|
Post by td128 on May 16, 2019 4:46:27 GMT -5
I had the pleasure of attending the press conference yesterday. I had the greater pleasure of meeting and greeting our new AD Marcus Blossom and his wife after the presser. I came away very impressed. Some adjectives I would use based on my initial impression: humble, personable, grounded, motivated, faith-filled, smart.
A staff member at HC who met ADMB in the interviewing process informed me that Marcus is the youngest of 8 children from a family raised on the south side of Chicago. When I met him personally, I told him his parents should be very proud as they clearly raised a fine man. I also made a point of telling his wife Karli how much we welcomed supporting her husband and his and our collective success.
Half a lifetime ago while in his college years at Northeastern, this commentary was written in the Chicago Tribune about our new AD:
EX-RICH SOUTH STAR WORKING BOTH SIDES OF THE HYPHEN
(https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-03-28-9903280346-story.html) Barry Temkin CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Marcus Blossom is not your average college basketball star.
Your average college basketball star is not going to school virtually for free even though he has never received an athletic scholarship.
Blossom, however, is on a full academic scholarship at Northeastern University in Boston. The former Rich South standout really is a student-athlete rather than the other way around, and he has the numbers--a 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale--to prove it.
His numbers on the court aren't bad either. The sophomore guard led Northeastern in scoring at 16.3 points a game and was an America East all-conference third-team pick.
It all adds up to a spot on the five-man District I academic All-American team.
"It really is a fabulous story of kind of overcoming the odds," Rich South coach Fred Jacobeit said. "Not just making the team as a walk-on, but being the leading scorer and one of the top players in the conference."
Jacobeit never could understand why the odds were stacked against Blossom in the first place, not after he averaged 20 points a game as a senior for a Sweet 16 team and was an all-area selection.
"I felt he was as good as anyone I ever had," said Jacobeit, who as a Rich Central assistant coached Kendall Gill. "I felt certain he was a legitimate (NCAA) Division I player."
But recruiters all but ignored Blossom. Perhaps all they saw was just another 6-foot-2-inch guard who lacked highlight-film athleticism.
Too bad they couldn't peer inside Blossom and see the drive to succeed that burned in his psyche. Too bad they couldn't measure his work ethic the way you could his vertical leap.
The inattention surprised Blossom, who figured if you worked hard in class and the gym you'd be OK.
"I thought everyone got a scholarship if they played and were decent," he said with a laugh. "I didn't know how hard it was."
Or how frustrating. Blossom never got much more than form letters from recruiters and relatively few phone calls. His lone official visit was to Wagner College in New York, whose coaches offered him an athletic scholarship.
Many players would have grabbed that offer, happy to play Division I ball anywhere they could. But Blossom's dream included more than Division I competition; it also included a top-notch business school.
He was the rare student-athlete who wouldn't compromise either side of that hyphen. He was also the rare student-athlete who didn't have to.
That's because Blossom's straight-A average meant not only acceptance to a good school but a hefty academic scholarship package as well.
He enrolled at Northeastern because it was solid academically and would pay all his expenses except books, and also because coach Rudy Keeling promised a fair shot at playing time.
Blossom already had been accepted at the school when Jacobeit told Keeling he was probably getting an unexpected bonus. Once practice started, Keeling saw that for himself.
"As we scrimmaged, I knew he belonged," Keeling said. "A lot of times, walk-ons fill out a roster, but Marcus was a guy who would demand playing time."
Blossom worked his way into the playing rotation immediately, settling in as Keeling's top reserve and scoring 6.6 points a game.
Last summer Blossom worked a full shift in outdoor maintenance at Rich South, then lifted weights and shot baskets in the gym. He returned to Boston and became the only Northeastern player to start every game this season.
Some young athletes have the unfortunate notion that succeeding in class somehow reduces one's chances to succeed in sports. Blossom, however, is proof that starring in one area helps you star in the other.
"He's a young guy who has never sacrificed academics for athletics, and his hard work in the classroom just translated into making it easy for him to do the extra hard work on the court," Keeling said.
"He's a wonder. When we're on a bus or plane, he has his books out and he's studying, and when we get to a place to practice, he's the first one on the court."
Blossom is driven not only by his innate desire to succeed but also by a need to prove he can play Division I basketball at a high level. He has made that point already but refuses either to gloat or coast.
