117th Monon Bell Classic

[Breckenridgebear]

Long before the cannonball travelled through her towns
The state of Indiana owned the jewel of the crown
The train, they called the Monon, the stories they still tell
The Cavemen and the Tigers playing for her bell

It rode like a masthead on engine ninety-nine
Crawfordsville to Greencastle, then further down the line
The Cavemen came from Wabash, the Tigers from DePauw
Since eighteen-ninety they have played the last game ev'ry fall

Many years they played for pride, oh the stories they could tell
Then in thirty-two the Monon train gave up her precious bell
They said, "Here take this symbol of smoke and fire and grit
And give it to the winner, a symbol not to quit."

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

Suddenly the boys of autumn had fire in their eyes
Blood and spit, but never quit, fighting for the prize
The medal to the victor, the symbol to the school
Wabash and DePauw became a yearly duel

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

Now history has recorded the players and their games
And to this day they still play for the Bell in Monon's name
Those who've gone before return each November day
Swapping stories and the legends for those who did not play

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

[Danny Boy]

Always a long week, especially for a 4 day workweek!  Hey Fripp, you here?  What time are you arriving at the lot?

[Breckenridgebear]

Depauw Gentlemen, Fans, Alumni, and Friends,

Long before the cannonball travelled through her towns, the state of Indiana owned the jewel of the crown, the train, they called the Monon, the stories they still tell, the Cavemen and the Tigers playing for her bell.

Wow. Although Monon Week did officially started Saturday November 6, 2010, it is time to take note of the importance of this week and the importance of this game. This is Depauw's final season in the SCAC, as next year they will join Dabash and friends in the NCAC. Having secured a playoff game, Depauw has everything to lose, while Dabash has nothing to lose, as this is their last game of the season.

It rode like a masthead on engine ninety-nine
Crawfordsville to Greencastle, then further down the line
The Cavemen came from Wabash, the Tigers from DePauw
Since eighteen-ninety they have played the last game ev'ry fall

As you know, no matter what the records, only one game counts every year. In preparation for the week, I would like you all to remember a few things. Remember this game is for those great teams who have played on the sacred field at Blackstock and have battled the Boyzz of Dabash at Hollett. Such as that legendary Depauw team, who on November, 22, 1890 started the Monon tradition with an ass-kicking of Wabash, beating the Wally's 34-5 in Crawfordsville; that team in 1892 who slapped Dabash with a 42-4 shellacking; or that 1973 team who rushed against Wabash for 80 plays to win the game 28-21; or, the team who played from 1997-2000, winning 4 Monon Bells, outscoring Dabash 104-38 over the stretch, including a 42-7 stomping in 1998; or, the 1914 team who in the middle of a snowstorm, wins 3-0, with a dropkick by the fullback; or when in 1920 when DePauw quarterback "Galloping" Galloway booted a 52-yard drop kick with three minutes left to give DePauw a 3-0 win at Indianapolis' Washington Park; those teams from 1955 through 1964 who did not lose to the Cavemen; and let us never forget that class of 1933 who under legendary Raymond "Gaumey" Neal went on to a 7-0 record having not lost, tied, or been scored upon during the whole season, a feat which can never be replicated.

Many years they played for pride, oh the stories they could tell
Then in thirty-two the Monon train gave up her precious bell
They said, "Here take this symbol of smoke and fire and grit
And give it to the winner, a symbol not to quit."

Let us remember this game for its historic players who have had so much success wearing the Black and Gold.  Players like Bart Simpson, who from 1971-1974 rushed for 2941 yards; or, Spud Dick, who passed for 9312 yards from 2006 through 2009; or Dan Ryan, who had three receptions for touchdowns in 4 different games between 2001-2002; or what about, Alan Hill with four interceptions for 159 yards against St Norbert on September 5, 1981; or, when trailing 21-13, the Tigers tied the contest with 3:37 left on a touchdown and two-point conversion before backup kicker Jordan Havercamp won the game with a 47-yard field goal as time expired, the field goal was his first attempt of the season, cementing him a living legend; Jeremiah Marks, who between 2004 and 2007 rushed for 3869 yards, including a 2007 Monon Bell game in which he attempted 45 carries, and a game in which he scored 5 touchdowns against Colorado College; Dustin Hertel, who totaled 37 sacks during his career; Jamie Cunha who in 1996 against Dabash had 3 Touchdown receptions; or who can forget, Tyler Kelley, who only had 71 receptions during his career from 1996-1999, but looked damn sexy while he was doing it. Let us never forget those graduating classes of 1893, 1963, 9164, 1990, 1999, and 2000 which NEVER lost a Bell game to dabash. These men had hatred for those caveboyzz from Crawfordsville.  These are the men who the game is played for today. .   

