MU men's soccer..Sunday preview and review of Friday's shocker ....
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER The Monmouth University men's soccer team, having slain one nationally ranked team to open the 2007 season, now takes on another. After Friday night defeating host No. 16 North Carolina 1-0 in the Carolina Nike Classic, Monmouth tangles with No. 3 Wake Forest (1-0) in its second and final game of the event at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Chapel Hill, N.C. ""I don't feel we have any reason to be intimidated,'' said senior Damon Wilson who scored ffor Monmouth in the second half Friday. Wake Forest defeated No. 21 Old Dominion in the 107th minute (double overtime) Friday, 2-1. ""I feel like our coach (Rob McCourt) prepares us very well,'' said Wilson who scored the goal that defeated St. Francis Pa., 1-0, in the 2006 Northeast Conference Tournament final. ""This team is confident,''said Wilson. "'We're just trying to make a name for this program and make a future for everyone here.'' Friday's outcome, before 1,895 at Fetzer Field, marked the first season opening defeat for UNC since 1997. Ryan Kinne, a Monmouth freshman who gained acclaim as a 2006 NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) All-America at Naugatuck, Conn. High School, set up Wilson. ""Our defense, which was fighting and fighting and fighting all game, got a good clearance and got a ball outside to Kinne,'' said Wilson. ""He is a great player, had a great move, used his pace, and eventually got a cross to me and I got lucky and got a finish,''said Wilson. The goal in the 55th minute marked Monmouth's first shot of the game. ""Ryan slipped the ball in behind two defenders and Damon took a touch pass an buried it, an unbelievable left-footed shot in the corner,'' said McCourt. Monmouth appeared in danger of being buried under a UNC first half attack that saw it own a 9-0 shot advantage. Carolina had two first-half scores by junior forward Brian Shriver waved off due to offside calls and hit the cross bar early in the second half. The Tar Heels ended with a 16-4 command in shots but Monmouth senior goalie Daniel Schenkel, from Campo Verde Brazil, made seven saves, four in the opening half. ""Yes, they did have a couple of chances in the first half,'' said Wilson. "'But our defense stayed focused. "'Schenkel is amazing. He just played the game with class as he always does.'' Friday's defeat snapped a string of four consecutive shutouts at the Carolina Nike Classic for the Tar Heels and was just their third-ever loss in the annual event. UNC is now 14-3 all-time in the current format of its home tourney. ""On any given day we can compete with anybody out there,'' said McCourt. ""But soccer is also a very humbling thing. ""We just have to be ready to go to battle Sunday for 90 minutes like we did Friday and let the chips fall where they may.'' The University of North Carolina web site contributed to this report
Monmouth upsets North Carolina in men's soccer, 1-0. Honest!
Senior forward Damon Wilson scored on a 12-yard strike in the 55th minute Friday night leading the Monmouth University men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over No. 16 North Carolina in the Carolina Nike Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C. Monmouth senior goalie Daniel Schenkel made seven saves for the Hawks (1-0) who registered a win over the highest ranked program the school has ever defeated. North Carolina (0-1) outshot Monmouth 16-4, including 9-0 in the first half when Schenkel made four saves. Wilson, who scored the goal that defeated St. Francis, Pa. 1-0 in the 2006 Northeast Conference Tournament final, converted a pass from from freshman Ryan Kinne, a high school All America from Naugatuck, Conn., the 2006 Connecticut State Player of the Year. Senior Tom Gray delivered the other three shots in the game for the Hawks. Deric Tyler made one save in the game for UNC. Monmouth faces No. 3 Wake Forest in its second and final game of the event 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The Demon Deacons defeated No. 20 Old Dominion 2-1 Friday at the Nike Carolina Classic.
Advisory/Blog Decorum/Etc.
FYI - As of either later September or within a few months everyone will be required to register via an e-mail address to participate in what will be a new Asbury Park Press inter active web site. Now, about this blog in particular: With the MU athletic seasons upon us I am also installing some ground rules for our blog. As before, I will see all blog comments as they are sent in and decide whether or not to publish them. In most cases there won't be a problem. This blog is for discussion, information, exchange of views etc, as it always has been. I hope everyone has enjoyed it and will continue to do so. As I have mentioned, like you I am a fan (see my profile) and have witnessed many lows and a few scattered highs in my rooting experience (that four game Phillies' sweep of the Mets this week rates almost to the moon). I occasionally e-mail some of the professional sports writers I know in Phila., venting and asking for their opinions, etc., but I digress. Taking everything into consideration - after some of the blog comments I encountered here last season - I have decided - 1. Trashing and bashing - There will be absolutely no trashing and or bashing of players or coaches. I have no problem with criticism of players, coaches, teams (sports writers) but it must be done in a professional manner. Discussion? Yes. Insulting? No. I feel I was way too lenient along these lines in many instances last year. Please remember, these athletes are not professionals even if many are on forms of scholarship. You may make an excellent point with a comment - but if you end it or include in it a remark or remarks I consider to be out of bounds - none of it will run. I will not take the time to edit comments as I also did last year. 2. Screen names: I felt most of them were very clever. "'Hit a Free Throw,' Have a 3 On Me,' are two of my favorites. A few were marginal, but at least original (I give credit sometimes for originality). However in the event of screen names that I consider insulting, degrading, etc. to a team, athlete, etc., it will result in the comment not being published, no matter what the comment says. 3. Rumors - Just as in the newspaper, rumors will not be published unless they are verified through a reliable source or sources. Also the team, player, etc., will - as he would with the paper - have the right to ask the information not be published if their desire is it be ""off the record."' Exceptions are always a legitimate story of news value that can be confirmed. 4. Venting - if you just feel the need to vent, with the understanding it will likely not run on the blog, that's fine with me since I view all the comments anyway. If I receive an e-mail that I consider would be a worth while addition to the blog (this has happened on several occasions) I will e-mail you, asking permission to use it on the blog. In these instances I will not publish your e-mail address if that is your wish. My e-mail is still tonygsports@aol.com. Finally - If you feel your blog comment is being unfairly censored you may e-mail me so we may discuss it. We will NOT discuss it on the blog as I have often done until now. It will have to be addressed via e-mail or I may also be reached via phone at the Asbury Park Press at 732-922-6000, ext. 4000. If you are unhappy with any of the above or anything having to to do with this blog you may also e-mail our sports editor ghenderson@app.com. You may also contact him at the Press at the number listed. Thank you
MU Men's soccer/comments/predictions??
Opens Friday night and Sunday vs. No. 16 North Carolina and No. 3 Wake Forest. Can MU win or tie either game?? Will MU repeat as NEC champions?? My thoughts: MU will drop both games this weekend. I just don't see MU as of that caliber. But I do think MU will repeat as NEC champs...
Vic Kubu Eulogy by long time friend
" The Best Beer I Ever Had"
The following was written by Vic Kubu's long time friend..Dr. Patrick Buddle of Wall. He plans to read it at Wednesday's memorial service. Here it is published with his permission in its entirety. It is very moving... Victor E. Kubu…his real name is Everett Victor Kubu….actually for many years I never really knew that….he probably thought I was going to make fun of him….and he was right!!! Myself, and maybe Kevin Hyland our athletic trainer were probably the only two people I know that could actually make fun of him and get away with it….I think he was scared we would take too many players out of the game!!.... Even at that, I still received a few arm punches every now and then! n 1986.... 22 years ago, almost to the day, I was asked to work a high school football game. At that time I had no idea where the town of Manasquan was, much less the football field. I worked the game, I believe we won…and after the game, Victor, coach Kubu, asked me if I would like to join him and the rest of the coaching staff for a post-game beer. Victor’s version of this story, is that he wasn’t able to get rid of me since then!!!...but 22 years later, I can honestly say…that was the "best beer" I could have ever had. It is because of Victor and this Manasquan football program…. That myself and my family have developed so many enduring friendships and have had so many great memories….I owe that all to Coach Kubu. There’s a quote that says, "what you do for yourself dies with you….what you do for others….remains immortal." By the mere fact that this field bears his name, and by the sight of all of you here today…I believe Coach Kubu has taken a few steps towards some form of immortality. When someone would ask Coach Kubu what his best win was…. he would quickly respond, "the next one!" However Victor did have his "Short comings"…the main one is that he never listen to my football advice!! Right now he’s probably reprimanding God for allowing Mike Mele last year to run the Statue of Liberty play, that went for a untouched 44 yard touchdown ....for the last 22 years I had been hounding him to run that play!! After its success you can be sure I let him know that he had used it a few more times we may have had 15 state championships!!! I see it every day in the hospital…but Victor’s death reminds me once again, of how precious our lives really are. To all of you…. please enjoy your lives, family, and friends, …don’t wait until someone is sick to say you love them. As Victor would say often, " life is not a practice run…there are no do overs." I would like to thank Sharon, Terri, Wendy, and Victor Kevin for their trust in me and allowing me to take care of Victor…I would also like to thank my other medical colleagues, physicians and especially Victor’s nurses for their assistance in Victor’s care…. You would have to ask Victor’s family how good of husband, father, and grandfather he was…but I would bet they would say he was a good one… You would have to ask his coaches and players if he was a good coach…but I’m pretty sure they would say he was a great one… The one thing I can say with 100% certainty and without reservation…. is that he was the best friend I could have ever had!! Patrick M Buddle M.D. Team Physician, Manasquan Football
MU FB News & U Maine game football notes..from the Maine web site/believe MU notes will be up Wednesday on the MU web site
First a few MU notes. ..Maine will return the game at MU to open the 2008 season; Archives of the new weekly Hawks report on WMCX are available weekly on the MU web site.... The Sept. 8 MU home opener vs. Robert Morris will mark the first game ever video streamed on the web from MU....
Maine Notes: more on the Maine web site.....
