FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[miac952]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

From the show, re: facilities

"I understand we have them, I love 'em, they're fantastic...but this program is not a 'stuff' program...this program is a 'heartbeat and people' program"

Turns out "blah blah blah" actually contributed good context to his full answer.

So does the giant video board fit in the "stuff" or heartbeat and people category?

I know there is some sarcasm in that, but the board is in the stuff category. Side note, I saw a Prior Lake football game this year and was fascinated by there entrance with fireworks, smoke, a big helmet, and a video board that rivals UST and Augsburg's new one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3i6MsrPJYs

I was a little surprised that all this was being done at the HS level. Texas, yes, but not here in MN.

One thing the Tommies need to do something about is the pressbox. Its inadequate, especially for late season playoff games with a little larger media contingent. Dont know how that could be done without disrupting the historical grandstand that fits in with the campus architecture, but more space and modernizing should be on the top of the list. A box or two like SJU might be a worthwhile endeavor as well.

[USTBench]

SJU had field turf before we did. Schoenecker arena was not in great shape, the training rooms were small, the weight room was old and outdated, and some donors and the powers that be thought we should have some nicer athletic facilities. I don't think UST's stadium is any more impressive than GAC, Hamline or SJU. Outside of the video board, it's just kind of your basic DIII stadium. The AARC and the locker room is impressive, but it's not exactly what Phil Knight built for Oregon. Just some nice locker stalls and the ability to show film in the room. SJU could use a new scoreboard. Bethel, St. Olaf and Carleton could use some turf, and there are schools (Concordia, Augsburg, Carleton) that could really use an overhaul. I don't think it's anything UST has to apologize for.

[AO]

SJU had field turf before we did. Schoenecker arena was not in great shape, the training rooms were small, the weight room was old and outdated, and some donors and the powers that be thought we should have some nicer athletic facilities. I don't think UST's stadium is any more impressive than GAC, Hamline or SJU. Outside of the video board, it's just kind of your basic DIII stadium. The AARC and the locker room is impressive, but it's not exactly what Phil Knight built for Oregon. Just some nice locker stalls and the ability to show film in the room. SJU could use a new scoreboard. Bethel, St. Olaf and Carleton could use some turf, and there are schools (Concordia, Augsburg, Carleton) that could really use an overhaul. I don't think it's anything UST has to apologize for.

Since they are putting new turf in, I wonder if they could find a better home for the track?  Could install the new field much closer to the existing grandstand and have room to put in a new permanent stand on the East side.  In the war of facilities, I don't think anyone with a track around their field is going to rise to the top.

[Pat Coleman]

Just upgrading what's there doesn't work because of ADA regulations that have come in since the previous one was built, of course, and I think there's some neighborhood resistance to be overcome if they want to start over over there.

But I don't think they have to. They should just build a brand-new press box that extends above the veranda.

[miac952]

SJU had field turf before we did. Schoenecker arena was not in great shape, the training rooms were small, the weight room was old and outdated, and some donors and the powers that be thought we should have some nicer athletic facilities. I don't think UST's stadium is any more impressive than GAC, Hamline or SJU. Outside of the video board, it's just kind of your basic DIII stadium. The AARC and the locker room is impressive, but it's not exactly what Phil Knight built for Oregon. Just some nice locker stalls and the ability to show film in the room. SJU could use a new scoreboard. Bethel, St. Olaf and Carleton could use some turf, and there are schools (Concordia, Augsburg, Carleton) that could really use an overhaul. I don't think it's anything UST has to apologize for.

Since they are putting new turf in, I wonder if they could find a better home for the track?  Could install the new field much closer to the existing grandstand and have room to put in a new permanent stand on the East side.  In the war of facilities, I don't think anyone with a track around their field is going to rise to the top.

