from footballscoop: Valpo (FCS): Sources tell us that Lehigh offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Dave Cecchini will be the new head coach at Valpo.
If this is true... this is a great hire. He is a proven winner and has a track record of recruiting high academic student-athletes.
http://www.lehighsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=751&path=football (http://www.lehighsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=751&path=football)
Cecchini and his wife Tammy, an assistant coach for Lehigh's women's tennis team, have two sons, Evan and Will.
Sounds like a great hire, if so.
And, being a Viking, let's hope that his sons have the same effect on VHS football that a certain head coach's (coaches'!) son(s) had on VHS basketball some day soon!
Quote from: historyman on December 10, 2013, 09:27:52 AMCecchini and his wife Tammy, an assistant coach for Lehigh's women's tennis team
Our current women's tennis coach has a record of 10-101 in 5+ seasons, that is football level results...perhaps we will be adding a second new head coach..
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/2013/12/report-lehigh-offensive-coordinator-dave-cecchini-to-be-named-head-coach-at-valpraiso.html (http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/2013/12/report-lehigh-offensive-coordinator-dave-cecchini-to-be-named-head-coach-at-valpraiso.html)
Report: Lehigh offensive coordinator Dave Cecchini could be the next head coach at Valparaiso
success in developing qb:
The lefty-throwing Bialkowski had never thrown a pass in a game before the 2013 season, but in eight games before suffering a season-ending fractured collarbone at Bucknell on Oct. 26, he was 216-for-337 in the air for 2,647 yards (third best in the FCS).
http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/Cecchini-possibly-Valparaiso-football-choice/D2e1J5OR6U-QCTR4ywT4OQ.cspx (http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/Cecchini-possibly-Valparaiso-football-choice/D2e1J5OR6U-QCTR4ywT4OQ.cspx)
Cecchini possibly Valparaiso football choice?
Footballscoop.com said sources indicate Cecchini will succeed Dale Carlson,
Announcement of new head coach at 8am Wednesday morning!!!
I would be in favor of a coach from Lehigh. A school at the FCS level with high academic standards. I don't want to say anything about the women's tennis coach, but if something happened where we received two quality coaches in these sports, maybe we can have long-term success like what the Avery's have brought us!
http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/01/dave-cecchini-and-yale-coaching-search.html (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/01/dave-cecchini-and-yale-coaching-search.html)
Dave Cecchini and the Yale Coaching Search
It sounds like Cecchini needs a school to show he can turn a program around so he can step up to higher profile positions. He was certainly close to getting the Yale HFBC position in 2012.
Sounds like a done deal. Glad it's happening now rather than later. :clap:
Former OC -- that's fine.
Part of a resurgent program -- that's fine.
MY FERVENT HOPE -- he brings with him a freaking good DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Looking at his profile on their website, I am even more excited to see his previous OC and coaching experience at The Citadel and Harvard, in-between stops at Lehigh. Similar-minded academic athletes are hard to get, and I imagine that he has a wealth of experience getting them to a program now!
Edit:I don't believe he would stay past 3-4 years before finding a better HC position (if he succeeds at Valpo), but at this point, we just need someone to make us respectable again. If he stays for a long time, great, but if he positions us to find another quality coach, and keep having consistent teams, it will be a great hire.
I like this hire. It's outside the box and safe to say that nobody on the board saw it coming. Lehigh has been a model program in the Patriot League. I was hoping for a defensive-minded coach, but I'll give the benefit of the doubt considering the program he was hired away from
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I don't understand this move at all.
Not from Valpo's standpoint, but from Cecchini's standpoint. One has to question his decision making ability to chose to coach a team with only a handful of wins in the past 5 years. Seems like a lot of risk for a guy that's had a lot of success doing what he does.
Could be the contract terms that we are not privy to. If I were him, I'd leverage the offer to secure guarantees for things like better facilities, beginning immediately and continuing over the next 3 years to bring all aspects of the program to a D-IAA level.
Quote from: a3uge on December 10, 2013, 12:07:14 PMI don't understand this move at all.
Not from Valpo's standpoint, but from Cecchini's standpoint. One has to question his decision making ability to chose to coach a team with only a handful of wins in the past 5 years. Seems like a lot of risk for a guy that's had a lot of success doing what he does.
What type of coaches were you expecting us to get? What kind of coaches wouldn't be taking a risk going to Valpo?
Quote from: a3uge on December 10, 2013, 12:07:14 PM
I don't understand this move at all.
Not from Valpo's standpoint, but from Cecchini's standpoint. One has to question his decision making ability to chose to coach a team with only a handful of wins in the past 5 years. Seems like a lot of risk for a guy that's had a lot of success doing what he does.
Just speculating...he's been a coordinator for a long time without breaking into the small fraternity of Patriot and Ivy League head coaches. Maybe he thought grabbing the Valparaiso position was worth the risk. If he turns the Crusaders around, he'll be able to write his own career ticket.
And with his wife, you may have gotten a tennis coach, too. What a deal. ;)
Congrats, BTW.
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 10, 2013, 12:30:09 PMQuote from: a3uge on December 10, 2013, 12:07:14 PMI don't understand this move at all. Not from Valpo's standpoint, but from Cecchini's standpoint. One has to question his decision making ability to chose to coach a team with only a handful of wins in the past 5 years. Seems like a lot of risk for a guy that's had a lot of success doing what he does.
What type of coaches were you expecting us to get? What kind of coaches wouldn't be taking a risk going to Valpo?
I think you need to look at the risk reward benefit. If he loses that's what valpo always does, If he wins here he's a savior and will move onto a bigger better job. I think someone with self confidence and belief in their abilities jumps at the opportunity.
Looks like the cat is out of the bag. Time will tell. I'm encouraged by the Lehigh record while he was OC the last 4 seasons -very impressive. He was on Higgin's, Lembo's and Coen's staff in different stints with Lehigh. It looks like Coen's record the last four years (8-3 this season) could be largely attributed to Cecchini.
http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/patriot/lehigh/yearly_totals.php (http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/patriot/lehigh/yearly_totals.php)
Also opens up the football-rich PA recruiting territory which is only the width of Ohio away.
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 10, 2013, 12:30:09 PM
Quote from: a3uge on December 10, 2013, 12:07:14 PMI don't understand this move at all.
Not from Valpo's standpoint, but from Cecchini's standpoint. One has to question his decision making ability to chose to coach a team with only a handful of wins in the past 5 years. Seems like a lot of risk for a guy that's had a lot of success doing what he does.
What type of coaches were you expecting us to get? What kind of coaches wouldn't be taking a risk going to Valpo?
I think it was a great hire... I was just being incredibly facetious about the state of the program.
I think it's safe to say a lot of us were expecting an NAIA coach or something like that, not an OC from a school that's been FCS ranked the past 3 or 4 years.
From a brown school to another brown school. It's great to have the coach in place now. Hopefully for the current players' sake, we can turn this thing around into a few wins next season. Go Crusaders!
From the Mountain Hawk's most recent Game Notes...
Pronunciation Guide:
Cecchini - check-EE-nee
He's giving up the opportunity to coach against Lafayette... at Yankee Stadium next fall. (the 150th meeting of those two schools)
other fun things from the notes:
CALL IT A COMEBACK
Lehigh has had an unusual habit of rallying from double-digit defi cits to win football games. Since the start of the 2012 season, Lehigh has won six games in which it trailed by ten points or more, including last year's game at Lafayette when the Mountain Hawks overcame an 11 point first-half deficit.
Season Opp. Largest Defi cit
2012 Fordham 14 points, 7:24, 1st Qtr.
2012 HC 12 points, 4:05, 3rd Qtr.
2012 Lafayette 11 points, 0:11, 1st Qtr.
2013 CCSU 20 points, 10:46, 4th Qtr.
2013 Princeton 19 points, Halftime
2013 UNH 16 points, 13:54, 2nd Qtr
Hell, he lost the biggest game of the year to a down trodden Lafayette team. Miracle worker --bull poop. Still, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
Quote from: setshot on December 10, 2013, 01:08:14 PM
Hell, he lost the biggest game of the year to a down trodden Lafayette team. Miracle worker --bull poop. Still, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
[/b]
Let's hope so, all the others have worked out very well!
Quote from: setshot on December 10, 2013, 01:08:14 PMHell, he lost the biggest game of the year to a down trodden Lafayette team. Miracle worker --bull poop. Still, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
It's worth noting that this "downtrodden" Lafayette team finished 4-1 in league play and had won 3 of 4 headed into the game, including beating a previously unbeaten, top-10, scholarship offering Fordham team.
That was Fordham without their star QB. Just saying.
Quote from: setshot on December 10, 2013, 01:08:14 PMHell, he lost the biggest game of the year to a down trodden Lafayette team. Miracle worker --bull poop. Still, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
Down trodden LaFayette team??? You meant Patriot League conference champion LaFayette team right? Hopefully next year we can be a down trodden conference championship team too!
Quote from: willy on December 10, 2013, 01:36:43 PM
Quote from: setshot on December 10, 2013, 01:08:14 PMHell, he lost the biggest game of the year to a down trodden Lafayette team. Miracle worker --bull poop. Still, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
Down trodden LaFayette team??? You meant Patriot League conference champion LaFayette team right? Hopefully next year we can be a down trodden conference championship team too!
Baby steps... I think winning more than 1 game would be a success.
