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Well….out to Phoenix with our friends the Fords.  Yeah he is a grad of the University of Arizona.  We are Sun Devils!  Well, we went over to watch U of A play against our Devils in basketball.

Have to give it to those guys from Tucson they beat us by seven.  But, the Devils fought back from an 18 point deficit to go ahead.  Not enough horsepower to maintain and win the game though.

U of A has two seven footers – they are pretty good.  One freshman and one senior.  But I really think that the Devils are on the right track.  Bobby Hurley the coach –  obviously his name will bring ASU some positive recruiting buzz.  Now, can we keep him away from the NBA?

With all the problems in college athletics the pro game gets more appealing to successful college coaches in all sports.  Coaching is one of the best jobs you can have….but there are so many pitfalls that can put a coach in jeopardy in the college landscape.

The beauty of the pro game is just that….they are pros.  Sure there are issues you have to deal with.  But the athlete’s are in charge of their own lives.  You don’t have to give lectures to them about how to act….what to do in their personal lives etc.   They are responsible for what they do….not you as a coach.

In college as a coach you have to constantly be aware of an athletes actions – not only on the field – but off the field.  Often problems are brought to your attention after the fact.  Sometimes you don’t even know about a problem  until it is too late.

There are many people who judge coaches without even knowing the entire situation.  As a coach you might not know the circumstances yourself…..the next thing you know some unknown staffer has supplied ESPN with documents and everyone thinks you are a jackass.

Coaching is hard enough –  trying to keep track of 90 plus athletes (football) off the field is incredibly difficult.  Plus you might be off campus recruiting – something goes wrong and suddenly you are stupid and accused of not controlling your program.

Yeah pro sports might be a better path for coaches.

*****

We had a great time in Phoenix and had to concede to Tom that the “kitty cats” from U of A were better than our Devils.  I’m thinking ASU will whip up on them for the next several years.

I think this might become an annual trek to the “Grand Canyon” state for the Ford’s and us.  Maybe we should make it a little more interesting by making the loser pay for the trip????  Hmm…might be good idea.

Love to see the strength in both Tom and Kathy.  So glad to see that their faith is so evident.  We are lucky to count them as our friends..

*****

 

Hop on the next jet to Albuquerque and off to the “Land of Enchantment” – the great state of New Mexico.  Going to spend about ten days here visiting and getting our fill of the best chili in the US.  Personally I just can’t get enough of the stuff!

Spending time in one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen – Santa Fe!

Santa Fe, not Albuquerque, is the capital of the great state of New Mexico.  The city was founded around 1610 by Spanish colonists and it is the OLDEST state capital in the United States!  So as we say out here “New Mexico is not NEW and it is not MEXICO”. 

Santa Fe is very unique with it’s southwestern architecture and truly special cuisine.  I have suggested many times to friends to visit the state….but to especially explore this fantastic city.  You can’t go wrong here!

Although New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the union it only has about two million people residing there.  This ranks it as the 36th most populated state.  Very large – but not not that many people.  But, if you want to see the stars at night and see the most beautiful blue sky during the daylight hours you have to go and visit!

Oh yeah state bird – the ROADRUNNER!

When you look at the Roadrunners “footprint” it  is an “X”.  Legend behind that is – that way when the devil was looking for the roadrunner he (she or it I guess) could not track him down because he wouldn’t know what direction to look!

*****You know that I have a lot of strange information rattling around in my head!*****

Many people from the east think that New Mexico and Arizona are vast deserts.  But you have to watch what you define as a desert.  Trust me – the deserts of the southwest are not vast swaths (nice college word there) of sand and cacti.

There are rocks, canyons (snakes…scorpions…Gila monsters etc) mesas, arroyos etc.  It is a fascinating landscape.  But, northern New Mexico, Northern Arizona are mountainous.  For instance Taos, New Mexico has tremendous skiing opportunities – it is at nearly 7000 feet (Denver is 5000!). So trust me northern New Mexico is not in the desert as you may think of it!

Well anyway we are here now!

*****

Football-wise some things are percolating in Europe and perhaps we can get Sound Mind Sound Body into an “international” mode pretty soon!

 

OK…A long disappearance, but I have had a lot to do.  Nah not really.  Was just concentrating on being the second luckiest man ever.  You might think that is easy….you have to work at your craft!  So I do!

There are many things going on…..My very good friend Giorgio Volpi from Switzertland tried to establish a connection with the Italian Federation of American Football.  A promising chance to build and develop camps and football clinics in Europe and perhaps other places as well.

It looked very promising…but then it fell apart.

Very disappointing – but at the same time we are hours apart – an ocean away.  Organization is difficult.  I have great confidence that we will figure this out.  We have put together a fantastic team of people here and in Europe.

Giorgio and our friend Fulgenzio Jorio make up our European side (I’m sure this will expand with time.). On the US side we have two very skilled guys in Curtis Blackwell and Terry Copacia – and of course there has to be an anchor – that is me!

Someone has to be the that guy!  An anchor can pull you down….or it can steady you in a strong current I have been told.  Hmmm….what kind of anchor would that make me?  Might keep me up at night thinking about that one.

Anyway our goal is to develop an unique program involving coaching clinics, player instructional camps and combines for the players.

The impacts will manyfold:  1.) Including the development of American football throughout Europe (especially at the U19 level)  2.) Trying to build coaching contacts and encouraging our European peers to continue to increase their football knowledge.  3.)  Help any of our young players from Europe to get to the states as HS exchange students, junior college players and some collegiate players as well.

It seems a vast undertaking – but with the people involved it is completely possible.