Agree on that thought 100%, but you are out of luck. Track is getting redone this summer too. Plus UST is pretty landlocked as well. The no track is why I enjoy Gustavus home field so much. Vantage points are WAY better. Its also why the veranda UST built is nice. You are instantly 20 rows up on top of the eighth lane of the track. Gustavus setup is a class above right now. Perfect for D3 football. Not over the top, but done very nicely. The SJU natural bowl is pretty spectacular, but that is more a function of the nature around it and the people in it. Haven't been there, but the new Mary Hardin Baylor stadium looks pretty cool as well. Couldnt comment on the crowd support and atmosphere.

[miac952]

Just upgrading what's there doesn't work because of ADA regulations that have come in since the previous one was built, of course, and I think there's some neighborhood resistance to be overcome if they want to start over over there.

But I don't think they have to. They should just build a brand-new press box that extends above the veranda.

That's an idea i hadn't thought of and it makes sense. Quick trip to the locker rooms for both coaching staffs at halftime as well. Only negative would be losing some of the nice views out of the gigantic windows from the indoor track.

[faunch]

SJU had field turf before we did. Schoenecker arena was not in great shape, the training rooms were small, the weight room was old and outdated, and some donors and the powers that be thought we should have some nicer athletic facilities. I don't think UST's stadium is any more impressive than GAC, Hamline or SJU. Outside of the video board, it's just kind of your basic DIII stadium. The AARC and the locker room is impressive, but it's not exactly what Phil Knight built for Oregon. Just some nice locker stalls and the ability to show film in the room. SJU could use a new scoreboard. Bethel, St. Olaf and Carleton could use some turf, and there are schools (Concordia, Augsburg, Carleton) that could really use an overhaul. I don't think it's anything UST has to apologize for.

SJU does need a new scoreboard. The current display was one of the first in the league that would show scores from conference games.  It pains me to admit it but they probably should put in a video board.  I had a conversation a couple years ago w/ former SJU basketball coach Jim Smith and told him they should put one up that's the same shape as the Abbey bell banner.  He said that those that call the shots at SJU will never put one up.


Kids these days have a screen in their face from the day they are born.  Now high schools are even feeding their self-indulgent personalities by putting together highlight reels and playing them before and even during games.  At Prior Lake the PA guy tells the fans to watch the "entrance video." Like they wouldn't notice??

[Mr.MIAC]

It's part of the UST culture:

When asked about the chance to avenge their 28-10 loss to the Purple Raiders in 2012, St. Thomas coach Glenn Caruso said "We don't deal in hate or revenge. That's not us, that's not who we are."

https://2paragraphs.com/2015/12/43rd-stagg-bowl-tommies-purple-raiders-in-2012-rematch/

Nice coverage out of St. Cloud:

But one thing that can't be argued is that the Tommies' success this postseason is good for the MIAC's reputation.

http://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/2015/12/14/rajkowski-column-tommies-success-good-miac/77284154/

[Retired Old Rat]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

From the show, re: facilities

"I understand we have them, I love 'em, they're fantastic...but this program is not a 'stuff' program...this program is a 'heartbeat and people' program"

Turns out "blah blah blah" actually contributed good context to his full answer.

So does the giant video board fit in the "stuff" or heartbeat and people category?

That thing was absolutely stunning on Saturday, with the ESPN feed.

Yes, it was stunning.  I mentioned that to a fellow Johnnie at the game.  It was great being able to watch instant replay.  I also mentioned to him that he should pony up so St. Johns has one too.

[Retired Old Rat]

Words versus actions.  I listen and then I watch.

[Pat Coleman]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

From the show, re: facilities

"I understand we have them, I love 'em, they're fantastic...but this program is not a 'stuff' program...this program is a 'heartbeat and people' program"

Turns out "blah blah blah" actually contributed good context to his full answer.

So does the giant video board fit in the "stuff" or heartbeat and people category?

That thing was absolutely stunning on Saturday, with the ESPN feed.

Yes, it was stunning.  I mentioned that to a fellow Johnnie at the game.  It was great being able to watch instant replay.  I also mentioned to him that he should pony up so St. Johns has one too.

