Lost in the Shuffle
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Kent Austin
There have been some other big stories out there that have been overshadowed by Pete Mangurian's arrival at Columbia but they are important:
1) Cornell Head Coach Kent Austin is being aggressively wooed by the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Montreal Gazette reports that Austin will surely be offered the biggest salary for a head coach in CFL history. The number being batted around is $600,000 per year. The Hamilton Tiger Cats are also interested in him.
Remember, Austin has been a CFL head coach before, and in 2007 he led the same Roughriders to the Grey Cup title.
To say that Austin ditching Cornell at this time would be catastrophic is probably not much of an exaggeration. This is a team on the rise and losing him would be a shock to the young players, especially Offensive Ivy MVP Jeff Mathews.
If Austin leaves, it will suddenly put the Big Red behind the curve in the coaching search and in preparing for next season.
2) Despite firing their head coach the day before Columbia released Norries Wilson, Fordham has yet to hire a replacement for Tom Masella. Of course, the big question for Columbia fans is whether the Rams will hire finalist Greg Toal from Don Bosco High School. Toal makes little secret of his disappointment that Columbia did not seriously consider his application for the job in Morningside Heights.
3) In case there's any confusion, we now know the 2012 Lions schedule will include a switch. Fordham will be our week TWO opponent, not the opening foe as the Rams have been every year since 2002, (the 2001 game was postponed until Thanksgiving because of 9/11). Marist is the opening week opponent. The Lions will open the season with three straight games at home: Marist, Fordham, and then Princeton.
posted by Jake @ 6:50:00 PM
128 comments
128 Comments:
First, Pete was fantastic. Just fantastic. What a motivational speaker, with a rare combination of brains and rhetorical skills. Second, good thing he is in the tent, with the Cornell job possibly reopening. Third, the Fordham job is probably still open because their stadium is a real problem in recruiting a coach. Fourth, maybe Toal is not interviewing all that well.
While I support the new football coach absolutely, let's not forget basketball, huh? A Lions win today vs. LIU at home woulkd be our 7th straight.
Kyle Smith has proven conclusively he and his team can adjust to the season-long loss of their best player and scorer (and likely the best the Ivy Leage has to offer). WWe may not truly comoete for an Ivy title come January given the loss of Agho, but we're surely witnessing the beginning of a winning tradition in men's basketball with Coach Smith. He is clearly neither Joe Jones nor even Jack Rohan.
It'd be especially nice to see a large alumni turnout at the home games December 30 and January 2 vs, respectively, Lafayette and FDU. Games when the students aren't yet back on campus are often severely lacking in fans and crowd noise, after all.
Predicting a win against Marist, bringing our winning streak to 2-0.
I hope the Columbia IT guy realizes Mangurian's bio is not yet up on the football coaches website. The new era has already begun!
On another note, if results follow eloquence then the future bodes well for the Lions. However, all battles are won and lost on the football field where adjectives and verbs play a back seat to talent and passion. Mangurian certainly displays passion, the question is can he get talented players to come to Columbia and play passionately for 4 years. All I say he he better produce Ws. This is Columbias last chance to show that football can be played here.
Cathar, we'll be very lucky indeed if Kyle Smith can approach the coaching ability of Jack Rohan. Don't forget, Rohan was national coach of the year, and routinely called one of the two or three best basketball minds in the country by the NY Times. From his obituary: "Pete Carril, Princeton's celebrated coach, said of Rohan: 'I have coached over 170 games. I have coached against powers like U.C.L.A., North Carolina, Duke and Davidson. But only three or four times didn't I know what the hell I was doing. Each time it was against Jack Rohan.'"
No need to set the bar that high; Smith can win without being a Jack Rohan if he recruits as he has, a task Rohan found demeaning and did reluctantly. It showed in the record during his second stint at the helm.
If we can't beat Marist, Mangurian should want to leave. But I think he'll be more than ready for them.
Somebody had a good idea in scheduling Fordham as the second game instead of the first as usual.
It always bothered me that we had to play Fordham out of the gate while they already has two games under their belts.
Agree with Cathar on K. Smith. Great D allows them to compete every night, even w/out their best player. Very exciting to see the program moving in the right direction.
Cathar,
I know how critical spelling and grammar are to you. I know you always urge us to upgrade our performance. Once again, it seems you have a few problems in you post. For your homework, I'd like you to go back and work on your corrections.
As you say, it is a "Columbia blog and all."
Any idea when Coach M will have a OC and DC in place ???
Columbia 63, L.I.U. 53 at Levien Gymnasium this afternoon. L.I.U. is a fine team that is favored to win its conference agan, but the Lions are on a roll and Kyle Smith is a very good coach. I agree with the posters who say that Coach Smith reminds them of the late Jack Rohan. Two great game coaches.
@Cathar and others:
Today's win over LIU was Columbia basketball's best win in the current streak. And they salted it away just fine, thank you.
I think all of us may have to start to admit that the Lions are better without Noruwa Agho than with him. The stats seem say that he is like Alan Iverson or Adrian Dantley, a "best player" who somehow does not help the team get W's. He creates lots of commotion, fills up the stat sheet, and shackles his team with 5-10 point losses, because of his low shooting percentage, high turnover rate, and high usage rate that seems to deny his teammates opportunities.
Coach is now supplementing Barbour's stellar play with meaningful contributions from seven or eight other guys, including some other frosh. It's very pretty to watch.
The Lions' play over the past three weeks has clearly elevated them out of the "Dartmouth-Brown-Columbia" clache that appeared to some to be developing at the bottom of the league.
