The football game, the wireless access at Parsons Field, the audio streaming ... Murphy's Law prevailed for the people in purple Saturday afternoon in Boston.
Several efforts to provide blog updates went up in smoke in the second half of the Demons' loss today as the wireless signal in the press box was just too inconsistent, much like the Demons today.
The trouble even extended to the live audio streaming of the game broadcast, and our providers were unable to resolve the problem when things went awry after halftime. We apologize and are glad we have an open date to address that problem, just as I am sure Coach Scott Stoker and staff is happy to have an open date to figure out what went wrong after the first quarter today.
Senior co-captain Ray Martin, however, indicates the Demons players and coaches might not like the open date.
"I hate having an open date now. I'm ready to get back to some competition. I didn't think we brought our A-game today, not to take anything away from Northeastern. We just didn't come out with the energy and enthusiasm we need to succeed."
Today's game, while frustrating, isn't as important as what happens in the next three weeks. How this team handles the open date, then playing at Texas Tech, then resuming the Southland Conference race Oct. 6 at Nicholls State, will greatly define the season's outcome.
"Coach, remember, you're still 1-0 in conference," a wise gentleman offered to Stoker as the Demons' mentor walked off the field Saturday afternoon.
That's a thought we would all be wise to remember. I recall North Dakota State dismantling the Demons in the Fargo Dome in late October 2004.
I also recall the 2004 Demons reaching within themselves and winning the Southland Conference championship. That team, with all due respect, isn't as close as this group seems to be.
One thing I liked after the game today -- there were players huddling not only in their position groups, but in smaller groups on the field after the game, resolving to learn from this painful experience.
Northeastern played wonderfully, when it had to. In a year that started with such promise, coach Rocky Hager's team rebounded from an abysmal performance a week ago at home against Richmond with what the coach described as an intense and committed week of preparation.
The Huskies came out with a stiff bark and a lot of bite. It paid off.
I am excited about seeing how our team responds over the next 3-4 weeks. I believe the end result will be enjoyable for people in purple. Remember the aftermath of the 50-7 loss in 1997 at McNeese? That was a reasonably close game, 16-7, midway through the third quarter when the bottom fell out. After that trainwreck, the Demons didn't lose again.
I'm not predicting that kind of roll, but I do believe this team has plenty of togetherness, toughness and resolve, and they'll give us performances to enjoy and effort to appreciate in the games ahead.
With a little better wireless connection and improved audio streaming, we'll do our part to be sure you can keep up with all the action.
Doug Ireland, SID
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Halftime visits
Nice to see former NSU athletic department employees and now Boston residents Brian Satter and his wife, the former Jamie Matherne, at halftime. She was marketing director and he was assistant SID several years ago, and got engaged as they decided to move to Boston. Now, they have an infant daughter and they made it out to the game today to see people in purple. Of course, first to spot them was the personable Dr. Chris Maggio, and Dr. Randy Webb stepped in to greet them as well.
Heard lots of tales of Boston-area adventures from the alumni travel group, too. They've had fun.
The Demons have picked up a first down to open the third quarter, but then a holding penalty and a sack have created a third-and-25 at their own 30. Northeastern is getting pressure on Germayne Edmond unlike the first two foes. The Huskies run a 3-4 defensive front and NSU is clearly having trouble making the right calls and picking up the rushers. Marshall Burton on to punt, and it's a roller that leaves NU at the 30. A running into the punter penalty will be declined and the Purple Swarm goes out looking for the game's first turnover.
Doug Ireland, SID
Heard lots of tales of Boston-area adventures from the alumni travel group, too. They've had fun.
The Demons have picked up a first down to open the third quarter, but then a holding penalty and a sack have created a third-and-25 at their own 30. Northeastern is getting pressure on Germayne Edmond unlike the first two foes. The Huskies run a 3-4 defensive front and NSU is clearly having trouble making the right calls and picking up the rushers. Marshall Burton on to punt, and it's a roller that leaves NU at the 30. A running into the punter penalty will be declined and the Purple Swarm goes out looking for the game's first turnover.
Doug Ireland, SID
Halftime and hoping for a repeat of last week
Demons trail 21-14 at the break. The offense that rolled up 148 yards on 17 plays in the first quarter only added 30 more yards on 12 more snaps afterward. Evidently good adjustments by Northeastern and no doubt some changes for NSU are imminent.
