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Cheryl Bunnett '84 Schrader has been named the next president of Wright State University. She will become the first woman to lead the school in its 50-year history.  Got her BS in Eng'g at Valpo and her masters and PhD at Notre Dame.  Quite an impressive lady.

Here's the Wright State announcement:
http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2017/03/06/cheryl-b-schrader-named-next-president-of-wright-state-university/

Here's the VU announcement:
http://alumni.valpo.edu/controls/email_marketing/admin/email_marketing_email_viewer.aspx?sid=1347&eiid=1073&seiid=567&usearchive=1&puid=72c63a98-371d-4c05-b2c7-387a2c1bf688

[The Valparaiso University athletic department received $280,000 from this distribution, along with a strict set of rules on how those funds can be used.[/u]]

Just pasted this from MLB's most recent Crusader Report released this morning.

Earlier this month, the NCAA awarded one-time payouts totaling $200 million to nearly 350 Division I institutions around the country. These excess funds stemmed from the liquidation of an NCAA quasi-endowment. Under the plan, each NCAA Division I program will receive an allocation based on the number of scholarships each school offers for student athletes. The Valparaiso University athletic department received $280,000 from this distribution, along with a strict set of rules on how those funds can be used.[/u]

In lieu of this allocation, I am excited to announce we will be establishing a $280,000 endowment fund to enhance our existing nutritional program. Our plan is to create a "snack station" stocked with sport drinks, light meals to-go, snacks, and protein supplements available to all student-athletes. Following last year's NCAA legislation pertaining to food and snacks for student-athletes, we utilized Crusader Fund dollars to increase the amount of nutritional offerings (pre-game, post-game, post-workout) available to all athletes here on campus. Again, I thank you all for your support of the Crusader Fund, which afforded us the critical foundation we needed to jump-start this initiative.

$280K is a lot of money.  Valpo has chosen to establish and nutritional endowment fund with it.  I underscored Mark's qualifier to emphasize that the $$$ must have come with strings attached.  Only speculating, but maybe facilities improvements, coach's salaries, recruiting funds were rolled out.

Did you know that there is an opening link on the VU website saying:  St. Joseph's Students Click Here?  It's the very first thing you see.

it takes you to this page:  http://www.valpo.edu/admission/saint-josephs-college/

OK.  Lets forget about all the other BS and let's start talking specifics.  We will see one of two opponents.  What are the thoughts out there???

Somebody has to start it.

The wildcats are on the verge of getting a NCAA bid.  Brackets have them somewhere around a 9 seed with a 20-8 record.  Nice article on the team and coach Chris Collins and how there dug themselves out of consistent futility starting when he got there 4 years ago.  Some lessons in there (and new facilities are not among them     )

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigten/2017/02/23/northwestern-pressure-to-make-first-ncaa-tournament/98253176/

The softball team started the season with a sweep this weekend at the N.C. A&T softball tournament. Good going ladies! 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2016-17/16135/crusaders-close-out-perfect-opening-weekend-sunday/#.WKsblRiZMo8

We sometimes bash the YSU MBB program, but this is the basket where where they place their eggs.  Congratulations YSU on a great season and making it to the FCS Championship in Frisco, TX. They'll represent the MVFC and play James Madison from the CAA. 

https://twitter.com/NCAA_FCS

Saw this rumor on the PFL Fan board.  If they run their football program like MBB and baseball............  ?

"Chicago State is a historically black university that has had severe funding and enrollment problems. The Illinois Legislature is partly to blame. Incompetent management at the campus level has also been a problem.

The school's academic reputation is weak. Tuition is ultra-low, even for a state school. It strives to serve the poor, mostly African-American students of Chicago's south side. It's a population that doesn't send a high percentage of people to college.

CSU's men's basketball coach, who is also the interim athletic director, has an idea on how to get paying students: start a nonscholarship football team. And a marching band...

Summary...

-Target startup year would be 2018 (too optimistic?).