The University of Maine football team opens its 116th season of collegiate football on Saturday night when the Black Bears play host to Monmouth at 6 p.m. at Alfond Stadium. Tickets still remain for the game and can be purchased by calling 581-BEAR or toll-free at (800) 756-TEAM. This Week's Storylines. ..Five Things You Need To Know **Maine opens its 116th season of playing college football and sports an all-time record of 464-440-38 (.513). **The Black Bears are opening a season at home for the first time since the 2003 campaign, when they played host to Montana. **Maine will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak in season openers. Maine's last season-opening victory came back in 2002 when the Black Bears defeated Central Connecticut, 52-3, in Portland. **Maine is 61-49-5 in home openers, including posting 35 shutout victories. The Black Bears topped Shaw, 62-12, in last season's home opener. **Maine and Monmouth are meeting for the first time. The Hawks will serve as the 87th different opponent Maine has faced in its history. A Maine Win Would... **Snap a four-game losing streak for the Black Bears in season openers. **Run the Black Bears' winning streak to four games in home openers. **Improve Maine's record to 62-49-5 all-time in season openers. **Be the Black Bears' first victory in a season-opener at home in Orono since 2001 (34-10 victory over Colgate). **Snap a current two-game losing streak dating back to the end of the 2006 season. **Be Maine's third-straight victory over a team from the Northeast Conference. **Be the Black Bears' first win over an NEC foe since Oct. 1, 2005, when they knocked off Albany, 31-7, in Portland. **Be the Black Bears' seventh home win in their last eight games dating back to the 2005 season. Scouting Monmouth The Monmouth Hawks enter Saturday's season opener as the defending champions in the Northeast Conference. Monmouth went 10-2 overall last season and 6-1 in the NEC to capture the league crown. The Hawks advanced to the Gridiron Classic, where they fell 27-7 to San Diego. That contest was for the 2006 Sports Network Mid-Major FCS National Championship. Monmouth did win the TSN 2004 I-AA Mid-Major national title. The Hawks feature several all-conference performers on offense, as they recently placed five players on the 2007 Preseason All-Northeast Conference Offensive Team, including: RB David Sinisi (2006 NEC Rookie of the Year), WR Adam San Miguel, TE John Nalbone, OL Jonathan Dunn and OL Nick LoCastro. Sinisi and San Miguel led the team in rushing and receiving, respectively, in 2006. Sinisi rushed for 754 yards and led the team with 14 touchdowns. San Miguel hauled in 73 passes for 872 yards and six touchdowns. The offense will be led by quarterback Brett Burke, who was tabbed the starter during preseason camp. Burke saw limited action in 11 games last season, completing 6-of-10 passes for 56 yards. Monmouth's defense lost the services of nine starters from last season, but do return a pair of preseason all-conference performers this year, including defensive linemen Chris Reed and Kevin Walsh. Both players recorded 13 tackles each last season. Walsh made 4.5 tackles for loss, while Reed was in on 3.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. New Starting Quarterback Under Center For Maine For the first time since the 2003 season opener, Maine will have a new starting quarterback under center when Michael Brusko takes the first snap versus Monmouth. Brusko replaces Ron Whitcomb, who started the previous four seasons and is the school-record holder for career completions, touchdowns and attempts. The last Black Bear quarterback to start a game other than Whitcomb was Jon Meczywor versus Georgia Southern in the 2002 NCAA Quarterfinals. 18 "New Jersey" Black Bears Eighteen (18) players on the Maine roster hail from the state of New Jersey. The number is the highest total for any state on the squad. The list includes: Steven Barker (Teaneck), Jonathan Calderon (Jersey City), Ryan Canary (Pt. Pleasant), Jamaal Forman (Vineland), Michael Geftic (North Caldwell), Mark Masterson (Williamstown), Patrick McCrossan (Sparta), Ryan McCrossan (Sparta), Jerron McMillian (Hillside), Ryan Nani (Lanoka Harbor), Reggie Paramoure (Hamilton), Christopher Parcells (Short Hills), Nabil Salim (Union City), Karon Robinson (Camden), Norman Smith (Jersey City), Wellington Talkpa (Hamilton), Lamir Whetstone (Trenton) and Landis Williams (Pemberton). Monmouth University is located in West Long Branch, N.J. Similar Head Coaches Both head coaches in Saturday's game -- Maine's Jack Cosgrove and Monmouth's Kevin Callahan -- began their head coaching careers in the 1993 season. Both enter their 15th seasons as head coaches on Saturday, and both have stayed the head coach at that same school for their entire career. Maine vs. the Northeast Conference (NEC) Maine is 8-2 all-time against current members of the Northeast Conference. The Black Bears are 7-1 against Central Connecticut State and 1-1 versus Albany. The last time Maine faced an NEC foe, the Black Bears pulled off a thorough 31-7 victory over Albany on Oct. 1, 2005, in Portland.
MU two-deep for first week per MU SID Greg Viscomi/Mandeville No. 2 QB
No real surprises that I see except maybe Mandeville's rise to No. 2 QB MU 2-DEEP for Maine game Saturday OFFENSE QB 11 Brett Burke 5-11 175 Sr. Wall, N.J./Wall 7 Andrew Mandeville 5-8 180 So. Hazlet, N.J./Raritan RB 30 Dave Sinisi 5-9 180 Jr. Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove 34 Bobby Giles 5-10 180 So. Burlington, N.J./Burlington Twp FB 44 Marion Easley 6-1 230 Jr. Somerville, N.J./Somerville 36 Kevin Hahn 5-10 225 Fr. Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West WR 88 Adam San Miguel 5-10 170 5-Sr. North Bergen, N.J./St. Peter’s Prep 31 Chris Kiley 5-10 175 Jr. Pt. Pleasant, N.J./Point Boro WR 87 Steve Dowens 6-1 190 Jr. Red Bank, N.J./Middletown South 15 Troy Yudin 6-1 180 Fr. Stevenson Ranch, N.J./William Hart TE 16 John Nalbone 5-4 240 Jr. Lawrenceville, N.J./Lawrence 82 Brian Frech 6-4 230 Sr. West Long Branch, N.J./Shore Reg. LT 77 Nick LoCastro 6-6 295 Sr. Wenonah, N.J./Gateway Reg. 78 Alex Iachetta 6-4 245 Fr. Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan LG 79 Jonathan Dunn 6-5 330 5-Sr. Blackwood, N.J./Washington Twp. 76 Joe Hurley 6-4 320 So. Medford Lake, N.J./Shawnee C 63 Andrew Musick 6-2 280 Jr. Ewing, N.J./Ewing 66 Bob Skellenger 6-1 285 5-Sr. Ocean City, N.J./Ocean City RG 60 Shawn Wright 6-2 265 So. Fort Washington, Md./DeMatha 64 Joe Stodolak III 6-4 300 Jr. Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park RT 74 Kevin Sterling 6-4 265 Jr. Marlton, N.J./Cherokee 71 Derek Rosinski 6-4 280 So. Tonawanda, N.J./Tonawanda KR 23 Brian Robinson 5-8 180 Sr. East Brunswick, N.J./E. Brunswick PR 88 Adam San Miguel 5-10 170 5-Sr. North Bergen, N.J./St. Peter’s Prep DEFENSE DE 90 Chris Reed 6-2 235 Sr. Stewartstown,Pa./York Catholic 98 Vinnie Fonti 6-4 245 5-Sr. Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne DT 97 Kevin Walsh 6-3 250 Sr. Mt. Laurel, N.J./Lenape 96 Jeff King 6-1 275 So. Hazlet, N.J./Raritan DE 73 David Kennedy 6-0 265 Jr. Fort Lee, N.J./Paterson Catholic 92 Steve Scholl 6-1 225 Jr. Manasquan, N.J./Wall OLB 56 T.J. Cerezo 6-0 215 Sr. Stanhope, N.J./Lenape Valley Reg. 58 Jeff Brady 6-2 230 So. East Aurora, N.J./St. Francis ILB 59 Tom Larkin 6-1 230 Jr. Hamilton, N.J./Steinert 57 Joe Cella 6-1 220 So. Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial ILB 54 Matt Sterner 6-2 215 Jr. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty 52 Larry Hudson 5-11 210 Sr. Somers Point, N.J./Mainland Reg. OLB 50 Tyler Burnett 6-0 225 Jr. Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Reg. 58 Jeff Brady 6-2 230 So. East Aurora, N.J./St. Francis CB 1 Ayo Falae 6-0 200 Sr. Newark, N.J./Barringer 38 Ken Amsel 5-10 185 So. Demarest, N.J./Northern Valley Reg. CB 3 Joe Arneth 6-0 175 So. Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial 23 Brian Robinson 5-8 180 Sr. East Brunswick, N.J./E. Brunswick SS 24 Bobby Cole 5-11 190 So. Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial 10 Derek Bischoff 5-8 190 5-Sr. Succasunna, N.J./Roxbury FS 33 Jon Stolarz 6-1 195 So. Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove 2 Bryan Bischoff 5-8 180 5-Sr. Succasunna, N.J./Roxbury K 35 Fred Weingart 6-1 170 Sr. New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt P 43 Jack Daniels 6-1 185 So. Franklin Lakes, N.J./Don Bosco 2007 MONMOUTH HAWKS 2 DEEP AT UNIVERSITY AT MAINE 9/1/07
Aug. 27 final update for Lindy's College Basketball/MU prediction plus preseason NEC teams
I am picking MU 10th. This summary on the Hawks has been updated to include the departure of Mike Shipman though the one I sent Lindy's still had Mike as playing. When he left MU it was probably too late to change the national publication which hits the news stands Sept. 1. Even before Mike left I had MU picked 10th. Also, I have closed comments on the initial Lindy's blog topic (which includes the Mount preview) so as to bring this one to the forefront and have people comment on it here. 10. Monmouth The 2006-2007 NEC favorite fell dramatically from grace snapping a string of six consecutive winning records. It became the first defending champion to fail to qualify for the ensuing post season league tournament. With the late summer news that junior point guard Mike Shipman is transferring only two regulars return from an under achieving group. At least there's a significant building block in Rookie of the Year Jhamar Youngblood. The quick, strong, explosive guard, may also see action at small forward. Otherwise, the only returnee who played a signifcant role is junior guard Whitney Coleman who stalled somewhat after a promising freshmen campaign. Incoming freshman point guard James Hett and athletic freshman forward George Barbour are among a wave of new faces. Coach Dave Calloway faces his most extensive rebuilding project since he first took over the program. A new on campus arena beckons in 2009-2010. HAWKS AT A GLANCE COACH: Dave Calloway - At Monmouth and overall: 142-140, 9 years 2006-2007 RECORD: 12-18 overall; 7-11 Northeast (t8th) 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Jhamar Youngblood, George Barbour. KEEP AN EYE ON: Barbour. A talented freshman forward from California figures to make an immediate impact. RETURNING STARTERS (2): Whitney Coleman, G, 6-3, 190 Jr. (9.1 ppg., 3.1 rpg.); Jhamar Youngblood, G, 6-1, 190, So. (12.3 ppg., 3.5 rpg.) RETURNING KEY RESERVE: Alex Nunner, G, 6-3, 185, Jr. (2.4 ppg., 1.8 rpg.) NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: George Barbour, F, 6-7, 190; James Hett, G, 6-1, 175; R.J. Rutledge, F/G, 6-4, 170; Nick DelTufo, F/C, 6-8, 205; Adam Dobriansky, C, 6-10, 225 STARTERS LOST (3): Marques Alston, F, 6-3, 190 (11.5 ppg., 3.8 rpg.); Dejan Delic, F, 6-6, 215 (14.6 ppg., 3.5 rpg.); John Bunch, C, 7-2, 320 (7.1 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 95 BS) Predictions 1. Robert Morris 2. Sacred Heart 3. Wagner 4. Quinnipiac 5. St. Francis, Pa. 6. St. Francis, N.Y. 7. Mount St. Mary's 8. CCSU 9. FDU 10. Monmouth 11. LIU All-Conference Teams FIRST TEAM F Devin Sweetney St. Francis, Pa. 6-6, 180 So. F Durell Vinson Wagner 6-7 215 Sr. G Tony Lee Robert Morris 6-0, 205 Sr. G Tristan Blackwood Central Connecticut State 6-0 170 Sr. G DeMario Anderson Quinnipiac 6-2 205 Sr. SECOND TEAM G Cameron Tyler Fairleigh Dickinson 6-0 205 Jr. G Jhamar Youngblood Monmouth 6-2 180 So. G Drew Shubek Sacred Heart 6-4, 205 Sr. F A. J. Jackson Robert Morris 6-6, 230, Sr. F Robert Hines St. Francis, N.Y. 6-5, 250 Sr. Player of the Year Tony Lee G, Robert Morris Newcomer of the Year Evann Baker G, Quinnipiac HONOR ROLL Best Shooter: Tristan Blackwood, Central Connecticut State Best Rebounder: A.J., Jackson, Robert Morris Best Playmaker: Jeremy Goode, Mount St. Mary's Best Defender: Tony Lee, Robert Morris Most Versatile: Devin Sweetney, St. Francis, Pa. Best NBA Prospect: DeMario Anderson, Quinnipiac