Defensively, the Huskies hurt NSU with some play action passing early, and rolled up 145 yards in the second quarter while scoring a pair of touchdowns.
It won't rain any more, that's easy to see. Predicting what will happen after halftime is a lot tougher, but what NSU did coming out of the locker room last week is encouraging. NSU was down 21-7 at halftime to Central Arkansas, and won 31-28. Hope for a repeat performance today!
Doug Ireland, SID
Defensively, the Huskies hurt NSU with some play action passing early, and rolled up 145 yards in the second quarter while scoring a pair of touchdowns.
It won't rain any more, that's easy to see. Predicting what will happen after halftime is a lot tougher, but what NSU did coming out of the locker room last week is encouraging. NSU was down 21-7 at halftime to Central Arkansas, and won 31-28. Hope for a repeat performance today!
Doug Ireland, SID
1:31 to go, Huskies inside their own 10
Still 21-14 NU after a pair of punts after each team couldn't sustain drives. A 51-yard Marshall Burton punt puts NU at its own 8. A turnover would be NICE right now ... haven't had one yet. But expect the Huskies to be conservative here. They picked up 9 on a trap play and now are in a hurry-up offense.
We're having some problems staying online with the wireless through the City of Brookline, so apologies if updates are not as frequent as we'd like.
Doug Ireland, SID
We're having some problems staying online with the wireless through the City of Brookline, so apologies if updates are not as frequent as we'd like.
Doug Ireland, SID
Huskies bite back, up 21-14
Northeastern has rolled downfield quickly the last two possessions to surge ahead 21-14. A good kickoff return, and a bad punt snap resulting in a short punt, started the Huskies near midfield, and they've rolled in to score both times. On offense, NSU has gotten gummed up and for the first time this season, Germayne Edmond is facing some strong pressure when he goes to throw. After a 14-yard loss on a second-down sack, the Demons go 3-and-out, and despite a good snap, the punt goes only 32 yards and rolls out of bounds at the NU 35. Upcoming, a big series for the Purple Swarm. Midway through the second quarter, Demons trail by 7. A three-and-out would be huge right now as the home team has some long-awaited momentum.
There's flags for a late hit on the NU sideline, against NSU, after the Demons would have had the Huskies held up for a third-and-7. Lance Lacoste drew the late hit flag and NU is first-and-10 at the NSU 47. A reverse goes nowhere. Let's hope the Demons are angry enough now to make a badly-needed stop now.
Doug Ireland, SID
There's flags for a late hit on the NU sideline, against NSU, after the Demons would have had the Huskies held up for a third-and-7. Lance Lacoste drew the late hit flag and NU is first-and-10 at the NSU 47. A reverse goes nowhere. Let's hope the Demons are angry enough now to make a badly-needed stop now.
Doug Ireland, SID
2 for 2
The Demons got a three-and-out after the kickoff and moved 70 yards downfield, going up 14-7 on a 30-yard Edmond to Clay Broyles pass. Edmond is now 6-for-6, including a lovely third-and-14 conversion on a scramble and a 31-yard strike to Jasper Edwards. NSU now already has matched its 2005 point total in the home win over the Huskies. It's 14-7.
Already 8 flags marked off, and 6 on the Demons, most for illegal shifts. The Colonial Athletic Association crew is finding plenty wrong, and just declared offsetting penalties, so make it 7 marked off, not 8. Huskies at the 50, second and 7.
Doug Ireland, SID
Already 8 flags marked off, and 6 on the Demons, most for illegal shifts. The Colonial Athletic Association crew is finding plenty wrong, and just declared offsetting penalties, so make it 7 marked off, not 8. Huskies at the 50, second and 7.
Doug Ireland, SID
First drive success for Demons
For the second time in three games this year, for the sixth time in the last nine games and for the 31st time in 61 games under coach Scott Stoker, the Demons have scored on their first drive of the game. It took 11 plays, 63 yards and 6:05 off the clock, and ended with a 3-yard Gordon Freeman touchdown reception from Germayne Edmond, who was 4-for-4 on the march. It's tied at 7-all midway through the first, and the Demons got good kickoff coverage by Kedrin Seastrunk.
Doug Ireland, SID
Doug Ireland, SID
Northeastern out fast
Less than two minutes in and Northeastern is up 7-0. A kick return to the 41 set up the Huskies in good shape, a third-down offside penalty gave NU a first down past midfield, and the hosts hit a tight end drag route for a 41-yard TD.
