|
|
Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 20, 2023 22:01:02 GMT -5
Eric Schon also just entered the portal He was the first this morning. |
|
|
|
Post by hc87 on Nov 20, 2023 22:08:01 GMT -5
My take....this group of Seniors/5th year guys are basically going out together....they had hopes and aspirations of a great season this year and fate being what it is, it just didn't play out.
They collectively gave HC all they could and now it's time to move on...I wish them nothing but great success moving forward and thank them for bringing so much joy back to following HC football. A huge Chu Chu Rah Rah to all these guys!!! Tis been a pleasure!
|
|
|
|
Post by joutsHC77 on Nov 20, 2023 22:26:53 GMT -5
My take....this group of Seniors/5th year guys are basically going out together....they had hopes and aspirations of a great season this year and fate being what it is, it just didn't play out. They collectively gave HC all they could and now it's time to move on...I wish them nothing but great success moving forward and thank them for bringing so much joy back to following HC football. A huge Chu Chu Rah Rah to all these guys!!! Tis been a pleasure! Seconded! Good luck all Crusaders from the 2023 team! |
|
|
|
Post by bfoley82 on Nov 20, 2023 22:28:35 GMT -5
My take....this group of Seniors/5th year guys are basically going out together....they had hopes and aspirations of a great season this year and fate being what it is, it just didn't play out. They collectively gave HC all they could and now it's time to move on...I wish them nothing but great success moving forward and thank them for bringing so much joy back to following HC football. A huge Chu Chu Rah Rah to all these guys!!! Tis been a pleasure! BC might have said he has taken the program as far it possibly can go and need a change of scenery so he can continue on his ascension to a higher level job. |
|
|
|
Post by hc87 on Nov 20, 2023 22:38:38 GMT -5
My take....this group of Seniors/5th year guys are basically going out together....they had hopes and aspirations of a great season this year and fate being what it is, it just didn't play out. They collectively gave HC all they could and now it's time to move on...I wish them nothing but great success moving forward and thank them for bringing so much joy back to following HC football. A huge Chu Chu Rah Rah to all these guys!!! Tis been a pleasure! BC might have said he has taken the program as far it possibly can go and need a change of scenery so he can continue on his ascension to a higher level job. He may.....and wish him well if he does....that being said, I think it's well established now that HC is one of the very best jobs in the country at the FCS-level (and Ches is responsible for pointing this out)....if and when he does leave, I have no doubt that we will have a LOT of coaches around the country who want this job. |
|
|
|
Post by bfoley82 on Nov 20, 2023 22:52:10 GMT -5
BC might have said he has taken the program as far it possibly can go and need a change of scenery so he can continue on his ascension to a higher level job. He may.....and wish him well if he does....that being said, I think it's well established now that HC is one of the very best jobs in the country at the FCS-level (and Ches is responsible for pointing this out)....if and when he does leave, I have no doubt that we will have a LOT of coaches around the country who want this job. All those NCAA Appearances and Wins before Chesney really shows that. |
|
|
|
Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 20, 2023 22:57:41 GMT -5
BC might have said he has taken the program as far it possibly can go and need a change of scenery so he can continue on his ascension to a higher level job. He may.....and wish him well if he does....that being said, I think it's well established now that HC is one of the very best jobs in the country at the FCS-level (and Ches is responsible for pointing this out)....if and when he does leave, I have no doubt that we will have a LOT of coaches around the country who want this job. AI and non-medical red shirts will forever make this job a tick less appealing. There’s a self-imposed ceiling on the program due to these restrictions. Still a great job though. |
|
|
|
Post by hc87 on Nov 20, 2023 23:02:04 GMT -5
He may.....and wish him well if he does....that being said, I think it's well established now that HC is one of the very best jobs in the country at the FCS-level (and Ches is responsible for pointing this out)....if and when he does leave, I have no doubt that we will have a LOT of coaches around the country who want this job. All those NCAA Appearances and Wins before Chesney really shows that. Holy Cross is one of THE best coaching positions at the FCS-level.....facilities, great kids to coach, alumni-connections, administrative support now, a chance at a national title etc.....there are very few programs at our level that match what HC has to offer today.....as a head coach, you'd be hard-pressed to match what job as a head coach at the FCS-level matches the Holy Cross position. |
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Nov 20, 2023 23:41:22 GMT -5
Five straight titles equals a dynasty in any league. Congratulations and thanks to all the departing seniors and super seniors.
