FB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[Snakehandler]

I'm on the fence here. Yes, most top programs win year after year because they have depth and capable players to step in when it is their turn.  But my first thought after reading the article was, "Why can't we get the star recruits?" Shouldn't BC be a more attractive school now than when we where 0-10 or 5-5?
We can't sit back and let kids choose BC, we must sell BC to kids like we had to 7 years ago.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Congrats to those who earned All-ODAC honors.  I posted the teams and award winners on my web site:

http://bridgewaterfootball.blogspot.com/2006/11/bridgewater-lands-15-on-all-odac-teams.html

I called Barnette and Doss (well, I said Doss, Snoddy or Gross for Def. POTY).  Glad to see Highfill get Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Only surprises to me are Colton Ward getting 1st team over Brandon Copeland ... and David Clements (DL for BC) not getting any love.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

I'm on the fence here. Yes, most top programs win year after year because they have depth and capable players to step in when it is their turn.  But my first thought after reading the article was, "Why can't we get the star recruits?" Shouldn't BC be a more attractive school now than when we where 0-10 or 5-5?
We can't sit back and let kids choose BC, we must sell BC to kids like we had to 7 years ago.

Seven years ago there weren't any of these;



Not that a Lutz or Cruz or Richardson would have chosen a CNU over BC had the Captains had those facilities then ... but I think kids now-a-days put a lot of emphasis on facilities.  When they first meet Clark and Kelchner, they probably see no difference.  They see that both programs have made the playoffs.  But then if they see Jopson versus POMOCO ... bame!  Kids are sold (not to mention $26,000 versus $6,000 to go to the schools).

Anyway, just realize it's more than just verbally convincing a kid he should pick BC.  Sure, the job Clark has done stands alone ... 72 wins over seven years ... 10 NCAA playoff wins ... five conference titles.  But every coach, in their own way, can convince a kid that the school their choosing will win with them.

[@d3jason]

Check out the DNR article (Mon. 11/20) on Mike Clark giving his assessment on the future of the Eagles and the ODAC. Is he stating the obvious or is he posturing to lower expectations? Should be good for some off season debate.


http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=7399&CHID=3

Thoughts from an outsider:
1.  I think he may be trying to send a message to his team and set a the tone for the offseason and next season right now. 
2. I also found his quotes quite candid. I'm not sure that some of them would sit well if I was a coach from another school in the conference. It comes off as a bit arrogant. But I guess when you've completed the turn around that he has and won as many games has he has, you can accept that. Good football coaches and leaders are usually a little cocky. 

[muchacho]

Thoughts from an outsider:

1.  I think he may be trying to send a message to his team and set a the tone for the offseason and next season right now. 

Exactly right. I know nothing of Andy Ropp, but I bet he is the hardest working guy on the team. BC still has talent on their team, but it looks like Clark wants them to focus on being blue collar workers when it comes to football instead of prima donas who think their ability alone will be able to get things done.

2.

I also found his quotes quite candid. I'm not sure that some of them would sit well if I was a coach from another school in the conference. It comes off as a bit arrogant. But I guess when you've completed the turn around that he has and won as many games has he has, you can accept that. Good football coaches and leaders are usually a little cocky.

His comments would piss me off if I'm another ODAC coach, but I'd only be mad because I knew he was right.

[hasanova]

I think Kid is making a good point by showing the CNU photo.  All schools try to sell themselves and some may now have more to "sell" than they did seven or eight years ago.  There is a famous story in Quality Assurance circles about the legendary Quality professor and leader Edwards (yes, it has an "s" on the end) Deming, who was taking a question from the audience about USA versus Japan quality.   "Dr. Deming," the audience member asked, "how long do you think it will take America to catch Japan?"  And I quote the irritable Dr. Deming, "You damn fool, do you think the Japanese are standing still!"  As Tom Peters once said about USA versus Japan manufacturing in the 1946-73 era, "The USA was undefeated, 28-0, until you notice the little asterisk that said 'no competition'."  BC will get their share of players because it's a great school, they have a winning reputation and they have Coach Clark.  They just may no longer be able to get all of them.  Peace

[muchacho]

Thanks for posting the All Conference team kid...
A question to throw out to whoever may know...Do they select the teams by a straight vote, or are they pieced together by the coaches around the table. I've always had the impression that the ODAC coaches sort of bargain for their guys to get on, like, "I'll give your guy that spot if you put my guy on the 1st team."

