Author: bigdaddc@comcast.net

Barry Sanders’ rookie season was an amazing opening act for what would become a Hall of Fame career.  It was really just a preview.  1989 was simply a glimpse of how amazing a course he would set.  But, not only did he show us his enormous talent, he gave us a pretty clear picture of who he was as a man.

First of all, like many very high draft picks in the pre-free agency era, he held out at the beginning of training camp.  In fact, he held out the entire training camp … every single practice, meeting, get together – never to be seen by anyone in the Lions organization.

He finally reported the Wednesday or Thursday before the opening game in 1989.  Obviously, his appearance was met with great anticipation.  Now, undoubtedly there were a lot of people – including teammates and coaches who viewed his holdout as normal, but by waiting until the very end of camp it also had some of the people wondering if he was really worth all of this attention. 

What would he become – a great one, some mediocre overpaid player or maybe even a first round flop?  

Well, by the end of the season and during the last game of 1989 we had a pretty good idea that the Lions had captured lightning in a bottle. On the final Sunday of the season on a day that produced a steady, cold drizzle in Atlanta we realized that the Lions had selected one of the best players football had ever seen.

In that last game in Fulton County Stadium we also got a pretty good idea of what a fine person we had in our locker room.  Not only did the Lions have a fantastic player, but a humble young man who was not going to be a statistic driven, self-centered braggart like so many other great athletes are.

To set the stage – Barry had played only about a quarter in the opening game, he then missed the next game with a rib injury.  Yet, despite having played less games and having 100 fewer attempts than his rival runners he still was in a tight race for the NFL rushing leadership on the final day of the season.  

He and Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs had staged a nip and tuck weekly battle for the lead during the last month of the schedule.  Well on the last Sunday of the season the Chiefs were playing at the same time as the Lions.

So, on the final game day of the season we were all watching not only our game – but, we were also keeping an eye on the TV monitor in our coaching booth to see how the two running greats were doing comparatively.

Well, as the game was winding down the Lions had sewed up the victory and now our true attention turned to what Okoye was doing in the KC game.  As it turned out as the Chiefs completed their game we still had about five minutes or so to play.

The final tally in the Chiefs game had Okoye leading Barry in rushing yardage by about ten yards or so.  But, there was plenty of time for Barry to win the rushing title since we did have the ball.  

The problem was that Barry was now on the bench and Tony Paige was getting the workload as our halfback while we were running out the clock.

Wayne Fontes our head coach had called up to the coaching booth and asked how many yards Barry needed to gain to take the lead.  We told him that if Barry ran the ball a few times he would easily gain ten yards and take home the rushing crown.

This is no disrespect to the Falcons – it’s just that when Barry gets his focus on something – well, he is always great – but when he “zeros in” he is nothing short of amazing.

Wayne – says to us that he is going to put Barry back in the game so that he can get the honor of leading the NFL in rushing in his rookie year.  

Wayne approached Barry on the bench and tells him that he only needs a few more carries to win the rushing championship.  He asked him to go in and run “31 and 32”  (obviously two of our running plays) a few times to gain the necessary yardage.  

I heard it with my own ears through Wayne’s headset.  Barry said something to the effect.  “Look coach – let Tony Page run 31 and 32 a few times – we already won the game.  Let Tony play he deserves it.  I’m done for the day unless you really want me to go back in.”

Amazing that someone who had a chance at earning this fantastic honor through his efforts for an entire season just steps back.   He was happy to watch his teammates like Tony Page have a chance to shine a little themselves.

By the way, he had slipped his shoes off on the bench after he came out of the game.  Pretty much letting everyone around him know he was done for the day and running for a few more yards – not that important.  

Just another thing to cement the legend of Barry Sanders!

Early Trip to Basel

Today we open the season with a trip to Basel to play the Gladiators.  From what I

understand it is about a two-hour bus ride.  From what I am seeing this should be a good test for our team.  The game should be a solid measurement of what type of squad we have and what we need to work on to improve for the future.

Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland along the River Rhine and the city is on the French and German Border.  It is the third largest city in Switzerland (following Zurich and Geneva) with a population of around 200,000.

The city has forty or so museums – which makes this area one of the largest cultural areas per capita in all or Europe.  Basel is home to Kuntsmuseum which was the first collection of art in the world (1661) and the largest museum of art in Switzerland.  Also located there are the Foundation Beyeler and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Basel).

Obviously, this place is noted for its great devotion to the arts.  Well, I am not sure if football is considered art.  So at some point I will have to make a trip on my own to take a look at the place.  Well hell I was an art major right … well I guess Liberal Arts major might be actually what I was – probably not art major I guess.

But, then I hear that there is this great thing called the Basler Fascnacht.  Apparently, this is a pretty wild three day affair that starts early in the morning of the Monday following Ash Wednesday with masked revelers and musicians parading through old town.  Sounds like a winner to me.

Speaking of Holidays it sounds like Christmas is well celebrated as well!  Many Christmas trees line the streets with the large market especially popular during the Holiday season.

Also, it sounds like there are other great buildings such as the Town Hall (Rathaus) and the Basel Cathedral which looks out over the Rhine from the Pfalz (a terrace).

