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 42nd 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 13th 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.
A Christmas beeramyd – Especially for my coaching acquaintance Chuck Miller – he coaches all the time and anywhere! Happy New Year Chuck!
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)
Tom DeNardo aka 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?
Dubrovnek…the Throne from the “Game of Thrones”
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
Sunset…or Sunrise? at Caseville
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.
Michigan, USA
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.
QB Eric Hipple and WR Jeff Chadwick. They completed a few passes together.
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.
Former Lion Great – LB George Jamison
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.
Lomas Brown and Cory Schlesinger(“Anvil head”)
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.
Shot of BernBern from Daniel’s apartment
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.
Outside of LucerneStephan – Head Coach of Thun TigersDaniel – great friend -assistant for Tigers. Loaned me his apartment for two weeks!
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)
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.
Well….several days have passed since that dramatic win against F&M last Saturday. I really like the way the guys are playing right now. They have done an excellent job of preparing throughout the season, but it just appears the their attention has ticked up a notch.
Even with significant injuries that have truly taken their toll on the starting defensive team the guys have just pulled tighter together. The old axiom – next man up – has truly helped our “esprit de corps.”
In. conjunction with the renewed character of the defense the offense has also begun to click. It is rewarding to watch how the team has rebounded from our injuries and mistakes to attain a tight cohesiveness. This can only bode well for the future of Greyhound football.
Practices have been sharp and animated. There is no doubt that when you scan the sidelines we have less bodies. We may have a depleted roster in regards to numbers. But, the excitement on the practice field is noticeable.
It really is exciting to watch. There is a lot of yelling from the coaches some of it a bit loud – but that is what coaches do. But, the encouragement between players during the practice is a great show of teamwork. Honestly, it is great feeling watching this as it happens.
So, where do the Hounds go from here? Obviously we will find out about the next step this weekend when we play the much improved bunch from Dickinson.
At Dickinson the personnel changed quite a lot when the new coach arrived a few years ago. Suddenly the Red Devils are looking at their first winning season since around 2008.
In conjunction with the new coach arriving a few years ago suddenly the usually academically minded Red Devils had a lot of bigger, faster and athletic players admitted. They got a transfer QB and now – the Dickinson football team is on the verge of a winning season.
Looks like several Centennial Conference schools are reshaping their academic models to juice up the athletics?
Well, more athletes = higher enrollment = more cash to operate the school. In this day and age where it is extremely important to fill the dormitories and increase the size of your freshman class well some schools get it and others fall behind and lose out.
Regardless – they are good – but when they step on the turf at Steel Field – we will let the HOUNDS LOOSE!
After the win last weekend at Juniata we felt pretty good about everything until we got home and realized what our roster looked like. Now, when you really get involved in athletics you begin to understand the importance of having a healthy team.
Game plans, strategies are the things that prepare a team to play. But, those outlines are not what “executes” the plan. The players are the most important part of game-day. You can have the game without the coaches….but you can’t have the game without the players.
After looking back through the first seven games and eight weeks of the regular season you begin to realize that we have lost seven starters on defense and a number of key players on offense. It makes the coaching job interesting because you need to prepare to play in games with back-up players.
Well, we all realize that no one said that the game of football will be easy…..nor will it be fair. So what every coach across the country does in his or her situation is you coach the players that are available on your roster. You try to prepare and direct them to be able to play at the best of their abilities.
More times than not you find that the replacements can and will play very well during competition. But, there is no replacement for game experience – something these young players are all lacking. It takes “Sun Downs and Sun Ups” to gain experience. Well we have a few young men who are getting a crash course in speed learning.
One way or another come Saturday at one o’clock on Steel Field the Greyhounds are going to square off with Franklin and Marshall. We are all going to see quite a fey young men grow up. At the same time you will see a few older guys (coaches) get a little grayer in the hair department (Not me! I am already all gray! Hah what a life!)
LIFE IN THE CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE
Looking at our conference we can see that there are three national contenders lining up to look at the post season. Muhlenberg is undefeated and playing perennial power Johns Hopkins (with an unlikely two losses) while Susquehanna at 6-1 is playing Gettysburg.
