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When will the Gagliardi finalists be announced?

They wait until the Mellenberger finalists come out so they don't miss anybody ... or at least don't miss anybody from Wilkes-Barre ... ;)

Seriously, last season it was right before Thanksgiving so it might be any time now.

mere minutes, in fact. Check the front page. :)

http://www.melbergeraward.com/winner_2005.html

Looks like te Melberger is at least given out to someone again.  They had the right winner and runners up last year (in my opinion).  It looks like the banquet, etc is gone, but is this a legit award again?

Looks like it had a good one-year comeback, but it's got a long way to go to match the consistency and prestige of Gagliardi. Don't you agree?

I will have some thoughts on this year's Gagliardi field in ATN, which should be going up tomorrow (Weds.)

Quote from: K-Mack on November 21, 2006, 10:02:23 PM
Looks like it had a good one-year comeback, but it's got a long way to go to match the consistency and prestige of Gagliardi. Don't you agree?

I will have some thoughts on this year's Gagliardi field in ATN, which should be going up tomorrow (Weds.)

I do agree, but I found it interesting that it made a comeback after a couple of years without a winner.

Me too.

You may want to read the Melberger Rears Its Ugly Head Once Again (http://www.d3sports.com/post/index.php?topic=4739.0) thread, if you haven't already, if you're looking for opinions on the Melberger.

Quote from: AnotherJohnnie on November 21, 2006, 10:09:08 PM

Quote from: K-Mack on November 21, 2006, 10:02:23 PM
Looks like it had a good one-year comeback, but it's got a long way to go to match the consistency and prestige of Gagliardi. Don't you agree?

I will have some thoughts on this year's Gagliardi field in ATN, which should be going up tomorrow (Weds.)

I do agree, but I found it interesting that it made a comeback after a couple of years without a winner.

There was a winner for 2003, 2004 and 2005. They appear to have disavowed those winners!

Daniel Pincelli, Hartwick
Brett Trichilo, Wilkes
Brett Trichilo, Wilkes

Note the hometown/backyard pick two years in a row!

Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 22, 2006, 03:28:18 AM

Quote from: AnotherJohnnie on November 21, 2006, 10:09:08 PM

Quote from: K-Mack on November 21, 2006, 10:02:23 PM
Looks like it had a good one-year comeback, but it's got a long way to go to match the consistency and prestige of Gagliardi. Don't you agree?

I will have some thoughts on this year's Gagliardi field in ATN, which should be going up tomorrow (Weds.)

I do agree, but I found it interesting that it made a comeback after a couple of years without a winner.

There was a winner for 2003, 2004 and 2005. They appear to have disavowed those winners!

Daniel Pincelli, Hartwick
Brett Trichilo, Wilkes
Brett Trichilo, Wilkes

Note the hometown/backyard pick two years in a row!

Actually it's 2002-2004 that don't appear readily, but 2002 is burried a few clicks deep.  From the top level you just get the 2001 winner when you click on 2002, but then if you keep clicking, you do get 2002.

http://www.melbergeraward.com/winner_2002.html

They obviously messed up the award, but it is a slap in the face of the individuals who were picked to wipe out any record of having given out the award for those years; I'm sure they were good football players.

Quote from: AnotherJohnnie on November 22, 2006, 09:32:03 AMThey obviously messed up the award, but it is a slap in the face of the individuals who were picked to wipe out any record of having given out the award for those years; I'm sure they were good football players.

I agree. I think that says almost as much about the award and possibly the leadership behind it as it does the fact that they gave it to who they gave it to.

I think the best way to handle it would have been to have some sort of explanation/disclaimer saying "From xxxx to 2001, The Melberger Award was given to the best candidate in all of Division III blah blah blah. From 2002-04, the Touchdown Club refocused its efforts to make it more of a regional award. In 2005, the leadership aimed to make the Melberger a national award again, and it continues on that path today."

That may not be exactly what happened, but I think there is a way to be truthful about what happened without disrespecting Pincelli and Trichilo, who were, as you said, fine football players and deserving nominees.

I know you maybe don't want to draw attention to those years, but you can't pretend they didn't happen.