I agree with kid that Colton Ward doesn't belong on the 1st team, and its interesting to see that Jack Martin gets no love after the preseason hype. I think Martin could be argued to be more deserving than Ward. While Ward is more of a versatile player,  he only had 4 TDs(2 rush, 2 pass) to Martin's 9. Catholic's Ryan Bowman also deserved some recognition for his 7 TD receptions and over 500 yards receiving. He could have atleast received Catholic's honorable mention for an offensive player. Ricca had more INTs than TDs, so I don't see why he was honored this year.

[Snakehandler]

Seven years ago there weren't any of these;

Let's flash back three months, wasn't I the one bitching about stadium upgrades, while you were taking the high road.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Seven years ago there weren't any of these;

Let's flash back three months, wasn't I the one bitching about stadium upgrades, while you were taking the high road.

You were talking about toilets.  That won't recruit a kid.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Thanks for posting the All Conference team kid...
A question to throw out to whoever may know...Do they select the teams by a straight vote, or are they pieced together by the coaches around the table. I've always had the impression that the ODAC coaches sort of bargain for their guys to get on, like, "I'll give your guy that spot if you put my guy on the 1st team."

I agree with kid that Colton Ward doesn't belong on the 1st team, and its interesting to see that Jack Martin gets no love after the preseason hype. I think Martin could be argued to be more deserving than Ward. While Ward is more of a versatile player,  he only had 4 TDs(2 rush, 2 pass) to Martin's 9. Catholic's Ryan Bowman also deserved some recognition for his 7 TD receptions and over 500 yards receiving. He could have atleast received Catholic's honorable mention for an offensive player. Ricca had more INTs than TDs, so I don't see why he was honored this year.

Wow ... I didn't even notice Martin was left off.  I assumed (preseason hype, his 9 TDs, etc.) that he had made it.  Wow ... that is definitely the biggest snub!

[hasanova]

Seven years ago there weren't any of these;

Let's flash back three months, wasn't I the one bitching about stadium upgrades, while you were taking the high road.

You were talking about toilets.  That won't recruit a kid.

I'm not so sure.  A recruit's Mom, sisters and girlfriend come to the game when he plays and it matters to them.  "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  lol  I see stadium facilities as a part of the overall recruitment of a player ... and his family.  I don't think it's a coincidence that some of the best programs have some of the best overall facilities.
 

[hasanova]

kid, I also appreciate the notice you posted about all-ODAC.  Thanks!

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Good football coaches and leaders are usually a little cocky. 

Clark = cocky?

lol ... he's one of the more humble coaches in the business.  Ask around.

I think he is simply celebrating the success the program is having on the field ... who wouldn't?  But his goal is and will always be to develop players into operational members of society.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Seven years ago there weren't any of these;

Let's flash back three months, wasn't I the one bitching about stadium upgrades, while you were taking the high road.

You were talking about toilets.  That won't recruit a kid.

I'm not so sure.  A recruit's Mom, sisters and girlfriend come to the game when he plays and it matters to them.  "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  lol  I see stadium facilities as a part of the overall recruitment of a player ... and his family.  I don't think it's a coincidence that some of the best programs have some of the best overall facilities.

IMO, in Bridgewater's case, the only thing I'd like to see would be an expanded press box, a new scoreboard and sound system, and perhaps chairbacks.  I don't see a need for a new field or expanded bleachers/restrooms.

[quakes75]

Is there anybody else from the ODAC going to the east coast bowl other than Frazier and Barnette from Guilford?

I would also like to say that this is impressive that they are going to the same all-star game because they are also from the same high school.

I would also have to say that the game was very fun to play in last year and was a great experience. The game now has more and more Division I-AA players there and it made it a real challenge and even better experience to see the higher competition.