FB: Midwest Conference

[blu thru n thru]

http://www.snc.edu/athletics/football/roster.html
SNC roster.....

Huge 49 player first year class....8 from Florida....

Florida?  Pshhh!  How many from Texas?  Florida is where you go once you've depleted Texas...   

[blu thru n thru]

SNC- Thanks for asking.  He's doing great.  Probably battling a little homesickness and missing the GF (Texas girl, nuf said).  But let me tell you, you know two guys who no longer believe that D3 ball is 13th grade football...

He's loving it.  The sophistication of the game caught him by surprise.  He's got a cannon of an arm. I think he figured he'd go up there, chuck a few 65 yd bombs, and they'd hand him the keys to the car (for next season).  Now it's kinda, "Woah-up, Hoss!"  There's a lot to learn. He's NEVER been coached (long story). Hard to believe given that he played at 5A Texas level, but take my word for it.  But we chose IC for a reason.  While it had great academics and was a great fit environmentally, it was Coach Campbell.  For the first time, he has a relationship with his coach (and he loves it), and is, actually being coached.  He's learning.  When we talk, I'm blown away by what he's being exposed to.  I think, to a certain degree, so is he...

Admittedly, it has become a bit of a grind.  It's gone from "Wow! Football from 7AM-10PM!  This is awesome!" to "It's time to make the donuts...."  He related some fatigue (mental more than physical) to me 2 days ago.  It was the first time I'd ever heard that about football.  But that's to be expected.  So, after a talk with his experienced coach and mentor, he was good to go the next day and reports that he's improving.  Camp is camp.  I can't imagine it doesn't have a similar effect on everyone.  But in the end, like I said, he's loving it.  He's where he's meant to be and playing for a coach that gets him and his love for the game.  With the coaching he's getting, I'm pumped to see him take it to a new level.  Then, he's heading north to KICK SOME SNC A#%!!!  Oh & MC too! 

But kidding aside, thanks again for asking.

[blu thru n thru]

Sorry, Red.  Didn't mean to exclude Ripon.  You too!  

[fightintitan2006]

Not sure if this has been reported, but pretty big news out of Ripon from the preview on their website:

After last season, the position with the least amount of concern was quarterback, where Matthew Miller was named All Conference Honorable Mention after a junior season that saw him rush for 922 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also tossing four TDs. Unfortunately for the Red Hawks that position has quickly become one of uncertainty, as they will be without Miller's services in 2010 after an offseason knee injury that will sideline him for the season.

Miller has had a lot of success there so this could be huge, although over the past five years or so, it seems Ripon has lost a game-breaking player every year  in their backfield and then plugged in a new guy who has been even better.

[blu thru n thru]

I think I recall that it was reported.  Nevertheless, I hate to hear it.  These kids are playing for the love of the game.  It sucks when it's taken away from them.  Godspeed in his recovery.

[Redhawk Sighting]

Blu - Thanks for including us!  Thanks to your chatter on here, this will be the first time in 15 18 years that I will look forward to watching IC play...  As for Miller and the QB position...... Miller is doing what he needs to do to recover, and we'll have to see who steps up. 

[Pat Coleman]

It was mentioned in Kickoff, at least.

[blu thru n thru]

Blu - Thanks for including us!  Thanks to your chatter on here, this will be the first time in 15 18 years that I will look forward to watching IC play...  As for Miller and the QB position...... Miller is doing what he needs to do to recover, and we'll have to see who steps up. 

It's a work in progress! You wouldn't have wanted to show up at the Sistine Chapel when Michelangelo was layin' down the primer... 

[Redmen09]

Not sure if this has been reported, but pretty big news out of Ripon from the preview on their website:

After last season, the position with the least amount of concern was quarterback, where Matthew Miller was named All Conference Honorable Mention after a junior season that saw him rush for 922 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also tossing four TDs. Unfortunately for the Red Hawks that position has quickly become one of uncertainty, as they will be without Miller's services in 2010 after an offseason knee injury that will sideline him for the season.

Miller has had a lot of success there so this could be huge, although over the past five years or so, it seems Ripon has lost a game-breaking player every year  in their backfield and then plugged in a new guy who has been even better.

In 2008 the starting QB was out for the season after the first game against UWO with a broken hand, and Miller stepped up huge in the starting role for the season as a sophomore.  The same situation this year, but now the 'backups' have all of preseaon to prepare for that.  So hopefully someone will step up big or it could be a  long year on offense.  Talking to some players it sounds like some freshman QB's are giving the senior a run for his money

[Redmen09]

I almost forgot.  I'm excited to watch via webcast when Ripon 'flys' down to Middleofnowhere, IL to dismantle the Blue Children   

[blu thru n thru]

I almost forgot.  I'm excited to watch via webcast when Ripon 'flys' down to Middleofnowhere, IL to dismantle the Blue Children   

Hi.  I'm Jim.  I'm a message boardaholic.  I felt compelled to say that because I actually found myself, sadly, going to Wikipedia to research the advantage Ripon, Wisconsin has over Middleofnowhere, IL.  My research indicated that those who live in glass houses shouldn't want to play that card...   

I know little or nothing about Wisconsin geography.  But at first glance, it doesn't look like Ripon is on, what would be described as, "the beaten path".  Nor does its published/claimed population of 7700 +/- bring to mind skyscrapers and a thriving nightlife.  Now, as a result of personal and direct experience, I can say that, despite J-ville's bustling population of nearly 19,000, it's likely not gonna puff its chest out too much on the subjects of great eateries, and big city culture.  But then again, I'm from Houston, Texas.  What the hell do I know about that stuff?  Having not been to Ripon, I can't compare the two (J-ville and Ripon), but either claiming much of an advantage here is kinda like being the tallest midget...  As for the "Blue Children" reference, all I can say is ain't no child that leaves three tracks in the sand...   

