FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

I have no idea what it takes to launch a D3 lacrosse program, but why doesn't Hope move from a club team to a D3 team like Adrian and Trine?  It would be great to have more MIAA/local teams with actual D3 lacrosse programs to compete against. 

LIT:

I posted this quite a while back on the lacrosse board (in the DIII club lacrosse teams section) and you may inadvertently missed it, however, I will relay the informaton again here for those who are interested.  Hope (and perhaps Calvin) is (are) the closest to elevating lacrosse for both men and women to varsity status.  You may have not heard, however, back in June last year (2008) the MIAA Presidents and ADs voted to have the MIAA make both men's and women's lacrosse varsity sports, thus Hope, Calvin, Albion and Alma will eventually be joining Adrian and Trine.  The Title IX issue was not necessarily a problem, since both Hope and Calvin already have women's club lacrosse teams; Alma and Albion said they would form them, it is my understanding.  Both Hope and Calvin's teams are already run like varisty sports already i.e. "virtual varsity".  In addition, the MIAA administration was not going to force Olivet and Kalamazoo to begin lacrosse programs, however, they did request them to immediately do a feasibility study and long range planning.  I have not heard the results of those as yet.  Anyway, varsity play in the MIAA was to begin for next year spring 2010 season.

However, unfortunately, that decision was put on hold back in December 2008 (i.e. 4 months ago) as the MIAA decided to hold off for at least another year due to the economic situation that hit the nation.  While some of that is understandable, on the other hand, I do not agree with it since, at least at Hope (I can't speak for Calvin) they are funding the sport substantially quite a bit (jerseys bought, coach paid) and similar to their hockey team, although obviously, the lacrosse student-athletes still have to pay to play and due their own fundraising.  Nonetheless, the college administration still has the overall control and overseeing of the program.  Also at Hope, the college administration has been very supportive of the program including the public relations department which has helped in publicity and the website on the college athletic website; also, use of college vans has been graciously allowed.   And in recent news, it was recently learned that the renovations to the college's soccar field will also include provisions for lacrosse; there will be a nice stadium to be used for both sports, seating for 800-1000 in a nice stadium grandstands and the new style artificial turf.

Thus, in view of all the current status and support (including financially), I can't imagine that it would cost the college that much more to make the program "officially" varsity status.  Certainly, travel costs would not increase substantially.  IMO, there is no reason not to do it, but I believe that Hope and Calvin are probably waiting until at least some of the other MIAA schools decide to go the full route, even though Alma and Albion said they would last year.  So that is disappointing, but where it stands now.  I believe that, at least at Hope, lacrosse will eventually become a varsity sport and before their hockey program does, although both should be at least independent DIII programs now IMO.  All that being said, in reality, Hope and Calvin are already playing collegiate lacrosse as even though these are club programs, it is still collegiate lacrosse.  Recruiting has improved likewise, in getting even more talented, experienced h.s. lacrosse players (as can be seen by Hope's marked improvement this year).

One last aspect; in view of the national economic situaton, which has affected the colleges to some degree, perhaps an additional reason for the delay at Hope and Calvin is that they have not seen the need to use lacrosse (and hockey) as a potential additional modality for enrollment recruitment/increase, unlike Adrian has successfully used lacrosse, hockey and skating.  Hope and Calvin both have had a an increase in applications this year over last and enrollments will not decline. 

Anyway, that is what the status is for now and I hope that is some helpful info to update you and other of our colleagues here.  Again, though, I do agree with you that it is feasible for at least Hope and Calvin to "do it now".  We'll just have to be patient .     

[formerd3db]

BTW, Hope's lacrosse program is one of the oldest in the state.  They actually played the likes of Michigan State, U of Mich, Ohio State and Clemson "way back when" (got blasted by those teams, but still a great experience for those guys! ).

[LetItRain]

formerd3db - thank you so much for taking the time to provide the info on MIAA lacrosse.  I really appreciate it.  My nephew plays for Trine.  I'll be sure to send him your post so he can see what's happening in the MIAA (if he doesn't already know this info).

[formerd3db]

LIR:

You are most welcome.  BTW, Hope beat Calvin in lacrosse @ Calvin last evening 18-8 ensuring Hope a spot in the CCLA playoffs and the first season of beating Calvin in all games for the season.  I can't believe how well Hope is doing in lacrosse this year.  A big test will be against Grand Valley State University this Saturday.  I Hope we play better against them than we did last year.  Best of luck to your nephew at Trine in his lacrosse.  Talk to you later.

[formerd3db]

Please forgive this posting here (I posted this over on the lacrosse page, DIII club teams), however, wanted to share it with you MIAA colleagues here.  Hope College defeated Oakland University in today's Quarter-finals opening round of the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association's Tournament at Saline, MI in an exciting overtime game, 16-15!  This is Hope's first ever appearance in the CCLA playoffs (any playoffs for that matter).  They face Davenport Univesity tomorrow in a Semi-final game at 12:00 Noon.  The winner of today's Grove City (PA) College/Grand Valley State University game will play the University of Dayton tomorrow in the other semi-final, with the CCLA Championship game slated for Sunday May 3rd.  The CCLA Champion will then receive the bid to the National Collegiate Championships sponsored by the U.S. Lacrosse Association. 