|
|
|
|
Post by hc1996 on Nov 21, 2023 8:00:26 GMT -5
Great outgoing message by Sluka on Instagram. God, these kids are something else. You can really tell that these decisions to enter the portal are super difficult. Honestly I get the sense that they feel a little guilty. Their hearts are clearly purple....without an ounce of doubt. All the best to whatever comes next for them. I'm gonna make every effort to watch these guys continue to run through people's faces next year wherever they are. If Sluka gets a starting post at a really strong FBS school, people are in for a rude awakening. Imagine what he can do with a sized up OL? Snap that kid the ball and start the Heisman chatter now.  |
|
|
|
Post by cruskater31 on Nov 21, 2023 9:22:01 GMT -5
Still feel like we have a ton coming back with Fuller and Pesansky on offense and a lot of young talent on D. If some of our line returns next year we could have another league championship. It won't be easy, but neither was this year. Perhaps with lower expectations will come even greater opportunities to prove doubters wrong. I am very thankful for the experience of the last few years and wish our seniors/5th years nothing but success. Would love a chance to cheer them all at the next level in the coming years. That being said, I still feel like we have unfinished business. Can we win a national championship? I don't know. SDSU and Mont are that good this year, perhaps we would have lost in the semis or natty. Next year take it as far as we can.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 21, 2023 9:23:54 GMT -5
Great outgoing message by Sluka on Instagram. God, these kids are something else. You can really tell that these decisions to enter the portal are super difficult. Honestly I get the sense that they feel a little guilty. Their hearts are clearly purple....without an ounce of doubt. All the best to whatever comes next for them. I'm gonna make every effort to watch these guys continue to run through people's faces next year wherever they are. If Sluka gets a starting post at a really strong FBS school, people are in for a rude awakening. Imagine what he can do with a sized up OL? Snap that kid the ball and start the Heisman chatter now. We all would have liked every eligible player to return for another year, but part of me is okay with a lot of these guys turning the page. They have left an incredible mark on the program (could argue the current seniors are the best collective class in program history)...but now it's time for the incoming recruits and underclassmen to lead the way. I think this is healthy for the program, actually. |
|
|
|
Post by cruskater31 on Nov 21, 2023 9:28:48 GMT -5
Great outgoing message by Sluka on Instagram. God, these kids are something else. You can really tell that these decisions to enter the portal are super difficult. Honestly I get the sense that they feel a little guilty. Their hearts are clearly purple....without an ounce of doubt. All the best to whatever comes next for them. I'm gonna make every effort to watch these guys continue to run through people's faces next year wherever they are. If Sluka gets a starting post at a really strong FBS school, people are in for a rude awakening. Imagine what he can do with a sized up OL? Snap that kid the ball and start the Heisman chatter now. We all would have liked every eligible player to return for another year, but part of me is okay with a lot of these guys turning the page. They have left an incredible mark on the program (could argue the current seniors are the best collective class in program history)...but now it's time for the incoming recruits and underclassmen to lead the way. I think this is healthy for the program, actually. Quite the fair point. I would like continuity and leadership (so a few guys coming back) but if a program constantly relies on only seniors and 5th years, eventually the tank will run empty and you are left with a ton of freshman with no experience (thankfully we have freshman who played nearly every game for us!). As a prep coach, we always see teams (particularly hockey boarding schools) who rely heavily on seniors and post-graduates. In some cases, younger players never even make the varsity team because the coach is bringing in a new class of jr/sr/pg's every season. |
|
|
|
Post by efg72 on Nov 21, 2023 9:29:06 GMT -5
