FB: Empire 8

[SJFF82]

I just checked out the Fisher athletics page and saw that an announcement was made that the Courage Bowl, between SJFC and U of R, will be played at the new Rhino's stadium in Rochester the next two years. I sort of have mixed feelings about the decision. Part of me loves the idea of the neutral site, and a bigger venue for the game. The city seems to embrace that game as much as a city that size can embrace a Division III game, but I don't think they will get the attendence to make the stdium look even half full. Part of the fun part of the game for me is the "big" crowds in the smaller stadiums. Especially at Fisher, where U of R kids stand on the hill by the scoreboard, and all the seats are full, etc.

It does seem to add to the big game feeling, but I don't know how I feel about it. What does everyone else think?

oops...read back a few pages and check the LLPP board....

That will teach me to just jump on and post when I think I have some news. I should have known 

The more I think about it the more I think the decision may be a good one. If the schools take an active approach in promoting the game to the Rochester areas (especially those with ties to both schools), it may draw a bit more than on campus. There are probably folks that stay away because the stadiums are tight and overcrowded for that game. A large piece of the Fisher alumni stay in the Rochester area after school, and I am sure the same is true with U of R. Also, as someone discussed earlier, Camp Good Days is such a great cause that the schools can pull at the heart strings a little bit, and make some more money for the organization. Which is a very good thing. I think it only works if the schools really make an effort to promote the game beyond the normal channels they use (schools websites). With my marketing brain turning on I start to think of mass mailings to alumni, focusing on recent graduates. Articles in the local papers beyond just the D&C. Reaching into some of the smaller papers in surrounding towns. TV commercials promoting the cause, etc. These could lead to bigger crowds, which leads to better atmosphere, more interest, and more money for the schools and the Camp.

Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part, because I thought that the game really had the makings to become one of those "big" games in DIII. This may make or break it.   Sorry to beat this topic to death, but I just wanted to get my two cents in.

One of the tough things about games like that can be that to promote it outside of a very local region, you really need strong teams year in and year out. As fans, we are aware of the off-the field angles sure, but for sports, people care about the level of competition. Fisher's really only been on the scene for about seven years and Rochester's kind of a middling program.

I'm not trying to sound harsh, because I understand the importance of the game and commend the two schools for doing everything they can to grow it. I just think that for the average out of area person to care, both schools need to be at a high level.

I think your point about using alumni to grow the game is dead on '82. It's gotta start at a grassroots level. Getting the school's campus organizations behind it might help too, by having them reach out to community leaders. Maybe they already do that, but they've got to have a lot of reach.

It sucks, I know, but I think of things like the Paralympics. As someone with a disability, I wish people would follow it, promote it, etc. But, it's not likely to happen, and people won't be as interested in it, simply because of the level of competition.

actually...it was sjfcards' point...

[Bombers798891]

I just checked out the Fisher athletics page and saw that an announcement was made that the Courage Bowl, between SJFC and U of R, will be played at the new Rhino's stadium in Rochester the next two years. I sort of have mixed feelings about the decision. Part of me loves the idea of the neutral site, and a bigger venue for the game. The city seems to embrace that game as much as a city that size can embrace a Division III game, but I don't think they will get the attendence to make the stdium look even half full. Part of the fun part of the game for me is the "big" crowds in the smaller stadiums. Especially at Fisher, where U of R kids stand on the hill by the scoreboard, and all the seats are full, etc.

It does seem to add to the big game feeling, but I don't know how I feel about it. What does everyone else think?

oops...read back a few pages and check the LLPP board....

That will teach me to just jump on and post when I think I have some news. I should have known 

The more I think about it the more I think the decision may be a good one. If the schools take an active approach in promoting the game to the Rochester areas (especially those with ties to both schools), it may draw a bit more than on campus. There are probably folks that stay away because the stadiums are tight and overcrowded for that game. A large piece of the Fisher alumni stay in the Rochester area after school, and I am sure the same is true with U of R. Also, as someone discussed earlier, Camp Good Days is such a great cause that the schools can pull at the heart strings a little bit, and make some more money for the organization. Which is a very good thing. I think it only works if the schools really make an effort to promote the game beyond the normal channels they use (schools websites). With my marketing brain turning on I start to think of mass mailings to alumni, focusing on recent graduates. Articles in the local papers beyond just the D&C. Reaching into some of the smaller papers in surrounding towns. TV commercials promoting the cause, etc. These could lead to bigger crowds, which leads to better atmosphere, more interest, and more money for the schools and the Camp.

Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part, because I thought that the game really had the makings to become one of those "big" games in DIII. This may make or break it.   Sorry to beat this topic to death, but I just wanted to get my two cents in.

One of the tough things about games like that can be that to promote it outside of a very local region, you really need strong teams year in and year out. As fans, we are aware of the off-the field angles sure, but for sports, people care about the level of competition. Fisher's really only been on the scene for about seven years and Rochester's kind of a middling program.

I'm not trying to sound harsh, because I understand the importance of the game and commend the two schools for doing everything they can to grow it. I just think that for the average out of area person to care, both schools need to be at a high level.

I think your point about using alumni to grow the game is dead on '82. It's gotta start at a grassroots level. Getting the school's campus organizations behind it might help too, by having them reach out to community leaders. Maybe they already do that, but they've got to have a lot of reach.

It sucks, I know, but I think of things like the Paralympics. As someone with a disability, I wish people would follow it, promote it, etc. But, it's not likely to happen, and people won't be as interested in it, simply because of the level of competition.

actually...it was sjfcards' point...

Eh, all you Fisher guys sound alike...

[wickfan]

As per a discussion a while back, I've heard from a pretty good source that the transfer quarterback into Hartwick is indeed the same player that has also been at Delaware and initially committed to Purdue as a preferred walk-on. Hartwick would make his third school in as many years.

If it is him, is he just trying to find a place to play or did he not get along at IC?  Hopefully he is a good kid that maybe thought he wasn't going to start at IC and decided to find another place. I will certainly give him the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise.

[sjfcards]

I just checked out the Fisher athletics page and saw that an announcement was made that the Courage Bowl, between SJFC and U of R, will be played at the new Rhino's stadium in Rochester the next two years. I sort of have mixed feelings about the decision. Part of me loves the idea of the neutral site, and a bigger venue for the game. The city seems to embrace that game as much as a city that size can embrace a Division III game, but I don't think they will get the attendence to make the stdium look even half full. Part of the fun part of the game for me is the "big" crowds in the smaller stadiums. Especially at Fisher, where U of R kids stand on the hill by the scoreboard, and all the seats are full, etc.

It does seem to add to the big game feeling, but I don't know how I feel about it. What does everyone else think?

oops...read back a few pages and check the LLPP board....

That will teach me to just jump on and post when I think I have some news. I should have known 

The more I think about it the more I think the decision may be a good one. If the schools take an active approach in promoting the game to the Rochester areas (especially those with ties to both schools), it may draw a bit more than on campus. There are probably folks that stay away because the stadiums are tight and overcrowded for that game. A large piece of the Fisher alumni stay in the Rochester area after school, and I am sure the same is true with U of R. Also, as someone discussed earlier, Camp Good Days is such a great cause that the schools can pull at the heart strings a little bit, and make some more money for the organization. Which is a very good thing. I think it only works if the schools really make an effort to promote the game beyond the normal channels they use (schools websites). With my marketing brain turning on I start to think of mass mailings to alumni, focusing on recent graduates. Articles in the local papers beyond just the D&C. Reaching into some of the smaller papers in surrounding towns. TV commercials promoting the cause, etc. These could lead to bigger crowds, which leads to better atmosphere, more interest, and more money for the schools and the Camp.

Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part, because I thought that the game really had the makings to become one of those "big" games in DIII. This may make or break it.   Sorry to beat this topic to death, but I just wanted to get my two cents in.

One of the tough things about games like that can be that to promote it outside of a very local region, you really need strong teams year in and year out. As fans, we are aware of the off-the field angles sure, but for sports, people care about the level of competition. Fisher's really only been on the scene for about seven years and Rochester's kind of a middling program.

I'm not trying to sound harsh, because I understand the importance of the game and commend the two schools for doing everything they can to grow it. I just think that for the average out of area person to care, both schools need to be at a high level.

I think your point about using alumni to grow the game is dead on '82. It's gotta start at a grassroots level. Getting the school's campus organizations behind it might help too, by having them reach out to community leaders. Maybe they already do that, but they've got to have a lot of reach.

It sucks, I know, but I think of things like the Paralympics. As someone with a disability, I wish people would follow it, promote it, etc. But, it's not likely to happen, and people won't be as interested in it, simply because of the level of competition.