A great accomplishment for Hope's lacrosse program.  Best wishes to the team and Coach Mike Schanhals and staff for tomorrow's game.  GO HOPE! 

[sac]

Not to break up d3db's excellent Hope lacrosse updates but I've been meaning to post this list for a few days now and kept forgetting.


This list of football "commitments" appeared in the Lansing State Journal, unfortunately it only provides names and not positions.

Dan Allen, Mason -- Mount Union College (Ohio)

Wes Dolen, East Lansing -- Albion College
David Lopez, Holt -- Trine
Jesse Meyer, Olivet -- Olivet College
Seth Murray, Alma - Alma College
Jacob Schafer, Portland -- Olivet College
Justin Schafer, Portland -- Olivet College
Wes Sherman, Haslett -- Albion College
Ryan Smith, Carson City-Crystal -- Olivet College
Brian Spencer, East Lansing -- Albion College
Julius Widman, Fulton -- Alma College

[D306]

To add a little info to some of the players listed in SAC thread

Wes Dolan LB/TE from East Lansing  6" 200 Pds. CAAC league LB

Brian Spencer WR/DB from East Lansing no stats CAAC league WR

Wes Sherman RB/DB from Halsett  no stats CAAC league RB

This is what I could gather looking at LSJ newpaper archives.
Looks like some good skill players, heading to Albion wish them the best in the Academics and Football efforts.

I will try to get more info on other Albion or MIAA players I am aware of.

[formerd3db]

Thanks sac and D306 for the football updates and for sac's kind comments.  I did not get the opportunity to talk with our football coaches at Hope during yesterday's graduation ceremonies, however, plan to do so in the near future.  However, I suspect that Hope did not fare as well this year in mid-Michigan recruiting due to the uncharacteristic poor season this past fall.  On the other hand, one might tend to think that some recuits would possibly see that as an opportunity to come in a make a significant conribution right away.  Yet, as we all know, it is difficult for that to happen unless someone is in the right place at the right time and...if the "#'s game" at one's position is just right for that particular year.

As far as the lacrosse update, Hope bowed out in the semi-final on Saturday after an extremely valient effort against Davenport University 20-17 (actually, the score was 20-18, however, the refs incorrectly took a goal away against Hope).  Hope came close to pulling the upset.  I hate to say this, however, must comment as many times it appeared the officials did not want Hope to win.  The calls were very one sided, although I will also say that this did not cause Hope to lose.  Nonetheless, it is disappointing to see such blatently inconsistent officiating in such a game.  Anyway, Hope played well and had they played Grand Valley State during the weekend, they may very well have had the opportunity to pull the upset there also.  GVSU did not play anywhere near like it did when it beat Hope 2 weeks ago 23-13 as GVSU struggled against Grove City College and then lost to the University of Dayton, the CCLA Div II Champion which now goes to the National Championships.

In CCLA Div I, U of Mich played U of Buffalo in the Championship yesterday, although I do not know the outcome as the results were not posted as of this AM on the CCLA Tournament website.  Michigan State lost to Buffalo in the semi-final.  I was also very impressed with the way the CCLA ran the tournament - very much like the NCAA football playoffs.  Excellent crowds and great facilities at Saline, MI.

Speaking of facilities, Hope had the ground-breaking ceremony on Friday for the new soccer complex which will also allow the lacrosse teams to use.  It's facade will match the new baseball and softball stadiums in design with brich walls/arches, permanent covered seating for 1,400 fans, new synthetic turf; also wrought iron fencing with brick posts to match the current gateway pillars at Buys Athletic fields there which was built with the old bricks/stone from Hope's historic Carnegie-Schouten Gymnasium when that structure was unfortunately torn down several years ago.  Anyway, the new soccer/lacrosse complex is scheduled to be completed by mid-Oct this fall so the soccer team will be able to use it for the latter part of the season.  Very exciting.  For those interested, Hope's athletic website has the plans; also a very nice tribute to Coach Ray Smith, who retired this weekend from Hope as was previously announced and discussed a couple of months ago.

That's all for now.  The MIAA baseball race concludes this upcoming weekend.  I hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable upcoming Memorial Day Weekend - it will be here before we know it.

[formerd3db]

Update FYI:

A retirement celebration was held for Coach Ray Smith by his family at Hope College last evening.  My wife and I feel very privileged to be among those former players, friends, coaches, administrators, neighbors, etc., who were invited to attend.  It was a wonderful evening of reminiscing, reflection, sharing (and yes, a little roasting) for Coach and his family and many of our former teammates, friends and college administrators past and present.  Since many on this board have previously discussed the lifelong accomplishments and service of Coach Smith to Hope College, the community and the thousands of student-athletes over his career there, I won't reiterate all those aspects here. 