"It makes me feel all right, but I still have a lot to prove," said Blossom, who wants to be his conference's player of the year, lead his team--which was 10-18 this season--to the NCAA tournament and perhaps even play pro basketball.
And if he can't play pro ball, perhaps the finance major will one day just buy a team. Jacobeit, for one, wouldn't rule it out.
"Marcus is going to be a tremendous success whatever he does," Jacobeit said. "He has the ability to persevere through all types of adversity. When he sets his mind to something, he's the type of person who will pursue that goal until he sees it through to fruition."
Welcome to Holy Cross, Marcus!!
LET'S WIN!!
|
|
|
Post by td128 on May 14, 2019 15:50:05 GMT -5
No single individual should bear the burden and pressure to elevate our Athletics program on his/her own.
Welcome to Worcester Marcus and I hope for your sake, ours, and the college at large that your tenure here is long and successful.
For that to happen, I might only hope that Marcus truly gets ALL the support necessary from all other divisions within the college and especially the other members of PB's Executive Committee. If/when everybody does not share the vision of a true commitment to athletic excellence, then you could have an AD who can walk on water and we will still under perform.
In order of priority, I would think Marcus needs to address the following:
1. Hockey East 2. Men's hoop coach 3. Women's hoop coach Let's Win!!
|
|
|
Post by td128 on May 13, 2019 16:01:11 GMT -5
What do you think of this guy?
Michael Mudd was named the Director of Athletics at Worcester State University in April of 2014. Entering his fifth year leading the Lancers athletic department, Mudd is responsible for organizing, planning and directing the school’s 20 intercollegiate varsity sports teams as well as its recreational and wellness programs.
During his first four seasons at the helm, the athletic department has grown in all areas including the opening of a $52 million Wellness and Recreation Center and providing a new home to the Worcester State Ice Hockey team at the Worcester Ice Center. In addition, Worcester State has experienced great success in the classroom and in competition. During his tenure, almost half of all Worcester State student-athletes have been named to the MASCAC All-Academic Team (earning a GPA of 3.2 or greater). In addition, several teams and individual student-athletes have participated or won MASCAC championships and/or participated in NCAA championship events.
Mudd currently serves on the NCAA Baseball Division III Eastern Region Advisory Committee as well as the MASCAC Strategic Planning and Awards Committees.
Prior to coming to Worcester State University, Mudd spent 18 years as an executive in professional hockey, including 12 years with the San Jose Sharks where he was the President of their AHL franchise, the Worcester Sharks that they owned and operated in Worcester, MA. Mudd was responsible for overseeing the business operations of the franchise, managing the sponsorship, ticket, marketing, community relations, public relations, merchandise, broadcasting, and hockey administration departments. While with the Sharks, Mudd developed and produced the Worcester bid to the AHL Board of Governors to secure the 2009 AHL All Star Classic for the city of Worcester and served as the project manager for the event. For his contributions as the President of the Worcester Sharks, Mudd was named the recipient of the James C. Hendy Memorial Award following the 2010-11 season which is emblematic of the AHL’s outstanding executive.
Prior to his executive experience in professional ice hockey, Mudd was an assistant hockey coach at Miami University (OH) under NCAA coaching legend George Gwozdecky where he helped guide the school to their first ever CCHA regular season championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1993.
Mudd played professional hockey for two seasons, splitting time between the IHL and ECHL as a goaltender in the St. Louis Blues organization.
As a collegian, Mudd was a four-year member of the St. Lawrence University ice hockey team which won ECAC Division I Championships in 1988 and 1989 and earned three consecutive berths into the NCAA Division I Tournament. His 1988 club ended the season falling in the Division I Championship title game. In his senior season, he was among the NCAA statistical leaders in several goaltending categories and he received the teams “Coaches” Award. In addition, he was a four-year starter on the baseball team at St. Lawrence, earning all-conference honors as a center fielder.
A native of Amherst, NY, Mudd earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University and his Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Miami University. Mudd has been an active participant with several local Central Massachusetts organizations and has served on the advisory boards of the March of Dimes, the Devereux Center, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, the Worcester Bravehearts and the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, where he was on the Executive Committee.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on May 11, 2019 8:52:27 GMT -5
LET'S WIN!!!
|
|
|
Post by td128 on May 4, 2019 9:02:02 GMT -5
I welcome sharing with the faithful here that Coach Chesney and staff have embraced and very proactively utilize the 90-Wide on the recruiting trails in ways that I could have only dreamed about.