BC might have said he has taken the program as far it possibly can go and need a change of scenery so he can continue on his ascension to a higher level job. He may.....and wish him well if he does....that being said, I think it's well established now that HC is one of the very best jobs in the country at the FCS-level (and Ches is responsible for pointing this out)....if and when he does leave, I have no doubt that we will have a LOT of coaches around the country who want this job. If he leaves it will be critical to hire a coach who understands HC and the value of character to a team culture, Given the salary range is probably lower than most of us might think- my speculation is based on the hiring salary on the 990, I would hate to see a new coach get double his current salary, and learn we never moved for a long term extension at $700 + Do that today and then if he leaves we will have taken steps to retain him, and know the other opportunity could change the financial well-being for the Chesney family forever.and never a possibility for HC to entertain. Other people can coach, but few can lead men and be a life mentor to the players, coaches and football support staff they way Chesney has for six years |
|
|
|
Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 21, 2023 9:34:00 GMT -5
Agree it’s very conflicting SOV. We have a bear of a schedule in ‘24. Expectations will be way down with Laffy favored to win the league. The weight of the crown is heavy however and we get to be the hunter again. New QB, several new faces on the OL and the greatest WR in program history will make for some growing pains on O. Probably similar to D this year. D will have to keep us in some games and it won’t be easy with the 3 CAA programs to start all w/ DUDES at QB. URI - transfer from VA Tech, UNH - Max Brosmer (will be preseason top 5 for Payton award) and Bryant - Eckhaus.
|
|
|
|
Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 21, 2023 11:50:55 GMT -5
Statement from Purdy. All of these are being accompanied by some great photos.
“No words could do justice to describe how grateful I am to @hcrossfb . There’s nothing more I will miss than being out on that field with my brothers. To all my past and current teammates, thank you for everything you guys have truly changed my life. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to play with such amazing people. Thank you for all the memories and I will forever bleed purple 💜. And remember, if you ever need a play, you know who to call…..”
|
|
|
|
Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 21, 2023 12:44:40 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by hc1996 on Nov 21, 2023 12:58:14 GMT -5
Can you post the text? Don't have access online to the T&G. |
|
|
|
Post by alum on Nov 21, 2023 13:01:33 GMT -5
Can you post the text? Don't have access online to the T&G. WORCESTER — Holy Cross football’s fifth-year seniors were part of coach Bob Chesney’s first full recruiting class at HC, and as Chesney’s dad, Bob Sr., so eloquently extolled to them after the disappointment of Sunday’s FCS playoff selection show, they laid the groundwork for a program that now expects greatness. The Crusaders captured a share of their record fifth straight Patriot League championship with Lafayette, but the Leopards claimed the PL’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs based on the head-to-head tiebreaker. HC hoped for an at-large berth and its fifth consecutive postseason appearance, but did not get it. “The norm is we go to the playoffs,” Chesney said after Monday afternoon’s team meeting. “Not going is not normal, and here we are going home for Thanksgiving.” The Crusaders gathered to clean out the locker room and take care of some housekeeping items and, 24 hours after the emotional end to the 2023 season, Chesney said they were doing better. “Everyone is in a decent spot,” Chesney said. “I think everyone is ready to start moving forward.” Senior quarterback Matthew Sluka was among several HC players to enter the portal as a graduate transfer. This year, Sluka rushed for 1,247 yards, the third highest single-season total in program history. His 330 rushing yards against Lafayette were a Division 1 record for a quarterback. “Matt will have multiple major opportunities with major NIL dollars attached to it,” Chesney said. “That’s the type of player he is, as we all know. We’re happy for him.” Linebacker Jacob Dobbs has one year of eligibility remaining because of a medical redshirt last