OK – Terry Copacia and I have been friends for 30 years.  He is a fine football coach, teacher and communicator.  He has developed many quarterbacks over the years.  He never brags about it…never posts how many All Americans he has  helped.  But, believe me there are many!

He has operated the All State Quarterback School for 30 years.  On of the cleanest and clearest coaching approaches I have ever seen.

http://www.quarterbackschool.com

 

Just see these testimonials!

Took a little time off from the Blog scene waiting for some info on my football adventures – some in Europe others here in North America.  There is always something going on in the football world – never a dull scene.

More of that later.

But some other cool things going on over the last few weeks.  Got down to the new Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit to watch Oakland University play Michigan State (hell of a game!)……saw the Oakland University tribute to Tom Ford……explored the Eastern Market and downtown Detroit for an afternoon…..Getting ready for Christmas…..preparing to go to a friend’s  wedding on New Year’s Eve (yup the boss made me by a suit) black tie affair.

Also spent some time in the college classroom with a good friend – Garth Pleasant had me come in to entertain (notice I didn’t say educate) his class.  Visited for two weeks talking about ethics in coaching.

***Garth Pleasant’s basketball coaching record at Rochester College – well he won 720 games.  Is that incredible or what.  Heck they named the arena after him.  Now he is the AD and teaches a few classes!***

Wow….ethics…hmmmm.  We spent a few years on probation at Arizona State.  Well OK it happened before we arrived, but it was still an interesting time.  Probation….ethics…gulp!

It was a lot of fun though.  Great bunch of young people who obviously are bright and engaged.

Down at the Eastern Market area of Detroit yesterday.  Had a great time with our friends Pete and Beth…..daughter Kaylee and her husband Josh.  Interesting area of our city.  A lot of neat things going on in Detroit – especially in Midtown.

Eastern Market region has always been a pretty interesting region with its small shops and eclectic feel (eclectic??).  Although a cold day it was a lot of fun wandering through the stalls and seeing the many different things for sale.

If you couldn’t find a poinsettia you liked for a very inexpensive price well you are never going to find one.  Wow, did they look awesome and the prices….well just not fair.  Very inexpensive.

 

                    

LOOK OUT!

Be prepared for a church to collapse or a lightning bolt to hit me Sunday (although we are looking for snow here not thunderstorms).  My wife is dragging me to church – chances are the roof may fall in when I walk inside.  Haven’t walked through the big doors for many a year.

Football on TV!

***Just watched Todd Gurley catch a screen and run for 80 yard TD – wow what a player.  I guess Jeff Fisher was right in drafting the QB…..he may have paid the price with his job.***

Damn – Bengals just went ahead of the Lions….frustrating.  I really don’t lose sleep over games anymore.  But, obviously love the Lions…..think the world of the Ford family…..still have many friends in the organization….a few guys on the team.  (Love to hear my friend Chris Spielman doing the game as well!)

This is the money time in the NFL.  Everyone is hurt…..the games will come down to how healthy you can get by game day – how you manage your preparation and practice.  If you find a healthy body in the locker room – he is a new guy, or hasn’t played very much.

These are real guys playing right now.  Tough guys who know how to manage pain and play thru hurts….Never want to play injured….but playing hurt – these guys do it.  Can’t tell you how much I admire these guys and how tough they are.

Giovanni Bernard – a real Pro!

SHOTS OF DOWNTOWN DETROIT

           

 

 

To my pals in Switzerland – Happy Holidays my friends.  Was thinking of you guys when I put on my red sweatshirt to make a batch of Christmas Chili (I guess Christmas Eve Chili).

CHRISTMAS CHILI!

The boss (Shawn) told me to build a pot of chili for the weekend.  So I did.  We were going to have Tom and Kathy Ford, Dave and Marie DeFrancis – their son  Mike over after church.  (The church did not collapse – nor was I hit by a bolt of lightning when I entered the building!)

Nice service by our friend Dave Wilson.  Way different gathering than I was used to at Our Lady of Hungary in Northampton, Pennsylvania.

Was very nice as I said.

We battle through the snow (must have five plus inches right now) come home for a nice visit and a good (mild) bowl of chili.  Looks like we will surely have a white Christmas…..love it!

OK some football information.

Looks like our plans for Switzerland for a clinic / combine in February came undone.  Frustrating because it was a great opportunity to help football in my second homeland.  But, sometimes that is the way it goes.

But, somehow, someway we will find a way to keep pushing our football forward.  Especially for the U19 team.  Can’t wait to get back to see my friends and continue on our march forward with football

My good friend Kurt Schottenheimer got me involved with a new adventure.  In Florida during late April into May some cool things happening.  Look up “Your Call Football”.

Kurt was our defensive coordinator in Detroit for several years.  Outstanding coach and a good friend.  He got me involved and it seems like a great idea.

Like Madden Football – the fans control the game.  They call the offensive plays.  Good luck with Monday morning quarterbacking if the fans call the plays!

Everything is live streamed and scored and rated per fan playing the game.  Sounds like a good idea that has real guys playing football – but the fans actually control the game with their calls.

Plus….43 days in Vero Beach at Dodgertown coaching football with my friends!  What more could you want?  What a life!

So, putting together another playbook for Kurt – getting ready for another adventure.

Another cool thing we have going is that we may be going to Italy to put on a clinic for their football federation.  With the possibility of football entering the Olympics in some form  more and more people throughout Europe are trying to gain more information.

Love it!

This post has been a real rambling effort on my part – sorry if my stream of consciousness is too much to handle….will get better.

Happy Holidays (Festivus??!!) to all.

 

 

OK…football over for the second luckiest man in the world.  Or is it?  Not so fast….. some really interesting things that are creeping up for the konkretekidinfootball.  More about that later.