Keith:

When reading your ATN this week, you made a statement within the article I found odd:

"There were other players – possible all-Americans – who are not on the Gagliardi list, for whatever reason: Occidental QB Andy Collins, Whitworth QB Joel Clark and TE Michael Allan, Mary Hardin-Baylor S Josh Kubiak, Rowan QB Mike Orihel. Just the fact that no one from Mount Union, St. John's or Rowan is a finalist could be surprising."

The biggest surprise to this was the fact the Capital QB Rocky Pentello was not a finalist for whatever reason??  A possible All-American, OPY & 1st Team All-OAC selection, one would of thought he would be a finalist for this award...but I may be bias to the fact I am a Cap Grad...

Yep,
Pentello.

I forgot Mark Robinson of St. John Fisher too.

I think part of it is you have to be nominated. And I know the selection process is very detailed. The Gagliardi materials state very clearly that academics and community service are part of the criteria, but are to be used as tiebreakers when football talent alone doesn't solve your vote ... i.e. The Gagliardi Trophy is first and foremost a football award.

So there were some names missing from the list, no doubt, if you're thinking of the 10 most accomplished, if not most talented, Division III players in the land.

But I am also confident that the Gagliardi Committee looks much more closely at the candidates than I have so far. I think it's safe to say they know what they're doing.

Quote from: K-Mack on November 27, 2006, 01:06:03 AM
Yep,
Pentello.

I forgot Mark Robinson of St. John Fisher too.

I think part of it is you have to be nominated. And I know the selection process is very detailed. The Gagliardi materials state very clearly that academics and community service are part of the criteria, but are to be used as tiebreakers when football talent alone doesn't solve your vote ... i.e. The Gagliardi Trophy is first and foremost a football award.

So there were some names missing from the list, no doubt, if you're thinking of the 10 most accomplished, if not most talented, Division III players in the land.

But I am also confident that the Gagliardi Committee looks much more closely at the candidates than I have so far. I think it's safe to say they know what they're doing.

Let's be honest, we could write on here back & forth all day...every year, someone misses the boat for whatever reason!!  As I stated, I am bias towards Cap...it just would have been nice for Rocky to add another piece of something to his resume before sailing out to sea (after we beat MUC & head to the Stagg of course) ;D ;D

I have heard Kniss lead the voting over Brehm from Alma as of late Thursday. Friday was the deadline for votes and they will anounce the winner early next week.

I didn't know they revealed that info. Must be an inside source, huh usee? :)

I voted on Thursday night, so mine was received Friday.

I'm afraid my top guy doesn't play a glamour position and may not get the recognition he deserves by the voters on the committee who haven't paid extra-close attention to his impact this season.

That said, I was pretty high on Kniss and Brehm on the 10-9-8-6-7-5-4-3-2-1 scale.

Frankly, I read all 10 packets, and had I not known any of these guys from Adam (luckily I do, and have even talked to some of them face-to-face), some would really have pulled ahead of other based on the strength of the endorsement from their coach and president. In fact, I will say that was a factor, although I tried to play it down in the sense that who has the slickest packet shouldn't be the lone factor, but then again who has the gaudiest stats shouldn't be either.
So I tried to read between the lines to find the most impactful player who also embodies what is great about Division III football, and then I did them in that order. And of course it stinks because the 10th guy, you feel like you're dissing him, and he's a pretty damn good student-athlete.

Anyway, this was my first year as a voter, so all of that was new to me.

I was afraid the D-Linemen and Safeties might not get the recognition from the more general voters on the committee; but maybe they will. Wesley safety Rocky Myers won it two years ago, after all.

I guess we should find out something about Kniss vs. Brehm on Tuesday, given they're both North Region guys (as are Murray, Brew and Otte).

Dec. 5 is the listed date for the announcement of the four regional finalists.

South: Neal, HSU
East: Haas, Cortland or Arcidiacono, Union
West: Kleppe, UWW, Carr, Bethel
North: Kniss, Brehm, Murray, Otte, Brew

Any news on the Melberger?

Quote from: K-Mack on December 04, 2006, 01:34:21 AM
I didn't know they revealed that info. Must be an inside source, huh usee? :)

Lets call it "nonpublic" information.