A sad day for all of us
Manasquan High School's Vic Kubu, one of the most successful football coaches in Shore Conference history, died early this morning according to his long time friend and personal physician Dr. Patrick Buddle, Wall. Kubu, 65, had underdone two surgeries for pancreatic cancer in the last year according to the physician. Dr. Buddle said Kubu's family and close friends were at his side when he passed away at home. ""Our reaction is our thoughts are with the Kubu family, from the entire Manasquan football program,'' said Pete Cahill, named interim coach last month when Kubu said he would be unable to coach his season. ""It's an obvious loss to the entire school community and the Shore Conference,'' said Cahill. ""He was one of the originals from the old guard of the Shore Conference.'' Dr. Buddle said there would be a memorial service Wednesday at the high school at a time to be determined but that any other funeral proceedings would be private. Dr. Buddle said during the second surgery in January at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, the tumor and a good portion of Kubu's pancreas were removed during a 12-hour operation but that since then Kubu had suffered from recurring infections, malnutrition, and chronic Ascides, an accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity. The physician said Kubu had been been admitted ""four or five times"" at Jersey Shore Medical Center since January because of the infections. Kubu's 263 victories had ranked second among active Shore Conference coaches to Warren Wolf of Brick Township who has 350. With a weakened Kubu guiding the team from press box facilities last season, Manasquan went 12-0 winning a Shore Conference record 10th New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association sectional championship. It defeated West Deptford, 28-0, in the 2006 South Jersey Group II final.
MU radio doing even more with sports....New show debuts Monday
This is from the MU web site..thought it might be of interest. I - personally - think they should make part of it a call-in show - if they have they have the equipment... WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with WMCX, the university’s student-run radio station, has announced the launch of “The Hawks Report”, a thirty-minute radio spotlight program focusing on Monmouth athletics. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our teams to receive more great coverage from WMCX,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil. “We want to applaud WMCX and we also look forward to partnering with them on this venture.” “The Hawks Report” will air every Monday at 9 a.m., beginning with the inaugural show on Monday, August 27. The show will feature an interview with a different Monmouth Athletics personality every week and will be hosted by WMCX’s Sports Director, Pete Mulroy. The show will air on WMCX, which is located at 88.9 FM, and will also be available on www.wmcx.com. The programs will be archived and made available on www.GoMUHawks, the official online home of Monmouth University Athletics. WMCX is also the exclusive broadcast home of the Monmouth University football and men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as selected baseball broadcasts. Last season, WMCX also broadcasted the Northeast Conference men’s soccer championships and a Monmouth lacrosse game. The Monmouth University Department of Athletics enjoyed a banner year in 2006-07, winning the NEC’s Commissioner’s Cup for the fourth year in a row and sixth time in the award’s history. Monmouth’s outstanding year included NEC championships in men’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, men’s golf, baseball, women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s indoor and outdoor track and field. The Hawks also captured regular season crowns in football and men’s soccer.
MU football scrimmage
Full report of the "offensive explosion"" at the MU web site.
Here is the Press story for Saturday... By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER WEST LONG BRANCH - The Monmouth University football offense lined up fourth-and-one Friday with the end zone 25 yards away. But instead of giving the ball to 2006 all Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year David Sinisi, quarterback Brett Burke handed it to fullback Marion Easley. The 6-1, 230 pound junior blasted through the jammed up line of scrimmage and burst 25 yards for a touchdown. The score marked the beginning of a five-touchdown afternoon for the Monmouth offense in the final pre-season intra-squad scrimmage. ""It was like they teach us, "Get the yards, get the yards,'' said Easley who has yet to touch the ball in a college game. But it appears he may get some chances this season, also gathering in a seven-yard pass. ""They (coaches) know what I can do,'' Easley said. ""Last year it was a different situation. I was injured and we had a couple of seniors in front of me. Mostly I had to take the blocking job and I was OK with that. ""We like to bring the wood,'' Easley said. Friday Monmouth brought some scoring entertainment to the fans at sunny Kessler Field as many young player saw action on both sides of the ball. Freshman quarterback Thomas D'Ambrisi (Monmouth Regional) threw a pair of TD passes, a 73-yard bomb to freshman wide out Chris Lewnes (St. John Vianney), and freshman Moe Ghotak for 20 yards. Freshman wide out Troy Yudin hauled in a 65-yard strike on a gimmick play, and freshman fullback Kevin Hahn turned a deflected pass into a 30-yard score. Burke hit all NEC tight end John Nalbone three times for 74 yards. ""I thought it was a very, very good performance on their (offense) part,'' said Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach. ""The biggest thing, overall, was we a had a great deal fewer penalties than we had in the last couple of scrimmages.'' A good showing for the offense, which brings back six starters, meant a long day for a mainly untested Monmouth defense. ""We're extremely young on defense and in some places we're still trying to figure things out,'' said Callahan. ""The defense is going to be a work in progress this year. It's not going to happen all at once.'' ""We're young but we're hustling, trying to get the system down,'' said sophomore Joe Arneth, a former Jackson Memorial star who it appears may open 2007 at cornerback. Monmouth launches its season 6 p.m. Sept. 1 at the University of Maine. ""Our pass coverage today was probably like a six (on a 1-to-10 scale),'' said Arneth. ""We're still learning, we're taking a step up. We're making some little mistakes but we'll get there.'' . Also..here is my own view of possible new starters for 2007, based on some consultation with coaches, but also from what I saw today via the rotations and performance to a degree, some guess work, and speculation..
2007 possible new Monmouth starters
(last year's starters in paranthesis)Offense: quarterback - Brett Burke (Brian Boland); wide receiver - Steve Dowens (Matt McClellend); fullback - Marion Easley (Rob Lutz), right tackle - Kevin Sterling (Matt Connolly). Defense: Outside linebacker - Tyler Burnett (Mike Nunziato); end - Chris Reed (Erik Yngstrom); tackle Kevin Walsh (Dan Sizelove); end - David Kennedy (Brian Sweeney); corner - Joe Arneth (David Jiles); middle linebacker Matt Sterner (Mike Castellano); middle linebacker - Tom Larkin (Anthony Addonizio); safety Derek Bischoff (Matt Hill); safety - Bobby Cole (Jamaal McClintock). Punter - Jack Daniels (Sean Dennis). I think the LB situation and the secondary are still far from etched in stone. To me - Jeff Brady, Joe Cella, Larry Hudson among those also in the hunt at LB. Someone asked on the blog if we would see five RBs this year. No.
My thinking is - while Sinsi gets the bulk of the carries , the flood rotation position this year will be at wide out. San Miguel is a given and I think Kiley in the slot, but otherwise the other WR candidates include Dowens, Ronnie (Good Hands) Lauch, Fr. Troy Yudin and Chris Lewnes, and maybe more. My guess at No. 2 QB: Andrew Mandeville. My guess at No. 2 RB: too close to call between Bobby Giles and Ryan Skorupka.. Also: ORT Alex Iachetta (Manasquan) appeared to line up with the second unit today and center Jim Sullivan (Manasquan) with the second or third. MU will issue its first game two-deep depth chart next week. It will be on the MU web site and I will also have it here for any discussion... Injury news: Of those listed on the MU web site.. all appear to be minor EXCEPT for nickle back Marcus Shell. The senior, who could have been challenging for a regular spot, will be out 4-6 weeks (groin area surgery) Callahan said.
Update on Tuesday MU football scrimmage with some new Callahan quotes
I did not attend the scrimmage. This is a combination of a story from the MU web site with my adding some quotes from KC (for tomorrow's Press)... For even more, many more details on the day. ..please go to the story on the MU web site..we can only fit so much in the paper.. By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER Former Raritan High School quarterback Andrew Mandeville and former Wall defensive standout Steve Scholl performed well in the team's second intra squad scrimmage of 2007 Tuesday. In windy, wet conditions at Kessler Field Mandeville, a sophomore battling for the back up job behind starter Brett Burke (Wall), engineered a drive that featured three straight pass completions. ''There are a lot of talented quarterbacks competing for the starting job but at this point it is very clear that Brett Burke has separated himself from the pack,'' said Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach. Scholl, a junior defensive end, registered three would-be sacks (quarterebacks are not allowed to be hit in scrimmages) and another tackle for a loss. Callahan said Mandeville managed the offense well. ""He did nice job throwing the ball in adverse conditions,''said Callahan. ""He ran a fairly impressive drive in which we mixed the run and the pass.'' Mandeville's day was highlighted when he hit junior Ron Lauch (Wall) for five yards which he followed up with a pass to Nick Romeo, and then an 18-yard strike to senior Chris Kiley (Point Boro). Two plays later redshirt freshman Bobby Giles bounced off tackles and scampered for a 29 yard touchdown which was negated by a holding call. On fourth down Mandeville was sacked by freshman Garrett Culloo (Ocean). Callahan said Scholl, who has yet to appear in a collegiate game, is doing ""some good things. ""He's showing some good quickness off the ball,'' said Callahan. ""He's definitely in the mix. He's demonstrated he's somebody we can count on.'' Other highlights of the day included: Redshirt freshman Joe Arneth (Jackson Memorial) intercepting a tipped pass, picks by Jon Stolarz and Shane Mitchell, and the offense scoring twice, both coming on goal line drills. David Sinisi scored from a yard out on his third try, with Joe Cella (Jackson Memorial, five tackles, fumble recovery) making the first of two stops, and Giles needing fourth down to rumble in during the latter half of the scrimmage. ""Joe (Cella) is starting to come on strong and he has demonstrated that he has a better understanding of the defense,'' said Callahan. One of the key positions still up in the air is the open spot at backup running back, with the competition heating up between sophomore Ryan Skorupka, Giles, and Halladay. "We still have quite a few positions on this team that are still up for grabs,'' said Callahan. Monmouth conducts its final 2007 preseason scrimmage 3 p.m. Friday at Kessler Field before beginning preparations to open Sept. 1 at University of Maine.
