FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[DuffMan]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

[Mr.MIAC]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Are they suites for one-off visiting VIPs or for season ticket holders?

Edit: Got it.

[Pat Coleman]

The UST front page feature is up.
http://d3football.com/playoffs/2015/st-thomas-playing-roles

I'm confused. Are they healthy or not? A few pages back there were concerns about the RB position. Is Sag behind these rumors as well?

The storyline that they are a bunch of unknowns is BS.  This is DC.  Unless you are Pierre Garcon you are unknown to most except for hard core d3 fans.  I can name more UST players than any of the other teams on the semis.  They are getting plenty of press locally.  They are in the biggest press market of any of the remaining teams and the Strib and PP have been good to very good to them lately.  And the UST PR machine (and I say that with some jealousy) has been working non-stop to get the names out.

Much better angles than this Caruso created meme.

Jordan Roberts, anyone?

Of course you can, ROR. But our site is aimed at the majority of Division III, not hyperlocal to the MIAC.

Pat, since you chimed in on the UST article I'd like to get your perspective on the inclusion of the Italy trip while leaving out any mention of the Canada trip. It's possible spacing was an issue, but generally the benefit of an online article is there isn't a set word count that has to be hit.

The UST front page feature is up.
http://d3football.com/playoffs/2015/st-thomas-playing-roles

Of the 12 Freshman who were in Salem, how many are still with the team? Punter/WR Fitzsimmons was also there as a Sophomore (medical redshirt).

That brotherhood was tightened by a two-week trip to Italy in the spring. The program had previously played in Canada in the spring of 2009 and 2012, and followed those trips with breakthrough seasons.

#CanadaGate lives!

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

[AO]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

Gustavus and Mary Hardin-Baylor also have a suite.

[USTBench]

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

[sjusection105]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

Duff, let me help you out here. I have had the pleasure twice. The sky box Mrs. 105 & I have been invited to is paid for by a significant donor. The food is concession food,but you don't have to wait in line. There is a bathroom shared by the 3 sky boxes. The President's Box is the middle & the largest. The north box and south box are approx. the size of the President's Box.
Now the Champions Section at Target Field for the Twins,the food is crazy. That's the only buffet I have been to where you can get Prime Rib and Skittles

[SJUrube]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

[SJUrube]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

Duff, let me help you out here. I have had the pleasure twice. The sky box Mrs. 105 & I have been invited to is paid for by a significant donor. The food is concession food,but you don't have to wait in line. There is a bathroom shared by the 3 sky boxes. The President's Box is the middle & the largest. The north box and south box are approx. the size of the President's Box.
Now the Champions Section at Target Field for the Twins,the food is crazy. That's the only buffet I have been to where you can get Prime Rib and Skittles

This past year at the Johnnie Standup the J-Club auctioned off two spots in the President's Suite for the non-conference games. I'm hoping we can do the same this year. So if you're interested in seeing what they are like, I'd suggest attending this year and making a bid.

[USTBench]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

It would appear from the video that it was mostly varsity contributors that I recognize, and from the Canada video it looked to be mostly back ups. I'm guessing it was a bit of a combo platter.

[AO]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

It would appear from the video that it was mostly varsity contributors that I recognize, and from the Canada video it looked to be mostly back ups. I'm guessing it was a bit of a combo platter.

I believe they had two games against Canadian teams.  The only video was of the "JV" game.

[miac952]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

I read this a couple times and am still puzzled as to what you are outraged with. Seriously.

They took two trips. One more of an experience based trip that those that went fundraiser for, to Italy. They stayed at the UST campus in Rome for part of it. They shared pictures throughout. Then the team also went on the quick jaunt up to Einnipeg that countless teams do every three years. The press is most likely going to touch on the trip that is unique. The Winnipeg thing is tired and old and has been done by many schools. There aren't many great landmarks in Cosmo Winnipeg to highlight an article with pictures or cool life experiences like the Vatican to touch on. I think the media went where there was more of a unique story. Maybe you hold Winnipeg in really high regard. Reminds me of that Office episode where Michael Scott travels abroad to exotic Winnipeg.

[SJUrube]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

It would appear from the video that it was mostly varsity contributors that I recognize, and from the Canada video it looked to be mostly back ups. I'm guessing it was a bit of a combo platter.

Bench, not sure what video you're referencing but I'll take your word for it. I wouldn't be able to name 5 starters for the Tommies. 

[USTBench]

I think I'm going to leave that discussion internal here. But just catering to the MIAC board's conspiracy theorists is not particularly high on our radar either.