The most important thing we have to talk about is the tremendous weekend we had here in southeastern Michigan!

And…..what a fantastic weekend we had here.  Celebration of Tom Ford’s career as the athletic trainer at Oakland University.  What an awesome guy….cannot say how much I admire Tom.  We have been friends since he first set foot into Michigan thirty some years ago.  (Wasn’t that a show years ago “Thirty something”??  OK that really has no relevance here….but you know me and how I drift off the point).

tfordstrong.org 

He has had some bad news in the last several months.  But if there is a stronger person out there I challenge you to find him.  No doubt ALS is nothing to trifle with….but T Ford will be the guy to push it back.  He already has this illness knocked back on it’s heels.

It is impossible to gage the influence he has had on the entire community at Oakland University.  Not just in athletics…..but everywhere on campus.  He touches everyone.  His kindness and willingness to always lend a hand is immeasurable.  Just look at how many people were there to watch his celebration at the Oakland University basketball game with Chicago State.

It was inspiring to see the people who came back to campus to spend some time with Tom!  This man has done so much for so many….the outpouring of love….unbelievable.

I personally was touched with the women’s basketball teams that were there to spend a minute remembering our great teams of the 80’s.  Coach Taylor and his wonderful family there to help Tom celebrate.  I may be wrong….but those teams won 100 games over a four year period.  Four appearances in the NCAA tournament….final four appearances!  What a great time.

Those girls could play some ball!  Remember that  wonderful win at Central Missouri State in the playoffs.  They had not lost a home game in a year or two and the Pioneers took it to them to get to the final four.  What a great trip.

Most of those young women were there to celebrate with Tom, his family and friends.  Again it was quite an afternoon.  So cool that Oakland University gave him the chair he sat in for thirty years serving not only as the best trainer in the world….but Greg Kampe’s rock and also his confidante.

(Oh by the way I have that chair in my truck….I might give it back to Tom in exchange for a case of Coors Light….Oh OK I’ll just give it to him.)

Outstanding get together later with literally hundreds of people celebrating with Tom.  We all spent several hours (imagine that) with Tom at RJ’s Pub.  A bar that we have been going to before Oakland became a Division I program.  Hell I even had dark hair in those days.

We have been going there so long that I can remember both the Fords and the Kampe’s bringing their young children there in bassinets….I probably have spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars there….well you know me!

Smallest chicken wings in the world at RJ’s (Paul Diegel and I call them sparrow wings!). But, they are good!

We really had a wonderful time with our extended family the Fords. So great that their friends and family from New Hampshire were able to come to Michigan and enjoy this celebration with Tom.

 

Been home barely a week and got my marching orders quickly from the boss.  Get the Christmas lights up.  She also told me we don’t need to be as decorative as usual with the kids gone.  Is Shawn turning into the Grinch?

Well she is right we won’t put as much stuff up….dream on….so we went from one Christmas tree (or do we have to call them Holiday Trees??!!?) to four.  You heard me right four.  Yup we are downsizing!

OK they are smaller than the one we usually had.

But as usual she did a fantastic job making the inside of the house festive.  Going to be a great holiday season.  I really love the time from the day before Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Day. A lot of visiting with friends, drinking beer, going out with old pals, drinking beer, Caroling (yeah scratch that one off the list) – drinking beer!

Lights went up without a hitch although I didn’t do the big tree in the front.  But I think we have just enough to win the neighborhood lighting contest…..Especially when I put the 20 foot Santa and his sled and reindeer(s) on the roof!

   

Oh can’t spend all of this time on this Holiday huggy – kissy stuff.  This blog is basically about football….OK maybe some history, travel etc. gets rolled in as well.

I was fortunate to be included in my friend Curtis Blackwell’s Sound Mind Sound Body Combine.  Held  right down the street from the still standing Silver Dome.  Quite an exhibition.

Very well run with certified equipment to do the timing and measurements.  Curtis and his group do a tremendous job and they are really tuned into the kids.  He is a native of Detroit and has a special spot for our home grown youngsters.

The SMSB combine had 150 or so athletes participating – what a debut for this type of operation.  Curtis has been operating SMSB for more than 15 years and this is the first time he had taken on such a large undertaking.  It went off very well.

My good friend Terry Copacia (All State Quarterback School) worked the QB’s out after the measured events.  I was fortunate to be able to help him like I try to do during the winter.  He is really a one-man show and one of the best teachers I have ever been around. (But I actually do help somewhat!)

We had ten young QB’s and wow most of these kids could let the ball fly.  Was a great three or four hour session.  Wouldn’t mind having a few of these guys walking around  the campus at Moravian.

Actually, there were many outstanding young guys working out. If you took a few guys from each position and made a team you would have quite a squad.

My friend Giorgio Volpi in Switzerland is trying  to organize a clinic for the coaches in Switzerland and also for the Italian Federation as well.  He and I have Skyped (yes I am an international Skyper!) about this and several other ideas.

I can see me in Rome right now.  Look out Coliseum (or Colosseum)!  Could be another adventure for me – the “assistant”  Ambassador of Football (Giorgio is the true Ambassador).

By the way I am in my second week of trying to teach myself how to speak Italian.  Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are my teachers.  Going is slow – conjugating verbs….yuck.  But I am working on it.

Io ne gialla machchina……I am not a yellow car!  Hah what a life.

Other options are popping up as well.  My friend Kurt Schottenheimer asked me to jump on a football venture in Florida (Dodgertown in Vero Beach.)  A little more than a month working with some young players in April and May.  Sounds interesting for the konkretekidinfootball!