If they keep doing what they're doing, there is a pretty good chance that they will be 12-4, when they welcome the Quakers to Levien on the league's first B2B on Jan-13. Worse yet for the Quakers, the Lions' frontcourt rotation of Cisco, Daniels, and Rosenberg (and a tiny sprinkling of Osetkowski), is performing much better than any 4-5 combos the Quakers have been able to suit up.
If that doesn't get Levien rockin', I don't know what will.
Bill Simmons of ESPN calls it "the Ewing effect;" the strange scenario where a team's best player goes down and somehow the team gets better. It does seem to be happening with the basketball team right now. It's hard to deny it.
Love the way the team is playing but it's inappropriate to trash a good player like Agho. We are winning with defense. That would be there with Agho, too. He's a fantastic athlete -- good rebounder and passer, not just a volume shooter. Smith is doing a lot of things right but we'd be even better with Agho.
jack Rohan was a man among boys. his second stint at Columbia included a second place team that he put into position to win the titel, but they didnt. he also had the player of the year in Buck Jenkins. His second run was characterized by players he had not even recruited and once the second place team left he had very little talent to deal with, and those were the recruits from the prior head coach.
Let the hoop coach do a few years first as it is unfair to set him up for failure at this stage.
Does anyone have an update on the CU football coaching staff? The CU website is still listing everyone sans Wilson and Mangurian.
Jake, you do know that when Bill Simmons refers to his so-called "Ewing Effect," he is making the point that sometimes a team's apparently "best" player is actually counterproductive influence, whether because the other players defer to him unnecessarily or because he is singularly selfish.
Simmons is not being complimentary of teams who perform better due to the "Ewing Effect," he's saying that the superstar was a negative influence all along, even when healthy. Sadly, given Agho's ball-hogging and shoot-first tendencies, I think the term may very well apply to this year's basketball team.
Aside from being a terrific teacher and game coach, Kyle Smith has a knack for recognizing talent. Three of the key players this year are freshmen and not one of them was even rated by any of the major recruiting services. Smith also has put together a solid group of assistant coaches. It's still early in the season, but things are certainly looking up for the Lions.
re basketball: If some of us drove more than 100,000 feet in rush hour traffic to watch the Lions at LMU, you New Yawkers could go to Marist!
That may be a tougher game than it appears, since Columbia will have no games from now until then, the 28th.
I can't knock Agho because I never saw him play except against UConn. He was basically ineffective until he began knocking down a few outside shots in the second half. That's to be expected because when a powerhouse team faces a middling opponent with one "star" they'll concentrate on shutting him down.
My point is it's a TEAM game. Five good players are always better than one star and four middling players. This squad would probably be even better with Agho. What their success means is that there's a depth of talent beyond one or two top-liners. It means also--and I like this best--that they have several fine freshman who can contribute.
IMHO, I'd suggest Smith work very hard with 6-10 freshman Cory Osetkowski, who is raw yet contributing now in limited minutes. He may be even taller and stronger before long and he could give us a low-post game that will magnify thje team's attack and reduce reliance on three-pointers,
I can't speak for this Ewing syndrome but the criticism of Agho is ridiculous - and is hitting him when he is down!
The guy was and is a great player for us - and I hope he takes a medical redshirt or can play for us next year if he misses this season.
I think our recent success is a simple matter of some players stepping up, improved game coaching and some impressive freshmen. I honestly never saw much evidence that Agho was a selfish player or a ball hog. I saw a talented player who carried the team, and was one of the leading players in the Ivies.
Great to se Pete Mangurian at the LIU game today. I chatted with him for a few minutes during half time. He is very approachable and even more impressive in person than he was during the video of the press conference. As far as the game, Smith can flat out coach. He put the clamps on #1 for LIU, who was burning us in the opening minutes with some great inside moves. First year Rosenberg is going to be a tremendous off guard for us. Cisco is much better this season. Lyles was cold; when he is on his game we will be very tough.
i dont think Fordham or Cornell will necessarily be behind the eight ball on selecting a coach, but obviously the recruiting dynamics will get hurt. i am somewhat more surprised that Cornell has not had better teams over the years. they have top rated facilities, great alumnae support, storied history, decent coaching, campus is pretty, albeit in Ithaca. Somewhat interesting, as i write this, that some of these issues were mentioned as reasons Colmbia should be successful going forward once remedied...maybe there is more out there.
Anyway, just a thought
gee!
who knew that all you armchair quarterbacks (and coaching gurus) are also experts in basketball?
Doc/jock
To Doc/Joc,
That's what a Columbia education will do for you.
Austin was the best coach in the league last year. Big loss for the league. Bigger loss for Mathews.
Steven Holl, the architect who designed the Campbell Center, has been awarded the gold medal of the American Institute of Architects.
The man's work is beautiful and fascinating but not necessarily functional. I am interested to see if the Campbell Center passes the functionality test.
Here's the story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-13/gold-medal-for-holl-s-prickly-designs-at-columbia-shenzhen-commentary.html
Leonidas
I notice that the Coaches page now lists only Chris Wood (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers), Ed Argast (Offensive Line) and Aaron Smith (wide receivers) besides Coach Mangurian and the support folks.
Does this suggest they're staying on?
(1) good answer to Doc/jock
(2) "albeit in ithaca"?? ithaca is a great place!
r. dennis '66
Austin has confirmed to the Canadian press today that he will be remaining at Cornell. Should make for an exciting league next year, if Cornell, Columbia and Princeton can all dramatically improve.
Will be VERY disappointing, after all that has gone on this past season if DC/Linebackers coach stays on. Hope Coach Mangurian has other plans, and brings in his own DC/linebackers coach.
ungvar the answer to your question is yes they are staying.
to 7:43 Do you know this for sure?Is C .Wood continuing as DC? Is your source reliable?