Sounds like it may be worth visiting to me!

I owe the Tigers!  Here’s why.

So, I got an email from a good friend of mine and he asked if all I do is have fun while I am here in Switzerland.  Well, it’s a pretty damn obvious answer if you ask me.  Yes, all I do is have fun –  that’s my job!  However – there are many different definitions of fun.

First off – football has been fun to me since I started playing when I was ten years old or so.  (Remember many years ago Garrett Morris on Saturday Night Live saying “Baseball been berry, berry good to me!?  Just insert football for me.)  Hell, it’s a tremendous game and it teaches so many great lessons you will use all through life.  There isn’t a single day that goes by where something I learned from the game cannot be applied.

Now, I will grant you that it can be a grueling job at times.  In the NFL a normal work week during the season will often exceed ninety hours.  We use to laugh and say if you weren’t at 40 hours by Wednesday you were cutting corners and cheating the club.

I have had people look at me like I had three heads when I would tell them the length pof the  normal season work week.  It really is that way – but every day is just a little different than the last one and it keeps things from getting to be a drag.  I think they believe we fool around for a few hours a day, show up on Sunday roll out the ball and play.  Nah … not so fast Batman!

Anyway, that type of schedule will never happen overseas because the game has to be approached differently.  The players work all day – or the younger guys have school – they are not professional athletes!  Having a job is one thing but then there are obviously family obligations as well.  The game is their hobby (think slow pitch softball in the USA – but with helmets and shoulder pads!)

By the same token I have to take my own coaching with a different focus.  Since I basically am on my own – no meetings, film sessions and prep time with other coaches – well, it requires me to be disciplined (yeah, I know being structured is hard for me as you all know.)  But, it is the least I can do for my friends who are doing so much to insure my stay is worthwhile.

I owe the Tigers and I feel I owe the people who have went out of their way to get me back to my second homeland!

So, every day I make sure that I am working on something of value for the Tigers.  Honestly, I feel that I owe the Tigers them a great deal.  I get to coach (which is fun) and then live in one of the best places in the world (even more fun)!

The NFL, major college – hell all of college football has become pretty much a job for those involved.  I’m not sure we haven’t turned HS football into a grinder as well.  It truly has gotten   out of hand if you ask me.

Teams have dedicated times for meetings, practice and training sessions.  There is no way that can happen here in Switzerland (or Europe for that matter) because no one – including the coaches – is getting compensated to play for or train the team.

We have to approach the game and its structure differently in Europe.  It’s serious, but the players have to keep it all in perspective in regards to their everyday obligations.  Sometimes the realities of life collide with the game of football for the players and coaches.

Pretty much all of the teams practice just twice a week and then play a game on the weekend.  Therefore, practices last three hours at times.  Well, to make up for the fact that you are only practicing twice they have to be long sessions.

Let’s add this into the mix.  What if you have to work overtime, or have a family situation and practice has to be put on the back burner.  The team already has a limited roster – now imagine if two guys who play the same position can’t make practice.

It happens – actually I have talked to coaches in Europe who told me that there are times they haven’t been able to line up an offensive line or defensive line because of players having problems getting to practice.

So, what do you do?  You adjust and make it work.  The coaches and players figure it out and adapt.  You still have to coach your guys and prepare them for a game.

You have to find a way to make it work – the game is still going to show up on the weekend!  Fortunately, every team pretty much faces the same set of problems.  So, everything becomes relative.

I love how these guys just figure out how to make everything work.  Guess what …  if it is pouring rain or it is snowing – you are still practicing because you only have those two days to get your work done!  I am not kidding you.

Again, this is not the NFL – this is a game that these guys just love to play and they built a club around it to support them.  Consider this – what if Pete Carrol or Bill Belichick ever had to practice without the left side of his offensive or defensive line at practice because the players who man those positions had to go home to a birthday party or to fix a leaky faucet??   Hmmm, I doubt it.

But, that is part of the reality here.

Another factor is – how do you make it fun?  Or better yet how do you make it fun and still field a competitive team?  Yes, this can be a problem at times because the players on the team – first they buy all their equipment!  Yes, helmets, pads, shoes – everything.  Then they have to pay a license fee.  So really, they are paying to play the game.

So, as a coach there is delicate line that you straddle.  We want to coach them properly and try to be firm, yet you have to realize that in reality the players control the team – and rightly so because they are the ones paying out their own real money.

I mean, I get it.  But, after growing up and being part of organized sports in the US as well, it is just something that gets some getting used to.  I really do think it has made me become more thoughtful in my approach to the game and the appreciation of the players.

How can you not really admire these guys?  The team works and practice hard rain or shine and they enjoy being around the each other as well.  They really do. (I’ve watched them drink beer together so I can tell!  Hey, I am a professional I know about beer.)  So, I feel the least I can do is reciprocate the effort and try to help them in any way that I can.

I owe the Tigers … I truly do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, was privileged to work with the U-19 Thun Tiger team on Wednesday night. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun it was to be back out on the field with a team. Finally!

