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We have had two disappointing losses to start the season.  But, one thing about football – it keeps on going and there is no time to feel sorry for yourself.

There is no time to dwell on the past (Dionne Warwick’s line in her song “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” = A fool will lose tomorrow reaching back for yesterday.). To get better we fix our mistakes and study our history….but we cannot afford wishing and hoping.

Taking on Johns Hopkins in a rare Friday nite contest in Baltimore will be hard.  But, no one said it was going to be easy…nor did anyone say it would be fair.  The Blue Jays are one of the three nationally ranked teams in our conference (Susquehanna and Muhlenberg are the other two).

After losing a fourth quarter lead Johns Hopkins dropped a tough game to the ever improving Susquehanna at home last weekend.  After building a 24-7 lead into the fourth quarter the host gave up 21 forth quarter points to drop a 28-27 contest.

We will have our wok cut out for us…..but that is why we work so hard through training camp and then in our game-week preparations.  The goal for each year is to become the best team we can and that is how we approach each week.

Always looking to get the most out of each team member….trying to put them in the most advantageous position to develop the strongest product on the field.  Sometimes this can be very hard to do for many reasons.

But, that is our goal….to become the “Best Team on Game day” ten times during the year.  Obviously this is a tough task and often requires sacrifice by many people – players and coaches.

For instance we have to continually replace players who become injured – this often requires more than one shift in how we utilize our personnel.  Sometimes it even means we must have players change positions – or even move from one side of the ball to the other.

These adjustments often require our young men to swallow their ego and open their eyes to seeing the “big picture”.  There are times these changes create hard feelings…but the goal of a team is to always think for the whole and not for the individual parts of the team.

Being a part of a “Team” is recognizing that what is best for many has to outweigh our individual goals and feelings.  We always need to try and look ahead while we are working in the present.

My old head coach Rod Marinelli (A tunnel rat in the Vietnam conflict) told our team many times – a team is not a family…it is a brotherhood (not to be sexist here ladies).

He went on to say – in a family you wait on the weakest member – help them forward and look after them.  But, in a brotherhood you cannot wait and pull people with you all the time – you have to march on.  In a brotherhood sometimes people are hurt, or left behind – but the group always has to move on and improve or it will cease to exist.

Obviously in dealing with this – you cannot lose your compassion for the individuals involved and you certainly cannot lose sight of their contributions.  But, you always need to keep a steady view of the team’s future.

Again…on to Hopkins!

Preview of the Blue Jays:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

2019 RECORD: 1-1

 Johns Hopkins 17 – Randolph Macon 12

1. Johns Hopkins (Ranked 6^thnationally) was opportunistic on defense with four second half interceptions pacing an 17-12 opening day win at Randolph Macon.
2. The Blue Jays never trailed but it was a hard-fought game with both defenses surrendering less than 300 yards in total offense.
3. Statistically the game played out to be even but Hopkins was plus one in the turnover category and had two sacks to zero to gain the slight advantage which helped them win the game.
4. JHU (1-0) had the advantage throwing the ball as David Tammaro (11) – last

   

   year’s CC offensive player of the year- threw for 191 yards with 2 TD’s and an interception.

5. Dane Rogerson (24) – who converted from WR to RB for the ‘19 season – rushed for 64 yards and a caught 7 balls for 51 additional yards.

Susquehanna 28 Johns Hopkins 27

1. Susquehanna scored with eight seconds left to defeat #7 ranked Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
2. Susquehanna scored early to take a 7-0 lead. But, the Blue Jays scored 24 straight points to take a 24-7 lead in the final quarter.  But, the River Hawks scored three TD’s in the final stanza to get the win – beating Hopkins for the second straight year.
3. David Tammaro (11) threw 53 times – completing 32 for 370 yards including 1 TD – he also ran for a score. But Susquehanna limited JHU to just 39 yards rushing while they were able to run for 130.
4. Ryan Hubley (3) – All Centennial Conference – had a big day catching the ball for the Blue Jays as he came away with 12 catches for 161 yards. Jacob Yohr (6) and Harrison Wellmann (2) each chipped in with five catches.  (Note Yohr (6) was a HS quarterback.)
5. The usually stingy defense for JHU surrendered 444 yards to Susquehanna’s attack with 251 coming in the final quarter (99 on one TD drive).
6. Nick Seidel (31) led the Blue Jay defense with 9 tackles. Ryan Weed (10) and Robert Fletcher (13) also contributed 7 each. Weed (10) also had an interception which he returned 45 yards as well as a PBU.  Fletcher (13) was the only freshman to start for JHU last year and he was named the Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year.

2018 RECORD: 12-2

COACH:  Greg Chimera (Johns Hopkins ’09), 1st season (0-0).

OFFENSE: (6 Returning Starters)

Quarterbacks:

1. 1. David Tammaro (11)  6-3, 210 lbs                        303-451 67% 35TD 7INT

                                                                                                          2^ndTeam All American

                                                                                                          Cent. Conf. Offensive Player            

                                                                                                          of Year       

Receivers:

1. Ryan Hubley (3) 5-7, 165 lbs            83 REC – 995 YDS. 12.0 AVG. 7 TD

                                                                            1^stTM All Centennial Conf.