What do the players think about the three holdover assistants? My impression is that the OC was very unpopular, and I had assumed that Gutekunst would go if Norries left. Who is the recruiting coordinator? And does anybody have an update on recruiting ? Are we back in the hunt for Nick Gerst's younger brother?
To 08:52 yes.
Defense wasn't great, but, his willingness to at least try and adjust during the games and from week to week is what we needed. Personally I think he deserved another year.
The other two are definitely no surprise.
Players that I know think very highly of Smith. Do not care for Wood, especially do not like the way he ran defense.Wake up call!!!Wasn't that obvious?
Nick's brother doesn't show up on rivals. What is written about him would make you think he could be a strong D1 canidate.
DC and HC have connections prior to Columbia if you research it. Very small coaching community. They both have a philosophy of changing the defense on a game by game basis. Also, have to consider Wood gave up a lot to come here and moved his family down for the last year of NW regime. Maybe a change of HC will set a different tone for Wood. Outside coaches speak well of Wood.
Does anyone know the about the condition of the CU junior that was critically injured in a hit and run accident two days ago? The Spectator has shut down for the remainder of the year. I understand he is a rugby player. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Recruiting will work itself out.
Players who played for Coach Smith liked him and he was a great motivator. Communicated with his players in a very positive manner. A class act, let's keep him!
The recruiting coordinator was Coach Nugai, I believe. All the assistants are under contract through the end of the academic year, so the university has to pay them whether they work or not, at least until they find another job. The retention of come part of the current group is necessary to continue recruiting while Mangurian hires his staff. I don't think it means much one way or the other long term. Wood may have been kept active for defensive balance since Smith and Argast are on the other side of the ball. I wouldn't be surprised if Smith and Argast are retained. Smith did a strong job with the receivers and is well liked by the players. Argast has tremendous college coaching experience and he turned around an injury plagued O-line this year -- they were down to fourth string starters at one point -- and developed Adams and Hauschildt among others. Then again, Mangurian is an O-line coach himself, and because it is key to the team's success may want to put his own guy on that coaching spot. The online change, if it is meaningful, may indicate that Mangurian will make selections sooner rather than later.
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.
SEEMS LIKE GOOD TIMES
Ed Argast is a great coach. His players really like and respect him. He has a earned quite a few championship rings in his career.
He was Fordham's OC(and OL coach) when they won the Patriot league championship and when they beat CU handily on a number of occasions.
PM would be lucky to keep him around and maybe even make him the OC.
Doesn't make sense for Mangurian to release all the staff before he hires new guys; he needs recruiters who know the kids in the pipeline and can help deliver them. Plus he gets to know the current staff and can help them in their job searches if he releases them as he may yet do. It seems like a win-win to keep some of them on the job for the time being.
Leonidas
If I were an assistant I'd rather be let go now, not once recruiting is over. I'd like to get on with finding a place to land, so I don't see it as a win-win.
Heard that at least one outstanding quarterback recruit visited the Lions.
Voyforums is carrying a story that the PL is going scholarship. How will that impact our recruiting? Don't most of our players get financial aid? How does our aid package compare to other Ivies?ba
I don't get it. Why is it OK for our Athletic Dept. now to announce our golf recruits for next year but not FB or BB.
-Dr.V
UConn's Moorhead to be named head coach at Fordham
Published 12/14/2011 12:00 AMUpdated 12/14/2011 06:50
Joe Moorhead, who spent three seasons as a UConn assistant, is expected to be named head coach at Fordham University, sources told The Day on Wednesday.
Footballscoop.com also reported an announcement of the hiring should come this week.
Moorhead, a 1996 Fordham graduate, will replace Tom Masella, who was fired last month after the Rams went 1-10 in his 10th season.
Moorhead was hired by former UConn head coach Randy Edsall in 2009 and spent two seasons as offensive coordinator. When Edsall left after the 2010 season for Maryland, Moorhead was kept on staff by new coach Paul Pasqualoni, but Pasqualoni brought in George DeLeone as his offensive coordinator and Moorhead was demoted to quarterbacks coach.
Published 12/14/2011 12:00 AMUpdated 12/14/2011 06:50
The Maryland Terps blog is "reporting" that Edsall's OC at MD is leaving. Norries to MD?
Good news that Toal is not going to Fordham. At least we never led him on.
I am not sure Toal really wanted the Fordham job.
you guys need to get real about that, he would have really been challenged coaching any 1AA program with zero college experience.
if he really wants a college job he needs to come in as a coordinator or position coach and get two or three years under his belt first...
What do we think about the PL going all scholarship? Jake, how about a blog?
Has Jake retired from blogging? Does his contract allow vacation? We're in withdrawal here!
Jake has to "clear" all posts so he is out their somewhere! Smith was largely considered the best position coach on the team and was very well respected by the players. He made a very good impression at a FBS coaching clinic last year as well. I for one (parent of a WR) would love to see him stay.
We have our first public recruit, a 3 star center from OH: Austin Stock.
-Dr. V
Jake, this ay be the first CU announced recruit. Committed according to ESPN Recruiting Nation, and they listed him as the 16th best center in the class of 2012. This is from MaxPreps:
Austin Stock
Jersey: 76 Pos: OL, DL Ht/Wt: 6'3"/240 Class: Jr.