Cool down MU fans, apparently no Calhoun (at least this year)
I just talked with Qa'rraan Calhoun's legal guardian, Brock Johnson of Hazlet, father of former Raritan point guard and Calhoun teamate Marques Johnson who will be a junior at Boston U this season and who MU recruited. Brock Johnson said- Calhoun is looking at going to a junior college next season, probably Barton CC in Kansas, where he would link up with his friend Sandy Perry, a 6-9 player from Perth Amboy. Then QC would have two years of D1 eligiblity left. He said QC would rather do that than go to a D1 and sit out and have three years left.Yes, I know that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, but that's what he told me.....that QC doesn't want to sit around for a year. After that?I asked about MU. He said if Calhoun wanted to come and play ""before the home crowd"" that could be a possibility. Didn't rule it out, but really didn't rule anyone out. Also said that in a 3-way phone conversation last night Calhoun talked with Perry and himself and they discussed possibly the three (with M. Johnson)playing together at BU. In this scenario Calhoun would play at BU with Johnson for one year. Brock Johnson said he really didn't know why Calhoun left St. John's..that Calhoun was the only one who could answer that question. Brock said Calhoun wasn't talking to the media....that he was speaking for Calhoun at this point (some what reluctantly I might add..wasn't really enjoyng this in between role) but I left my number with Brock in case Calhoun has a change of heart. That's the latest on "Q." On to Mike Shipman. MU is putting out a formal release today on it's web site which I will also run here... Dave said whatever he (Calloway) says on the release is all he's going to say. I do not have any # for Mike, personally, and do not generally have most cf numbers of players... When a player of some stature leaves (Mike would qualify) we like to get a statement from the player. MU says they cannot supply me with same..that Mike's # has changed and they don't have it. Still - at this stage - if Mike wants to get in touch with the APP, today would be the day...I am at tonygsports@aol.com. ..but....I am not going to just run something from someone who claims to be him. I'll work that out if the situation arises - and I am not going to make this a day-to-day adventure. As I have said before.... ..I like Mike......he always dealt with me on a courteous and high level. I wish him the best...........
MU football scrimmage/etc.
Here is the story for the Sunday Press Also, there is a detailed repoort on the MU web site...(please see at the bottomof this page for more) By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER WEST LONG BRANCH - You definitely needed a score card Saturday to discern who was playing defense at the first intra-squad Monmouth University football scrimmage of 2007. ""We've got a lot of guys playing for the safety position,'' said sophomore safety Bobby Cole, one of nine potential first time starters on defense this fall. ""We've have a really young team this year so a lot of kids are competing for positions,'' said Cole. The new faces have tradition on their side. In 2000 and 2003 Monmouth had the top ranked defense in I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision), led the Northeast Conference in defense in 1998, was second in 2001 and 2005, and led in scoring defense in 2006. Cole, a redshirt freshman graduate of of Jackson Memorial High School, sat out last year with torn knee ligaments he said he suffered his senior year in high school. He was joined at the other starting safety slot Saturday by would be first time starter Derek Bischoff, a fifth-year senior. Cole performed at wide out and safety for the Jaguars. ""It was an easy transition for me (to defense),'' said Cole. ""It was just learning the defenses. Once that happened everything fell into place so it's working out.'' At a middle linebacker slot senior Matt Sterner steps in to a position formerly manned by All Northeast Conference standout Mike Castellano. Castellano was preceded by All-America Joe Sentipal Sterner, who opened at linebacker Saturday with two other potential first time starters in junior Tom Larkin and sophomore Jeff Brady, delivered a solid hit on running back David Sinisi during a goal-line drill. ""There's a lot of big shoes to fill on that defense,'' said Sterner. ""They played as a unit last year.'' The day's defensive highlight was Preseason All-NEC defensive lineman Kevin Walsh snatching a screen pass by sophomore Andrew Mandeville (Raritan) and rumbling to the end zone. Saturday's offensive highlight was provided by Ronnie Lauch of Wall. The 6-5, 205 pound junior split two defenders to turn a pass by sophomore quarterback Ryan Folsom into a 45-yard touchdown play. Lauch later snagged a short TD toss from freshman Thomas D'Ambrisi of Monmouth Regional Lauch has yet to catch a pass in a college game. ""It'll come,'' he said. ""We're just looking to get better as a team.'' Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach, said the Hawks are striving for consistency. ""That's not only true for our defense but for our entire team,'' he said. It's a Wall thing Former Wall High School quarterback Chad Tirpak, converted to defensive back, will be out of action for a few weeks. The sophomore suffered a foot injury while moving furniture. In August of 2004 current Monmouth senior quarterback Brett Burke suffered a broken hand in another furniture mishap. NOTES...Burke hit All-NEC tight end John Nalbone for a score. All of Monmouth's touchdowns, except the one by Lauch, were the result of red zone or goal line situations...Senior Mike Pizzuli (Red Bank Regional) converted the longest field goal of the windy day from 47 yards. Junior Fred Weingart (New Egypt) connected from 32 and 29 yards...Pierre LaFontant, a freshman linebacker from Montgomery Village, Md., had a fumble recovery and a sack...Senior corner Ayo Falae, one of the two returning starters on defense along with linebacker T. J. Cerezo, sat out with a bruised shoulder. He was one of several players held out of action with what Callahan termed ""assorted injuries for precautionary reasons.'' The group included starting fullback Marion Easley and senior offensive tackle Nick LoCastro (6-6, 295). Freshman offensive tackle Alex Iachetta (6-4, 245), a Manasquan High School graduate, appeared at times to be working with a possible first unit group. Some personal notes.... The quarterback situation: I have seen Brett Burke throw a lot better in other practices over the last few years...just didn't seem to be that much on target or have that much zip though it was a windy day..and he shared a lot of the the time with the others.. But he is clearly ahead of everyone else.. no clear cut No. 2. Matt Fullam, the transfer from Fordham , wasin my opinion just so-so. Thomas D'Ambrisi, the freshman from Monmouth Reg. looked OK at times, but he and the other candidates are soooooo young and inexperienced. I thought going into camp Ryan Skorupka was definitely the No. 2 runner behind David Sinsi ( who looks very good). But it appears Bobby Giles and Josh Halladay may have a shot. The battle is on for the No. 3-4-5 wide outs and slots after San Miguel and Chris Kiley. Fr. Troy Yudin from Calif. had one or two catches but wasn't thrown too as much as I would have liked to see.....Big Ronnie Lauch from Wall continues to impress me at least.. two TD catches today...Chris Lewnes (SJ Vianney) had a nice diving catch though some say he scooped it..anyway.. a nice play... Jim Sullivan (Manasquan) fr. center, appears to be the No. 3 center right now behind senior Andrew Musick and impressive soph.. (or RS fr) Shawn Wright. Could move up when (if) Wright moves to tackle/guard. Still many questions in my mind about the defense. My game plan for MU this year - give the ball to Sinisi......a lot!!!
Rumors of transfer - Mike Shipman
Well, according to reliable sources, not to mention some bloggers and e-mailers, MU junior point guard Mike Shipman apparently plans to transfer to Wilmington College, an NCAA Division 2 school in New Castle, Del. This is not official. Monmouth coach Dave Calloway has issued a "no comment." And unless and or if it becomes official, neither school will comment. (Wilmington won't comment on a player who is not there yet, that's common NCAA policy, no doubt some sort of NCAA rules violation if it did). Appearing in 30 games over two seasons Shipman averaged 5.5 points and five assists per game. If the rumors are valid 2006-2007 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year Jhamar Youngblood and junior guard Whitney Coleman will be the only remaining players who saw major action for last season's 12-18 team. Also, if Mike leaves, it would open a scholarship for 2008-2009 at Monmouth which currently has none available until 2009-2010.
NEC Women's Soccer Poll - MU picked No. 2, Men No.1. In national men's poll MU unranked
WOMEN
The Monmouth University women's soccer team can't seem to overcome Long Island University lately, whether it's on the field or in league rankings. In a voting quirk Monmouth received more first place votes, but defending champion LIU received the nod as as the preseason favorite to win the 2007 Northeast Conference women's soccer championship. The poll of the league's head coaches was announced Thursday with LIU receiving three first place votes. Monmouth, last season's runnerup, collected four first place votes. The Hawks dropped their last two meetings to LIU in 2007 including a 2-0 setback in the NEC Tournament championship game. Monmouth coach Krissy Turner said the poll results did not surprise her. ""Typically the defending champion is the preseason favorite the following year,'' she said. ""That's been the case.'' Perennial NEC power CCSU claimed the remaining three first place votes. Saint Francis (PA) edged out Sacred Heart for fourth, with Quinnipiac coming in sixth. Rounding out the field were Fairleigh Dickinson in seventh, followed by Robert Morris, Wagner and Mount St. Mary's. "" To be honest, we're much more interested in the end of the year,'' said Turner. (more on the poll at the NEC web site) MEN - This from the NEC web site -Defending conference champion Monmouth has been selected as the preseason favorite to capture the 2007 Northeast Conference men’s soccer championship, according to a poll of league head coaches. The Hawks received seven first place votes to beat out Fairleigh Dickinson, which was picked second and earned three first place votes. Robert Morris took the third spot in the poll, followed by Sacred Heart in fourth and Long Island in fifth. Central Connecticut State and Saint Francis (PA) tied for sixth, with Mount St. Mary’s, St. Francis (NY) and Quinnipiac rounding out the poll. The NEC will be looking to build upon a strong 2006 season when three teams - Monmouth, Fairleigh Dickinson and Central Connecticut State - earned national rankings at various points in the NSCAA/adidas poll. for more please go to northeastconference.org The 2007 NSCAA/adidas pre-season rankings for senior and junior college men and women is out, and MU men were unranked. Nor did the Hawks receive any votes.