Runners:

1. Dane Rogerson (24) 5-11, 185 lbs          Starter at WR in 2018

23 REC – 351 YDS. 15.3 AVG. 2 TD

Offensive Line:

1. OT Jonathan Resnick (71)   6-2, 275 lbs
2. OG Joe Figueroa (64) 6-2, 300 lbs                        3 Yr. Starter

                                                                                                      2^ndTeam All American

                                                                                                      All Centennial Conf.

3.   Petracco (61) 6-2, 315 lbs                                       2-year starter

                                                                                                       Hon Mention

                                                                                                       All Centennial Conf.

 

DEFENSE: (4 Returning Starters)

Defensive Line:

1. DT Kyle Roberts(59)  6-1, 235 lbs                       2 Year Starter.
2. DE Mike Kalanik (39) 6-1, 235 lbs                        3 Year Starter.  Led team in sacks                                                                                         last two years.  Had 10.5 in 2019.                        2^ndTeam All Centennial.
3. DEJake Vall-Llobera (93)      6-3, 230 lbs          2 year starter.

Linebackers:

Secondary

1. CB Macauley Kilbane (8)       5-11, 190 lbs          2 Year starter.  1^stTeam All

                                                                                                      Centennial.

2. Robert Fletcher (13)              6-1, 210 lbs           CC Rookie of the Year.

SPECIALISTS

1. PK Mike Eberle (90)               6-0, 205 lbs          77 XPT , 89  PTS   (School Record)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First of all our thoughts must be with Chris Mills and his speedy recovery.  There is nothing more disturbing than watching your teammate lying on the field after being injured.

Obviously for Chris’ parents there is another level of pain than we all have.  Our thoughts move to them as well.  As friends and teammates we must stand with Chris and his entire family.

I urge you to keep Chris, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Another fallen friend was Corey Little who left the field early with an injury that needed x-rays.  From what we were told he is well and he x-rays are negative.

For as much as I love the game of football these are the moments that bother me so much.

But this is what teammates are for.   In dark moments we band together to lend support to those of who are in need.  That mean first we look after our injured comrades and their families.  Then we bring ourselves together as one group.

Within our team we have to make sure that we understand that we have talented players….we have good leadership and we have the ability to bounce back.  There will always be some noise from the outside…..but that is fine….it doesn’t effect who we are and what we do every day for eleven weeks during the actual football season.

This is our locker room…our mentality…we don’t care what is going on outside of this ring.  We control what we do…and how we do it.

There is a great expression…My late friend Frank Gansz (perhaps the greatest special teams coach ever) had.  “You bring your own weather with you.”

Obviously that means…you decide who you are and how you act.  No one else controls that- only you do.  So we get to decide!

So what happens from here on out??

“You bring your own weather with you!”

As we draw to the end of a solid week of practice we look forward to playing the Green Terrors of McDaniel College in our home opener at Steel Field.  It should be an exciting day for our friends and families.

Knowing that the Tailgating season is now in full swing I’m sure our fans will do their usual great job of “warming” up for the game.  This is a big part of the year for our group and I expect a lot of fun will be had by one and all.

McDaniel enters the game in Bethlehem with a 1-0 record after defeating Misericordia 24-14 behind a strong rushing game paced by  Perry Stefanelli (#7).  Stefanelli (#7) who returns as a graduate student missed the entire year in 2018 and part of 2017 with a knee injury.  He has proven to be a p[roductive back over his career.

Tyler Palermiti (8) led the way throwing the ball with 130 yards and a pair of TD’s.  But, his backup transfer Kevin Sheckells (#18) was  used often and displayed his talents running the ball.

Sheckells (#18) at 6-4 and 240 lbs. was difficult to bring down for the Misericordia defenders.  He rushed for 47 yards on designed runs and also threw for 6 yards and a TD.  He is a good changeup for  McDaniel and it is expected that his role will increase throughout the season.

Palermiti (#8) did a nice job of spreading the ball around to seven different receivers with Colin Fisher (#12) leading the pack with 4 catches for 34 yards. Palermiti (#8) spent last season sharing time at QB and he seems to be firmly in place at the position this year.

Defensively the Terror’s are lead by All Conference performer Jarius Ransom

(1) who had a  very strong opening game with 11 stops and a pair of sacks.  The 6-0, 190 pound linebacker has been the spearhead of the defense for several years.

His teammate Nah’shon Godfrey (#5) had a big interception late in the game to help sew up the victory.  Junior punt returner Aaron Pray III (#6) was outstanding in the return game with three punt returns for 76 yards (25.3 yds. per return).  Two of those return set up TD’s for the winners.

*****SPECIAL FORCES*****

Our group of “Special Forces” were at the top off their game this week and they did a great job preparing both  our offensive and defensive players for the McDaniel squad.