RE: Canada Trip

Many, many, many college basketball teams do a Europe trip where they'll play a game in Spain, Italy and France. Or some combination like that. What's the difference if a football team plays in Canada with their backups and Italy with their seniors/starters?

It's not a conspiracy, Pat. The truth is there was a trip to Canada and a trip to Italy. I'm on record saying the number of trips, and the game activity they got from them, did not produce an unfair advantage. What I've continually taken issue with is the lack of truth in how the trips have been reported. I don't fault internal communication coming from UST with glossing over the truth but I do find it objectionable when 3rd party outlets, like the Star Tribune and D3Football, fail to deliver a truthful, honest account, and instead cater to the PR machine.

Part of the article narrative was the closeness of the team. Wouldn't a mention of the trip the entire team took be a better reflection of that, instead of one only a few handful of players went on, be a better representation of that?

And Bench, what I know of the trip it was not starters/seniors that went, it was essentially whoever was able/willing to afford it. I'm sure there were starters in the mix but my understanding is it was more of a mixed bag than anything else. The distinction though in your example is the basketball team is taking a single trip together, as a single unit.

Again, UST wasn't given an unfair advantage. They've won because of talent and coaching. I'd just prefer a more truthful account of things.

I read this a couple times and am still puzzled as to what you are outraged with. Seriously.

They took two trips. One more of an experience based trip that those that went fundraiser for, to Italy. They stayed at the UST campus in Rome for part of it. They shared pictures throughout. Then the team also went on the quick jaunt up to Einnipeg that countless teams do every three years. The press is most likely going to touch on the trip that is unique. The Winnipeg thing is tired and old and has been done by many schools. There aren't many great landmarks in Cosmo Winnipeg to highlight an article with pictures or cool life experiences like the Vatican to touch on. I think the media went where there was more of a unique story. Maybe you hold Winnipeg in really high regard. Reminds me of that Office episode where Michael Scott travels abroad to exotic Winnipeg.

Concierges are like Canadian geishas. in that they are trained in the art of seduction.

[Mr.MIAC]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

Duff, let me help you out here. I have had the pleasure twice. The sky box Mrs. 105 & I have been invited to is paid for by a significant donor. The food is concession food,but you don't have to wait in line. There is a bathroom shared by the 3 sky boxes. The President's Box is the middle & the largest. The north box and south box are approx. the size of the President's Box.
Now the Champions Section at Target Field for the Twins,the food is crazy. That's the only buffet I have been to where you can get Prime Rib and Skittles

So did SJU pay for construction of the skyboxes or was it a donor? I wonder if something like this is already in the works at UST. The university has shown its willingness to invest, with plenty spent on "hospitality" suites for donors/VIPs in the student center. If you look at the existing veranda within the stadium, it seems like it would be easy to use that platform for elevated suites. Plus there's a private entrance to the athletic center.

[sjusection105]

Speaking of skybox suites, does any DIII team have such a thing?

SJU does, but I am not sure what one has to do to get in them, nor do I know about any food/beverage amenities.  I, obviously, do not qualify.

Over the years the press box was enlarged and repaired.  Then, in the summer of 2009, it received a major face-lift to bring it up to code and add an elevator, rest rooms, a deck, and a third tier.  The second tier was redesigned to provide improved spaces for media and coaches, and the third tier provided space for four suites and the President's Box, to be used by the President, honored guests and corporate donors.

Duff, let me help you out here. I have had the pleasure twice. The sky box Mrs. 105 & I have been invited to is paid for by a significant donor. The food is concession food,but you don't have to wait in line. There is a bathroom shared by the 3 sky boxes. The President's Box is the middle & the largest. The north box and south box are approx. the size of the President's Box.
Now the Champions Section at Target Field for the Twins,the food is crazy. That's the only buffet I have been to where you can get Prime Rib and Skittles

So did SJU pay for construction of the skyboxes or was it a donor? I wonder if something like this is already in the works at UST. The university has shown its willingness to invest, with plenty spent on "hospitality" suites for donors/VIPs in the student center. If you look at the existing veranda within the stadium, it seems like it would be easy to use that platform for elevated suites. Plus there's a private entrance to the athletic center.

It is my understanding (I've been wrong in the past) the university paid for the construction but,the donor who we were guests of pays for use,not sure if he has whole season or not,we were there two different seasons. As I understand it,this is a revenue stream for the university-the two side boxes. The President's Box is used for entertaining different groups at each game such as when they honor National Championship Football Team Anniversaries