Quote from: K-Mack on December 04, 2006, 01:34:21 AM
I didn't know they revealed that info. Must be an inside source, huh usee? :)

I voted on Thursday night, so mine was received Friday.

I got a call from a voter today looking to bounce his ballot off me.

Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 05, 2006, 02:40:36 AM

Quote from: K-Mack on December 04, 2006, 01:34:21 AM
I didn't know they revealed that info. Must be an inside source, huh usee? :)

I voted on Thursday night, so mine was received Friday.

I got a call from a voter today looking to bounce his ballot off me.

So Pat, does that mean you have more than 1 vote?  ;D

I don't know that the information I heard on the process or the results is entirely accurate. I don't actually know the voting process. I guess we will all know shortly.

I try not to influence votes directly but usually the kind of questions I get are "how strong is this conference" and "what kind of schedule is this kid putting up these numbers against," etc.

Do you know when they will announce the winner?

Quote from: redman04 on December 05, 2006, 10:41:56 AM
Do you know when they will announce the winner?

well the awards ceremony is usually midweek during the Stagg festivities so its got to be this week.

I should add that I believe the info on Kniss must be that he leads Brehm as the North Region Finalist. the Four Finalist's are likely to be announced this week and the winner announced in Salem next week.

This in from d3football.com

"Alma's Josh Brehm, Hardin-Simmons' Jordan Neal, Union's Tom Arcidiacono and UW-Whitewater's Ryan Kleppe were named regional finalists today for the 2006 Gagliargi Trophy."

GO KLEPPE!!! GO HAWKS!!!

Having read the four finalists' brief biographies, AUPepBand would say all four appear worthy of the honor. It's young men like these that make AUPepBand proud to be a fan of D3 football in general, and of the Alfred Saxons in particular. Working in the University library and having the pleasure of getting acquainted with AU student-athletes, AUPepBand is equally proud of AU football players for their contribution to campus life and the community.

Initial reaction, from the Dose:

QuoteUWWRUNNER Says:

The 12th of December, 2006 at 10:31 pm

Slightly off topic from Salem, but has anybody else noticed how lopsided the poll is in favor of Kleppe? Not taking anything away from Brehm, but that's a pretty big difference, even considering a lot more UWW fans visit than Alma fans I'm fairly sure. Just an observation 

QuoteFlush the Johnnies Says:

The 12th of December, 2006 at 11:47 pm

Kleppe doesnt get Gagliardi, what a joke. What percentage of the award is based on on field performance?

QuoteD3Keith Says:

The 13th of December, 2006 at 1:16 am

Well,
all things considered about the Gagliardi, it's really hard for folks who don't follow D3 that closely to give a DT the same consideration they give a QB that piles up numbers. And even though it's a pretty good committee of voters, not all of them watch D3 like we do.

I was afraid that might happen.

I was pretty high on Brehm even though he wasn't my top choice. I think he's going to be a very deserving winner once you find out what this guy is all about.

I think Kleppe would take a Stagg Bowl ring over a Gagliardi anyday.

I like how Josh Brehm is nowhere to be found on d3football's All-American's teams, not even a HM...

I believe you have to be nominated, and in an earlier post, Pat pointed out he was not nominated for All-Region...dont worry, the choice of 1st Team QB was the correct choice...this is why d3football.com is the best there is!!

Those are both true, Alma did not do its nominations, and although Pat noticed, it was too late to bring his vote total (for all-Region) up to get him on the team.

Brehm was a great all-around candidate for the Gagliardi, but it's tough to be one of the top 3-4 QBs among 234.

I also think his numbers may have overwhelmed some voters who may not have had the opportunity to see the effect the D-tackles and other position players nominated have on games.

I know I can't change the outcome, but honestly, I don't think his numbers are even comparable.  What would he have done vs. Mount Union's D, or UWW's, or MHB.  They would have eaten him up.  But, I can't change what happened so, it's over and done with.

Well, it appears we agree on No. 1 at least.