Those three programs have separated themselves from the rest of the CC in many ways. Adjustments in their admissions, financial aid and recruitment have allowed them to become the Centennial schools to imitate or emulate.
Since football is such a copy cat-sport it is easy for the remainder of the conference to imitate them in regards to offensive formations and plays, defensive scheme, or even philosophy to some degree. But, matching them in endowment, financial aid, facilities and or academic standing – impossible to do.
The beauty of athletics is that we can do our job and become a sound and respectable team on and off the field. Something that I think is accomplished with flying colors here at Moravian. I think the staff does a fantastic job with the team in preparation and designing game plans. Practices are challenging and productive. So the work is put in!
The seven teams that are not in the national spotlight have to depend on their administrations to even up things outside of the locker room. They are the ones who ultimately control the development of athletics – especially football – until those concepts are realized we may see the Mules, Hopkins and the new kid on the block Susquehanna pull away even more.
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL
This week the Hounds line up against Franklin & Marshall in the friendly confines of Steel Field. The Diplomats are a solid and well coached team that enters the game at 4-3 after coming off an overtime loss to Dickinson.
Generally on offense F&M is a high powered team with a strong passing attack. But, this season the Diplomats are much more balanced averaging 167 yards per game rushing the ball and 162 yards per game throwing.
Two runners – Joe Hartley-Vittoria (Probably would have a hard time putting his name on the back of a jersey if they did that) has 458 yards rushing and Keshon Farmer with 428 yards make up the big chunk of the F&M running attack.
Garrett Perschy is the triggerman with 976 yards on 93-168 (58.1%) with 3 TD’s and 6 INT for the year. His favorite target is Tim Walter who has 27 catches for 302 yards and three TD’s. Kevin Lammers has 17 catches and Brendan Dearing has 16.
Defensively the Diplomats allow 23.1 PPG (5th in CC) and 342 Yards per game (4th in CC). Their rushing defense is very tough ranking there permitting only 125.9 yards per game.
Well….we walk off the field following a rough game with Susquehanna on Homecoming and I run into several former players. Guys who have fought their butts off for the Blue and Grey. Guys who have seen a lot of success and put in a lot of hard work for Moravian College.
You would think the first thing you hear coming out of there mouths would be complaints about the current state of Moravian football and some disappointment and perhaps anger at us as coaches. But no not that at all.
They know all of us well. Recognize the 80 plus hour weeks (NO EXAGGERATION) that are put in by the coaching staff. Countless hours on the phones getting not only athletes – but students for Moravian (Hmmm that professor in English, History, Math – how many students do they bring in?). The former athletes know.
First comments are “Hey, so nice to see you…. and great to be here again! What can I (we) do to help get this right again? You guys work so hard with so little respect from the school” That is comforting because although we hear more encouragement and positive reinforcement from family, friends and alums….it is hard to ignore some nagging complaints from others.
I confide in several former players and interested alums that there has become a separation of three teams from the pack in the Centennial Conference. Hopkins and Muhlenberg have always had an edge due to money (we have little) facilities (on the road we see the superiority our opponents have compared to ours) and academics (well just read about liberal arts school rankings in national publications). These are not complaints just the pure and simple facts of Centennial football.
But now Susquehanna has copied the Muhlenberg model of packaging need and financial aid. Their requirements for admission allow them to open their doors to many students from all over Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York. Where we have become more restrictive in our admissions our CC opponents have become more liberal.
Susquehanna has risen from being our peer to now becoming a nationally ranked team. McDaniel has changed and continues to rework their policies and from what I understand Gettysburg will be making some changes soon as well.
My suggestion to any former players and Alums is to get together and reach out to the coaching staff (SOON!) and develop a solid group to help Moravian Football in conjunction with the powerful and always helpful Blue and Grey group. I am not talking about raising money – I am talking about forming a powerful wing to drive Moravian football to the forefront of our campus – force the school administration to address the needs of the program!
But like I was once told before a big game, although on an equal playing field, “If you are scared don’t show up!”
SPECIAL FORCES – SPECIAL (RAINY) DAY!
On a really great note….we took the “Special Forces” over to Muhlenberg on Sunday and had a great – although wet Sunday playing football.
The guys had a blast! Young coaches worked with these guys and put on a great show for the fans who braved the soggy weather!
