FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[ColbyFootball]

No announcement that I know of but I trust the source- nothing is official until the College confirms it.

We were previously told the Colby awards banquet date is December 2, 2017. That's less than 2 weeks away and we haven't heard a word about paying etc. I wonder if they're going to postpone it, or cancel it outright. Either way, it stinks for people with nonrefundable hotel rooms and/or flights.

[bsc73]

Yes only one Maine guy selected and while I can make a case for couple of Bates guys on the second teams I can't fault any of the selections. This will go on record, hopefully, as the worst collective year for the CBB teams in the NESCAC in modern history.
Better days ahead for the CBB starting with the changes at Colby and some coming changes at Bates.

What changes at bates and what about Bowdoin?

[bsc73]

what changes at bates and what about Bowdoin?

[NED3Guy]

Will any changes (or rumored changes) actually matter to the Maine teams? Are they destined to struggle, picking up a few wins against each other and possibly Hamilton (thank you 9 game schedule!) year in an year out? Will the administration of any of those schools support a coach enough to actually become a championship level team in the NESCAC?

I have no doubt that the kids at those schools work their tails off just like the guys at Trinity or Amherst. And I'm sure the coaches are working hard as well. I just wonder if they aren't playing the same game due to the way their institutions treat and support the sport of football. 

[Nescacman]

Will any changes (or rumored changes) actually matter to the Maine teams? Are they destined to struggle, picking up a few wins against each other and possibly Hamilton (thank you 9 game schedule!) year in an year out? Will the administration of any of those schools support a coach enough to actually become a championship level team in the NESCAC?

I have no doubt that the kids at those schools work their tails off just like the guys at Trinity or Amherst. And I'm sure the coaches are working hard as well. I just wonder if they aren't playing the same game due to the way their institutions treat and support the sport of football.

Just a reminder, for those with short memories...Colby actually has as many NESCAC Championships in football as Wesleyan (1) and 1 more than Tufts has (0)...just goes to show you with some support at the highest levels, even the schools in Maine with all of the challenges they face (weather, location, weak local HS football, diversity challenges, etc.) can win if they put their mind to it...in order, we'll rank the C-B-B schools in terms of the likelihood of making it to the first division of NESCAC football:

1. Colby
2. Bates
3. Bowdoin (distant third)

[ColbyFootball]

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[lumbercat]

what changes at bates and what about Bowdoin?

At Bates I think you will see some coaching changes as they upgrade the staff.  Also expect some changes that will reflect a heightened level of commitment and support from the Garnet Administration. It remains to be seen just how extensive these upgrades will be but the new AD, after observing a very tough year for the program, recognizes many deficiencies and is charged with implementing needed changes.

The key variable is, of course, is President Spencer. She has projected a pro athletics stance. She has stated that she believes in "Winning at some costs".........I guess the key will be the definition and scope of "some costs".

From a distance the Polar Bears seem to have their mechanism in place. It will be all about Coach Wells and his program coming of age. He should be given time- he's implemented his framework. Another good recruiting cycle this year and expectations and pressure will grow but the Bears seem well positioned.

[ColbyFootball]

Michaeles and entire staff let go at Colby including the 2 high profile assistants he brought in this year.
Indications are that Coach Dexter may remain at Colby in another capacity.

Rumored replacements-
A Dartmouth assistant- not sure specifically between 2 possibilities.
Ex HC Coach Gilmour
Harvard DC Scott Larkee

At least one member of the staff is still in place as he sent a Happy Thanksgiving from Colby Football earlier today. Very happy they at least have someone steering the ship since recruiting is ongoing.

[ColbyFootball]

A second coach just sent a email confirmation of the awards banquet on 12/2. So at least 2 are still on staff. No word on any other coaches. And he's a quality coach so that's good.  I'm starting to think Michaeles is fighting to survive. Stay tuned.

[bsc73]

what changes at bates and what about Bowdoin?

At Bates I think you will see some coaching changes as they upgrade the staff.  Also expect some changes that will reflect a heightened level of commitment and support from the Garnet Administration. It remains to be seen just how extensive these upgrades will be but the new AD, after observing a very tough year for the program, recognizes many deficiencies and is charged with implementing needed changes.

The key variable is, of course, is President Spencer. She has projected a pro athletics stance. She has stated that she believes in "Winning at some costs".........I guess the key will be the definition and scope of "some costs".

From a distance the Polar Bears seem to have their mechanism in place. It will be all about Coach Wells and his program coming of age. He should be given time- he's implemented his framework. Another good recruiting cycle this year and expectations and pressure will grow but the Bears seem well positioned.

[bsc73]

Not sure what mechanisms are in place when you haven't won in 2 years. Bates will never be competitive in athletics as long as the president remains the same. It didn't take a new AD to figure out that there are problems there. The president doesn't care if athletics are successful, and if she doesn't care it ain't happening.

[Nescacman]

A second coach just sent a email confirmation of the awards banquet on 12/2. So at least 2 are still on staff. No word on any other coaches. And he's a quality coach so that's good.  I'm starting to think Michaeles is fighting to survive. Stay tuned.

When your HCOF doesn't attend the NESCAC Head Coaches meeting at the end of the season to select POTY's, All-NESCAC, etc., you don't have to think too long and hard to figure out what that means...even the Hartford Stater faithful can figure that one out...

We watched some great PA and NY (Archbishop Stepinac) HS State Championship Football this weekend...some really good incoming NESCACers were in action...no names, of course 

This weekend, we head to NJ to watch their version of HS Championship Football...if anyone is headed out to Metlife, Rutgers or Kean, let us know via PM... 

[lumbercat]

Not sure what mechanisms are in place when you haven't won in 2 years. Bates will never be competitive in athletics as long as the president remains the same. It didn't take a new AD to figure out that there are problems there. The president doesn't care if athletics are successful, and if she doesn't care it ain't happening.

The mechanism in place at Bowdon is Wells building a football program. Civetti lost 24 in a row at Tufts and look at the Tufts program now. It takes time, its a whole lot more complex than softball or tennis.

At Bates the president has been there 3 years and the AD has been there 5 months- you will see changes. Not the same president or AD who was there when Murphy was coaching.

[ColbyFootball]

A second coach just sent a email confirmation of the awards banquet on 12/2. So at least 2 are still on staff. No word on any other coaches. And he's a quality coach so that's good.  I'm starting to think Michaeles is fighting to survive. Stay tuned.

When your HCOF doesn't attend the NESCAC Head Coaches meeting at the end of the season to select POTY's, All-NESCAC, etc., you don't have to think too long and hard to figure out what that means...even the Hartford Stater faithful can figure that one out...

It was reported that the entire staff was let go, but that is fortunately not the case. Next Saturday is the awards banquet and we should know Michaeles fate then. As everyone knows, I am not a Michaeles fan, so I hope for the sake of the program he is gone. I can write a book using him as a model on what not to do as a HC if you want to be successful. He will NEVER be a winner. He just does not have what it takes. So I hope you're right.

[DadintheStands]

ColbyFootball, my son and I were talking about the NESCAC season while he was home over Thanksgiving.  We had a lot to hash out after his first season.
When the topic turned to Colby football, he commented that while playing against them this season he wondered why they weren't any good, they had good athletes....

...So there's that.