FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[jamtod]

Just to clarify, the line of scrimmage was the UST 34.  It was 4th and 4, about mid way through the third.  UST had gone for it on 4th down 5 times in the game to that point from spots all over the field. 

Ah, I misread. The play by play says:

4th and 4 at UST34   RobertPetitjean rush for 31 yards to the GAC35 (Cam Hufendick).
1st and 10 at GAC35   Fakepunt rush by punter Robert Petitjean

I read the end of the play as the start of the play.  Now that I see it properly there's no reason for the GAC coach to get angry about Glenn being Glenn.

I guess he has every right to get angry about whatever he wants to get angry about. Do we have any indication what exactly he was upset about? Probably about the situation, but maybe he was expecting some sort of call or something from the officials?

I appreciate this beef. Something of substance for folks to be upset about (or not). I've had a lot of conversations about St Thomas football with my brother (he's an Iowa State alum/fan, so has had a bit more motivation to discuss our respective football teams this year). My conclusion is that, as a St Thomas alum/fan, I seek to understood what is going through Caruso's mind. He's certainly different in a lot of ways from other coaches and from many of us, so he sees things from a different angle. Sometimes I come to a place where I understand his motivation and maybe I do or don't agree. He's a hell of a coach and his tactics have been pretty successful, so I'll roll with it unless I see something morally egregious and not just a judgement call.

[Tom Thumb]

Gustavus won't elevate until they replace their coaching staff.  They are undisciplined and unmotivated and that is the fault of the head coach.

Wow, you've changed your tune!  I'm guessing your son will not be playing for GAC next year.

Haven't changed my tune, just know the team better.  I still believe that they are a fairly talented group of guys that should be able to compete with Bethel, St. John's, and Concordia.  The reason they don't and the reason they are with the bottom dwellers is due to coaching.  Yesterday you saw the sad sight of the head coach picking up an unsportsmen like penalty from the bench - truly a classless display by a poor coach.  They are making some changes on offense in the running game that although not perfect is at least heading in the proper direction.  The defense though is a different matter.  What disturbs me though is the lack of discipline and motivation and something is clearly wrong with the team - this lies directly with the head coach.  Last year, 5 players quit mid season including the starting center - that is not normal.  As for my son playing, that is up to him - he's a man now so his relationship to the coaching staff and the athletic department is up to him, as a parent I can't be involved.  He likes the school, really enjoys his Track and Field team and his participation in the music program so he'll probably remain at Gustavus.  If he chooses to transfer, I'll support his decision depending on cost.

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.stthomas.edu/tr/

Tait Kelly transferred to UST from Gustavus this year. He was a pretty good recruit coming out of high school. I wonder if the coaching staff had anything to do with his decision to transfer.

[jamtod]

Gustavus won't elevate until they replace their coaching staff.  They are undisciplined and unmotivated and that is the fault of the head coach.

Wow, you've changed your tune!  I'm guessing your son will not be playing for GAC next year.

Haven't changed my tune, just know the team better.  I still believe that they are a fairly talented group of guys that should be able to compete with Bethel, St. John's, and Concordia.  The reason they don't and the reason they are with the bottom dwellers is due to coaching.  Yesterday you saw the sad sight of the head coach picking up an unsportsmen like penalty from the bench - truly a classless display by a poor coach.  They are making some changes on offense in the running game that although not perfect is at least heading in the proper direction.  The defense though is a different matter.  What disturbs me though is the lack of discipline and motivation and something is clearly wrong with the team - this lies directly with the head coach.  Last year, 5 players quit mid season including the starting center - that is not normal.  As for my son playing, that is up to him - he's a man now so his relationship to the coaching staff and the athletic department is up to him, as a parent I can't be involved.  He likes the school, really enjoys his Track and Field team and his participation in the music program so he'll probably remain at Gustavus.  If he chooses to transfer, I'll support his decision depending on cost.

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.stthomas.edu/tr/

Tait Kelly transferred to UST from Gustavus this year. He was a pretty good recruit coming out of high school. I wonder if the coaching staff had anything to do with his decision to transfer.

Are there any eligibilty rules about transferring from MIAC to MIAC (sitting out a year or anything like that?). There was some discussion on the OAC board about their rule where transfers have to sit out a year, but it only applied for in-conference transfers.

[Pat Coleman]

A few conferences have those kind of restrictions, but the MIAC is not one of them. There's nothing a conference can do to restrict transfers where one team is in a different conference.

Once upon a time, the MIAC used to not honor redshirt seasons granted by scholarship programs, but it relented some years ago.

[Tom Thumb]

A few random thoughts from the game yesterday. The defense looked stellar, limiting Gustavus to one total yard. That's impressive. Aside from one drive where they committed a few penalties to help the Gusties score, they were lights out. This could be the best defense that Wallie has put together.