It's nothing unusual. The Demons have trailed early in their first two games.
Doug Ireland, SID
It's nothing unusual. The Demons have trailed early in their first two games.
Doug Ireland, SID
Feedback and football
The screech of feedback on the Parsons Field sound system reminds me of the cultural differences between college football in the northeast and the deep south.
We're 13 minutes shy of kickoff and they're still testing out the public address system. The 40-piece Northeastern band, a brassy and well-tuned bunch, sits across the field and has just cranked up a tune.
We saw the same things in 2003 in a visit to Delaware State. Difference being, that was not a very capable Delaware State team.
The guys in the shoulder pads and helmets from Northeastern are fully focused and eager to turn their season with a credibility-building win here today. Meanwhile, the atmosphere surrounding the field has to test the focus of the Demons, who are used to a different scene leading up to kickoff.
The skies are gray, but lighter than before and we may well be done with the rainy weather (hope so). There is not a big turnout. Of course, we're in a major American city, and there is plenty more to choose from. Even on campus at Northeastern, I'm sure there's more buzz about their nationally-prominent hockey team about to open its season. This is a highly-acclaimed university, one which advertises within the confines of Fenway Park with permanent and rotating signage. The sprawling campus borders Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Boston, and just walking through it yesterday on the way to the ballgame, I was struck by its vibrant nature. In one dorm courtyard, four young men were playing whiffleball, on a diamond complete with a pitching rubber. Don't know that I've seen a whiffeball game break out on the NSU campus!
Demons have won the toss and will defer until the second half. Here we go! BTW, easy to spot the Demon fans, all purple clad!
Doug Ireland, SID
We're 13 minutes shy of kickoff and they're still testing out the public address system. The 40-piece Northeastern band, a brassy and well-tuned bunch, sits across the field and has just cranked up a tune.
We saw the same things in 2003 in a visit to Delaware State. Difference being, that was not a very capable Delaware State team.
The guys in the shoulder pads and helmets from Northeastern are fully focused and eager to turn their season with a credibility-building win here today. Meanwhile, the atmosphere surrounding the field has to test the focus of the Demons, who are used to a different scene leading up to kickoff.
The skies are gray, but lighter than before and we may well be done with the rainy weather (hope so). There is not a big turnout. Of course, we're in a major American city, and there is plenty more to choose from. Even on campus at Northeastern, I'm sure there's more buzz about their nationally-prominent hockey team about to open its season. This is a highly-acclaimed university, one which advertises within the confines of Fenway Park with permanent and rotating signage. The sprawling campus borders Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Boston, and just walking through it yesterday on the way to the ballgame, I was struck by its vibrant nature. In one dorm courtyard, four young men were playing whiffleball, on a diamond complete with a pitching rubber. Don't know that I've seen a whiffeball game break out on the NSU campus!
Demons have won the toss and will defer until the second half. Here we go! BTW, easy to spot the Demon fans, all purple clad!
Doug Ireland, SID
Cloudy, drizzly and a different venue
The second round of showers has abated as we're an hour away from kickoff at Parsons Field in Brookline, Mass., this fine Saturday morning. The skies are overcast but there's hope that the latest rain may be the last we see, and by kickoff or shortly after there may be blue skies over this interesting venue.
Parsons Field is a baseball, soccer, lacrosse and football facility wrapped into one. The "visiting" bleachers are set up on the baseball infield at one end. The right field foul pole is on the far right end of the home (press box side) bleachers.
Note the word "bleachers." There are two sets of metal bleachers which run the length of the field on both sides. From the top of the bleachers, you are 12 rows away from the sideline.
The fieldhouse is really that -- a house-like building behind one end zone, divided into two team areas, upstairs and downstairs. Of course, there are very few structures that are one story in this part of the country. The field is in a residential area, and is surrounded by lovely older homes.
FLASH -- here's the heaviest round of showers today, or at least, since we've been awake. Jack Grinnold, the venerable SID here at Northeastern, just remarked that the Huskies had a home game last year in which the rain was supposed to stop by noon and didn't relent until nightfall. Hope that's not true today, but this weather will probably reduce the number of fans in the stands to several dozen, including about 50-60 from NSU. OK, that was a 60-second squall, and it's not raining now. But it can't help the home crowd.
It won't affect the field, which is artificial turf, the same as we have at Turpin Stadium, except for the lack of a crown in the middle of the field.