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

Let us remember the shame that has fallen upon those classes who have lost to an all male college, those teams who have not shown their faces since losing to the caveboyzz. Personally, I don't know how I would feel if I ever lost to Dabash.

Suddenly the boys of autumn had fire in their eyes
Blood and spit, but never quit, fighting for the prize
The medal to the victor, the symbol to the school
Wabash and DePauw became a yearly duel

Dabash. A College of only men governed by the "Gentleman's Rule".  A Rule scrutinized for it lack of control over the heathens of Dabash.  An all male (i.e. Boyzz) college where a student's only interaction with a female (during four years of college) is when they hug their mother, see their sister during a break from college, or when they speak to the clerk at the local Kroger or Carl Jr's. Remember these boyzz of Dabash are not men (we all know what it was like to be a man in college, these boyzz never get to experience that in college), they are weak humans scared of the fairer sex. This segregation from women does not make these "men" better, but puts them at a disadvantage. Not only are they socially awkward, but they grow up wondering why they have problems conceiving children, what a date is and how to go on a date, and how to treat a women with respect that they deserve.  You must ask yourself, "What kind of world would we live in if Dabash was the norm?". I will tell you it is not a world I want to live in.   

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

Not only is DePauw's winning necessary to complete a perfect season, but a win for Depauw is a win for the way of life for all men at co-ed Universities. A win for Depauw is a win for all men, not boyzz, in the world. A win for Depauw is a win for those who enjoy fraternity parties with women and beer in abundance, not just a Saturday night with the guys playing tummy-sticks. A win for Depauw is a win for all man who has hooked up with two, three, or even more women in one night/weekend. A win for Depauw is a win for every man who has told a woman he loves her just so he could get a little nookie. A win for Depauw is a win for ever man who has not worn a condom, because without a condom, it feels better.

Now history has recorded the players and their games
And to this day they still play for the Bell in Monon's name
Those who've gone before return each November day
Swapping stories and the legends for those who did not play

For some of you, I do not need to explain the importance of Monon Week.  This is that time of year when you are allowed to eat only bloody, read meat for three meals a day and wash it down with ice cold domestic beer. This is the week where you get to fight random strangers for "bad eyeing" you, or merely for the fact that you didn't like the Crimson and Red in their tie, or that they drive a red car.  This is the week where showering with soap is purely optional. This is the week where any conversations with others must either concern, 1) discussions about football, beer, women, meat, or fighting; 2) a comparison of Michael Engle, Spud Dick, Bernie Haskins, and Jason Lee; or 3) your hatred for the color red. This is the week where human life becomes cheap, and only those who deserve it are allowed to survive.

Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall
Ring the Bell for Wabash, ring for old DePauw
Ring the bell for victory in the last game ev'ry fall

Ding MotherF**king Dong, Welcome to Monon week!!!

I will see you this weekend. Come by V.O.L., I will buy you a drink. 

[wally_wabash]

[Fripp52]

Danny Boy, I am here.  I am waiting for Wabash's SID to post the details on where we are tailgating.  I sent him an email last week and he responded that he was working on it and that he would email me today when it is posted.  So far, nothing.  I don't know if anybody else has any details yet.  I assume we will be in the Fine Arts lot again, but nothing confirmed.
We will arrive with the RV at 2ish on Friday, assuming we can get into the lot.  All I was planning on doing was parking the RV, dropping off the stuff, and leaving.  Let me know when you arrive.  I would love to have a cocktail with you and DaBear.
We will return on Saturday around 8 and we have breakfast ready at 9.  We will have about 70 plus there.  I just got a cancellation due to York HS girl's volleyball being in the IHSA finals.  So, I have at least 7 extra tickets if you need any (or anyone else).  Post on here or email me at jwrona@earthlink.net.

[Breckenridgebear]

Danny Boy, I am here.  I am waiting for Wabash's SID to post the details on where we are tailgating.  I sent him an email last week and he responded that he was working on it and that he would email me today when it is posted.  So far, nothing.  I don't know if anybody else has any details yet.  I assume we will be in the Fine Arts lot again, but nothing confirmed.
We will arrive with the RV at 2ish on Friday, assuming we can get into the lot.  All I was planning on doing was parking the RV, dropping off the stuff, and leaving.  Let me know when you arrive.  I would love to have a cocktail with you and DaBear.
We will return on Saturday around 8 and we have breakfast ready at 9.  We will have about 70 plus there.  I just got a cancellation due to York HS girl's volleyball being in the IHSA finals.  So, I have at least 7 extra tickets if you need any (or anyone else).  Post on here or email me at jwrona@earthlink.net.