Yeah it was raining – But just an on and off drizzle. Hopefully it will be clearing up in the next few days. Ah hell, I can take it!

What a great bunch of energetic young men. Not many people in the states realize that all of these guys buy their own equipment and also have to pay for a license to be allowed to play football.

Yes, they PAY to play their sport. Plus, they come from all over the area to get to practice. They take busses, get rides – sometimes trains just to practice.

There are no school sponsored sports in most, if not all of Europe. Everything is club oriented. That includes soccer, hockey, basketball etc.

Therefore you don’t play for dear old Northampton High School – home of the Konkrete Kids (see how I neatly worked our nickname in there???) You play for perhaps the Norhampton AA, Hokey Eagles or Fullerton Ramblers. Honestly an interesting set up.

These guys and their coaches are truly committed to playing and also working on football!

Speaking of coaches …what a fantastic group. Most have played for the club years earlier and then we also have some expats who lend a had as well. But, they are there because they love working with the kids and also being around the game.

By the way the practice area and the stadium – well you can see what it looks like. Just awesome. I know there won’t be fans early on …also that is the stadium for FC Thun soccer club and that is why it has 10000 seats. My guess we will get a small fraction of that for our games. But …. who cares still a great place to play!

Get back to practicing again on Friday! I’m excited to do it!

Many of you know I was a slow pitch softball guy (a star I might add …well, OK maybe not!) But the one of the best parts of playing slow pitch was the after the game when we sat around and analyzed our effort, who made mistakes, hit well or poorly and then assigned the blame to someone if we lost – which wasn’t often. HAH!

An intensely critical time for us all (think gnashing of teeth and pulling hair out) …. well, maybe not so tough because we did it over pitchers of beer! In fact I don’t think we ever talked about the game or worried about who did what – just who was paying for the next pitcher off beer!

So after practice last night all the coaches stood out around Coach Arne’s car in the parking lot drinking beer.  No bitching, no complaining – just camaraderie.  Simply awesome!

Yup – football is back and again things are becoming normal … as John Steinbeck wrote in “Cannery Row” “Once more the world was spinning in greased grooves.”

 

 

The other day was quite busy taking care of clerical work for the city of Thun.  Hey …. I don’t want to get deported!  Much was accomplished – and thankfully my friend Dan Frey was able to help me get many things squared away.  Well actually let’s say, he got things fixed up for me as I stood around and listened to him talk to various officials.

Me …. I can barely speak English …. But everyone in Switzerland pretty much speaks it with fluency and confidence.  An amazing fact is that the Swiss generally all speak and understand Italian, French and “Swiss” German due to the way their country is situated.  Now to that add some English – yup, these people are smart.

Sure, I could have gone to the Thun City Building and filled out my registration and gone on to get a travel pass at the SBB train station and worked my way through it.  But my friend Dan Frey insisted (and I mean “insisted”) on helping me.  He took a day off from work and graciously spent his whole afternoon in clearing the way for me.

There is no doubt that without him it would have been a very long day.  With this area being primarily German it was so helpful to have someone who spoke Swiss German to quickly answer questions in his native tongue and then be able to explain things to me.

As I have mentioned before – athletics draw like-minded people together and also develops strong bonds of friendship.  This is true everywhere.  But, it just seems like it is even more evident with my friends in this beautiful country.

Most everyone knows that I love the game of football.  But, really it is the people you meet along the way that make it special.  Until last Saturday Dan and I had only communicated through email, “Whatsapp,” Skype, or Zoom.

Obviously, that changed with my landing in Zurich on Saturday morning.  Where Dan insisted (there is that word “insisted” again) he drive two hours to pick me up.  Honestly, I could easily have gotten on the train to Thun through Bern.  I have actually done that a few times over the years.

But no – he “INSISTED” that he pick me up and then turn around and drive another two hours home.

I can already see that Dan and I will remain friends until the end.  What an unselfish person.  Making sure I was picked up at the airport – got to my apartment and then quickly over to the Thun Tiger’s first of two practices for the day.

Then following our second rainy practice of the day he took me to his home in the countryside where his wife Monika made a wonderful dinner for us.  She said it was pretty easy – but there is no way it was.

By the way he “INSISTED” I had to go to his home for dinner!

Bacon wrapped chicken breasts with a béarnaise sauce along with potatoes.  For dessert – she made a special Italian dish with some type of chilled creamy – well I wish I knew what it was –topped with warm fruit. Absolutely wonderful.  (Think cheesecake like but almost a firm yogurt – ah hell just indescribably delicious!)

Lone thing about that fabulous meal –  there was no way that he had to “INSIST” that I love it!  That was pretty damn easy.

From there – finally home to my new apartment after my long flight and double practice day!  Pretty much worn out by the end of that second day!