School: Solon Comets Season: Varsity 10-11 Sport: Football
Overall: 12-1-0 League: 5-0-0 National Rank: 82 OH State Rank: 7
Athlete Notes
2x Varsity football lettermen Bench 335lbs, Squat 600lbs, 4.9 40 (clocked at Purdue). Unofficially over 20+ pancakes 2010 season. Varsity letters Track & Field (Disk/Shot). Disk in state qualifiers. Camps attended 2010 summer (Ohio State, Purdue, Akron), 3.7GPA. / SAT 1600. Schools showing interest - Stanford, Penn St., Purdue, Cinncinatti, Notre Dame, Michigan, North Carolina State, Boston College, Syracuse, Kentuky, Harvard, Northwestern. Schools unofficial visits, (asked by universities to come and watch team) Michigan (attended), Notre Dame (attended), Ohio State (attended), Penn State (attended), Kentucky (could not attend), Cinncinatti (could not attend)
Just to be complete fair the following is a link to him on Rivals.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Austin-Stock-119608
He isn't ranked on Rivals, but, the info on him looks really great. I think he is great prospect.
This also shows that the coaching change probably isn't going to hurt us.
Totally agree about Aaron Smith. Team had much respect for Aaron, as well as he for them. Hope he is the ONLY one Coach M. retains.
There are 74 players that list Columbia as a school of interest on Rivals. A few are already committed. There are several 2 star players in the list including a RB from Florida that looks interesting.
I agree with retaining coach Aaron Smith. Coach Smith has great rapport with his players and is a definite asset to the program. He is a great motivator and coaches in a positive manner.
Besides adding another Stock to the Lions (we have soph DL Eric Stock), there's also a star high school QB in Florida named Austin Stock! (Miami Central). We need to take Stock of the situation!
Here are highlights of what we're adding to our portfolio :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Fv97d6CXM&feature=related
Dr. V., it looks like Jake is on an extended break, so we'll be counting on you and hopefully others for info on recruits, staff, etc. Great start with Austin Stock, thanks!
Congratulations to Austin Stock on becoming part of the Columbia Football Family!
Buckeye Lion.
Congratulations to Austin Stock on becoming part of the Columbia Football Family!
Buckeye Lion.
chritHaving now met Pete Mangurian, I hope that he can find the time after recruiting is wrapped up to have a few alumni gatherings. He is the real deal; having heard him speak I think he is more impressive than any of the six Republicans running for President.
To poster 02:25, would the RB from Florida be Brent O'Neal (Canterbury, 4.46/40)? Columbia is on his list but he says his top choice is Citadel (see below), and if that's the case he might not be CU material, you think?
http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/canterburys-brent-oneal-gets-first-offer/9165/
If it's not him you have in mind, who then?
I would love to see Ed Argast retained, too! He is a great coach, a great recruiter and a great person.
As always, tracking Ivy recruiting truly requires a team effort. I'll do what I can and trust others will as well.
-Dr.V
04:25:00 you got the right guy. I didn't look too much at the people in the list. I mentioned him because he was a 2 star prospect. Looking at your link makes me think he could end up with a full ride somewhere.
To 4:25, why would a student's interest in Citadel mean he isn't Columbia material? ROTC is back, remember? The military always needs
intelligent leaders, all the more with all-volunteer, leaner, technology-driven armed forces.
As a former player that played for Coach Argast, I can attest that he deserves to be retained. He was an amazing coach that commanded the respect of the players. He was consistently considered one of the best coaches on the staff and we were lucky to have him.
The same can be said for Coach Smith.
Both coaches deserve to be there.
It is good to now see all the former boosters for Toal conclusively shut up with Fordham's announcement of its own new coach today,
Interestingly, we also once had as coach a guy from the offensive side at UConn. I'm just saying....
To those posters who are in praise of Argast and Smith, if you look at the GoColumbiaLions website, Coach Mangurian's photo and bio are there along with ARGAST, SMITH and WOODS. Perhaps this means they have been retained.
An earlier post, Leonidas I believe mentioned that Coach Mangurian may retain guys to help with recruiting. Makes sense,also they may be here until he finds replacements. Hopefully he will find only one replacement for the three guys that are still on the roster and keep two.
Jake-
A well deserved break I am sure! We all owe you a debt of gratitude for, in essence, making this coach change.
I took a break from the BLOG as well, but I am back now. I only wish Jake would come back soon, on his own terms. Maybe once a week, or once a month? My concern is that the TERMITES (Cathar, Dr. V, etc.) are infesting the BLOG with their rants. I'm surprised Cathar hasn't added ANOTHER one of his basketball rants. Cathar, it's okay to give Coach Smith a man-hug, just do it on your own and not on this football Blog.
Dr.. V - still waiting for you to post your full name after calling one poster "gutless" for not doing so... Hypocrisy is not becoming.
Oh, yet ANOTHER Gerst post... Well, the long and (very) short of it is that he most likely will go to Yale (if accepted). The fact is that he's smaller (shorter/ lighter)than his brother, so I'm not sure what good that does us? I went to the Championship game at Met Life Stadium (against Bosco) and watched him play. Yes, he is a good HS back, like his brother, but will not last long at this level. People love to blame the medical staff and trainers for their performance demise, yet refuse to see that HS and college are completely different games. Levine and Gossett do a GREAT job for that team!
As far as Coach Toal goes... I'm not sure WHY people would hit the guy when he didn't get either the CU or Fordham jobs. I am sure that coach Toal would have been a Finalist for the CU job had he coached at Cornell during Diane's tenure there. So all of you puppets can now go along with Diane and Bill's Pied Piper tunes and follow the flock like blind sheep... Bahhhh, bahhhh...
Wow are you lost on the Gerst brothers...Dont know what you have against em but both of em are studs. Heard from the staff Nick is finally getting the medical treatment necessary for the hamstring. Sounds like Coach Mangurian had a great meeting with Mike Gerst. And yes Mike is a high school Player that ran wild on the #1 high school in the country.
