tevin would be a true "presence in the paint".  Opposing players might think twice about either driving the lane or worse taking a charge if they see him coming.

[NewtoNescac]

KELTON.... 1 YEAR EXTENSION....LOOKS LIKE WILLIAMS ADMISSIONS IS THE TRUE CULPRIT.... INTERESTING,  CONSIDERING,   THE RECRUITING COORDINATORS WIFE IS 2nd IN COMMAND IN THAT OFFICE....

Where did you hear that he was extended?

[nescac1]

Wow.  Just, wow.  What is the point of a one year extension, anyway?  Either you decide you don't care about having a winning football team, and you just keep him indefinitely and guarantee that Williams never goes any better than 3-5 (in a good year) indefinitely, or you decide you want to win football games, and you don't.  But why have yet ANOTHER year of uncertainty / lame-duckitude / delaying the rebuilding process thanks to a one year extension?  That makes no sense whatsoever, if that is accurate. 

[quicksilver]

Amherst picks up a solid-looking QB prospect in Ollie Eberth from St. John's Prep in eastern Massachusetts.

[nescac1]

And the rich get richer, re: Amherst.  He'll sit for two years behind Foy.   If a guy like that came to Williams, he could start right away.  Once upon a time, that would be a no-brainer, given the Ephs' football tradition -- Williams always had a big-time stud QB in the pipeline, it seemed, and it was the Ephs who could afford to stockpile talent.   Kelton has yet to recruit one stud QB to replace the guy he inherited for one year of glory.  I guess it will continue indefinitely if the rumor is true. 

[NewtoNescac]

If Kelton is extended, my guess is the current PC climate nationwide was a factor. Just something I thought might come into play for some time now.

[PolarCat]

So what does he do now? Say "screw them, I'm only here for the paycheck" and mail it in?  Or work his butt off so he can land a decent AC job or HS HCOF when he hits the road?

Equally important, what is the impact of this on the recruiting pipeline and Keltons staff?

If what you're reporting is correct, the Ephs have made themselves a real sh*t sandwich.

[NewtoNescac]

Some schools get it, and some don't. Programs that want to win make the right decisions, especially when they're obvious. Andrew Cohen was a terrible hire and set Hamilton's progress back, but at least they recognized it and cut him loose after two years. Presumably eating a contract year. They brought in a quality coach, and look like they're serious about winning.

Keeping Kelton is a mistake, and I can't see any reasonable argument that can justify it after the past three years. Same goes for Michaeles at Colby. Those schools can't keep those coaches and claim they want to win, and have any credibility.

[nescacfollower]

With the first early decision acceptances rolling in within the next week, any info on incoming recruits from other schools?

[amh63]

In general, ED recruits info are slow to rise for public consumption...based on historic trends.  In football, one may get some info in the Spring via a HC newsletter to supporters.  Timing when the new class has been selected and acceptance  info are available.
On the other hand...this year can be different .

[hamfan88]

PC Climate? LOL. This is NESCAC football, not the SEC. The Bates HFC is 60 (yes, 6-0) games under .500 for his career and still has a job. As frustrating as it may be, wins and losses may not be all a school's administration considers in a decision to retain or fire someone. Blaming it on "PC" culture is just lazy.

[PolarCat]

I don't want to put words in NewtoNESCAC's mouth, but I assumed he was noting that Kelton is the only African-American HC / HCOF in the conference.  And in this super-heated, spinning-out-of-control campus climate, it might be more difficult to relieve him of his duties than a cis-gender white male coach.

And thanks for the gratuitous swipe at Harriman.  I know getting that elusive W has breathed more fire into your program, and given the fans a little spring in their step, but over the last 4 years Harriman has gone 15-17, while the Conts have gone 3-29.  There is really no comparison.

I don't think anyone involved with the Bates program is looking for Harriman to leave.  Though a lot of us wish the Administration would find the $$$ to get a quality OC, and increase the recruiting travel budget.  Hopefully, those wishes will come true.

[hamfan88]

PolarCat, all great points. Kelton is the only African-American coach in the conference, this is true. But his record has been abismal apart from his first year, and its clear he hasn't lived up to Williams' standards. What I am saying is that looking at onfield performance alone, the school has every right to fire him. Saying that they are giving him a 1-year extension because they're too afraid to fire him because he's black, on the other hand, is cheap and disrespectful. If his race really was the issue why not give him a 30-year extension? the PC problem is only going to get worse.

The point I was making with the Herriman is that despite his record, no one wants to see him go. Why? I am assuming because he does other things the adminstration and alumni find to be positive. I am sure he graduates his players, and the kids like playing for him. Why can't that be the case with Kelton? I am just suggesting that there are other things that administrations and alumni care about beyond wins and losses.

[quicksilver]

On the recruiting front, Bowdoin has a commitment from a QB from Staten Island -- Michael Cloppse of Monsignor Farrell -- here is a little video, indicating that he is a bit of a dual threat.

[NED3Guy]

From the outside looking in, reading the past few posts on here leads me to think that: a) Williams expects to win (or maybe they used to expect to win, and their alums still expect to win?) b) Bates is okay not winning and c) nobody knows what Colby's expectations are?