DIII Draddy Nominees


School -- Nominee
Allegheny (Pa.) -- Mateo Villa
Augustana (Ill.) -- Joel Campbell
Bridgewater (Va.) -- Jefferson Highfill, Jr.
Case Western Reserve (Ohio) -- Thomas Brew
Centre (Ky.) -- Christopher Riney
Emory & Henry (Va.) -- Matthew Assenat
Gettysburg (Pa.) -- Kyle Luciano
Greensboro (N.C.) -- Christopher Palme
Gustavus Adolphus (Minn.) -- Jared Sieling
Illinois College -- Jake Weller
Lewis& Clark (Ore.) -- Mike Wennerlind
Mount Union (Ohio) -- Frederick Safran
Saint John's (Minn.) -- John Cloeter
Shenandoah (Va.) -- Chris Dooley
St. Olaf (Minn.) -- Matthew Penz
Thiel (Pa.) -- Michael Stimac
Trinity (Conn.) -- Benjamin Willig
Wabash (Ind.) -- Brian Hilts
Wartburg (Iowa) -- Kyle Duchman
Washington Univ. in STL (Mo.) -- Kevin Brooks
Wesleyan (Conn.) -- Zachary Librizzi
Western New England (Mass.) -- Kevin Miculcy
Widener (Pa.) -- Jamie Schild
Wisconsin-Eau Claire -- Anthony Hull

I didn't know the Bridgewater QB's full name was Jefferson. :)

We got Draddy, Gagliardi, those other guys and this year there's a Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award.

Been in contact with them and have been meaning to write about it some.

Who does everyone think shoudl get the Gagliardi this year?  I am voting for Boltus....

Greg Micheli.

This is a really good ballot this year. The voters rank each player from 1-10 and typically I look at the finalists and I can easily pick out four or five guys who are going to be at the bottom of my ballot. Not this year, though.

I'll go w/ Rupp from Franklin.  I am bias b/c he is from the HCAC & so is my school, but after having another successful season 10-1 w/ stellar stats & last weeks performance against Otterbein he should be a prime choice. 
He can say he is from a weak conference, but he did dismantal two OAC schools, Baldwin Wallace (5-5. 5-4) for  22-37-0  317 yds  4 TDs  & Otterbein (9-2, 8-1) for 62-41-1   527yds  7TDs Round 1 of the playoffs. Plus an ok DIAA school, Butler (6-5, 4-4) for 29-47-1  394yds  3Tds & Trine (10-1, 6-0) for 39-25-1   294yds  3TDs. 

Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 26, 2008, 11:23:42 AM
This is a really good ballot this year. The voters rank each player from 1-10 and typically I look at the finalists and I can easily pick out four or five guys who are going to be at the bottom of my ballot. Not this year, though.

And the best player in the nation didn't even get nominated ;D

I dont think that Boltus gets the credit he deserves on a national level.  he has insane numbers and is a freakish talent.  The NFL scouts have been flocking all year to watch this kid and how can you ignore 46 td passes in 10 games?  Without him, Hartwick is a bad team.  I know I have not seen some of these other guys play but I dont think there is a more talented player in the country.

Quote from: NYSGUY on November 26, 2008, 01:41:39 PM
I dont think that Boltus gets the credit he deserves on a national level.  he has insane numbers and is a freakish talent.  The NFL scouts have been flocking all year to watch this kid and how can you ignore 46 td passes in 10 games?  Without him, Hartwick is a bad team.  I know I have not seen some of these other guys play but I dont think there is a more talented player in the country.

He did have sick numbers, but they threw almost every down.  Though he made hartwick a good team he didnt make Hartwick a great team, plus he was the first QB to lose vs a NEFC team...

Quote from: NYSGUY on November 26, 2008, 01:41:39 PM
I know I have not seen some of these other guys play but I dont think there is a more talented player in the country.

Well, not to be mean, but that's a contradictory statement that sort of renders everything else you said irrelevant.

When you're willing to consider the other 9 and you still think Boltus is the best, then it'll mean something.
If yo

Quote from: NYSGUY on November 26, 2008, 01:41:39 PM
how can you ignore 46 td passes in 10 games? 