-Chicago Public Schools would be primary recruiting territory. The AD actually said that this would be a way to keep young men off the streets and away from crime. Kinda like what Davidson is doing... Just kidding about DC.  8-|

-Annual tuition revenue would exceed program costs by more than one-third.

-Likely game venue would be Gately Stadium (8,000 seats) at 103rd & Cottage Grove. Nice city-owned high school stadium, which was renovated a few years ago. Artificial turf.

Formal board approval will be necessary. However, it sounds like they might get this done. Can't imagine the PFL objecting to their joining. I would see them as a potential long term member, rather than a school aspiring to a fully funded program. What are your thoughts?"

On to BYU for the championship.  Up early and thought it good to start this right away for Wednesday Night.

Now that 2016 is in the books, I thought it would be good to open up a thread on our  assessment of where when program stands after year 3 under Dave Cecchini.

I pulled together a quick spread (click to enlarge) in comparing the 2015 season with the now completed 2016 season.  On both sides of the ball we have shown improvement.  Obviously 4 wins vs. only one win a year ago stands out.  However, in Points For (PF) and Points Allowed (PA) we also showed noticeable improvement. On a macro scale, we scored about a TD more per game and on defense we surrendered what amounts to a TD and a FG less per game than last year.  That swing can be seen in the more competitive series of scores throughout the schedule.

On top of that, much of the team is returning on both sides of the ball. Some sophomores and freshmen have worked their way into substantial playing time.  Redshirt Jrs. returning for a 5th year, of course are a question mark.

More thoughts?

Just have enough time to set up a place holder.

Jacksonville lost to Drake 31-27.  From the Drake Site:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Drake University overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Jacksonville University, 31-27, on Saturday at D.B. Milne Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

After Conley Wilkins gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game on a 19-yard touchdown run, 17-13, the Dolphins answered with back-to-back scoring drives to claim a 27-17 lead with just under seven minutes to play.

Grant Kraemer orchestrated a seven-play 73-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a touchdown pass to Eric Saubert, his second of the game, to put the Bulldogs within three, 27-24. The touchdown was set up by a 29-yard reception by Grant Menard, who ended up with a career-high 142 yards receiving, which put the Bulldogs on JU's three-yard line. 

Drake's defense then came up with a huge three-and-out to give the offense the ball back with 2:21 left to play.

Head coach Rick Fox told the offense before the game-winning drive, "This is backyard ball. Let's go out and have some fun and make some plays."

On fourth-and-16, Kraemer delivered a 26-yard strike to sophomore Steven Doran, getting the Bulldogs down to Jacksonville's 30-yard line.

Two plays later, Kraemer found Doran again, this time for the go-ahead touchdown, 31-27, with 16 seconds left to play.

Kraemer finished his day completing 15-of-29 passes for 208 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Wilkins ended his day with a game-high 195 rushing yards and also recorded a 35-yard pass.

No one has started this so I will.  I though for sure we would go nose to nose with Butler and pull out a win, but, alas, it was not to be.

Last Saturday while we were enduring the Helmet loss, Drake was beating Stetson by only a 21-10 margin.  That means we might be competitive.... or not. 

USD is water under the bridge. Lets all just leave it behind us. Butler is beatable and we have the Helmet plus Brown Field on our side. Let's do this.

On to San Diego.   

USD beat Drake 38-7 in Des Moines yesterday.  They are 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the PFL.  Their only loss was to Cal Poly 38-16.  Cal Poly is FCS scholarship and plays in the Big Sky.

USD 34 Dayton 22
USD 44 @ Butler 10
USD 52 Davidson 3
USD 38  @ Drake 7

Switched the message Icon to Game Thread.   If I were the players I'd be pretty pissed letting this one get away from them.  Channel that energy into a better 60 minute effort on Saturday!

We are 2-2 going into Morehead 

We ran well against Davidson and the passing game was efficient. The D gave up some big gainers but held when they had to. Have we progressed enough to give Morehead a run for their money?  They pass the ball as well as anyone in the PFL.

