FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[nescac1]

I think that is right Frank, but I would not anticipate a lot of football transfers, even with a new coach -- Williams only takes about 10 total or so per year, and rarely are more than a very small handful athletes.  But, it would be nice if a new coach could bring in a star or two (particularly at QB) to help jump start the rebuilding process! 

[amh63]

On Sunday, at Amherst, I was having breakfast and met up with a friend...a senior admission Dean.  He was picking up coffee and Sunday papers.  He stayed while I chowed down. We caught up with family news.  He was a former Captain of the Williams football team and a MD native.  I had supported his visits in the DC area.  The Office of Admissions is closed to visitors presently...but tours are still given...with tour visitors  themselves using Alumni Gym to keep warm.
Anyway, the admission deans are working 24\ 7 to read the regular student applications now...my friend's words.  The conversation turned to the size of the ED classes at Amherst and at Williams. It was interesting to learn that Amherst is targeting a class of 475 for next year, while Willions has a target of about 550.  We debated the percentage of the class taken in the ED period at both schools.  My friend checked the numbers on his smart phone....he is aware of the numbers and both have been reported on websites, etc.  yes, Williams took a higher percentage of their next class during ED...around 44 percentage..if my friend did the math right .  He did comment that Williams traditionally do take a large number early.
It should be noted that Williams support more athletic teams than Amherst.

[RetiredMule]

Hello all, happy to be back and jump on the boards again more seriously.  I wanted to come through with a bit of an update on the Colby Mules in honor of the offseason. I'll give a bit of a look over what is leaving, what is returning and what to look forward to next year.

Recap:
Colby finished with a league worst 1-7 record tallying one win at Hamilton.  The offense worked in starts and sputters.  The offense was 9th in passing and 6th in rushing while being helmed by JR QB Captain Harrington and JR RB Hurdle-Price. The defense was 9th in scoring, 6th against the pass and 7th against the rush while being led by SR Captains DE Ruiz and LB O'Grady.

Who is Leaving:
By my estimates, Colby only graduates 12 players from this season.  This does include a fair bit of experience though.  On offense, Colby loses 3 starting oline members, together they had 3 years of starting experience.  On top of that, you lose two TE/WR combos with years of experience and two utility H-back/RB players with experience.  All in all, the biggest losses come in the form of the offensive line.  On defense, the defensive line loses 2 starters including All-NESCAC and Captain DE Ryan Ruiz.  The team loses 3 LBs (2 starters) including Captain Steve O'Grady and no defensive backs.  This is a relatively small departure following 20+ at a large number of starting positions after the 2014 season.

Who is Staying:
Again by my own estimates, Colby returns 18 Juniors, 25 Sophomores and 21 Freshmen that will move on to the next year.  Obviously I am not privy to all transfers, departures or injury retirements, but these seem to be good numbers for now.  As I noted above, Colby saw a large number of starters depart following 2014 and a relatively small number depart this year.  This means the remaining 64 players have had a fair shot at gaining experience in 2015.  This should spell some positives in terms of true experience.  Colby returns 100% of its passing from the previous year, 98% of their rushing yardage and 87% of their receiving yardage.  As I said, 2015's Colby team was young so these young players should be able to translate some of this experience going forward.  On top of that, there should be competition coming in with the fall season.  21 or 22 recruits seem to be on the table coming into the recruiting wrap up.  Known commodities to the board include a QB, WR, DT and OL.  It seems there are a fair number (~4) of OL in the class to account for graduations over the past two years.  This class seems to be coming from a wider radius then traditional for the NESCAC, a trait shared by recent classes under Coach Michaeles.  Interesting early prospect is Jack O'Brien out of Freehold, NJ.  He is a lefty QB who played varsity for 3 years, apparently missing his Junior year.  Looks to have good in- and out-of-pocket mobility and uses it to throw before running.  He ended his senior year by throwing for 2000 yards in 10 games and scoring 24 touchdowns (20 passing, 4 rushing).  He may be someone to watch in the coming years. 

What Else:
There seems to be a positive energy coming out of the Colby camp.  Players and coaches alike seem to have faith in the direction of the program.  Word is that captains have not been selected yet but now SR QB Harrington seems like the likely pick to repeat as captain.  Next fall should open on a Colby team retaining a lot of experience with a fair number of fresh faces too.  The offseason is the time to refresh and regroup.  I look forward to Colby translating some of the internal moment towards the NESCAC in 2016. 

[nescacfollower]

Sharing with everybody an article from the Boston Globe featuring many NESCAC commits from Eastern Massachusetss: https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/02/02/decision-day-for-some-globe-football-all-scholastics/Ir1ipevjllE7siN2b011BJ/story.html

[lumbercat]

I've tried to be positive about Colby football, although some of you will disagree. But, I have patiently watched the post 1-7 developments. First Michaeles being retained. At that point the benefit of the doubt was given, though not earned. The hope was that he would identify the team's failures, and make corrections. As for the dismal offense, he has stayed the course with his offensive system. In his opinion the System's fine, as is the play calling. It's the execution by the players. His words not mine. Both wrong. The system needs to be tweaked, and someone else needs to call the plays. But, the most troubling thing is the apparent recruiting failure. I read both of the posted articles and did not see a single Colby commit. It is with deep regret that I've  concluded that Colby College does not care about the football program. I wish I had reason to feel otherwise. The AD needs to provide some answers at this point.