We can only hope to have both brothers at Columbia to help us turn things around.
Happy Holudays!!
Alot of un-seasonal and snide vitriol in 9:50's post. Veterans of this blog and of CU athletics know Dr. V.and his devotion to our athletes. Cathar is no foe either.
A New Year's wish: may Mangurian and company provide us with quick cause to un-circle this year's firing squad.
9:50, I think you are wrong this time.
I was with a former player the other night who has close ties into the program. He was highly critical of how the last selection went and he was also a big Gilmore guy. That being said, he is extremely pleased with the Mangurian hire, thinks he was far and away the best candidate for us (including Gilmore) and thinks we nailed it this time.
Think Garrett without the baggage, Gilmore with NFL experience. Plus, Mangurian has already been at the top of the mountain and is not looking to use this as a stepping stone gig. He wants to be here for 10 years or so and retire
This is who we got.
4:12 - Thank you for your post because this just further reinforces our assumption that Dr. V. was (is) a shill for the AD and CU Athletics. "Bahhh" to him as well.
Let's hope Nick is healthy and he follows a "natural" treatment protocol so that there will be no more excuses. Hopefully, coach M. can convince Nick's brother to come to CU as well, then we'll see what they have and shut a few people up (either way).
Re Cathar:... Objectively, he is jealous of Jake's accuracy on his predictions throughout the year. In addition, Cathar dislikes Jake's point of view on nearly everything he had to say about Norries and Diane. What does that tell you? Another shill... Bahhhh, Bahhh... Also, Cathar claims to know things about the program, players, and the candidates who either applied (or were being considered) that were so far from reality it was shocking. People like that are just insecure about themselves and have no use on this BLOG.
9:50
You sound awful bitter
Have a drink and enjoy the holidays
Go Lions
Not sure what has provoked some of the recently surfaced fringe on this board, but whatever the cause.
To 4:50: if having been a contributor to football and a season ticket holder in football and basketball for several decades makes me a "shill" for the athletics department, then so be it.
To 9:50: there is nothing particularly wrong with anonymity EXCEPT if one posts something harshly critical of someone or suggest that someone ought to be fired; in that case it is gutless to hide behind anonymity. This is a fairly obvious point that you apparently missed. As to my own anonymity, which is beside the point for the above reason, first, Jake and various other regulars have met me and know who I am; second, I've posted on this and other boards for a long time, so people who have followed Columbia athletics have a pretty good idea of what my center of gravity is regarding most things and can gauge any specific post by reference to same. Lastly, if you, whoever you are, are really dying to find out who I am, I'll post my season ticket seat so that you can drop by the next time you're at Levien.
All that aside, I strongly believe that particularly during a season one should be measured in how one says things on public boards because certain kinds of statements can be used against us in recruiting and can further contribute to team demoralization or confusion. In the situation involving Wilson, I thought that if one had a stake in the program whether as an alum or parent or whoever else has a stake, the appropriate thing to do was to speak with Diane Murphy herself, which I did prior to the Harvard game. This is not to say that the opportunity to air out numerous views on as important a subject as the overall direction of the football program was not invaluable. It was, there is no other way that I can imagine that such an opportunity could have been afforded to such a diverse group of people whose only connection was interest in the program, and for that I and many others are grateful to Jake. But it is to say that some of the comments posted were over the line.
Dr. V
Nice Article about Columbia's New head Coach:
New Columbia football coach Pete Mangurian returns to Ivy League with NFL experience
Mangurian coached Tampa Bay, New England and Falcons after two-year stint at Cornell
BY Nina Mandell
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, December 17 2011, 10:22 PM
Columbia University is hoping the coaching equivalent of an NFL journeyman can wipe a one-win season from the struggling football team’s mind.
Pete Mangurian, who was introduced as the new Columbia University football coach earlier this month, plans on bringing 20 years of NFL experience, an understanding of Ivy League football and blinding optimism to make it happen — for both of them.
For the 56-year-old Manguian, it’s a chance for a fresh start after being fired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, halting his 10-year career on the pro sidelines.
And for the Lions, it’s the opportunity to forget about their embarrassing, last-place finish in the Ivies that resulted in Norries Wilson, their coach of six seasons, being dismissed in November.
“We sent a strong message to (the team) about how things are going to be,” Mangurian said. “We have to change the culture. It’s not going to be about the big things, it’s going to be the little things.”
The most obvious change for Mangurian is that he is leaving his NFL career behind. Before his time with the Bucs, he coached on the Patriots’ staff and with the Atlanta Falcons. He pointed to his time at Cornell University, where he was the head coaching from 1998 to 2000 as a lesson of what to avoid. During his first season there, the team finished in last place.
Since then, Mangurian has been learning from some of the best coaches in the world — and watching how they adjust to tough situations.
“I think it’s just experience as far as hiring a staff and your sense of ‘I’ve been here before. We’re going to stay calm about this,’ ” he said.
And, he claims, the Ivies aren’t so different from the NFL — in terms of talent distribution among the teams in the league, at least.
“People talk about how different it is, it’s not different,” he said. “The competition is close, the players are so even — it’s not like Vanderbilt and LSU, it’s not one of those situations where there’s a disparity in the talent level.”
Mangurian’s first objective is to see what he has to work with. His next is to help his team form a new identity.
“You look at the teams that are really doing well right now, Penn has an identity, Brown has an identity, we have our identity and we need to solidify that and do what we have to do to win,” he said.
Cultivating talent is one of the first issues Mangurian plans to address. Like many top-rated football programs, the talent pool for the Ivy League is small and competitive. Schools are fighting tooth-and-nail to not only lure in the best football players but those who can qualify for the school's stringent admission standards. To top it off, they have to be willing to play without a scholarship.
