From Coach Carlson's football blog (http://blogs.valpo.edu/football/2011/03/01/its-spring-break-at-valpo/):
QuoteSpring practice begins on Friday March 18th with our Spring Game scheduled for Saturday, April 16th at 11 AM. Our practices are open so I encourage our alumni and supporters to stop by. We practice Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Players and coaches are looking forward to our second spring practice together. The first two days will be in helmets. The first two Saturdays in April will be scrimmage dates with the final scrimmage as the Spring Game on April 16th. I really like spring practice as we can spend the time teaching individual technique as well as our offense, defense, and kicking game. Our team period each day will focus on certain key game day situations. This gives our players a feeling of "being there" when they confront them in a game. Practice simulations are never exactly like a true game. However, having practiced the last four minutes of the game with a six point lead or the last four plays of the game when down by 6 points is beneficial. The players can develop the confidence that I have practiced this situation and I am ready to execute and be successful.
...
Remember, IT'S A NEW ERA FOR CRUSADER FOOTBALL!
Has anyone seen a spring roster? The announcement said something like 56 players. Theoretically if everyone came back we would have had around 80 players. I am curious who is still with us.
hopefully only the players that have a can-do attitude and a winner's mentality. all the cry-babies and slackers hopefully have been shown the door, so that the underclassmen can start turning this team around.
Quote from: valpo04 on March 12, 2011, 03:11:52 PM
From Coach Carlson's football blog (http://blogs.valpo.edu/football/2011/03/01/its-spring-break-at-valpo/):
Our team period each day will focus on certain key game day situations. This gives our players a feeling of "being there" when they confront them in a game. Practice simulations are never exactly like a true game. However, having practiced the last four minutes of the game with a six point lead or the last four plays of the game when down by 6 points is beneficial. The players can develop the confidence that I have practiced this situation and I am ready to execute and be successful.
I really think they should worry about not getting blown out first. They lost all but one game substantially, so they are rarely in a situation that they blow a lead or can't come from behind. Practicing close game situations are pointless when you can't get the basics down to make a non-d1 game close.
Quote from: a3uge on March 14, 2011, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: valpo04 on March 12, 2011, 03:11:52 PM
From Coach Carlson's football blog (http://blogs.valpo.edu/football/2011/03/01/its-spring-break-at-valpo/):
Our team period each day will focus on certain key game day situations. This gives our players a feeling of "being there" when they confront them in a game. Practice simulations are never exactly like a true game. However, having practiced the last four minutes of the game with a six point lead or the last four plays of the game when down by 6 points is beneficial. The players can develop the confidence that I have practiced this situation and I am ready to execute and be successful.
I really think they should worry about not getting blown out first. They lost all but one game substantially, so they are rarely in a situation that they blow a lead or can't come from behind. Practicing close game situations are pointless when you can't get the basics down to make a non-d1 game close.
I love Coach Carlson's enthusiasm, and his can-do attitude, but comments like this scare me. I can't think of a situation that they would have needed this "last four minutes of the game" unless you're practicing on how to watch the other team down the ball. Do the coaches really expect to go from losing by an average of 6 touchdowns to managing the game in the last 4 minutes? Isn't that the equivalent of learing how to dance in the endzone when you're an offensive lineman?
Look, I hope things get better, but you just can't make comments like that, it makes the coach seem delusional about where his team really is and how to evaluate the situation.
baby steps. as somebody said before, let's worry about not getting destroyed before clock management drills.
"Remember, IT'S A NEW ERA FOR CRUSADER FOOTBALL!"
I'll say.
I was surprised, to say the least, when I read today's Times article which said Erik Lemon and Becker (the tight end) have both left the team. Lemon was the starter before injury and Becker, also a freshman seemed highly regarded as a reciever, at least with potential.
So what happened? Either they just didn't want to work as hard as the coach wants, they couldn't cut it academically or...the handwriting was on the wall...they were moving down the depth chart and saw playing time reduced or eliminated. Let's hope it was the latter.