NewtoNescac-

They care about Football at Colby.....I wanted to follow up with some information on Colby and recruiting. I see your emotional responses on the Colby program which are influenced by your close involvement which is understandable....but you should step aside and let your son compete.

You have issues with the Colby offensive scheme but you have no control over that ..... In the Pop Warner and High School days you may have had some influence but that's over now....

I am a Bates guy but I am comfortable in assuring you that the integrity of the Colby Football Program is firmly intact and they are recruiting aggressively......

Here are some Mule commits....more to follow-

QB Cam Drew Plymouth North, Ma 6'3" 195

QB Alex Sands Chatham, NJ 6'0 180

QB Jack O'Brien Freehold Township, NJ 5'11 184

WR Asher Inman Georgetown Prep, MD 6'0 190

WR Brandon Minor Dover Sherborn, Ma 6'0 180

WR Andrew Defranco New Canaan Ct, 5'11 177

WR David Gonzalez Notre Dame, La, 5'11 175

WR Emaka Ibeh Boston Latin, Ma 6'2" 180

RB David Smith No Reading, Ma 5'10 180

OL Nick Fournier Walnut Grove, GA 6'1" 302

OL Chris Bedigian Taft, Ct 6'2" 264

DE Hans Gabriel Rivers School, Ma 6'5" 217

DT Danya Smith Pingree, Ma, 6'1" 238

LB Calvin Wetmore Morristown, NJ 6'2 193"

LB Randy Bartlett Georgetown Prep, MD 5'9" 222

DB Alex Gera Arlington, Ma 6'1" 180

DB Sean Godin Roxbury Latin, Ma 6'0" 185

[polbear73]

I've tried to be positive about Colby football, although some of you will disagree. But, I have patiently watched the post 1-7 developments. First Michaeles being retained. At that point the benefit of the doubt was given, though not earned. The hope was that he would identify the team's failures, and make corrections. As for the dismal offense, he has stayed the course with his offensive system. In his opinion the System's fine, as is the play calling. It's the execution by the players. His words not mine. Both wrong. The system needs to be tweaked, and someone else needs to call the plays. But, the most troubling thing is the apparent recruiting failure. I read both of the posted articles and did not see a single Colby commit. It is with deep regret that I've  concluded that Colby College does not care about the football program. I wish I had reason to feel otherwise. The AD needs to provide some answers at this point.

NewtoNescac-

They care about Football at Colby.....I wanted to follow up with some information on Colby and recruiting. I see your emotional responses on the Colby program which are influenced by your close involvement which is understandable....but you should step aside and let your son compete.

You have issues with the Colby offensive scheme but you have no control over that ..... In the Pop Warner and High School days you may have had some influence but that's over now....

I am a Bates guy but I am comfortable in assuring you that the integrity of the Colby Football Program is firmly intact and they are recruiting aggressively......

Here are some Mule commits....more to follow-

QB Cam Drew Plymouth North, Ma 6'3" 195

QB Alex Sands Chatham, NJ 6'0 180

QB Jack O'Brien Freehold Township, NJ 5'11 184

WR Asher Inman Georgetown Prep, MD 6'0 190

WR Brandon Minor Dover Sherborn, Ma 6'0 180

WR Andrew Defranco New Canaan Ct, 5'11 177

WR David Gonzalez Notre Dame, La, 5'11 175

WR Emaka Ibeh Boston Latin, Ma 6'2" 180

RB David Smith No Reading, Ma 5'10 180

OL Nick Fournier Walnut Grove, GA 6'1" 302

OL Chris Bedigian Taft, Ct 6'2" 264

DE Hans Gabriel Rivers School, Ma 6'5" 217

DT Danya Smith Pingree, Ma, 6'1" 238

LB Calvin Wetmore Morristown, NJ 6'2 193"

LB Randy Bartlett Georgetown Prep, MD 5'9" 222

DB Alex Gera Arlington, Ma 6'1" 180

DB Sean Godin Roxbury Latin, Ma 6'0" 185

That is certainly an impressive list from a numbers standpoint and shows some geographic diversity as well.  As a Bowdoin and NESCAC fan, I would like to see all three of the CBB schools improve to the point that the CBB actually means something in the NESCAC standings and not just a playoff for state bragging rights with the champion posting a 2-6 or 3-5 record. 

[Nescacman]

Hot off the presses...the new HCOF of the Eph's is none other than Mark Raymond, the HC at St. Lawrence. He beat out James Perry from Princeton and Keith Clarke and Chris Rourke at Dartmouth. Raymond took over at St. Lawrence in 2010 and had a record of 31-30 as HC.

