NESCAC

[nunezfan27]

What gets lost in the discourse is the fact that most, if not all, of the behavior that Amherst gets criticized for is harmless.

Harmless?  Sure.  But its also perceived as disrespectful, unsportsmanlike, and contemptuous.

SC.

Here's the thing: only incels like you would perceive it this way. My teammates and I have the respect of just about every team in the league because people who live in the real world know that, between the white lines, it is just a game.

We could debate whether success breeds arrogance or the other way around, but something is working well in Western Mass. There is a certain amount of ego one gains from being on a team that has been to 4 out of the last 5 national championship games. My hope is that the prosperity continues for the Mammoths and the players feel confident enough to wear it on their chests while it lasts. When the day comes that other teams reach similar heights (like Tufts/Messiah before us), I would love nothing more than for them to be in our faces about it. I would hope our players don't whine and have their parents complain about it on an anonymous online forum, but rather respond by winning on the field and enjoying the short-lived spoils of their victory unapologetically.

You'd hope a school like Amherst taught a little more respect than this

[PaulNewman]

What gets lost in the discourse is the fact that most, if not all, of the behavior that Amherst gets criticized for is harmless.

Harmless?  Sure.  But its also perceived as disrespectful, unsportsmanlike, and contemptuous.

SC.

Circling back to this comment in light of the recent posts. For the record, I don't condone Jose's name-calling, and I think that anyone who has been around the Amherst Men's Soccer program knows that it's certainly not part of the ethos we subscribe to. I will say, however, that 'perceived' is an incredibly telling word choice in the response of 'SimpleCoach'. If you had played a high level of soccer, you would understand that almost every team, ever, engages in some degree of 'unsportsmanlike' conduct. Does this excuse this behavior? No, of course not. But I think it's also okay to understand that it's part of the game. There's a pretty rigid disciplinary code in soccer that defines what's accepted and what's not; If Amherst were as 'unsportsmanlike' and 'contemptuous' as you and others describe them, they wouldn't be able to field a team due to yellows, reds, and suspensions -- that is evidently not the case. The 'Amtics' narrative -- where Amherst is the only/prime perpetrator of deplorable behavior -- is boring, and if I had to guess, is more reflective of the contempt that builds against successful programs.

For 'SimpleCoach' and alike, I do not blame you for your lack of first-hand exposure to elite soccer environments (speaking strictly from a playing perspective here), and I urge you to try and visit Latin America or Europe in your lifetime to watch a game in person. You will see passion, aggression, and heightened emotions (much of what the U.S. is missing) -- and this is what soccer is all about. This is why we care. And this is why programs such as Amherst are a hotbed for radical love and care towards one another. Sometimes emotions spill over, and the agonistic spirit (I can provide you some light reading if you want to get up to speed, @PaulNewman) takes over -- this is a part of competition, and is definitely not unique to Amherst and/or soccer. If you think that heightened emotions, physicality, and aggression cross the line of acceptable morality, I invite you to enjoy a less physical, more sophisticated activity, such as croquet, polo, or yachting.

This debacle has obviously unearthed some 'Amhate' and provided everyone the justification and impetus to satiate their Amherst-hating craving; I think it would be better to redirect the conversation back to the remarkable performance this young Amherst team put up against Conn on the weekend. Beating a national contender this early in the season is difficult, and to do so resoundingly (I could not remember the last time Amherst-Conn was decided by more than one goal), speaks to the maturity and grit of a team that is not even close to its final form.

I, for one, am excited for another season of Amherst Soccer, but given recent history, completely understand why the other 407 teams may not be.

CC.

This was impressive. An extremely well done SNL-style caricature of a stereotypical Amherst bro...perhaps AI assisted. Duke lacrosse vibes.

This post was actually more dripping in arrogance and condescension than Jose's entry...if indeed they aren't the same person. And hearing guys who landed on 5th base tell other former D3 and D1 athletes that they have no clue about real competition is really rich. Like, for real, read those posts back to yourselves a few times. You are very smart guys. Don't let your generational, deeply entrenched entitlement keep you from seeing things just a bit more clearly.

[SKUD]

Please pass the popcorn.

[SierraFD3soccer]

I am an admirer of Amherst's results. One of the best programs in D3 ever. However, can only go so far. As to bone fides like SC, I learned my soccer in Europe beginning as 5 years old and WC win in 1974 in West Germany (Actually was in the Army in 89 when it became Germany). Also witnessed West Germany's WC win in 1972. (So a long time ago).

While being an outsider and occasional viewer of NESCAC games (thankfully not paywalled, but that maybe a future best practice for NESCAC??) who can not forget this chestnut from 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg9YX_NSIFE

That alone defeats most, if not all, Amherst arguments, maybe forever. However, continuing.