Eric "Always Strapped" Lemon
Update: I am no longer enrolled at Valparaiso University. It was a great school but it just wasn't for me. I am now at Ferris State. I love you all. -#1 on the field, #1 in your hearts
Quote from: Pgmado on March 16, 2011, 02:22:47 PM
Eric "Always Strapped" Lemon
Update: I am no longer enrolled at Valparaiso University. It was a great school but it just wasn't for me. I am now at Ferris State. I love you all. -#1 on the field, #1 in your hearts
It kinda makes you wonder what Eric means by "It was a great school but it just wasn't for me"? Was he there more for the excitement of playing football for a new coach, or was there something else involved with all the losing?
I think losing wears on people differently. That's why it's going to take a special group of young men, a determined coach and a whole lot of luck to get this thing turned around.
Given what we've seen so far, there's a likely and reasonable chance they don't win a game in two years. Half your time playing football in college is losing. It doesn't help turn things around, but I get it.
Perhaps his leaving was not really related to football. For some students, VU is too small, or too far from the bright lights, or too far from a special someone, or too whatever. So an athlete in a one-semester sport might feel miserable the rest of the year and decide it just isn't worth it.
Quote from: theladybook on March 17, 2011, 12:02:41 AM
Perhaps his leaving was not really related to football. For some students, VU is too small, or too far from the bright lights, or too far from a special someone, or too whatever. So an athlete in a one-semester sport might feel miserable the rest of the year and decide it just isn't worth it.
Especially when you're getting killed every week during season. Not saying that's the reason, or the only reason, but it sure makes the decision easier.
Let's remember one other thing: Football is a non-scholarship sport. Given any number of possibilities, Valpo just may have been too expensive.
Quote from: vu72 on March 18, 2011, 08:27:58 AM
Let's remember one other thing: Football is a non-scholarship sport. Given any number of possibilities, Valpo just may have been too expensive.
While that's entirely possible, it's also unlikely. It's not like they enrolled in school and then the cost of tuition was revealed after the fact. I figure they already knew the cost to attend Valpo before they ever arrived on campus. Call it a hunch. Now, financial situations do change, expecially in this economy, but that would be near the bottom of my list as to why people actually left.
My guess is they didn't anticipate the ineptitude of the team and didn't see it getting any better anytime soon. Why shell out that kind of cash to be non competetive? If you want to spin it and say it's was too expensive, okay you can say that and I'll agree. I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money for that experience either.
Be happy that you have football.
I would kill to have a team that loses by 60 points every week.
but that's not football. that's pure embarrassment.
Guys, could we give this year's edition of Crusader football a chance before we begin the non-stop criticism? Coach Carlson has turned other programs around...he will do the same here. It's just going to take some time. Paul
As I've said before I'm not embarassed, not sure why others are....and I believe Coach Carlson is on the right track. Why so many left the team, including two of our "skill" people starters I don't know...but if they don't want to be here, it's probably for the best.
rlh - You're not sure why others are embarrassed? Really? You're smarter than that, I know you are. I'll buy you don't think they should be embarrassed, but having your alma mater look like you dressed the first 11 guys who were in the parking lot before the game doesn't exactly make someone beam with pride. They were a very bad team last year, and just as the fans were estatic and proud when Bryce and co. went to the Sweet 16 in basketball, they have every right to be embarrassed when scores like 198-2 come across the ticker on ESPN. Like it or not the most visable part of a university is the mens basketball and football team.
Let's hope the team shows improvement this year, and this discussion will be null and void.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 21, 2011, 06:11:19 PM
rlh - You're not sure why others are embarrassed? Really? You're smarter than that, I know you are. I'll buy you don't think they should be embarrassed, but having your alma mater look like you dressed the first 11 guys who were in the parking lot before the game doesn't exactly make someone beam with pride. They were a very bad team last year, and just as the fans were estatic and proud when Bryce and co. went to the Sweet 16 in basketball, they have every right to be embarrassed when scores like 198-2 come across the ticker on ESPN. Like it or not the most visable part of a university is the mens basketball and football team.