MU opens its season with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 3 Wake Forest soo.. it has a chance to make a quick statement....
I believe we under played this and I apologize. This is quite an honor for MU and for Gray. So here is an opportunity for all to make comments and or discuss Gray and MU men's soccer.
There is more to this recent release at the MU and NEC web sites...also.. the NEC will be eleasing its preseason polls for football, and men's and women's soccer this week and we will also release them here, run them in the Press, and have MU coaching reaction.. We will also have flull fledged features previewing the sports the last week in August...... Monmouth University senior Tom Gray (Middletown South High School) is among the 29 players who are included in the Men’s 2007 Hermann Trophy Watch List, awarded to the top player in the country, as released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Notre Dame senior forward Joseph Lapira, the 2006 winner of the Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy, headlines the list. “This is an honor for both Tom and the program,” said head coach Robert McCourt. “I truly believe he has the potential to be the top player in the nation. It is a tribute to all the hard work and dedication he has put into his development and for the program.” Gray, a 2006 first-team All-Northeast Conference and first-team All-Region performer, led the NEC with a career-high 14 assists in 2006, helping lead the Hawks to the NEC Championship, an NCAA Tournament appearance and the program’s first-ever national ranking. Gray is the first Monmouth player to be added to the Hermann Trophy watch list, as he ranked second in the NCAA in assists per game last year. The Blue and White, which has won back-to-back NEC regular season titles, and is on a 19-game conference unbeaten streak, face three players on the list during the 2007 regular season. Players are selected to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List by a committee of Division I coaches who are NSCAA members. In November, the list will be narrowed to 15 semifinalists. Three finalists will be named in early December in conjunction with the NCAA Division I College Cup and will be invited to the Missouri Athletic Club on Friday, January 11, 2008. The winner of the 2007 award will be announced during a nationally-televised news conference that evening. Monmouth opens its 2007 campaign at the Carolina Nike Classic, as the Hawks face North Carolina and Wake Forest on August 31 and September 2, respectively, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.ALSO - I spoke with MU AD Marilyn McNeil Friday urging her that MU provide Game Tracker and Viedo Streaming for men's and women's soccer. She agreed it was important and that MU would look into it.
The rest is up to you - the MU fans - and MU.
Lindy's Updated Aug. 22 - My Lindy's College Basketball Annual NEC men's hoops previews (will run nationally beginning in Sept.)
Teams previewed so far CCSU, FDU, LIU, Wagner, Quinnipiac, St. Francis, Pa., St. Francis, N.Y., Sacred Heart, Robert Morris.
Next up - No. 7 and 10. Where do I have MU???
With Lindy's scheduled to hit the news stands in Sept., the editors have given me the OK to begin publishing my NEC picks on our blog. 1. ROBERT MORRIS First year coach Mike Rice steps into a potentially promising situation. After a highly regarded club stumbled in 2006-2007, four starters, several reserves, and a few newcomers are poised to attempt to lead RMU to its first NEC championship 1992. Senior Tony Lee, as complete a player as the NEC may have to offer, will inherit the leadership role from graduated point guard Derek Coleman. Forward A.J. Jackson and Lee return as the No. 3 and No. 7 scorers in the league. Last year's No. 2 offensive team in the NEC (75 ppg.) hopes to rachet up the defense after RMU allowed opponents to shoot 45 percent last season. Guard Bateko Francisco, who averaged 19 points and five rebounds at Fort Scott Kansas Community College, and freshman point guard Gary Wallace figure to blend in effectively with a seasoned club. COLONIALS AT A GLANCE COACH: Mike Rice - At Robert Morris and overall: 0-0. 2006-2007 RECORD: 17-11 overall; 9-9 Northeast (t/4th) 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: A.J. Jackson, Tony Lee, Jeremy Chappell KEEP AN EYE ON: Chappell. Takes the ball to the basket and could take his game to the next level. RETURNING STARTERS (4): Freddie Harris, C, 6-8, 245, Sr. (4.3 ppg., 3.0 rpg.); A.J. Jackson, F, 6-6, 230, Sr. (16.9 ppg., 7.8 rpg.); Tony Lee, G, 6-0, 205 Sr. (15.9 ppg., 6.1 rpg., 4.4 apg.); Jeremy Chappell, G, 6-3, 175, Jr. (14.4 ppg., 5.1 rpg.) RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Mezie Nwigwe, G, 6-4, 175, So. (4.2 ppg., 2.0 rpg.); Ifeanyi Ehirim, F, 6-7, 210, Jr. (2.3 ppg., 2.4 rpg.); Jimmy Langhurst,G, 5-10, 170, So. (2.1 ppg.). NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Gary Wallace, G, 6-3, 185; Bateko Francisco, G, 6-1, 170 (JUCO transfer); Bas Rozendaal, C, 7-0, 230, R/S Fr., William Royal, F, 6-7, 230. STARTERS LOST (1): Derek Coleman, G, 5-11, 180, Sr. (12.8 ppg., 5.4 apg.) 2. SACRED HEART Three starters and some key back ups will take the floor one year after helping take the team to landmark accomplishments. They included a first winning record in eight seasons in the NEC, posting the highest finish (second), and first appearance in the NEC Tournament championship game. Sacred Heart returns the bulk of NEC's second-best 3-point shooting attack (.379), highest scoring offense (78.5 ppg.), and the league's No. 1 field goal shooting team (.480). Senior guard Drew Shubik was second in the NEC in steals. Rookie guards Chauncey Hardy and Ryan Litke were Nos. 2 and 3 from downtown with junior Luke Granato No. 7. There's size in the middle with seven-footer Liam Potter and freshman Mehmet Sahan. Despite all the fire power a potential problem is SHU's last place ranking in the NEC in defense (76.9 ppg.). PIONEERS AT A GLANCE COACH: Dave Bike - At Sacred Heart and overall: 445-394, 29 years 2006-2007 RECORD: 18-14 overall; 12-6 Northeast (2nd) 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Drew Shubik, Joey Henley. KEEP AN EYE ON: Mehmet Sahan. The 6-9 freshman with a physical game could challenge for immediate playing time. RETURNING STARTERS (3): Joey Henley, F, 6-4, 210, Sr. (11.1 ppg., 4.5 rpg.); Brice Brooks, F, 6-7, 210, Sr. (9.9 ppg., 6.0 rpg); Drew Shubik, G, 6-4, 205, Sr. (9.8 ppg., 4.0 apg.) RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Ryan Litke, G, 6-3, 190, So. (8.4 ppg., .431 3pt.%); Chauncey Hardy, G, 6-0, 170, So. (10.6 ppg., .438-3pt%); Luke Granato, G, 6-6, 210, Sr. (8.8 ppg.); Ryon Howard, F, 6-6, 225, Sr. (10.0 ppg., 4.0 rpg.); Liam Potter, C, 7-0, 230, Jr. (4.7 ppg., 3.2 rpg.) NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Mehmet Sahan, C, 6-9, 245; Joshua Marshall, F, 6-5, 200. STARTERS LOST (2): Jarrid Frye, G, 6-3, 190 (13.3 ppg., 5.0 rpg); Tavio Hobson, G, 6-0, 185 (5.4 ppg.) 3. WAGNER
It's now or never for virtually the same squad that has been trying to repeat its startling
success of 2004-2005, Then, with mainly young players, it finished with a stretch drive that
carried it to the league tournament final. Since then a rash of uneven performances and last
season's suspension of 2005-2006 All NEC second team forward Durell Vinson have conspired to
prevent it from making another title run. Now, again with a veteran club that includes red
shirt senior Vinson, this particular group of players appears in line to make one last
championship bid. Senior guard Mark Porter's 1,072 career points makes him the returning
leading scorer in the NEC. Head coach Mike Deane, at his fourth Division I stop, begins the
season with 394 career wins.
(PS - I am told former MU walk on T.J. Tibbs wound up here)
SEAHAWKS AT A GLANCE
COACH: Mike Deane - At Wagner 51-62, 4 years; 394-285 overall: 394-285, 22 years
2006-2007 RECORD: 11-19 overall; 8-10 Northeast (7th)
2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Durell Vinson, Mark Porter.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Jamal Smith, a 6-5 junior swingman can create problems for smaller guards or
utilize his quickness versus larger forwards.
RETURNING STARTERS (4): Mark Porter, G, 6-1, 190 Sr. (13.8 ppg., 5.2 rpg.); Jamal Smith, G,
6-5, 210 Jr. (11.7 ppg., 5.5 rpg.); James Ulrich, F, 6-6, 215, Sr. (13.2 ppg., 6.7 rpg.); Joey Mundweiler, G, 6-2, 180, Jr. (11.6 ppg., 1.7 rpg.).
RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Justin Drummond, F, 6-6, 200 Jr. (5.7 ppg., 3.5 rpg.); Llewchean
Radford, F, 6-4, 230 Jr. (4.6 ppg., 4.0 rpg.)
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Durell Vinson, F, 6-7, 215 RS/Sr. (15.2 ppg., 9.6 rpg.); Clifton Spiller,
F, 6-6, 225
STARTERS LOST (1): Matt Vitale, F, 6-6, 210 (7.3 ppg., 3.8 rpg.)
4. QUINNIPIAC
First-year head coach Tom Moore, accustomed to winning championships in his 13 years as an
assistant at the University of Connecticut, takes over a program that has generally struggled
in a nearly a decade on the Division I level. Last year's third place NEC finish was not
enough to save the job of former boss Joe DeSantis. Moore's first year on the job should be
smoothed by the presence of DeMario Anderson, a potential Player of the Year who led the
Bobcats in scoring and was No. 2 in minutes played despite despite coming off the bench in 10
games. The return of 6-9 senior center Karl Anderson (no relation) provides a legitimate post
presence. Though nine players are gone from last year's roster rookie guard Evann Baker, who
originally committed to Wichita State, is expected to make an immediate splash.
BOBCATS AT A GLANCE
COACH: Tom Moore - At Quinnipiac and overall: 0-0.