I know that defensively we had some outstanding efforts and that the

offensive players do appreciate the pace we maintain for them.  Coach John Menegakis does a great job working with the SF secondary and we were able to make some big plays with the players in the back of the defense.

Anytime we can make a play on defense it forces the offensive starters to concentrate a little more and work just a little harder.  Our goal is to keep improving our skills as SF players as well as get our starters ready for the game.

McDaniel Scouting Report

MCDANIEL COLLEGE

2019 RECORD: 1-0

2018 RECORD: 3-7

 2019 SEASON

McDaniel 24 – Misericordia 14

1. Misericordia opened the scoring on an 18 yard pass from Brady Williams to Sam Gillison in the first period.  Then over the next three quarters McDaniel scored 24 straight points.
2. Both Tyler Palermiti (8) threw two TD passes and Kevin Sheckells (18) had another for theGreen Terrors.   Palermiti started but Sheckells (18) played significant time as a dual threat QB.
3. Palermiti (8) was 12-21 for 130 yards with the two TD’s and Sheckells (18) hit both of his passes on the day – his 47 yards rushing was second on the team behind grad student Perry Stefanelli’s (7) 58.
4. All Conference DB Nah’shon Godfrey (5) had an interception for McDaniel and linebacker Jarius Ransom (also All Centennial) posted. 11 tackles including a pair of sacks.

 

2018 SEASON (REVIEW)

McDaniel 27 – Catholic 12

1. Ben Igo (So. #12) completed 15-22 for 212 yards as McDaniel opened the season with a 27-12 win over host Catholic. Five of those passes went to Davon Ingram (Sr. #1) for 88 yards.
2. McDaniel out-gained Catholic 400-287 – converting 44 percent of their third down tries. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) paced the running game with 111 yards on 16 attempts including a TD.  Matt Cathey (Sr. #21) rushed for 69 yards as well.
3. Defensively the Terrors picked off two passes.
4. Angelo Payne had nine tackles for the winners. Aris Mayield (Jr. #15) and Jalen Jones (So. #2) had interceptions for the Terrors as well.

Moravian 14 – McDaniel  9

1. Both teams held their opponent to under 200 yards on a wet day in Westminster as the visiting Hounds won 14-9 with TD’s in the first and third quarter.
2. Moravian forced McDaniel to punt 11 times.
3. For the Terrors Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had 12 tackles (three for losses)and Nah’shon Godfrey had 10 more.
4. Moravian scored as Shane Mastro caused a fumble that Jackson Buskirk picked up and ran in for a TD.
5. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 63 yards on 16 tries in a losing effort. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) passed  for 58 yards including a TD to Breon Herbet (Sr. #14) of eight yards.

Franklin and Marshall 21 – McDaniel 14

1. #24 ranked Franklin and Marshall (3-0) beat the host McDaniel Green Terrors 21-14 after a third period touchdown broke a 14-14 tie.
2. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) made his first start for McDaniel and completed 16-25 passes for 155 yards.  Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) rushed for 59 yards on 11 carries.
3. In a tough defensive game Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had double-digit tackles again.

McDaniel 24 – Gettysburg 0

1. The Green Terrors (2-2) shutout host Gettysburg. Their first shutout since 2010.
2. McDaniel’s defense held the Bullet offense to just 123 yards and created four turnovers.Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had his third straight game with ten or more tackles.  Garvin Brooms (Sr. #33) had four tackles including two sacks and forced a pair of fumbles.  Kiree Moore (Jr. #3) had an interception for the Terrors.
3. All three TD’s were scored on runs. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 81 yards while Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) added 67.
4. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 195 yards with a 15-26 effort. His favorite target was Davon Ingram (Sr. #1) who caught five passes for 82 yards.

McDaniel 24 – Juniata 21

1. McDaniel moved to 3-2 with a 24-21 win over host Juniata (0-5) behind John Chamberlain’s (Sr. #4) 94 yards rushing.
2. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 55 yards (6-14) and Ben Igo (So. #12) for 91 yards on 6 of 9. Matt Schleifer (Jr. #3) caught 3 passes for 47 yards and a 27-yard score.
3. Ray Doh (Sr. #6) paced the defense with three sacks and Garvin Brooms (Sr. #33) had 1 ½  Defensive Lineman Kofi Siga (Jr. #4) recorded 10 tackles and forced a fumble.
4. On the day, the Terrors had eight sacks holding Juniata to under 300 yards and only 17 net yards (0.5 yards per attempt.)
5. Peyton Denlinger (Fr. #16) booted a 45-yard field goal.