Swallow (a nominee this year) had 46 TDs and 3 picks last season and wasn't even a finalist. Not to say that 46 TDs is something to sniff at, because it isn't, but a lot of the guys on this list are capable of putting up insane numbers, and most of them have.

Joseph 70% completions.
Micheli 215 passer rating
Rupp just passed for 527 yards and 7 TDs against a playoff team from the OAC.
Berg and Micheli have GPAs of 3.8 and 3.74 ... well-roundedness is Gagliardi criteria, though it is a football award first.

If you want to go beyond the numbers:
Micheli had a whole new offensive line this year. (and Kmic)
Boltus and Berg are the only ones who didn't lead their teams to the playoffs

Point being, Boltus is a beast, and right up there, but it's not exactly a no-brainer. There's a lot to consider.

I don't think it's even right to have your mind made up yet since Micheli, Joseph, Swallow, Rupp and Sulo are all still playing and have a chance to tilt the scales.

Rafferty, Feaster and Whalen each were eliminated this week, and all their teams went down swinging.

In my opinion, Micheli SHOULD be the winner of the Gagliardi Award.  In addition to his on field numbers he has a 3.84 GPA in math and physics.  He is also involved in the Buddy Program in Alliance.  His on field numbers, are as Keith said, with a new line and with a new receiver needed to replace Garcon.

As a completely unbiased observer, Greg Micheli is best choice.  ;D

Some Boltus-like numbers from a non-finalist:

QuoteMonmouth's sophomore quarterback, Alex Tanney, has thrown for 3,311 yards on 68.4 percent accuracy, with an eye-popping 47 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. Tanney, the conductor of an offensive orchestra that leads Division III with 48.5 points per game, plays no favorites.

I'm just sayin ...

Two more wins and I'll be sayin too.

As a completely biased observer, I'll go with Juan Joseph of Millsaps.  Like all the nominees, he has great numbers for this season and he has guided his team to a high level of success.  He has just won the SCAC Offensive Player of the Year for the third time, a first in conference history.  He has just been nominated for the Connerly Trophy award in Mississippi, the first D3 player to ever be one of the final 3 players in the running for the best college player in Mississippi.  As you can imagine, he has tattooed his name all over the record book at Millsaps and in the SCAC.

All of these accolades can probably be matched by the other 9.  Maybe what sets Juan apart is that he has been the featured component of a program that has sprung from obscurity to national prominence in his 3 years as a starter.  Certainly the hiring of Mike DuBose as the head coach started the ball rolling, but he was thinking of competing for a SCAC Championship after 3 years, not a national championship.  Without a doubt, the play of Juan Joseph has been a huge factor in the acceleration of those plans.

VOTE JUAN

Quote from: Acky on November 26, 2008, 06:51:19 PM
In my opinion, Micheli SHOULD be the winner of the Gagliardi Award.  In addition to his on field numbers he has a 3.84 GPA in math and physics.  He is also involved in the Buddy Program in Alliance.  His on field numbers, are as Keith said, with a new line and with a new receiver needed to replace Garcon.

Its not like Mount Union doesn't have a pool of talent to replace their graduating seniors.  That doesn't discount his sick numbers & who knows what his stats would have been if he played 11 complete games this year, but for him to deal w/ a new line a new top receiver at Mount was probably not an issue.

Quote from: NYSGUY on November 26, 2008, 01:41:39 PM
  I know I have not seen some of these other guys play but I dont think there is a more talented player in the country.

It's not strictly an All-Star award.

Quote from: seventiesraider on November 30, 2008, 07:14:54 PM

Quote from: NYSGUY on November 26, 2008, 01:41:39 PM
  I know I have not seen some of these other guys play but I dont think there is a more talented player in the country.

It's not strictly an All-Star award.

Voters are reminded, however, that it's a football award first.

But yes, if it were top player only, Tony Sutton (Wooster) probably would have won in '04. And maybe Kleppe in '06.

Regardless, not knowing much about the other guys but proclaiming there isn't a more talented player in the country contributes very little to the discussion.

Looks like the mini-Heisman (aka only QBs and RBs need apply) vs. a "football" award.  But that's just me.

I, for one, was a bit disappointed to see zero defensive players on the list of the Top 10 candidates (but that's obviously par for the course for these types of awards at other levels of football).

