Acting like you’ve been here before

Fans in purple
Thanks for respecting each other.

In previous years, we’ve had to post general sportsmanship requests on our blog this time of year. We’ve had to heavily moderate comments. Once we even had to split the discussion up into two separate blog posts, one for the people who wanted to actually talk football and one for the smack-talkers who just wanted to be obnoxious.

This year, we’ve had little to none of that. Thank you for treating your fellow Division III football fans with respect. After all, we are all in this together. Now let’s continue to have a great week and we’ll see you folks all in Salem. Whether you bleed purple or not, this is the pinnacle of the Division III season and we hope you make the trip!

14 thoughts on “Acting like you’ve been here before

  1. Coming onto the site tonight I voted for the new poll question. The WW homer I am, I voted for WW by more than 7. I then had to chuckle when I saw the voting results. Clearly there are many homers on this site from each team since the results are heavily skewed in each greater than 7 direction.

    I think it’s safe to say the majority of the visits this week come from fans of each team. I have also noticed this year that there is nothing but respect between WW and MU. If anything, I think the two sides stick up for each other when others complain about the power houses.

    No matter the outcoming Saturday, I’m excited to see this rematch again.

  2. I am one who bleeds purple…Saxon purple. Getting a first-hand glimpse at our football-playing student-athletes’ experience both on the practice field and in the library, I have nothing but respect for our D3 athletes and am pleased and proud of football at its finest.

    This was Alfred’s first year advancing in the playoffs and it was a rewarding experience. While the Mount Union-Whitewater thing may be getting old, nevertheless, we had our chance. And it certainly was a privilege to play the best…as a benchmark for the program.

    Thanks to all our Saxons for a great ride! Congratulations to our All-Stars, Coach Murray and all the staff on an outstanding season!

    On Saxon Warriors!

  3. warhawkpride – As you would imagine, I voted for UMU but between 1-6. Not just to be different (I saw the results) but because I think that by playing the same team each year, the surprises tend to be lessened. Personnel changes obviously but coaching is consistent and both of these coaches are disciplined and confident.

    I truly think all of us that post on this site are looking for respect. Some communicate better than others and frustration with your alma mater or favorite team not breaking through tend to heighten emotion. That, in turn, leads to illogical reasoning which leads to obnoxiousness (but truly in the minority this year).

    Good luck to both teams!! Looking forward to a classic battle between two evenly matched teams.

  4. Looking forward to a great game. My concern will be the quaterback play especially for Mount. Does anyone know the status of Neal Seaman? If he doesnt play it will be very interesting how the backup can do agaisnt a great defense, although he did very well against a very good Bethel Defense but they didnt bring pressure like UWW will.

  5. I think the Stagg should be played in a warm climate. Also, the game should be played in the central part of the country. Texas would be the most fitting place.

  6. GoCru,

    The majority of the DIII teams are in the east. I remember they had the game in Bradenton, FLorida before. Slaem does a great job, but moving the game to Florida would address the weather situation.

  7. My pick for this year’s Stagg Bowl:

    University of Mount Union- 20

    Wisconsin WHitewater- 14

    An exciting championship for both teams as neither has been challeneged all season.

  8. D3 football could use a facelift. Our showcase event each year is in a place that is sometimes impossible to travel to (if you want to go there). If we moved the Stagg Bowl to Las Vegas, San Diego or Tampa, you can fly in and out of these cities and more importantly, you will want to fly to these cities. These cities are loaded with football fans that would love to support a championship bowl game. They all have local ESPN radio affiliates that would support the event and help fill the venue. All the other divisions learned years ago to put bowl games where people want to travel to. These kids deserve to play infront of 25 to 40K people if they make it to the championship game.

  9. This discussion has hit on the central point. Where you play the game has a direct impact on not only who attends but how the game (and DIII football) is publicized and received.

    A warmer climate may attract more casual fans and a larger audience but will you see the same amount of “home team” fans for both teams? By moving it to Florida, Texas, Las Vegas, etc. you increase the cost to attend (travel, food, etc.).

    I can alreasy hear the response from Linfield, UMHB, and other non- east-of-the-Mississippi teams saying we would have that cost now! MUC stated that a majority of teams are from the east so, it would make sense to hold the game in proximity to where a majority of teams are located.

    I would suggest not only changing the venue for the game but change the date as well. Instead of the Saturday before Christmas, have it take place after Christmas but before New Years Day. The students are out of school for the semester, Christmas is over so no last minute rushes there, and the game will be played during the “bowl season” which is viewed by many more fans.

    With Christmas being on a Saturday this year, the game would have to be played on Tuesday the 28th or Wednesday the 29th. Allow the players and coaches to enjoy Christmas with their families and then return to the gridiron for one last game! This could also allow for an All Star game that would include more players (except from the finalists)

    Then put it in Florida, Las Vegas, etc. where warmer weather is available.

    Just a thought.

  10. Good luck getting ESPN to commit to the DIII championship game after Christmas when they are broadcasting almost ALL of the DI bowl games. I highly doubt they could find anywhere to put us. I do like the idea of Vegas. Don’t get me wrong, Salem has done a great job with the event, but I think more fans would be interested if it was in bigger city and could plan more than just the game. Not to mention that Roanoke isn’t the best airport to get flights into. Very expensive trip if you don’t want at least 1 if not 2 layovers.

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