I functioned as the cheerleader, assistant coach and ball boy (someone had to keep the balls dry). Watched our offense move up and down the field – make outstanding long plays! Witnessed great tackling and aggressive play by the defense!
What a fantastic effort and gratifying day. These guys show some special stuff and are truly unselfish. I venture to say that some of these guys will see action. on the field in the next few Saturdays.
The Special Forces are hungry and may supplant some of the more casual players who have been taking reps in the last games on Saturdays. One thing as a coach you notice is players who loaf, miss tackles and or just aren’t putting in a solid days work. Might be time to rattle a few cages.
Whatever happens…thanks for the great efforts Special Forces! Many thanks to Family and Friends who were getting wet last Sunday with the rest of us!
JUNIATA
Taking a quick look at the Juniata Eagles. They have one more win than we do to this point. But, obviously we are going to change that this weekend.
The Eagles have two big road wins. A 44-38 upset at Ursinus gave Juniata it’s first victory and then a 28-14 win at McDaniel over the sliding Green Terrors was their second.
This is a strong team that has a hard time stringing solid games back to back – this has been the case over the years. But, that is not to say they don’t have a talented bunch of players.
Austin Montgomery (12) is a very good quarterback who is basically a three year starter (he was injured most of last season). Currently he is completing 61.4% of his passes which is second in the Centennial Conference (94-153 for 1215 yards.)
The Juniata offense is diverse and uses multiple personnel groups and many different formations to confuse their opponents. This makes the Eagles a difficult team to defense. Having a trigger man like Montgomery (12) and a pair of receivers like Sam Owens (8) and Shaheed Ross (11), who each have 20 or more receptions, makes them hard to stop.
Although Juniata has given up a high number of points they have also generated 11 turnovers on defense. The Eagles have intercepted seven passes and recovered four fumbles.
Like the Moravian defense they have had some difficulty snacking the quarterback as both the Hounds and Juniata have each managed ten. But, also like Moravian they have several other chances only to have the QB escape and scramble out of trouble.
Below is some more information for the casual football fan!
We had some time off with a bye week after a hard fought win on the road at Gettysburg. The guys played well and really did a nice job of prepping prior to our trip to play the Bullets.
I drove over to Gettysburg and then following our victory I took a nine hour detour to the house in Michigan. During those hours traveling I spent a great deal of time reviewing our current season and singing (terribly off keyI might add) to my newly discovered Spotify.
Although the record at the halfway point is not what we had hoped for and planned on – there is a lot of growth to look forward to. Many things within the program and seeing improvement in the “troops” leads me to feel optimistic about the remaining month or so of the season.
I have seen many of our younger players make some big jumps on and off the field as they move through the opening part of college. Our veterans continue to work hard and although the results are not in the record book – YET – we continue to make steady improvement.
There is no question that we will have a bright future in Greyhound Land as we approach the second half of the season and look farther down the road to future successes. We just need to focus in and work to improve incrementally every day.
When I got home well – I found a nice detailed plan from my Boss (Wife) who just happened to be gone. She was in Santa Fe or Phoenix or somewhere in the great American southwest.
That plan had me working four ten hour days on winterizing the house etc. Well, so I am exaggerating to some degree. However, there was plenty to do – but most of these tasks permitted the usual chance to have a beer or ten.
Cleaned up the basement – the mess I had made myself. Worked on the lawn – visited the neighbors for a nice cookout with the other empty nesters on our corner – drank a little more beer.
Worked hard on the patio of the outdoor kitchen….cleaning the brick pavers
Outdoor kitchen and bar cleaned and ready for next party!
and putting down some new sand to seal up the cracks. In general just got a lot of needed work done. Then, of course there was the beer to be had.
The bye week ends and we get on with the preparations for Susquehanna and prepare for one of the better Centennial Conference teams to come to Steel Field.
A look at Susquehanna:
This is a very solid team that is ranked in the top 25 of the Division III teams. Once again they were able to defeat Johns Hopkins (no easy task) but were unable to handle Muhlenberg.
By the way all three of those teams mentioned in the last paragraph are ranked! The CC has some very tough competition within its framework.