Kurt was our coordinator in Detroit for a few years and is one of the most respected guys I know.  Plus he is a great guy!  We should have a good time.  It is also a great opportunity to become a better coach for me.

Back to partying and drinking beer.

Attended our first of many get togethers at our friends the  Szpunars’ (Good Irish name – hah!). What a spread.  It was a party for the ladies’ card group.  But we guys got invited!

The kids showed up as well.  Although Chris could not make it home from Grand Rapids I  think the four Musketeers had a good time.  I’m sure they more then made up for him – although the next day Corey looked much better than the last time this crew got together.

    

I’m sure this is just the beginning of many outstanding efforts for this festive season.   I can see a few beeramyds making their way across the old Facebook page here and there.

 

What a Life!

Caio!

 

Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration!

Part 1

OK my tour of the Lehigh Valley for the football season comes to an end with a great Thanksgiving at Steve and Wendy’s house (or maybe it is Wendy and Steve’s house?)  She is in charge after all.

Wendy is an incredible cook and she set up a fantastic spread.  Turkey, stuffing, filling, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes gravy etc. (Also a tofu “turkey” thing for our on again-off again vegan – Brandon……I’m sure the first Thanksgiving did not include any “fufu” stuff like tofu).  What can I say he does have an awesome beard.

Where she found the time to get the meal done – who knows? – she did it with little or no help!  I know I was at K Kids game – then drinking beer.

Then she also found time to bake four or five different pies and some calorie loaded creation with chocolate cake rolled up around a peanut butter filling.  Uh yeah…all were excellent.

Yup spectacular Thanksgiving meal.

Probably leaning more towards 220 than 215 right now. Yikes Batman some work needs to be done to get back to fighting weight.

Great crowd – thirteen or fourteen of us including the hosts and their three kids – Brandon, Justine and Galen….Divyah (which I am spelling incorrectly I am sure.)  My Dad and Judy.

My Boss –Shawn – our son Corey and wife over from NYC.

   

The mysterious Captain Saturn from Siegfried Avenue in Konkrete Kid land was on hand.  He brought (I guess bought can be applied as well) a pie that his sometime roommate Burt baked for him while Tom and I drank beer at the Hungarian Hall on Wednesday.  (More on the HH Konkrete Kid reunion later) He also donated a case of beer (Proper flavor as well – Coors Light) to the already growing pile of cases we had compiled.

Even more family and friends arrived for desert.  Yeah pretty outstanding!

Many stories retold and perhaps embellished a bit.  Seems to me there is a reason they are called “Tall Tales” because they just keep growing.  Many lies were told – or perhaps our memories all start to fade as we age (and drink)

We could have built an outstanding beeramyd had I remembered to think of if.  We would have added some Genesee Cream Ale cans…..that was from Brandon.  Haven’t had that for more than twenty years….still pretty good stuff!

Alright – let’s take a look at how this whole operation unfolds for a Thanksgiving Holiday.

 Part 1 Above really is the last section in regards to the timeline!

This is how the whole hectic Thanksgiving week started:

Really began with me cleaning out my 7×12 apartment (closet) room at Moravian on Tuesday or Wednesday – can’t remember which day due to this whirlwind week.  ****It really is that small (7×12) – ask my roomdawgs.**** Had done my laundry the night before – not a real serious issue!  – I am fastidious and clean…..hah!

Checked into the Holiday Inn for a few days to stay out of Wendy’s hair as she got ready for the Holiday.  – I usually sleep on her couch – Bought and drank a few (dozen) beers…..went to pick up the boss (Shawn) – she flew into the ABE airport in the Lehigh Valley.  (Actually, I think it is the Lehigh Valley INTERNATIONAL Airport now!)

We drove and hour or so to Dover, New Jersey to pick up my son Corey and his wife Taylor who had taken an hour train ride there (I know it makes no sense to drive an hour when they can get closer….but what is four hours between family – go figure??).  Then leaving Dover launched ourselves into all of the traffic leaving NYC.  **Actually reminds me of Planes, Trains and Automobiles a little.**  Guess what – on the night before Thanksgiving everyone and their brother (plus their second cousins and 42,518 other relatives on their wife’s side are trying to leave the city as well.)  So like schooling fish we jumped into the insane route 80 traffic.

Obviously I was quite frazzled after this crazy driving….but I knew I had a chance because the Hungarian Hall in Northampton was awaiting.  The annual night before the Turkey Day game was on tap and fun was to be had.  So I made it thru!

This night before Thanksgiving is a ritual gathering at the esteemed Hungarian Hall and is a major league blast.  Alumni from all years Northampton gather and tell stories, lies, embellishments, wishes and promises etc.  It is a lot of fun!  Captain Saturn (see above in part one) is one of the key members of the security force to make sure that everything stays under control. We really do have a lot of fun…..many things are exchanged and forgotten as the alcohol haze sets in.  I think the Konkrete Kids may have one a few more games that night than they did in real life.

****Aside here – Leo (Captain Saturn) and I  much later had a lively discussion on who was the greatest athlete ever to come out of the Lehigh Valley.  Several were discussed, but we concluded that Chuck Bednarik was the best.  Took some discussion on Larry Miller and Curt Simmons as well.  Love my asides!****

 We survive the party and Leo (Tom or Captain Saturn – his dual nicknames so you choose one.) – and I repair to his estate on Siegfried avenue in Northampton Pa.  You have to know that sometimes it is hard sleeping on a couch in his house because he doesn’t like to turn the heat on.  (This is absolutely the truth)!