Not that we can remotely match what Clemson is doing with respect to growth and development as a result of their successful marquee sports program, football, but there is a lesson to be taken from the overall tenor of the article:  athletics promote the brand, donations and applications.  End result:  better ca$$h flow.  Our marquee program, MBB, should be leveraged much the same way so that Valpo's mission, 30 Year Plan, as well as  short-term goals can be better facilitated.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/at-clemson-football-success-brings-windfall-that-most-schools-only-dream-of/2016/09/21/2bdb12fa-791c-11e6-bd86-b7bbd53d2b5d_story.html?wpisrc=nl_rainbow&wpmm=1

Gee, you know, it would really be cool if we went into our second PFL game of the season (@ Morehead) at 2-2.  So how do we do that?  Beat Davidson, of course.  But how do we do that?  That's what this new string will seek to ascertain.  Opinionate away guys!

It's out.

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-midwest

We are tied for #4 (with Xavier) and rate #1s for Value and Undergrad Teaching among Midwest Regional Universities. Ahead of us are #1 Creighton, #2 Butler, #3 Drake.  We are in pretty good company.

Next game; next man up. Let the discussion begin.

[The Pioneers outgained Stetson 399-295, rushing for 227 yards.]

I have been away for the last two weeks and didn't have a chance to do my usual weekly game string for the ISU game.  But, upon returning, it was bitter sweet to see us go down 50-13 to the Redbirds, but also to see that Kellen Hughes (DPOW) and Jake Simpson (STPOW) were both recognized by the PFL as players of the week in the loss.  http://www.pioneer-football.org/news/archives/2016/1176/pfl-players-of-the-week-week-1/   Considering we were up against the #8 FCS team in the country, a 37 point loss has have some good points to build on.  Considering what happened at Alabama v. USC (52-6 -- Sorry, USC4Valpo  ) where both teams were "technically" playing on a "level playing field" -- neutral venue, both fully scholarshipped and both supported by affluent alumni -- we didn't do too bad.  But that's water under the bridge.

It's on to Sacred Heart this Saturday.  As mentioned by others in the "predictions" string, SHU squeaked by Stetson @ Stetson.  Don't underestimate the heavy humidity of a late Florida summer night in affecting that score to some degree. 

Here is the SHU account of their win:
DeLAND, Fla. – The Sacred Heart football team scored 12 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Stetson Hatters 18-14 in the season opener Saturday night at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. [ED NOTE: The first PAT was blocked; they then tried two 2-pt conversions that failed.]

The Pioneers outgained Stetson 399-295, rushing for 227 yards. SHU's defense held the Hatters to 35 yards in the second half and 5-of-16 on third down for the game. Senior linebacker Kevin Barry had a career-high 13 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a key forced fumble in the fourth quarter. Ose Imeokparia rushed for 112 yards and the go-ahead touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. RJ Noel was 16-for-34 passing for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Trailing 14-6 at halftime, SHU (1-0) closed to within two with 1:20 to play in the third quarter. On 3rd-and-goal from the Stetson 17-yardline, Noel found Andrew O'Neill in the endzone to make the score 14-12. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. After forcing Stetson (0-1) to punt, the Pioneers started the fourth quarter with the ball at their own 20 yardline. On the first play of the drive, Imeokparia ran to the right and past the Hatters defense to go 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. With the score 18-14, Sacred Heart once again went for two but was stopped. The SHU defense forced three three-and-outs in the fourth quarter to make the lead hold up for the win.

If our experience last year with these guys is any indicator, they will play VERY physical, up to the point of questionable hits after the whistle.  We have to play with composure and do a good job of protecting whoever the starting QB will be.  The "D" has to come up with another good effort. We are better than what we showed against SHU last year -- I hope the veteran players still have a foul taste in their mouths about that game.