They have some very exciting offensive players on the perimeter (you can see in the information below) and a very stingy defense.
The Hounds have their work cut out for them….but, that is something we are ale about. Getting ready to show our wares on the field this weekend!
SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
2019 RECORD: 4-1
Susquehanna 42 – Lycoming 26
Davon Ellington’s (5) 179 yards rushing including two runs of over 60 yards paved the way for an opening day win for host Susquehanna.
Susquehanna outgained the visitors 541-312 in the win.
Samuel Darrell caught a 54-yard pass from Michael Ruisch (15) to push the River Hawks to a 23-17 halftime lead. Ruisch (15) was 18-30 for 294 yards and a pair of TD passes.
David Simpson (31) led the strong SU defense with 11 tackles as the River Hawks held Lycoming to just 81 yards rushing.
Susquehanna 28 – Johns Hopkins 27
For the second year in a row Susquehanna upset highly ranked Johns Hopkins – this time on the road. The 28-17 win was highlighted by a 21 point fourth quarter.
Down 24-7 with little more than 12 minutes left in the game SU managed three scoring drives – one of 99 yards.
Michael Ruisch (15) threw for 287 yards while competing 25 of 42 passes (2 TD and 2 INT).He connected with Frank DePaola (82) with eight seconds left to tie the game and Elijah Hoffman (9) kicked the winning extra point.
DePaola finished with 8 catches for 95 yards.
The physical Susquehanna defense held the Blue Jays to just 39 yards rushing. Craig Raines had a game high 11 tackles with Nick Sottile (20) and T’Rell Bradley (2) making eight stops each.
Muhlenberg 24 – Susquehanna 17 (Overtime)
In a game of two nationally ranked teams – Muhlenberg at #8 and Susquehanna at #25 – the Mules won in overtime in Allentown 24-17.
In a hard-fought game Muhlenberg held a 7-3 halftime lead as both teams played well on defense. T’Rell Bradley’s (2) interception set up the only three points for SU in the first half.
The teams traded TD’s in the third quarter as Michael Ruisch (15) ran for a 14-yard score for the River Hawks.
Susquehanna tied the game late – following a Muhlenberg FG. SU scored with just 34 seconds left when Michael Ruisch (15) connected with Mikah Christian (3) on a 36-yard score.
Muhlenberg scored first in the overtime period and then was able to stop Michael Ruisch (15) just short of the first down marker to win the game.
Michael Ruisch (15) threw for 242 yards on 23-36. But, he was sacked five times and had two interceptions.
Cole Dixon (4) had 11 tackles and David Simpson (31) 9 in a losing effort.
This tight game saw SU outgain the Mules 344-248, but turnovers and big miscues allowed the home team to win the game.
Susquehanna 42 – Franklin and Marshall 13
Susquehanna handed visiting F&M its first loss of the season.
Receivers Anthony McCoy (87) and Mikah Christian (3) had big days for Susquehanna combining for five scores. McCoy (87) had three scores and Christian (3) had 3 catches for 124 yards.
Michael Ruisch (15) had a big day throwing career best five TD’s and completing 18 of 26 throws for 268 yards.
Defensively Cole Dixon (4) led the way with 8 tackles and Danial Shelton (1) and Brendan Krumenacker (46) both had seven each.
Susquehanna’s defense held F&M to just 49 yards passing which allowed the River Hawks to hold the visitors to under 200 yards overall.
Da’Avian Ellington (5) had a big day running the ball for the winners as he rushed for 109 yards on 13 tries – scoring once.
Susquehanna 24 – Dickinson 17
Susquehanna moved to 4-1 on the season with a 24-17 win over visiting Dickinson in a nip and tuck game.
The teams traded leads until Michael Ruisch (15) threw 41 yards to Mikah Johnson (3) in the third quarter to give the River Hawks the lead that they never gave up.
Johnson (3) had 103 yards on 5 catches that included two TD’s.
Susquehanna held the Red Devils to 127 yards passing and had an overall 351-269 edge in yardage gained.
Michael Rausch (15) was 14-28 for 255 yards and a pair of TD’s and Davon Ellington (5) carried the ball for 87 yards.