The Demosn are in their road white jersey tops and purple pants, while the Huskies are in red jerseys with black pants.
Interesting that we'll play in what is listed as a 7,000 capacity stadium today in front of a crowd of, at best, half that; then, the next game for the Demons in two weeks is against another team wearing red and black, but at 52,282-seat Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock where Texas Tech plays its home games.
FOLLOWUP from Fenway -- NSU team physician Dr. Chris Rich and director of athletics Greg Burke enjoyed the Friday night Red Sox-Yankees game from behind the Green Monster in the recently created box seats high above left field. They were seated one row above one of television's hottest stars, Adrian Grenier, the lead actor in Entourage, the acclaimed HBO Sunday night sitcom. "Vinnie" is a Brooklyn native, both in the show and in real life, so we have to believe Grenier enjoyed the Yanks' 8-7 comeback that has Red Sox Nation in a state of shock today.
The sky is brightening a bit, so we'll hope that we see some sun by kickoff, which is 38 mintues away! Assistant SID Matt Bonnette has just returned from the field (all 12 rows away) and is wearing his jacket and says the front has cooled things off.
Doug Ireland, SID
Parsons Field is a baseball, soccer, lacrosse and football facility wrapped into one. The "visiting" bleachers are set up on the baseball infield at one end. The right field foul pole is on the far right end of the home (press box side) bleachers.
Note the word "bleachers." There are two sets of metal bleachers which run the length of the field on both sides. From the top of the bleachers, you are 12 rows away from the sideline.
The fieldhouse is really that -- a house-like building behind one end zone, divided into two team areas, upstairs and downstairs. Of course, there are very few structures that are one story in this part of the country. The field is in a residential area, and is surrounded by lovely older homes.
FLASH -- here's the heaviest round of showers today, or at least, since we've been awake. Jack Grinnold, the venerable SID here at Northeastern, just remarked that the Huskies had a home game last year in which the rain was supposed to stop by noon and didn't relent until nightfall. Hope that's not true today, but this weather will probably reduce the number of fans in the stands to several dozen, including about 50-60 from NSU. OK, that was a 60-second squall, and it's not raining now. But it can't help the home crowd.
It won't affect the field, which is artificial turf, the same as we have at Turpin Stadium, except for the lack of a crown in the middle of the field.
The Demosn are in their road white jersey tops and purple pants, while the Huskies are in red jerseys with black pants.
Interesting that we'll play in what is listed as a 7,000 capacity stadium today in front of a crowd of, at best, half that; then, the next game for the Demons in two weeks is against another team wearing red and black, but at 52,282-seat Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock where Texas Tech plays its home games.
FOLLOWUP from Fenway -- NSU team physician Dr. Chris Rich and director of athletics Greg Burke enjoyed the Friday night Red Sox-Yankees game from behind the Green Monster in the recently created box seats high above left field. They were seated one row above one of television's hottest stars, Adrian Grenier, the lead actor in Entourage, the acclaimed HBO Sunday night sitcom. "Vinnie" is a Brooklyn native, both in the show and in real life, so we have to believe Grenier enjoyed the Yanks' 8-7 comeback that has Red Sox Nation in a state of shock today.
The sky is brightening a bit, so we'll hope that we see some sun by kickoff, which is 38 mintues away! Assistant SID Matt Bonnette has just returned from the field (all 12 rows away) and is wearing his jacket and says the front has cooled things off.
Doug Ireland, SID
Friday in Beantown - WOW
Fenway Park, Friday night, Yankees-Red Sox. I need not say any more. It lived up to any and all billing, on all fronts. Check ESPN.com for the game details, and let me just tell you that if you EVER get the chance, don't fail to pull out every stop possible to be there.
Now, let me tell you about a forgotten gem on the campus of our football opponent today, Northeastern. It's Matthews Arena, the world's oldest multi-purpose arena. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown Boston, on the north edge of the Northeastern campus.
I visited Friday afternoon to pick up our press passes and my wonderful host, 42-year veteran SID Jack Grinnold of Northeastern, gave me a 10-minute primer on the incredible history of the building where his offices are.
It's still the home of the Huskies' nationally-prominent hockey team, which begins its season in a couple of weeks and was practicing as we dropped by.
It was the first home of the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, and has been a center for major events in Boston since 1910. It's just a modest 7,000 seats ringing the rink, but it's a great setting for speeches, concerts, appearances and events.