But alas,  after surviving near frostbite in the past….I came prepared.  Hooded sweatshirt (now called a hoodie if you will), sweat pants and two pair of socks.  He supplied the quilt and pillow.  I was fine.

You might ask – well how does he survive with no heat??  OK – he sleeps on the floor of his TV room on a mattress.  In sweats he lays down on an electric blanket and pulls a quilt over the top of himself.  I guess he doesn’t need the heat on….but his visitors do.

Seriously,  at times you can literally see your breath when you sit in there.

OK do survive Wednesday nite to awake to PART THREE! OR TWO OF THIS YEAR’S TURKEY DAY SAGA….WHO KNOWS WHAT PART IT IS ANYMORE!

PART TWO, THREE OR WHATEVER

I awake to a beautiful frosty but sunny Thanksgiving Thursday morning.  A very pretty day for the 95^th (Yeah you see it right 95^th) annual Northampton Konkrete Kid vs. Catasaqua Rough Rider football game.

Around 8:30 AM I walk outside to throw some of last night’s beer cans into the trash and check the temperature.  I decide that my usual black shorts and high white socks are certainly going to be warm enough.  But do decide for a layered look of hooded sweat shirts under my Konkrete Kid sweat shirt….plus a nice stocking hat and gloves if needed.

      

Above…..The Denardo “Compound” from the alley.

By the way this edition is getting way to long. – Does that count as an aside?

I walk the half mile from Captain Saturn’s house to Al Erdosy (Lou Wolf field) Stadium for the 10:00 AM kickoff.  As I stroll along Laubach Avenue and look at the town I still feel all my old friends and who we have become…John Krupa, Mike Schnieder, Baines Bilheimer, Wally Seremula, Johnny Derkits – I see their houses remember our tight group.  Remember how we learned about our lives…important things like playing sports, girls, music, girls, drinking, sneaking a smoke and girls.

I see the NAA (Northampton Athletic Association) and the athletic fields where at ten years old  we learned how to play football, basketball etc.  (I learned to play baseball in Lehigh township thanks to other great friends…Rick Kulp, Stan Schaffer, Greg Vogel and Eric Butler just to name a few – and their dads!)

Along the same street is the pool where we had some    hot life guards.  We used to do cannonballs to get Jill Filipovitz wet so she would throw us out of the pool.  Then she started dating “Gatchy” Derkits and we couldn’t do that anymore.  Dave Novogratz and his double gainers etc.

Enough about being poignant – those are just a few of the guys – love them all and always will.  That is what a Konkrete Kid is.  We are Black and Orange! Yup – just a bunch of cinderblocks….pumpkin heads (Orange helmets in the old days!)

Run across many old friends as I enter one of the most attractive High School stadiums I have ever seen.  Timmy Masluck, Freddy Stubitz – see Mike Schnieder on the field.  Hang with my brother Steve’s (better known as “Insane Clemons” – why am I the “Swamprat” – his nickname is better) best HS friend Dave Novogratz.  (As this post goes on you can accuse me of using run-on sentences and poor syntax – because it is true.)

We watch the game and catch up – where are his kids?  How is the Insane one doing…how is Wendy doing with retirement, does Galen like being a state cop?  Just a few things old friends settling in as the game gets going on the field.

We collect a few more friends in Mark Schlaffer and Johnny Eckert – their friends and kids are there as well.  “Skrep” Filipovitz (God we have the best nicknames here in Northampton) – “Skrep” has seen 70 straight Northampton vs. Catasauqua Thanksgiving games.

Johnny Oplinger (His nickname Johnny O) jumps me as he is leaving in the fourth quarter.  He is with his son Jonathon and has to leave to deep fry his turkey….Jonathon is in charge of the peas!  One of the greatest people you can meet – probably one of the best offensive linemen ever to wear the black and orange.

That’s what this game does – it brings us back together.  It catches us up on things.  We hear that “ChainDog” is having his usual party down in park right below the stadium…there are two others going on at the same time (yup they started at 9:00 AM).  Stevie Gabryluk was serving beer and eggs to thirty-forty people before 8:00 AM.

You may think these are just small gatherings – dream on – talking about kegs and cases.  Grills. Oh yeah the police station is right across the alley!  What a life!

      

(Images of Game Day above)

You know the best thing is this…..just as many Catty people with the Northampton people.  Never been an issue.  We live in neighboring towns.  But we just play the game – it isn’t life or death.

But we have some problems this year with the game.  Very unfortunate and somehow we have to get this under control.

 

PART THREE FOUR OR WHATEVER NUMBER WE ARE ON NOW.

 I am a football coach and have been for too many years.  I love to watch teams warm up – I just do.  I like to get there early…..So, I tend to notice things.

A little more trash talking between teams before the game (but not the fans though – probably because we have all known each other so long).  A little more looking at each other when they should be going through your paces during warmups.

As the teams exit the locker room to start the game Northampton comes out of the locker room first  and runs onto the field…..this is confusing to me because they are the home team.  Usually the visitors enter the field of play first.

Then Catty comes out and one of their players is carrying a very big sledge hammer.  He runs to the middle of the field and slams it down on the Northampton logo.  Not sure it could cut into the turf…but maybe right?

This causes the desired reaction by the KKids – they are not happy…..fortunately cooler heads prevail and nothing happens. Other than some comments back and forth.

Naturally this is not a good thing….but football on TV….well just watch it.  Now even the younger guys have to make statements.  Look at the eye black they put on – covering their faces….watch the gyrations they make if they stop a first down – or gain one – incomplete pass etc..  This is all TV.

Always thought the refs were supposed to stop taunting….basically this hammer thing is taunting on the HS level…guess not.

