gophers/ncaa

Another great win, Tommies! The balance of power in the MIAC has definitely shifted to St. Paul and Arden Hills. Looking forward to another battle vs Bethel later this year. Go Tommies!

As a fan, mostly a Johnnie fan, it would take almost miracle for St. John's to beat St. Thomas. Not just the athletes but even more the coaching. Very few games show the coaching differentiation as does this one. The halftime adjustments for the defense made by Caruso and staff was so evident to most and I must say, expertly done. Still fun to be up in Collegeville on a beautiful Saturday in September watching this great rivalry.

Today was a tale of two programs - one stuck on fading memories of a glorious past, the other embracing the present with innovative schemes and raw energy and talent. The contrast was night and day.

who cares about Divsion III football anyway?

Football programs are either on the rise or the decline. These two teams are great examples.

"who cares about Divsion III football anyway?" What a thought provoking question. Let's see. How about people who despise steroid freaks? or under the table recruiting? or kids who play the game to have fun; not to become a pro? or kids who want to go to school to get an education and oh yes, football comes second? or kids who just aren't quite good enough for D1 but love the game? or the fans that don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get a game ticket IF they can get a game ticket? or... well, you get the idea. It is a lot like little league baseball. Who cares? Want me to list that one out for you too?

The great game of football is obsolete at any level; and if you've played the game you would know that. When you see young players at all levels of play, take cheap shots; which are encouraged by some coaches and others. These can lead to lifetime injuries and can cause early death and lose of quality of life. There are so many sports to play now for the young that are still macho enough. Please don't let your young son ruin their lives before they start. After reading the Wally Hilgenberg story just continues to confirm what most families already know.

With all due respect, I am constantly amazed at the Star Tribune's fascination with St. Thomas and St. John's football. It's not a belief in Division III sports (full disclosure: Division III letterman in basketball and football), it is some mysterious obsession with these two institutions. As a resident of Chicago for nearly two decades, it reminds me of the Windy City's obsession with Notre Dame football. The fact that this newspaper led its Friday Sports edition with a two-page feature on this game while relegating the Gophers preview to the bottom of page 1 is unbelievable. The only 12,000 people who care about the UST-SJU matchup were in Collegeville yesterday afternoon, along with the Star Tribune's #1 sports columnist. No one else cares. Monday morning at my job, which is populated with college graduates and many sports fans, no one will bring up this game (several of my colleagues are graduates of UST and SJU). However, there will be animated discussions of the Vikings, Packers, Gophers, and the Badgers. I love Division III athletics. I played Division III athletics. But, the UST-SJU rivalry is no big deal for the readers of this newspaper. Over and out.

Caruso, please move to Collegeville and turn around a dying program.

Does anybody really care? YAWN.