Dickinson 27 – McDaniel 21

1. Dickinson (2-4) scored 10 first quarter points and led throughout the game winning 27-21 over host McDaniel.
2. Matt Cathey (Sr. #21) rushed for 50 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in a losing effort. The Terrors were held to under 100 yards rushing and were limited to just nine first downs on the afternoon by a tough Dickinson defense.
3. The Terrors (3-3) were able to convert only 4 of 14 on third down (29%) and 0-2 on fourth down -McDaniel also threw two interceptions and lost one fumble.
4. QB Ben Igo (So. #12) played the entire game throwing for 153 yards (10-29-2 INT) but was unable to produce a TD through the air.
5. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) again had a productive defensive game for McDaniel.He had another double-digit tackle game and had half a sack.  Linebacker Anthony Crawley (Sr. #5) had 12 tackles for the losing team.

Muhlenberg 42 – McDaniel 18

1. Muhlenberg remained undefeated with a big offensive day at home against McDaniel. The Mules had over 400 yards in total offense and Matt Hnatowski passed for 250 yards dropping McDaniel below .500 on the season.
2. Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) had a big day running the ball for the Terrors as he produced 138 yards on 16 carries with most coming on a 63-yard run he had.
3. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) returned to starting rotation at QB but was limited to just 102 yards throwing the ball (11-27-3 INT) and he could only muster 1 TD in the air.Breon Herbert (Sr. #14) was his target on the lone TD he threw.
4. Nah’shon Godfrey (Jr. #36) paced the defense with a 37-yard interception return for a TD along with 10 tackles.

Ursinus 30 – McDaniel 14

1. Visiting Ursinus built a 23-0 lead to cruise to a 30-14 win over McDaniel as the Terrors fell to 3-5 on the season.
2. Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) had his second straight 100-yard game rushing the ball 24 times for 137 yards and a TD.
3. Ben Igo (So. #12) returned as the starter behind center and but completed just 11 of 29 passes for 107 yards (3 Interceptions) and no TD’s.
4. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had another stellar performance for the host team as he had a sack and 9 other tackles.

Susquehanna 20 – McDaniel 3

1. McDaniel could just manage one field goal on the day as the Terrors dropped their fourth straight game 20-3 to visiting Susquehanna.
2. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 77 yards, but McDaniel (3-6) could muster just 207 yards in total offense.
3. The Terrors again got a big game from Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) who managed 12 stops.In his first start for McDaniel – Habeeb Baba (Fr. #31) had eight tackles and an interception.
4. The Terrors will end their season at nationally ranked Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkins 42 – McDaniel 17

1. McDaniel lost their final game of the season 42-17 at Johns Hopkins. The Terrors finished 3-7.  The Blue Jays claimed a share of their tenth straight Centennial championship.
2. The Green Terrors were outgained offensively 516-297.
3. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 183 yards and 2 TD’s. Brendan Brandy (So. #24) had seven catches for 70 yards, Matt Schleifer (Jr. #3) chipped in with four receptions and a pair of TD’s.
4. Anthony Crawley (Sr. #5) had 14 tackles to pace the defensive effort. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) contributed 5 tackles and an interception.

 

2019 RECORD: 1-0

COACH:  Demarcus White (Iona ’07), First Season (0-0).

OFFENSE: (3 Returning Starters)

Quarterbacks:

1. Tyler Palermiti (8) 6-0, 195 lbs            2018: 74-149 (49.7%) 6 INT 4 TD

Receivers:

Runners:

Offensive Line:

1. OL Orbell Keshishi (71)                      Jr, 6-3, 290 lbs
2. OL Tracy Easton (54) Jr, 6-0, 280 lbs

DEFENSE:(6 Returning Starters)

Defensive Line:

1. Kofi Siga (4) Sr, 6-1, 220 lbs                        45 TKL  3 SCK  2FF
2. Will Smith (78) Jr, 6-0, 290 lbs

Linebackers:

1.  Jarius Robinson (1)  Sr, 6-0, 190 lbs           92 TKL  1 INT 1^stTm ALL CENT

Secondary:

1. Nh’shon Godfrey (5)   Sr. 6-4, 180 lbs         61 TKL 1 INT, 2^ndTm ALL CENT
2. Kiree Moore (3)  Sr.  5-10 , 175                        1 INT, 6 PBU in 2018                  
3. Aris Mayfield (15) Sr. 6-1, 195 lbs                   2 INT in 2018

SPECIALISTS

1. Peyton Denlinger So, 6-0, 160 lbs           7-8 FG  6-8 XP
2. John Compere So, 6-0, 180 lbs                 1-2 FG  11-12 XP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tough loss in the opening game of the season – as we leave Kings College on the wrong end of a 23-20 score.  Losing in the opener is always tough to swallow because you have spent so much time and effort building up to the game.

We certainly had our chances to win the game….but, we just never could get into a rhythm on either side of the ball.  Plus we had our fair share of mistakes in the Special Teams area as well.

Unfortunately many of my greatest fears were met.  We had some critical turnovers, allowed 11 explosive plays (runs of 12 plus yards and passes of 15 yards or more) including a 53 yard run and a 65 yard pass – both scores.  We lost the turnover battle and certainly did not control the special teams phase of the game.

When you add all of the things up….well let’s face it – it is a recipe for the disaster we had Saturday night.  Although it is disappointing that we failed in so many areas we certainly have the ability to fix these problems.