It looks like they are working several players in over at CB. I think Fondakowski has started opposite of Dowdle the past few games. However, they might be slowly working Franseze back into the mix. I still like Franseze's athleticism and length. I think once he gets some confidence, he'll be a solid CB. I noticed they moved Freshman Joe Hird from WR to CB. He got some reps in towards the end of the game.

Michael Greene has started at right guard in place of Gavin Dauwalter the past few games. Dauwalter was suited up for the game, but I think he's been nursing an injury. Freshman Mike Ruggeri has also gotten some reps at RG with the first team. He was impressive. I think UST got a steal with this kid.

Anyone know what happened to Pallini? I'm assuming he's battling an injury. Hopefully he gets back on the field soon.

I'm really starting to like Jaques Perra. He's getting better every game.

And how about this Ronnie Jones kid? He threw a few darts out there while he was in the game. He was impressive. It felt like I was watching the left-handed version of Gould.

[DuffMan]

Gustavus won't elevate until they replace their coaching staff.  They are undisciplined and unmotivated and that is the fault of the head coach.  The problems on defense are down to incompetent coaching and personnel selection of the front seven.

I understand frustration, but this doesn't seem like a great way to get your son into good graces. 

[jamtod]

A few random thoughts from the game yesterday. The defense looked stellar, limiting Gustavus to one total yard. That's impressive. Aside from one drive where they committed a few penalties to help the Gusties score, they were lights out. This could be the best defense that Wallie has put together.

It looks like they are working several players in over at CB. I think Fondakowski has started opposite of Dowdle the past few games. However, they might be slowly working Franseze back into the mix. I still like Franseze's athleticism and length. I think once he gets some confidence, he'll be a solid CB. I noticed they moved Freshman Joe Hird from WR to CB. He got some reps in towards the end of the game.

Michael Greene has started at right guard in place of Gavin Dauwalter the past few games. Dauwalter was suited up for the game, but I think he's been nursing an injury. Freshman Mike Ruggeri has also gotten some reps at RG with the first team. He was impressive. I think UST got a steal with this kid.

Anyone know what happened to Pallini? I'm assuming he's battling an injury. Hopefully he gets back on the field soon.

I'm really starting to like Jaques Perra. He's getting better every game.

And how about this Ronnie Jones kid? He threw a few darts out there while he was in the game. He was impressive. It felt like I was watching the left-handed version of Gould.

+k
Defense has looked phenomenal. I feel like we have tons of valuable contributors but not one guy that's an obvious All-American or superstar. Jochum looked the part for a while, but his contributions have been a little quieter lately, especially staying out of the penalty side of the stat sheet a bit more.

I noticed a few weeks ago that Fonda was playing some corner. Who is shifting to his spot at safety then? Would love to see Franzese get back fully as he recovers. How much did he play on Saturday?

I saw that Pallini didn't show up in the stat sheet, but wasn't certain if he didn't play at all or not. My watching/listening to the game was a bit scattered as I was tending to 6 kids (my 3 plus a friends) while he was blowing insulation into his attic.

Perra has looked really solid and his mobility is great. For a bit, it did seem like he was pulling it down to run a bit early, but I think he's making progress on finding the reads and making that decision.

[Tom Thumb]

A few random thoughts from the game yesterday. The defense looked stellar, limiting Gustavus to one total yard. That's impressive. Aside from one drive where they committed a few penalties to help the Gusties score, they were lights out. This could be the best defense that Wallie has put together.

It looks like they are working several players in over at CB. I think Fondakowski has started opposite of Dowdle the past few games. However, they might be slowly working Franseze back into the mix. I still like Franseze's athleticism and length. I think once he gets some confidence, he'll be a solid CB. I noticed they moved Freshman Joe Hird from WR to CB. He got some reps in towards the end of the game.

Michael Greene has started at right guard in place of Gavin Dauwalter the past few games. Dauwalter was suited up for the game, but I think he's been nursing an injury. Freshman Mike Ruggeri has also gotten some reps at RG with the first team. He was impressive. I think UST got a steal with this kid.

Anyone know what happened to Pallini? I'm assuming he's battling an injury. Hopefully he gets back on the field soon.

I'm really starting to like Jaques Perra. He's getting better every game.

And how about this Ronnie Jones kid? He threw a few darts out there while he was in the game. He was impressive. It felt like I was watching the left-handed version of Gould.

+k
Defense has looked phenomenal. I feel like we have tons of valuable contributors but not one guy that's an obvious All-American or superstar. Jochum looked the part for a while, but his contributions have been a little quieter lately, especially staying out of the penalty side of the stat sheet a bit more.

I noticed a few weeks ago that Fonda was playing some corner. Who is shifting to his spot at safety then? Would love to see Franzese get back fully as he recovers. How much did he play on Saturday?