2006-2007 RECORD: 14-15 overall; 11-7 Northeast (3rd)
2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: DeMario Anderson
KEEP AN EYE ON: Karl Anderson. The 6-9 senior with an accomplished touch around the basket
figures to be utilized early and often under Moore after being mainly an after thought on
offense in prior seasons.
RETURNING STARTERS (2): DeMario Anderson, G, 6-2, 205, Sr. (15.7 ppg., 4.3 rpg.); Casey
Cosgrove, G, 5-8, 165, So. (3.5 ppg., 3.4 apg.)
RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Karl Anderson, C, 6-9, 255, Sr. (6.8 ppg., 3.5 rpg.), James Feldeine, G, 6-4,185, So.
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Louis Brookins, F, 6-7, 230 (transfer from Maryland Eastern Shore); Jeremy
Baker, G, 6-2, 195 (JUCO transfer), Ed Zajac, C, 6-10, 235; Evann Baker, G, 6-3, 185
.
STARTERS LOST (3): Chris Weyhe, F, 6-7, 200 (8.2 ppg., 4.6 rpg.); Victor Akinyanju, F, 6-7,
245 (7.7 ppg., 7.0 rpg.); Van Crafton, G, 6-1, 195 (7.6 ppg.)
(After doing some more reading up on this Evann Baker kid from the Qpac web site, I'm thinking maybe I should have picked the Bobcats higher)
5. ST. FRANCIS, PA.
Whenever something could go wrong for St. Francis in recent years it did. From All-NEC
performer Darshan Luckey leaving school early to turn professional, from personal misfortune
that ended the career of 6-11 J.R. Enright, to coach Bobby Jones' illness, a cloud of bad luck
has perpetually shrouded the mountain top program. But the cloud began to lift late last
season. St. Francis won its last three games and four of its last five. It returns virtually
its entire roster led by All-NEC rookie Devin Sweetney, a Player of the Year in waiting.
Sweetney's six double-doubles last winter ranked him fourth in the NEC. He led all NEC
freshman with 13.0 ppg. (18th in NEC) while shooting 83.4 percent from the stripe (sixth in
NEC). Look for the Red Flash to earn a 2008 NEC Tournament berth while making a substantial
gain in the league standings.
RED FLASH AT A GLANCE
COACH: Bobby Jones - At St. Francis, Pa. and overall 79-144, 8 years
2006-2007 RECORD: 8-21 overall; 5-13 Northeast (11th)
2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Devin Sweetney
KEEP AN EYE ON: Bassirou Dieng. The 6-9 athletic forward blocks shots, finishes in transition,
and has 3-point potential. On the verge of a break out year.
RETURNING STARTERS (5): Devin Sweetney, G/F, 6-6, 180, So. (13.0 ppg., 7.7 rpg.); Chris Berry,
G/F, 6-6, 190, Jr. (11.7 ppg., 4.9 rpg.); Marques Ford, G, 5-10, 175, Jr. (9.3 ppg., 4.1
apg.); Cale Nelson, G, 5-10, 185, R/S Jr. (8.7 ppg. 3.6 apg.); Bassirou Dieng, C, 6-9, 215,
Jr. (6.2 ppg., 3.9 rpg.)
RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Grant Suprenant, G, 6-5, 180, Jr. (1.8 ppg.); Mislav Jukic, F, 6-7,
220, So. (2.1 ppg.); Kurt Hoffman, F, 6-7, 225, So. (1.2 ppg.).
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Sorena Orandi, G, 6-1, 185
STARTERS LOST: (0)
6. ST. FRANCIS, N.Y.
In his third year coach Brian Nash feels the Terriers, with four starters returning, are ready to make a move into the upper echelon of the NEC. To accomplish that they'll probably need to move up the ranks in offense after scoring a league worst 63.1 ppg. last season. The centerpiece is versatile forward Robert Hines, one of seven newcomers who arrived in 2006-2007 and helped the team return to the NEC Tournament after a one-year hiatus. The versatile Hines has the ability to produce points in a variety of ways, powering to the basket or shooting with range. Guard Jamaal Womack showed some offensive pop with 31 points vs. Robert Morris. Terriers aren't big inside but hope to compensate with a motion offense and a solid half court defense ranked fourth in the NEC (69.0 ppg.) last season.
TERRIERS AT A GLANCE
COACH: Brian Nash - At St. Francis and overall: 19-39, 2 years
2006-2007 RECORD: 9-22 overall; 7-11 Northeast (t8th)
2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Robert Hines.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Freshman Ricky Cadell, a prep school point guard who would fill a critical need.
RETURNING STARTERS (4): Jamaal Womack, G, 5-8, 170 Sr. (10.6 ppg., 2.6 ppg.); Marcus Williams, G/F, 6-3, 220, Sr. (8.2 ppg., 5.1 rpg.); Robert Hines, C/F, 6-5, 250, Sr. (16.5 ppg., 5.9 rpg.); Bass Yessoufou, C, 6-9, 220, Sr. (5.1 ppg., 3.6 rpg.)
RETURNING KEY RESERVES: John Gooden, F, 6-6, 220, Sr. (4.6 ppg., 3.9 rpg.); Kayode Ayeni, F, 6-5, 180, So. (3.0 ppg., 3.2 rpg.)
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Ricky Cadell, G, 6-2, 175; Rocco Rubino, G, 6-3, 175; Ishan Phillips, F, ips, 6-8, 210 (JUCO transfer), Otis Campbell, G, 6-2, 195 (JUCO transfer).
STARTERS LOST (1): Allan Sheppard, F, 6-5, 200 (10.8 ppg., 5.1 rpg.)
7.MOUNT ST.MARY'S
Led by sophomore guard Jeremy Goode and senior guard Chris Vann the Mount is looking to
progress off last season's first NEC Tournament semifinal appearance in seven years. NEC
contenders normally boast a strong back court and the Mount hopes Goode and Vann fill the mode. Goode, third in the NEC in steals (56) as a rookie and second in total assists (155),
is a pure point who will probably rise in scoring prowess. Either Kelly Beidler or Will
Holland will look to step into the shoes of two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year Mychal
Kearse. Sam Atupem and Markus Mitchell are being counted on to offer a post up game. Up front
help may have also arrived in freshman Danny Thompson who averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds
as a high school senior.
MOUNTAINEERS AT A GLANCE
COACH: Milan Brown - At Mount St. Mary's and overall: 41-76, 4 years
2006-2007 RECORD: 11-20 overall; 9-9 Northeast (t/4th)
2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Jeremy Goode
KEEP AN EYE ON: Chris Vann, the senior guard should be the focal point of the Mount attack.
RETURNING STARTERS (3): Chris Vann, G, 6-0, 195, Sr. (13.6 ppg., 2.9 rpg.); Jeremy Goode, G,
5-9, 170, So. (10.1 ppg., 5.0 apg.); Sam Atupem, F, 6-7, 240, Jr. (5.7 ppg., 3.4 rpg.)
RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Kelly Beidler, F, 6-5, 205, So. (5.8 ppg., 3.2 rpg.); Will Holland,
G/F, 6-4, 215, So. (5.5 ppg., 2.1 rpg.); Markus Mitchell, F, 6-7, 245, Jr. (4.9 ppg., 3.5 rpg.)
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Danny Thompson, F, 6-7, 205; Shawn Atupem, F, 6-7, 195.
STARTERS LOST (2): Mychal Kearse, G, 6-4, 205 (11.5 ppg., 5.9 rpg.); Gus Durr, F, 6-6, 220
(8.4 ppg., 3.8 rpg.)
8. CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE
Despite taking major hits at graduation the Blue Devils aren't totally starting over after winning their third NEC championship in eight years. Gone, however, is 2007 NEC Player of theYear Javier Mojica but the cupboard still has a jewel remaining in guard Tristan Blackwood.The senior has amassed 1102 career points and has a shot to challenge the school record of1,734 points set by Damian Johnson (1993). He'll be flanked by returning shooting guard JoeSeymore. Still, CCSU will have to fill voids left not only by Mojica but rebounding machineObie Nwadike who snared almost 1,000 career caroms. Coach Howie Dickenman, who has posted thehighest winning percentage in NEC Tournament play among active head coaches (14-6, .700) willlook to reload with an array of freshmen and a junior college transfer. BLUE DEVILS AT A GLANCE COACH: Howie Dickenman - At Central Connecticut and overall: 178-145, 11 years 2006-2007 RECORD: 22-12 overall; 16-2 Northeast (1st). 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Tristan Blackwood KEEP AN EYE ON: Joe Seymore who hit 66 3s as a freshman shooting from 37 % from deep. RETURNING STARTERS (2): Tristan Blackwood, G, 6-0, 170 Sr. (17.1 ppg., 4.1 apg.); Joe Seymore,G, 6-3, 185, Soph. (7.5 ppg., 2.1 rpg.). RETURNING KEY RESERVE: Dan Powell, G, 6-0, 175, Sr. (2.4 ppg., 1.4 apg.) NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Marcus Palmer, F, 6-6, 215 (JUCO transfer); Ken Horton, F, 6-6, 190; TamirJohnson, F, 6-6, 205; Jermaine Washington, G, 5-11, 165 STARTERS LOST (3): Obie Nwadike, F, 6-4, 225 (14.4 ppg., 10.7 rpg.); Javier Mojica, G, 6-3,180 (16.8 ppg., 7.1 rpg.); Jemino Sobers, C, 6-7, 245 (9.0 ppg., 5.5 rpg.). 9. FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON
FDU's backbone figures to be its returning back court players Cameron Tyler and Manny Ubilla. Tyler blossomed as a sophomore point guard last season, adept at searching out the open manand driving to the basket. Ubilla (Freehold) was a point making addition from the junior college ranks. Forward Eric Hazard (CBA) was No. 4 in the NEC in 3-point shooting (41.2%). He'll need to be on target again as the Knights will be seeking an inside game with the departure of burly center and NEC scoring leader Andre Harris. Overall, FDU is in for a massive front line overhaul and hopes to locate a few more points from its bench. Coach Tom Green starts his 25th year at the helm, six wins shy of his 400th career victory. KNIGHTS AT A GLANCE COACH: Tom Green - At FDU and overall: 394-308, 24 years 2006-2007 RECORD: 14-16 overall; 9-9 Northeast (t4th) 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Cameron Tyler KEEP AN EYE ON: Manny Ubilla. The senior sharp shooter, with a year under his belt after transferring from junior college, could blossom into one of the top scorers in the NEC. RETURNING STARTERS (2): Cameron Tyler, G, 6-0, 190 Jr. (14.3 ppg., 5.1 apg.); Manny Ubilla, G,6-2, 185, Sr. (11.9 ppg., 4.3 rpg.) RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Bernell Murray, G, 5-9, 173, Sr. (3.7 ppg., 1.3 rpg.); Sean Baptiste,G, 6-3, 185, So. (4.6 ppg., 2.1 rpg.); Eric Hazard, F, 6-6, 213, Sr. (5.3 ppg., 2.3 rpg., 42.33-pt%) NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Mike Luby, C, 6-10, 260; Jordan Stasyszyn, G, 6-2, 185; John Galvin, F, 6-8, 200.STARTERS LOST (3): Andre Harris, 6-8, 233, Sr. (18.8 ppg., 7.5 rpg.); Michael Peeples, F, 6-7,211 (11.9 ppg., 5.6 rpg.); Jordan Ingram, F, 6-7, 210 (1.8 ppg., 3.6 rpg.). 11. LONG ISLAND U.