For example -- every president from Roosevelt to Nixon appeared there, and Bill Clinton dropped by three days before his term ended. Celebrities such as Charles Lindberg and Amelia Eirhart were greeted by the adoring public there.
Muhammed Ali's trademark phrase, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" was launched here when Ali trained in the arena prior to fighting Sonny Liston.
There's so much more, but it's 2 a.m. and then some here in Boston. My adrenaline level is finally beginning to wane and it's time to zzzzzzzzzzz.
The Demons will have breakfast at 8:30 and then depart an hour later for Parsons Field. There's a good chance of morning showers, with hope that the weather will clear before the 12:30 EST kickoff.
We'll let you know what's happening once we arrive at the field, through the end of the game!
Doug Ireland, SID
Now, let me tell you about a forgotten gem on the campus of our football opponent today, Northeastern. It's Matthews Arena, the world's oldest multi-purpose arena. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown Boston, on the north edge of the Northeastern campus.
I visited Friday afternoon to pick up our press passes and my wonderful host, 42-year veteran SID Jack Grinnold of Northeastern, gave me a 10-minute primer on the incredible history of the building where his offices are.
It's still the home of the Huskies' nationally-prominent hockey team, which begins its season in a couple of weeks and was practicing as we dropped by.
It was the first home of the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, and has been a center for major events in Boston since 1910. It's just a modest 7,000 seats ringing the rink, but it's a great setting for speeches, concerts, appearances and events.
For example -- every president from Roosevelt to Nixon appeared there, and Bill Clinton dropped by three days before his term ended. Celebrities such as Charles Lindberg and Amelia Eirhart were greeted by the adoring public there.
Muhammed Ali's trademark phrase, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" was launched here when Ali trained in the arena prior to fighting Sonny Liston.
There's so much more, but it's 2 a.m. and then some here in Boston. My adrenaline level is finally beginning to wane and it's time to zzzzzzzzzzz.
The Demons will have breakfast at 8:30 and then depart an hour later for Parsons Field. There's a good chance of morning showers, with hope that the weather will clear before the 12:30 EST kickoff.
We'll let you know what's happening once we arrive at the field, through the end of the game!
Doug Ireland, SID
Thursday, September 13, 2007
There Vic goes again!
Leave it to sharp-eyed Demon fan and entertainer extraordinare (there, I just got a free lunch) C. Rodney "Johnny Earthquake" Harrington to point out that Vic the Demons' unanimous 1992 decision over Chief Brave Spirit made ESPN again last night.
It's the mascot fight that won't go away, and we hope it never does. In a discussion of rambunctious mascots on College GameNight, the show reviewed several notable mascot mishaps and misdeeds through the years in college sports. Then the "grandaddy of them all" was introduced ... the brawl behind the north end zone between Vic and Chief Brave (?) Spirit at the 1992 NSU-NLU (now ULM) football game at Turpin Stadium.
Vic didn't start it, but he sure ended it. Even KNOE-TV in Monroe admitted he recovered from losing his (mascot) head to pummel the aggressor into submission.
The footage, shot originally by Southland Conference assistant commissioner Sam Schacter when he was a sports reporter at Shreveport's KTBS-TV, made its national debut a night later on CNNSports and has taken on a youtube.com and sports highlight show life of its own since then. It seems to resurface every time there's a major mascot incident, which for us is a good thing!
Doug Ireland, SID
It's the mascot fight that won't go away, and we hope it never does. In a discussion of rambunctious mascots on College GameNight, the show reviewed several notable mascot mishaps and misdeeds through the years in college sports. Then the "grandaddy of them all" was introduced ... the brawl behind the north end zone between Vic and Chief Brave (?) Spirit at the 1992 NSU-NLU (now ULM) football game at Turpin Stadium.
Vic didn't start it, but he sure ended it. Even KNOE-TV in Monroe admitted he recovered from losing his (mascot) head to pummel the aggressor into submission.
The footage, shot originally by Southland Conference assistant commissioner Sam Schacter when he was a sports reporter at Shreveport's KTBS-TV, made its national debut a night later on CNNSports and has taken on a youtube.com and sports highlight show life of its own since then. It seems to resurface every time there's a major mascot incident, which for us is a good thing!
Doug Ireland, SID
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Home sweet home for NSU volleyball
Tuesday night, the NSU volleyball squad continued its recent domination over Louisiana-Monroe, winning for the 15th time in the last 17 matches against the Warhawks.