I think your right Bombers. The biggest hurdle for the Courage bowl to overcome may be that a lot of people not directly connected to the game feel that Fisher wins every year (which they have done since the game was promoted as the Courage Bowl), and that DIII football isn't all that great anyway. The best thing for the game, and it kills me to say this, may be to have U of R pull off some upsets.

[AUPepBand]

The Courage Bowl, Pep would argue, with all the Good Days and Special Times associated with it, gets a real media boost in Rochester. Given the game is played at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night with local TV coverage in itself is rather appealing. Most high school games are either Friday nights or Saturday afternoons, giving the high schoolers an opportunity to see their graduated teammates suit up for the Cardinals and/or 'Jackets.

Nevertheless, with the added hype of the game, the TV cameras and prime time scheduling...a warm September Saturday night, the game at Growney in 2009 drew a total of 5,461 fans (who, Pep might add, were treated to a runaway gone wild as the Yellowjackets stormed back from a seemingly insurmountable Cardinal lead).

A month later, in a 1 p.m. game with little or no hype but the Empire 8 title on the line, Fisher drew 4,755 fans to Growney when the Saxons came out of the foothills to take in the sights of the city.

Pep is thinking that the Alfred-Fisher series, given a little more promotion, could generate even more interest, and, beyond Good Days and Special Times, there are plenty of causes that could benefit from a $1 donation from each spectator.

Pep has stated many times before that Alfred really has no "rivalry" game, although there are plenty of candidates....Fisher, UR, Hobart, et al.

Pep welcomes any thoughts on the topic.

[bomber3]

If I'm not mistaken, IC will lose their Offensive Coordinator and WR coach effective immediately (both stepped down).  Pretty big losses considering the strength of the passing game the past year.  Seems like both are pretty solid opportunities with the top 3 receivers and top TE returning (Vossler, Ruffrage, Hannon, Higgins).  Now just need to find someone to throw them the ball...

[sjfcards]

The Courage Bowl, Pep would argue, with all the Good Days and Special Times associated with it, gets a real media boost in Rochester. Given the game is played at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night with local TV coverage in itself is rather appealing. Most high school games are either Friday nights or Saturday afternoons, giving the high schoolers an opportunity to see their graduated teammates suit up for the Cardinals and/or 'Jackets.

Nevertheless, with the added hype of the game, the TV cameras and prime time scheduling...a warm September Saturday night, the game at Growney in 2009 drew a total of 5,461 fans (who, Pep might add, were treated to a runaway gone wild as the Yellowjackets stormed back from a seemingly insurmountable Cardinal lead).

A month later, in a 1 p.m. game with little or no hype but the Empire 8 title on the line, Fisher drew 4,755 fans to Growney when the Saxons came out of the foothills to take in the sights of the city.

Pep is thinking that the Alfred-Fisher series, given a little more promotion, could generate even more interest, and, beyond Good Days and Special Times, there are plenty of causes that could benefit from a $1 donation from each spectator.

Pep has stated many times before that Alfred really has no "rivalry" game, although there are plenty of candidates....Fisher, UR, Hobart, et al.

Pep welcomes any thoughts on the topic.

That is a tough one Pep. The issue is that the other top teams in the league have sort of already claimed their rivalry game. Cortaca is obviously at the top of the list for IC, but IC/Fisher has become a rivalry as well. Fisher also has U of R on the schedule, with the Courage Bowl. I think Hobart is a good choice for a rivalry, but the teams need to play every year to get some mojo behind the game. Another option could be Hartwick. It is a conference game. You could call it the Route 88 Rivalry.

At this point I think your best bet is to steal another teams mascot, and post a ransom video on YouTube. That is a great way to get some juices flowing for a game.

[AUPepBand]

That is a tough one Pep. The issue is that the other top teams in the league have sort of already claimed their rivalry game. Cortaca is obviously at the top of the list for IC, but IC/Fisher has become a rivalry as well. Fisher also has U of R on the schedule, with the Courage Bowl. I think Hobart is a good choice for a rivalry, but the teams need to play every year to get some mojo behind the game. Another option could be Hartwick. It is a conference game. You could call it the Route 88 Rivalry.

At this point I think your best bet is to steal another teams mascot, and post a ransom video on YouTube. That is a great way to get some juices flowing for a game.

Not sure, sjfcards, the last time you traveled I-88, or the last time you've visited Alfred, traveling I-86; but Pep surmises any I-88 Rivalry could only include Hartwick, Oneonta State (no football) and, stretching it a bit here, Union College.

