FB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[hasanova]

Hey, kid, I had a voicemail from my brother in Hayesville (NC) when I got home.  He said he was in the same restaurant today for lunch with Taylor Baker's (#2) mother and she rather emphatically said "Taylor would definitely be back at Guilford for football this fall."  In fact, she said they can't wait for the season to start.  Knowing the Baker family as I do, this is what I expected.  Hope this and Kiesel's email to me helps put some of the rumors to bed!  Peace.

I regret posting about it now.  Needless to say, I'm baffled I was fed this information.  I even re-asked them today, and they said "yes, I talked to 'so-and-so' and they said they and 'so-and-so' weren't going back to Guilford."  Wild!  They did say a new name today (great, huh?!).  They mentioned Devon White (a defensive back).  I think they're just trying to test me, and it seems I failed (seeing I felt the need to post the player's name).

I do want to apologize to the Guilford football program (and those players, especially) for posting about it.  I am, however, glad that you were able to get clarification on it so quickly.  If anything, this has proven your connections and shown my lack of.

Oh, and sorry for nearly putting you in the hospital.  I guess you'll see me in court.

Hey, kid, don't be so hard on yourself.  Some of these guys could be playing something close to their vests, but it sure doesn't look like it.  From all reports, the players are very excited about the upcoming season and are anxious to get going in the fall.  I guess we'll know for sure when August practice rolls around. 

Devon White is a starter and well respected at Guilford, so I also can't think of any reason he would want to leave.  Coach Kiesel said everyone is coming back, they had a great off-season and spring practice, so I'm going to take him at his word. 

Trust me, kid, everyone knows what great connections you have - that's why you had me worried!  I just got lucky this time and fortunately know the Bakers.  Coach Kiesel was also gracious enough to contact me personally.  Regarding litigation, I'll let it slide this time .... lol  Thanks and peace.

[Jeremybozz]

That's ok Kid. If you trusted your source then I have no problem with you posting that.
  I think Guilford and W&L will both be good teams as will BC.
  A huge question for BC will be if RB Robert Matthews gets to return to the team. If Matthews is back then he and Winston Young will be a fine tandem at RB.

[Hug]

Sometimes the coach is the last to know.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Sometimes the coach is the last to know.

That's true.  But mom's are usually the first to know, so I believe that Mr. Baker is returning.

I also feel like Kiesel would know if anyone was leaving seeing that they just finished up spring practice.  I wouldn't see why a kid would bother with that if he knew he wasn't coming back.

But yeah, you never know.  Kids that quit a program sometimes do so because of the coaching staff, so he wouldn't feel the need to tell the coach he isn't coming back.

[Trenches]

It's been a long time since I have been on here. I would like to answer the rumors though. Vogelbach and baker are back 100%. Snead i'm assuming is the same. White is another story. not "everyone" will be back from '05. Graduation, academia, and transfer are to blame... just like every other school in the country.

However, recruiting has been fruitful and any losses or question marks in the lineup are being addressed. Kiesel and his troop have been back at it this offseason and once again done a good job with recruiting. Expect a transfer or two and more freshman than the usual for GC.

There is 1 question mark I am waiting to see on. Something I cannot break the news too now... But once the situation unfolds, I will fall off the fence one way or the other. 

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

It's been a long time since I have been on here. I would like to answer the rumors though. Vogelbach and baker are back 100%. Snead i'm assuming is the same. White is another story. not "everyone" will be back from '05. Graduation, academia, and transfer are to blame... just like every other school in the country.

However, recruiting has been fruitful and any losses or question marks in the lineup are being addressed. Kiesel and his troop have been back at it this offseason and once again done a good job with recruiting. Expect a transfer or two and more freshman than the usual for GC.

There is 1 question mark I am waiting to see on. Something I cannot break the news too now... But once the situation unfolds, I will fall off the fence one way or the other. 

Welcome back Trenches.  Stick around.  Hasanova and Jacketlawyers are two of only few pulling the non-BC fan load.

Phew, my source comes through on ONE of the names (Devon White).  Good luck to Mr. White in whatever he chooses to do.

I'm interested to hear of this news.  It can't be about a player or coach not coming back, because I don't think you can "fall off the fence one way or the other" about something like that.

Glad to hear recruiting has (and is) going well for Guilford.  Same can be said for Bridgewater.  Other than R-MC and E&H, I haven't heard much from other schools.  I've heard H-SC has some stud recruits from the Charlottesville and Richmond areas, but pretty much nothing from the Catholic and Washington & Lee camps.

[hasanova]

Yeah, Trenches, welcome back.  Thanks for checking in.  Just like kid said, we'd appreciation any information you can give when it's the right time and place.  Go Quakers!

[hasanova]

I agree with Kid that the game will be BC at Guilford.  I think W&L could make some noise, but I think for reasons that Kid stated BC and Guilford will pace the ODAC in 2006.