It was also the eighth straight year the Lady Demons have won their home opener.
Sure, most of that has to do with how the team performs on the court, but some credit can go to the outstanding turnouts NSU volleyball receives.
Last night was no different as nearly 300 fans attended to cheer on the Lady Demons to the win.
Props has to go to the NSU marketing department of Ryan Holloway and Brian Seiler and the Demon Rewards Program that rewards students for attending any home athletic event.
Good music, food, exciting play, and of course, a win, is sure to keep people coming back.
NSU returns to action next Tuesday against Louisiana Tech. Let's shoot for 500 fans at that match.
It was also the eighth straight year the Lady Demons have won their home opener.
Sure, most of that has to do with how the team performs on the court, but some credit can go to the outstanding turnouts NSU volleyball receives.
Last night was no different as nearly 300 fans attended to cheer on the Lady Demons to the win.
Props has to go to the NSU marketing department of Ryan Holloway and Brian Seiler and the Demon Rewards Program that rewards students for attending any home athletic event.
Good music, food, exciting play, and of course, a win, is sure to keep people coming back.
NSU returns to action next Tuesday against Louisiana Tech. Let's shoot for 500 fans at that match.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Many Father-Son Duo Enjoys Demons' New "Guest Coach" Program
Saturday night’s thrilling 31-28 Northwestern State football victory over Central Arkansas had every one of the 10,258 fans in Turpin Stadum on the edge of their seats as the Demons notched a last-play triumph. As the initial participants in NSU’s newly-created “Guest Coach” program, J.J. Blake of Many and his 13-year-old son Jack were with the Demons every step of the way, watching the game and its dramatic finish from the sideline after taking part in team meetings during the day.
The "Guest Coach" program is being offered to select members of the NSU Athletic Association and university faculty and staff as a courtesy of the NSU Athletic Association. The support that we receive from our Association members as well as our faculty and staff is tremendous, and the 'Guest Coach' program allows us to show our appreciation to some very important people. This is among a number of programs we are introducing this year that provide our supporters more access and more opportunities to interact with our coaches and student-athletes, who are in so many ways ambassadors of our fine university.
The Blakes began the day with a tour of the NSU Athletic Field House, including the Johnnie Emmons Academic Center, the George Doherty Wing containing the football offices, the Jack Clayton Plaza in the south end zone of Turpin Stadium, the Eugene Christmas Training Room, and the team's locker room. They joined assistant coach Jeremy Offutt and the offensive line for that group’s pregame walk-through, met players and coaches during the team's pregame meal, and then sat in with assistant coach Roy Locks and the defensive line for tips and reminders before the game. At the pregame meal, they heard head coach Scott Stoker's speech to the players. Stoker stressed the importance of playing all 60 minutes of the football game, a message that rung true as kicker Robert Weeks lined up for the game-winning field goal with 1.7 seconds left to play, after Northwestern overcame a 21-7 halftime deficit.
Father and son spent the evening on the sideline with the team, enjoying an up-close view of the hard-hitting action and getting a perspective that few fans have a chance to experience. There are certainly other Division I football programs that provide some access for supporters on game day, but what Coach Stoker, his staff and players did last Saturday was truly remarkable especially for the 2007 Southland Conference opener, a critical game. It shows how much they appreciate the people who are an extended part of the NSU athletic family. What goes on in the game, on the field, can’t succeed without our donors, without our fans, without the faculty, staff and NSU students.
Prior to the season, NSU season ticket holders were treated to another rare view behind the scenes when the Aug. 9 "Season Ticket Pickup Party" was held in the Demons' locker room -- an area considered sacred to football players, and typically off limits to others. The 'Season Ticket Pickup Party' is the kind of event that Coach Stoker and his players enjoyed providing to their supporters, with exclusive access to an area the players consider their own sanctuary. Our coaches and student-athletes in every sport value each of our season ticket holders and Association members.
The "Guest Coach" pilot program will be conducted again later in the season for football, and again during the basketball and spring sports seasons before likely being expanded in the 2008-2009 athletic campaign. Donor eligibility for the program will be based on the level of Asssociation membership, with members who contribute $600 and up being eligible on a first-come, first-served basis.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Volleyball team tuned in Saturday night
The Lady Demon volleyball team was probably the only group of NSU fans rooting FOR overtime as the fourth quarter played out Saturday night at the Northwestern-Central Arkansas football game in Turpin Stadium.