Here’s a few interesting facts about Switzerland:

• As of August, 2020 the cost per semester at the University of Geneva (pretty good school) is 500 CHF (Swiss Francs) per year. Well let’s see I guess that adds up to 1000 CHF per year!  Remember I told you the people basically speak four languages before they even get to college.
• There around 7000 lakes in Switzerland!
• Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership the world. But, nearly half the gun related deaths as the US.  Swiss crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.
• • Remember they have mandatory military service and after they serve their one year they HAVE to take their weapons home with them!
  • Average salary in Switzerland is above 100,000 CHF per year. Renting a 3-Bedroom apartment is around 2,300 CHF per year. 
  • Unemployment rate is 4.8%.
  • The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the longest in the world. Took 17 years to build and allows trains to go through the Alps in a straight line.  Hey, I have taken that train from Ticino to Lucern and it is truly impressive!

OK, I know you might think I am a font of knowledge.  Well not so fast … it’s amazing what you can find on Wikipedia!

Off to practice we go!

Well, hell it never rains in Switzerland …. so what is going on here?  It is actually raining right now!  Actually, I’ve been snowed on once a few years ago while leaving Bern (that’s the capitol of Switzerland by the way for you non-geography … or is it geology? Majors).  But rain – I think it might have sprinkled once or twice in my several visits.

There aren’t any domed stadiums around these parts that I know of.  So, we’re going to get wet out there at practice.  But, just feel pretty fortunate that I am able to get out on the field and watch some players get to work.

The under-19 Thun Tigers are the defending champions of the Swiss American Football Verband (Association).  Last year they were an athletic and deeply talented team that was able to sweep through the league and win it all.  Unfortunately for the Tigers they lost several key players as they crossed the 19 year-old threshold.

Big Danny Antolovich – who truly is gigantic even by US standards (6-6 300+) will attend the University of Connecticut to play football, QB Bay Harvey will move on to Johns Hopkins to compete for the Baltimore school this fall.  These critical losses coupled with many other players moving up to the senior team open a lot of holes in the Tiger’s line-up.

But, that is the way it is.  As a team, you have to make adjustments and continue to move forward.  Unfortunately, in Europe – and Switzerland in particular – It is hard to reload.  Where in the US there are always young players fighting to get noticed – since most teams are local clubs many smaller towns have trouble finding replacements.

Often, it is not the lack of talent in players that gets you in trouble overseas – but, it is just sometimes just the inability to gather enough core players to provide depth.  So, you might have a team that has gifted players, but due to the fact they often cannot get some rest at points of the game – they can wear out.

But like my old friend Frank Gansz used to say.  “No one said it was going to be easy … and no one said it was going to be fair!”

One thing about the entire Thun Tiger organization from the top to the bottom – it is filled with capable people.  Men and women who are committed to helping the young men on the squad.  I am honored and humbled that they invited me to be a small part of their organization.

It was a great weekend where I was able to reunite with my friends Stephan Pulver and Daniel GyGax of the “Erste Mannschaft” or First Team.  Stephan is the head coach who was a fine player and has established himself as a very strong leader of the older players of the team.

Daniel has coached many positions and currently is working with the running backs.  Interestingly I am living on the bottom floor of his father – Ruedi’s – house outside of Thun.  What a fantastic place ax well.

The coaches of the Junior (U-19) squad are also outstanding.  Head coach Arne Denecke has brought great success to the younger squad – the combination of his defensive knowledge and the great expertise of Christian Warzecha the offensive coordinator makes a very strong pairing to lead the team.

As we move forward you grow to understand what a great group the Tigers have.  But even great leadership you need a solid foundation of assistants to move forward.  It will become evident who these coaches are as we move forward over the next several months.

I just feel lucky to have a chance to be a part of such a grounded staff.

A few things about the City of Thun:

First off, it is a beautiful place.  But, since it has been raining – well, have to get some better pictures for later on.  However, eventually you will get to see some excellent shots.  After all – I have six months to get them to you.

Thun is located along the Aare River as it flows out of Lake Thun (Lake Thun is also known as the Thunersee – yeah look it up!)  As the river leaves the lake the 45,000 residents – 80,000 in the entire region rises around the water.

Aside from being a great place with really nice people Thun has its own castle (Amazingly called Thun Castle!)  OK there are a lot of castles in Switzerland.  More than 500 castles and forts throughout the country!That might seem like a lot … but remember Germany has over 20,000!  For us people in the states (do we even have any?) it is amazing.

 

I would recommend seeing one to anyone!

You have to admit, I do have it made being able to see this great place!

 

 

 

Well, off we go!  The boss (wife) dropped me off at Detroit Metro Airport and the new (mis)adventure in football begins!   I start on my first leg of the journey to Zurich, Switzerland.

From here in Michigan I make a jump to DC and then the jaunt across the Atlantic and into the Alps.  Of course, the weather in the Detroit area is absolutely beautiful as I am getting ready to leave – but I’ll take my chances on it being equally as great in Switzerland.

Most of you know that I have been to Switzerland many times and consider it my second homeland …. What a beautiful and scenic place without a doubt.  But really, it’s the people who make it – everyone is friendly and welcoming.

Once I touch down at the Zurich airport (In this day and age shouldn’t they be called “jet” ports …. Really airports??   …Really??)  Well anyway it is a fantastic airport that is surrounded by mountains.  Very stunning place.