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Lehigh converted 49% of 3rd downs, 75% of 4th downs. They averaged 464 yards per game, with 85% of trips in the red zone putting points on the board. Looks like he knows how to coach the offense. Now for the defense...
Quote from: VUDad on December 10, 2013, 02:40:42 PM
Lehigh converted 49% of 3rd downs, 75% of 4th downs. They averaged 464 yards per game, with 85% of trips in the red zone putting points on the board. Looks like he knows how to coach the offense. Now for the defense...
[/b]
Maybe the Defensive Coordinator at Texas A & M is looking for work! Joking of course, but the nature of today's college game is to simply outscore your opponent. Consider the Mizzou-Auburn game: 59-42! And, both teams were suppose to be good at defense. The offense is way ahead of the defense nationally.
Good point, VU72. But Michigan State showed Saturday night that stopping another team's offense will win games. I believe our defense will improve with an offense that controls more of the game. Just my opinion though.
Quote from: vu72 on December 10, 2013, 03:06:41 PM
Quote from: VUDad on December 10, 2013, 02:40:42 PM
Lehigh converted 49% of 3rd downs, 75% of 4th downs. They averaged 464 yards per game, with 85% of trips in the red zone putting points on the board. Looks like he knows how to coach the offense. Now for the defense...
[/b]
Maybe the Defensive Coordinator at Texas A & M is looking for work! Joking of course, but the nature of today's college game is to simply outscore your opponent. Consider the Mizzou-Auburn game: 59-42! And, both teams were suppose to be good at defense. The offense is way ahead of the defense nationally.
The PFL is not cutting edge. The main goal needs to always be: be competitive inside the league -- and take a beating in the OOC schedule (if necessary). Here's how the league leaders got to be at the top (click to enlarge). Most did not score boatloads of points, but most leaders Butler, Marist (especially - check out the +/-), Dayton and Drake (I don't acknowlledge Mercer) played some defense.
Lehigh has some fantastic facilities at their school, outside of their baseball/softball programs!
Quote from: vu72 on December 10, 2013, 01:14:39 PMStill, I wish him the best although this looks like another "nepo" decision. ???
Maybe I missed something, but why is this "another "nepo" decision."?
MLB recruited him hard. The press release will go out tomorrow morning (but no "press conference" per se). Then there will be a meet and greet open to the press and public with Coach Cecchini around 11AM in the football office and locker area. He's meeting with the team tonight. :thumbsup:
:welcome:
Quote from: VULB#62 on December 10, 2013, 12:18:43 PM
Could be the contract terms that we are not privy to. If I were him, I'd leverage the offer to secure guarantees for things like better facilities, beginning immediately and continuing over the next 3 years to bring all aspects of the program to a D-IAA level.
Reward a miserable failure of a program (that nobody outside of players' families and a few VU alums even care exists) with new/enhanced facilities over rewarding your highly successful flagship athletic program, whose coaches have found a way of not only persevering, but thriving, despite inferior facilities (relatively speaking) for years? You have to be kidding. If that happens before already-made-promises to upgrade the ARC are fulfilled, I think Bryce Drew will walk in a heartbeat. Then we'll have a problem worth worrying about - a real problem.
Be careful what you ask for!
Quote from: wh on December 10, 2013, 05:12:22 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on December 10, 2013, 12:18:43 PM
Could be the contract terms that we are not privy to. If I were him, I'd leverage the offer to secure guarantees for things like better facilities, beginning immediately and continuing over the next 3 years to bring all aspects of the program to a D-IAA level.
Reward a miserable failure of a program (that nobody outside of players' families and a few VU alums even care exists) with new/enhanced facilities over rewarding your highly successful flagship athletic program, whose coaches have found a way of not only persevering, but thriving, despite inferior facilities (relatively speaking) for years? You have to be kidding. If that happens before already-made-promises to upgrade the ARC are fulfilled, I think Bryce Drew will walk in a heartbeat. Then we'll have a problem worth worrying about - a real problem.
Be careful what you ask for!
WH, you totally misunderstood what you underscored. If you were the recruited candidate for a D-I, D-IAA coaching position yourself, wouldn't you try to leverage any advantage you may have to bring improvements to the program you are charged to lead? You know me well enough by now to realize that I'm a facility guy, so it's only natrural that in listing a 'for instance' I'd think first of facilities to make my point. That is what I was saying. I seriously doubt MLB would mortgage the ARC to build a new Brown Field stadium, but maybe the promise of a finally completed track around the playing field might have been an incentive to sign, who knows. What disappointed me was the intensity of your remarks, especially the "miserable failure of a program (that nobody outside of players' families and a few VU alums even care exists)" generalization. I'm sure you've done studies and conducted polls that support the statement, but MLB's actions in the past month might say otherwise. No one was asking for anything (much less with an exclamation point). You normally are a calm and rational voice on this board who gives thought to his postings. So, I'm thinking this was a bad day colliding with a sore subject - we all have 'em. Don't matter none, keep sending out those insightful posts that make the MBB season fun to read about.
Quote from: VULB#62 on December 10, 2013, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: wh on December 10, 2013, 05:12:22 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on December 10, 2013, 12:18:43 PM
Could be the contract terms that we are not privy to. If I were him, I'd leverage the offer to secure guarantees for things like better facilities, beginning immediately and continuing over the next 3 years to bring all aspects of the program to a D-IAA level.
Reward a miserable failure of a program (that nobody outside of players' families and a few VU alums even care exists) with new/enhanced facilities over rewarding your highly successful flagship athletic program, whose coaches have found a way of not only persevering, but thriving, despite inferior facilities (relatively speaking) for years? You have to be kidding. If that happens before already-made-promises to upgrade the ARC are fulfilled, I think Bryce Drew will walk in a heartbeat. Then we'll have a problem worth worrying about - a real problem.
Be careful what you ask for!
WH, you totally misunderstood what you underscored. If you were the recruited candidate for a D-I, D-IAA coaching position yourself, wouldn't you try to leverage any advantage you may have to bring improvements to the program you are charged to lead? You know me well enough by now to realize that I'm a facility guy, so it's only natrural that in listing a 'for instance' I'd think first of facilities to make my point. That is what I was saying. I seriously doubt MLB would mortgage the ARC to build a new Brown Field stadium, but maybe the promise of a finally completed track around the playing field might have been an incentive to sign, who knows. What disappointed me was the intensity of your remarks, especially the "miserable failure of a program (that nobody outside of players' families and a few VU alums even care exists)" generalization. I'm sure you've done studies and conducted polls that support the statement, but MLB's actions in the past month might say otherwise. No one was asking for anything (much less with an exclamation point). You normally are a calm and rational voice on this board who gives thought to his postings. So, I'm thinking this was a bad day colliding with a sore subject - we all have 'em. Don't matter none, keep sending out those insightful posts that make the MBB season fun to read about.
After rereading my post, you're right, my response was way too strong. My apologies to you and all Valpo football supporters.
For better or for worse I have always been highly sensitive (and probably overly) to what I have long considered a slight to the Drews and the basketball program by the administration for ignoring much needed ARC enhancements in favor of more important this and more important that. From now on I'll try to stay out of the football conversation. ;)
wh, you WERE kinda negative, which is unusual for you. I enjoy your excellent and thoughtful posts very much.
Keep in mind VU basketball went through a rough stretch too -- from 1978 until 1993. It was a time of no winning seasons, losses to DIII and NAIA schools, a player openly challenging Coach Tom Smith during a game, editorials imploring VU to drop D1 athletics, sparse crowds, and the equipment manager forgetting to bring uniforms to a road game at Notre Dame.
Fortunately, VU basketball recovered from those bad times. VU football will also recover. And, yes, people care about VU football. It is an important component to the college experience and VU would not be as good a place without it. Just ask our friends over at Evansville, many (if not most) of whom still regret the decision to drop football 20 years ago.
Paul
Announcement:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13217/dave-cecchini-named-head-football-coach/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13217/dave-cecchini-named-head-football-coach/)
I just did a little research on Dave and what I found was uniform praise. Many school fans wanted him to be considered for their head coaching job. He has high integrity and a winning record with top notch schools. This is another brilliant hire by Mark LaBarbera! Really looking forward to next year. :clap:
I thought this deserved a new thread.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13217/dave-cecchini-named-head-football-coach/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13217/dave-cecchini-named-head-football-coach/)
Dave Cecchini Named Head Football Coach
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Valparaiso director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced Wednesday Dave Cecchini has been hired as the 17th head football coach in school history.
"We made up a list of all the attributes that would be important for our next head coach, and Dave met every one of them. Everyone we've talked to about Dave indicated that he was not only an outstanding football coach, but an outstanding leader of young men," LaBarbera said.
Cecchini most recently served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Lehigh University for four seasons. It was his second stint with the Mountain Hawks. Cecchini also worked in the same capacity at The Citadel and Harvard, having coached Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Arizona Cardinals receiver Andre Roberts.
"I'm beyond excited about the opportunity that has been provided to me by Mark LaBarbera and President Heckler. It's humbling to be brought in and shown the vision for this University, and to then be included in it," Cecchini said.
