FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hazzben]

I have no problem with a kid transferring multiple times. It's transfering to SJ2 that's the problem. The place attracts those with few options and/or questionable character traits. You see lots of thuggish behavior on and off the field. Sad...

My wish for him is personal health and success, good studies, fun times, and a 4-win season on the field.

Don't say that. We want SJ2 to win more than four games to boost our strength of schedule. I predict a six-win season for SJ2.

2 of them can be out of conference then. No impact to sos

Lol, this is the real problem!

I've got no issue with transferring in general. But I think there's a tipping point too where it's perhaps a bridge too far. And I am uncomfortable with kids jumping from one program to another more successful program just because. I'm pretty sure Linfield just had a RB do this with UMHB.

Put it this way. 2018 finishes just like it did. And then in January Eerdman announces he's transferring to UMHB so he has a clearer shot at winning a national title. It'd be better for Bethels chances against SJU. But it wouldn't sit well with me and I think it's contrary to the ethos of D3. Wouldn't make Eerdman a bad person or evil or anything like that. Also wouldn't make him likely to be named teammate of the year. As some of the Linfield posters noted, good luck to the young man on his new endeavor (in this case JW). But I think he's missing out on the chance for some lifetime friendships that develop over the years at a school. I'll let the Tommie posters make jokes about the kinda of relationships he'll have access to with the Bennies 

As for the charge of being a keyboard warrior. Shrug. I think D3 is special and unique. And I'm just fine with that label if it comes from me speaking out about something that strikes at the core of D3 athletes being students first. Sadly at the D1, D2, JUCO and NAIA levels this frequency of transferring is much more common. And if we all are honest, I don't think any of us would want it to be the norm in D3. Maybe I'd feel different if it was a Bethel player on his 5th school and all region caliber. But if this was a Tommie, the SJU fans and posters and COL would be up in arms "this is why they don't belong in the MIAC!!!"

Bottom line, I rarely ever call out players on the board. Not like I would a D1 athlete who gets way more spotlight and a full scholarship, so the added scrutiny comes with the privilege of playing in front of massive crowds. But in this case, it seemed reasonable to discuss, since it was actions much more in line with D1 type behavior. That doesn't mean it's evil or nefarious. But I do think it means "aw shucks, he's just a D3 student athlete, we shouldn't talk about him like we would a player for the Gophers" doesn't fit as well. Again, that doesn't make JW evil or a bad guy. But it also doesn't mean I'm a "cyber bully" (any other therapeutic language we want to throw out there??) for calling out a track record that isn't in keeping with the nature of D3 college athletics.

[OzJohnnie]

And I am uncomfortable with kids jumping from one program to another more successful program just because.

Unless someone tells you, then you don't know if it's "just because" or some other reason.  Regardless, a 22-year-old (or whatever) making his early way in life really shouldn't be pressured to answer those questions here, don't you think?  Anywho.

[USTBench]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/videos/4626678-Authorities-investigate-suspicious-death-of-former-Vikings-Concordia-football-player-wife-Adopted-son-IDd-as-person-of-interest

Scary and sad news regarding former Cobber/Viking, Barry Bennett.

[hazzben]

And I am uncomfortable with kids jumping from one program to another more successful program just because.

Unless someone tells you, then you don't know if it's "just because" or some other reason.  Regardless, a 22-year-old (or whatever) making his early way in life really shouldn't be pressured to answer those questions here, don't you think?  Anywho.

He doesn't have to answer any questions here. Especially since I'm really not asking him personally. The "just because" line was lazy on my part. I think at a certain point/number the reasons for transferring become less palatable or justifiable.

Also I don't think it's beyond the purview of this board to discuss a guy who's on college number 5. I get transferring down. I get injuries. I get switching schools for a major. I get a kid just wanting to find a team where he can get on the field. More to the point though, he's on his 3rd D3 school in 3 years, where he was a starter and at least All Conference at both Lake Forest and Cal Lu, before jumping to SJU.

And I'm still willing to bet you'd be a whole lot more squeamish with this if he wasn't going to be playing in collegeville. Shoot, how would I feel if he was a Royal? I'd like to think the same, but I'll own that the problem with bias is we are often blind to our own. Honestly, my guess is JW is probably a pretty good young man (no evidence he's not). But the broader principle makes me really uncomfortable.