The 90-Wide Impact Report highlighting specific Crusaders' 90-Wide experiences over the last ten years makes the program very real and tangible. We met the incoming Crusaders of the Class of 2023 prior to the spring game for a half hour and they were fully versed on what the 90W is all about. Their folks even more so.
Everybody wins.
As one die hard loyal Crusader recently mentioned to me, "We win like this on the field the way that we are winning off the field, if we're not careful we might just become a football school."
Sounds good to me.
Let's Win!!
|
|
|
Post by td128 on May 2, 2019 6:43:21 GMT -5
I just shared this with the faithful and knowing that many more Crusaders from far and wide frequent these parts, I welcome sharing this message here as well:
Fellow Crusaders,
I have the good fortune of engaging in a fair bit of fabulous communication with Crusaders far and wide. These exchanges continually impress upon me the strength and truly special nature of our Crusader Football Family.
That said, every now and then a message crosses my desk that makes me stop and pause -- and in this case actually get somewhat emotional -- as to the impact that our collective efforts and especially those within our tremendous 90-Wide Mentoring network can have on the lives of our Crusader brethren. If you ever wonder how a little bit of attention and caring in dispensing some mentoring magic might impact the life of a young man, with the permission of this Crusader graduate from the Class of 2014, I welcome sharing the following message from Jon Smith:
Hi Larry,
I hope all is well with you and the family! Wanted to share one quick update on my end.
Starting in August of this year, I will be attending Harvard Business School in pursuit of my MBA. It was a very tough decision, with Nickson doing well in the background, but I ultimately think this is the best decision for my long-term career.
I especially want to thank my 90-Wide mentors (Craig Cerretani, Pete Mondani, and you) personally for everything you and they have done for me, and I wanted to share how I wrote about those relationships in my admissions essay (of course anonymously).
In summary of the essay, as you already know, my life was drastically changed when my father passed away in 2008. After this event, I lost my ability to trust until I met and engaged my 90-Wide mentors and those in the Holy Cross community. Everything my mentors have done for me, going completely above and beyond anything I would ever expect, taught me how to regain my trust and thrive as a professional. It was my mentors' taking me under their wing that launched me on my career trajectory, and for that, I am forever thankful.
I am also very excited to be back up in the northeast going forward and look forward to having much more frequent catch-ups.
Thank you again Holy Cross and the 90-Wide.
Best, Jon
Think we're winning??
Love the 90-Wide.
Let's Win!! LD
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Apr 17, 2019 8:27:00 GMT -5
Not to digress from the topic at hand but in regard to the 90-Wide, I beg your indulgence in sharing the following (there are countless stories just like this emanating from the 90W). MAJOR kudos to the Crusaders who support this effort:
There is no doubt in my mind that playing football at the College of the Holy Cross was the most important decision I made in regards to my future in medicine. Playing Division 1-AA football at an institution that not only bolsters an outstanding pre-medical program, but also emphasizes the Jesuit principles of men and women for others, was key in setting myself apart as an applicant to medical school. That being said, it was the unique nature of the 90-Wide Mentoring program that provided me with a foundation for building relationships with fellow Crusaders in the medical field. This allowed me the opportunity to gain vital shadowing experience, medical school application insight, and mentorship. I had the privilege of working with two of the greatest Crusaders I know, whom I am grateful to now be able to call colleagues in the field of medicine. I am forever indebted for their continued investment in my journey into the medical profession: Dr.Joe Ciccone '97, a former fullback turned Urologist, and Dr. Steven Fox '78, a former running-back turned Orthopaedic Surgeon. They both completely opened their doors to me, inviting me into their lives without hesitation, and allowing me to see behind the scenes of the operating room. Furthermore, they provided priceless insight and career guidance, and would even take the time to proof-read applications. These mentors did everything in their power to facilitate my progress.
