FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[NewtoNescac]

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.

I didn't "blame" it on Political Correctness, I merely recognized that PC may be a factor. As for your other point, winning is not the only thing of importance. The character of the coach, and how he helps develop character in his players should be high on any list. But as I've ondicated before, winning, and having smart successful players of high character are not mutually exclusive. You should strive for the whole package.

[PolarCat]

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?

I think everyone wants to win.  I know my son and his teammates do.  But there are no National Championships on the line - not even any postseason games on the line - and many of us are realists about what can be accomplished by an underpaid coaching staff with a 75 man roster, modest Administration support, and limited recruiting ability.  It's unlikely any of our sons are going to play football after college, so if they have a good experience, get a top notch education, make lifelong friends, learn important life lessons, and have a ton of fun, we're okay with that. 

We'd be thrilled if our team finished with a 7-1 record, but we're not chasing the coach through the streets with pitchforks and flaming torches if that doesn't happen.

Every once in a while, the narrative about a particular program gets twisted.  For example, if there is a dad who thinks his kid isn't getting as much playing time as he deserves, and has a personal vendetta against a coach.  Some of the stuff written on this board should be taken with multiple shakers of salt.  After all, it's the internet and I'm a French model.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bufTna0WArc&ab_channel=CraigFriebolin

[NewtoNescac]

PolarCat, everything you listed is of utmost importance. But, I know you'd agree that coupling all that great stuff with some wins now and then doesn't hurt.

[PolarCat]

Wow.  Informative post, certainly puts things in a different light.  Assuming it's all true (and I have no reason to believe that it's not, other than the fact you can't trust that everything on the internet is completely accurate).  It would be interesting to hear Frank's perspective, or one of the other long-time Eph posters.

[All NESCAC]

As it stands,  Kelton really is a good person, yet,  does not have the leadership skills and football knowledge to run the Williams College program.     The college leaned much to heavily on him after the first season when  he went 8-0,  trotting him him around like a horse and pony show. (Geronimo)    They asked way to much of him,  art tours at the college museum,  reaching out to alumni to give donations for their new athletic complex project etc.  Being an African American in Williamstown is hard enough  and to ask more from him was not a smart idea. 

Clearly  Lisa Melendy the athletic director, knew of these activities,  its her department and she didn't put a stop to it.   She then covered Keltons behind when he was only showing up 2-3 days a week during the off season during his 5-3, 4-4 years cause she couldn't manage him.  When finally pressed after the team went 2-6,  it all  blew up in her face.    She couldn't cut it and manage her department,  a complete and total lack of leadership on her part.   Good coaches don't need a paternal/maternal hand,  but those who aren't need proper leadership and support,  none of which she offered by her as his boss.

    Now his rehiring process 3 years ago,   both the Offensive and Defensive Coordinator at the time of his rehire were part of the senior faculty that made decisions on rehiring Kelton, and were part of the general meetings that took place.   As a reminder, the offensive coordinator had gone for Keltons position when he was initially hired after Whalen left.    Imagine the complete stupidity of having two members of a staff, underneath you, one of which wanted your job in the first place, then going on to evaluate you.

Now the real question is,  will Williams (Melendy) (Falk) (Board of Trustees) clean house after Kelton leaves in another year,  or will they,  all who clearly have no idea what they are doing when it comes to americas passion, keep any of them on-board, hence,   forcing the new coach to retain someone that isn't their hire and deal with the baggage of the past.   

So, the extra year Kelton is around,  with a losing team, bad coaching knowledge,  leadership and a poor recruiting class shouldn't not really be blamed on him at this point,  he is just trying to hold onto a job because his next stop on the coaching train will be a lesser; blame it on where the buck stops,  and thats with those at the top,  Melendy, Falk, Trustees.

       This isn't a smear campaign,  I am merely reporting the facts, which at this point in the game,  need to be reported.  The administration  seems to have smeared themselves and current players, and alumni can and should blame them.

The Eph Football Alumni are going to be red hot upset at his extension as HFC.  Very disappointing display of leadership...a 1 year extension...really....talk about a lame duck....either he's the guy you want leading your program or not....fish or cut bait.  This decision (assuming it is true) is probably the worst choice which could be made...talk about indecisive leadership.

[amh63]

One thing for sure...this board has had some interesting topics.  And the "pages" keep on flipping on a board that has no post season games and an eight game season.  I hope all things work out for the Williams Football Program....Truly.

