FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[sfury]

No one can doubt Caruso's effectiveness or what he's done. Even with the little shots SJUers like to take at him, his success is overwhelming and incredibly impressive and we do it mostly out of pettiness, surely (other than the ridiculous thing at the end of the Mount Union game. That was just dumb, especially for a guy honored repeatedly by one of our nation's finest insurance providers). He's a great coach, deserving of the accolades. And the improving the record each year thing is obviously impressive, although there is a little asterisk (red one, appointed by a bitter SJU fan) there. He had the fortune -- fortune in trying to achieve this mark, not because it was easy to take over those programs -- in taking over a team that had won zero games the year before he arrived. Then when he had perhaps -- perhaps -- reached the peak at Mac at 4-5 he got a new gig...and was able to take over a team that won just two games the year before. Now, what's made it really impressive is these past few seasons when you're pushing that to 11-12-13-14. But lots of coaches going after this made-up record don't have the luxury of taking over a winless program or a 2-win team just when you're maxing out at the other gig. Again, though, incredible job.

Moving on. Exciting win for the Johnnies, which I could really not see or hear, thanks to my ancient computer. I did see the winning FG. I don't know if it's a good thing for the rest of the year that a miracle -- Johnnie Magic, copyright John Gagliardi -- was needed to beat River Falls, but it's better than the alternative. And maybe it implants a little good vibe in the players and staff, something to take away a bit the games like the Augsburg debacle from 2 years ago. And maybe they found something in the fourth quarter with the offense, although it's always tough to tell how much you can carry desperation over into the next game for four quarters.

I will say that maybe the "intensity of practices" thing was just a tad overstated as being the be all and end all of things in that Strib piece today. The way that was made to sound, I was expecting crisp 42-0 dominance...

[ron doney]

Good luck to the Johnnies tonight, let's hope Gary gets off to a great start to the season and is 2-0 heading into the Tommie Game. 

It's time for the Tommies on the board to assume the position they have had for most of thier football history, playing second fiddle to the Johnnies.  It seems some Tommies take a three year run to mean that they have been historically the dominant team in the MIAC.  Fact is if you look at MIAC history they are probably at best, third fiddle to SJU and Concordia, and maybe even fourth to the Gusties(historically speaking).

Alright a self proclaimed man of facts.....what's the history say about going undefeated in the conference three seasons in a row? Or maybe 34 regular season games in a row?

As the guy who checks the facts at UST wrote.....
Glenn Caruso (57-8 record), last season's AFCA and Liberty Mutual Division III National Coach of the Year, surpassed 50 Tommie coaching victories in 2012, his fifth seasons at UST. By comparison, John Gagliardi won his 50th game at St. John's in his 10th season; Mount Union's Larry Kehres won his 50th game in his seventh season.... Caruso moved into first in UST football coaching victories last postseason he passed Frank Deig (56 wins, 1947-58).

Caruso has done something possibly unprecedented in college football –- improve his team's record in each of his first seven seasons as a head coach. He took over a Macalester team coming off an 0-9 season in 2006 and went 2-7, then 4-5. He took over a 2-8 Tommie program in 2008 and posted season records of 7-3, 11-2, 12-1, 13-1 and 14-1.
Point proven....Tommie fans think the conference began 5 years ago.
BTW they didn't play as many games and have 32 team playoffs back in the 1950's. 

Ok, name a better stretch of 5 years at SJU in terms of winning percentage?
Btw... less games on the schedule should mean its easier to go undefeated.....and 32 teams is irrelevant because playoffs were not mentioned.

[D O.C.]

I never dreamed I'd congratulate the johns on winning a simple football game. But....way to go.

Reminds me of flooding the field after beating a St. Thomas team once upon a time.

[sfury]

Ron, what's the point? What are you arguing? Caruso's had an awesome five years at St. Thomas. And is an overwhelming 3-2 against the Johnnies. Everyone gives him credit. Everyone knows the Tommies are the big dogs right now. A great opportunity to win a national title this year and probably for the next several years or however long Caruso is there. That said...five years does not compare to 60 and it seems you're one post away from saying it does. And historically, when you talk about the entire history of the MIAC, then, yes, programs like Concordia have had more success. That doesn't take away from the Tommies' 2008-20012 success or the fact we now bow down to our preppy Tommie overlords.

And life isn't all about winning percentage. A five-year stretch that was better at SJU? What about 1961-65. Three undefeated seasons, two national titles (undefeated in '62 but no playoffs).

And, I don't know, how about 1999-2003?
1999: 11-2, lost in West finals to eventual national champion after holding 4th-quarter lead.
2000: 13-2, lost in Stagg, on last-second field goal.
2001: 11-3, lost in national semis to national champion
2002: 12-2, lost in national semis in final minute.
2003: 14-0, national champions, ended college football's longest winning streak.