Too bad Guilford is on fall break Oct 14-22.  Happens every year with a mid-season home game.  That'll hurt attendance some, but hopefully the game will generate enough interest to draw better than past years.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

I agree with Kid that the game will be BC at Guilford.  I think W&L could make some noise, but I think for reasons that Kid stated BC and Guilford will pace the ODAC in 2006.

Too bad Guilford is on fall break Oct 14-22.  Happens every year with a mid-season home game.  That'll hurt attendance some, but hopefully the game will generate enough interest to draw better than past years.

With the renovations and the new buzz surrounding the Quaker program, I would expect 1,500+ fans this time around.  There were only 975 fans at the game in 2004, and only 750 in 2002.  And BC was even ranked No. 2 in the country for that game!

Bridgewater fans travel better than ever since 2000.  I remember counting nearly 75 that traveled 508 miles to Hanover last year.

[pakownr97]

Just wanted to get a plug in here.  At www.nfleurope.com voting is open for All NFL Europe League.  Please take time to vote for Jermaine Taylor of Bridgewater and Berlin Thunder.

JT was leading the league in tackles a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find this stat on the website.  This may take some votes away from him, since people just checking in can link to many stats, mostly offensive, and sacks, but not tackles.

Let's make sure Jermaine gets the accolades he has earned.

[pakownr97]

I agree with Kid that the game will be BC at Guilford.  I think W&L could make some noise, but I think for reasons that Kid stated BC and Guilford will pace the ODAC in 2006.

Too bad Guilford is on fall break Oct 14-22.  Happens every year with a mid-season home game.  That'll hurt attendance some, but hopefully the game will generate enough interest to draw better than past years.

Hey 'Nova,

You had better get your peoples to be there for the Bridgewater game.  We will be there in numbers and volume, so you guys better stick around so your boys don't feel like it's an away game.  Our Eagle players should feel like every game is a home game with the crowd they bring with them.

Hope to meet up with you before the game.  I'm sure Stone Station will be waiting for you.

[pakownr97]

just to get to #200.



Hey, I'm no longer second string.  Yippee!

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Just wanted to get a plug in here.  At www.nfleurope.com voting is open for All NFL Europe League.  Please take time to vote for Jermaine Taylor of Bridgewater and Berlin Thunder.

JT was leading the league in tackles a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find this stat on the website.  This may take some votes away from him, since people just checking in can link to many stats, mostly offensive, and sacks, but not tackles.

Let's make sure Jermaine gets the accolades he has earned.

All that is on the main page of BridgewaterFootball.com ... have you stopped visiting it?!  Tisk, tisk.

[hasanova]

I agree with Kid that the game will be BC at Guilford.  I think W&L could make some noise, but I think for reasons that Kid stated BC and Guilford will pace the ODAC in 2006.

Too bad Guilford is on fall break Oct 14-22.  Happens every year with a mid-season home game.  That'll hurt attendance some, but hopefully the game will generate enough interest to draw better than past years.

Hey 'Nova,

You had better get your peoples to be there for the Bridgewater game.  We will be there in numbers and volume, so you guys better stick around so your boys don't feel like it's an away game.  Our Eagle players should feel like every game is a home game with the crowd they bring with them.

Hope to meet up with you before the game.  I'm sure Stone Station will be waiting for you.

Hey, pakownr97, thanks.  I look forward to meeting you guys, as well.   I've only heard about it, but I think it's time to live the "Stone Station Experience."  lol   In business and on this board, I've always felt it makes a positive difference to put "faces" and personalities with the "names."  Hopefully, it'll be a beautiful day and I'll polish up the red '68 Nova and drive it to the game.  Since 1999, I've only lived about 3 miles from the campus, so it shouldn't be a problem even if gas is $3 a gallon!

Yeah, I'd like to see a nice crowd as well.  I know Guilford, though, so I never promise.  About 70% of the Guilford students are from out-of-state (or out-of-country), so I'm not sure what their options will be.  Then the other 30%, if given a choice between a "save the gay snail darter" rally and a football game, will be holding hands down at the river.  Don't misunderstand me, I support the environment - even for gay snail darters - but on that Saturday, I'll save the little critters before 1 PM and after 4  PM.  lol

[Trenches]

  Glad I could be of some service fellas. The issue I speak of is something that could effect GC's upcoming season and I'm waiting to see how it turns out before i say anything and rumors start to fly.

   Yes, I think it should be a nice turnout for the game. Most of the attendance at GC games is accounted for by athletes from the school, alumni, and the community. So I don't think the fall break will have much of an effect either way. I will say that the construction looks to be going great and it will add a great touch to such an old field.
  Between the BC-GC game and the "Soup Bowl," GC should have its highest attendance total in years. The Soup Bowl is also scheduled as Homecoming and ground breaking for the field I believe. With only 4 home games and those two back to back, it could be an interesting few weeks at GC.

  I also heard that fieldturf and a track are in the potential plans for '07-'08. This could be interesting. I feel that GC has one of the nicest playing surfaces in the ODAC (when in season). I'm not sure if I like the turf idea, however I am all for the addition of a track.  (and some new visitor side bleachers, if that isn't being worked on yet  ).