Fripp,

Glad to see you have a large crew coming up with you again, we should be pulling into CrawfordVILE around 6 Friday night. 

I just got off the phone with Wabash Security. After providing them a warning that were will be in town next weekend, I was told that R.V. parking for Depauw will be in the fine arts center lot on Grant Street. He said that there should be "no problem" with us parking there Friday night. 

Stop by and we will have a drink. We are easy to find.

[smedindy]

I knew that 1986 game was coming today.  Ugh.  Didn't see Coach Nick go all Herm Edwards with the clock running out very often, but that was one case where it happened.

HELLO! You play to win the game! You don't play it just to play it...

[Danny Boy]

Danny Boy, I am here.  I am waiting for Wabash's SID to post the details on where we are tailgating.  I sent him an email last week and he responded that he was working on it and that he would email me today when it is posted.  So far, nothing.  I don't know if anybody else has any details yet.  I assume we will be in the Fine Arts lot again, but nothing confirmed.
We will arrive with the RV at 2ish on Friday, assuming we can get into the lot.  All I was planning on doing was parking the RV, dropping off the stuff, and leaving.  Let me know when you arrive.  I would love to have a cocktail with you and DaBear.
We will return on Saturday around 8 and we have breakfast ready at 9.  We will have about 70 plus there.  I just got a cancellation due to York HS girl's volleyball being in the IHSA finals.  So, I have at least 7 extra tickets if you need any (or anyone else).  Post on here or email me at jwrona@earthlink.net.

Fripp,

Glad to see you have a large crew coming up with you again, we should be pulling into CrawfordVILE around 6 Friday night. 

I just got off the phone with Wabash Security. After providing them a warning that were will be in town next weekend, I was told that R.V. parking for Depauw will be in the fine arts center lot on Grant Street. He said that there should be "no problem" with us parking there Friday night. 

Stop by and we will have a drink. We are easy to find.

I'm hoping for closer to a 5 pm C'VILE arrival.  According to area lore, it is around that time when Wabash fraternities are post-coital and least aggressive (daily pledge "orientation").  All kidding aside, Purdue hosts Michigan this Saturday so we're hoping to get through the middle early enough to avoid congestion.  If you're not with your rig, we'll shoot you a message.  Thanks for the heads up on the tickets, I'll spread the word.

[DPU3619]

Your filmer says the Wabash Bell defense plan is called Operation Scarlet Fist. 

You guys make it too easy to make fun of you sometimes.  Those jokes just write themselves.

[BashRuff11]

Hey outta town Wabash folks, anyone with plans on arriving into Crawfordsville on Friday afternoon?

There's a Chicago contingent driving down Friday morning and wanted to see if there would be any partners in crime when we arrived in the early afternoon!

WAF!

[1837Tigers]

November 9, 1985:

http://www.depauw.edu/news/?id=26105

November 9, 2008:

http://www.depauw.edu/news/?id=22444

[gobash]

Your filmer says the Wabash Bell defense plan is called Operation Scarlet Fist. 

You guys make it too easy to make fun of you sometimes.  Those jokes just write themselves.

Nice.  I guess it's better than a defensive plan called Operation Crossed Legs.  What are the DPU plans called?  Please tell me your offensive strategy involves a big passing game and is called Old Gold Shower.

[Breckenridgebear]

Seeing that the Monon Bell Game is televised nationally, making it easier for people to stay home and not travel to the game, I was wondering where those who are going to the game are traveling from, and what number of Monon Bell games you have attended in person.

I am traveling from Denver, Colorado for my 14th consecutive.  

[Danny Boy]

Your filmer says the Wabash Bell defense plan is called Operation Scarlet Fist. 

You guys make it too easy to make fun of you sometimes.  Those jokes just write themselves.

Nice.  I guess it's better than a defensive plan called Operation Crossed Legs.  What are the DPU plans called?  Please tell me your offensive strategy involves a big passing game and is called Old Gold Shower.

Sorry to disappoint, but the DPU men will not indulge the cavemen with golden showers.  Fear not though, at C'Vile A&M "water sports" are year-round activities.

[Danny Boy]

Seeing that the Monon Bell Game is televised nationally, making it easier for people to stay home and not travel to the game, I was wondering where those who are going to the game are traveling from, and what number of Monon Bell games you have attended in person.

I am traveling from Denver, Colorado for my 14th consecutive.  

Chicago / Monon game number 13, non-consecutive.