Quote from: TGP on December 01, 2008, 12:58:50 AM
Looks like the mini-Heisman (aka only QBs and RBs need apply) vs. a "football" award.  But that's just me.

I, for one, was a bit disappointed to see zero defensive players on the list of the Top 10 candidates (but that's obviously par for the course for these types of awards at other levels of football).

Last year, an offensive guard and three linebackers were in the final 10. In 2006, two linebackers, a defensive tackle and a safety made the list.

I didn't go back any further than that, but my guess is that this year's heavy crop of QBs and RB is the exception rather than the norm.

Quote from: Ryan Tipps on December 01, 2008, 10:00:45 AM

Quote from: TGP on December 01, 2008, 12:58:50 AM
Looks like the mini-Heisman (aka only QBs and RBs need apply) vs. a "football" award.  But that's just me.

I, for one, was a bit disappointed to see zero defensive players on the list of the Top 10 candidates (but that's obviously par for the course for these types of awards at other levels of football).

Last year, an offensive guard and three linebackers were in the final 10. In 2006, two linebackers, a defensive tackle and a safety made the list.

I didn't go back any further than that, but my guess is that this year's heavy crop of QBs and RB is the exception rather than the norm.

You guys are both right.

Last year, Derek Blanchard accomplished about everything an O-Lineman could possibly accomplish, plus he had stellar off-field credentials. He deserved serious consideration for the top spot.

You probably have to take the nomination process into effect. And to be honest, the nominators might use TGP's logic in thinking "can my guy really win?" (or maybe they just nominate who deserves it, who knows?)

I think in '06 Kleppe had the biggest effect on the D3 season and probably should have won it, but probably 25 or 30 members of the selection committtee watch less than two D3 games a year, despite it being a virtual who's-who of D3. So you have to take that into account too, that a lot of the voting is strictly done off their paper credentials, and if you don't have the stats to compete, you might not have a shot.

I mean Dan Whalen's probably a great QB, but someone who doesn't know a Case from a 12-pack is going to look at Boltus' numbers next to his and pick him every time.

Quote from: K-Mack on December 02, 2008, 12:23:39 AM

Quote from: Ryan Tipps on December 01, 2008, 10:00:45 AM

Quote from: TGP on December 01, 2008, 12:58:50 AM
Looks like the mini-Heisman (aka only QBs and RBs need apply) vs. a "football" award.  But that's just me.

I, for one, was a bit disappointed to see zero defensive players on the list of the Top 10 candidates (but that's obviously par for the course for these types of awards at other levels of football).

Last year, an offensive guard and three linebackers were in the final 10. In 2006, two linebackers, a defensive tackle and a safety made the list.

I didn't go back any further than that, but my guess is that this year's heavy crop of QBs and RB is the exception rather than the norm.

You guys are both right.

Last year, Derek Blanchard accomplished about everything an O-Lineman could possibly accomplish, plus he had stellar off-field credentials. He deserved serious consideration for the top spot.

You probably have to take the nomination process into effect. And to be honest, the nominators might use TGP's logic in thinking "can my guy really win?" (or maybe they just nominate who deserves it, who knows?)

I think in '06 Kleppe had the biggest effect on the D3 season and probably should have won it, but probably 25 or 30 members of the selection committtee watch less than two D3 games a year, despite it being a virtual who's-who of D3. So you have to take that into account too, that a lot of the voting is strictly done off their paper credentials, and if you don't have the stats to compete, you might not have a shot.

I mean Dan Whalen's probably a great QB, but someone who doesn't know a Case from a 12-pack is going to look at Boltus' numbers next to his and pick him every time.

I think Boltus is a stud and it must be taken into account he had very little around him. Phelan is a good athlete whom Boltus made into an awesome reciever. I have heard many asking the question; what if Boltus played for Mount or others? I think the answer is simply if you have seen him play. He would be even more of a stud than he is now and his team would be simply unstoppable! I think he deserves serious consideration here because of his talent, achievements on the field, and ability to take a very poor team into the NCAA's in 07. I wish all the players the best of luck and respect them all.