Let's hope the team shows improvement this year, and this discussion will be null and void.
A fair analysis of the situation. Let's hope for improvement even if it is in small doses.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 21, 2011, 06:11:19 PM
rlh - You're not sure why others are embarrassed? Really? You're smarter than that, I know you are. I'll buy you don't think they should be embarrassed, but having your alma mater look like you dressed the first 11 guys who were in the parking lot before the game doesn't exactly make someone beam with pride. They were a very bad team last year, and just as the fans were estatic and proud when Bryce and co. went to the Sweet 16 in basketball, they have every right to be embarrassed when scores like 198-2 come across the ticker on ESPN. Like it or not the most visable part of a university is the mens basketball and football team.
Let's hope the team shows improvement this year, and this discussion will be null and void.
Concerned...disappointed ....certainly...embarassed certainly not....sorry if you are, but I am not. The kids that were there were giving it all that they have and to me that speaks volumes....
I am excited to see a new era in Valpo football. Look, becker and Lemon were good kids, but we had a LOT of injuries last year. It's hard to watch them get beat so badly, but, can you imagine how hard it is on the guys out there???????? I'd like to see some of you bashing the program try it. Admittedly, my son is on the team. He has been playing hurt and this will be his first season at 100 percent in probably three years. He is not alone. There are a lot of kids who were outstanding high school athletes and had opportunities to go elsewhere; they chose Valpo. They are giving Coach C their all their year, why can't you naysayers show some support to these kids?
I am really sick of you people bashing the team and the coach. Grow up...heck...go elsewhere because we do not need you here to tear us down.
I think the returning athletes, many of them, are excellent players, and you might be in for some surprises. Come out to the scrimmages. Be a true "fan."
I like your attitude, footballfan. Please know that not all of us on this board are bashers of the football program. I have maintained from the start that Coach C has this program on the right track and that he is the right person for this job. He has turned other programs around and he will do the same with this program. Tell your son to keep working hard and it will pay off. Thanks for your post. Paul
As one of the naysayers, I can safely say I want the football team to improve. I don't like seeing the scores going across the screen that are 86-7. Who exactly enjoys that? I think sometimes people confuse unhappiness with how things are going with "bashing" the football team. There is a difference.
Let's be real though, they sucked last year. These "excellent" players lost every game by an average of 6 touchdowns. Every team has injuries, and that still doesn't explain getting beat like that. There also wasn't exactly an area on the team where a fan could look to and see improvement for next year. They finished last in defense and offense. It's tough to be that bad.
As for the kids, I really do feel bad for them. Nobody wants to work that hard for those results. That being said, just because they're nice good kids doesn't mean they're good D1 football players.
Win some games, be competitive, and I'll bet all the so called "bashers" shut up.
I agree with milanmiracle. I really want to see this Valpo football team get things turned around. I will support them all year. I will cheer for them during the games and pray that some positive things happen for the program. On the other hand I am a realist. There were very few areas that anyone could point at and show that the 2010 team had improved over the year before. Even if the 2011 edition of Valpo football loses all their games if they make huge strides and lose some games by a touchdown or a field goal instead of 5 or 6 touchdowns that will be a huge positive the team can take into the next season. I want to see at least one win and maybe more but at least show some improvement over the previous year even if you lose.
I was embarrassed watching the one game I saw in person last year, the game at home against St. Joe's. But, like most of you, hopefully they can show some signs of improvement this year.
You know what I am embarrassed of? So called fans that leave by halftime.....so called fans that shout insulting comments.....so called fans who dont know the I of loyalty. Professors at Valpo who talk down the team to recruits. I recognize and know how hard the past season was.......my son is not used to losing.....let alone this bad. However, he and many others r not quitters. They have been working hard to turn this situation around. There r some excellent players on this team that were heavily recruited by some really good schools including winning pfl schools. Coach is learning who his players r and who can win on the Field. Let's see what happens.