By allowing TD celebrations in the NFL – things will obviously get out of hand there.  (After all it is supposed to be professional football. – act like a pro.)  We have already seen some bizarre things after TD’s in the NFL.  All of this effects games at lower levels – mostly in a negative light.

Nothing good is going to come of this action.  I know the Northampton coach – he is excellent as a teacher and a great person – Mark Scisly – and I am sure Mark is caught off guard by this act.

Although I do not know the Catty coach Phil Dorn…. he has a very good reputation on and off the field.  I am sure he is surprised as well.

Throughout the game there is a “chippy” feel.  It is a close game, but it really isn’t if you watch it without a biased eye.  Northampton is a better team and they should win.  They are ahead 32-19 when I leave with the ball game they have the ball with only 8 minutes to do.

I should have stayed.

Turns out that there is a big brawl during the last 2 minutes or so.

I have already heard from several friends who wonder if they will just do away with this fantastic tradition on Thanksgiving day.  There have been fights in several of the last Turkey Day games.  Just plain stupid.

But to end the game – I truly hope not.  It is such a great way to start the Holiday season – 95 times!  (“Skrepy” Filipovitz has seen 70!).

I know it was a million years ago…..but when my age group played it was always a fun way to end the season.  Most of the Northampton and Catasauqua players were friends and it was a competitive but well-played game year in and year out.

Over the years like everyone else I competed in several sports against Rough Riders – guys like Eric Gerenscer, Bobby Smith, Al Burns (last time I was him he was a police officer), Mike Reicher,  Ron Hassler, Joe Poluka and Jeff Robbins to name just a few.  Went to college with John Reichel and John Case – chased After Catty girls in HS.

We were all friends – still are I would imagine.

Never would have considered fighting those guys because we were friends on and off the field.  We all wanted to win – but let’s face it HS football is serious…..but, not big enough to fight over.

For me playing on Turkey Day at 10:00 AM was always something to look forward to.  Now as an old man it is fun to watch the game and see old friends.  I don’t want to see this game go away. I am sure this is one of the longest standing traditions in the country.  Since there have been 95 games.

Here’s to hoping you all have a great holiday season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well…..finally got my computer charged….  For some reason I have been having trouble.  My email is down…messages aren’t coming thru.  Facebook is on the blink and no messages being allowed in or out.

I guess that little man who lives inside of this computer must be having a tough time.  Maybe he got into the vodka – don’t know.  Or maybe I have been to the beer distributor a few to many times myself.

Anyway I think things with my computer are better now.  Looks like I can actually type into the blog without an error message.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Well….a few days ago we had a tough hard fought 29-14 loss to the Mules over in Allentown.  Although I guess it is a rivalry game….is it really?  Yeah, they are in the next city over – but isn’t that where the similarities stop?

I know at Moravian we think of Muhlenberg players as privileged and wealthy theater majors. (Hey wait a minute I went there!  I emphasize that I was not a theater major but an English major – well maybe a PE major!)   But….if they are theater majors – they are big and fast theater majors.  Somehow we need to get some of them to Bethlehem.

But, let me say this…we are closer to getting back on track than a lot of people think.  Our underclassmen are going to help build our program and propel the Hounds forward.  Trust me this group of young guys are the real deal.

But….we still need to improve…..we still need to get bigger and stronger.  And yes we need to improve our fundamentals!  I know I say that a lot….but it is a fact.  We need to get better at blocking and tackling!  We let too many things get away during games.

Things that we can control!

****Enter Strength Coach Tom Long and his excellent staff….in the next few weeks they will organize the off-season training program.  They do a fantastic job and it will be fun to watch our underclassmen train for next year.****

Here are a few things that hurt us last weekend.  We have chances to score and we hurt ourselves…..snap on a FG before we are ready….allow a blocked  FG…..fake punt that allows a scoring drive to continue…..inability to get our best players the ball…..inability to get our best players on the field at times…..poor tackling…..dumb penalties….kicking ball out of bounds on KO.

If we wouldn’t spend so much time on coaching these areas I’d say it is all about coaching.  But, we do work on these things every single day.  So some of the responsibility falls on the guys who are playing as well.

We certainly have to coach better – but we need to have the troops understand what we are teaching.

One touchdown we gave up Saturday was literally something that we corrected  in practice on Thursday.  It went like this….we failed to make a defensive adjustment.  This is an adjustment we have made since day one.

We corrected it in practice….then we fail to execute it during  the game.  We allow a Muhlenberg first down run because we didn’t do our job!

A few plays later we commit a personal foul penalty – which we talk about all the time.  Just a lack of discipline.  Next play we give up a TD on a run we practiced every day this week.

This is just unacceptable – and when you are playing good teams these things will cost you dearly.  These errors in play and in judgement – we just can’t have them if we expect to be competitive in big games.

As coaches we will have to revisit our season and look hard at what we need to do to improve our team.  This self study is something we do every year and although sometimes this reflection can be painful it is necessary.

I will end this by thanking our seniors and the leadership that they supplied.  The season may not have gone the way we had wanted but no one can find fault wth the effort the troops put forth.

With another season in the books the konkretekidinfootball will move on to he next project and adventure in football.

Many things on the horizon….more international football (Switzerland etc). A few clinics to speak at….others to attend and learn some more about football.  Working with my pals Ed, Terry, Curtis, Taylor on our football projects back in Michigan that may eventually send us overseas again.

Also looking to help my Swiss friends find a way to the US as exchange students or college students.

But…..wherever it takes me we will be looking for more adventures in the great game of football.

 

OK,  as we get ready to face our rivals from the other side of the Lehigh River it strikes me that I have been with this senior class at Moravian for all four years.  I watched them enter college here at Moravian and progress to this point.