[NewtoNescac]

With Williams and any of the other football situations, we're applying real world principles, to an artificial world. The world of academia, including athletics, exists in a bubble. Alumni are part of the bubble to a certain extent, but it's still a bubble. So, we'll never understand it.

[nescacfollower]

Curious to whether there's any rumors of Colby's Coach Michaeles leaving or staying?

[NewtoNescac]

I heard he was extended, but I don't know for sure. The football lunch/banquet was last week. Oddly, the AD spoke briefly and then left. The College President was listed to speak, but wasn't there at all, and no one mentioned him. Not sure what to make of this, if anything.

[lumbercat]

Harriman struggled for quite awhile at Bates with an administration and college President who were extremely apothetic toward Football and Athletics in general.

A new athletic director followed by a new President, who appreciates and embraces athletics, has resulted in much needed support for the program. Harriman has turned things around despite a disappointment this year.

However, if the Bates administration doesn't turn support up further it's doubtful the program will get better than present.

More financial support is needed. On the Bates Football Christmas list is increased funds for the hiring of an experienced Offensive Coordinator from a winning program and an increase in the pay scale for the coaching staff along with increases to the recruiting budget.

Good news from Lewiston on the commitment of highly touted Nescac recruit RB Will Bessey who was snatched from Bowdoin backyard in Brunswick. 5'10 205, a fine addition to the Bates ground attack.

[PolarCat]

On the Bates Football Christmas list is increased funds for the hiring of an experienced Offensive Coordinator from a winning program and an increase in the pay scale for the coaching staff along with increases to the recruiting budget.

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, a Red Ryder BB gun, a Barbie doll for my sister, and a new offensive scheme for the Bobcats.

I've left you extra cookies, and a half dozen carrots for Rudolph.

Yours truly,

Every Bates Fan, Everywhere

[PolarCat]

Good news from Lewiston on the commitment of highly touted Nescac recruit RB Will Bessey who was snatched from Bowdoin backyard in Brunswick. 5'10 205, a fine addition to the Bates ground attack.

Unconfirmed addition to this good news (gleaned from creepily web-stalking the Bates College Class of 2020 Facebook page:

Patrick Beaton, West Newbury, MA, CB / WR at Williston Northampton School.  His HUDL film is really impressive.  Added to Lyons, Brandon Williams, Frake, Coulibaly and Upton, looks like the Bobcats are building their own Legion of Boom.  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6482843/highlights/302316441/v2

[lumbercat]

Great to see another Beaton committing to Bates.

Tommy Beaton was a great Harriman recruit to Bates. A high school QB and great athlete who was moved to a slot type position. He was an Edelman type player in the Bates offense. Also an all Nescac baseball player. He is currently a top assistant on Civetti's staff at Tufts.

Patrick looks like a great commit for the Bobcats.

I see a recurring theme in Bates recruiting in the past few years which speaks volumes for the football experience at Bates. A number of top recruits following their brothers to Bates Football......to name just a few:

McAlister- both all Nescac.
Durkin- two outstanding Linebackers and leaders- both all Nescac.
Guinee- older brother Larry a 4 year starter with young Bobcat Martin now a mainstay in the Bates weight room as he proceeds to follow in Larry's footsteps.
Beaton- another Beaton in Garnet is a great thing.

If their brother has a positive experience at Bates recruits are more likely to follow in their brother 's footsteps.....that is clearly the case here.

They are doing a lot of things right with Bates Football but need to turn it up another notch to get better. If they are able to make some financial enhancements in the program and move to the next level alumni support and contributions to  the Bates Fund will continue the trend of exponential growth in President Spencers dynamic campaign.

[nescacfollower]

Surprised that we haven't heard much about Colby, whether Michaeles is staying or not, I just know that this year they need to bring in a bunch of talented recruits. Not saying they don't have talent on their team, they do. Offensive coordinating I think may be the problem.

[NewtoNescac]

Surprised that we haven't heard much about Colby, whether Michaeles is staying or not, I just know that this year they need to bring in a bunch of talented recruits. Not saying they don't have talent on their team, they do. Offensive coordinating I think may be the problem.

Yes, OC is a major problem. But, let's not forget they had a different OC in 2014. The common denominator in 2014 and 2015 is the HC. Take it for what you think it's worth, but that is a fact. Not opinion.