FB: Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

I believe Ithaca heads to the LL in 2010. I for one am super excited about this but...I would rather see the NYS superconference formed by 2011 so NY football can really band together and push its level even higher. Let's bring back the 80's when NYS football was just plain nasty!!!

Haha yeah right.  Ithaca will never leave the Empire 8 conference. 

A look at Ithaca's 2009 schedule reveals the appearance of both St. Lawrence and Union from the LL, probably a good indicator that the Bombers will make the move as suggested.

Elmira College needs to start a football program....and FAST!

On Saxon Warriors!

[Bombers798891]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

What a brutal schedule...6 of the first 8 on the road? Ugh. I'm sure Ithaca should be able to beat St. Lawrence and Utica regardless, but still. Ithaca's not exactly a great road team, and it's not like the home slate is filled with winnable games. If IC went 1-3 at home this season, I'd only be moderately surprised.

was thinking the same thing...that is an impressive and tough schedule....IC could end up being very banged up by mid season

Is it a stretch to wonder if IC's streak of winning seasons is in jeopardy? Union, Springfield and Hartwick will all be tough on the road (IC is notoriously bad on turf) and Cortland, Alfred and SJF aren't going to lay down and die.

[theoriginalupstate]

I believe Ithaca heads to the LL in 2010. I for one am super excited about this but...I would rather see the NYS superconference formed by 2011 so NY football can really band together and push its level even higher. Let's bring back the 80's when NYS football was just plain nasty!!!

Haha yeah right.  Ithaca will never leave the Empire 8 conference. 

A look at Ithaca's 2009 schedule reveals the appearance of both St. Lawrence and Union from the LL, probably a good indicator that the Bombers will make the move as suggested.

Elmira College needs to start a football program....and FAST!

On Saxon Warriors!

That is very interesting.  Plus SJF is playing Bart in 2010.  I like the LL and E8 crossovers. 

I hope IC doesn't go, but it's starting to look like it's going to happen.

[boobyhasgameyo]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

What a brutal schedule...6 of the first 8 on the road? Ugh. I'm sure Ithaca should be able to beat St. Lawrence and Utica regardless, but still. Ithaca's not exactly a great road team, and it's not like the home slate is filled with winnable games. If IC went 1-3 at home this season, I'd only be moderately surprised.

was thinking the same thing...that is an impressive and tough schedule....IC could end up being very banged up by mid season

Is it a stretch to wonder if IC's streak of winning seasons is in jeopardy? Union, Springfield and Hartwick will all be tough on the road (IC is notoriously bad on turf) and Cortland, Alfred and SJF aren't going to lay down and die.

I doubt it's in jeopardy.

St. Lawrence and Utica are more than likely wins.  Hartwick will not be nearly as good, that will be a win.  Frostburg will be a win.  Springfield is always tough to predict but I mean I don't think it's going out on a limb to suggest Ithaca would be favored, especially if their season hasn't been going to well to that point and they'd need a W.  That's 5 right there, they'd only need to get 1 out of the remaining 4 (I'd say remaining 5 but Fisher will be a loss) and let's be honest.....they'll get at least one. 

[John McGraw]

IMO Hartwick will be a completely different team without Jason Boltus. Unless Mark Carr can find another I-AA type quarterback, Hartwick's in for a bit of a down cycle.

[dlippiel]

IMO Hartwick will be a completely different team without Jason Boltus. Unless Mark Carr can find another I-AA type quarterback, Hartwick's in for a bit of a down cycle.

That may even be a bit of an understatement Mr. McGraw

[dewcrew88]

Utica's schedule:

09/05/2009  Becker College @ Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Home  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
09/12/2009  Homecoming Weekend vs. Castleton State @ Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Home  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
09/19/2009  R.P.I. @ '86 Field
Away  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
09/26/2009
  Ithaca College @ Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Home  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
10/03/2009
  Springfield College @ Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Home  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
10/10/2009  Anna Maria College @ Anna Maria College Turf Stadium
Away  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
10/17/2009
  St. John Fisher College @ Growney Stadium
Away  7:00 p.m.  Recap 
10/31/2009
  Senior Day vs. Hartwick College @ Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Home  1:00 p.m.  Recap 
11/07/2009  Mt. Ida College @ Mt. Ida Athletic Stadium
Away  12:00 p.m.  Recap 
11/14/2009
  Alfred University @ Merrill Field
Away  1:00 p.m.  Recap 


They have IC at home in Week 4.

