FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Northern WinterHawk]

Good to see you drop in, Esq.

First - Double that.

Second - Good to hear.  We'll be getting better and they have reached their peak?

Third - So much for the cover, eh?

Fourth - To be fair, the Johnnies are a victim of their own success.  When averaging over 8k people a game, they must beef up the facilities to cope or else there will soon be far fewer than 8k a game.  The biggest issue is concessions and toilets even with the new building.  They probably want nothing less than to put a building in between the field and the trees, but something must be done to relieve pressure (so to speak).  It took me forever during the Tommie game to get over to the building from Fins' perch.  As to the lights, I think they came up around here in conversation before and I thought the word was that they were for Friday night high school games.  I may be wrong on that recollection.

And yes, Tommies suck.

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Blog_525.html

Pretty impressive Suck-Johnnie!!!

[faunch]

Another Tommie recruiting update.

Who remembers Harry Pitera from Cretin-Derham Hall?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOugoS4CVds

He walked on at the U of M last year.  Hated it so he quit.

Was at the funeral today for the father (and UST grad) of a close friend and Bennie classmate.  Harry's mother, a long time friend of mine, was also at the funeral.  She informed me that Harry was going to play at UST.  She said he felt like UST really wanted him.  Did not get that same feeling at SJU.  Had a good conversation with John, just didn't feel like he was really wanted.

Too bad.  I think Harry will terrorize offenses in the MIAC.

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.  I also am pretty sure that young Harry has never been to a game at Collegeville.  I guess if a kid wants to play all of his meaningful years of football in the same location that's his choice.  Again I have no idea why a kid would want to play 4 years at a half empty O'Shaughnessy Stadium when he could be in the Natural Bowl.

[Northern WinterHawk]

Another Tommie recruiting update.

Who remembers Harry Pitera from Cretin-Derham Hall?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOugoS4CVds

He walked on at the U of M last year.  Hated it so he quit.

Was at the funeral today for the father (and UST grad) of a close friend and Bennie classmate.  Harry's mother, a long time friend of mine, was also at the funeral.  She informed me that Harry was going to play at UST.  She said he felt like UST really wanted him.  Did not get that same feeling at SJU.  Had a good conversation with John, just didn't feel like he was really wanted.

Too bad.  I think Harry will terrorize offenses in the MIAC.

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.  I also am pretty sure that young Harry has never been to a game at Collegeville.  I guess if a kid wants to play all of his meaningful years of football in the same location that's his choice.  Again I have no idea why a kid would want to play 4 years at a half empty O'Shaughnessy Stadium when he could be in the Natural Bowl.

You belong in California as in "Dream-in" Faunch, OzJohnnie et-all!

With all of the improvements, (Stadium, Athletic Complex, New Weight Room, New Locker Rooms), just to mention just a few of the awesome additions at UST you guys should expect LOSE any type of recruiting!!! That coupled with the Staff, present Athletes & Honest desire UST has to have the Best Student Athletes out there makes it obviously clear how important they are to us & us to them, it's no contest!

It has nothing to do with "kissing ass's" fauch, these guys want to come to UST to be with a WINNER & we want them! See you in Collegeville this Fall, with a big WIN I might add!!!

[Retired Old Rat]

Blah, blah, blah.

Missing one big thing.  A victory this millenium.

Not to mention a victory in Collegeville in your lifetime.

[OzJohnnie]

Pretty impressive Suck

You got me there.  If there is one think that UST(d) is impressive at, it's sucking.

(BTW, if you look at the picture in the link you posted, you'll notice that the Tommie has his pants on backwards.)

[OzJohnnie]

Barney is looking a lovely shade of purple lately.



Only 88 days, 13 hours, 9 minutes and 21 seconds until kickoff.

[Generic Dude 75]

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.  I also am pretty sure that young Harry has never been to a game at Collegeville.  I guess if a kid wants to play all of his meaningful years of football in the same location that's his choice.  Again I have no idea why a kid would want to play 4 years at a half empty O'Shaughnessy Stadium when he could be in the Natural Bowl.

Sooooo  what you're implying that there's something wrong with him for wanting to go to a place where he feels he can go and feel comfortable, have a good time, maybe play a little bit right away? That makes no sense, who in the recruiting process goes to a place they don't feel welcome? Secondly, like it's already been pointed out, St. Thomas is getting brand new facilities you don't think that's not a draw? He should want to play in the "Natural bowl" where people get pissed  because they're putting up lights instead of enjoying a tricked out locker room and athletic facility that probably rivals the gophers.  Dumbest thing I've heard in awhile, thanks for playing though.

And as for all the other haters around here, here's some more news verifying how badly the Tommies suck and how their recruits are no good...

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Preseason-Award.html **

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Recruit_6-5.html

**Now, I have no faith in the two magazines that gave the pre-season all-american awards because of how ignorant they were when ranking our beloved MIAC squads but for the sake of this particular rant, I'm using the link.

[OzJohnnie]

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.