It was a "reunion" of sorts yesterday as AU Pep Band played tunes for 30 minutes prior to the start of the AU Football Banquet at Ade Hall on the campus of Alfred University. It was a most pleasuable experience, with excellent food, a great highlight film, and a rousing round of applause from the crowd in appreciation to the band for its contribution to AU football. It's a great time to be a Saxon fan.

[sjfcards]

That is a tough one Pep. The issue is that the other top teams in the league have sort of already claimed their rivalry game. Cortaca is obviously at the top of the list for IC, but IC/Fisher has become a rivalry as well. Fisher also has U of R on the schedule, with the Courage Bowl. I think Hobart is a good choice for a rivalry, but the teams need to play every year to get some mojo behind the game. Another option could be Hartwick. It is a conference game. You could call it the Route 88 Rivalry.

At this point I think your best bet is to steal another teams mascot, and post a ransom video on YouTube. That is a great way to get some juices flowing for a game.

Not sure, sjfcards, the last time you traveled I-88, or the last time you've visited Alfred, traveling I-86; but Pep surmises any I-88 Rivalry could only include Hartwick, Oneonta State (no football) and, stretching it a bit here, Union College.

It was a "reunion" of sorts yesterday as AU Pep Band played tunes for 30 minutes prior to the start of the AU Football Banquet at Ade Hall on the campus of Alfred University. It was a most pleasuable experience, with excellent food, a great highlight film, and a rousing round of applause from the crowd in appreciation to the band for its contribution to AU football. It's a great time to be a Saxon fan.

dang nabit...I asked my wife if it was all I88 and she assured me it was. Next time I consult the internet.

[AUPepBand]

That is a tough one Pep. The issue is that the other top teams in the league have sort of already claimed their rivalry game. Cortaca is obviously at the top of the list for IC, but IC/Fisher has become a rivalry as well. Fisher also has U of R on the schedule, with the Courage Bowl. I think Hobart is a good choice for a rivalry, but the teams need to play every year to get some mojo behind the game. Another option could be Hartwick. It is a conference game. You could call it the Route 88 Rivalry.

At this point I think your best bet is to steal another teams mascot, and post a ransom video on YouTube. That is a great way to get some juices flowing for a game.

Not sure, sjfcards, the last time you traveled I-88, or the last time you've visited Alfred, traveling I-86; but Pep surmises any I-88 Rivalry could only include Hartwick, Oneonta State (no football) and, stretching it a bit here, Union College.

It was a "reunion" of sorts yesterday as AU Pep Band played tunes for 30 minutes prior to the start of the AU Football Banquet at Ade Hall on the campus of Alfred University. It was a most pleasuable experience, with excellent food, a great highlight film, and a rousing round of applause from the crowd in appreciation to the band for its contribution to AU football. It's a great time to be a Saxon fan.

dang nabit...I asked my wife if it was all I88 and she assured me it was. Next time I consult the internet.

Gotta give ya +K, anyway for tryin'....'cause there's no one else in here!

[pg04]

I'm here too but just have nothing relevant to say.   Just that I was hoping Brockport State would have become part of the E8 as well...

[theoriginalupstate]

I'm here too but just have nothing relevant to say.   Just that I was hoping Brockport State would have become part of the E8 as well...

Hey guys. Woah, Big Gulps, huh? All right! Well, see ya later.

[sjfcards]

I'm here too but just have nothing relevant to say.   Just that I was hoping Brockport State would have become part of the E8 as well...

I was kind of thinking Brockport would be a good fit as well. They are a short trip from Fisher, AU, and Buff State. Plus it has to be a shorter trip to Utica and IC than almost any of the NJAC locations (except maybe Morrisville, Buff State and Cortland). Maybe when Salisbury and Frostburg leave.

[AUPepBand]

I'm here too but just have nothing relevant to say.   Just that I was hoping Brockport State would have become part of the E8 as well...

I was kind of thinking Brockport would be a good fit as well. They are a short trip from Fisher, AU, and Buff State. Plus it has to be a shorter trip to Utica and IC than almost any of the NJAC locations (except maybe Morrisville, Buff State and Cortland). Maybe when Salisbury and Frostburg leave.

Yeah, Pep thinks Brockport will follow Buffalo State's lead.

[AUKaz00]

Congratulations Pep on branching out beyond the rolling hills of Alfred to... Wisconsin!