We have been practicing tackling every day since we started camp….we have been running pursuit drills for the defense  since day one.  The same can be said about our efforts in Special Teams and the Offense as well.

Naturally our failures have to be addressed, and they will be.  As coaches it is our obligation to correct the problems that we saw last weekend.  After watching the video (several times) we decide on the necessary adjustments we need to make both schematically and personnel wise.

One thing is certain – everyone shares in the loss.  No one is exempt, and that includes us as the directors of the team and the players who must function at a high level on game day.  We are all in the same category…we are all a team.  Everyone has a role and I know that we will continue to work to find success for each member of our team.

Thanks for all of your support as family and friends of the Greyhound program.  We all know how much backing you give us and it is greatly appreciated!

Go Hounds!

Well yeah I wake relatively early  in the morning (around 5:30 or so).  Get up and  of course the wind is whipping and its raining on and off.  Sure, the day I have to gather up all of my belongings and jam them into my suitcase and carry it down 99 steps – TRUE!  99 STEPS – from Daniels’s bachelor pad to the street.

OK…what the heck the way the wind roars thru here at times it just might clear by the time I plan to leave around 9:00.  (Weather changes just like Michigan.). Anyway I fool around gathering up my goods and trying at least to clean up his otherwise immaculate apartment.  I have to admit I fail miserably at doing a good job of picking up.

However, at least I left him the appropriate piles of things in spots so he can at least pick them up easily.  For instance I leave a pile of dirty linens and towels (I left him an extra towel I borrowed from the last hotel I stayed in), empty beer cans in the sink (but I left him some extra FULL ones in the fridge – fair trade I say),  Replaced the chocolate I ate from his home – of course I sampled some.

Do you know they have chocolate with champagne or liquor in them?  It is quite a surprise to your taste buds when you are expecting something else!  Anyway he made with a gain in candy I hope.

I left him a hooded sweatshirt which kids now a days call “Hoodies”.  They will always be hooded sweatshirts to old guys like me.  I hope Daniel didn’t get the idea I actually liked him – I just did not feel like carrying it!  HAH!

I am not kidding you about the 99 steps by the way…..and they are steep!

Oh yeah also left him some cherry jelly that was awesome on croissants.  I purchased at one of my favorite stores in the world “Coop!”  Really Migros is right in there as well….but Coop sells beer and Migros does not!

But, really all kidding aside.  I was the one who made out here.  What an awesome thing for someone to do.  Loaning me the use of his bachelor pad for almost two weeks.  (Yeah but there was the issue of walking up 99 stairs – or 135 if you went top the garage….thats a lot!  Hah what a life!)

Really I was the one who made out in this whole deal.  I get to meet some more new friends.  Work with football players – become more “worldy” thru some new travels and experiences! 

OK back to the weather – it clears briefly at around 8:30 so I am feeling good about my 9:00 departure.  I carry that suitcase down 99 STEPS to the bottom and out the door.  Lock it behind me – no going back now  because I locked the keys inside like Daniel asked…..

SNOW…yup SNOWING sideways with the wind!  No turning back now.  Shoulder into the wind (oh yeah I am in shorts by the way) with my so called waterproof hood on.

It isn’t a far walk – about 10-15 minutes.  But the wind is howling and whipping that snow into my face.  Then I think to myself…well it is Switzerland right.  Just imagine a guy wearing a Detroit Lions parka dragging a suitcase (thank the man who invented the wheeled suitcase) thru the snow…across a bridge….past the drug addicts on the other side of the bridge (no lie) up the hill to the train station.

Seriously some people did give me the eye as I went into the SBB station to get my train.  This guy covered in snow wearing shorts and dragging a suitcase.  OK maybe I did look gust a bit silly.  OK maybe real silly!

Hopped on the 10:32 to Zurich….an hour or so later….got into the airport hotel and once again the “world was spinning in greased groves” for the second luckiest man in the world!

What a life!

 

 

OK -we have had a bit of rain the last few days here at our camp in Oberharmersbach, Germany – don’t hold me to the spelling!  Yet it has remained awesome.  No – Really awesome!! These guys love football!

They practice hard – work to get better each day and truly just enjoy the game and competing with each other.  It is apparent this is fun, yet at the same time it is a hard competition between guys who have a lot of respect for each other.

We stay in this fantastic old hotel where everyone caters to your needs.  These people want to make sure we are happy – part of it is because we are some of the few paying customers during this part of tourist season  I am sure.  But in reality the people around here are just really nice folks.

Oh yeah and there is this great bakery right around the corner.  Trust me is is awesome.  In fact it is so good that the people in the town buy everything before we can get there.  But, using my James Bond moves I was able to infiltrate the lines to the goodies and get some chocolate filled crescents  and a few donuts as well.  I am telling you these things are awesome (for any friends from Konkrete Kid land – think Hellertown Bakery!)