Respect the game. Even if provoked, don't take the bait. Emotional game. IMO, something to live up to, maybe. I am not a huge supporter of the NCAA, but it does say - https://web3.ncaa.org/lsdbi/bylaw?bylawId=2463&division=1&adopted=0

2.4 The Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct.

• For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation, but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program. It is the responsibility of each institution to: (Adopted: 1/9/96)
  
  (a) Establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct in intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution; and
  
  (b) Educate, on a continuing basis, all constituencies about the policies in Constitution 2.4-(a).
  
  And
  
  NESCAC SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT
  
  The NESCAC and the NCAA promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial, sexist, homophobic, or other derogatory comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, spectators, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition. Also, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at the site of competition.
  
  The saddest part about the video is the Amherst assistant coach's behavior.  Rather than corral his players away and just enjoy the win, he is actually participating. He is not a young recent graduate, but a long time assistant coach.
  
  Shortly after witnessing and discussing this, I emailed Amherst's president in 2023. I am sure he gets so many emails on many, many subjects.
  
  His response was the following - 
  
  Thank you for your note.  I am indeed aware of this deeply troubling behavior, and you are absolutely correct that it does not represent the standard of conduct that we expect of Amherst athletes.  I assure you that we will take appropriate action, and I hope that we will be able to earn back your respect for Amherst soccer.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Michael Elliott
  
  
  Michael A. Elliott
  President
  Amherst College
  Amherst, MA 01002-5000
  
  Hey, I am not alum or benefactor. I don't have any connection. Yet he answered my email. He could have said this so many different ways and I know weaselly academic speak. "deeply troubling behavior"
  
  Amherst, one of the best academic colleges in the US, may be held to higher standard, but, in this case, it does not seem to have any repercussions. Hey penalize Middlebury as well!! All around a sh&t show, but only one side got on camera. Life is not fair.
  
  As to world soccer acting similarly, hey maybe so, but you really don't want to go down that path. Mexican fans yelling homosexual cheers or black players being taunted in many European cities. Many of us have heard these in person and definitely remember when this was tolerated/allowed. Baseball, football and basketball used to have these slurs run around many stadiums pretty recently.
  
  Don't excuse, just be better. Cheer for your teammates, have a great time, maybe shake hands. Look like a champion.
  
  Paul Newman - hate Duke as a Maryland fan, but the Duke lacrosse guys were screwed all ways to Sunday. Not excusing the initial behavior, but everything after . . .  That was a very, very sad. Great book and documentary.
  
  

[Hotskull]

I think a lot of this comes down to the fact that the players and general program of "Amherst Men's Soccer" simply don't have anything better to do.

Real quick, I completely respect what Amherst have going on. Clearly Serpone has built a culture based on results (National championship as well as multiple visits to the game, constant NESCAC success)... as well as the students having a clear path for success in the real world. HOWEVER, WHILE THEY ARE STUDENTS AT AMHERST, they don't really have anything else going for them..

I mean think about it, less than 2000 students at a liberal arts college in a small town. The school is 2 hours from Boston and 3 from NYC. I mean I don't blame them for playing like a bunch of buffoons. They have nothing else going on in their lives during the soccer season. No fun social life, certainly can't expect an abundance of exciting women in that town.. heck, is there even a McDonalds nearby?

My point is, that school is incredibly secluded and it seems that it must just be an incredibly boring place to go to school. If you're a player there, you might as well join in on the tomfoolery that is "Amhersts style of play" because really and truly, what else are you going to do with your life as an Amherst Soccer Player? You either join the cult or live in insanity knowing you're trapped in a small town in the middle of nowhere, with nothing else to do.

[complexcoach]

For those who are interested, I'll be organizing a candlelight vigil for the poor, 5th base, and directionless student-athletes (if you can even call them that) of Western Massachusetts. More to come.

CC.

[josemourinho]

Profanity, racial, sexist, homophobic, or other derogatory comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, spectators, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition.

I am actually glad you brought this up, because it is something I take very seriously, and it cuts to the core of what I think is actually a misconception about Amherst. Some of the actions you may see on camera may not be your cup of tea, but our program has NEVER crossed the line in terms of hateful/derogatory language. It is common knowledge around the league that the Middlebury team is homophobic, but no one ever brings it up because it does not fit the narrative. There have been a few instances of them even directing some of that homophobic language at players of our team. I won't go into specifics because this is not the place for it. I am proud to be a Mammoth because, although we might ruffle some feathers and leave a foot late into a challenge, I know none of our players would use discriminatory language towards others as a way to make people feel like they don't belong.

