FB: Liberty League

[ITH radio]

Posted on a handful of recent Bart commits at http://gohobart.blogspot.com

DeWall will do a series of announcements, prob in April once the class is "official"

[Bartman]

Posted on a handful of recent Bart commits at http://gohobart.blogspot.com

DeWall will do a series of announcements, prob in April once the class is "official"

+k ITH for reporting on the new Bartstuds

[Oline89]

Union schedule posted.  Pretty safe opening games again, Westfield St, Anna Maria and Springfield.

[unionpalooza]

Union schedule posted.  Pretty safe opening games again, Westfield St, Anna Maria and Springfield.

A little bummed they didn't upgrade one of those games to a bigger test, though all three (plus Utica) where new last year, so probably all 2+ year deals they may have been stuck with.

[UfanBill]

Union schedule posted.  Pretty safe opening games again, Westfield St, Anna Maria and Springfield.

A little bummed they didn't upgrade one of those games to a bigger test, though all three (plus Utica) where new last year, so probably all 2+ year deals they may have been stuck with.

I figured this year's Union schedule would mirror last year for a couple of reasons. I was told that they had a home and home agreement with Anna Marie and Westfield St. and those games serve two purposes. If things work out like last year the Dutchmen will roll and be able to substitute freely, thus giving the coaching staff a good look a the backups and newbies. Since Union does not play a JV schedule playing time for the entire roster is highly desirable early.

Springfield has been a long time rival and along with the Amcats and Owls gives Union a solid presence in New England where much of their recruiting is done. Hopefully this game will continue indefinitely.

Utica is an easy trip to another nearby recruiting site and satisfies the desire to have LL vs E8 match-ups for all members of each league. Another game that i would be happy to see annually.

Sure I'd like Union to schedule someone more challenging than Anna Maria. They tried to get MIT but the Engineers went with Carnegie Mellon instead. Next season look for the Dutchmen to schedule tougher. Maybe NJAC or MAC while keeping at least one game a season in New England.

One thing for coach Behrman's scheduling. It's worked great so far. 

[Oline89]

Still waiting on LL schedules for Hobart, SLU, Buff St,and UR.  Looks like the majority of E8 (M'Ville, Alfred, Utica, Bport) and NJAC (Rowan, CNU, Wesley, Kean) have not posted.  Hopefully, AD's are working the phone lines to secure 10 game schedules for all.

[Ice Bear]

Union schedule posted.  Pretty safe opening games again, Westfield St, Anna Maria and Springfield.

A little bummed they didn't upgrade one of those games to a bigger test, though all three (plus Utica) where new last year, so probably all 2+ year deals they may have been stuck with.

I figured this year's Union schedule would mirror last year for a couple of reasons. I was told that they had a home and home agreement with Anna Marie and Westfield St. and those games serve two purposes. If things work out like last year the Dutchmen will roll and be able to substitute freely, thus giving the coaching staff a good look a the backups and newbies. Since Union does not play a JV schedule playing time for the entire roster is highly desirable early.

Springfield has been a long time rival and along with the Amcats and Owls gives Union a solid presence in New England where much of their recruiting is done. Hopefully this game will continue indefinitely.

Utica is an easy trip to another nearby recruiting site and satisfies the desire to have LL vs E8 match-ups for all members of each league. Another game that i would be happy to see annually.

Sure I'd like Union to schedule someone more challenging than Anna Maria. They tried to get MIT but the Engineers went with Carnegie Mellon instead. Next season look for the Dutchmen to schedule tougher. Maybe NJAC or MAC while keeping at least one game a season in New England.

One thing for coach Behrman's scheduling. It's worked great so far. 

Ice was disappointed with this schedule at the beginning of last season. However, last season went well so he'll just STFU and be happy with what they've got.

For Union, Utica is always a huge challenge. Ice likes this game and it's a challenge the U will need to get through, on the road, next season. The Pioneers have never been kind to the Dutchmen in any regular season game the two teams have played. As far as Ice is concerned The Pioneers are Dutchmen beaters and will continue to be until Union strings a few wins together against them. Last year was a very close game and the first time the U ever defeated Utica.

[UfanBill]

A major factor in Union's undefeated regular season last year was that 6 of 10 games were at home. Add in the opening NCAA win and it was 7 games in Shocktown. 