My first stethoscope was given to me by Dr. Ciccone while I was still a pre-med student unsure of what lies ahead. Today I use that same stethoscope on patients in the New Orleans free health clinics where I volunteer, keeping in mind mentors like Dr. Ciccone and Dr. Fox, who have supported and motivated me along my journey. The 90-Wide Mentoring program and Crusaders like Dr. Fox and Dr. Ciccone set Holy Cross football apart. HCFB will continue to produce future physicians, and I am honored to now be a part of this storied tradition.
Tyler Zeoli ‘15 Tulane University Medical School New Orleans, LA
LET'S WIN!!
If anybody would care to receive the 90-Wide Impact Report, please either email me at lwdoyle128@aol.com or DM me with your email address and I welcome sending it along.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Apr 4, 2019 13:34:25 GMT -5
I concur and believe that what you lay out here is a clarion call for real leadership. The faculty vote strikes me as a vote of No Confidence.
Too bad that we are dealing with issues of this nature which certainly do not help Alma Mater instead of a steady stream of victories both on and off the field.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Apr 4, 2019 9:51:50 GMT -5
IMO, when an individual or group calls for an independent investigator/counsel in lieu of or in addition to the current counsel that reports to the President, that strikes me as a vote of NO CONFIDENCE. Recall that members of the faculty were very supportive of the students who protested in Fenwick calling for increased transparency and oversight. Not a stretch to think that those voting for the independent investigator/counsel have been none too pleased with how other situations, especially the Dustin affair, have been handled. In fact, that strikes me as a logical assumption.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Apr 4, 2019 8:05:53 GMT -5
I read this article in an entirely different light. The faculty wants an independent counsel to look into inappropriate sexual behaviors by some of their own.
"A faculty revolt may be underway at the College of the Holy Cross.
On Tuesday, the college’s president, the Rev. Philip Boroughs, declined to retain an independent investigator to look into allegations of faculty sexual misconduct at the college, despite being urged to do so by faculty leaders. But after Rev. Boroughs announced his decision, the Faculty Assembly voted to call on the college’s board of trustees to appoint just such an independent counsel, according to members of the faculty body, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The 92-22 vote represented a rebuke by faculty of the president’s handling of alleged sexual misconduct that has roiled the campus of New England’s oldest Jesuit college."
There are likely numerous reasons why 22 members of the faculty do not want the independent investigator while 175 abstained.
I view the 92 faculty members who voted to have the independent investigator as being in the camp of wanting to see that appropriate professional decorum and practices ARE instituted. I view the administration's posture in light of how they have handled the Benny Liew, Christie, and Dustin 'affairs' as wanting to keep this dirt under the rug.
Regrettable that the administration, that is, Fr. B, did not tell Liew, Christie, Dustin and whomever else is degrading the good name of Alma Mater while they occupy the ivory towers within their offices atop MSJ, "YOU'RE FIRED and we welcome seeing you in court if you want to pick that fight."
You never find just one mouse.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Mar 6, 2019 7:33:01 GMT -5
LET'S WIN!!
#pride #excellence #Crusaders
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Mar 5, 2019 18:43:19 GMT -5
The product is "commitment to excellence."
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Mar 4, 2019 12:20:46 GMT -5
"If winning isn't important, then why do they keep score."
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser."
Whoever said, "It's not whether you win or lose that counts," probably lost.
LOSING SUCKS!!
LET'S WIN!!
I agree that coaches and players own the W-L records but that the AD, administration, and board also own the process that is inextricably linked to and yields the W-L results. Unless and until everybody involved in the process from the top down gets on the same page and embraces the importance of a true commitment to excellence in which winning is a byproduct, . . . well, you understand. Accepting mediocrity is a very unhealthy character trait for an individual, team, organization, and/or institution.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Mar 4, 2019 8:00:46 GMT -5
Who is responsible for the overall W-L percentage?
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Mar 3, 2019 5:55:10 GMT -5
For those in attendance yesterday, any color as to who from the administration was there to support the Crusaders?