He rejoined the Lehigh staff as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach following the 2010 season. Upon his return, the Mountain Hawks enjoyed one of the strongest offensive seasons in program history. Thanks to an offense that averaged over 26 points per game, Lehigh secured its ninth Patriot League Championship in school history. Cecchini coached quarterback Chris Lum, the national runner-up in voting for the Walter Payton Award. Lum, an All-American, broke the Patriot League's single-season record for passing yards (4,378) and touchdown passes (32). Four Mountain Hawks achieved All-American status on Cecchini's watch.
Cecchini took over as offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at The Citadel in 2007. In his first season with the Bulldogs, the squad set 16 offensive records including points in a season (39.5 PPG) and total offense (437.6 YPG). The 2007 Citadel team finished with the school's best record in 15 years. While in Charleston, Cecchini coached and mentored star receiver Andre Roberts. Under Cecchini's tutelage, Roberts was a First Team All-American who set program records for receptions in a season (95), receiving yards (1,334), and touchdown catches (15). Roberts was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2010 National Football League Draft.
Cecchini assumed the role of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at Harvard in 2003, where his offensive aptitude yielded immediate dividends. Harvard's 2003 offense averaged 461 yards per game, good for 4th in the nation in total offense that year. The 2004 Crimson team crafted a perfect 10-0 record en route to an Ivy League Championship. Harvard set 14 team or individual offensive records with Cecchini at the controls (2003-2006). In 2005, he was bestowed the American Football Coaches Association's Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award after Harvard produced the top offense in 2005.
He is a 1995 graduate of Lehigh. An All-American wide receiver in his playing days, Cecchini established numerous single-season school and Patriot League records including receptions (88), receiving yards (1,318), and touchdown receptions (15) in addition to leading the country in receptions and receiving yards per game.
Cecchini joined the Mountain Hawk coaching staff the fall following his graduation from Lehigh. For the next several seasons he worked his way up, holding the position of quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach, running backs coach, and tight ends coach before ultimately being named assistant head coach in 2001.
Cecchini and his wife, Tammy, have two sons, Evan and Will.
What They're Saying About Dave Cecchini:
Former Harvard and current Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick: "I really enjoyed Coach Cecchini not only as a coach but as a man. He helped me a lot in my college years. He helped me grow up, he taught me a lot about the game of football, and really taught me a lot about being a great husband and father. He had a lot of characteristics that I really looked up to, and I think he's going to make a great head coach."
Lehigh head football coach Andy Coen: "I am very happy for Dave and his family to have this opportunity. Dave is an outstanding coach but more importantly an outstanding person. I have no doubt that Dave is ready for the challenge of becoming a head coach. I know this has been a goal of his for some time. I support him and wish him nothing but the best. I look forward to watching Dave build Valparaiso into a winner."
The Citadel head football coach Kevin Higgins: "Valpo made a great decision in hiring Dave Cecchini as its Head Coach. I have watched Dave grow from an All-American wide receiver to a very successful offensive coordinator leading several programs to multiple championships. He is a man of character and integrity that will be a great role model for his players. There aren't many brighter coaches in the country than Dave."
Harvard University head football coach Tim Murphy: "Dave Cecchini was an outstanding assistant coach for us and no doubt will be an outstanding head coach at Valparaiso. He's smart, passionate and has outstanding leadership skills. A very smart move by Valparaiso."
Reading this makes me optimistic. This guy knows the environment. Some nice testimonials.
I'm hesitant, due to experience from four years ago, to become overly optimistic. When I read Carlson's bio, I really felt that it was a good hire. What I really like about Cecchini is his experience at OC with some difficult to recruit Division I-AA (FCS) schools, and his immediate OC success wherever he went. I also really like that he has had exposure to different HCs (Higgins, Lembo, Murphy and Coen), and was successful with each. Each of these coaches has been successful, and I think he'll bring something from each of them. I really like this hire, and look forward to changes next fall.
New enthusiasm in the players will result in renewed enthusiasm for putting in hard work on the off-season. A great choice by MLB. We might even snag some unexpected recruits.
Quote from: covufan on December 11, 2013, 11:10:20 AM
I'm hesitant, due to experience from four years ago, to become overly optimistic. When I read Carlson's bio, I really felt that it was a good hire. What I really like about Cecchini is his experience at OC with some difficult to recruit Division I-AA (FCS) schools, and his immediate OC success wherever he went. I also really like that he has had exposure to different HCs (Higgins, Lembo, Murphy and Coen), and was successful with each. Each of these coaches has been successful, and I think he'll bring something from each of them. I really like this hire, and look forward to changes next fall.
I was on the other side of the fence 4 years ago, as I was not impressed with Carlson's background. Yes, he started those programs and they became good, but it was a completely different situation for our program than what he had at those schools, and I believed we could have pulled someone from the NCAA FCS Assistant ranks such as this hire.
One of my criteria for the new HFBC was young enough to relate well with the playetrs but old enough to have gained the necessary well-rounded experience to lead an effective FCS program. This guy seems to fit that very well. he looks the part. I'm impressed by the many comments on his integrity and character. That's very good for Valpo.
Lehigh parallels VU in many ways: The university has four colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education.
Here's the original thread from the old board with the crappy proboards software: http://valpofans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=allsports&action=display&thread=4125&page=1 (http://valpofans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=allsports&action=display&thread=4125&page=1)
Phew, no comments from me on how great of a hire Carlson was lol
I have no further comment on the recent hire. :angel:
Quote from: a3uge on December 11, 2013, 01:37:22 PM
Here's the original thread from the old board with the crappy proboards software: http://valpofans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=allsports&action=display&thread=4125&page=1 (http://valpofans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=allsports&action=display&thread=4125&page=1)
How could jj (setshot) be the first to not like the Carlson hiring? Maybe we should listen to him more often.
Nahh
I made sure to have two distinct posts how I liked the move and how I didn't like the move so I'm covered - I'll just go back and delete the one that works out in a couple years.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
i know i shouldn't feed the troll, but how is this a nepotism hire again?
from the Gk nepos, grandfather, I believe.
And this guy isn't old enough to be a grandfather.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on December 11, 2013, 07:51:54 PM
i know i shouldn't feed the troll, but how is this a nepotism hire again?
from the Gk nepos, grandfather, I believe.
And this guy isn't old enough to be a grandfather.
Now I'm confused. The guy who first posted it--setshot--is way old enough to be a grandfather. His reference was pointed at the idea that the new football coach would require that his wife--clearly qualified for the women's tennis coaching position--would be hired as a package deal to entice the then to be named football coach to accept the opportunity.
The wife:
http://www.lehighsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1525&path=wten (http://www.lehighsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1525&path=wten)
Tammy Cecchini is in her second season as an assistant coach with the Lehigh women's tennis program. Cecchini played collegiately at Penn State, where she was the Nittany Lions' No. 1 singles player for two-and-a-half years and was on the No. 1 doubles team for three seasons. A former Atlantic-10 Conference Freshman of the Year for the Nittany Lions, Cecchini served as team captain in her junior and senior seasons.
A native of Bloomington, Minnesota, Cecchini earned her bachelor's degree from Penn State in 1995 and added a MBA from Lehigh in 2002.
Cecchini and her husband Dave, the offensive coordinator for the Lehigh football team, have two sons, Evan and Will.
LEHIGH SPRING 2013 WOMEN'S TENNIS
CURRENT RECORD 5-15
OVERALL PCT .250
CONF 2-4
PCT .333
STREAK L3
HOME 3-9
AWAY 1-5
NEUTRAL 1-1
Now the next big question is who is going to run the defense and special teams? Those IMO were the most glaring shortcomings.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on December 11, 2013, 07:51:54 PMthis guy
not "that guy", i.e. setshot. a joke on Cecchini's age.
I think your interpretation makes at least some sense; however, since she doesn't yet have that, or any VU job, it seems (like most of those that "that guy" levels) baseless.
Quote from: original sin on December 12, 2013, 06:24:39 AM
Now the next big question is who is going to run the defense and special teams? Those IMO were the most glaring shortcomings.
In the "5 minutes with Coach Cecchini" he addresses defense with a response I liked. He did NOT say go out and get better players. He did say that, although he has coached on the O side of the ball, he knows defense wins champoinships and he committed to bringing in a defensive coaching staff that will coach fundamentals and will have a unit that plays with intensity.
FYI: now a great grandfather. PTL. :thumbsup:
I have to echo VU LB #62. Valpo does not lack the athletes. Rather, the athletes lack the proper development. It is one thing to recruit and it's another to develop that talent. It's refreshing to see Coach Cecchini focus on putting a defensive staff together--it's an indicator that based on film, he saw a poorly coached group of great athletes.
Based on this piece of information alone, I'm calling 7 wins next season.
Quote from: VUOR63 on December 12, 2013, 10:15:16 AM
I have to echo VU LB #62. Valpo does not lack the athletes. Rather, the athletes lack the proper development. It is one thing to recruit and it's another to develop that talent. It's refreshing to see Coach Cecchini focus on putting a defensive staff together--it's an indicator that based on film, he saw a poorly coached group of great athletes.
Based on this piece of information alone, I'm calling 7 wins next season.
Yep, this is very true. It was the same for us in baseball pre-NCAA trips, in that they are getting similar athletes to what we had in our middle of the pack years, but the coaches are developing them better and making smarter decisions in-game.