Let me start that over …. Once I touch down my friend Dan will pick me up at the airport and get us to Thun (The ‘h” is  silent) which will be my new hometown for the next six months.  He has been the President of the Thun Tigers football team.

In case you didn’t know it – they do play American Football all over Europe.

Well, that’s why I am going there after all!  What a fantastic opportunity for me to work with our great game and continue to learn more about the game and how it is played in Europe.  It’s the same but different.

Yes, it’s the same game we play in the US – the kind with eleven guys on a team – with a brown prolate spheroid called the “ball.”  Basically, the same rules all apply.  American football is very popular overseas.  For the most part almost every country has a league with many teams.

There is a very interesting web site – American Football International – that explains and publicizes the game throughout the world (not just Europe by the way).  My good friend Roger Kelly manages the publication and he has article and information about football.  He does a fantastic job just spreading the word everywhere.  Seriously check it out – American Football International!

In Switzerland the football league is called the SAFV – Schweizerische American Football Verband (Swiss American Football Verband  – think Saahhvv).   This year there will be six teams in the “A” league.

The Thun Tigers, who I will help coach, plays in the “B” league.  They field teams in the Senior League (20+), The U-19 league, U-16 league and they also play flag football.  It is a well-run organization and the coaches are all committed to developing the players and helping them to be successful as a team.

As this season progresses they will all become a big part of this blog.   After all you will certainly get tired of listening to me just rattle on several times a week.

Wait till you see the pictures of this place!

Alright we are off and running!

A few things about Switzerland itself:

• Capital of Switzerland is Bern – many people think it is Zurich.
• If Switzerland was a state it would be the 42^nd largest state at 15,940 Square miles – a spot ahead of Maryland at 12,407.
• Population of Switzerland as of 2021 is 8.5 million.
  • It would be 13^th as a state if part of the USA – ranked between New Jersey and Virgonmoia.
• Switzerland’s three largest cities as of 12:31:21, 2020:
  • Zurich (421,712)
  • Geneva (203,736)
  • Basel (173,775)
• 48 of Switzerland’s mountains are higher than 13,000 feet above sea level.
  • Monte Rosa 15,000+ is the highest.
  • Matterhorn (14,692)
  • Jungfrau (13,642)
  • Eiger (Think Clint Eastwood and the “Eiger Sanction”
• There are four major languages spoken:
  • German
  • French
  • Italian
  • Romansh (based on Latin from the Holy Roman Empire)
  • Birthplace of the Red Cross.
• Maintain an “armed neutrality.”
  • Have not fought in an international war since 1815.
  • The country man’s the “Swiss Guards of the Vatican.
  • All males are conscripted into the military at age 18.
    • They are required to serve for a year.
    • Two thirds of “drafted” actually serve. Those who cannot become part of some other alternative service.
    • Women can serve, but are not required to do so.
  • All soldiers are required to keep their weapons at home when they leave the service.
    • Switzerland is a neutral but very well armed country.
  • According to Quacquarelli Symonds hotel university rankings – 8 of 10 of the best hotel schools are located in Switzerland.
  • In Sports world – Headquarters for:
    • FIFA (Soccer)
    • International Olympic Committee
    • IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation)
    • Court of International Sport
    • Also everyone has heard of tennis greats Roger Federer, Martina Hingis and Stan Wawrinka.

Oh – so know you know I am smart!   Well not so fast Batman – most of this is from Wikipedia.  Well, I did arrange it in a list type format.

Well 2019 is getting ready to be put away and we start to look forward to a new year!  So, let’s do something and look at last year for the second luckiest man in the world – let’s do it backwards.  Let’s  reverse it and take a look at the year starting with December.

DECEMBER 2019

OK December….outstanding month (as they all were by the way!). As we say when you are retired (OK semi-retired) “Everyday is a Holiday…every night is a Saturday night…every meal is a banquet!”  I like to take claim for that but I have to think someone thought of that before I did!  But…let’s add another part to it…”every beer is cold!”

******Side note here…antother great quote I have picked up in my years of travel (bar to bar of course).  “Beer is good, cold beer is better…..but free beer is best!”  I did not create that motto however.********

Well Christmas was great….I can’t think of a single one that I can remember that wasn’t awesome.  Corey and Taylor visit from Atlanta….Scot (with one T – just like Scot Dapp!) and Sarah visit with Bob and Barb for Xmas lunch.

Was a great occasion….kids got me one of those Fitbit watches.  Not a tech guy but it is pretty awesome.  Got some fancy speakers for my TV in the basement…pretty cool stuff!

Built a pyramid or two in my effort to be a professional beer drinker.

Earlier in the month I zipped down to Pennsylvania to meet up with friends, former teammates at Muhlenberg to watch the Mules play in the National Semifinals held on Frank Marino field in Allentown.

We sat through a driving rainstorm that ended right as the game ended (of course)….Mules were defeated by a very good North Central (Illinois) team.  That team won the next weekend to become the National Champs.

Really was a great time seeing old teammates Eric Butler, his brother Mike – John Dunne, Jim Oliphant, Bowden Ferrick (probably mispelled his name) and Mark Stephens.