I saw that Pallini didn't show up in the stat sheet, but wasn't certain if he didn't play at all or not. My watching/listening to the game was a bit scattered as I was tending to 6 kids (my 3 plus a friends) while he was blowing insulation into his attic.

Perra has looked really solid and his mobility is great. For a bit, it did seem like he was pulling it down to run a bit early, but I think he's making progress on finding the reads and making that decision.

It looks like #15 Jordan Lundell started at safety. I believe he received a medical redshirt, so he'll be back for a fifth year. He's listed as a junior on the website.

Pallini was in street clothes during the game: https://ust5thquarterclub.shutterfly.com/2015pictures/32552. Hopefully it's nothing serious. They will need him here in a few weeks.

So now to the playoffs. Any possibility that we'll get placed in the east region again like we did in 2011?

[jamtod]

A few random thoughts from the game yesterday. The defense looked stellar, limiting Gustavus to one total yard. That's impressive. Aside from one drive where they committed a few penalties to help the Gusties score, they were lights out. This could be the best defense that Wallie has put together.

It looks like they are working several players in over at CB. I think Fondakowski has started opposite of Dowdle the past few games. However, they might be slowly working Franseze back into the mix. I still like Franseze's athleticism and length. I think once he gets some confidence, he'll be a solid CB. I noticed they moved Freshman Joe Hird from WR to CB. He got some reps in towards the end of the game.

Michael Greene has started at right guard in place of Gavin Dauwalter the past few games. Dauwalter was suited up for the game, but I think he's been nursing an injury. Freshman Mike Ruggeri has also gotten some reps at RG with the first team. He was impressive. I think UST got a steal with this kid.

Anyone know what happened to Pallini? I'm assuming he's battling an injury. Hopefully he gets back on the field soon.

I'm really starting to like Jaques Perra. He's getting better every game.

And how about this Ronnie Jones kid? He threw a few darts out there while he was in the game. He was impressive. It felt like I was watching the left-handed version of Gould.

+k
Defense has looked phenomenal. I feel like we have tons of valuable contributors but not one guy that's an obvious All-American or superstar. Jochum looked the part for a while, but his contributions have been a little quieter lately, especially staying out of the penalty side of the stat sheet a bit more.

I noticed a few weeks ago that Fonda was playing some corner. Who is shifting to his spot at safety then? Would love to see Franzese get back fully as he recovers. How much did he play on Saturday?

I saw that Pallini didn't show up in the stat sheet, but wasn't certain if he didn't play at all or not. My watching/listening to the game was a bit scattered as I was tending to 6 kids (my 3 plus a friends) while he was blowing insulation into his attic.

Perra has looked really solid and his mobility is great. For a bit, it did seem like he was pulling it down to run a bit early, but I think he's making progress on finding the reads and making that decision.

It looks like #15 Jordan Lundell started at safety. I believe he received a medical redshirt, so he'll be back for a fifth year. He's listed as a junior on the website.

Pallini was in street clothes during the game: https://ust5thquarterclub.shutterfly.com/2015pictures/32552. Hopefully it's nothing serious. They will need him here in a few weeks.

So now to the playoffs. Any possibility that we'll get placed in the east region again like we did in 2011?

Unless Brockport, DelVal, and Wartburg lose, I don't think we'll be getting a #1 seed. I'd take going out east in a second over dealing with Oshkosh, St John's again, or the CCIW schools.

I saw that Lundell was playing a bit early in the Bethel game, on the same side with Fonda, but I didn't remember him being in the game for too long.

[sowilson]

Gustavus won't elevate until they replace their coaching staff.  They are undisciplined and unmotivated and that is the fault of the head coach.

Wow, you've changed your tune!  I'm guessing your son will not be playing for GAC next year.

Haven't changed my tune, just know the team better.  I still believe that they are a fairly talented group of guys that should be able to compete with Bethel, St. John's, and Concordia.  The reason they don't and the reason they are with the bottom dwellers is due to coaching.  Yesterday you saw the sad sight of the head coach picking up an unsportsmen like penalty from the bench - truly a classless display by a poor coach.  They are making some changes on offense in the running game that although not perfect is at least heading in the proper direction.  The defense though is a different matter.  What disturbs me though is the lack of discipline and motivation and something is clearly wrong with the team - this lies directly with the head coach.  Last year, 5 players quit mid season including the starting center - that is not normal.  As for my son playing, that is up to him - he's a man now so his relationship to the coaching staff and the athletic department is up to him, as a parent I can't be involved.  He likes the school, really enjoys his Track and Field team and his participation in the music program so he'll probably remain at Gustavus.  If he chooses to transfer, I'll support his decision depending on cost.