What else does Boltus bring to the table?

This is not the DIII Heisman.  It also includes Academic and Volunteer guidelines.

Hard to think that Micheli isn't the favorite with his 3.84 GPA in Math and Physics along with being a Draddy Award Semifinalist to go along with his on the field performances.

Well personally I haven't done my vote yet because I think I owe it to Micheli, Rupp and Swallow to consider what they do on Saturday.

I think from a D3-in-the-know standpoint, guys like Boltus and Joseph are going to finish very high, but Micheli's total package is hard to top.

That said, there's no telling how many D3 Games Pete Metzelaars or Billy White Shoes Johnson have seen this season, if any, or how much attention Robin Roberts or Bernie Kukar pays. I'm sure they take their role as voters seriously, but they might have strictly the voter packets to go on.

I actually find the recommendations from coaches & school presidents to be very compelling too.

Given the very large sized pool of candidates and the limited resources of the voters, the outcome will almost surely be very approximate.

I'd go with Micheli.  His track record (completion %, efficiency, etc) speaks for itself.  Even today - he made the play of the game IMO.

Critical 3 and long on the opening drive that could have ended in a 4 and out, giving Cortland the ball (likely near MUC territory) and a chance to tie early in the 3rd qtr.

Instead he nails a great pass (in 20-25 winds/flurries) and keeps the drive alive.  A few plays later, MUC scores to go up by 13 and that was pretty much it.

I don't recall the final stats, but Micheli was 14 for 19 at one point.  Pretty impressive kid, especially when you throw in the GPA.

Quote from: TGP on December 06, 2008, 04:11:10 PM
I'd go with Micheli.  His track record (completion %, efficiency, etc) speaks for itself.  Even today - he made the play of the game IMO.

Critical 3 and long on the opening drive that could have ended in a 4 and out, giving Cortland the ball (likely near MUC territory) and a chance to tie early in the 3rd qtr.

Instead he nails a great pass (in 20-25 winds/flurries) and keeps the drive alive.  A few plays later, MUC scores to go up by 13 and that was pretty much it.

I don't recall the final stats, but Micheli was 14 for 19 at one point.  Pretty impressive kid, especially when you throw in the GPA.

Obviously, as others have said, this is the award that takes off the field accomplishments into affect more than almost any other.

Take nothing away from Micheli, but he is obviously not even the best player on his own team.

Just to be nominated for this award speaks volumes for these young men.

Quote from: Union89 on December 06, 2008, 04:59:18 PMJust to be nominated for this award speaks volumes for these young men.

Yeah, you read some of these bios -- and you know the kid isn't gonna win it and you're still like wow, this guy is awesome. I mean to be one of the 10 best in a pool of 18,000 give or take; no slouches at all.

I think last year I was really beating myself up over it, because it's not like you just pick a guy, you rank them 1 to 10, so you can spend an hour trying to figure out who No. 5 is even if you know your No. 1 off top.

Something just occurred to me though ... with nine of them being QBs this year, this should actually be pretty easy, since their stats will compare. Maybe not total yards, but when I do all region, I look pretty heavily at completion percentage and TD-to-INT ratio, that helps negate the difference in offenses a little.

As mentioned too, I find the coaches recommendations pretty compelling, especially coming from the more respected longer tenured guys who say they've coached maybe one other player as good or something.

I don't think Rupp or Swallow helped himself much today, so I'm going to hammer out my final vote right now actually.

Quote from: Union89 on December 06, 2008, 04:59:18 PM
Take nothing away from Micheli, but he is obviously not even the best player on his own team.

However if you read the qualifications for the award which includes academics and public service, he easily rates in the top three. Anybody who has watched Kmic knows he s/b player of  the year and will graduate with an arm load of All-Division and DIII records. The best players on the team may very well be on the defense.

Meaningless and inconsistent use of "regions" rears its ugly head once again.  The Gagliardi folks will announce four "regional  winners" on Dec 11.  They don't say how the regions are comprised, but if they use the NCAA football DIII evaluation regions there are 5 finalists in the North, two each in the West and South, and but one in the East.

Perhaps they'll use the playoff brackets and move Micheli "East."   ;)