Early Saturday morning we will hop on a bus for the long ride to Gettysburg to take on the Bullets for their Homecoming game. It is a big game fo each team since we are both looking for our first win of the year.
Obviously this is not the position we envisioned our squad to be in at this point. However, this is where we are as we prepare to get after Gettysburg this weekend.
Whenever you struggle in football you look at the many facets of your team. (I imagine it is similar in most businesses or jobs for that matter – but my only background is football!)
For instance as a staff you sit down and examine how you practice – from the length of the schedule to the details of each period in that framework. You look at injuries, how you are training in the weight room, meeting time with players etc. – there are many details to look at and you are just trying to find a way to improve your results on game day.
Your video study of game and practice becomes even more critical as you search for ways to help your team. Time normally spent on your opponent is now focused on self-improvement.
One key thing is your interaction with the members of the team. As a coach you have to remember they are actually living the game as they play it. We are simply directors – well coaches – we instruct, motivate and try to guide the players in the proper ways to succeed.
The guys who are wearing the uniforms obviously are the most important part of the organization. They are the heart and soul of your team – they are the engine that drives our team. It is their team!
So, it is critical that they have input in our self scout of Moravian football. Their ideas and feelings are paramount to our success.
Really after this on-going hard assessment of our program – we realize that there are things to massage in many areas, adjustments that need to be attended to and a focus of our energy in some other places.
But, when it comes right down to the bare facts – success on the scoreboard is the direct result of the “execution of fundamentals!”
Generally when you go through your self scout you come right back to that simple concept. “Execution of Fundamentals!”
In football it always comes down to blocking and tackling, running, throwing and catching and kicking. You must always work on those areas in preparation and then when the game is played you have to “Trust” your training.
In other words as coaches we need to emphasize those areas in practice (and we do!) and the players must focus on this as they practice (and they do!). We always need to go back to those basics and “train the troops!”
The object of practice is to train the team to perform their basic tasks without having to think about them during the game. It needs to be an automatic reaction that is triggered unconsciously so the athlete can concentrate on assignments and counter the opponents game plan.
Simple idea – not always simple to do. But, that is the challenge of the game – always trying to find a way to get better on and off the field.
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As many parents, family members and friends already know this – it is the middle of the first semester. I would encourage everyone to check on their own Hounds.
Simple questions about mid term grades and assignments can give you an understanding of the academic progress your Hound is making. Better to find out now than be surprised later!
By now they should all know where they stand….we check on them – work with them, encourage them etc. But when it comes down to it…it is up to them to stay on top of their work!
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Heres a quick look at the Gettysburg Bullets.
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
2019 RECORD: 0-4
Bridgewater 41 – Gettysburg 10
Big plays hurt the Gettysburg defense as host Bridgewater College scored on a 41 and 58-yard pass and a 93-yard run to jump out to a 20-0 first quarter lead (Gettysburg went 1
Gettysburg was never really able to mount a steady offensive attack throughout the game. For the losers Logan Edmond (3) managed 9 of 24 for 94 yards – but he was sacked three times and threw three picks. Matt Harris (12) went 7-19 for 142 yards in relief. Both quarterbacks were sacked a combined 7 times.
The Bullets also struggled defensively allowing 224 yards passing and 204 on the ground.
Defensively Ryan Greene (53) had 7 tackles and Justin Lessel (24) added six stops with a fumble recovery.
Alex Reimondo (95) had two sacks for the Bullets.
Ursinus 48 – Gettysburg 10
Throughout the game visiting Ursinus steadily scored building a 21-3 halftime advantage that ballooned to 41-3 before Gettysburg scored their lone TD on a 23-yard pass from Matt Harris (12) to Kevin Benavente (18) late in the game.
The Bullets again played an uneven game as they were unable to mount a steady offensive effort. Ursinus held the host team to 239 yards in total offense and just 80 yards rushing.
Gettysburg allowed eight sacks, had three interceptions and lost three fumbles.
Matt Harris (12) started and played most of the game for the Bullets. He threw for 150 yards (14-34 with 2 INT and 1 TD) but was sacked seven times. Logan Edmonds (3) also played behind center but was just 2 of 7 for 9 yards – but he was the leading rusher for Gettysburg as he ran for 51 yards on 5 attempts.