Look we get it, you're trying to be supportive of the football team and your son. I commend that. Nobody likes losing, and certainly people competing at the college level. But really? You're embarrassed that the fans leave at halftime? Seriously? Did you actually watch a game last year? I've seen scrimages that were more competitive and entertaining. I am impressed people came to the games at all. The fact that anybody even cares what happens says they are still fans of the team. I had a coach tell me once, when I stop yelling at you I stopped caring how you do. At least people are "yelling" (commenting, moaning, ect)
And let's clarify something here. It's not just the losing that's the issue here. Heck, that's normal for Valpo football anymore, it's the margin of defeat. This is D1 football, not 5th grade Pop Warner where they get participation trophy's because they tried really really hard.
*can anybody explain to me how it's possible to have excellent players and a great coach and not win a game and lose by an average of 6 touchdowns?
If you want to track why some players end up leaving the program, just make sure to read the police blotter in The Times. There's often interesting information in there, particularly on Tuesday's after a wild weekend of fun. It can also explain why some players who are on the roster at the beginning of the season are no longer there by the end.
Hey, Football Fan. To you and your son - hang in there. Some of the 'fans' on this site should be ashamed of themselves. It always seem like those on the sidelines think they have all the answers. I, for one, really believe Coach Carlson will turn things around. Yes, it may take a couple years, but a man with the success he has had does not suddenly forget how to do it. And no, I did not go to Valpo nor does my son play ball there, although at times I still wish he had decided on Valpo so he could be part of the effort to rebuild the program. Think about how great the winning will be when it starts to take place!
Link to an article about the game:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/article_6e3d3e01-4347-5a26-b7f4-6c52dc51bfc8.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/article_6e3d3e01-4347-5a26-b7f4-6c52dc51bfc8.html)
Hopefully Coach Carlson has his team and will be ready for the fall season. Based on Carlson's previous coaching stops, I believe he will turn things around. I'm hoping that we win 3-4 games, and are competitive in 2-3 more.
I like the way you think. Seems like the first class that Head Coach Carlson brought in was red shirted in order to be one year more mature. So last years team paid dearly for the preparations for this season. Explains why we did not see a decent result. Add on top of that the weeding out process, and you have a very tough result. Things should start to move in the right direction as viewed on the score board.
ValpoBy7
Found this on Rivals.com
Look under commits, Valparaiso 2011, and view three of our football recruits. There is video. You may also find them on Scout.com by searching the players name and 2011.
what did you find? a link might help.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on April 28, 2011, 04:28:43 PM
what did you find? a link might help.
Try this:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/commitments/2011/valparaiso-170 (http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/commitments/2011/valparaiso-170)
Since I am so new to the thread, the rules are I cannot post a link as of YET. I tried, and the offer was disallowed. Tough being a newbie!
Quote from: BradenNelson on May 01, 2011, 09:45:51 AM
As a recruit of Valpo's 2015 class, We are all very excited to get to campus and start competing. I am thrilled that all of you guys are as excited as we are. I hope you all have a great day. Feel free to follow me on twitter, just search BradenNelson
Welcome to the Board Braden!! I watched some video of you and you look like a kid who likes to mix it up and run between the tackles. Can you give us some insite into what you found interesting about Valpo, your impressions of the coaching staff and whether or not you have met, or have general impressions about the balance of your classmates?
We wish you all the best and surely hope you can be part of a complete turnaround and a PFL Championship!!
who were the other schools that you considered?
We would like Valparaiso folks to know that your coaching staff is really putting a great push on in bringing in quality young men who can play football. Over the years Rivals.com & Scout.com have not shown many kids going to Valpo. This is the first year in many that there is more than one player listed from those services who will attend Valpo. What this means is Valpo is getting exposure, as well credit for recruiting kids that want to play at a high level of competition.