So here's the deal, Red.  I look forward to the trip to Ripon when the schedule opens up to makes that a possibility.  And it will.  And, when it does, you gotta hook a brotha up with some of the finest cuisine and hospitality Ripon has to offer.  Should you make it to either Houston or J-ville, I'll do likewise.  But be forewarned, the demographics in Houston, at least according to Wikipedia, might be a bit shocking to you.   

[TurtleHead]

I almost forgot.  I'm excited to watch via webcast when Ripon 'flys' down to Middleofnowhere, IL to dismantle the Blue Children   

Hi.  I'm Jim.  I'm a message boardaholic.  I felt compelled to say that because I actually found myself, sadly, going to Wikipedia to research the advantage Ripon, Wisconsin has over Middleofnowhere, IL.  My research indicated that those who live in glass houses shouldn't want to play that card...   

I know little or nothing about Wisconsin geography.  But at first glance, it doesn't look like Ripon is on, what would be described as, "the beaten path".  Nor does its published/claimed population of 7700 +/- bring to mind skyscrapers and a thriving nightlife.  Now, as a result of personal and direct experience, I can say that, despite J-ville's bustling population of nearly 19,000, it's likely not gonna puff its chest out too much on the subjects of great eateries, and big city culture.  But then again, I'm from Houston, Texas.  What the hell do I know about that stuff?  Having not been to Ripon, I can't compare the two (J-ville and Ripon), but either claiming much of an advantage here is kinda like being the tallest midget...  As for the "Blue Children" reference, all I can say is ain't no child that leaves three tracks in the sand...   

So here's the deal, Red.  I look forward to the trip to Ripon when the schedule opens up to makes that a possibility.  And it will.  And, when it does, you gotta hook a brotha up with some of the finest cuisine and hospitality Ripon has to offer.  Should you make it to either Houston or J-ville, I'll do likewise.  But be forewarned, the demographics in Houston, at least according to Wikipedia, might be a bit shocking to you.   

Gonna have to agree with Blu on this one.  Been to Ripon a number of times to watch baseball games and while the campus is beautifull I would be stretching the truth if I were to say it was a booming metropolis.   

[Redhawk Sighting]

I almost forgot.  I'm excited to watch via webcast when Ripon 'flys' down to Middleofnowhere, IL to dismantle the Blue Children   

Hi.  I'm Jim.  I'm a message boardaholic.  I felt compelled to say that because I actually found myself, sadly, going to Wikipedia to research the advantage Ripon, Wisconsin has over Middleofnowhere, IL.  My research indicated that those who live in glass houses shouldn't want to play that card...   

I know little or nothing about Wisconsin geography.  But at first glance, it doesn't look like Ripon is on, what would be described as, "the beaten path".  Nor does its published/claimed population of 7700 +/- bring to mind skyscrapers and a thriving nightlife.  Now, as a result of personal and direct experience, I can say that, despite J-ville's bustling population of nearly 19,000, it's likely not gonna puff its chest out too much on the subjects of great eateries, and big city culture.  But then again, I'm from Houston, Texas.  What the hell do I know about that stuff?  Having not been to Ripon, I can't compare the two (J-ville and Ripon), but either claiming much of an advantage here is kinda like being the tallest midget...  As for the "Blue Children" reference, all I can say is ain't no child that leaves three tracks in the sand...   

So here's the deal, Red.  I look forward to the trip to Ripon when the schedule opens up to makes that a possibility.  And it will.  And, when it does, you gotta hook a brotha up with some of the finest cuisine and hospitality Ripon has to offer.  Should you make it to either Houston or J-ville, I'll do likewise.  But be forewarned, the demographics in Houston, at least according to Wikipedia, might be a bit shocking to you.   

HAHAHA!!!  I'll have to side with you Blu!!  Although I attended and played at Ripon, I would have to agree that there isn't much to the city(town)..  You take the college out of Ripon, there is nothing left.  Even Ripon Good Cookies was bought out awhile back.  HOWEVER!!  It does have a few places that when I do return I want to go eat at, because you can't find that type of goodness here ...  The one claim to fame is Ripon has one of the very few K-Marts left in the country .... 

[blu thru n thru]

Oh, and BTW, I think it's worth mentioning, that I'm only a D3 Football message board junkie.  I don't play anywhere else.  I used to post on 5A Texas Football, but there was too much hate.  Too much venom.  I have really appreciated the welcome I've received and the spirit of this board (group hug time).  I just wish there was more participation from the rest of the conference (LF, Knox, Grinnell, etc.).  I know they haven't had the strongest of records to boast, but c'mon!  Grow a pair and show up at the party (just not wearing sweat pants and no underwear).  I can't say the IC's history was what gave me the incentive to play here.  The more we raise awareness for our schools, the better the recruiting.  The better the recruiting, the higher the quality of play.  The higher the quality of play, the more competitive the conference.  When we get that, then MAYBE, some day, we won't have suck hind teat behind the boys from the WIAC and MIAC.  Don't get all excited WI & MI, I'm just sayin' "MAYBE" and "some day"... .  And again, it's only one step in the 1000 mile journey...

But if you're out there, and you're just a guest, and you pull for someone other than SNC, MC, or Ripon, jump in!

Dang it!  I just twisted my ankle stepping down off my soap box... 

[blu thru n thru]

Turtlehead- Great name.  Cracked up.  Probably don't want to know the origin, though.  I know what it means, here...  Hadn't seen you, but then again, I'm still the new guy.

Stay tuned in.  The season's upon us.  Win or lose, the trash will flow with only growing intensity.  BLUEBOY NATION is on the rise and ain't goin' anywhere!