[Rowdy]

I am taking great pleasure in Rowdy's run in Rio and also thinking about Alec going into 2016-17, so I began to wonder about basketball reputation for this program.  With Lottich taking over from Bryce I view the a merely an extension of something that started with Homer way back.  Yeah, the "shot" put us on the map, but forget that.  Also forget about our great success recruiting outside the US. 

I am talking about what draws certain players by position to Valpo and do we have a rep for developing them.  Because I don't know BB as well as most of you, I must retreat to FB analogies -- which I do know.  Penn State is known as linebacker U.  Ohio State and USC, pretty much RBs (yeah, and most other positions as well I'll concede), BYU is all about QBs, Boston College is OL University.  Get my drift?

Can we make a statement that Valpo is THE place where a certain position in our system flourishes?  You also are probably already ahead of me in that maybe that's how we spin/slant/focus our recruiting.  It would take you guys  to go back into your memory banks and assess if there is a successful pattern there.  If nothing else it would be a fun exercise while we are waiting for that first practice.

Valpo is ranked #10/11 in the PFL coaches preseason poll.  Catrine and Nunes mentioned as leaders.  QB issues highlights the writeup.

http://www.pioneer-football.org/news/archives/2016/1165/defending-champions-deemed-dominant-as--san-diego-edges-dayton-in-pfl-preseason-coaches-poll/

Valpo finished the 2015-16 season ranked the NUMBER ONE D-I golf team in the country in GPA.  Tops in the country!  The 11 guys combined for an incredible  team average GPA of 3.755 -- holy cow, that's academic stratosphere.  And they are not only smart, they are a competitive bunch of golfers too. 



http://www.valpoathletics.com/mgolf/news/2016-17/15612/valpo-mens-golf-posts-top-team-gpa-in-the-nation/

I saw this on the ESPN site and thought it fun to compare how the ARC would fit uno the spectrum of arenas in the A-10.  IMO, we'd be pretty competitive.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/17145766/atlantic-10-venues-ranked-according-difficulty

[tweet]755086252303642624[/tweet]

Could be the Wildcats' Pearl harbor?

Ohio State is on the schedule for a September 21st match.

[tweet]742810501005094914[/tweet]

It was retweeted on the SMO Twitter site as well.

Isaiah Madrid, Nico Campbell and Ramone Howell apparently are doing well in collegiate summer leagues around the midwest.

Last season's roster shows only 3 seniors.  We'll definitely miss MF Jordan Aidoud, but the returning core is experienced and last year MSO knocked off two nationally ranked teams in the course of a week.  But it's not been the OOC record that wins the HL.  This year they need to be solid in conference, get a good seed and then win it.

The schedule just got released.  Looks like  a decent OOC schedule with a ton of tournaments and some single matches. Ohio State (2015 #13 is a headliner.  The writeup mentions that VB only lost 1 senior to graduation so they should be a strong contender for the HL championship again.


http://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2015-16/15587/crusader-volleyball-releases-schedule-for-2016-season/#.V2GfwFc4ko8

Well balanced 2016 schedule that should challenge our women, but has the potential to afford wins in ontests against some name competition.


http://www.valpoathletics.com/wsoccer/news/2015-16/15585/valpo-womens-soccer-announces-2016-schedule/#.V2A6D1c4ko8

Wright State, Oakland, and UWM!
[tweet]722764336117055488[/tweet]

It's club football but football nevertheless.