It becomes clear to me that I have seen this group become fantastic young men and I have watched this whole thing transpire!  Pretty neat stuff.  Yeah, it hasn’t all been easy, but for the most part it has been a tremendous experience.  These guys have a lot going for them after working thru these last four years.  I can’t wait to see where the future will lead them.

 

Muhlenberg has a good solid team this season.  Although they have dropped three games this year the team is the usual aggressive and tough squad.  They play hard and are well prepared..

Obviously Johns Hopkins is the perennial  winner in the Centennial Conference. Before an early season loss to Ursinus they had a 45 game winning streak in the CC.    No one likes to concede anything to them, but they are pretty damn good year in and year out.

 But by the same token  the Mules are generally right there in the thick of the battle.  When the two of them play it is obvious that there is respect for Hopkins but Muhlenberg will stand toe to toe with them.

They are always a solid and physical team.  A group who finds a way to contend most seasons.  With a stout defense and a very well coached offense Muhlenberg gives all of their opponents matchup problems.

This year is no exception – with the second best defense  behind Susquehanna and the third best offense they display the power that has propelled them to the 6-3 record they have.  Despite a season ending injury to perhaps the CC’s best running back  (Nick Savant (#32)) and the insertion of a freshman (not any of that Ivy League FY or First Year bullshit – he is a freshMAN) the Mules have fought their way right back to near the top of the CC.

****Just an aside here – and you know I like my asides!  For some reason in the last several years the PC police have decided to neuter the word “freshman”.  So as not to hurt anyone’s feelings (and keep attendance up I would suppose) some schools now call first year students just that – First Year or “FY” instead of Freshmen or “FR”.   I must be losing my mind – who has the time to think of this BS??****

Mike Hnatkowski (#17) has stepped up and led the Mules with his strong arm.  A left handed freshman (again – not First Year) he is a work in progress, but obviously he has all the tools to become a good QB in this league.  He is completing a very respectable 61.5% of his passes and has thrown for 1677 yards and 17 TD’s.  Although he is obviously still learning the offense he is certainly more than effective for Muhlenberg.

The loss of Savant (#32) – who will lead the Mules in Rushing Yardage at the end of the year –  77 ATT – 562 YDS and 6 TDs) – has thrown the running game at Muhlenberg into a group effort.  The versatile Matt Stickney (#6) has taken over the load to some degree (50 ATT – 243 YDS), but Freshman James Diggs (#20) certainly contributes his fair share to rushing yardage.

With the second leading offense in the Centennial Conference the Mules benefit from a strong offensive line.  Although not as big as they have been in the past they are certainly effective.

These guys have paved the way for 422.4 yards per game in total offense and have allowed just 17 sacks in the nine games they have played.  Naturally as effective as they are – it allows their freshman QB a chance for success.

Over the years the TE position has been a key to the versatility in the Muhlenberg offensive attack.  Their top Tight End Ryan Curtis (#11) has missed or been limited in his the last several games.  If he remains inactive this week he will be replaced by Stephen Grandoff (#44).

Often the Mule offensive attack will show multiple receivers with Sophomore Max Kirin (#89), senior Kyle Wilezynski  (#33) and local product Josiah Wright (#1) from Bethlehem Liberty being their top players.

Kirin (#89) leads all MC pass catchers with 31-381 yards and 6 TD’s.  The injured Ryan Curtis (#11)  has 21 catches for 245 yards and 3 scores.  Muhlenberg has always done a good job spreading the ball around to their perimeter players and that is certainly still part of the plan.

Obviously they will try to limit the difficulty for QB Mike Hnatkowski (#17).  It only makes sense to put him in situations that allow him a high degree of success.  The coaches have done it to this point and there is no reason why they should change now.

                                                                             

 

 

 

Defensively the Mules are always one of the top teams in the conference and this year is no exception.   They allow just 18.7 points per game (3rd in the Centennial) and are leading the conference allowing just 83.7 yards per game on the ground.  This sturdy run defense has been the mark of the Mule defense for many years.

Kwasi Ampomah (#8) has 8.5 sacks on the season and is third in the conference and Amir Blair (#23) has force three fumbles.   Junior Nate Corvil (#5) is a steady defender in their secondary – he leads all CC defenders with 6 interceptions (1 returned for a TD.)

The Muhlenberg defense is always known for their hard hitting and their disciplined play.  As a team they are quick off the ball and are a good team in pursuit.

 

Obviously we will have our hands full on both sides of the ball.

We are coming off our highest scoring game…..35-18 win over Dickinson College.  We played well on both sides of the ball and had some big production on Hall of Fame weekend.

 

 

*****The inductees into the Moravian Athletic Hall of Fame included one of the most decorated football players in Moravian history.  Jarrod Pence ’03 played in all but one game over his entire career and was the first ever Moravian AFCA Division III All American.  He attained many post season awards over his remarkable career and played in the Division III All Star game in Mexico City.  He is noted for his humility and great teamwork throughout his stay at MC.*****

 

Freshman Doug Erny (#8) had his best day of the season passing….completing 13-19 for 290 yards and three TD’s.  Those three scores included a 75 yard TD to Captain Aaron Hudson (#1) to open the second half.  He also had a 63 yarder to Alex Pierce (#83) and one of 27 yards to the elusive Nick Petros (#7).

 

Eli Redmond (#11) broke out for 111 yards rushing and one  score.  It was the second one hundred yard game of the season and with one game remaining he continues to regain his form of two seasons ago.

The young offensive line spearheaded by center Brett Polling (#75) continues to show progress and growth.  They have worked hard all season and this group will be the foundation on which we will build next year’s offense.  It is a great base to start with – young, strong, tough and big!