[polbear73]

Hot off the presses...the new HCOF of the Eph's is none other than Mark Raymond, the HC at St. Lawrence. He beat out James Perry from Princeton and Keith Clarke and Chris Rourke at Dartmouth. Raymond took over at St. Lawrence in 2010 and had a record of 31-30 as HC.

It's notable that the 31-30 record includes an 8-2 regular season record and a Liberty League Championship in 2015, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Mt. Union, who beats everyone.  Sounds like a good choice.  Chris Rourke was also a finalist for the Bowdoin job. 

[AmherstStudent05]

Hot off the presses...the new HCOF of the Eph's is none other than Mark Raymond, the HC at St. Lawrence. He beat out James Perry from Princeton and Keith Clarke and Chris Rourke at Dartmouth. Raymond took over at St. Lawrence in 2010 and had a record of 31-30 as HC.

Thanks for the news, Nescacman!  Does Coach Raymond have any previous experience in the NESCAC?  Given our idiosyncratic conference, that would be a significant resume item I would look for before hiring any HCOF (I wouldn't make it a prerequisite, but I would be very reluctant to hire anyone who didn't have prior experience with our conference).

Anyway, I would love to wish Coach Raymond well, but that would probably be disingenuous of me. 

[nescac1]

Wow unexpected choice!  I see his team went winless in 2012 followed by three strong seasons the last three years.  So hopefully a guy who knows how to turn a rough situation around.  I guess the Ephs went for proven track record as a head coach over Eph connections.  Hopefully he comes in and changes the culture in a hurry.  And locks down some recruits! No matter what it's going to be s multiyear process .... Curious to hear more about him!

[lumbercat]

that is certainly an impressive list from a numbers standpoint and shows some geographic diversity as well.  As a Bowdoin and NESCAC fan, I would like to see all three of the CBB schools improve to the point that the CBB actually means something in the NESCAC standings and not just a playoff for state bragging rights with the champion posting a 2-6 or 3-5 record.

POLBEAR 73-

Couldn't agree more. I have a strong allegiance to the Garnet as you have for Bowdoin. However, if the Bobcats not involved I often, OK....sometimes, root for the CBB.

The reality is the Maine schools will improve with their heightened recruiting efforts.
They are working hard at Colby and I know nobody outworks the Bates staff. Early recruiting results I see for Bowdoin are also impressive so I believe we will see a more competitive CBB in the near future.

A good point about Bates is the way they are recruiting. They are getting better students- more and more Football guys are performing at a higher level in the classroom which speaks volumes for the program and the admissions staff.

Regarding the Williams hire, Raymond is a surprise to most but has done a nice job at St Lawrence.Most had Rorke as the favorite for the job. He was said to be the first choice at Bowdoin but evidently could not come to terms.

A component in the hiring process today at many schools is the inclusion and input from of the athletes in the hiring process. Bowdoin had their Captain elects involved in the interview process and by all indications this played a fairly significant part of the decision. -----Also takes the AD off the hook a bit.

Not sure how the Ephs handled things but I'm sure it was done at a high level.

Rorke seems to be a guy with IVY pedigree and HFC potential. He was instrumental in the offense of some of the very best Trinity teams and has fared well in Hanover but needs some HFC experience. Securing a NESCAC job seems like the next step for him but who knows. Teevens is a young 60 I think.

[D3pc]

Williams is getting a tremendous leader in Mark Raymond. If you ask any one of his former players they have nothing but love and respect for the guy.

He came into a bad situation at SLU and turned it around. Specifically in the recruiting area and having admissions on his side.

He is a defensive genius, and usually lets the OC do his own thing.

I do understand he doesn't have the NESCAC background, as he played at UB, coached at Ithaca for years, and was then at SLU, but if you truly want to turn it around and get a guy that cares deeply and know how to win, it's a great hire.

He will have to adjust to the different student demographic when recruiting, but that would be the only thing preventing him from a turn around.

Great hire, sad to see him leave SLU.

[nescac1]

D3pc thanks for the info -- sounds great!  Williams needs a turnaround expert and Raymond seems to fit the bill.   He inherits a team a bit low on talent and likewise will need to convince admissions to help out a bit more while also finding hidden gems.  Glad the Ephs got a proven head coach this time around.

[lumbercat]

Nice to hear these accolades for a guy who has worked hard and succeeded- Raymond looks like a good hire. Good luck to him.

Lets not make the recruiting situation at Williams look overly difficult. Williams and Amherst have an immense amount of national appeal and more fine recruits choose THEM than all other NESCAC schools.....like Harvard and Yale in the Ivy League.

If Raymond works hard on recruiting no question he will overachieve significantly based on what he is selling. Right out of the box he has a leg up in the recruiting arena on other NESCAC schools. It's a fantastic coaching job which is why they had 180 applicants.

[PolarCat]

Congratulations to the Ephs.  Some here had speculated that the lack of post season play would make it difficult to recruit a top HFC.  Judging by the talent vying for the job and the ultimate selection, it appears that wasn't the case.