year. Senior offensive lineman Eric Schon and senior cornerback Terrence Spence also entered the transfer portal, as did fifth-year linebacker Jacob Dobbs. Dobbs, who is a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the FCS national defensive player of the year, has one year of eligibility remaining due to a 2022 medical redshirt. Fifth-year running back Tyler Purdy and fifth-year punter Patrick Haughney also entered the portal. Neither played as a freshman in 2019. “They thought long and hard about it, and they’re not done thinking about it,” Chesney said. “They want to see what’s out there. Ultimately, another whole (sixth) year at an undergraduate school is tough to do.” Chesney anticipates five or six seniors to return for a fifth year in 2024. “We have some guys that will see what opportunities the portal presents,” Chesney said. “Then they’ll make a decision. They may come back after testing the portal, or they may move on.” Fifth-year right guard C.J. Hanson and senior wide receiver Jalen Coker expect to have NFL opportunities. Hanson was part of an outstanding offensive line, and Coker set HC single-season and career records for touchdown receptions, and all-time receiving yards. As Chesney said Sunday, next year’s Crusaders will be a different team, “but you turn over a new page,” he said. “You have to move forward.” Junior quarterback Joe Pesansky showed great poise and promise in the two games he started in place of Sluka this fall, and junior running back Jordan Fuller also entered the HC record book. Numerous freshmen gained experience due to injuries. Holy Cross finished 7-4, 5-1 in the Patriot League. Its other FCS loss was to Harvard. The Crimson shared the Ivy League title with Yale, which HC beat handily early in the season, and Dartmouth. The Crusaders fell to both of their FBS opponents, Boston College and Army, by three points. One more out-of-league win likely would have been enough to secure an at-large playoff spot. “One hundred percent,” Chesney said. In Dobbs’ final game at Fitton Field last Saturday, a win over Georgetown, he set the Patriot League all-time record for total tackles. Five years earlier, Dobbs’ interception helped HC beat the Hoyas to capture the PL title and begin their championship run. “That kind of started the whole thing,” Chesney said. “To think about what (the fifth-year class) did from then until now. They helped build this team, from recruiting to on-field performance to engagement in the community to academics. Everything they did uplifted the program.” Earlier this week, reports mentioned Chesney as a potential candidate for the open Syracuse job. His future, he said Monday, “it’s at HC still. These guys are great. I’m proud to go to work every day.” —Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jentolandtg. |
|
|
|
Post by efg72 on Nov 21, 2023 13:13:00 GMT -5
For those looking to speculate, there are a few words used that could create anxiety as well as hope.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 21, 2023 13:15:35 GMT -5
Can you post the text? Don't have access online to the T&G. “it’s at HC still. These guys are great. I’m proud to go to work every day.” Hmmmmmm. |
|
|
|
Post by KY Crusader 75 on Nov 21, 2023 13:37:16 GMT -5
His future, he said Monday, “it’s at HC still. These guys are great. I’m proud to go to work every day.”
Wow--this seems very encouraging
|
|
|
|
Post by Non Alum Dave on Nov 21, 2023 14:00:23 GMT -5
I'm designating William Robinson as my guy to watch going forward. His sack against Georgetown (where he practically vaporized the RB trying block him) sealed the deal for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by drjack on Nov 21, 2023 14:09:49 GMT -5
His future, he said Monday, “it’s at HC still. These guys are great. I’m proud to go to work every day.”
Wow--this seems very encouraging Maybe it's because I tend to view things glass half empty, but that wasn't the vibe I took from it. |
|
|
|
Post by hcpride on Nov 21, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5
“it’s at HC still. These guys are great. I’m proud to go to work every day.” Hmmmmmm. Exactly. And one thing up-and-comer guys like Chez know is that when you're hot you're hot (and when you're not you're not). Next year at HC there could be any number of issues and we have 4 FCS losses. UNH, Yale, Harvard, Lafayette (URI ?)... and then you're a 6-5 Patriot League FCS coach and you're not. |
|