[Barriers to Implementation of Title IX within Baylor's Football Program]

The preeminent Baptist University in the country is cleaning up after yet another scandal involving its athletic department.  We all know what happened the first time in MBB which resulted in Scott Drew resurrecting that program.  Now it's  Art Briles' football program:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/05/26/baylor-football-art-briles-sexual-assault-investigation/84976274/

Caught in the repercussions were not only Briles, but the AD and university president.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/05/26/baylor-fires-art-briles-football-sexual-assault/84973662/

Here's the Summary Report upon which the articles were based: 

http://www.baylor.edu/rtsv/doc.php/266596.pdf

From That report:
Barriers to Implementation of Title IX within Baylor's Football Program
Baylor failed to maintain effective oversight and supervision of the Athletics Department as it related to the effective implementation of Title IX. Leadership challenges and communications issues hindered enforcement of rules and policies, and created a cultural perception that football was above the rules. In addition to the issues related to student misconduct, the University and Athletics Department failed to take effective action in response to allegations involving misconduct by football staff. Further, despite the fact that other departments repeatedly raised concerns that the Athletics Department's response to student or employee misconduct was inadequate, Baylor administrators took insufficient steps to address the concerns.

Baylor failed to take appropriate action to respond to reports of sexual assault and dating violence reportedly committed by football players. The choices made by football staff and athletics leadership, in some instances, posed a risk to campus safety and the integrity of the University. In certain instances, including reports of a sexual assault by multiple football players, athletics and football personnel affirmatively chose not to report sexual violence and dating violence to an appropriate administrator outside of athletics. In those instances, football coaches or staff met directly with a complainant and/or a parent of a complainant and did not report the misconduct. As a result, no action was taken to support complainants, fairly and impartially evaluate the conduct under Title IX, address identified cultural concerns within the football program, or protect campus safety once aware of a potential pattern of sexual violence by multiple football players.

QUESTION:  Less than, Greater than or equal to the Penn State/Sandusky scandal?  PSU got probation, lost scholarships, was assessed monetary penalties and Paterno was publicly humiliated.

I know this is not the best time to start this string, but USAToday did a forward look today at next season and projected the Top 25.  They picked both Florida State (22) and St. Mary's (24) to be in the mix.  And we beat them both.  Hmmmm 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2016/04/05/college-basketball-early-preseason-top-25-duke-kentucky/82517880/

I like the addition (?) of the Game Tread Icon for new strings.  Is that new or was it there all along but no one used it?

In an article on the Canarias Basketball Academy (on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria off the coast of Morocco) KVW is pictured against MSU and is identified as the best D-I product to come out of there.  Valpo get good press two weeks in a row  :thumbs:

Pages 44-51 in my paper copy.  Don't know if there is an online version.

[Regional Universities (Midwest)]

Didn't see this posted elsewhere so I started this string.
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-midwest

Some observations:

Top Regional Universities (Midwest)
1 - Creighton (NE)
2 - Butler (IN)
3 - Drake (IA)
4 - Bradley (IL)
5 - VALPO (IN)
6 - Xavier (OH)
7 - John Carroll (OH)
8T - Truman State (MO)
8T - Evansville (IN)
10 - Elmhurst College (IL)

Other Midwest Regional Universities of note:
Northern Iowa #18
UDM #23
UWGB #75
Chicago State (Rank not published - i.e., below #112)
YSU (RNP)

South Regional Universities of note
#5T - Belmont
#5T - Stetson
#24 - Campbell
#28 - Murray State
#61 - Morehead State
#65 - Jacksonville
#76 - EKU
#80 - NKU

National Universities of note:
Dayton #108
DePaul #123
UIC #129
Ball State #168
IUPUI ##199
Cleveland State (Rank not published - i.e., below #199)
Indiana State (RNP)
Oakland (RNP)
UWM (RNP)
Wright State (RNP)

Within the HL (Blue) at least, once again it confirms from an overall ranking perspective that we and UDM are the exception rather than the rule in the league's composition.  We've hacked this to death in the past, but, nevertheless, it underscores how different we are.

The softball program just inked probably one of their most important signees of the year this week. 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2015-16/15215/valpo-softball-welcomes-andie-kalemba-to-crusader-family/#.VrprsK9OKrU

It's what makes Valpo great 

The women's program signed a class of 9. That's quite a haul. Reading the capsules it sounds like a lot of quality coming our way.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/wsoccer/news/2015-16/15207/womens-soccer-announces-nine-player-signing-class/#.VrTala9OKrU

[renovate the Hilltop Gymnasium this summer,]

We don't really have a dedicated "facilities" string so I put this news here.  I originally put it in the "$2 million gift" string and there was only one reply.  Most board members have been complaining about the university's support of athletics (esp.MBB) and this indicates a changing perspective.