[hazzben]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/videos/4626678-Authorities-investigate-suspicious-death-of-former-Vikings-Concordia-football-player-wife-Adopted-son-IDd-as-person-of-interest

Scary and sad news regarding former Cobber/Viking, Barry Bennett.

Heartbreaking stuff. Prayers for the Bennett kids as this is just gut wrenching.

[bennie]

Lol, this is the real problem!

I've got no issue with transferring in general. But I think there's a tipping point too where it's perhaps a bridge too far. And I am uncomfortable with kids jumping from one program to another more successful program just because. I'm pretty sure Linfield just had a RB do this with UMHB.

Put it this way. 2018 finishes just like it did. And then in January Eerdman announces he's transferring to UMHB so he has a clearer shot at winning a national title. It'd be better for Bethels chances against SJU. But it wouldn't sit well with me and I think it's contrary to the ethos of D3. Wouldn't make Eerdman a bad person or evil or anything like that. Also wouldn't make him likely to be named teammate of the year. As some of the Linfield posters noted, good luck to the young man on his new endeavor (in this case JW). But I think he's missing out on the chance for some lifetime friendships that develop over the years at a school. I'll let the Tommie posters make jokes about the kinda of relationships he'll have access to with the Bennies 

As for the charge of being a keyboard warrior. Shrug. I think D3 is special and unique. And I'm just fine with that label if it comes from me speaking out about something that strikes at the core of D3 athletes being students first. Sadly at the D1, D2, JUCO and NAIA levels this frequency of transferring is much more common. And if we all are honest, I don't think any of us would want it to be the norm in D3. Maybe I'd feel different if it was a Bethel player on his 5th school and all region caliber. But if this was a Tommie, the SJU fans and posters and COL would be up in arms "this is why they don't belong in the MIAC!!!"

Bottom line, I rarely ever call out players on the board. Not like I would a D1 athlete who gets way more spotlight and a full scholarship, so the added scrutiny comes with the privilege of playing in front of massive crowds. But in this case, it seemed reasonable to discuss, since it was actions much more in line with D1 type behavior. That doesn't mean it's evil or nefarious. But I do think it means "aw shucks, he's just a D3 student athlete, we shouldn't talk about him like we would a player for the Gophers" doesn't fit as well. Again, that doesn't make JW evil or a bad guy. But it also doesn't mean I'm a "cyber bully" (any other therapeutic language we want to throw out there??) for calling out a track record that isn't in keeping with the nature of D3 college athletics.

The only reason I commented on astro9046's post was because it made me uncomfortable and a little sad to see that this parent felt the need to try to explain his son's actions. We are not owed any explanation (and I am not saying that any of us were demanding one).  I know that active players are not allowed on the board and I think parents of players deciding to join the board need to have a thick skin and take the comments on here for what they are worth...or just be drunk when posting like ChicagoTommie!

I didn't mean to offend anyone with the keyboard warrior comment, but lets face it, we get to "analyze" things from a comfortable distance with a degree of anonymity. Would we voice the same questions/issues in a face to face interaction? Maybe, maybe not. That said, I am probably slightly more tactful in person!

[jamtod]

And I am uncomfortable with kids jumping from one program to another more successful program just because.

Unless someone tells you, then you don't know if it's "just because" or some other reason.  Regardless, a 22-year-old (or whatever) making his early way in life really shouldn't be pressured to answer those questions here, don't you think?  Anywho.

He doesn't have to answer any questions here. Especially since I'm really not asking him personally. The "just because" line was lazy on my part. I think at a certain point/number the reasons for transferring become less palatable or justifiable.

Also I don't think it's beyond the purview of this board to discuss a guy who's on college number 5. I get transferring down. I get injuries. I get switching schools for a major. I get a kid just wanting to find a team where he can get on the field. More to the point though, he's on his 3rd D3 school in 3 years, where he was a starter and at least All Conference at both Lake Forest and Cal Lu, before jumping to SJU.

And I'm still willing to bet you'd be a whole lot more squeamish with this if he wasn't going to be playing in collegeville. Shoot, how would I feel if he was a Royal? I'd like to think the same, but I'll own that the problem with bias is we are often blind to our own. Honestly, my guess is JW is probably a pretty good young man (no evidence he's not). But the broader principle makes me really uncomfortable.