These guys are awesome friends.  We picked up right where we left off the last time we saw one another.  Learned so much talking about other friends family etc.  Eric and I have known each other since little league baseball.  We have been friends thru elementary school, junior high, high school, college and now.  I find that remarkable.

They were all headed to Princeton to meet up with other friends and family members….sorry to miss that.  But had to get home the next day.

Zipped up the NE extension of the PA turnpike—-meandered across northern PA on route 80 West.    275 miles later hit the Ohio Turnpike (One of the nicest roads to drive by the way).  Cruised thru Ohio for a few hours – clipped into Michigan (where the roads are not so great) hit bad traffic around Detroit (imagine that) and slid into my driveway nine and a half hours later.

I swear I saw the Grinch pulled over outside of Clarion PA by a State Trooper!

NOVEMBER 2019

Wow…Thanksgiving Dinner at Wendy and Steve’s house.  What a great feast we had there!  Wendy is a wonderful cook and this meal was unbelievable.  Lasted several hours with family and friends (Including Captain Saturn)

Prior to the excellent fare at Steve’s ever remodeled house I spent the morning watching my beloved Northampton HS Konkrete Kids play their annual  (97th time) Thanksgiving Game against the Rough Riders from Catasauqua.

The K-Kids won handily…however I have mixed emotions  about the game since my good friends Mike McClarin and his dad Bob are coaching our rivals now.  Bob. and I worked together for several years at Moravian College.

They are awesome men and great coaches…unfortunately the shrinking student body at Catty High has just made this game one that isn’t competitive anymore.  The K-Kids have a tremendous advantage and I have to say Kyle Haas has made great strides with the program.

Well the 97th edition of the game went our way.

During November the Moravian College won two of three games. .

We defeated Franklin and Marshall 17-16 at home as we scored late and then survived a last second FG by the Diplomats.  It was an awesome win that saw the Hounds play a very complete game.

A week later on Senior Day  we played another solid home game with a 24-6 win over Dickinson.  Two Seniors walked into the record book – well Berto Diaz  ran into the book moved up the rushing list  as he crossed 1500 yards in his career.

Alex Pierce caught 12 passes for 160 yards and a pair of TD’s putting him into the books as a player who had a career with 1000 yards receiving.

We then dropped our final at Muhlenberg 52-7.  The Mules would go undefeated during the regular season and have probably supplanted Johns Hopkins as the top program in the Centennial Conference.

Several weeks later they bowed out of the National Tournament losing in the semifinal (in the rain as I pointed out in the December section).

At 4-6 we were obviously disappointed – however it is a privilege to work with the guys.  We have some truly awesome players.  For the most part they “are all in.”

I can never complain about the effort of Greyhound players…they are fantastic.

There are just certain things we will have a very difficult time overcoming at Moravian.  Financially we just can’t compete with the other Centennial Conference schools.  MC offers a great educational opportunity, but the other schools in the CC are all a notch above us.

Plus our facilities are just nowhere in the realm of any of our opponents.  It’s no one’s fault.  But it is the truth.  I always tell our HC that we are looking down the barrel of a gun and that if we can win half of our games we are doing a hell of a job.

Now, the administration and alums may not agree with my assessment.  Well, I just ask them to check the endowments of our opponents, travel and take a look at the facilities on those campuses and then read the national educational publications on where MC stands within our conference.  No complaints….just facts.

OCTOBER 2019

The month of October was good to the Hounds as we were able to win two of three games.  We had two nice road wins over Gettysburg (33-16) and then Juniata (32-28).

Sandwiched between the two was a bye and a painful loss to Susquehanna.

Susquehanna has emerged to become one of the top three teams in the Centennial Conference.  They are now a challenge to  other Muhlenberg and Johns Hopkins who were certainly the top two teams for years.

It’s painful to watch another team sort of “pull” away from us.  It is apparent that Susquehanna’s administration sees the value of a successful football program.  They have certainly changed their path in admissions and financial aid.

                                                

For Moravian’s sake I fear Dickinson has started down that path as well.  Right behind them will be Gettysburg which has already made changes within the program and are talking about a commitment to becoming competitive  with the top echelon teams as they once were.

During the bye week I drove off to Michigan after our win in Gettysburg!  Always good to get home and get some things done around the house.  Sure I get home and the boss (wife) is off in Atlanta while I am home.  Still good to get home to my much more comfortable bed than the one I have in the eventually condemned Intern house.

SEPTEMBER 2019

September was a very unkind month to our efforts at Moravian College.  We lost all four of our games during that span.

A very frustrating loss opened the season as we allowed a very winnable game at King’s College to slip away.  I guess the entire season could be summed up on that third quarter touchdown we allowed.

On a third down play we allowed King’s very fine RB Jordan Downes a 53-yard TD run.   On that play he eluded almost our entire defense.   There were an amazing seven tackles  (three in the backfield)…(not exaggerating at all) –  missed on that play (twice by one of our guys as Downes cut back across the field. (Worst of all it was a third down play!)

By the way that is a record for parenthesis in one sentence

That play became the difference in that game and basically foreshadowed our 2019 season.