OK – so before practice I am walking to the field (a little more than 10 minutes away). It is a steady downpour and I am trying to snap some pictures to chronicle our stay here in the big “O” (I am not going to keep trying to spell Oberhammersbach – because I am not sure I am spelling it correctly.)

Like I said – taking snap shots for you guys and getting wet as I go.  I keep telling myself the rain will start to let up soon.  So imagine this as my mind spins:

 

 

 

 

 

“Here I am 65 years old…I am in Germany and don’t speak the language, its raining pretty hard….last evening on the last night in town most of the team has been drinking and raising hell (they are young men after all!).  Many stayed out till the wee hours of the morning drinking beer etc.  and we have practice in a few minutes….

I am walking over a bridge swollen with water and many of the players,  several of the coaches are still in the hotel lobby…why in the world am I smiling?  Will they even come to practice – will I be the only guy at the field today?  Why am I finding this fun?”

Easy!

It is football and it is fun!  I get to visit with people from all over the world…who cares if you are wet and your shoes are squishing water out of the holes where the laces go?

Who cares if I am several thousand miles from home and pretty much under water.  It doesn’t matter – we are here and well – here comes practice by the way!

Guys show up (coaches too!) … we pretty much get going on time.  Practice is a lot of fun and we accomplish a great deal through the morning (hung over or not).

But this is the way it is done overseas and I am learning.  (Every time I think I should push for more – I realize these guys are paying for everything here in the big “O”). Hard to get on somebody’s ass after he shelled out several hundred dollars (francs, Marks etc) of his own to play ball.

That means that really – they control the show.  Not the coaches.

I love the way we play here in Europe (Switzerland).  There is no formula…yet there is.  No one can really define how things should look in regards to football. – but we will know not when we see “IT.”

Most players we have are really interesting athletes..  Many just need some seasoning and help to improve themselves.  Yet a lot of the coaches are uncomfortable jumping in and coaching – I mean REALLY coaching their guys.

I am not talking about yelling and screaming.  I am talking about coaching, instructing….teaching.  Right now I see a lack of confidence in the coaches – and that is what is holding them back.

But, to me this is not discouraging.  Why?  They are really good coaches!  They just need to see they are.  They know the game…they are truly capable

Why?  Here is why…

They pretty much all played like the guys on the team now.  But, they came through the ranks when there truly was little coaching and a pretty loose understanding of the game.  They figured out they enjoyed playing and decided to give something back to the game – and really their country if you think about it.

Many of the current coaches spend some serious money acquiring manuals on coaching and drill work.  They visit the states to learn because they feel a responsibility to the game.  These coaches are serious.

In my eyes…these guys are the real deal.  This is their hobby, but it is also their passion.  This is truly “giving something back” to the game they really enjoy.  They coach because they love it!

So…my goal as the “Ambassador of football” is to provide anything I possibly can to help the players and the coaches is Switzerland, and all of Europe for that matter. Now, just need to keep getting more coaches from the US interested in helping out.

 

As I am traveling back from Lucerne to Bern I get a message from John Jordan who lives in Bern. He is the head coach of the Bern U19 football team. Although I had never met him I returned his message informing him that my

phone was on the verge of running out of juice and that I would respond when I got back to Bern and plugged in my phone.

After getting back to Bern and getting my phone issue settled I connected with John and we got together for a few hours later in the afternoon. John was born in Canada and has a PHD in history. He did grad work in Great Britain and again here in Switzerland.

He has been coaching in Switzerland and has also become a referee along the way (Why would you want to do that??). He is a very interesting man and we spent several hours telling stories and talking about football experiences we have had along the way.

Later in the day returned back to the apartment and then went to dinner with the Thun coaches where we had a very good pizza.  Afterward went thru the practice schedule and Stephan gave us his impressions on what we wanted to accomplish at our camp in Oberharmersbach, Germany this upcoming weekend.

We had a nice dinner….got business out of the way and drank some beer. After finishing up our night we felt pretty good about the upcoming camp agreeing that we had a pretty good chance of getting our objectives accomplished.

Thursday was spent preparing for our early departure the next day.  Got some things done shopping wise, read a book and drank some beer – oh yeah worked on some football as well.

Friday came fast and hard with the bus to Germany leaving a rainy Bern 5:30 in the morning. Due to our ambitious schedule (two practices on Friday when we arrived) we had to make the early start.

I have to say I was really excited about our trip for a variety of reasons. But, the biggest being the genuine enthusiasm of the group. The Tigers were eager to play together as a team. That is always a great thing to observe.

After our arrival – we got suited up and went to work on the field. I said this earlier, but it is amazing to see these athletic complexes basically set up in the middle of nowhere. A beautiful synthetic surface set down in this smaller town. Obviously, it was established for soccer teams but it truly suited our needs just fine.

We opened camp with a very spirited practice which showed a great deal of detail in the planning by Stephan our head coach (I am guessing his right-hand man Daniel had something to do with it as well.) One way or the other it was a very well thought out plan and it was obvious that this organization allowed the players to work through the day effortlessly.