+1

[Joe Wally]

SJU had field turf before we did. Schoenecker arena was not in great shape, the training rooms were small, the weight room was old and outdated, and some donors and the powers that be thought we should have some nicer athletic facilities. I don't think UST's stadium is any more impressive than GAC, Hamline or SJU. Outside of the video board, it's just kind of your basic DIII stadium. The AARC and the locker room is impressive, but it's not exactly what Phil Knight built for Oregon. Just some nice locker stalls and the ability to show film in the room. SJU could use a new scoreboard. Bethel, St. Olaf and Carleton could use some turf, and there are schools (Concordia, Augsburg, Carleton) that could really use an overhaul. I don't think it's anything UST has to apologize for.

Since they are putting new turf in, I wonder if they could find a better home for the track?  Could install the new field much closer to the existing grandstand and have room to put in a new permanent stand on the East side.  In the war of facilities, I don't think anyone with a track around their field is going to rise to the top.

Agree on that thought 100%, but you are out of luck. Track is getting redone this summer too. Plus UST is pretty landlocked as well. The no track is why I enjoy Gustavus home field so much. Vantage points are WAY better. Its also why the veranda UST built is nice. You are instantly 20 rows up on top of the eighth lane of the track. Gustavus setup is a class above right now. Perfect for D3 football. Not over the top, but done very nicely. The SJU natural bowl is pretty spectacular, but that is more a function of the nature around it and the people in it. Haven't been there, but the new Mary Hardin Baylor stadium looks pretty cool as well. Couldnt comment on the crowd support and atmosphere.

Had to check out the photos of the Gustavus stadium.  That is nice.  A little tight in the corners of the endzone, though.  Doesn't NCAA have a regulation against that?  I assumed they did after the issue with Notre Dame and Northwestern playing at Wrigley.

[Mr.MIAC]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

Link to listen?  Would love to hear for my own ears the part where he bristles.

I tracked down the link and I am about to listen:
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/audio/sports-huddle-with-sid-and-dave/

I just listened to this very reasonable interview with Coach Caruso. Either the haters are scraping the bottom of the barrel for stuff to discredit Caruso or they've grown absolutely delusional.

[PurpleTide]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

Link to listen?  Would love to hear for my own ears the part where he bristles.

I tracked down the link and I am about to listen:
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/audio/sports-huddle-with-sid-and-dave/

I just listened to this very reasonable interview with Coach Caruso. Either the haters are scraping the bottom of the barrel for stuff to discredit Caruso or they've grown absolutely delusional.

When the leaders of St Thomas decided to hire a new football coach back in 2007, they only had 2 requirements:
1.   Compete for a National Championship on a regular basis.
2.   Cause constant consternation to as many Johnnies as possible.
After 8 seasons it is obvious they chose the right man for the job!

[Mr.MIAC]

Congrats to the Tommies! As a Johnnie, I usually hate the Tommies. But this team isn't hard to root for.

The coach, on the other hand...Anyone catch Glenn on SId's show this morning? DId a good job figuring out what the hell Sid was trying to say, but bristled when Dave Lee suggested that their facilities had anything to do with his success. Then he rambled about how he wants recruits to get a feel for the place..blah blah blah. You better not dare question that recruiting and facilities have lead to his success - it's all Glenn .

Link to listen?  Would love to hear for my own ears the part where he bristles.

I tracked down the link and I am about to listen:
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/audio/sports-huddle-with-sid-and-dave/

I just listened to this very reasonable interview with Coach Caruso. Either the haters are scraping the bottom of the barrel for stuff to discredit Caruso or they've grown absolutely delusional.

When the leaders of St Thomas decided to hire a new football coach back in 2007, they only had 2 requirements:
1.   Compete for a National Championship on a regular basis.
2.   Cause constant consternation to as many Johnnies as possible.
After 8 seasons it is obvious they chose the right man for the job!

I'd like to think a few of us on this board have played a small role in #2 as well.