I'm of the opinion that recruits should not be pampered.  If a guy needs to be pampered, then he's not the type of guy we should want.  It's a slippery slope, that a$$ kissing.  A little bit of it and the next thing you know there are a bunch of prima donnas in the program and it's no longer the house that John built.  (I'm not naive enough to suggest there is no elitism amongst the elite players of St John's, but they tend to be a pretty well grounded, likable group of guys all the same.)

Nope.  I reckon it's better to recruit the best we can that don't need a$$es kissed and egos massaged.  I admire the program more for it's character than for it's success (although the success ain't bad, natch.)

[DuffMan]

Granted, it's been 11 years now () since I was recruited, but the core of the SJU staff remains the same.  You're just not going to see ass-kissing there.  I was no blue-chipper, but visited with at least one highly-regarded player.  You definitely feel welcomed and at home (anyone who's had the opportunity to BS with John outside of the season knows what I am talking about), but there is no schmoozing.  I would say other schools I considered were more intense in their efforts.  It's a part of John's recruiting philosophy.  He's going to get the guys that want to play at SJU--not go out visiting high schools. 

Is it the best tactic?  I don't know.  It's worked in the past.  The next few years shall tell if it's still working.

[sju56321]

Interesting stuff the last few pages. Lights-? Really, they need to stop the "turn to page..." But, as Wildcat11 said, if the lights help for practice-I am all for it.
As for recruiting-I don't care who UST gets, what I am concerned about is how SJU stacks up to Mount or UWW, because those are the teams SJU needs to beat in order to win a championship. And remember you can have all the talent, but if the coaching is lacking-you won't win.

[faunch]

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.  I also am pretty sure that young Harry has never been to a game at Collegeville.  I guess if a kid wants to play all of his meaningful years of football in the same location that's his choice.  Again I have no idea why a kid would want to play 4 years at a half empty O'Shaughnessy Stadium when he could be in the Natural Bowl.

Sooooo  what you're implying that there's something wrong with him for wanting to go to a place where he feels he can go and feel comfortable, have a good time, maybe play a little bit right away? That makes no sense, who in the recruiting process goes to a place they don't feel welcome? Secondly, like it's already been pointed out, St. Thomas is getting brand new facilities you don't think that's not a draw? He should want to play in the "Natural bowl" where people get pissed  because they're putting up lights instead of enjoying a tricked out locker room and athletic facility that probably rivals the gophers.  Dumbest thing I've heard in awhile, thanks for playing though.

And as for all the other haters around here, here's some more news verifying how badly the Tommies suck and how their recruits are no good...

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Preseason-Award.html **

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Recruit_6-5.html

**Now, I have no faith in the two magazines that gave the pre-season all-american awards because of how ignorant they were when ranking our beloved MIAC squads but for the sake of this particular rant, I'm using the link.

I guess I'd rather have really cool locker room than play in the greatest DIII football setting in the country.  Let's see...towering pine trees versus a towering dormitory in the background.  9000 spectators vs about 2500 (less than many high school games).  At least the Tommies will have a "tricked out locker room."

[faunch]

2009 Attendance
ATTENDANCE.................... Home 15,750     Road  25,746
ATTENDANCE.................... Home 49,249      Road  15,218

The Johnnies road attendance almost out drew the Tommies home attendance.  The only reason the UST road figures look so good is because of last year's game in Collegeville which drew over 12,000.  I'd give the Toms some credit for road attendance but the truth is that most of that number probably does come from the home teams fans.

What does this mean to a recruit?  It means when you look up in the stands you won't be able to find mom and dad so easily because there'll be a hell of a lot more people than just them at the game.  It means there are actually a few thousand SJU fans that caravan to away games in places like River Fall, Eau Claire, St. Peter, Northfield, and Moorhead.  For those of you that don't know the Johnnies often make up the majority of the crowd at places like Hamline, Gustavus and Carleton.

On the other hand you won't have a tricked out locker room to come home to at night.

[Northern WinterHawk]

Interesting stuff the last few pages. Lights-? Really, they need to stop the "turn to page..." But, as Wildcat11 said, if the lights help for practice-I am all for it.
As for recruiting-I don't care who UST gets, what I am concerned about is how SJU stacks up to Mount or UWW, because those are the teams SJU needs to beat in order to win a championship. And remember you can have all the talent, but if the coaching is lacking-you won't win.

Take note of the last sentence SJU!

UST Gene's Blog:
Fritz makes 4... plus other fascinating facts
June 08, 2010

Dangerous Fritz Waldvogel has 22 gains of 38 or more yards in his first two college seasons. (Greg Smith photo)Today's blog has Tommie fans looking backward and looking forward -- sort of like opposing special teams do when trying to corral St. Thomas kick return wizard Fritz Waldvogel.

Here's a collection of items, some leftover from a successful sports year:

This purple #4 is returning
A third Division III preseason All-America football team has been released, and the Tommies now have a fourth player receiving that distinction.

Junior-to-be Fritz Waldvogel was named to the Consensus Draft Service (CDS) Preseason All-America first team in two positions -- kick returner and punt returner.