His experience in the NFL, Mangurian said, will be a key part of his recruiting pitch.
“I think a lot of it rests on us,” Mangurian said, of himself and his yet-to-be-hired coaching staff. “I think a lot of it rests on how the commitment is. You’re selling a dream, you’re selling what’s coming down the road.”
So far, so good, said Columbia athletic director M. Dianne Murphy.
“He’s hit the ground running,” she said. “So we’re just having fun and working extremely hard.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/columbia-football-coach-pete-mangurian-returns-ivy-league-nfl-experience-article-1.993247
A little off topic, but I read this article in Sports Illustrated about a potential recruit from Compton, CA. Great story and indicative of the kids from different backgrounds that we get in our program. The story talks about correspondence with Wilson and sending in his transcripts to CU. Hope Coach Mangurian continues to recruit him. His work ethic and determination alone lead me to believe that he'll be successful wherever he goes.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1192722/index.htm
Great link to track the 2012 Ivy League 2012 Football Recruits that have already committed
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/conference/_/class/2012/id/22
Dr. V-
9:50 here... You can't have it both ways. Either you post your name or not, no excuses (or self-serving rationalle). Personly, I could care less meeting you, or Cathar, and yes, I know who you both are. I won't "out" either of you out of respect to Jake and VOYCOM.
I hope only for the BEST for Columbia football and Athletics, but to support this administration; especially how coach M was selected, would be hypocritical on my part. We hear the same lines about Shoop and Norries, that we are hearing about Coach M. Would it have been different with Gilmore (had he actually had the opportunity to interview). I think so. Nevertheless, to Jake's point, it's no fault of coach M's, and let's see what he can do. Unfortunately, the process was (is) tainted, so Diane must go! West Point and Penn State can have her!
-Dr. 9:50
P.S. "Matt '05" for the SI link...
Outing poster 9:50 -- he's the Grinch That Stole Christmas.
It's unfortunate that this site is sometimes being used as a place in which to launch personal, invective-laced attacks on others.
It's not quite as bad as the exceedingly twisted poster who a few weeks ago wanted to meet Jake in a dark alley. But it's bad enough.
And to be typified as a "shill" for the university and the athletic department? What on earth is wrong with applauding the hiring of a new football coach? Really, this skein of posting is unnecessary.
What we should probably all instead be doing is toasting in a seasonably appropriate fashion the hiring of Mangurian (I'd recommend eggnog laced with applejack), along with fervent prayers for a good recruiting season and "crop."
It's also not a bad idea to bear in mind the slogan of our lion "cousins" at the University of North Alabama (and special thanks to the poster who noted that its QB is a Harvard QB's sibling!), "Think One - Team Goal Community Vision." Such a slogan is a far more positive contribution to athletic success in general for our beloved alma mater than somewhat shrill accusations of "shilling" for the athletic department and the very personally nice and capable Dr. Murphy.
To all, too, best wishes for a happy holiday season and an even happier, prosperous and healthy 2012.
Cathar,
Once again, you couldn't be further from reality. Why don't you ask our running back Davis Chao how "personable and nice" Diane is when he asked one harmless question about the coaching transition? Or maybe how she has trained her staff to answer questions like they were part of Stalin's inner circle. As an alum, when I voiced my concern to Diane about the football team, and the staff, she got immediately defensive was somehow shocked that I would raise a concern. I immediately contacted the Football Committee, but that fell on deaf ears. In retrospect, i should have called Campbell. Diane's demeanor and attitude would not last a second in the private sector.
Cathar, get off your high horse. You made several personal attacks against Jake throughout the season and especially during the coaching search. Baaah to you because you are a sheep following Diane!
Dr. 9:50., try harder to see the big picture. We're quite fortunate to get Mangurian, and Ms. Murphy achieved that with admirable dispatch. He will be the latest in a number of excellent coaches she has brought to Columbia.
It's impossible to know who posts here, obviously, no matter the "signature." Purported authorative statements can't be verified, moreover.
Thus, I, clearly a Solomon-like man, woman or child
say stop the sniping. Opine, provide sources for facts and GO LIONS!!
--abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Logan Scott is a very smooth dual threat QB who has been offered by the Lions, as well as Princeton, with interest from several others. He's still undeclared according to Scout.com. Here's some highlights:
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1131675.html
Here's a better vid on Logan Scott that inlcudes fans' comments.
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1131675.html
Not sure about the status of Logan Scott, but another highly-rated high school quarterback from California was reported to have visited the Lions a week or two ago. We may be interested also in Scooter Hollis from Bowling Green, Kentucky and John Loughery who is at the Hun School. Whoever joins the Lions will have a great opportunity to compete immediately for playing time at the varsity level. Jerry Bell has graduated and Weiss is the only quarterback we have who has seen any playing time behind Sean Brackett.
Obviously, with Pete Mangurian as our head coach, any outstanding high school football player who has both the smarts to get into the Ivy League and NFL aspirations would be foolish not to pick Columbia.
I would love to see Michael Gerst join up with his brother at Columbia next year. However, if that doesn't happen, there are certainly a number of running backs in Floria and Georgia who would be very nice additions including Lavondre Nelson and Brian Grove. Anyway know their status?
To the 950 poster and others I think the comments like "Dr. V. was (is) a shill for the AD and CU Athletics." are very off base and inappropriate.
I have been reading Jake's blog before Chris started at CU and have found Dr. V's comments mostly positive and always constructive. Dr. V doesn't deserve your crap.