Coach Brittany Uffelman and her players were on a bus returning from a five-game win over Louisiana-Monroe in a tournament at Stephen F. Austin. They wanted to catch the end of the game. Most of all, they wanted the Demons to prevail, but they were hoping to see some football for the first time this season (they were at Arkansas State on Labor Day weekend and missed the romp over Henderson State).
You have to understand, they will be on the road at UCA and will miss the Oct. 13 home game. They will get to watch the Oct. 27 homecoming game and hopefully will be busy for the regular-season finale Nov. 17 against Stephen F. Austin, while the SLC Volleyball Tournament semifinals are being played in San Antonio.
Instead, coming out of Nacogdoches Saturday evening, Uffelman and players were dialing and texting friends to get updates. As soon as they could pick up the Demon Sports Network's affiliate in Many, 99.9 KTEZ, they were able to hear the exciting second half comeback. But they were still a few minutes away, listening to 100.7 KZBL FM by then, when Robert Weeks' field goal roared through the uprights to hand the Demons a 31-28 win.
No, the Lady Demons weren't disappointed! When NSU got its hands on the ball with under two minutes to go, you can imagine the atmosphere on the team bus. Even the Brazilian players, who are still a bit cloudy on American football, were pumped up, said Uffelman.
Traditionally, the football team has been a big part of the Lady Demons' homecourt advantage, providing vocal support. I would expect to see some of that tradition Tuesday night as ULM visits for the first home volleyball match of the season.
Doug Ireland, SID
Coach Brittany Uffelman and her players were on a bus returning from a five-game win over Louisiana-Monroe in a tournament at Stephen F. Austin. They wanted to catch the end of the game. Most of all, they wanted the Demons to prevail, but they were hoping to see some football for the first time this season (they were at Arkansas State on Labor Day weekend and missed the romp over Henderson State).
You have to understand, they will be on the road at UCA and will miss the Oct. 13 home game. They will get to watch the Oct. 27 homecoming game and hopefully will be busy for the regular-season finale Nov. 17 against Stephen F. Austin, while the SLC Volleyball Tournament semifinals are being played in San Antonio.
Instead, coming out of Nacogdoches Saturday evening, Uffelman and players were dialing and texting friends to get updates. As soon as they could pick up the Demon Sports Network's affiliate in Many, 99.9 KTEZ, they were able to hear the exciting second half comeback. But they were still a few minutes away, listening to 100.7 KZBL FM by then, when Robert Weeks' field goal roared through the uprights to hand the Demons a 31-28 win.
No, the Lady Demons weren't disappointed! When NSU got its hands on the ball with under two minutes to go, you can imagine the atmosphere on the team bus. Even the Brazilian players, who are still a bit cloudy on American football, were pumped up, said Uffelman.
Traditionally, the football team has been a big part of the Lady Demons' homecourt advantage, providing vocal support. I would expect to see some of that tradition Tuesday night as ULM visits for the first home volleyball match of the season.
Doug Ireland, SID
Sunday, September 09, 2007
The Maturation of a Young QB
As hard as it is to believe, Demon QB Germayne Edmond made his third start ever as NSU quarterback on Saturday, and just his 12th start ever as a QB. Everyone knew going in that the onus would be on Edmond to move the ball through the air, something NSU did not have to do against Henderson.
So when Edmond came out and threw two interceptions in the first quarter, the natural assumption was that Drew Branch, the transfer who had been pushing Edmond for his job, would be coming in. Surely you could not abide by a signal caller who would turn the ball over.
That is why Scott Stoker is the head coach and we are all, in this case, Sunday Morning Quarterbacks. Stoker stuck with Germayne, knowing that pulling him off of two straight picks could dangerously erode his confidence.
So how did Edmond repay him? After the second pick, Edmond went 14-of-25 passing for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
And we may have just been witness to the coming-of-age of the next great Demon signal caller.
So when Edmond came out and threw two interceptions in the first quarter, the natural assumption was that Drew Branch, the transfer who had been pushing Edmond for his job, would be coming in. Surely you could not abide by a signal caller who would turn the ball over.
That is why Scott Stoker is the head coach and we are all, in this case, Sunday Morning Quarterbacks. Stoker stuck with Germayne, knowing that pulling him off of two straight picks could dangerously erode his confidence.
So how did Edmond repay him? After the second pick, Edmond went 14-of-25 passing for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
And we may have just been witness to the coming-of-age of the next great Demon signal caller.
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