Waldvogel, who wears jersey number four, was joined on the 27-player first team by senior center Josh Ostrue. Tommie senior RB Ben Wartman made the second team.

Lindy's Preseason All-America team included Ostrue, Wartman and junior-to-be Chad Vandergriff, at offensive tackle. The Sporting News also honored Ostrue and Wartman on its eite team.

St. Thomas is the only Division III program thus far to have four different players named preseason All-America. The Tommies had three underclassmen All-Americans in 2009 in a record-breaking 11-2 season that ended with an NCAA quarterfinal playoff loss at Linfield (Ore.).

There were 54 players listed by the CDS, which is in its seventh season of releasing a preseason All-America team. One other MIAC player was  cited -- Augsburg tight end Josh Pronschinske made second team. Click here to view the CDS honor team: http://cdsdraft.com/aa.php?team=Division%20III

Waldvogel was the 2009 MIAC Most Valuable Player -- the first sophomore recipient of the award which was first presented in 1995. He had 2,321 all-purpose yards in all 13 games to rank eighth in Division III per-game average, including 85 catches for 1,149 yards and 13 TDs.

In just 23 career games, the 5-foot-9, 165-pounder has 18 touchdowns, 137 receptions for 1,819 yards, and 3,298 all-purpose yards. That includes 22 gains of 38 or more yards on receptions, rushes and returns. His 86 catches for 1,149 yards finished one catch and 43 yards shy of tying P.J. Theisen's 2007 school records for season receptions and reception yards.

In 2009 alone, Waldvogel led all NCAA players in kick/punt return touchdowns with six, and had eight kick returns of 50 or more yards. He also ranked second in Division III in kick-return average at 33.0 ypr; tied an NCAA record with two punt returns for TDs in one quarter; had a rare back-to-back performance where he returned the game's opening kickoff for a TD on Oct. 24 and 31; had a punt-return TD and a kick- return TD in the same half against Northwestern; had a 59-yard kickoff return against St. John's; and had a 71-yard kick return in the NCAA playoff win over Monmouth.

The Tommies open their 2010 season Sept. 4 at St. Norbert and  play their home opener Sept. 11 against UW-River Falls. UST coach Glenn Caruso is 18-5 in his first two seasons. He graduated his starting punter and placekicker but returns full or part-time starters at 20 of 22 spots on offense and defense, along with his top return men and his kickoff specialist. More than 70 lettermen are expected to return. Several transfers and 50 invited freshmen lead the newcomers.

The Tommies' 70 touchdowns in 2009 ranked third most in D-III, behind Mount Union and UW-Whitewater. UST also broke school season records for rushing yards (3,238), total offense (5,556 yards), and points (506).

[Knightstalker]

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.

I'm of the opinion that recruits should not be pampered.  If a guy needs to be pampered, then he's not the type of guy we should want.  It's a slippery slope, that a$$ kissing.  A little bit of it and the next thing you know there are a bunch of prima donnas in the program and it's no longer the house that John built.  (I'm not naive enough to suggest there is no elitism amongst the elite players of St John's, but they tend to be a pretty well grounded, likable group of guys all the same.)

Nope.  I reckon it's better to recruit the best we can that don't need a$$es kissed and egos massaged.  I admire the program more for it's character than for it's success (although the success ain't bad, natch.)

If a recruit needs to be pampered like a baby and have his ass kissed then that recruit probably needs his ass kicked more than anything else.  Half the problem in the world, too many people kissing asses and not enough kicking asses.

[faunch]

Johnnies really need to start smooching the asses of some these kids a bit.  I guess it's just how kids are these days...they want to be needed , pampered and wanted.

I'm of the opinion that recruits should not be pampered.  If a guy needs to be pampered, then he's not the type of guy we should want.  It's a slippery slope, that a$$ kissing.  A little bit of it and the next thing you know there are a bunch of prima donnas in the program and it's no longer the house that John built.  (I'm not naive enough to suggest there is no elitism amongst the elite players of St John's, but they tend to be a pretty well grounded, likable group of guys all the same.)

Nope.  I reckon it's better to recruit the best we can that don't need a$$es kissed and egos massaged.  I admire the program more for it's character than for it's success (although the success ain't bad, natch.)

If a recruit needs to be pampered like a baby and have his ass kissed then that recruit probably needs his ass kicked more than anything else.  Half the problem in the world, too many people kissing asses and not enough kicking asses.

I agree with you totally, unfortunately it seems that we've got a generation of kids that want a guarantee or promise of playing time.  The reality is that in Collegeville a player may need to be patient and wait until his time comes.  Who knows what the story is with the Pitera kid.  I wish him all the best. 

I recognize my biased opinion in this matter but in my opinion if you want to go to a good school and play DIII football there is no better place to do it than Collegeville.  I've been to games at every MIAC institution minus Olaf and Concordia and there is no comparison.  As I sit here writing this I'm looking at my Gagliardi signed print of the Tommie / Johnnie game in Collegeville and all I can think is what other DIII program can come close to matching the experience of playing 4 years at SJU...Mount Union and Whitewater?