FB: Empire 8

gobombers15 · June 09, 2006, 03:42:35 PM

I'll hop on the train and say this new facility looks fantastic. I'm glad they're keeping Butterfield for the home football games and the football practice field will allow the team to practice in the evenings so as not to interfere with school TOO much. I don't like the fact that the soccer and lax games will be played on the field-turf, but the benefits far outweigh its shortcomings. This is great for basketball and the other sports who had spotty facilities in the past.

I definitely think this facility will be on par with Fisher's. Hopefully that fact sends even more athletes to Ithaca that would have otherwise gone to Fisher for their once-superior facilities.

'gro · June 09, 2006, 04:30:07 PM

New digs look nice. Does IC have a timetable for the new complex? RPI's had a plan for a new stadium, pool, track, etc. in place for years... nothing yet.

Jonny Utah · June 10, 2006, 03:23:55 PM

Quote from: enginegro on June 09, 2006, 04:30:07 PM
New digs look nice. Does IC have a timetable for the new complex? RPI's had a plan for a new stadium, pool, track, etc. in place for years... nothing yet.

Gro I think IC has to come up with a matching donation and then a timetable will be set for sure but the school has been pretty good in terms of putting up buildings in about a year.

I think the key to competing with schools like SJF might have more to do with fixing up cerrache. Make that into a football/baseball only building and add on into the back parking lot and you could make a nice setup.

I dont think they would ever change the Butterfield setup. Thats one of the nicest setups in the country except for the small visitor stands.

'gro · June 12, 2006, 08:29:12 AM

it's good to see these D3 venues in NY getting an overhaul... SJF, Cortland, SLU, Union... with IC and RPI in the mix. Any other schools?

Found RPI's plans for the "East Campus Athletic Villiage"... no fancy schmancy computer flyby but this will do. Best part of the plan: a football only stadium.

full size

rendered photo of ECAV

AUPepBand · June 14, 2006, 05:51:01 PM

Here's my Empire 8 Football Preview:
Here's how they'll finish:
Ithaca 5-1; 8-2
Alfred 5-1; 8-2
SJFisher 4-2; 7-3
Springfield 3-3; 5-5
Utica 2-4; 5-5
Hartwick 1-5; 5-5
Norwich 1-5; 4-6

ITHACA--While they lose four-year starting QB Josh Felicetti, it's just a case of the Bombers reloading for another stellar campaign. Which E8 foe will put the blemish on IC's E8 record? Could be AU, Fisher or Springfield. The Bombers, it seems, will always be the top dog.

ALFRED--What's it all about, Alfie? The Saxons return an improved attack behind junior QB Paul Keeley. LB Brenton Brady will be missed on D, but AU's defense against both the run and pass improved through 2005. Who will beat AU? More than likely IC, but Fisher is motivated by revenge and it's a long trip to Springfield.

FISHER--The Cardinals faltered at the finish line in '05, dropping back-to-back games to AU and RPI (ECAC). Vosburgh loses his offensive coordinator to UR. Can Fisher put up big numbers again in 2006? Time will tell.

SPRINGFIELD--After some heart-breaking losses early in '05, perhaps the Pride's recruiting priority was a placekicker. Nevertheless, Springfield got stronger as the '05 season went on and they'll be in full stride for '06. If you can't defend the run, Springfield will give you fits.

UTICA--The Pioneers posted a winning 6-4 season in 2005 and will build on that success in '06. They will continue to get closer to IC, Fisher, AU, but Springfield has a score to settle. The program continues its upward movement.

HARTWICK--If the Hawks defend as well as they attack, they will be the big surprise in 2006. The Hawks will continue in flight behind the arm of soph QB Jason Boltus.

NORWICH--The Cadets will be building a solid foundation for the future in 2006. But for now, the construction begins with the cellar.

TecmoYellowHat · June 15, 2006, 02:06:54 PM

Any talk of the Ithaca freshman recruits? I know it is early, but I am looking forward to Tecmobowler's, aka takemetomanos's pre season preview.

er1948 · June 15, 2006, 07:17:37 PM

AUPB You never cease to amaze me, I know you bleed purple, but how do you put AU into the E8 elite with a 1-5 record against IC and Fisher over the last 3 years, and the 1 was catching the Fisher boys flat after a bye week

takemetomanos · June 15, 2006, 10:10:44 PM

Ithaca is going to put another whooping on Fisher this year. The First Down Club is going to have to rest their voices week in advance for that one.

TecmoYellowHat · June 16, 2006, 11:45:56 AM

Quote from: takemetomanos on June 15, 2006, 10:10:44 PM
Ithaca is going to put another whooping on Fisher this year. The First Down Club is going to have to rest their voices week in advance for that one.

why the new name on the board?

maninyellowhat · June 16, 2006, 12:30:26 PM

Tecmobowler,

Have you checked your work email in the past couple weeks?

er1948 · June 16, 2006, 01:00:06 PM

You IC blowhards get in your shots now, Fisher will have a few new wrinkles and faces for you this year

TecmoYellowHat · June 16, 2006, 03:35:54 PM

Quote from: er1948 on June 16, 2006, 01:00:06 PM
You IC blowhards get in your shots now, Fisher will have a few new wrinkles and faces for you this year

That was a good game last year with IC and Fisher.

Alfred was tough too, how do they look coming into this year?

AUPepBand · June 16, 2006, 04:50:56 PM

AU has plenty of veterans returning, plus another class of 75-80 recruits, some of which could push for starting roles. It will be interesting to see how the D will look without #42 there. He was at a Buffalo Bills mini-camp this week....hope to hear about that soon.

Lil Alf has a very challenging home schedule, opening Sept. 9 with nationally-ranked Thiel (11-1) and finishing with Hobart Oct. 28, Ithaca Nov. 4 and Fisher Nov. 11. AU will need to muster some Merrill Field magic to finish unbeaten at home in 2006 as the Saxons did in 2005.

Haven't seen a list of recruits yet. Will keep y'all posted from Saxonville.

gobombers15 · June 16, 2006, 07:42:44 PM

Quote from: er1948 on June 16, 2006, 01:00:06 PM
You IC blowhards get in your shots now, Fisher will have a few new wrinkles and faces for you this year

The argument could be made that the team that lost the IC/Fisher game the last three years probably should have won the game. I think we can pretty much guarantee the game is going to be decided late in the 4th quarter or overtime.

dewcrew88 · June 16, 2006, 09:16:59 PM

Quote from: gobombers15 on June 16, 2006, 07:42:44 PM
Quote from: er1948 on June 16, 2006, 01:00:06 PM
You IC blowhards get in your shots now, Fisher will have a few new wrinkles and faces for you this year

The argument could be made that the team that lost the IC/Fisher game the last three years probably should have won the game. I think we can pretty much guarantee the game is going to be decided late in the 4th quarter or overtime.

+K for the JJ Redick haiku.