A group of veterans including some late season starters return for LIU which was expected to contend in 2006-2007. Instead it fell prey to inconsisteny and periodic injuries. Despitesenior guard James Williams climbing to fourth all-time on school scoring charts (1,710 careerpoints) LIU dropped three of its final four games and failed to qualify for the NECTournament. Now it will bank on point guard Jaytornah Wisseh and forward Eugene Kotorobai who picked up some scoring when slack when starter Aubin Scott went down with a season ending shoulder problem. A young but athletic team also has high expectations from newcomers like prep school guard David Hicks and junior college transfers Ron Manigault and Nehemiah Weicks. BLACKBIRDS AT A GLANCE COACH: Jim Ferry - At Long Island U. and overall: 53-85, 5 years 2006-2007 RECORD: 10-19 overall; 6-12 Northeast (10th) 2007-2008 HONORS CANDIDATES: Eugene Kotorobai KEEP AN EYE ON: Jaytornah Wisseh who started the last seven games and led LIU in assists RETURNING STARTERS (3): Eugene Kotorobai, F, 6-5, 210, Sr. (9.7 ppg., 6.5 rpg.); JaytornahWisseh, G, 6-1, 180, Soph. (8.7 ppg., 2.6 rpg.); Aurimas Adomaitis, F/C, 6-8, 235, So. (6.0ppg., 3.2 rpg.) RETURNING KEY RESERVES: Tyrone Mattison, G, 5-11, 185, Jr. (6.3 ppg., 2.8 rpg.); PaskaMorkeliunas, F, 6-7, 230 (4.5 ppg., 3.7 rpg.).NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: David Hicks, G, 6-1, 170; Ron Manigault, F, 6-4, 205 (JUCO transfer); Nehemiah Weicks, G, 5-11 (JUCO transfer); Ike YPredictions1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8. CCSU9. FDU10.11.udanoh, F, 6-7, 190. STARTERS LOST (2): James Williams, G, 5-10, 175 (16.2 ppg., 2.7 rpg.); Aubin Scott, G, 6-2,185 (9.7 ppg., 6.8 rpg.) Predictions 1. Robert Morris 2. Sacred Heart 3. Wagner 4. Quinnipiac 5. St. Francis, Pa. 6. St. Francis, N.Y. 7. Mount St. Mary's 8. CCSU 9. FDU 10. Monmouth 11. Long Island U. e-mail tonygsports@aol.com
Land mark news for MU fans/Game Tracker and Streaming Video to debut on MU web site this fall
For Jim Grossman in NJ and for MU fans any where on the planet this is really big news -
MU SID Greg (Mr. Philadelphia Eagle) Viscomi told me Wednesday that GAME TRACKER and STREAMING VIDEO are planned for the MU web site beginning this 2007-2008 season for home events for the sports of football, men's and women's basketball, and baseball. Women 's lacrosse will be covered via Game Tracker and MU is ""looking into some streaming for that as well,'' Viscomi said. If you're wondering about soccer, MU cannot get the necessary wired internet out to the Great Lawn, according to Viscomi. In my view this is a shame since MU men may be nationally ranked and women should also be very good. Apparently the only way to do that would be to install some sort of a permament hook up out to the Great Lawn. Or MU soccer could - I guess - this is just my thinking - move to Kessler Field where the internet is readily available. Eventually - I think - if MU soccer continues to mush room in stature the school will have to work something out to make it available on the internet via - Game Tracker and or Streaming Video and or on WMCX. Anyway, the streaming video , in my opinion, is the big news and a huge step forward in the web world for MU bringing it up to par with some other schools in the Northeast Conference and many nation wide.
""I think we're looking at two camera shots for football and the two basketballs and possibly two camera shots for baseball,'' Viscomi said. For football and hoops, MU plans to patch its video into its WMCX radio broadcasts and apparently will do the same for baseball if baseball games are broadcast. With the newly renovated baseball stands and newly built enclosed press box (the entire facility looks teriffic) I would hope MCX will commit to baseball as it does for football and hoops. For that matter it should also broadcast at least men's and women's soccer - in my opinion. Viscomi said that for the Streaming Video there will be options for a monthly and a yearly fee for which numbers have yet to be worked out. Such fees are charged- by the way - by many colleges and universities nation wide. Game Tracker will be free.The formal announcement of all this will be made on the MU web site when it's ready to go and I will also run it on our blog....
Wednesday's MU (freshman) football practice
First of all, I didn't see all that much. I was too busy pouring jugs of cold water over my head. Man, it was hot. HOT. Whew! Seriously..yes it was hot..but when I peered out from under the water cascading over my glasses there wasn't much going on that made for interesting viewing or even reporting. The players were mostly in position groups, doing drills and technique stuff. There was no hitting or scrimmaging which according to coach Kevin Callahan , will not take place until next week. A couple of notes and observations: According to head trainer Doug Padron, kicker Fred Weingart (ACL last season) is "ready to go.'' The little bit of kicking freshman Matt Miller did he appears, as advertised, to have a very strong leg. With kick offs moved back to the 30 yard lines this year in college football having strong kickers will prove even more important for several reasons: 1 - run backs are almost a sure thing but certainly the deeper you send it on kick offs the better... 2 - teams will be prone to gaining more favorable field position on returns.....so, theoretically, with one or two first downs, you could be in field goal range. A quick note on the receivers: In my my mind Adam San Miguel and Chris Kiley are locks at wide outs and John Nalbone at tight end. After that, in my opinion, it's pretty much wide open for wide outs and slot backs. Returning players like Steve Dowens and young players such as sophomore Nick Romeo will be in the mix but it's just my hunch and opinion that freshman Troy Yudin from California will rise quickly up the depth chart and I think SJ Vianney product (freshman) Chris Lewnes has a chance as well. Both have excellent speed. .
MU Freshmen getting first look
Two-day training session giving first-year Hawks crash course By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER WEST LONG BRANCH - Freshman quarterback Thomas D'Ambrisi took a few practice steps back and cocked his arm. ""That's good; very good job,'' Monmouth University offensive coordinator Mark Fabish said, complimenting the quarterback's technique. At Kessler Field on Wednesday, 30 members of Monmouth's 2007 freshman class began the first of two days of freshman-only practices. The full squad reports on Friday. ""We were working on my footstep, better mechanics,'' D'Ambrisi said. ""Little things. Everything has got to be perfect at this level. ""He (Fabish) was just touching a lot of stuff up, the way it's supposed to be run here. Just teaching me my drops, how to get my feet (set), the proper way my stance should be aligned.'' In 2006, D'Ambrisi led Monmouth Regional High School to its first NJSIAA playoff game and playoff victory, first outright Shore Conference Division championship and a school-record eight victories. That being said, the odds are long that few freshmen will see much if any playing time this fall. Only five true freshmen last season saw, action which at most was very limited. D'Ambrisi, one of five quarterbacks on the roster, said his goal is to ""compete.'' ""No one says, "Count me out,'‚'' D'Ambrisi said. ""You always have to keep in the back of you're mind you're not here just to practice. I'm here to play and make the older guys work harder and hopefully make them better which makes for a better team.'' Chris Lewnes, a swift freshman wideout out of St. John Vianney, said he is determined to gain playing time. ""Everybody tells me, like, "No freshman starts, every freshman gets redshirted,'‚'' he said. ""If you look at it that way, then there's no point in even coming out.'' Lewnes, who said he considered attempting to walk on at Rutgers, reeled in 33 passes for 617 yards and five TD last fall during the Lancers' regular season. ""I'm going to go out and try and get a starting spot,'' Lewnes said. ""I don't care who's in front of me on the depth charts, I'm going to try my best.'' Among 12 potential wideouts Lewnes is one of a handful of freshmen, which include Terry Paul of Long Branch and Troy Yudin of California. ""I really don't want to redshirt,'' Lewnes said. ""If I don't redshirt. I want to get some playing time.'' Center Jim Sullivan, a graduate of Manasquan High School, also is hoping to make an impact, said he's looking forward to the first day of contact, which head coach Kevin Callahan said won't be until next week. ""Football without hitting is all right,'' Sullivan said. ""But we've got to get this learning experience so we know all our plays.'' Callahan said the two days are important for the freshmen, ""to get them into the practice routine, the camp routine,'' he said. ""It also gives them a two-day head start in terms of catching up.''
Am heading over to MU rookie camp this afternoon - Are you ready for some MU football???!!!
I'll post my story for tomorrow and my thoughts on today on a new blog topic later this evening (Wednesday) and or tonight. The plan is for me to cover the freshman (Wednesday) and first full practice (Friday) and then we'll see what happens there after.... Last year only five true freshmen saw any action whatsoever as MU was stacked with a veteran team. They were: LB Joe Cella, RB Ryan Skorupka, OL Shawn Wright (who may be getting a medical redshirt for last year, P/QB Kevin Mandeville, and OL Derek Roskinski were all guys who played in their first year per MU football SID Greg (D. McNabb) Viscomi... Not so this year, especially on defense where only two starters return (LB T.J. Cerezo and CB Ayo Falae) Any nominees from fans on what freshmen may see varsity time this year? The full MU roster is on the MU web site..... Here are some frosh players I think may possibly make a first year impact... Dave Ogden, the highly regarded DE from Wayne Hills Mike Fullam, LB from Wayne Hills (brother Matt is in the MU qback mix after transferring from Fordham) Jim Sullivan - center from Manasquan Troy Yudin - the fleet `WR from California who was recruited by Penn...