I'm going to say those five years were better and John Gagliardi will happily point them out on his Linked In profile when his next job interviewer says, "Well, Mr. Gagliardi -- sorry, John -- look, we like your credentials but have you ever had a five-year run like Caruso at St. Thomas? I mean, really? Has anyone?"

[SJU60TX]

"Ok, name a better stretch of 5 years at SJU in terms of winning percentage?"


S Fury mentioned 99-03 :

Technically, not as good as winning percentage (.871 JG vs. .876 GC)

However,
Factor in 98-03 (6 years; not 5):  72-10 (.878 JG vs .876 gc)

But while we are on the subject:

1991-1995 JG (50-6-2; or .893)

1961-1965 (39-5; or .886)

So , I guess 1 6 year period better than Carusos current 5
and 2 other 5 year period with better winning percentage

As a poster pointed out earlier, I guess CST really only began counting these things 5 yrs ago..

[OzJohnnie]

RD fell afoul of the fallacy of adolescence: if he's unaware if a fact then everyone must be unaware of that fact.

In other news: #1 and her team are into the netball Grand Final. A blustering win in the semi. Good sporting day all around.

[Tom Thumb]

Good luck to the Johnnies tonight, let's hope Gary gets off to a great start to the season and is 2-0 heading into the Tommie Game. 

It's time for the Tommies on the board to assume the position they have had for most of thier football history, playing second fiddle to the Johnnies.  It seems some Tommies take a three year run to mean that they have been historically the dominant team in the MIAC.  Fact is if you look at MIAC history they are probably at best, third fiddle to SJU and Concordia, and maybe even fourth to the Gusties(historically speaking).

My issue with this post had nothing to do with who has done better historically. What rubbed me the wrong way is the statement bolded above. I found that statement extremely arrogant and annoying. Why should I have any less pride in my football program than SJU or any other team in the MIAC for that matter? This statement was meant to, "put them (UST) in their place." Ain't happening.

[Tom Thumb]

WCCO did an excellent article on Treymane Williams. Great kid.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/09/06/beyond-bounds-6-reasons-why-tremayne-is-tommie-footballs-poster-boy/

[D O.C.]

FWIW...I'm still embarrassed to fumble on the two in an away playoff game thereby giving toms a pass.

[Pat Coleman]

Oz -- Gary wasn't crying or even particularly emotional, he was just severely lacking in voice after the game.

[57Johnnie]

Duff, I was going to get you in free but you'll need to pull the wallet out I guess. 

With the second Duffster on it's way, I can't afford that! 

We'll miss you, Bob!  Are you at least sending Stoutguy to raise a ruckus if the UW-RF security detail causes us headaches?

Stoutguy will be doing the Menomonie vs. Chippewa Falls high school game on the radio tonight, so you are on your own with the parking lot negotiations.

57Johnnie, I got 20 bucks says the Mustangs take your high school alma mater tonight. 

Sorry Bob but I'm a Mack and then a JOHNNIE.
Tickles me when the Cardinals get waxed.

[Capn34]

Good luck to the Johnnies tonight, let's hope Gary gets off to a great start to the season and is 2-0 heading into the Tommie Game. 

It's time for the Tommies on the board to assume the position they have had for most of thier football history, playing second fiddle to the Johnnies.  It seems some Tommies take a three year run to mean that they have been historically the dominant team in the MIAC.  Fact is if you look at MIAC history they are probably at best, third fiddle to SJU and Concordia, and maybe even fourth to the Gusties(historically speaking).

My issue with this post had nothing to do with who has done better historically. What rubbed me the wrong way is the statement bolded above. I found that statement extremely arrogant and annoying. Why should I have any less pride in my football program than SJU or any other team in the MIAC for that matter? This statement was meant to, "put them (UST) in their place." Ain't happening.

It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster.

[ChicagoTommie]

"It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster."

Hey captain A$$ hat, stop living in the past move forward pick your thong out of your a$$ and relax...sorry your so offended by me "Tommie come lately" of course I will pound my chest for the Tommie's they are the team of the present! Routing for the past is great if you have no future!

[Capn34]

"It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster."

Hey captain A$$ hat, stop living in the past move forward pick your thong out of your a$$ and relax...sorry your so offended by me "Tommie come lately" of course I will pound my chest for the Tommie's they are the team of the present! Routing for the past is great if you have no future!

You are pure class Chicago Tommie.  Your statement reminds me of my favorite quote "Planning for the future without knowledge of the past is like trying to stand in a bucket and lift yourself up"

[Mr.MIAC]

"It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster."

Hey captain A$$ hat, stop living in the past move forward pick your thong out of your a$$ and relax...sorry your so offended by me "Tommie come lately" of course I will pound my chest for the Tommie's they are the team of the present! Routing for the past is great if you have no future!

+K for making me laugh out loud.