Quote from: VUOR63 on December 12, 2013, 10:15:16 AM
I have to echo VU LB #62. Valpo does not lack the athletes. Rather, the athletes lack the proper development. It is one thing to recruit and it's another to develop that talent. It's refreshing to see Coach Cecchini focus on putting a defensive staff together--it's an indicator that based on film, he saw a poorly coached group of great athletes.
Based on this piece of information alone, I'm calling 7 wins next season.
7? Are you crazy?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Valpo has some good young athletes on defense (Green, Guilford, Cotton, Doepke), but they need more, especially with speed. There's one huge reason they gave up so many long touchdowns in the past few years - opposing offensive players ran right past us!
Please quit giving setshot grief. He was bang on correct about Carlson while many on the board over the years were saying great things and overforgiving. You need a reality check to balance opinions.
BTW, this choice was well thought out and a step in the right direction. Nice job MLB and way to apply lessons learned.
Quote from: a3uge on December 12, 2013, 12:39:55 PM
Quote from: VUOR63 on December 12, 2013, 10:15:16 AM
I have to echo VU LB #62. Valpo does not lack the athletes. Rather, the athletes lack the proper development. It is one thing to recruit and it's another to develop that talent. It's refreshing to see Coach Cecchini focus on putting a defensive staff together--it's an indicator that based on film, he saw a poorly coached group of great athletes.
Based on this piece of information alone, I'm calling 7 wins next season.
7? Are you crazy?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I'll let you know next November. ;)
One concern might be his recruiting connections. The Lehigh recruiting base is Penn and New Jersey, their roster has a half dozen Ohio kids and one from Missouri but that it for the midwest. The rest all all eastern kids. Hopefully he has some one in mind to help recruit this area.
Quote from: VU75 on December 12, 2013, 08:51:50 PM
One concern might be his recruiting connections. The Lehigh recruiting base is Penn and New Jersey, their roster has a half dozen Ohio kids and one from Missouri but that it for the midwest. The rest all all eastern kids. Hopefully he has some one in mind to help recruit this area.
It is a reasonable concern and his plan to reach out to football alumni is certainly part of the answer. Valpo's roster comes from probably 25 states so the national draw of Valpo has been strong. It isn't so much where the kids come from but rather who can coach them to be all they can be.
Here's a guy I wish we would've gotten. Really could turn around the team with his unique coaching style.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1886298-man-applies-to-coach-college-football-cites-his-wealth-of-madden-experience (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1886298-man-applies-to-coach-college-football-cites-his-wealth-of-madden-experience)
My feeling is that recruiting will not be that big an issue. I think Valpo has credibility where they can recruit some decent student athletes. I also believe some success will breed success.
I really think MLB thought through this decision and did his homework. He does not want another Carlson fiasco, and this hire has better credentials and experience at a higher level than previous coaches in the past 20 years.
Cecchini brings one big factor to the recruiting "kitchen table discussion" -- demonstrated FCS success and experience. Going back to the three previous coaches, I do not believe any of them had that attribute. Like TX said, it is similar to going out and hiring Woodson, a former major leaguer, to professionally build and run a really good program that develops its players. Coach Ceccini's credibility at the recruit's kitchen table, for the kind of recruit Valpo is after, can't be underestimated. The national recruiting platform has been set already -- one improvement Carlson can be credited with. The hold-over staff has been doing their due diligence, and now Cecchini adds to that with his network and his credibility. So, maybe we don't lose the ones who, in previous years, got away. Maybe we add a level of player that was out of our reach just last year. And players' moms are gonna love the guy.
I believe that four wins would be a reasonable start. Anything above that is icing on the cake.
Here's a recruiting video from Kansas, where they've won a total of four games the past two years. Your coach might want to borrow some of the message delivered in the first 1:45. Also, I like Weis' quote, "I think, if you have anything burning inside, if you're a competitor by nature, this challenge fires you up. When everyone says no, you're saying yes. When everyone says you can't, you're saying you can. You now have to go prove it, and I'm going to make sure I'm here until the job is done."
The Vision - Kansas Football (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-RAeFDg_C4#ws)
Quote from: Lurking Dog on December 13, 2013, 10:01:28 AM
Here's a recruiting video from Kansas, where they've won a total of four games the past two years. Your coach might want to borrow some of the message delivered in the first 1:45. Also, I like Weis' quote, "I think, if you have anything burning inside, if you're a competitor by nature, this challenge fires you up. When everyone says no, you're saying yes. When everyone says you can't, you're saying you can. You now have to go prove it, and I'm going to make sure I'm here until the job is done."
The Vision - Kansas Football (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-RAeFDg_C4#ws)
Yep, he's a proven winner. Just ask the folks down the road at ND. Words, and quotes mean zero. Action and success is what we need--and defense!!
Maybe my point was too subtle.
This is how you craft a recruiting pitch in spite of a poor record. Recruit the players and you can get to "action and success."
How's that "decided schematic advantage" playing out there in the Big 12? Pretty much like it did in the AACC (that's Almost Atlantic Coast Conference)?
Thought so.
I had a rough morning at my in laws.... they turned the TV channel and Joel Osteen was on. It gave me flashbacks of the Valpo Butler game...please help, remind me it is over.....
YES!!!!
(http://www.trbimg.com/img-52a91061/turbine/dave-cecchini-0513-2-jpg-20131211/599/599x398)
NO!!!!!
(http://www.valpoathletics.com/media/staff/headshots/Carlson,Dale.jpg)
NO!!!!!
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2010/3/5/1267801646515/Joel-Osteen-001.jpg)
Osteen----------NO!!!!!!!
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/a5/aa568246-2cf2-5d7d-850e-747ac543f7b3/52a933b839990.preview-620.jpg)
Cecchini is Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just some quick notes from the reading of prior posts:
Lehigh and Coach C did do some quality recruiting in FLA ...so hopefully those connections remain for this class.
Having a D with good athletes is nice, but that didn't do much this year or past few...getting torched by basic routes, missed tackles and lack of focus... when playing vs a spread O you need 3 things ingrained onto a D:
- They must be very heady and smart...know ALL the coverages, blitzes and the adjustments real time and not a week or 2 later when and if you looked at film. Own what you do on the field, good or bad and never make the same mistakes over and over.
- They must be playmakers...and kids that take the field with a chip on their shoulder and some swag / leadership. Expecting to win and getting to a point where even giving up a first down in inexcusable.
- They must be physical, from special teams to goal line and all in between. Teams need to fear running routes over the middle and getting jacked. QB's need to fear a OLB, SS of FS coming off the edge from the blind side. Pressure and schemes break a spread Offense...creates picks and allows for big hits that motivate and build a D.
Wishing the best...hoping too many kids won't leave and those that stay get to a new start with new standards and opportunities to shine.
-
If players leave, then they leave. It cannot hurt that much since we have gone 3-40 the past 4 years.
I am betting that Coach C will recruit better than the Osteen quoter.
Let's bring in some quality dudes that know how to win and want to make a difference. I am feeling optimistic about what Coach C can do.
This guy has all the right creds to recruit the top kids who might our high standards.
Time to zero in on Chicago where parents will see this guy as the real deal and be thrilled to send their son just 90 minutes away. The university could be transformed to a winning culture if you bring in "winning kids" from winning high schools. They will bring their HS peers with them whether the peers are players or just good students.
A coup for Valpo!!
I hope he recruits in the Phillipsburg,Easton,Lehigh Valley area.Good football. Jim Ringo, Chuck Bebnarick,Ned Bolcar,Bill Walsh,others. A great hunting area. Go Valpo!
Dave Cecchini was sitting near the Averys at last night's game during the first half. I assume the four young men sitting with him were potential Valpo football recruits?
Hopefully they stayed for some of the second half to see how we can play when doing well
I would guess that the "four young men" are the four assistant coaches that he has brought in and were with him before the game. Before they were introduced, I thought they may have been players as well. They seem to be good guys, and they are out recruiting already.
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 03, 2014, 03:45:07 PM
I would guess that the "four young men" are the four assistant coaches that he has brought in and were with him before the game. Before they were introduced, I thought they may have been players as well. They seem to be good guys, and they are out recruiting already.
so you are telling us that the new staff won't have many gray hairs? ???
At least not until the season begins...
Two of them coached with him at Lehigh, one was a former Lehigh player who has been coaching at U of Chicago, and the fourth was coaching at LaFayette, Lehigh's rival.
He's bringing at least three assistants with him:
www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh/index.ssf/2014/01/three_lehigh_university_footba.html (http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh/index.ssf/2014/01/three_lehigh_university_footba.html)
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 03, 2014, 03:45:07 PMI would guess that the "four young men" are the four assistant coaches that he has brought in and were with him before the game. Before they were introduced, I thought they may have been players as well. They seem to be good guys, and they are out recruiting already.
I just aged 10 years. :-[
Were they at least under 30? :( ::)
EDIT: Just to make myself feel better--Stovall-07, Giacalone 09, Miran 09 and the recent graduate from U of Chicago staff (Harrison played at Franklin & Marshall??)'12
From Football Scoop:
"Valparaiso (FCS - IN): Sources tell us that Dave Cecchini's staff will include Lehigh receivers coach Jason Miran (as offensive coordinator), University of Chicago defensive coordinator / secondary coach Ernest Moore (as defensive coordinator / defensive backs coach), Lehigh outside linebackers coach Justin Stovall (as linebackers coach) and Lehigh assistant offensive line coach Vincent Giacalone (as offensive line coach)."