This season things will be different. Union has only 4 home games on it's 10 game schedule though they do have short road trips to Springfield twice, (Westfield St. and the Pride) Utica and RPI. On the plus side...After beating Ithaca at Butterfield for the first time ever last season the Bombers will be in Schenectady trying to return the favor. Will the experienced Dutchmen be able to duplicate last season? It will be tough. There's no sneaking up on anyone anymore but as I've said before... challenge means opportunity.

                                    FIRE THE CANNON                    

[Bartman]

Interesting podcast this week featuring Ali Marpet and playing in the NFL. A Captain for his team, the Bucs, after only 5 years in the league. A great Statesmen and rep for D3 Football. Disappointed the Giants have not traded for Ali

[Jonny Utah]

https://twitter.com/BomberSports/status/1234901598029123585?s=20

Kind of sad news.  I haven't been up in a few years but the smell of grass, mud and dirt is missing from football games.  I guess lights will be interesting though.  Also assuming this means other teams will be using the field (for those who didn't know, Butterfield was always a football only field unless things have changed over the past 5 years).

[Ithaca798891]

https://twitter.com/BomberSports/status/1234901598029123585?s=20

Kind of sad news.  I haven't been up in a few years but the smell of grass, mud and dirt is missing from football games.  I guess lights will be interesting though.  Also assuming this means other teams will be using the field (for those who didn't know, Butterfield was always a football only field unless things have changed over the past 5 years).

This is overwhelmingly good news.

The news story points out that the field is only used 4 to 6 times a year. Getting to use another surface 365 days a year, at all hours of the day, is huge for the entire campus community. Not to mention, the costs associated with maintenance. There were weeks where that field got straight up destroyed.

Yes, I'll always remember the triple option stompings fueled by IC's grass, but I'm glad they're making this move.

[Bartman]

https://twitter.com/BomberSports/status/1234901598029123585?s=20

Kind of sad news.  I haven't been up in a few years but the smell of grass, mud and dirt is missing from football games.  I guess lights will be interesting though.  Also assuming this means other teams will be using the field (for those who didn't know, Butterfield was always a football only field unless things have changed over the past 5 years).

I also loved playing on real grass, but time to move on, and bring your own bag of grass to smell during the game...now that's really like the old college days.

[Jonny Utah]

Dear Bombers,

It is with excitement that I share Ithaca College's announcement to install synthetic surface (FieldTurf) and lights at  Butterfield Stadium.  The upgrades to the facility will give us the opportunity to teach, train and develop our student-athletes year round while giving them a consistent schedule.  Bomber football is a year round training program.  The new surface will allow us to have a reliable surface and consistent practice schedule during the spring and late fall.  Butterfield Stadium is not available for our use as a natural grass field for the majority of the year.  Time on our own field is limited.  This will also add tremendous value in our recruitment of prospective football players from across the country.  As many of you know we lost a home game two years ago, and our competitors use this against us in recruiting. This is an amazing opportunity and adds to the overall value of Butterfield Stadium, the experience of our athletes and will help us attract the best players.

We understand, respect and appreciate the tradition of playing on natural grass on Butterfield Stadium.  As with the Yale Bowl and Notre Dame stadium, Ithaca College moves forward with a more sustainable and reliable surface to give the Bombers every competitive advantage,

Thank you for your continued support,

Go Bombers

Dan Swanstrom
-----------------------------------------------

I didn't know about losing a home game because of the stadium.  I'm guessing it was the ECAC game at Cornell against Utica?

[Oline89]

https://twitter.com/BomberSports/status/1234901598029123585?s=20

Kind of sad news.  I haven't been up in a few years but the smell of grass, mud and dirt is missing from football games.  I guess lights will be interesting though.  Also assuming this means other teams will be using the field (for those who didn't know, Butterfield was always a football only field unless things have changed over the past 5 years).

I also loved playing on real grass, but time to move on, and bring your own bag of grass to smell during the game...now that's really like the old college days.

I think this levels the playing field, both figuratively and literally!

[Jonny Utah]

https://twitter.com/BomberSports/status/1234901598029123585?s=20

Kind of sad news.  I haven't been up in a few years but the smell of grass, mud and dirt is missing from football games.  I guess lights will be interesting though.  Also assuming this means other teams will be using the field (for those who didn't know, Butterfield was always a football only field unless things have changed over the past 5 years).

I also loved playing on real grass, but time to move on, and bring your own bag of grass to smell during the game...now that's really like the old college days.