Karl Groth
Notice I signed this so no one can complain about that or accuse me of be Dr V in disguise.
What happened when David Chao asked Dianne a question about transition matters? It is hard to form an opinion aobut Dianne with incomplete information. As a concerned alumnus, I have been unhappy with the fact that emails go unanswered, despite my generous support for the program and the university.
No Mike Gerst 1st, 2nd, or 3rd team in just Bergen county??? I am not "HATING", just asking a question when all of the pundits claim that he's a D-1 recruit and abused Bosco's defense (see below...).
Football: North Jersey season in review, 2011
Published: Sunday, December 18, 2011, 4:00 AM
By Lou Monaco/For The Star-Ledger
FIRST TEAM
Mark Cieslak, St. Joseph (Mont.)
Tripp Telesco, Ridgewood
Darius Hamilton, Don Bosco Prep
Dan Falkenstern, Old Tappan
Hunter Kiselick, Bergen Catholic
Elijah Shumate, Don Bosco Prep
Michael Strizak, Don Bosco Prep
Devin Fuller, Old Tappan
Chucky Wingate, Bergen Catholic
Kyle Sakowski, Don Bosco Prep
Yuri Wright, Don Bosco Prep
Leo Krizanovic, Paramus Catholic
SECOND TEAM
Brian Swatek, Pascack Valley
Keith Rodman, Old Tappan
Parker Tobia, Bergen Catholic
Alquadin Muhammad, Don Bosco Prep
Brandon Faison, Hackensack
Spencer Scannell, Don Bosco Prep
Kevin Barry, River Dell
Sean Borkowski, Ridgefield Park
Thomas Hayes, Lyndhurst
Brendan Dowling, Glen Rock
Steve Longa, Saddle Brook
Mike Paskas, Rutherford
THIRD TEAM
Ryan Feulner, Cresskill
Mike Manene, Pascack Valley
Mike Norling, Becton
Marcel Lambert, Queen of Peace
Tommy Oppici, Dumont
Nicholas Smith, Lodi
Bobby Keegan, Queen of Peace
Pete Creamer, Westwood
Mike Niego, Pascack Valley
Pat Sheahan, Glen Rock
John Trainor, Old Tappan
Joe Leem, Glen Rock
To the concerned alumnus, that really bothers me that your emails are unanswered. Why don't you go to the next level with your emails? Or better yet why don't you call and speak to DM (or whomever) personally. I think the problem with emails is that they are very impersonal, when you speak directly, you get your concern addressed.Programs thrive on the support of generous people like you. I for one, am a very appreciative parent of a current player. ThankYou.
Actually, what happened when David Chao asked an inappropriate question about university a personnel decision was that Murphy indicated to him that he should have used better judgment than to have asked the question, and refused to answer it. End of story.
lOOKS LIKE THE LIST PRINTED OUT FOR MIKE GERST ARE ALL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS...
WAS AT THE BERGEN BOSCO GAME...NO DOUBT HE WAS 1 OF THE BEST PLAYERS ON THE FIELD...
COLUMBIA DEFINITELY WANTS THIS KID...
Good pick-up if it wsas only defense. What team did Mike G. make on Offense? I suspect 1st/2nd?
Whoa, Leo L. - In my opinion, as an alum, Mr. Chao's question was NOT inappropriate. Had I been there, I would have asked the same question. In fact, it was an intelligent and informative question. Had a member of the Football Committee, or Bill Campbell asked the same question, would it be deemed "inappropriate"? I think not! His question went to the state of mind of the Head Coach and the Staff towards the end of the season. Furthermore, it would give insight into the decision-making process of the Administration. This is quite a common question asked by players, press, etc. when coaches resign/get dismissed. Ignoring and refusing to answer a player's question is inappropriate (and shows a lack of maturity quite frankly). Diane's evasiveness and unwillingness to answer a SIMPLE question puts her management prowess in question (or rather further reinforces it to me).
Regretfully, it is not the "End of Story". We still have to live with this disaster and you by her side.
Quick, "LEON L", Diane needs more cream in her coffee...
Goor Luck with recruiting Coach M!!!
Post 9:42. Thank you for your continued generosity to the University and Athletics! I'm not sure why an e-mail cannot be returned. Diane has several minions on her staff that will provide you with numberous reasons why it has not been returned though??? Maybe you asked an inappropriate question, like Leon L. stated about Mr. Chao, and she just refused to answer you. Good luck wuth that...
12:28, we can disagree without the snippy sarcasm. It demeans the conversation on here. I would love to have the inormation you identified, but I realize that decisions on when and why to fire university personnel are best not discussed with students, for legal reasons and so as not to further undermine the dignity of the departed employee. I would think that would have been obvious to you. Think about it for a moment: in your organization, do senior managers discuss their negative personnel decisions freely with junior employees? Would you want them to discuss your eventual firing with the associates? Murphy's response is exactly what one would expect from a professional administrator or manager.
And, for the record, I don't carry water (or coffee) for her, but I believe in giving credit where it is due and defending people who are unfairly criticized. She's been doing a good job.
Let's please return this blog to what it's original intended purpose was in my mind - to support Columbia football, other sports when appropriate, and to disseminate information about opponents. I don't believe the intent was for impugning the character of administrators, coaches or players. Jake has given countless hours so that we may have a forum to discuss intelligently the thoughts of the day.
The Internet brings anonymity so many, not all, write things they would not say if speaking in person. Could one imagine if we all met and had these conversations? Would manners and decorum be so removed from the meeting that all would begin shouting to be heard above all others?
We presumably are all adults and should behave as adults. If your purpose in posting is to tear down anyone, please use email, or better yet, write a letter with your concerns to the person you are tearing down. Let them know who you are and let that be a private communication. It seems that the same people post the same rants in the belief that the first rant wasn't read.