Moore played at Lehigh and graduated in 2008. Happy to see young, up and coming coaches on this staff!
Only one two defensive assistants in the new bunch -- Stovall, the outside LBs coach and Moore.
The holder-overs from the Carlson staff:
Mike Gravier -- Assistant HC - O-Line - Run Game coordinator (Interim HC)
Alex Bailey --Wide Receiver Coach/Pass Game Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator
John Snyder -- Running Backs Coach
Kenton Evans -- Quarterbacks Coach
Tyson Silveus -- Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach
Kasey Teegardin -- Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
Steven Donovan -- Defensive Line Coach
Eric Deutsch -- Assistant Defensive Line Coach
The new guys:
Stovall
Jason Miran - Lehigh WR coach for 4 seasons.
Vincent Giacalone - Lehigh O-Line coach
{added since 414 post} - Earnest Moore DC and Secondary coach -- this addresses my concerns with the DC slot below BTW a search of the UofC Football website shows Moore absent from the coaching profiles (but listed in the press guide for 2013) UofC is a DIII program that went 6-4 last year.
Ernest Moore - Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
Ernest Moore enters his third season at University of Chicago in 2013. Moore was promoted to defensive co- ordinator in January 2012. He joined the UChicago staff as defensive backs coach in the spring of 2011. Previously, he served as assistant defensive backs coach at Lehigh University in 2010. At Lehigh, he coached four All-Patriot League perform- ers, including one All-American. Moore began his coaching career at Franklin & Marshall College, where he coached wide receivers in 2008 and defensive backs in 2009. He coached wide receivers for the South Team in the 2009 Division III Senior Classic All-Star Game. In college, Moore was a two-time All-Patriot League safety at Lehigh and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in com- puter imaging.
OK, assuming that Coach Cecchini is not done revamping his staff, lets look at what's unfolding and the improvement imperatives that were generally a consensus among posters (highlighted in red).
Mike Gravier, the 2013 O-Line coach is being replaced by Giacalone. That means Gravier is either out or is being reassigned. Mike's resume is all offense, so moving to the other side of ball is probably out.
Miran takes over the WR duties formerly assigned to Alex Bailey. It seems like Cecchini will himself be the OC, so Alex loses the pass game coordinator role as well. But he coordinated the recruiting, which is a key role, and they did pretty well in that department.
John Snyder, the former Chesterton HFBC, is all offense too. As is Kenton Evans the QB coach.
Typically a basic staff will have an OC who also is a position coach, a OL coach, WR coach, running backs coach and maybe a TEs coach. That's 5 slots. There are 6 names, 7 if you count Coach Cecchini, for those 5 positions. The Carlson offense was the relative strength of the past 4 teams, so this will be a tough call. And none of the present staff has any defensive experience.
That leaves the D and special teams -- areas that have consistently been ravaged by opposing teams in all four seasons of the Carlson era.
It looks like Stovall is an addition, not a replacement, as the article says he'll coach OLBs like he did at Lehigh. No one on the 2013 staff had that designation. Casey Teegardin held the LB coach designation, so perhaps he will be retained and focus on ILBs. Teegardin also was the the Special Teams coordinator. The special teams area has a good long-term kicking prospect (Freshman Jacob Newman, if he stays, was the second leading scorer on the team and was 4/5 on FGAs) and their punter, Alex Kozlowski (So/Fr), when he was healthy, was not a bad punter (38.8 av., 6 over 50 yds., and 12 downed inside the 20), But Teegardin's Special Teams coverage and returns need to improve greatly.
There were two DL coaches (Donovan and Deutsch) coaching two down line positions. There was some beef added (e.g., Bama Powell) and the line has been fairly decent, but had a hard time (1) getting to the passer from inside and (2) stopping the run game between the tackles. A lot of that is technique and motivation that can be coached into these kids. Don't know if these guys can do that.
Finally, the DC/secondary coach slot held by Tyson Silveus. His background is a mix of offense and defense and nowhere in his experience summary do we see secondary experience (except last season). The DC area, IMO, is where Coach Cecchini needs to look long and hard. A good DC needs to have a solid defensive concept/system and must rally a staff and optimize their capabilities. Unless Carlson interfered with Silveus or did not permit him to do what was necessary, I see him being reassigned at best and let go at worst, because he also coached the secondary which gave up so many long passing gains and TDs. There are typically 4-5 defensive staff positions on a normally budgeted staff. There are 5 names, now including Stovall, in the existing mix, but much needs to be done to make this part of the Valpo program a success.
I'm sure all of these men are good people and families may be affected by any moves that are made. But that is the nature of the coaching profession. I wish those who are retained all the best and I hope they can kick it up a notch to complement what the new coach has in mind for Valpo FB. For those who might not be retained, I hope they hook up with good programs, learn from this past experience and become better coaches.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 04, 2014, 09:24:43 AMhe'll coach OLBs
Great post. It will be interesting to see who stays and who goes, and we'll learn a lot about importance placed on football from the number of assistants hired.
But you have to laugh at this to see how far football has come. Instead of one coach for eleven "iron men" we have a platoon of coaches for a plethora of players, including one who will deal strictly with linebackers. But not the ILBs! They will have their own special coach. (Perhaps this is related to the geometric proliferation of administration in the American University over the last 40-odd years.)
What is next for the big D1s? Instead of a secondary coach, they'll have a "Boundary Cornerback Coach", a "Field Corner Coach", etc.
Gotta spend that money on something. Just not players, apparently ;)
Looks like Moore has the creds for DC. Safeties, by nature, are tough birds (LBs with speed) and he was a good one at Lehigh. This looks good.
Also shows they mean to recruit the Chicago area,
Coach Cecchini goes from being on the sideline/pressbox at 16,000 seat Goodman Stadium to 1,600 (?average attendance?) Brown Field in the blink of an eye. :o Boy, ML and MK must have really made the move attractive! :welcome:
FYI -- Other Coaching Capsules:
Jason Miran enters his fourth season as Lehigh's wide receivers coach. Miran came to Lehigh in the summer of 2010 after spending the 2009 season as the tight ends and assistant offensive line coach at Franklin and Marshall College.
For the last three seasons, Miran mentored All-America wide receiver Ryan Spadola, who finished his Lehigh career ranked second in school history in receptions and receiving yards. Miran also played an integral role in the emergence of Lee Kurfis, who caught 50 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns as a junior {Edit: 2013 FCS All-American}, plus slot receiver Sergio Fernandez-Soto and Josh Parris, who emerged as a reliable receiver when Spadola was sidelined due to mononucleosis. Lehigh's top four wideouts combined to gain nearly 2,300 yards in 2012, as the Mountain Hawks' passing game led the Patriot League and ranked in the top 20 nationally.
In 2011, Miran oversaw one of the best receiving corps in Lehigh history led by Spadola and All-Patriot League performer Jake Drwal. Spadola earned All-American recognition from six media outlets for his school-record 96 catches and 1, 614 receiving yards. Drwal's stellar season included 92 catches for 1, 060 yards as he was recognized by the College Sports Journal and was an ECAC All-Star. Miran also played a role in the emergence of Jimmy Jefferson, who hauled in a career-high 34 receptions. Miran's receivers were a major reason Lehigh's offense ranked third in the FCS in total offense and fifth in passing offense.
In 2010, Miran mentored one of the Patriot League's receiving corps, led by All-League performers Spadola (first team) and Drwal (second team). Spadola hauled in 78 passes for 1,130 yards and nine touchdowns for Lehigh's first 1,000 yard receiving season since 2001. Drwal added 622 yards and three scores on 54 grabs as Lehigh ranked second in the league in passing offense and scoring offense.
Vincent Giacalone enters his second season as the Mountain Hawks' assistant offensive line coach. In his first year on the Lehigh staff, Giacalone helped mold an offensive line in transition into one of the Patriot League's top offensive line units. With four first-time starters in the mix, Lehigh led the Patriot League in passing offense and ranked fifth nationally in fewest sacks allowed.
Giacalone came to Lehigh from Carnegie Mellon where he was a three-year varsity letterwinner then Assistant Coach for the past two seasons. While there, he served as Wide Receivers coach in 2010 before working with the tackles and tight ends in 2011. Giacalone was the Offensive Video Coordinator, managing the capture and distribution of games and practices to coaches, players and opponents. He served as Co-Recruiting Coordinator as well.
Justin Stovall joins the Lehigh coaching staff for the 2012 season and will work with the Mountain Hawks' outside linebackers. Stovall comes to Lehigh from Villanova out of the CAA where he was Defensive Assistant during the 2011 season. While there, he assisted the Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator in all areas, working with the scout team offense, special teams and all aspects of film.
"Justin Stovall came very highly recommended to us by [Villanova Coach] Andy Talley and he did a super job in the interview process," said Coen. "Justin will bring a really high level of intensity to our defensive staff. Our defensive players thrive on playing with intensity and enthusiasm and Justin will only add to that mindset. Justin is also very familiar with the Patriot League; he was an outstanding player for Lafayette."
Prior to Villanova, Stovall coached at Franklin & Marshall College for three seasons, assisting the Defensive Coordinator. He worked with the development of the linebackers and helped implement the defensive game plan. Stovall was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator in April of 2011, developing and implementing punt return schemes while working with the specialists (long snappers, punters, personal protector). He also had extensive recruiting responsibilities.