Matt Lajoie (5) played well with five catches for 72 yards including a 22 yard catch.
Sophomore Linebacker Alex Stillman (33) led the defense with seven stops and an interception. Justin Lessel (24) also chipped in an interception for the Bullets.
Dickinson 56 – Gettysburg 20
Dickinson improved to 2-1 by amassing 596 yards in offense as they rolled to a 56-20 win over host Gettysburg.
Gettysburg racked up 264 yards in the first quarter taking advantage of Dickinson turnovers as they jumped to an insurmountable 24-0 lead.
Gettysburg again used two quarterbacks as Logan Edmond (3) completed 12 of 21 passes for 155 yards. He also ran the ball for 46 yards and had a rushing TD. Matt Harris (12) completed four passes, but he had three interceptions.
Mike Welsch (2) carried the ball 18 times for 71 yards and scored on a one yard run in the fourth quarter.
Justin Lessel (24) paced the defense with 5 Tackles, an interception and a pair of pass break ups.
Gettysburg dropped to 0-3 for the season.
McDaniel 32 – Gettysburg 22
McDaniel managed two TD’s in the fourth quarter to finally seal a 32-22 win over visiting Gettysburg.
The Green Terrors controlled the ball for 15 more minutes than Gettysburg and outgained the Bullets 425-310.
The QB pair of Matt Harris (12) and Logan Edmond (3) combined for 174 yards passing….but they were sacked 7 times as well.
Linwood Nicholas (1) caught 3 balls for 103 yards and had a 51 yard score in a losing effort.
Alex Stillman (33) and Matthew Lynch (35) each had 16 tackles for the Bullets with Lynch racking up a sack as well.
2019 RECORD: 0-4
COACH: Kevin Burke (Gettysburg ‘90), 2nd season (1-9 at Gettysburg, 26-44 overall).
Its was fun to watch the younger guys get a chance to show off their talents
last Sunday in a scrimmage against Alvernia. Someone told me we didn’t win the game. But, I really doubt that it mattered much to the guys playing.
The important thing is that being able to compete brings out the best in everyone. So, I think there were some definite strides made by these young Hounds.
I always find it interesting to watch the demeanor and the concentration of players who enter games early in their playing careers. There is definitely a separation by certain athletes as they begin to transfer all of the things they learn in practice to the actual field of play.
Learning to trust your training and maintaining the discipline to work within the framework of your team brings out the best in players. It was obvious in many places that there are some really bright young players in the “pipeline.”
Aside from the game itself these guys are really fun to work with on the day basis. As we age it is important to learn what our individual “roles” are. Anytime you work in a team setting it is so key to see how the pieces fit together.
As we all learn – not everyone can be the leader, some aren’t destined to be the captain or the star. We all learn when it comes to team play that we all have to put the ultimate goal ahead of our individual desires.
Hard to learn at times – but essential when operating in a team setting
It will certainly be fun to watch them mature over the next several years.
A Look at the Ursinus Bears
Ursinus opened the season with two wins and then surprisingly dropped a home game to Juniata 44-38 last Saturday. The Bears return 12 starters with eight on the defensive side of the ball.
Four year starter Thomas Garlic (16) returns for his senior season. He is currently 45-87 (51.7%) for 645 yards and 7 TD’s. He has thrown for over 7000 yards in his career.
Running Back Samuel Ragland (21) is one of the most productive rushers in the Centennial Conference and he has scored 2 TD’s and run for an average of 90.7 yards per game. He sas Rookie of the year in the CC two years ago and was first team CC last season while rushing for 954 yards and 18 TD’s.
Defensively the Bears return 8 players from a strong defensive team. The entire secondary returns along with three year starter Jacob McCain (54) at LB. Ursinus also gets back a key player in Noah Thomas (1) in the front wall,
Thomas missed most of last season with an injury after an impressive Sophomore year where he made HM all Centennial Conference.
As always when Ursinus is your opponent you can expect a tough physical game.
URSINUS COLLEGE 2019 RECORD: 2-1
Ursinus College 22 – Bethany 10
1. Riding a nine-sack performance the host Ursinus College defeated Bethany 22-10 in both team’s opener. Marcus Weathers (4) led the way with 3 sacks and Darren Sipf (90) racked up two others and had four tackles for losses.