[AUPepBand]

Will Utica be playing RPI at '86 Field? Won't the Engineers' new stadium be ready? Pep was under the impression that the ECAC Bowl game with Alfred at '86 Field, played with high temperature of about 20, was closing out that historic venue.

[dlippiel]

Will Utica be playing RPI at '86 Field? Won't the Engineers' new stadium be ready? Pep was under the impression that the ECAC Bowl game with Alfred at '86 Field, played with high temperature of about 20, was closing out that historic venue.

Pep I think you are right about that. I think that if anything they would play on Harkness field before going back to 86'. It will be interesting to see what happens. I for one have to say (even as a Union fan and ardent RPI ****giver) that I will miss 86' field. I always thought it had such a unique feel. To me, it was one of the most special fields in all of D3 football history.

[stimulator]

On a recruiting trip w/ my son to Wesleyan had some of that same "in the middle of campus surrounded by buildings" feel when we watched Williams/Wesleyan.  After 3 years of watching games on '86, I am going to miss it.  The new stadium should be something though.. hope they can put a few more fans in the seats.  Their W-L is certainly not the reason for their poor attendance. 

[sjfcards]

I wonder what the best place to watch a game in upstate NY is? 

I must admit that I have not seen a lot of them, but I think Cortland would get the early nod from me. The Stadium is great and the parking, walk to, and surrounding area nice as well. Fisher has a great stadium but the visitor seating, and tailgating restrictions take it down a notch. I really love Fauver stadium at U of R myself. I like the old school feeling of it. It has a big seating area, and I have always had a good experience watching games there. 

[fisheralum91]

Big thumbs down to utica college---visitors side--as bad a s fishers- and the walk is insane from the parking lots.
U of R not bad, Agree on Cortland, IC always fun. Fisher needs the visitors side fixed less hassle tailgating and get some indoor plumbing. 

[sjfcards]

Big thumbs down to utica college---visitors side--as bad a s fishers- and the walk is insane from the parking lots.
U of R not bad, Agree on Cortland, IC always fun. Fisher needs the visitors side fixed less hassle tailgating and get some indoor plumbing. 

I like the idea of adding a grandstand type area on the visitors side, indoor plumbing is obvious, and the new presidents box off of the SLC (Scheduled to be built) would all be nice touches to Growney. I think Fisher could also make some subtle changes to campus that would really improve the game day experience. A designated area for tailgating (park and ride) would be one.

[dlippiel]

Big thumbs down to utica college---visitors side--as bad a s fishers- and the walk is insane from the parking lots.
U of R not bad, Agree on Cortland, IC always fun. Fisher needs the visitors side fixed less hassle tailgating and get some indoor plumbing. 

I like the idea of adding a grandstand type area on the visitors side, indoor plumbing is obvious, and the new presidents box off of the SLC (Scheduled to be built) would all be nice touches to Growney. I think Fisher could also make some subtle changes to campus that would really improve the game day experience. A designated area for tailgating (park and ride) would be one.

Not to be too much of a homer her but I want to say that I feel Frank Bailey Field (Union) is a wonderful place to watch a football game. There is not a bad seat in the house. I also love how the grounds surround the field (the hill) where visiting and home fans alike share the area. I would never pretend that it is the "best" place to watch a D3 football game in NY, but I think on a nice fall day it certainly is solid!

[SJFF82]

Big thumbs down to utica college---visitors side--as bad a s fishers- and the walk is insane from the parking lots.
U of R not bad, Agree on Cortland, IC always fun. Fisher needs the visitors side fixed less hassle tailgating and get some indoor plumbing. 

I like the idea of adding a grandstand type area on the visitors side, indoor plumbing is obvious, and the new presidents box off of the SLC (Scheduled to be built) would all be nice touches to Growney. I think Fisher could also make some subtle changes to campus that would really improve the game day experience. A designated area for tailgating (park and ride) would be one.

isnt this like the 3rd straight Spring that we have had this conversation....perhaps SJF will finally step up to the plate and spend some money on something so basic and fundamental to an athletic stadium/complex....concessions and bathrooms....duh!!!