I realize that the teams across Europe (and Switzerland is no exception) practice long and there is some strong hitting because they only get three practices per week. But, I literally cringe at some of the hits that are delivered. But, amazingly they help each other up – ask if the opponent is OK, hug and continue on. These guys play hard and do not hesitate to drill each other…. But, yet they still have genuine concern about their teammates.

For as long and hard (hell the warmup is tough) as the practices are there is little or no complaining.  I have watched many practices in Switzerland over the past several years.  They are similar, yet different than our sessions here in the states.

They are structurally the same but obviously longer as I said (and the thud and tag-off tackling concept is just beginning to take hold here).  Often ,most of the time actually, the only lines on the field correspond to soccer.  Rarely are there any goal posts for practice areas.

But, it is amazing how quickly you forget about this and just practice.  I mean as an American you study the field beforehand and wonder how this is going to work.  But it does!  It’s like when you were growing up and got together to play in a field…there weren’t any markings – you just figure it out.

That is exact.y what happens here.  The Swiss have figured it out.  If you want to play ball – you play ball.  I love it!

You should see the hotel by the way.  The owners have five separate hotels all gathered around each other along with the obligatory restaurants and beer gardens.  Obviously this isn’t tourist season – so in this sprawling complex that is compressed around a narrow thoroughfare – it is not bustling right now.  (And by the way the drivers really go through these narrow streets very fast.  Unlike Switzerland it is the pedestrian traffic that has to avoid the cars!)

 

As you can expect the days begin to run together as you spend time away from home. Sometimes you also fall behind in your writing. Perhaps that is why some people are writers…and others like me are just guys who are truly amateurs. (It takes discipline – something I have always lacked!)

Well on Tuesday the Tigers did not have any practice scheduled so I hopped on a train and zipped over to Lucerne (about an hour away). This was on the invite of my friend Claudio of the Lucerne Lions. Lucerne is a beautiful city (seems like I say that about everywhere in Switzerland) and looked forward to visiting this beautiful spot again.

After the usual picturesque journey I was met by Claudio at the train station. As it turns out this is the final day of “Carnival” in Lucerne. I think it is similar to ”Fat Tuesday” in New Orleans (or even Paczki Tuesday in Michigan for that matter).

If I have my information right this is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (The beginning of Lent??). After a crazy week of merriment and indulgence the crowds settle down for one final great effort.

So, people stuff themselves, drink to excess, generally enjoy themselves – and have an excuse to have one heck of a final party. Trust me from the little I saw with people dressed up, bands marching, people partying Lucerne sure knows how to get it done right!

But, my (ad)venture was to visit with the Claudio and the new Lion head coach – Sebastian Fandert – not to become lost in the insanity about to take place. We jumped on a tram and headed towards a part of Lucerne that I hadn’t been to before.

It was a lot of fun to spend time with Claudio who showed me around the Lions practice several years ago. He was a very gracious host then, and he still is today.

Currently he is the manager of the Lucerne Lions and also the owner of Snap Shop which is one of the few sports shops that cater to American Football in all of Switzerland. He is a very busy young man…plus he is a tired guy as well. His wife gave birth to their first child – a son named Nino a few months ago.

Sebastian the coach of the Lions is a very interesting young man to spend time with as well. He has spent several years coaching throughout Europe and currently is also the head coach of the Czech Senior National Team. He is obviously a man of the world – a guy who knows the ins-and-outs of European (American) Football. And, that does take some getting used to!

We spent the afternoon chatting about football in general and about the difficulties of coaching in Europe. In my short time visiting the continent across the sea I can see the frustrations that a coach faces here.

It is hard to find financing, travel, and build a roster in a land where you are facing populations that understand Soccer and basketball a whole lot better than American football which is alien to them. But, what is evident is the commitment that the players who are involved with the game have. They absolutely love playing and competing.

These guys all pay their own money, buy their own equipment, find their way to practice…..and the Senior (+20) guys all have jobs. They work all day long….then they take a train, drive, bus to the field for a two to three hour practice from 8:00 to 10:30 or so. Insane – right?? But, like I said, they truly are committed.

Later – in the early evening I went to practice with Sebastian and my friend Markus who works with the wide receivers. Man, it was cold at practice….But, we are in Switzerland and it is early March after all! The wind gusting through the practice field didn’t help matters much either.

I helped out with the defensive line and they did have a pretty impressive player playing Defensive Tackle. He was big (6-4 or so) and had some quickness to him. I would guess he would be a dominant player within the SAFV.

Overall it was an interesting practice to observe. Being they were short several players (due to “Carnival” I would guess) it was hard to judge the talent level they had. But, they did have several players who were also nursing injuries – this could be a problem if they do not heal soon. The season opens in about four week’s time.

Sebastian also mentioned they opened with the Bern Grizzlies one of the better teams in the A-League. The Grizzlies had brought on a new QB who happens to be an import player. (Most teams that have imports will bring in a QB – usually an American). Apparently, word has gotten around that he is very fast.