"Coming to Lehigh, with how successful the program's been through the years, it's an amazing opportunity," said Stovall. "It's an opportunity to not only further my career, but also experience the success they've been experiencing. Become a part of that and learn a lot of what it takes from a coaching standpoint to build a team."
Stovall was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Patriot League Champion at Lafayette from 2003-06, leading the Leopards to league titles and FCS Playoff berths in each of his final three seasons. A senior captain in '06, Stovall played in 46 of 47 career games at both linebacker and special teams. He graduated from Lafayette in 2007 with an impressive 3.23 GPA as an Economics and Business major.
Heard only 1 or 2 assistants made the cut. Headcount for returning players will happen this week. Hope we don't lose many--incoming recruits are exciting to speculate on, but they miss spring practice and don't start playing at the next level until August.
I feel bad for the guys who didn't make the cut, but things happen for a reason. Hope they bounce back as better coaches.
With the four new coaches added and the successful FCS/Patriot backgrounds they all share, I think we've made a tangible leap in coaching acumen.
Q/ What's the appeal to remaining players trying to decide to stay or not to stay? A/ (1) For the first time in their short careers they have the opportunity to play for a coaching staff that has proven credentials in FCS. (2) It's clear that VU is making commitment to them as well as the future of Valpo FCS football.
Q/ What's the appeal to potential recruits? A/ The same great things that have drawn recruits to Valpo despite a terrible record over the last several years PLUS (1) It's clear that VU is making a commitment to the future of Valpo football and (2) they'll be playing for a knowledgeable, experienced staff in [what I hope will be] a true FCS program.
I agree #62. The most effective recruiting weapon, though, will be some wins next year.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 04, 2014, 02:13:30 PMI feel bad for the guys who didn't make the cut, but things happen for a reason. Hope they bounce back as better coaches.
Interesting article from Pat Kirwan--non-representative, in a sense, but in his memory fewer than half of the 82 people fired in the 4 (NFL) coaching purges he was involved in, remained in (NFL-level) coaching--whether voluntarily or involuntarily, we can't know. But a little scary for them, to say the least!
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24395712/nfl-trends-the-harsh-truth-of-nfl-firings-uncovering-playoff-pretenders (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24395712/nfl-trends-the-harsh-truth-of-nfl-firings-uncovering-playoff-pretenders)
True they could have gone to college, but being fired on this rung of the ladder often leads to (or back to) high school coaching or non-coaching, as we know. Best wishes for all those who are going job-hunting.
Correct my misapprehension, #62, but I thought when you said "holdovers" that meant that was a done deal. Did you in fact mean that they just haven't been let go or retained yet?
62, based on your comment below...
"That leaves the D and special teams -- areas that have consistently been ravaged by opposing teams in all four seasons of the Carlson era.
It looks like Stovall is an addition, not a replacement, as the article says he'll coach OLBs like he did at Lehigh. No one on the 2013 staff had that designation. Casey Teegardin held the LB coach designation, so perhaps he will be retained and focus on ILBs. Teegardin also was the the Special Teams coordinator. The special teams area has a good long-term kicking prospect (Freshman Jacob Newman, if he stays, was the second leading scorer on the team and was 4/5 on FGAs) and their punter, Alex Kozlowski (So/Fr), when he was healthy, was not a bad punter (38.8 av., 6 over 50 yds., and 12 downed inside the 20), But Teegardin's Special Teams coverage and returns need to improve greatly."
The linebacking corps and special teams need a complete enema. If new coaching is required here, then no problem IMO.
As for kicking, Newman has potential but has been inconsistent on the extra points. The punting team needs depth and competition as observed at the Drake game.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 04, 2014, 03:21:21 PM
Correct my misapprehension, #62, but I thought when you said "holdovers" that meant that was a done deal. Did you in fact mean that they just haven't been let go or retained yet?
I couldn't think of a better word. Actually what came to mind at the time was 'left-overs' but I thought that was kind of disrespectful. Especially in the fact that after Carlson was let go, these guys continued to go out and recruit and, as I understand it, worked at keeping the program going.
Quote from: usc4valpo on January 04, 2014, 04:35:17 PM
62, based on your comment below...
"That leaves the D and special teams -- areas that have consistently been ravaged by opposing teams in all four seasons of the Carlson era.
It looks like Stovall is an addition, not a replacement, as the article says he'll coach OLBs like he did at Lehigh. No one on the 2013 staff had that designation. Casey Teegardin held the LB coach designation, so perhaps he will be retained and focus on ILBs. Teegardin also was the the Special Teams coordinator. The special teams area has a good long-term kicking prospect (Freshman Jacob Newman, if he stays, was the second leading scorer on the team and was 4/5 on FGAs) and their punter, Alex Kozlowski (So/Fr), when he was healthy, was not a bad punter (38.8 av., 6 over 50 yds., and 12 downed inside the 20), But Teegardin's Special Teams coverage and returns need to improve greatly."
The linebacking corps and special teams need a complete enema. If new coaching is required here, then no problem IMO.
As for kicking, Newman has potential but has been inconsistent on the extra points. The punting team needs depth and competition as observed at the Drake game.
Please keep in mind that my initial lengthy assessment was prior to subsequent posts when more information surfaced. No doubt that all aspects of defense and special teams need work. But the ILBs, Derbak and Green, IMO, were solid. Derbak went to the FCS Senior Bowl and Green, a sophomore (and 1st team PFL All-Academic and H/M All League), returns and will be a force. I don't know that much about the OLBs (there was a major drop-off in tackles once you got past the two above) and so I'm thinking that's why Stovall will concentrate there and Teegardin will move inside -- that's pure speculation on my part and Teegartin may not even return based on VUDad's observation. But by adding Stovall and splitting the coaching, that would be one way to shore up that entire unit.
Newman went 4/5 on FGs and 24/27 on PAT's. Josh Young was 1 for 2 on PATs. For comparison, Co-champions Butler's kicker went 54 for 58 and Marist's two kickers went 23/27 and 17/21 respectively. That puts Newman in good company, and I recall him getting more confident/consistent as the season wore on. But on special teams it's all about coverage and the return game and that is what really has got to improve.
Hearing now that Teegarden and Donovan will be the returning coaches, possibly one more. Not sure about assignments. No unit proved consistently strong this year, so change is due in all areas. As for the comments about a kicker--sure would be great to see someone emerge as a 3-point threat. Between the two, Young's ball had better FG trajectory from what I saw than Newman. We also need deeper kickoffs, so maybe one can focus on the uprights and one can work on a big foot.
Excellent comments and great updates from 62 and VUdad. Thanks!
IMO, if any players leave the program primarily because of Carlson's firing, then they need to get their heads examined. I like the changes going on.
Coach Cecchini Announces Coaching Staff:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13276/cecchini-announces-coaching-staff/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13276/cecchini-announces-coaching-staff/)
Quote from: valpopal on January 14, 2014, 08:39:19 AM
Coach Cecchini Announces Coaching Staff:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13276/cecchini-announces-coaching-staff/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/13276/cecchini-announces-coaching-staff/)
One can only conclude that Valpo is able and willing to pay their asst coaches enough to entice them to move and start a new chapter in Valpo. Some of the new opportunities were lateral (no pun intended!) so presumably there were other benefits including working for Dave. Let's hope the entire attitude changes and winning becomes the norm.
Interesting mix of new and retained. Also interesting shifts in responsibilities for those retained -- especially Donovan. He moves from D-line to the O side of the ball and will be coaching a (semi)skill position vs. the line.
Wish the best to Gravier, Silveus, Bailey, and Evans. Gravier and Evans were there only one season. Hope they have a fall-back to rely on.
UNIFORM COMMENTARY
BTW in looking at the picture that accompanied the story, I have decided that, if it has to be brown and gold, I like the Lehigh uniforms. Maybe it's because I played in a metalic gold helmet at Valpo. I'd like to see them go back to that as there are currently 6 PFL teams with white helmets. Be nice to be a bit distinctive. I also want to see them get rid of those black game socks -- it reminds me of the guy at the beach with plaid shorts, striped collared shirt and sandals with black dress socks.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 14, 2014, 02:43:54 PM
Interesting mix of new and retained. Also interesting shifts in responsibilities for those retained -- especially Donovan. He moves from D-line to the O side of the ball and will be coaching a (semi)skill position vs. the line.
Wish the best to Gravier, Silveus, Bailey, and Evans. Gravier and Evans were there only one season. Hope they have a fall-back to rely on.
UNIFORM COMMENTARY
BTW in looking at the picture that accompanied the story, I have decided that, if it has to be brown and gold, I like the Lehigh uniforms. Maybe it's because I played in a metalic gold helmet at Valpo. I'd like to see them go back to that as there are currently 6 PFL teams with white helmets. Be nice to be a bit distinctive. I also want to see them get rid of those black game socks -- it reminds me of the guy at the beach with plaid shorts, striped collared shirt and sandals with black dress socks.
(http://gamedayr.com/wp-content/slideshow/2012/06/2012-texas-longhorns-football-schedule-preview-what-s-on-tap-for-brown-and-co-/full/Wyoming%20Cowboys%20Football%202012%20Preview.jpg)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Quote from: a3uge on January 14, 2014, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 14, 2014, 02:43:54 PM
Interesting mix of new and retained. Also interesting shifts in responsibilities for those retained -- especially Donovan. He moves from D-line to the O side of the ball and will be coaching a (semi)skill position vs. the line.