I will have to say this…Alex Pierce made one of the finest catches I have ever seen anywhere in this game.  I don’t know how long it was  (it was pretty deep)-  but he had to bend way back to catch it…imagine a parenthesis – because that is how far back he bent to get it!  What a grab.

We then dropped our first home game to the ever troubling McDaniel 13-10 as they score with 12 seconds to go in the game.  Well let’s take a look at it.  We turned the ball over seven times and had punt blocked.

Hard to win with those things going on!  Not a good day for the Hounds.

Our third defeat came at the hands of one of the best teams in the country.  Johns Hopkins who beat us 41-0 in Baltimore.  They just had too much for us to handle.

We entered the fourth game of the season 0-3…but feeling pretty good about our team.  Our guys continued to work hard at practice and had no reason to feel we couldn’t play well for the rest of the season.

We basically gave away two games – yes we got beat by a good JHU team.  But the first two losses were things we could correct.

To me one of the great disservices in college football happened the last week of September.  But, when you talk about referee ability in Division III sometimes bad things happen.

I have seen some poorly officiated games over my very long career.  But, the loss we suffered against Ursinus might have been the worst.  We were hurt by poor officiating on two scoring plays and several other downs during the game.

It was so bad that the director of Centennial Conference officiating said the referees basically allowed Ursinus two touchdown plays which essentially cost us the game.  When you are trying to pick up that first win it is a very bad feeling to know that games are taken away from you – especially at home.

I get it … there are no promises that things are going to be easy but we can expect for it to be fair… but when you are struggling it hurts twice as much.  You just wonder what you can do with incompetent officiating – answer is…..forget it and move on!

Despite the problems we faced in football I continued my assault on all great foods and drinks in the Lehigh Valley….yes there are Yocco Hotdogs….Carvel Ice Cream…magnificent pizza places.  You name it – Lehigh Pizza, Marios in Northampton and Fratellis right across from Steel Field.  How can one go wrong?

Oh yeah …. A-Treat Birch Beer!

AUGUST 2019

So the end of the summer is closing in fast and I make the nine and a half hour trip down to Moravian from Michigan.  It’s actually not a bad drive – Pretty much a trip divided into three sections.

First third is drive from Detroit to Cleveland….then three more hours to around State College PA…then down to my brother Steve’s house in Delps (yes I said Delps PA.)

A few gas stops along the way….a final stop to pick up beer at Jerry Simcoe’s Beverages in Walnutport, PA then to Steve’s place.

 

Not hard to do!

Visit with my old friends at the Tri Boro club on the “Sacred Waters of the Lehigh River”. I have to admit we had one of the better “Reggae on the River” gatherings.  Got to see all of the usual suspects – Captain Saturn, the Rickster, Johnny Nappo, Tom “Fletch” Katchur.

Returning to the Lehigh Valley is always a lot of fun.  Seeing family and visiting with my old pals.  Great food.  Oh yeah there is that football deal going on at Moravian College.

Just an aside – yeah I go t\o the Lehigh Valley.  My boss (wife) takes a cruise around the Mediterranean.  How does that work out?

Well, her brother was going – and heck it fit into her schedule.  Why not visit Italy, Greece, Croatia, Crete etc?  Don’t blame her.  I get Bethlehem, PA….she gets the Med…

JULY 2019 – JUNE 2019 – MAY 2019

The summer jumps into full swing in Michigan – 4th of July celebrations which are always fun experiences for everyone.  But here at the home of “The Second Luckiest Man in the World” we always find a way to have fun.

We trekked a couple of hours north into the “Thumb” area of Michigan.  A nice visit to Caseville, Michigan to spend time at our friend’s – Marie and Dave DeFrancis – lake house.  For the last eight or nine years we have been visiting this beautiful area on Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.

For a few years three or four couples rented a house for a week on the lake.  It was a great time.  Then Dave and Marie decided to buy a house on the lake.

Well now we all gather up there for several days each summer.  It is an awesome time for everyone.  Dave bought a boat, has all the other water toys etc.  If you are bored up there – well it is impossible.  (A few beers are consumed by the way!)

July was a busy month as the Northampton Konkrete Kids had a meeting of former players….they have had it in the past.  But, we really did our best to collect more former players to come.

   

It was an awesome time at the Trip Bro Club in Northampton.  Saw many great teammates – renewed old friendships ant it appears like we can really expand the “Brotherhood” in the future.

Also had a fantastic time working at the “Lions Legends” football camp in Clare, Michigan.  Right in the middle of Michigan!  Very well received and attended.

It was a great time with old friends from our days with the Lions. Jeff Chadwick and Kristen Blackburn set up the whole thing and made it so much fun for all involved.

 

We stayed at Sunset Shores Resort in Clare….what a fabulous place.  We had everything we needed plus Jeff and Kristen put on a band concert…a pig roast for the staff.  It was a wonderful experience.

 

We also visited with the bosses (wife) brother Gary in Phoenix.  It was a celebration of Gary and Diana wedding.  We had a blast at a great resort in Scottsdale and then a few afternoons at the pool athletics their residence.

Was a pretty great summer if you ask me!