Many QB’s who are imports in Europe (Switzerland) are basically runners first and throwers second. The European coaches are looking for dual threat guys because they put so much stress on already taxed defensive teams. They realize that these types of players are great athletes and offer some real options within the offense – funny you say option I guess.

After practice ended I crashed at the apartment that was used by the three import players that the Lions have. It’s always hanging around young guys in their mid-twenties. (I think I was there once??).

It was already after eleven – I crashed in the fourth bedroom that was unused. This was quite a nice pad for the young men. Although it did not have a living room per say – just a large kitchen – wide hallway, four large bedrooms (really large), two bathrooms and a washer / dryer set up. Actually, perfect for young guys whose main objective was to play football and have a good time.

I could hear them coming and going into the early hours of the morning….had to laugh to myself. There was a time when my life was dedicated to raising hell and having a good time as well.

Waking up in the morning I discovered that the “boys” had neglected to shut the door whenever the last rebel had decided to come home (which I placed at around 4:00 AM or so). Yup, there we were – sleeping in a third floor apartment with the door wide open.

After clearing out through the used frying pans, half empty beer bottles, a wine bottle or two and some “science projects” that appeared to have been left on the table for a week or two – I hit the road.

Had a quick bite with Sebastian – hopped on the train and was back in Bern well before noon!

The SAFV is the American football league in Switzerland.  SAFV stands for Schweizerische American Football Verband – so as you can see SAFV (or Sahhhvv) is more convenient than the entire tag.

There are several age levels of play under the umbrella of the SAFV.  Think this way first – there is tackle football and flag football.  Flag football is divided into U13, U16 and Ultimate, Tackle football has a Senior Division (20+ years), Junior U19, Junior U16.  I am not ignoring the women here – I think they can play in the U19’s with the men.  There is one full team of women that I am aware of – the Calanda Broncos.

****I was privileged to work with the Calanda Bronco ladies at the Growth of the Game camp in Lucerne last October.  They have some very good players and I am anxious to follow their progress this season.

Nationalliga A (The National A League) is the premier division of American football in Switzerland.  It consists of six teams with the season running from late March until the end of June.  The playoffs follow with the championship game “Swiss Bowl” as the culminating game.

In the A-League the six teams are the Calanda Broncos, Winterthur Warriors, Basel Gladiators, Lucerne Lions, Geneva Seahawks and the Bern Grizzles.  These teams engage in a home and home series with each member team.  The top four teams qualify for the playoffs and the two finalists play in the “Swiss” Bowl.

The winner of the “Swiss Bowl” then qualifies for the European Football League.  This is a loosely grouped championship of Europe that is extremely difficult to follow for a novice like me.  Actually there seems to be quite a bit of politics involved in my eyes.

There are also six teams in the SAFV LNB (B-league) which include the Thun Tigers, Argovia Pirates, Zurich Renegades, Bienna Jets, LUCAF Owls, and the St. Gallen Bears.

These teams play the same type of home and home series which goes on weekly.  The champion of the B-League will face the worst team in the A-League in a relegation like European soccer does.

The winner of that game will move into the upper division and the loser becomes part of the B-League.  It all proves for a very interesting three months.

There is also a C-League made up of a varying number of teams.  The Fribourg Cardinals, Geneva Whoppers, Lugano Rebels, Midland Bouncers, SFU Phenix, AFC Lumberjacks, Schaffhausen Sharks and the Morges Bandits.  (Note, many of these teams are from the French Cantons due to the lesser population numbers.)

To add to your confusion – each A and B league team has a U-19 team which will play the same schedule as their Senior team.  For example if the Basel Gladiators are playing the Winterthur Warriors in a senior game that means the U-19 Gladiators are facing the Warriors.

(Note some C-League teams do not field the U-19 team and that is why the C-League designation.)

The A and B league teams both will play 10 games with no cross overs.  You stay within your A or B league designation.

The Calanda Broncos have been the most dominating team in the league winning 8 of the last 10 championships.

The Broncos are a very good team and very well coached.  However, anytime a team wins that many games that many times there are other factors.  Calanda has a very strong support base (think finances) which allows them to attract successful foreign players.

Each European league has varying degrees of allowing foreign players on the teams.  Players from countries that play football in high school are designated one way (A) , and players from non high school playing teams are designated in another.

Depending on which league in Europe you play in – the rules allowing the number of players with (A) designation on the field are limited.  In other words your league may allow you to have two (A) players on a roster, but only one might be allowed on the field at one time.

But, your league might not have a limit on foreign players from countries where they do not play football.  (US and Canada, some schools in Mexico are basically the only schools considered (A).

So you might have a solid roster of citizen players accentuated by (A) players and other visiting players.  This is beneficial for your team.

Teams with money and access to players from a foreign  -B-  country (especially if it near the border of Switzerland – Germany or France are the big ones!) have a definite advantage because many of these guys have spent time playing in the states.  Obviously this helps them a alot