Steve Ewald (#45) and junior Captain Nick Zambelli (#24) – both of Parkland – led a strong defensive effort.  Ewald (#45) made 13 tackles – knocked down a pass and picked off a Red Devil throw.  The interception had the markings of a TD return but the old turf monster grabbed his foot and yanked him down before he could get away!

Zambelli (#24) – you can’t say enough about him.  His leadership in the secondary and his ability to direct the defense is something you can’t say enough about.  The six tackles he chipped in didn’t hurt either.

Up front freshman Shane Mastro (#92) had a breakout game creating several big plays including a sack.   Captain Fouad Haddad (#40) continued his steady play that has marked his remarkable career which has seen him contribute in every phase of the game (including our goal line offense).

The entire defensive group put together one of their best efforts of the year.  The Hounds got a lot of mileage out of a nicked-up Vinny Caporrino (#52) who played his usual steady game.  An unfortunate injury to Joe Milano (#22) will sideline him for the rest of the year.  He was on his way to a tremendous game with 7 tackles before he was hurt.

We will need all of these guys and everyone else we have to step up this weekend.  This is a big game and as the saying goes “BIG PLAYERS MAKE BIG PLAYS IN BIG GAMES!”

Lets talk a little about “Lagniappe” here in a few minutes…but first let’s talk about the Moravian vs. Muhlenberg rivalry.

We move into our “Rivalry” week with our neighbor in Allentown – Muhlenberg College.  I’m not really sure if they are actually my own personal rival – I mean I did go to school there after all.

So can you be a rival and an alum at the same time……kinda like married and divorced simultaneously?

Obviously I am coaching at Moravian and I want our troops to win….do I hate Muhlenberg or it’s players.  No way – this is a football game, a competition…a game that has a score that I will forget a few months from now.

In my case….many people often ask me how in the world can you help at Moravian when you went to school at Muhlenberg?  Well….I don’t know if it is all that complicated.  I am a football  coach after all.  That’s what I do – that’s what I have done my whole adult life.

****Ask me how my friend Gary Moeller could be the head coach at the University of Michigan when he was an All American and National Champion at The Ohio State University??  Do you think that rivalry might just be a tad bit intense?****

Yeah,  I went to college in Allentown – love my classmates – and my teammates at Muhlenberg.  But, they aren’t in school there anymore and neither am I.  So what is the big deal?  Why is it so unusual or alien for me to be coaching at Moravian?

I had a great time there….actually too good of a time if you ask many people.  Glad I was a Mule at that point of my life…but now I am very happy being on the Hounds football staff.

Yes, the schools are night and day – undoubtedly.  But aren’t all colleges supposed to have their own niche.  Moravian people say that the Mules are all Theater and English majors (I was by the way)….Muhlenberg people say that Moravian grads are all cops and nurses.  Is that true?…doubtful!

I disagree with both schools of thought and I think my perspective is a little better than most.  I attended and played at Muhlenberg – my son attended and played at Moravian – I coach at Moravian.  Both places mean a lot to me…..neither is better than the other – each has it’s place .  It depends on what you need and what you want for your life.

Enough useless philosophy.  The Hounds go into this weekend as the underdog  (well a Hound is a dog last time I checked).  The Mules are very good and have had a  successful season.  Well, in all honesty – at Moravian we are really young and inexperienced and there are many bright days ahead.  But, I can see why we would be thought of as an underdog.

But, we still have to play the game right??!!

But, despite the differences in each season this will be a hard fought game.  There will be no backing down by any team this Saturday.  No matter which sideline you stand on we each expect the best efforts from our respective teams.

*****

That brings me to the subject of “Lagniappe”.

I learned the word “Lagniappe” from my late friend Frank Gansz.  He was one of the most inspirational and intense coaches I have been around.  A very well educated man who found his calling in teaching young men not only how to play football – but how to walk through their lives.

“Lagniappe” is a word found in. several cultures – but here in the states it is most frequently heard in the deep southeast and Louisiana in particular.

The word “Lagniappe” is  French Creole  (If you have been to the Deep South you will recognize the influence of the Creole and French people and the mingling of the two).  Generally you hear it the most during the Christmas holiday season.

In a broad sense it means “A little extra….a little more….something added”.   For instance it comes into play when a store owner or shop keeper greets a steady customer and wants to thank that person for their continued business during the year.

So during this joyous time of year the owner wants to do something nice.  Often that person will give a small gift – candy, sweets, cakes etc. to their everyday people.  It is a show of gratitude for what the customers do to support them all year round.

As a parent you walk into the bakery where you buy bread and cakes all year round – the proprietor who is so thankful for your loyal business gives your small child a cupcake or doughnut (beignet if you are in New Orleans!).  That is Lagniappe – the small gift for who you are and what you mean to them.

Well, Frank incorporated this word into football.  He used it in this sense (Or senses I guess)…..to him he wanted out team to do a little extra in everyday life.    In meetings – just a little bit more….at practice a little bit harder…in games – a little bit faster and tougher than our opponents.

So just play a little bit harder every play!

But, a step further…Frank encouraged us to give a little bit extra on the field for your teammate.  prepare just a little extra – for your teammate.  Well – you see what I mean.

To sum up – for you underclassmen who are silly enough to read my words – I ask you for a little “Lagniappe” thru Rivalry Week.  Let’s give a little bit more every day for our Seniors….for the people who we have counted on all year.

Without you knowing it you have received “Lagniappe” from them on everyday since you have known them! It’s the least we can do for them.

Lets have some Lagniappe!