MARCH 2019

Unfortunately we lost Shawn’s dad in early March.  Bernard was a great man – a fantastic husband and father.

Obviously although it was a sad time….it was an uplifting celebration of a man who lived a full life.  We were lucky to be around him.

Many people attended the ceremony and our gathering later.

FEBRUARY-MARCH

The “Second Luckiest Man in the World” certainly proved he was indeed that.  I was fortunate to travel to my second homeland – Switzerland.  Spent a few weeks living in Bern and working with my football friends with the Thun Tigers.

What an awesome experience being with this great group of people.  Then to have so much free time in such a beautiful country.  Unbelievable (ad)venture.

I am absolutely in love with the country and the fabulous people who live there.  I have never had a bad moment when visiting this great place.  The kindness of everyone blended with the breathtaking scenery make this a truly unbelievable place.

My friends Stephan and Daniel pulled out all of the stops to make sure that I was comfortable.  Sure it is great to be able to spend time working with their players – but to see my friends again….so neat!

These pals and in turn their friends sure made it was such a nice visit for me.  I spent several weeks coaching and visiting different areas of Switzerland.

Several times I volunteered to Daniel that I would be more than happy to sublet his great apartment in Bern.  What a sweet place to live.

   

I was able to spend time with the Tigers and what a fabulous experience including a trip for a minicamp in Germany.  We traveled down to Oberharmersbach, Germany (the Black Forest region I think).

What a great place to have a minicamp – however it did rain the last day of practice.  I mean rain and rain and rain.  But, it was well worth the experience.

Took off a day later from the Zurich Airport (what a place!) and jetted across the Atlantic to home!

JANUARY 2019

We start the year at home having a fantastic visit from my old friend Jared DeVries with his son Jaylen (an outstanding quarterback prospect).

  Jared had been a key member of the Detroit Lions defensive line for thirteen years.  He and I had become close over that time span.  Not only was he an All-American at Iowa…but he was voted into the Iowa Hall of Fame last year.

Fantastic player – but really a fine man!

Jaylen was in need of some work with a QB coach and I suggested my friend Terry Copacia.  Terry runs the “All State Quarterback School” here in Michigan.

Wow…there is no doubt about Jaylen’s ability and it was fu n watching Terry hone his skills over a two day period.  I think it was a helpful time for him.

I have to admit that after the sessions Jared and I did manage to have a beer (OK he had some kind of Whiskey or something)

Well….That’s that!

 

I once heard a pretty interesting statement made after a football game when I was with Detroit.  Back in the ’90’s the Lions won on a Monday night in Dallas.  It was billed as Barry Sanders vs. Emmitt Smith showdown.  We both had good solid teams and we won in overtime on a Jason Hanson FG.  (Barry out rushed Smith by a few yards by the way)

(Let’s not start the Barry vs. Emmitt discussion again!)

Wayne Fontes was our coach and after he got done talking to a jubilant locker room he came into the coaches room and really made what I think was a very true statement.  He said that “if anyone could ever find a way to bottle how we feel right now after a win – they would make a fortune.”

He is right and anyone who has ever played a sport and felt that thrill, release, exhilaration, relief all at once that lasts for a nice warm period of time knows exactly what he meant.

Well – we were lucky enough to get that feeling last Saturday afternoon after a well played game vs. Dickinson.  Games like that make you feel good on many levels.

It was a game where the Hounds played like a “team.”  It isn’t that we don’t try to do that in every game.  But, in this instance I really felt the synergy you always strive for.

The running game blended with the passing game.  We punted and kicked with precision and the defense was able to stop the running game and control the passing.  Also the offensive attack meshed well with the way we played on defense which flowed into the special teams play.

It was a great game to watch – then later enjoy while having a beer (or ten).

 

I suspect that the tailgate party was a huge success and later the evening the Senior tribute was probably a blast as well.  One thing that I am sure of is that our fans are going to have a good time.  As well you should!

Well this week – we travel across the river to play our neighbor Muhlenberg.  (My alma mater by the way – only PE major ever at the school.). They have had a tremendous season to this point.  Playing undefeated football to attain the number 5 ranking in the country.

Just as we do here at Moravian I am sure that the coaches at ‘Berg are doing the same thing.  We always preach the need for players to approach each play as an individual effort and then at the end of the game those “Mano o Mano” tussles are added up and that leads to the final tally on the scoreboard.

If you worry about the scoreboard and lose sight of the old saying “one play at a time” you are bound to have a long day.  The goal is to “clear the mechanism” on each play.

Sometimes it is hard to overcome the emotion of the game on individual plays.  But the most accomplished performers can do it.  Those athletes that are at the top of their game can do it.

Just think how many times after a great performance you will hear a performer talk about “Being in the Zone” or in the “Flow” of the game.

Those are truly accurate observations.  The best of the best can stay in the game and perform in that moment without looking back at what might have happened previously (good or bad) or what is coming up in future plays.

The goal is to get a small win on each play – gain an edge as often as possible and then you can separate the emotion from the actual competition.

GO HOUNDS!

Here is a look at the Muhlenberg season:

2019 Muhlenberg Record and Stats