Wish the best to Gravier, Silveus, Bailey, and Evans. Gravier and Evans were there only one season. Hope they have a fall-back to rely on.
UNIFORM COMMENTARY
BTW in looking at the picture that accompanied the story, I have decided that, if it has to be brown and gold, I like the Lehigh uniforms. Maybe it's because I played in a metalic gold helmet at Valpo. I'd like to see them go back to that as there are currently 6 PFL teams with white helmets. Be nice to be a bit distinctive. I also want to see them get rid of those black game socks -- it reminds me of the guy at the beach with plaid shorts, striped collared shirt and sandals with black dress socks.
(http://gamedayr.com/wp-content/slideshow/2012/06/2012-texas-longhorns-football-schedule-preview-what-s-on-tap-for-brown-and-co-/full/Wyoming%20Cowboys%20Football%202012%20Preview.jpg)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I like the idea of the gold helmets. But, in today's world of one upsmanship, perhaps we should go to out "accent" color (lime green)!! ;)
:lol: How about lime green socks (at least they aren't black)? Then they'd look a little like this guy :troll:
a3uge -- yep, the Wyoming Cowboys are also Brown and 'Gold' but too yellow for my taste.
Is there any chance that the team will get new uniforms and equipment (pads, mouth guard, helmets etc? I heard from a few parents that their kids were using old and outdated equipments.. If this is the case, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen..
Will Valpo be getting a new scoreboard? What about improvements in the weight room and the locker room? This is how you can tell if the administration is serious about the football program or just providing lip services to the students..
I would think this would be something that any new HC would come in requesting because these things are important to kids and make them feel good about the program..
A lot of teams use old equipment, it doesn't mean it is not up to code. This is a non-scholarship program, they aren't going to get new equipment every few years. We just built a new scoreboard a few years ago, that won't happen again anytime soon. None of the stuff you mentioned has anything to do with us losing so much the last few years. The kids in the program are playing the games, and no equipment/scoreboard/etc will change that if they can't put a whole game together...
Quote from: NuPudge on January 15, 2014, 05:36:03 PM
Is there any chance that the team will get new uniforms and equipment (pads, mouth guard, helmets etc? I heard from a few parents that their kids were using old and outdated equipments.. If this is the case, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen..
Will Valpo be getting a new scoreboard? What about improvements in the weight room and the locker room? This is how you can tell if the administration is serious about the football program or just providing lip services to the students..
I would think this would be something that any new HC would come in requesting because these things are important to kids and make them feel good about the program..
I'm told that before Carlson the players had to supply their own cleats -- not any more. Uniforms and branding were changed in Carlson's first year. As Tex pointed out the scoreboard is also within 5 years. In all likelihood the least updated is the weight program and the space to support it. Each year in the last 4 cosmetic changes have improved the overall environment. But carrying 100+ players requires more locker space and that, I'm sure, is on the agenda. Tex is right as well in pointing to on field performance (and coaching) as the critical factors.
Old equiipments are just that, old and not as safe as the new ones... The newest technology is very much better.. Old mean anything over 2-3 years old.. Also it's sad that kid use to buy their own cleats ... How cheap!!!!!$! or Valpo can't do the safe equipments for the players then drop football al together.. Don't send a kid out the with one hand tied behind his back..
Uh, this isn't the University of Texas or Notre Dame where they have tons of sponsors and money flowing into their athletic programs. In baseball, we had to buy our own cleats, gloves, batting gloves, bats, etc at Valpo. They did have some team bats, but nothing special. I assume that it is fairly similar right now, and they are a scholarship program that has been to 2 NCAA tournaments in a row.
It isn't cheap at all for a non-scholarship program to not pay for the cleats, and I am sure that our equipment is perfectly safe. If you expect new equipment every 2-3 years, you are following the wrong football program, as only so many programs at our level would opt to do such a thing. The kids hands are not tied behind their back because they play with 3-4 year old equipment or whatever it might be. Their hands are tied because they weren't as athletic/skilled as our opposition, and the coaches did not prepare them to be successful. Equipment and facilities has absolutely nothing to do with how successful you are on the field. It can help, but it is your own drive and talent that wins games. These aren't professional programs, and more successful programs have done far more with less in the past. If our football players think that equipment and facilities are going to magically help them win games, they need to speak to the football alumni from 10/20/30/40 years ago, that did well with even less than they have now. They also need a reality check if that is the case...
"You get what you pay for"
"You put your money where your mouth is"
"Money talks BS walks"
If you don't think a better looking lockers room, uniforms, weight room, equipments, colors, stadium, campus etc...do not have a mental affect on players (recruiting) and students then I believe Valpo will always have a problem with building a winning tradition in football.. I have seen others posters on this Valpo board question/comments about the lack of administration support for the football team and I didn't want to believe it but I guess I was very wrong.. It's not a big deal, because now I know what's happening..
Pudge, yes there were questions about the administration's commitment to FB prior to the coaching change. There is a new staff headed by a coach from a well-respected true D-IAA program. That, in its self is a major commitment statement. It has been only a month since that happened. We all need to step back and see what unfolds. This line of conversation is too speculative at this point.
Good point and I can wait for that!!!!!!!
I am extremely excited about whats happening with the football program right now! Before the hiring of Coach Cecchini I questioned the school board and administrations commitment to football. I don't anymore. They could have sat back and honored Carlsons contract but knew the kids deserved better. They targeted the coach they wanted and then went out and recruited him hard and convinced him to pick up his family and move to Indiana. Coach Cecchini has coached at the fcs level and been successful everywhere he has been. I'm excited, the kids are excited, and I can't wait to see if Coach Cecchini and his young staff can turn this thing around!
Yes, having better facilities, equipment, etc, can help in getting BETTER recruits, but how does that affect the current players who are losing 90% of the games they play? If the current players are complaining about these things, do they think these things will magically make them better football players? Give me a break! Such things will not make it so that we are not constantly burned on deep passes, can't tackle, give up massive yardage, etc.
Your argument that the current players need these things to be better is almost the exact opposite of what would be beneficial to them personally. If we get better recruits/players through better facilities, most of the type of players we have now would not even be on the team because they would be considered a lesser quality recruit! That, or the current starters would be riding the pine. I fully support having a successful football program and quality athletes, but anyone complaining that better facilities/equipment will fix our problems is delusional. I would tell each football player this to their face if they complained that this was the reason they aren't successful.
We NEVER used our baseball field/facilities/equipment as an excuse for being around .500 each year at Valpo, and I don't buy current athletes complaining about such things as the reason of why they are losing.
Dude, Please stop comparing baseball to football and the recruiting that goes into the sports, they are totally different..
Football programs are normally thought of as the heart of a college sport program (along with basketball).. I will not comment on the baseball program in college.. It's a area I don't want to cover so I will move on.. Some of the reasons we are not winning at football has to do with a few issues that I believed I listed in another posting here.. along with poor coaching.. As I said before, I will wait to see what happens with the new coach..
PS please don't try and get in a football player face with your tone and the nonsense you are saying, it may get ugly..
Quote from: valpotx on January 16, 2014, 11:41:09 AM
Yes, having better facilities, equipment, etc, can help in getting BETTER recruits, but how does that affect the current players who are losing 90% of the games they play? If the current players are complaining about these things, do they think these things will magically make them better football players? Give me a break! Such things will not make it so that we are not constantly burned on deep passes, can't tackle, give up massive yardage, etc.
Your argument that the current players need these things to be better is almost the exact opposite of what would be beneficial to them personally. If we get better recruits/players through better facilities, most of the type of players we have now would not even be on the team because they would be considered a lesser quality recruit! That, or the current starters would be riding the pine. I fully support having a successful football program and quality athletes, but anyone complaining that better facilities/equipment will fix our problems is delusional. I would tell each football player this to their face if they complained that this was the reason they aren't successful.
We NEVER used our baseball field/facilities/equipment as an excuse for being around .500 each year at Valpo, and I don't buy current athletes complaining about such things as the reason of why they are losing.
Question: Do better facilities/equipment automatically make for better recruits/more wins??
Answer: Loyola University Chicago
Quote from: NuPudge on January 16, 2014, 12:36:12 PM
Dude, Please stop comparing baseball to football and the recruiting that goes into the sports, they are totally different..
Football programs are normally thought of as the heart of a college sport program (along with basketball).. I will not comment on the baseball program in college.. It's a area I don't want to cover so I will move on.. Some of the reasons we are not winning at football has to do with a few issues that I believed I listed in another posting here.. along with poor coaching.. As I said before, I will wait to see what happens with the new coach..
PS please don't try and get in a football player face with your tone and the nonsense you are saying, it may get ugly..
Football is not the heart of the athletics program at Valpo, and never will be. That you seem to think that is possible shows that you don't understand the level differences in our sports teams. It is a non-scholarship program, 'dude.' Recruiting is recruiting regardless of sport. Recruits want to go to winning programs, regardless of facilities, at least the ones that would consider a mid-major program. The main recruits that care most about facilities are those that are top level recruits, ones we will never touch with a 100 foot pole since we are non-scholarship.