However, I would like to say the following.  It was well-acknowledged last evening that Coach Smith always had the right vision - it was more than just coaching but rather his goal to see the potential that each student-athlete (and regular students) could become for the greater good of all with the Christian faith and whatever endeavors in life one chooses.  In that regard, his Faith was always evident, but never bombarded on anyone; in essence everyone knew that by his actions and the way he treated people.  Obviously, Coach Smith and his wife Sue will be missed at Hope (although they won't be around campus at times and not very far away I suspect; actually I know ).  I will close with this statement by Coach Smith to me..."The Lord has given me peace about retirement and his calling the Ray Smith family to Hope has been a blessing...."  Coach,...I think we all concur but even more so that it was the other way around i.e. a blessing to all of us at Hope and beyond.  Truly (at least IMO) he ranks among the great coaches and men in DIII football in the realm of Gagliardi, Kehres, Schipper, Tressel, Buttefield, etc,.  Anyway, here's wishing Coach and his wife Sue all the best in whatever the Good Lord has planned for them in the next chapter of life.  Thanks Coach Smith.  Also, thanks to all of you here on the board for allowing me to take a moment to update you and share a little more of my reflections.

[formerd3db]

Absolutely quiet on this board the past several days.  I assume that many of you are busy with graduations, end of school year aspects, perhaps early vacations? and/or just plain busy at your jobs.   No news, anyone?

[sac]

Interesting development from the MHSAA that has largely gone unoticed.

8-player football approved for Michigan high school
The Associated Press, May 18, 2009 4:23 p.m.

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A Michigan High School Athletic Association committee has approved an eight-player football playoff division starting with the 2010 season.
The association says in a release that Class D schools with a maximum enrollment of 223 for the 2009-2010 academic year will be eligible to field eight-player teams.

A 16-team, four-week playoff will be held in 2010 if at least 20 schools commit. A 32-team, five-week playoff will take place if more than 40 schools commit.

Association executive director John E. Roberts says the format will help smaller schools that struggle to field enough players to support football.

Fields for eight-player games will be the traditional 100 yards long but will be narrowed in width from 53 1-3 yards to 40 yards.

--------------------------------------

A couple Falls ago I found myself in Frankfort, Michigan on a cool October night and stopped in to see a Frankfort vs. Mesick game.  Both Class D schools located along Michigan's LP Northwest coast, Division 8 for football.  Frankfort had a full squad of players and could fill a two deep roster with spares.   Mesick had 7 kids on the sidelines during game action.  Midway through he 2nd quarter Frankfort was ahead 35-0 which started the automatic running clock.  Mesick never gained a positive yard in the time I stayed to watch, and had about 3 kids come off with injuries who had to go back on the field even while obviously hurt.

At one point it got so bad presumeably the sister of a Mesick player ran on the sideline to confront a Frankfort tackler..........I guess she felt he brother was getting a little roughed up.  It was an odd place to be, and a little uncomfortable to see a bunch of high school kids getting thoroughly pummled like they were.  It wasn't just a numbers disadvantage but size as well.   Since I was sitting on the Mesick side, I could sympathize with their plight.  This was rough to watch........so rough I left at the end of the 3rd Q with the score something like 56-0 and Frankfort was desperately trying to not score.  What do you do when FB dives go for 20 yards a pop? 

Frankfort ended up winning 65-0.


That game has stuck in my mind, and  have also witnessed my own high school's undermanned and undersized teams struggles vs the "football powers".  Two falls ago down 21-0 3 minutes into a game.

It will be interesting  to see how many high schools opt for the 8 man game.

[D306]

I think 8 on 8 Football is a great thing for many of the small schools.

Some of the football games over the years are not a game it is a "blood letting" keep some of these kids from getting seriously hurt playing both ways and "nicked up" trying to tough it our for the team.

This will also reduce the cost for many schools, concern about travel though as there will only be so many 8 man teams to play.

This will also effect the 5-6 wins required to make the playoffs.
Every year some very marginal teams make the playoffs and possibly get a "home" game when it is obvious these teams do not even compare to a low level team that has missed the playoffs due to playing a competitive schedule.

The point system of winning a D1 game or playing a D1 team is also a little "squirrely". Every year teams with high "points" are smoked by a team that just make it in with 5 wins in tough league.

Quality of schedule is the real key to who moves on once the playoffs start.
Home field also helps in a close game.

[Ralph Turner]

Texas has 6-man.

http://www.sixmanfootball.com/

High school players participate in 8-on-8 football as part of the unofficial off-season conditioning.

[D306]

Off topic but it has been to long since we had a MIAA post.

Bill Lambeer leaves WNBA after winning 3 titles in 6 years.
Nice record!!!

I think he would be a great assistant coach and get hm ready for a head coaching position.
He obviously learned some patience coaching in the WNBA after his "bad boy" image in the NBA.

I think he is an example of a thinking mans game, and "coaching player up"
He was not the most talented guy but he won rebounding titles, and defense titles due to his hard work and attention to detail, doing what ever the team required.

All NBA players have skills it is getting them to play together and defense that wins championships. 
" does not hurt to have a Lebron, or Kobe, to get every call and make crazy shots"

2 months until camp starts.
Looks to be a competitive year in the MIAA this year.

[DBQ1965]

The Sporting News College Football '09 Preview is out ... along with their D3 pre-season top 25.  Trine didn't get a mention anywhere.