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.stthomas.edu/tr/

Most of the schools keep your application going for two years after they make an offer so UST's offer is probably still on the table.  However, it wasn't competitive cost wise with St. John's or St. Olaf. Also based on the recruiting process he went through with UST I seriously doubt he would consider transferring there.  The only way he would consider it is if the cost situation were better and if a coach that is close to him (and new to the staff) were to seriously recruit him.

[sowilson]

Are there any eligibilty rules about transferring from MIAC to MIAC (sitting out a year or anything like that?). There was some discussion on the OAC board about their rule where transfers have to sit out a year, but it only applied for in-conference transfers.

Nothing specific to the MIAC.  NCAA rules for D3-D3 transfers only require that the student self sign a waiver to allow him 30 days to be recruited by a given institution without his current coach knowing about it.  If another waiver for the same institution is sought then the students current coach is informed.  The student and his/her parents are not allowed to talk to an institution regarding playing opportunities without a waiver.  So, for example, I could contact St. John's today about what paperwork is needed to transfer, music opportunities, financial aid, or if his current application and award are still valid. I and my son can't talk to the football or track coach about opportunities (no waiver currently) and I wouldn't do that in any case - my son needs to do that.  Rules are a bit different for D1 and D2 and that's where you need to sit out a year (and do a redshirt to maintain eligibility).

[jamtod]

Gustavus won't elevate until they replace their coaching staff.  They are undisciplined and unmotivated and that is the fault of the head coach.

Wow, you've changed your tune!  I'm guessing your son will not be playing for GAC next year.

Haven't changed my tune, just know the team better.  I still believe that they are a fairly talented group of guys that should be able to compete with Bethel, St. John's, and Concordia.  The reason they don't and the reason they are with the bottom dwellers is due to coaching.  Yesterday you saw the sad sight of the head coach picking up an unsportsmen like penalty from the bench - truly a classless display by a poor coach.  They are making some changes on offense in the running game that although not perfect is at least heading in the proper direction.  The defense though is a different matter.  What disturbs me though is the lack of discipline and motivation and something is clearly wrong with the team - this lies directly with the head coach.  Last year, 5 players quit mid season including the starting center - that is not normal.  As for my son playing, that is up to him - he's a man now so his relationship to the coaching staff and the athletic department is up to him, as a parent I can't be involved.  He likes the school, really enjoys his Track and Field team and his participation in the music program so he'll probably remain at Gustavus.  If he chooses to transfer, I'll support his decision depending on cost.

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.stthomas.edu/tr/

Most of the schools keep your application going for two years after they make an offer so UST's offer is probably still on the table.  However, it wasn't competitive cost wise with St. John's or St. Olaf. Also based on the recruiting process he went through with UST I seriously doubt he would consider transferring there.  The only way he would consider it is if the cost situation were better and if a coach that is close to him (and new to the staff) were to seriously recruit him.

If there is anything you are willing/able to share, what was it about the recruiting process at UST?

[sowilson]

If there is anything you are willing/able to share, what was it about the recruiting process at UST?

I don't believe that it was anything endemic to UST but just human nature when it comes to recruiting (i.e. you'll see this on any team).  They didn't show my son much love, and they showed other recruits a lot of love - it's not a bad idea to consider schools that show you a lot of love.  You can tell, when people walk into a room if your eyes are open.  The little things that bugged me was that the area recruiter kept forgetting my son's email and my son's phone number so that there was a lot of miscommunication.  Actual person to person communication was fine but followup was horrible.  My son knew other coaches on the team and would contact them for followup because the guy assigned to him wasn't really doing his job.  To be fair, other staff's have issues with recruiting but you can be sure that if it's an important recruit that communications will be abundant and a lot of love will be shown.

St. Olaf, St. John's, Gustavus and a number of other schools (D2's and other D3's) showed my son a lot of love.

[jamtod]

If there is anything you are willing/able to share, what was it about the recruiting process at UST?

I don't believe that it was anything endemic to UST but just human nature when it comes to recruiting (i.e. you'll see this on any team).  They didn't show my son much love, and they showed other recruits a lot of love.  You can tell, when people walk into a room if your eyes are open.  The little things that bugged me was that the area recruiter kept forgetting my son's email and my son's phone number so that there was a lot of miscommunication.  Actual person to person communication was fine but followup was horrible.  My son knew other coaches on the team and would contact them for followup because the guy assigned to him wasn't really doing his job.  To be fair, other staff's have issues with recruiting but you can be sure that if it's an important recruit that communications will be abundant and a lot of love will be shown.

Interesting. As somebody who didn't play (beyond 6th grade flag football or high school intramurals), a lot of the inner workings are foreign to me, so I appreciate the insights.

Hopefully that recruiter was one of the guys that made his way to St Olaf and the new guys we brought in are a little better organized :-)

[DuffMan]

Hey Old Auggie,
Did you see that your boy, Owen Webster, set a Gopher record for fastest pin this weekend?