Trust me, I would not be scared one bit to say these exact things to a football player at Valpo lol. My tone is not overly negative, it is realistic, and my 'nonsense' is probably shared by the majority of this board who realize that facilities/equipment don't equal wins or even better recruits necessarily. Even if it was a negative tone, I still wouldn't be afraid of a football player (outside of NFL players), so I find that comment hilarious. I am 32 and still in great shape, not out of shape and older. I also played HS football in the state of TX, so it isn't like football players are scary to me. Enough about me, but I had to say something after you basically mentioned that I should be afraid of Valpo football players lol.
Any significant dollar spent on football is a dollar not spent on basketball. So they're going to have to make due with the current scoreboard that was replaced 5 or 6 years ago.
exactly. you want money? earn it.
we were already spending more than Butler, as was mentioned before. And Butler doesn't suck.
A few things:
1. Do you really think a new scoreboard will make a difference in recruiting? Please!!
2. Have the locker room facilities changed since the early 80's? If so, that is a problem that needs to be fixed. It does not have to look like Youngstown State, but it needs to be clean, a little spacious and minimal rust.
3. Football is not the key sport at Valpo and never will be. Football is an activity to bring in male students.
4. Have patience with Cecchini, I doubt he record will be 2-31 after three seasons.
5. Always keep the cash on basketball which is your strength.
6. NuPudge lighten up on the football bulliness crapola. Texas football puts Chicago and Indiana football to shame.
7. I was glad yet surprised Valpo made a coaching change and we should be glad in that they showed signs that they want to make football successful. Imagine if Osteen quoter were still around for another year.
Meanwhile, most of the team is back and already working out together in organized sessions, the weight room, and in smaller groups getting extra reps catching passes. Would they like new equipment, new cleats, new facilities, etc.? Of course; they are 19-22 year old young men! They receive a fair amount of stuff now. Does it matter to them right now? Nope. Only doing what it takes to get wins does. I'll post updates when I can.
Thanks for the update VUDad. Everyone wants the program to be successful, and knows that the guys will put in the work to do so, as that has never been questioned. Now, it appears that we will have an excellent coaching staff to make key decisions in games. I really hope this staff prepares our guys to be successful, as it seemed like the last HC didn't have them prepared with some of the fundamentals necessary to close out games, hold a lead, or not give up the big plays.
Quote from: usc4valpo on January 16, 2014, 08:29:09 PMHave the locker room facilities changed since the early 80's
Yes, the football locker room has been redone in the last couple of years. The turf, lights and scoreboard are all within the last 5 and new uniforms coincided with the Nike deal a couple of years ago. Now, go do some coaching and win a few games.
Quote from: vu72 on January 17, 2014, 05:59:34 AMQuote from: usc4valpo on January 16, 2014, 08:29:09 PMHave the locker room facilities changed since the early 80's
Yes, the football locker room has been redone in the last couple of years. The turf, lights and scoreboard are all within the last 5 and new uniforms coincided with the Nike deal a couple of years ago. Now, go do some coaching and win a few games.
I don't think the football locker room has been redone in the last couple years, unless your calling twenty years a couple. The football locker room is really bad! The lockers are old and rusted, some of the showers are inoperable, the entire football team can not dress together on game day, recruits are not shown the locker room on visits because its embaressing.
Quote from: willy on January 17, 2014, 08:35:07 AM
Quote from: vu72 on January 17, 2014, 05:59:34 AMQuote from: usc4valpo on January 16, 2014, 08:29:09 PMHave the locker room facilities changed since the early 80's
Yes, the football locker room has been redone in the last couple of years. The turf, lights and scoreboard are all within the last 5 and new uniforms coincided with the Nike deal a couple of years ago. Now, go do some coaching and win a few games.
I don't think the football locker room has been redone in the last couple years, unless your calling twenty years a couple. The football locker room is really bad! The lockers are old and rusted, some of the showers are inoperable, the entire football team can not dress together on game day, recruits are not shown the locker room on visits because its embaressing.
My mistake. I would have sworn that someone had posted pictures of the locker room and it looked pretty good. I can't find them so I guess I was wrong.
I was at the the alumni reception in Milwaukee and met Coach Cecchini. I am impressed with his presence. He had a few words to say to the assembled group. He's a midwesterner actually (Iowa/MN). He said right away that the past is the past and that his focus is the future. He stressed two things that are being strengthened immediately: facilities and recruiting. He cited the expanded (triple in size) weight and performance center ($250K investment -- over half of which is already raised) as the first step on the facilities side and mentioned that a $25K gift has helped the recruiting budget to compensate for the lost early December recruiting period. He mention that the state that is providing (so far) the most commits is Florida. One alumnus asked whether Valpo was lowering academic standards to get them, because who in their right mind would leave Florida for snowy Indiana :rotfl:
I asked him how he would compare the Lehigh players to Valpo players. He said side-by-side the first 11-22 would compare favorably in size/body type and to a degree athleticism (they have just begun to evaluate that element with the first offseason conditioning session yesterday morning). The big difference he said was after #22 -- that's where Valpo tails off. He also mentioned that Valpo carries more on the roster right now (without the graduated seniors or players who left the program) than Lehigh carried on their entire roster last season. Interesting.
I also asked ML about the track. It should be a pretty nice addition to the overall atmosphere (fencing and landscaping along with the track itself). So the fan experience (at least visually) at the home opener against St. Joe's should be a good one.
Some of us football alums are part of a facebook page. One of the guys was at Valpo recently and posted some pictures from inside the football offices.
Here you go:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ValparaisoUniversityFootballAlumniAssociation/permalink/283966125085310/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ValparaisoUniversityFootballAlumniAssociation/permalink/283966125085310/)
I did not hear about the capital campaign to fund a new weight room/performance center. Is the program giving anything away with certain levels of donation? How much do I have to donate to get my name engraved on a couple of 45 lb bumper plates?
As I understand it, there isn't a formal campaign .... yet. The first wave of donations were targeted appeals to some individuals. I would think that a second wave is going to happen, but I don't know much more than that. I'd love for the first formal campaign to former players like myself to start soon.
I was surfing around and landed on the VUFB Twitter site and saw that they got a top recruit from Georgia (4.34 40 and a 10.73 100 meters). One thing led to another and I eventually got over to the Lehigh athletic website. I pasted the Lehigh facilities page here too show what Dave Cecchini gave up in order to come to Valpo.
http://www.lehighsports.com/sports/2013/6/4/GEN_0604131610.aspx? (http://www.lehighsports.com/sports/2013/6/4/GEN_0604131610.aspx?)
We need to make his stay here a good one by supporting his program both financially and in attendance at games. I know I will make the drive down from the Green Bay area for the home opener against St. Joe's and then after that I hope to get in a few more.
maybe this can be a wakeup call where Valpo need to step up on their athletic facilities.
What position is the 4.34 guy? I can't imagine that we have ever had a guy legitimately run that fast before...
Quote from: valpotx on March 05, 2014, 10:27:04 PM
What position is the 4.34 guy? I can't imagine that we have ever had a guy legitimately run that fast before...
His name is Christian Coleman and he is listed as a DB at 5'8" 155#. He was an All State Class A player. "A" is the smallest schools. AAAAA is the big ones. I'm pretty sure the 24 foot long jump would be WAY past our school record.
Here is a pretty bad high lite video (blurry). At the very end you can see him running some sprints. He is a jet and no doubt will be a two sport athlete for us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa5uZ-NVME (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa5uZ-NVME)
Almost but just a shade off the VU records:
Jarred Minkens set both the indoor LJ record (24' 2 ¼") and the outdoor LJ record (24' 6 ½") in 2011. Christian Coleman is ¼" behind on the former and would need 4 ½" for the latter. It's pretty safe to say with some additional strength and maturity and just even adequate coaching he's a lock to break both.
I liked the Hudl highlight clip I saw of him. He played both ways as a CB and a slot/motion receiver. I especially liked his aggressiveness and tackling form in stuffing the run. Lots of times tracksters are not ones to stick their noses into contact, but it appears Christian is not one of those. 5'8" is not all that tall for a CB but he has a 34" vertical leap.
Don't think this has been posted. Valpo gets another kid from Florida and this time he's a "headhunter".
http://www.aroundosceola.com/?p=6769 (http://www.aroundosceola.com/?p=6769)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1024043/highlights/63344375 (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1024043/highlights/63344375)
Quote from: vu72 on March 08, 2014, 08:57:50 AM
Don't think this has been posted. Valpo gets another kid from Florida and this time he's a "headhunter".
http://www.aroundosceola.com/?p=6769 (http://www.aroundosceola.com/?p=6769)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1024043/highlights/63344375 (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1024043/highlights/63344375)
Mentioned it a month ago over in "Football Recruiting":
A family friend who played linebacker on the high school team with my nephew (one of the defensive lineman in this old video who unfortunately is going to play at another university) visited campus this weekend and says he committed to Valpo today. The new recruit's name is Colton Keene:Colton Keene, LB, Class of 2014, Highight Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyJT85CiWaM#)
Interesting PFL preview:
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/in-the-fcs-huddle-pioneer-football-league-spring-p/27443/h2hQIcM3vEejVrWsP-j1rQ (http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/in-the-fcs-huddle-pioneer-football-league-spring-p/27443/h2hQIcM3vEejVrWsP-j1rQ)
Thanks Dad. Marist and Davidson grace our schedule, so if there is any Crusader improvement we could be competitive and even with Butler on our field -- didn't realize Butler lost so much.