This was just received in MLB's first Crusader Report of 2016:

For Valpo Athletics, the new year brings big plans to upgrade one of the most historically significant spaces on campus. It is with great excitement that I share our plans to renovate the Hilltop Gymnasium this summer, should we be able to secure gifts to fund the project. The renovation will include the installation of LED lights, air conditioning, fresh paint, new metal doors, and window shades. Originally commissioned in 1939, Hilltop was the first building built by the Lutheran Education Association after purchasing the school, and served as the primary gymnasium and basketball venue for 50 years. With these changes, we hope it will serve as a premier practice facility for both basketball programs.

The changes to Hilltop will be one of two projects supported by the Basketball Championship Fund. The other component includes a significant renovation of the men's basketball locker room. Associate Director of Athletics, John Kuka, is leading the effort to secure the lead funds for these projects. These upgrades will further strengthen our ability to attract and retain the coaches and students needed to win basketball championships.

Just trying to give this discussion its own space.

Just starting the string after The Grizz lost to YSU.

May everyone on the Valpo Fan Zone Forum have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy a wonderful 2016.

First change I noted in the staff is that Kurt Mattix has moved on to Eastern Kentucky. Mattix was the Special Teams Coordinator and LB coach. He was a Valpo grad. He had replaced Justin Stovall.  Justin, IMO, was much better suited for that role -- he played LB at the I-AA level (Mattix didn't) and the 2014 special teams seemed more explosive (ranked first in the conference in punt return average (14.9 yds), kickoff return average (21.8 yds), blocked kicks (6), and special teams touchdowns (2). Valpo's kickoff return unit paved the way for Jarrett Morgan, as a freshmen, to lead the FCS in kickoff return average (34.9 yes).  Wish Kurt well. Hope we can find a great replacement.

Record as of 12/12/15:  3-5; Streak:  2Ws

Notable Opponents:

Butler (L), Minnesota (L), Mississippi State (L), Utah State (L)

Oklahoma State (W), IUPUI (W)

Up Next before Valpo:

Tulsa (12/12), ORU (12/16)

[Wins:]

Time to start another string.  We are 7-2 as of tonight.  We're battle tested.  ISU is 3-3 as of tonight. 

Wins:
Wyoming
Norfolk State
Hofstra

Losses:
IUPUI
Tulsa
EIU

They play Butler on Saturday and then Valpo this coming Wednesday.

Based on our record against Murray and Belmont these past couple of years we'd be a decent player in the OVC. We've played some competitive games against the MVC teams as well. Will this game against Indiana State (and later Missouri State) give us a barometer of where we would be if we got the bid instead of the Loyola freaking Ramblers?  Just throwing a little gasoline on the fire for fun.

Let's see if the Ball State wake up call was received.  The alarm was pretty loud, so it should have.

[To everyone: Safe travels, enjoy this time with family and friends and give thanks for all our blessings (including the wins over Rhody and OSU ).]

To everyone: Safe travels, enjoy this time with family and friends and give thanks for all our blessings (including the wins over Rhody and OSU  ).

Thought I'd set up the thread 

I'll put in the placeholder. We need to look at both the strengths as well as the areas that need improvement. I'd also like to suggest one single rule to guide our dialogue based on a sound management principle that I have found works to positively improve situations. If ever someone had a gripe, they could come to me, but only if they also came with a thoughtful, suggested solution to that gripe (An example of an unacceptable visit: gripe -  the coach sucks; solution - fire him).  The rule:  gripes are always accompanied with thoughtful, suggested solutions..

I'm anticipating a really good discussion. Have at it posters 

Besides being ranked/RV, what can we expect to see from Oregon?