My son is coming to Valpo, and we are very serious about winning, as well getting one of the best educations available. My son's school is sending their co Valedictorians to Notre Dame and Northwestern, and our son who will enter in pre-med is coming to Valpo. We are very honored to see Drew Akacki come to your fine school. I once played for the Georgia Bulldogs as an OL Tackle and Guard. Drew wants to help your program make a statement, and we believe in what Coach Carlson wants to accomplish which is build strong young men to not only represent the Life of Christ, but who are better for taking on the toughest of assignments. Winning will have costs, and our fans will surely need to withstand some more loss as we evolve into a winning program. How many wins do we want or believe can come? How much do you believe that Notre Dame won because they believed rather than had the best talent that was out there? Did ND stop winning because of lack of speed, lack of rock solid focus, or are they lacking in talent thus they cannot beat southern conferences that have superior talent?
We could go on into that area for weeks, and not accomplish much. I do know that human spirit and heart can do things that no man or women could dream up without our Almighty's strength. So how will we win? Player by player, and positive responses even in the face of defeat. I almost played with Rudy, and would have blocked Rudy in practice. I choose that Bulldogs over Notre Dame coming out of NJ, and caught grief for it as I was a Catholic going into the South. UGA beat ND in the 1981 Sugar Bowl to claim a 1980 National Championship. Since then UGA like ND has sat watching as the game has passed then by. As hard as they play they seem to miss the mark.
What Valpo has going for them is surprise, and a burning desire. Today kids / ball players want a challenge, and want to be part of something bigger than Facebook, Wei, Movies, I Pods, X Box, etc. Today kids are getiing smart in knowing that this world has changed and the next wave will have to be super focused and direct in getting what they want for their lives. This will be our edge, and we need to support this outlook. In years and decades past kids / ballplayers had it mush easier as life was richer in less of the unknown. As fear of the unknown can set back those that are not grounded, and in years past most did not have to worry about that sort of life as the world was moving fast in the right direction. Things have greatly changed for our youth. It is today why a Valpo will be seen as a magnet for changing the direction of events that will impact society as a whole. The better schools will become the place where the serious athlete comes to to start life. It is here at Valpo that we see this switch in dynamics of how society will move into 2020 and beyond. What is evolving for Valpo is bigger than football. "Go Valpo".
ValpoBy7
Quote from: ValpoBy7 on May 02, 2011, 10:33:03 PM
We would like Valparaiso folks to know that your coaching staff is really putting a great push on in bringing in quality young men who can play football. Over the years Rivals.com & Scout.com have not shown many kids going to Valpo. This is the first year in many that there is more than one player listed from those services who will attend Valpo. What this means is Valpo is getting exposure, as well credit for recruiting kids that want to play at a high level of competition.
My son is coming to Valpo, and we are very serious about winning, as well getting one of the best educations available. My son's school is sending their co Valedictorians to Notre Dame and Northwestern, and our son who will enter in pre-med is coming to Valpo. We are very honored to see Drew Akacki come to your fine school. I once played for the Georgia Bulldogs as an OL Tackle and Guard. Drew wants to help your program make a statement, and we believe in what Coach Carlson wants to accomplish which is build strong young men to not only represent the Life of Christ, but who are better for taking on the toughest of assignments. Winning will have costs, and our fans will surely need to withstand some more loss as we evolve into a winning program. How many wins do we want or believe can come? How much do you believe that Notre Dame won because they believed rather than had the best talent that was out there? Did ND stop winning because of lack of speed, lack of rock solid focus, or are they lacking in talent thus they cannot beat southern conferences that have superior talent?
We could go on into that area for weeks, and not accomplish much. I do know that human spirit and heart can do things that no man or women could dream up without our Almighty's strength. So how will we win? Player by player, and positive responses even in the face of defeat. I almost played with Rudy, and would have blocked Rudy in practice. I choose that Bulldogs over Notre Dame coming out of NJ, and caught grief for it as I was a Catholic going into the South. UGA beat ND in the 1981 Sugar Bowl to claim a 1980 National Championship. Since then UGA like ND has sat watching as the game has passed then by. As hard as they play they seem to miss the mark.