Agreed. Nobody deserves an answer on any of this and I don't see any expectation of that. The dynamics of this are a bit different as folks were well aware that Mr Windsor peruses these forums and would likely be inclined to share an explanation of JW's situation. I'm sure he's a good kid and life gets complicated sometimes.

My only desire is that he feels good about his on field performance this year while losing a lot of games. Is that so much to ask?

[hazzben]

The only reason I commented on astro9046's post was because it made me uncomfortable and a little sad to see that this parent felt the need to try to explain his son's actions. We are not owed any explanation (and I am not saying that any of us were demanding one).  I know that active players are not allowed on the board and I think parents of players deciding to join the board need to have a thick skin and take the comments on here for what they are worth...or just be drunk when posting like ChicagoTommie!

I didn't mean to offend anyone with the keyboard warrior comment, but lets face it, we get to "analyze" things from a comfortable distance with a degree of anonymity. Would we voice the same questions/issues in a face to face interaction? Maybe, maybe not. That said, I am probably slightly more tactful in person!

Don't worry, I wasn't offended. And you're exactly right, we get to type behind a veil of anonymity. I'm sure we'd all be more tactful in person. And the players have to put their goods on the field for all to see.

Also to your point, I wasn't aware his dad posted on here from time to time, but @ astro9046, my posts aren't at all meant to imply you shouldn't be proud of your son or that he's a bad apple.

The more I digest it, the more I think I'm just uncomfortable with the principle/practice in general, it's nothing personal with JW. But it IS personal with Oz 

[57Johnnie]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/videos/4626678-Authorities-investigate-suspicious-death-of-former-Vikings-Concordia-football-player-wife-Adopted-son-IDd-as-person-of-interest

Scary and sad news regarding former Cobber/Viking, Barry Bennett.

Heartbreaking stuff. Prayers for the Bennett kids as this is just gut wrenching.

The world is either crazier than when I was a pup or news just spreads faster ,   or both.
Prayers to the family and Cobber family. 

[AO]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/videos/4626678-Authorities-investigate-suspicious-death-of-former-Vikings-Concordia-football-player-wife-Adopted-son-IDd-as-person-of-interest

Scary and sad news regarding former Cobber/Viking, Barry Bennett.

Heartbreaking stuff. Prayers for the Bennett kids as this is just gut wrenching.

Barry was my HS phy-ed teacher and his daughter is a friend.  He was very easy-going at school, always making jokes.  If he had played his 10 years in the NFL in a more recent era, I doubt he'd have to find another job after retiring.  We were very fortunate to have him as a teacher.  Hopefully Dylan turns himself in soon and we get some answers.

[jamtod]

Folks, I could really go for some MIAC football.

2 more weeks? Hrrmpph.

[wif]

I met Barry Bennet at a local health club during the summer in the late 80's. I was working out getting ready for the season and had on some SJU clothing. At the time I didn't know or recognize him. Anyway, he asked if I played at SJU and he stated he played at CC back in the day. We then proceeded to talk for about 30 minutes about MIAC football, Gagliardi and Christopherson, etc.. He admitted he was nearing the end of his lengthy NFL career at that point (I think he finished with the Vikings?), and I remember being in awe of an MIAC guy that could play in the NFL for any length of time. Anyway, I was basically a snot nose kid that played for a rival school, and this NFL veteran could not have been a nicer guy. I was shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific situation with him and his wife. Based on my brief encounter with him, all of the comments being issued about what a great guy he was certainly ring true.

[Mr.MIAC]

You all should swing by the State Fair to pickup the new Tommie tote bags. Once we go DI, these might become collectors' items.

https://news.stthomas.edu/st-thomas-at-the-state-fair/

[OzJohnnie]

It's been a while since we've featured a commercial on the boards.  This one from Sportsbet, and Aussie on-line betting company, makes me chuckle.  Especially the first 10 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZnpsEzbns

[bennie]

You all should swing by the State Fair to pickup the new Tommie tote bags. Once we go DI, these might become collectors' items.

https://news.stthomas.edu/st-thomas-at-the-state-fair/

"Blessed are the Nerdy"? Um...sure! You flatter yourself! I can hardly wait to share this with my friend that went to Carleton.