I feel the contempt that gets thrown at us misses some of the bigger/more pressing issues in our league. I'd rather be called "classless" by some middle-aged grumps than be known as an intolerant bigot by my peers.

[Futbolguy]

Jose - I've been to enough Amherst-Midd games to know that the claim Midd is homophobic is baseless.  Is this justification for the 2023 post game conduct of your players AND coaches?  To claim in the face of the 2023 post game video that these actions may "not be your cup of tea" is tone deaf and shows your level of character, as do your prior posts.  Would you be proud of your son grabbing his crotch in a lewd fashion towards a crowd of fans?  And as someone pointed out above, the fact that the Asst coach was complicit is telling.  It starts at the top.  I am confident the volume of posts since yours of yesterday demonstrate you are in the clear minority in your defense of this conduct.   

[SimpleCoach]

I feel the contempt that gets thrown at us misses some of the bigger/more pressing issues in our league. I'd rather be called "classless" by some middle-aged grumps than be known as an intolerant bigot by my peers.

And yet, here you are making deeply offensive, ageist remarks. 

As a result, no soup for you.

SC.

[PaulNewman]

Damn, looks like Jose is on guest status. I was hoping he would expound on the "bigger/more pressing issues"  plaguing the league. I suppose his buddy can do that. I was expecting a more imaginative response more worthy of David Foster Wallace than a desperate, impotent swing at Middlebury, an institution I would guess has a far better LGBTQ rating than Amherst...but all that "radical love and care" I'm sure goes a long way.

Sierra, a very misguided, botched prosecution is what most remember now...obfuscating what they DID do...and it's the boorish, mindless frat-boy acting out at one of our premier academic institutions that I was comparing. Lewd and Lascivious actually is a crime fwiw.

Skud, as for popcorn, whilst, there are some who insist on butter, whilst, others prefer salt and no butter, and whilst, still others choose no butter or salt.

Have a great season guys! I will be mostly preoccupied with UK Wildcats basketball.

[jumpshot]

Everyone knows amHerst has struggled in recent years with certain teams (and coaches), including soccer, lacrosse, etc.) whose behavior has resulted in sanctions by the administration and criticism by parents, fans, and unbiased respected observers reported here and elsewhere. Attempts to deflect this reality by amherst loyalists fails in every instance.   

[Kuiper]

Conn College has a battle on its hands with the Merchant Marines.  0-0 at halftime.  USMMA tied Christopher Newport in Newport News 1-1 to start the season and has scored 16 goals in the last two games (admittedly against weak opposition in John Jay and Hunter).  Conn College, by contrast, has yet to score this season.

UPDATE:  Conn finally breaks through in the 53rd minute with a penalty kick for its first goal of the season to take a 1-0 lead.  Still no goals from the run of the play, but they'll take any offense at this point.

UPDTE:  2-0 in the 80th minute.  Conn got its run of play goal and USMMA looks out of gas/ideas.

[flyingdutchman]

Quite entertained by all the comments made regarding Amherst. The reality is that many of us are taking the antics too far, and while some of the behavior is inexcusable, it's just a game at the end of the day, and players get amped up. Coach Serpone and the Amherst players thrive on chaos; they want opposition to fear it, and they feed off drawing teams into it. The question is whether this year's group will continue this style. Nuhu, one of the top players in the NESCAC, certainly has it in him, with his past crotch grabbing antics and the constant trash talk coming from such a petite man like himself.

[Hopkins92]

It's hilarious that you purposely set your program up to emulate the villain team in a Mighty Ducks movie.

And, yes, of course, it's "just a game." But you can't point this out and simultaneously aggrandize the culture and the life lessons you are supposedly learning from a program that thrives on trash talking and "leaving a foot in late."

Just own the villain role and leave it at that.

[SimpleCoach]

Conn College has a battle on its hands with the Merchant Marines.  0-0 at halftime.  USMMA tied Christopher Newport in Newport News 1-1 to start the season and has scored 16 goals in the last two games (admittedly against weak opposition in John Jay and Hunter).  Conn College, by contrast, has yet to score this season.

UPDATE:  Conn finally breaks through in the 53rd minute with a penalty kick for its first goal of the season to take a 1-0 lead.  Still no goals from the run of the play, but they'll take any offense at this point.

UPDTE:  2-0 in the 80th minute.  Conn got its run of play goal and USMMA looks out of gas/ideas.

Happy for the Camels to have found the back of the net.  Seems to be a bit of an issues. Thought USMMA lost the plot after 60 minutes of a lot of hard work to make it tough for Conn.  As you say gassed and out of ideas.

I still have doubts about Conns ability in front of goal, but for now, good on them for the win.

SC.