Even on the Internet and in blogs, there is a proper manner in how and what to post. Jake has chosen as his right to allow what appears to be all posts. Let's remember that Jake is our host and we are his guests.
I'll second that motion. Good post.
where the heck has Jake been, anyway? Seems very odd he has gone dark on us for over two weeks....
Here is a random thought for the day - now that Cornell has won the city's bid to have a big engineering school on Governor's Island (presumably with at least some undergrads), will the Cornell-Columbia game develop some serious rancor? Will the Big Red soon be asking to play one or two home games a year at Baker or Icahn? Is there room enough in this town for two Ivies?
Mike Gerst made honorable mention all-Bergen County.
Cornell's Roosevelt Island campus will be grad students only.
im afraid i missed it, but can someone refresh me on what mr chao asked that seems to be such a "inappropriate" topic for mdm?
To the poster who said Mangurian is more impressive than all the Republican candidates for President--that means logically that he is infinitely more impressive than the current President. Golly and gee willikers, I sure hope Coach M doesn't take off now because of your post and run for President. We need him at CU.
No, Cornell isn't big enough for two Ivies. Another numbskull move by Bloomberg. If you're intimating that whatever undergraduates Cornell might place in NYC could play football, I think their daily commute to the practice field in Ithaca would be a bit longer than the Lions 15-20 express bus ride.
Or is Bloomberg deeding Central Park to Cornell?
Disagree entirely with angry poster who said only football belongs on this blog. Why not other CU sports, especially basketball. but really all of them? Let's support all CU sports, that strengthens all of them including football. Basketball is mighty important too, and Jake himself has mentioned basketball occasionally as he well should. If basketball could make a splash, it would only help football, and vice versa.
Re Jake's whereabouts: has Dianne put out a contract on Jake?
I don't think that Cornell's new science campus in the city will have any undergraduates, at least not at first. Obviously, if this effort becomes as big as it's been touted, further development could include a lot of things, but somehow I think that the Empire State Bowl will not be affected for a long time.
Thats crazy...All those Don Bosco D1 players on the #1 team in the country and it looked like they were moving in slow motion when Gerst had the ball...Not just speed but ran over a few of them...Think he went both ways all year so maybe the numbers weren't there
The occasional rancor on this site of late is bothersome. And what kind of mind actually brags that he can "out" other posters if he wishes? That's just twisted.
As for Dr. Murphy and criticism of her, I like her personally and respect her considerable professional accomplishments. It also occurs to me that much of the guff directed at her would simply not arise were she a male. Then, instead, the usual line would be along the lines of Columbia's athletics director simply being "a tough, strong-minded and decisive leader."
Jake, I'm not trulu curious enough to e-mail you for answers to any questions I might have about your whereabouts (and that does sound, well, kind of "imperial" on your part) lately. I simply wish you and yours well for the holidays and for 2012.
And to all others, too, a restful night's sleep, a cup of cheer and similar good wishes. Plus winning seasons in every sport that Dr. Murphy oversees in the coming year.
Annnnnnnnd Cathar implies that those of us that disagree with Diane are sexist. Beautiful.
Happy Holidays to you too...
Cathar is just looking for more excuses for the administration. THAT is abundantly clear! Next he will be calling posters, bigots, homophobic, and racist. Keep in mind it was Cathar who made the grossly inappropriate comment about a "Lynchmob" refernce to his beloved Norries. Regardless of the content, completely inappropriate!
Cathar, stay "out", nobody wants you "in"...
Yale University today accepted the resignation of head football coach Tom Williams. Williams’ resignation is effective December 31, said Director of Athletics
The commentary here became a little partisan during the Coach-gate period. Now that a successor has been appointed, it would be good to close ranks and stop the sniping as we enter into 2012.
We all want Columbia sports to do great and I detect no antagonism whatsoever to Dianne because she's a woman. People who complain about various "sniping" are the ones who do most of the real sniping with that talk about a sexist attitude.
Under Al Paul, Reeves (who was a great guy to talk to), Murphy et al. Football has been mired in less than medicority for many decades. All the ADs received the same criticism. I am 100 percent for women in all top jobs in all fields. Male, female...just get it done.
I'm for people saying anything they want to, except don't call for civility and in the same breath make uo spurious charges.
I actually think Dianne gets more support because she is a woman.
Wow. I expected more class from the Ivy league. I NEVER expected for Columbia fans to be so judgmental. Why does it matter if Dianne is a woman? Would you be saying anything negative if she was a man? I think not. The sports industry is about who you know. It's unique and does not work the same as every other industry in this country. Coach M said it's going to take a new way of thinking to change things. That was directed to the fans as much as it was the team and administration. Time for people to start getting on board and lose the negative attitudes. Players, coaches, and administration all read these blogs and negativity is contagious. Support your team! Support your program! Support your school! Go Lions!
quit with the PC stuff, she has advantages because she is a woman and she has disadvantages because she is a woman. No big deal
A little more on Stock - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Fv97d6CXM&feature=related
As well there is conversations regarding Ben McDaniels possibly coming on board as the OC or another asst. coach. Ben, brother to Thom McDaniels current asst on the St. Louis Rams and former Bronco (I selected Tebow). Ben worked may have worked with Ben and Thom either through the Broncos or Patriot franchise. There father is a long standing outstanding Ohio High School head coach for 30+ years.
What about any other news on recruits?
Any other thoughts on new Assistant coaches.
IMO I think Pete will be prepared to bring in top former NFL players and/or coaches to turn the Lions football program 180degrees!
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