FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[dc_has_been]

Defiance were crowned the winners of the best HCAC football helmet.  Congrats to the Yellow Jackests!  Now hopefully they'll be competitive on the field and make some noise this year. 

Here's the link: http://www.heartlandconf.org/sports/fball/2013-14/helmet_bracket/champions

[Thunder44]

Defiance were crowned the winners of the best HCAC football helmet.  Congrats to the Yellow Jackests!  Now hopefully they'll be competitive on the field and make some noise this year. 

Here's the link: http://www.heartlandconf.org/sports/fball/2013-14/helmet_bracket/champions

Maybe we can keep the HCAC conversation going for a while, until at least when camp starts.

Considering Defiance has a new turf field and a coach in his second season, one could reasonably expect more out of this season.

What do you know about Defiance's recruiting class this year?  With a full year for Coach Sheehan and staff to really work on the recruiting side of things, is it safe to assume they made some noise in that regard?

Also, what did Defiance lose from last year, and in what areas do they need the most improvement?

I'm looking forward to the road trip to Defiance this season to see the new field.

[cave2bens]

Unsure about signed recruits though know there was major interest expressed for some local kids (Bryan, Napoleon) after the OHSAA quarters.  Watching to see who replaces Olmstead as O-line coach and academic retention coordinator as well.

[dc_has_been]

Four preseason all-americans for the HCAC....all from Franklin

[BUBeaverFan]

Ohio Northern will have new artificial turf ready early in the season. Otterbein is currently fundraising for a new turf field.  The natural grass fields are quickly going by the wayside. Who will be the last to jump on the new turf bandwagon?

[Dr. Acula]

Ohio Northern will have new artificial turf ready early in the season. Otterbein is currently fundraising for a new turf field.  The natural grass fields are quickly going by the wayside. Who will be the last to jump on the new turf bandwagon?

I don't think Wilmington has turf yet.  And I definitely don't think they have a lot of cash for athletics so they'll probably be last.

p.s. That kind of bums me out about Ott.  I was over there not long ago and they had just mowed the field.  It looked like a golf course.  Nothing better than that lush green grass before the season starts.  Beautiful.

[dc_has_been]

Defiance announces their recruiting class.   http://defianceathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/2846/yellow-jackets-football-announces-2013-signing-class/

[cave2bens]

Defiance announces their recruiting class.   http://defianceathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/2846/yellow-jackets-football-announces-2013-signing-class/

Westhoven is a serious load at running back - watched two different games where he had 35+ carries vs two playoff-bound teams, and Pollick is no slouch at guard either.   

[formerd3db]

Ohio Northern will have new artificial turf ready early in the season. Otterbein is currently fundraising for a new turf field.  The natural grass fields are quickly going by the wayside. Who will be the last to jump on the new turf bandwagon?

I don't think Wilmington has turf yet.  And I definitely don't think they have a lot of cash for athletics so they'll probably be last.

p.s. That kind of bums me out about Ott.  I was over there not long ago and they had just mowed the field.  It looked like a golf course.  Nothing better than that lush green grass before the season starts.  Beautiful.

Dr. A:

That's interesting.  I thought Wilmington had the new style turf, however, you are right that it is listed as a grass surface in the profile here on d3.com.  Wilmington's official athletic site makes no mention of the actual playing surface and such would support their still having grass as I would imagine it would be mentioned otherwise.  However, the photos of the stadium and playing field sure look like it is the new style turf and if not, they certainly take great care of the field-unless those photos were from the beginning of the season.  I know the Head Athletic Trainer there so perhaps I'll email and/or call him to inquire about this.  I recall him saying something last summer about the eventual plans for new style turf, although perhaps my mind is playing tricks on me!  Regardless, I agree with you guys that the remaining schools in the league will probably get the new style turf in the near future.  They almost have to so as to "keep up with the times".

[formerd3db]

cave2:

It's been awhile since correspondence, friend.  How have you been and where are you and the Mrs. now located?  Are you back here in the states?  Hope you are doing well.

formerd3db

[BUBeaverFan]

http://www.onusports.com/sports/fball/2013-14/releases/201307265ob4ax

The ONU press release states that ONU will be the ninth OAC school to have new artificial turf.  Otterbein does not have turf yet so Wilmington should have turf. The photo galleries look like turf and a pic series from '08 mentions new turf.

[wally_wabash]

FWIW, Oberlin is the lone NCAC grass holdout. 

[Dr. Acula]

http://www.onusports.com/sports/fball/2013-14/releases/201307265ob4ax

The ONU press release states that ONU will be the ninth OAC school to have new artificial turf.  Otterbein does not have turf yet so Wilmington should have turf. The photo galleries look like turf and a pic series from '08 mentions new turf.

So just to clarify, I don't remember Wilm having turf OR ONU having a giant outdoor track right next to their football stadium!  My memory is really good these days.  Hopefully I don't forget the start of the season.  Haha.

[dc_has_been]

On paper the incoming freshman that will be on the offensive side of the ball look impressive.  Here's the link with more info: http://defianceathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/2847/2013-signing-class-a-deeper-look-into-the-offense/.

I do see a few of them that have the potential to switch over to defense if necessary too. 

[dc_has_been]

http://defianceathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/2851/2013-signing-class-a-deeper-look-into-the-defense/  A look at DC's incoming Freshman on the defensive side of the ball.