What Valpo has going for them is surprise, and a burning desire. Today kids / ball players want a challenge, and want to be part of something bigger than Facebook, Wei, Movies, I Pods, X Box, etc. Today kids are getiing smart in knowing that this world has changed and the next wave will have to be super focused and direct in getting what they want for their lives. This will be our edge, and we need to support this outlook. In years and decades past kids / ballplayers had it mush easier as life was richer in less of the unknown. As fear of the unknown can set back those that are not grounded, and in years past most did not have to worry about that sort of life as the world was moving fast in the right direction. Things have greatly changed for our youth. It is today why a Valpo will be seen as a magnet for changing the direction of events that will impact society as a whole. The better schools will become the place where the serious athlete comes to to start life. It is here at Valpo that we see this switch in dynamics of how society will move into 2020 and beyond. What is evolving for Valpo is bigger than football. "Go Valpo".
ValpoBy7
Thanks for your input. I think most on this board want the football team to succeed. Based on Coach Carlson's past record, I think he'll succeed where others were mediocre at best. I'm not expecting to compete for the conference championship every year, but we need to be competitive in most games, and have winning seasons as the norm, not the exception.
I just read ValpoBy7's May 2 post.
It is inspirational. I can't wait to see what Coach Carlson -- and players like ValpoBy7's son -- will be able to accomplish. I had a feeling when he was hired that Coach Carlson was totally committed to bringing in quality persons (and fine athletes) to our program, and it appears this is exactly what he is doing. Better --much better --times are ahead for VU football.
Paul
I've enjoyed reading all the postings and opinions. Being new to this board but not new to VU sports I see goals and achievements from a far different perspective than many of the last 20 to 10 year knowledgeable posters claim. VU has come a long way from the years I spent on campus. The new president and the current administration bodes well for where VU needs to be in positioning and providing a complete college experience founded in principles and values. One example is the Shield of Character - In a world were most think character doesn't matter Valpo has chosen to set a standard for all to look towards.
This leads me directly into the Football program. I believe Coach Carlson is the right person for the turnaround but even he didn't know the complete difficulty that lay in wait for him. The beginning group he had seem to have the "want to" but not the "will to" make the drastic mindset reprogramming that is required to become competitive then winners. I watched as each in game setback they became more resigned to their expected outcomes. This group just didn't have enough "winners" to overcome the "losers" in each huddle, sideline or fans.
Coach Carlson's exceptional focus on preparing for new experiences is just what is needed for these guys need to think in terms of positive outcomes and winning it when others are giving up. I was blessed to play with a group of winners during 1969-1971 seasons and we overcame many setbacks, injuries, bad calls, bad plays, bad coaching and bad attitudes. We took the responsibility for our performance. I have to say that I've never been on the losing side of such lopsided scores. Although we did win some that way. I think it would be impossible to imagine that much scoring against us but if it was beginning to happen we would have grabbed the grass in front of us and not given any more inches - slowing and containing the game. Character Matters!
Maybe I should explain further my earlier statement. The offense that Carlson wants is quick tempo ball control with short passing and quick options. It's great if you have the personnel for it - namely strong armed accurate QB and fast intelligent receivers that read defenses and find the same open spot that the QB sees and running backs that can beat the first defender either by quickness, speed or strength. This takes time to learn and develop. Until then it's just a quick 3 and out. The defense is then left on the field for larger and larger numbers of snaps in the game. Anyone will breakdown with good teams getting plenty of tries. Running up the score then is not necessarily a measure of talent as it is a measure of attrition. I feel the offense will improve enough and with their good punter they can begin to change the field position and put them in better stead to be competitive in this coming season. I certainly hope he begins to ride the new player he has recruited sooner than later (within the realm of maturity and talent). They aren't carring the baggage of the last 6 years in recent history. They, as the one father on this board said, are wanting to establish something bigger than themselves individually. It would be nice to to hear that victory bell clang again soon. Go Valpo!