MU football practice schedule - 3 scrimmages (Aug. 18, 21,24)
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL 2007 Pre-Season Practice Schedule August 7 - Freshmen Arrive August 8 - 3:00 PM - Freshmen Only August 9 - 9:00 AM – Freshmen Only 10:00 AM - Veterans Arrive 1:30 PM - Freshmen Nutrition Workshop Weight Training Workshop 5:30 PM - Veteran Run Test August 10 - Vets Weight Test – 8:30 AM Helmet Checks 3:15 PM – Full Team Practice #1 August 11 - 3:15 PM – Full Team #2 August 12 - Split Session Practice - #3 1:30 PM – Group 1 3:15 PM – Group 2 August 13 - 10:00 AM - Vets Nutrition Workshop - Freshmen Impact Tests 11:00 – Team Picture Split Session Practice - #4 1:30 PM – Group 1 3:15 PM – Group 2 August 14 - AM – Weights 1:00 – Freshmen Media Pictures 3:15 PM -Practice – Full Team #5 August 15 - 8:30 AM – Practice #6 3:15 PM – Practice #7 August 16 - AM – Weights 3:15 PM – Practice #8 August 17 - 8:30 AM – Practice #9 3:15 PM – Practice #10 August 18 - 2:00 PM – Scrimmage #11 August 19 - 4:15 PM - Practice #12 August 20 - 8:30 AM – Practice #13 3:15 PM – Practice #14 August 21 - 9:00 AM – Scrimmage #15 August 22 - 8:30 AM – Practice #16 3:15 PM – Practice #17 August 23 - AM – Weights 3:15 PM – Practice #18 August 24 - 8:30 AM – Practice #19 3:00 PM – Scrimmage #20 August 25 - OFF
Scott Goodale names assistant coach
John Leonardis, the head coach at The Peddie School, Hights-town, Mercer County, has been hired as a full-time assistant wrestling coach at Rutgers Uni-versity, new Scarlet Knights' head coach Scott Goodale an-nounced yesterday. A former wrestler at both Le-high University in Bethlehem, Pa. and Blair Academy in Blairstown, Warren County, Leonardis will coach the upper-weights, Goodale said. "He's someone who brings a lot of intensity and will get the best of our wrestlers both on the mat and in the classroom,'' said Goodale, the former Jack-son Memorial head coach who was hired as Rutgers' head coach this past Tuesday. "He's got great New Jersey ties, which is the whole theme of the things we're trying to do, and technique-wise, he's one of the best around. "He will give the upperweights somebody to work with, which they really haven't had in the past.''
Can Billet help MU get a "great player" from CBA
Let's put it this way..I think MU has a better chance now with Geoff running the show and Chris Kenny as an assistant coach (and a new building in the wings) than they had before..I know MU is eying junior 3-point shooter Brian Neller.. Here's what Geoff told me about how he will relate with MU - ""Anybody or anyone Dave wants to be involved with (from) CBA they (MU) will be one of three or four schools..." If they (MU) want an official visit from a CBA kid they will get an official visit. If they (MU) want a sophomore or a junior to visit campus, come to a game, I will bring them (the player) to that game myself. Anything those (MU) guys want, Dave wants, his staff (wants) from me that I can help them with, I will go out of my way to give.'' - Geoff Billet
Miles Austin story for us from last week's Bergen Record - Herald News/ via blogger Jim Grossman - thanks Jim!!
Garfield grad taking nothing for granted at training camp Wednesday, July 25, 2007 By KEITH IDEC HERALD NEWS Miles Austin spent Tuesday morning driving from suburban Dallas to San Antonio, where starting today he'll encounter two-a-days and another summer of uncertainty with the Cowboys. Frankly, the Garfield High School graduate wouldn't want it any other way. The second-year receiver realizes that among its players the acronym NFL really represents "Not For Long," so while he is encouraged by his remarkable rookie season, he knows the descent from postseason hero to unemployed former Cowboy could occur pretty quickly. And Austin has taken that intimidating possibility more to heart now that he has to prove himself to a whole new coaching staff. Austin: Romo doing fine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Miles Austin has a message for Cowboys fans fearful that Tony Romo is forever damaged by his infamous playoff gaffe in Seattle. • "He was upset when it first happened, but he knew he had to just put it out of his mind," Austin said. "He has definitely put that behind him." • Romo bobbled the snap on a 19-yard field-goal attempt on Jan. 6, and was dragged down 2 yards shy of the end zone seconds after he failed to give Martin Gramatica an opportunity to make what would've been a go-ahead kick with 1:19 to play. The Cowboys lost 21-20 in unfathomable fashion and Romo seemed inconsolable on the sideline. But according to Austin, the Pro Bowler has looked impressive throughout the offseason and appears poised to make the most of his first full season as a starter. • "He's a great quarterback," Austin said. "He's ready to lead this team to the championship this year." -- Keith Idec/Herald News * * * Austin will compete with seven receivers for playing time behind starters Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn, both of whom Austin credits for helping him adjust to the enormous competition jump he made from the non-scholarship, Division I-AA level. "In my mind, I'm last on the list (of receivers)," Austin said. "I go in there thinking that I have to make the best of every offensive rep and every special teams rep. I always think that I'm the worst player there and that just makes me work harder. ... I always feel like I have to prove myself. Even if Bill (Parcells) would've come back, I would've felt like I to show him more than I did last year." The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Austin showed Parcells plenty last season, when he was one of six receivers the Cowboys kept on their 53-man roster. The former Monmouth University star wasn't ready to contribute on offense, but Parcells surprised even Austin when the former Giants and Jets coach called upon him after dangerous kick returner Tyson Thompson suffered a fractured ankle with nine games left in the regular season. Before becoming Dallas' primary kick returner during a Nov. 12 victory over Arizona, Austin had returned only two kickoffs in games his entire life. A quick study, the athletic Austin finished eighth in the NFL in kickoff return average (26.0) and rewarded Parcells' faith during Dallas' devastating 21-20 loss at Seattle in an NFC Wild Card game. His 93-yard touchdown return quieted Qwest Field, gave the Cowboys a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter and proved Parcells was on to something when he kept the undrafted Austin over fourth-round pick Skyler Green on final cut-down day four months earlier. "He did very well as a rookie," Parcells said. "He was a little green when he first started and obviously wasn't used to the level of competition. But I really, personally, think he has a very good future. I think he's very talented. I think he's talented enough to play in the NFL. And I think if he just refines his skills a little bit, he's going to be a top, quality player. He's also very tough. He was a valuable contributor on special teams at the end of last year for us, and I think he'll do that again." Thompson is healthy, however, so they'll share kick return duties once Wade Phillips opens his first training camp as Cowboys coach. The smaller, shiftier Thompson, a third-year running back, was also averaging 26.0 yards per return before sustaining that season-ending injury. "He did a great job before he got hurt," Austin said. "With me and him back there, we feel like whoever they kick it to can make something happen." Austin hopes, too, that he can make something happen as a receiver, despite that he didn't have a single pass thrown his way during the 2006 regular season. If anything, though, he has shown a knack for exploiting opportunities. In addition to his success as a kick returner, he hauled in the only pass thrown to him during his first preseason for a 48-yard touchdown against New Orleans on Aug. 21. "I would love to have an expanded role because I feel like I can (contribute on offense)," Austin said, "but my role is what they tell me to do. Special teams were a big thing for me last year. If they want me only on special teams, that's what I'm going to do. If they want me only on offense, that's what I'm going to do." That attitude, Parcells predicts, is what could help Austin replicate the longevity enjoyed by Wayne Chrebet, the first receiver from Garfield that Parcells coached. "He's a good, hardworking guy, with tremendous physical skill, stamina and the wherewithal to try and do it," Parcells said. "If the right people can see the vision, I think that there's going to be something very good there
Billett - CBA the only high school job he would have considered/The full story for Thursday Press
(coming later - Billet on how he hopes to help Monmouth recruit more CBA players)...... By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER You rarely find a big time college men's assistant basketball coach leaving the ranks for a high school job. Even if it is a head coaching position at prestigious scholastic program and an alma mater. Well, you do now. ""This is the only high school job I would have ever considered once I got into college coaching,'' said Geoff Billet Wednesday after ending summer long speculation by confirming he has left Seton Hall University to succeed Ed Wicelinski as head coach at Christian Brothers Academy. Wicelinski resigned in April after leading CBA to 625 victories since 1980-81, believed to be the highest victory total ever at one Shore Conference high school. ""CBA is a very, very, special place to me and pretty much for anyone who's ever gone there,'' said Billet, an All-State performer for CBA when it won its third NJSIAA Parochial A crown (now called Non-Public A) under Wicelinski in 1995. He went on to become an all-time top 10 scorer at Rutgers racking up 1,480 career points. He also coached one year for the Scarlet Knights and for five years served as an assistant to Dave Calloway at Monmouth University which included NCAA Tournament berths in 2004 and 2006. Last season he joined the staff of first year Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez and is credited with securing recent verbal commitments for 2008-2009 from Paterson Catholic point guard Jordan Theodore and seven-foot junior college player Charles Okwandu. Wicelinski termed Billet's decision to leave a major college situation for a high school position ""extremely unusual.'' ""Nothing I've ever seen before, an interesting move, one I'm sure he struggled with,'' Wicelinski said. Billet said the success he envisions for Seton Hall under Gonzalez made for a difficult choice. ""That made the decision even harder than it would have bene under most circumstances,'' said Billet. Wicelinski said CBA's search had narrowed to Billet, freshman coach Mike Wheeler, and junior varsity coach Chris Kane. ""I thought it was a very unusual position for CBA where they had a choice of what I think are three can't miss type of candidates,'' said the former coach. Billet steps into big shoes following Wicelinski who was preceded by Vinnie Cox who also enjoyed tremendous success. Under Wicelinski CBA won 14 Shore Conference Tournaments, appeared in 20 of 25 championship games, and captured nine NJSIAA South Jersey A sectional titles. ""I definitely have high, high, standards to live up to,'' said Billet. ""If there's one thing that's always attracted me to high school it was being able to help influence kids at an age where I think you can have a great impact off the court and on the court.'' On the court Billet will begin with a team that returns its two top scorers. Rising senior guard Mike Kuhn and rising junior forward Brian Neller helped lead a 23-8 CBA club that fell in the 2007 Shore Conference and NJSIAA Non-Public A finals. Wicelinski said the 2006-2007 junior varsity Colts lost one game and the freshman were undefeated. Billet said any other role he may have at CBA besides coaching basketball has yet to be determined. Billet's younger brother Todd, who played at CBA and then for Rutgers and the University of Virginia, is the current head coach at Morris Catholic High School. e-mail tonygsports@aol.com.
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