2. Jacob McCain (54) also had a big day for the Bear defense (who held Bethany to just 260 yards in total offense) with an interception and nine tackles.
3. After a sloppy first half where QB Thomas Garlick (16) threw three interceptions the Ursinus offense finally got untracked in the third quarter. Garlick (16) tossed a pair of TD passes – 22 yards to Stacey Gardner (3) and 12 yards to Matt Gallagher (42).
4. Samuel Ragland (21) ran for 156 yards on 21 attempts for a 7.4 average.
Ursinus College 48 – Gettysburg 10
1. Ursinus pushed their record to 2-0 as the Bears won on the road at Gettysburg 48-10.
2. With the defense again leading the way (with three TD’s and seven sacks) the Bears opened their Centennial Conference team successfully.
3. The stiff Ursinus defense held Gettysburg to 239 yards allowing just one conversion in 14 tries on third down. Marcus Weathers (4) recorded one and a half sacks.
4. Noah Thomas returned an interception for a score and both Brett Capobianco (26) and Jeff Lockwood (20) picked up fumbles and ran them back for TD’s.
5. Thomas Garlick (16) had a stronger game than he did in the opening day win. He passed for 126 yards on 11 of 24 with two TD’s and an interception.
Juniata College 44 – Ursinus College 38
1. Juniata (1-2) and Ursinus (2-1) fought a back and forth battle before a late interception of Thomas Garlick (16) allowed the Eagles to run out the clock.
2. Samuel Ragland (21) had a good offensive game for the losing side as he rushed for 51 yards and a score while adding 136 yards on eight catches and two other scores.
3. Entering the game with 17 sacks the Bears could only get to Juniata QB Austin Montgomery once. Jacob McCain (54) was key to the defense with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
4. The game was close all the way to the end…but ultimately it was the Bear turnovers that allowed the visitors from Juniata to notch their first victory of the year.
5. Thomas Garlick (16) had a big day in throwing for 336 yards, but ultimately it was his final interception that allowed the Eagles to put the game away.
2018 RECORD: 8-3
COACH: Peter Gallagher (West Virginia Wesleyan ’93), 19thseason (101-93).
RETURNING STARTERS:
OFFENSE: (4)
Quarterbacks:
1. Thomas Garlick (16). Sr. 6-4, 195 lbs. Hon. Mention CC. Starter since Freshman year. 2772 yards passing (School Record) in 2018
Receivers: none
Runners:
1. Samuel Ragland (21). Jr. 5-9, 175 lbs. All CC First Team. 177 ATT for 954 YDS 18 TD’s. 2 Year starter. CC Rookie of YR 2017.
Linemen:
1. OG Brandon Derby (64). So. 6-4, 277 lbs. Started 8 games in 2018.
2. OT William Boyle (55). Sr. 6-0, 225 lbs. Second year as starter. Former TE.
DEFENSE: (8)
Secondary:
1. Mitchell Bradford (8). Sr. 5-9, 170 lbs. Second Team CC. 5 INT last season.
2. Jack Spingler (17). Sr. 6-2, 195 lbs. Second Team CC. Also punter Starter since Freshman year.
3. Danny Freeman (47). Jr. 5-10, 175 lbs Third year as starter.
4. Mike Reilly (48). So. 6-1, 175 lbs Second year as starter.
Linebackers:
1. Brett Capobianco (26). Sr. 6-0, 180 lbs. Second year as starter.
2. Jacob McCain (54). Sr. 5-11, 207 lbs. Honorable Mention CC, 3rd year as starter.
Defensive Line:
1. Noah Thomas (1). Sr. 6-2, 215 lbs. Starter as soph. Injured most of last season. Very productive player. Hon Mention CC as Soph.
2. Marcus Weathers (4). Sr. 6-1, 185 lbs. Second year as starter.
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.
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.
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.
tremendous advantage and I have to say Kyle Haas has made great strides with the program.
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?
at a great resort in Scottsdale and then a few afternoons at the pool athletics their residence.
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.
basis. As we age it is important to learn what our individual “roles” are. Anytime you work in a team 
setting it is so key to see how the pieces fit together.