Wondering just how much these final PL standings bother those running our college. Colgate Raiders
Bucknell Bison
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
American Eagles
Army Black Knights
Navy Midshipmen
Loyola (MD) Greyhounds
Lafayette Leopards
Boston University Terriers
Holy Cross Crusaders
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 25, 2019 6:39:15 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 24, 2019 14:51:52 GMT -5
Great win. Thoroughly enjoyable to watch and to see the team maintain its poise and really compete.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 23, 2019 9:09:16 GMT -5
For those just entering the discussion, here is the prop I put forth last week. I think it was our friend mm67 who broached the topic of the do-re-mi. I personally think that is going to become an increasingly important focal point and provides compelling support for the American Revolution Conference. Think freedom, liberty, and independence. Who's with me? This gets me to thinking, who would be interested in the following league: UMaine UNH Vermont Boston University Northeastern Rhode Island UMass Holy Cross Fordham UConn Would love to entice Army into the league as well but might be tough to entice them to join for football. 7 teams for FCS Football. UMAss and UConn would have to drop down but how long can they tread water? 10 teams for hoops and other sports with a real commitment to being an outstanding league. Next candidates for admission, perhaps Albany and then Bryant. I would imagine that they would both want in. Effectively the old Yankee Conference. Call it the American Revolution Conference. Generate some old New England rivalries, less travel time and less expense, hopefully more student and local fan excitement with many weekend doubleheaders at selected arenas. Who's in?
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 20, 2019 20:06:45 GMT -5
This gets me to thinking, who would be interested in the following league:
UMaine UNH Vermont Boston University Northeastern Rhode Island UMass Holy Cross Fordham UConn
Would love to entice Army into the league as well but might be tough to entice them to join for football. 7 teams for FCS Football. UMAss and UConn would have to drop down but how long can they tread water?
10 teams for hoops and other sports with a real commitment to being an outstanding league.
Next candidates for admission, perhaps Albany and then Bryant. I would imagine that they would both want in.
Effectively the old Yankee Conference. Call it the American Revolution Conference. Generate some old New England rivalries, less travel time and less expense, hopefully more student and local fan excitement with many weekend doubleheaders at selected arenas.
Who's in?
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 20, 2019 17:15:07 GMT -5
A fascinating read. Not so sure I will ever watch a game the same way again. How Former Ref Tim Donaghy Conspired to Fix NBA GamesJames "Jimmy" "Bah-Bah" "The Sheep" Battista was a stressed-out, overweight, Oxy-addicted 41-year-old, in the hole to some underground gamblers for sums he'd sort of lost track of, when he settled in to watch an NBA game for which he believed he'd just put in the fix. It was January 2007. A month or so back, not long before Christmas, he'd done something audacious: He'd sat down and cut a deal with an NBA referee. Now he feared the scheme had become too obvious.
"You wanna get paid?" Battista had said to the ref. "Then you gotta cover the f---ing spread."
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25980368/how-former-ref-tim-donaghy-conspired-fix-nba-games
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 7, 2019 16:23:27 GMT -5
Breezy,
What would we do without you and all of your efforts? Your tracking of all the recruits, offers, and commitments is phenomenal. I know everybody who frequents these parts are most grateful but I just want to say it again, THANK YOU!!
#LETSWIN
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 7, 2019 9:46:38 GMT -5
When was Coach Gibbons suspended?
Afternoon of January 31st.
When was the news broken in regard to Professor Dustin?
January 24th in the Worcester Magazine article.
Hmmmmmmmmm . . .
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 6, 2019 11:41:51 GMT -5
If the college does not have a separate Office for Whistleblower Submissions and Whistleblower Protection, it should. Fairly obvious that the individuals involved in the Title IX Office are conflicted.
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 6, 2019 11:32:37 GMT -5
In regard to Mr. Frater, up until very recently he had expressed on Twitter that he had committed to South Dakota State. Looks like he edited that tweet. From all appearances, looks like the staff swept in late and 'stole' this young man away from the SDS JackRabbits.
I wonder who the last kid was that we stole away from South Dakota State? The Jack Rabbits ended the season as the 3rd ranked team in the FCS.
Think this is a great get for the Crusaders.
#LETSWIN
|
|
|
Post by td128 on Feb 5, 2019 10:17:57 GMT -5
This situation with Psychology professors at Dartmouth has previously been referenced around these parts. A complaint was filed this past November. Interesting what happens when situations such as these are not aggressively addressed with an absolute ZERO TOLERANCE approach. Dartmouth Allowed 3 Professors to Sexually Harass and Assault Students, Lawsuit Chargeswww.chronicle.com/article/Dartmouth-Allowed-3-Professors/245095
|
|