Ferrum's recruiting efforts are paying some very nice dividends according to news found on the Internet. Below are some links to articles detailing some of the incoming football players for the 2013 season.
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 4
Article 5
Stay tuned, I will post more stories like this as I get them.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Harper Optimistic as Off Season Progresses
In a recent phone conversation with Coach David Harper, I got a distinct impression that there is reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season. We discussed many things, and Harper was upbeat about the team and the 2013 season.
While there are definite holes left by graduation, Coach Harper felt that recruiting was going well, and did not want anyone to forget that there are some very experienced players returning for this season.
Among them are Tim Reynolds, the Junior quarterback who was the USA South offensive player of the year, and who set the school single season passing yardage record. Reynolds ran for 876 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012. In the passing department, he was 115 of 189 with only 5 interceptions and 13 touchdowns.
I look for Reynolds to be even better this season.
J.L. Tyree is another solid returner for the Panthers. "He could start for any team in our conference" Harper said of Tyree. This 6'3" 297lb. Senior will be the anchor of the offensive line.
Also returning is Punter Wesley Franklin. Franklin was statistically one of the best in the country last season, (finished the season ranked 5th) and I would expect even bigger things this season.
"As a team, we're getting stronger" Harper said. All indications are that Ferrum continues on the right road.
The coaching vacancy left by the departure of Ralph Isernia, has been filled by new offensive coordinator Chris Bache. Bache (pronounced Bay Jay) comes with an impressive resume, and Coach Harper seemed very pleased with his new hire. " He has a very strong background, and we are fortunate to have him on the staff"
To read more about coach Bache, follow the link below:
Coach Bache article
While there are questions to answer, and positions to fill, I think Ferrum will again be a solid contender for the conference championship.
While there are definite holes left by graduation, Coach Harper felt that recruiting was going well, and did not want anyone to forget that there are some very experienced players returning for this season.
Among them are Tim Reynolds, the Junior quarterback who was the USA South offensive player of the year, and who set the school single season passing yardage record. Reynolds ran for 876 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012. In the passing department, he was 115 of 189 with only 5 interceptions and 13 touchdowns.
I look for Reynolds to be even better this season.
J.L. Tyree is another solid returner for the Panthers. "He could start for any team in our conference" Harper said of Tyree. This 6'3" 297lb. Senior will be the anchor of the offensive line.
Also returning is Punter Wesley Franklin. Franklin was statistically one of the best in the country last season, (finished the season ranked 5th) and I would expect even bigger things this season.
"As a team, we're getting stronger" Harper said. All indications are that Ferrum continues on the right road.
The coaching vacancy left by the departure of Ralph Isernia, has been filled by new offensive coordinator Chris Bache. Bache (pronounced Bay Jay) comes with an impressive resume, and Coach Harper seemed very pleased with his new hire. " He has a very strong background, and we are fortunate to have him on the staff"
To read more about coach Bache, follow the link below:
Coach Bache article
While there are questions to answer, and positions to fill, I think Ferrum will again be a solid contender for the conference championship.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Another Upgrade at Adams Field
New Pressbox Under Construction
In a continuing effort to upgrade the W.B. Adams stadium area, Ferrum College has dismantled it's football pressbox, in order to make room for a new and modern facility.
This new pressbox will be constructed by Mod U Kraf of Rocky Mount, Va. The same company that built Dyer and Clark residence halls.
This is a much needed development, and will only enhance the press and broadcast facilities. I was in the press box a couple of years ago. and the need for the upgrade was apparent. The press box in place could no longer accomodate the demand of press coverage, broadcast and announcer needs, nor those of statisticians....not comfortably anyway. It, like the other pressbox, will also house the concession operation.
Look for the new pressbox to be completed well ahead of the first home game for the Panthers on September 14th.
This new pressbox will be constructed by Mod U Kraf of Rocky Mount, Va. The same company that built Dyer and Clark residence halls.
This is a much needed development, and will only enhance the press and broadcast facilities. I was in the press box a couple of years ago. and the need for the upgrade was apparent. The press box in place could no longer accomodate the demand of press coverage, broadcast and announcer needs, nor those of statisticians....not comfortably anyway. It, like the other pressbox, will also house the concession operation.
Look for the new pressbox to be completed well ahead of the first home game for the Panthers on September 14th.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Off Season Comes With its Own Challenges
As the 2012 season closed, the Panthers knew that the departing Senior class, was taking a good deal of talent from both sides of the ball. Two wide receivers, one running back, most of the defensive backfield, and the kicker, just to name a few.
While these losses were expected, there seems to always be a certain amount of players that for whatever reason, choose to not return to the team. The retention problem is something that most teams in the conference likely deal with, and can only be combated by an aggressive recruiting campaign. This is something that Ferrum has been very successful in. In speaking with Coach Harper last month, he indicated that he was very pleased with the recruiting progress, and campus visits by prospective players. Every coach must have this to keep the positions filled.
While losing players is one thing for a coach to deal with, It becomes a far different challenge to replace assistant coaches. Since the end of the 2012 season, Ferrum is down two assistant coaches. Chris Warren left the team soon after the end of the season, and most recently, Offensive coordinator Ralph Isernia has been hired as head coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). While this is a great opportunity for coach Isernia, vacancies such as these could change the entire off season plans for Coach Harper. In order to get things back to normal, Ferrum must get these vacancies filled as soon as possible. It is a somewhat lengthy process to fill any position, so the sooner the positions are advertised, the sooner the replacements can be put into place. It's already March, and Fall Camp starts in August.
While these losses were expected, there seems to always be a certain amount of players that for whatever reason, choose to not return to the team. The retention problem is something that most teams in the conference likely deal with, and can only be combated by an aggressive recruiting campaign. This is something that Ferrum has been very successful in. In speaking with Coach Harper last month, he indicated that he was very pleased with the recruiting progress, and campus visits by prospective players. Every coach must have this to keep the positions filled.
While losing players is one thing for a coach to deal with, It becomes a far different challenge to replace assistant coaches. Since the end of the 2012 season, Ferrum is down two assistant coaches. Chris Warren left the team soon after the end of the season, and most recently, Offensive coordinator Ralph Isernia has been hired as head coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). While this is a great opportunity for coach Isernia, vacancies such as these could change the entire off season plans for Coach Harper. In order to get things back to normal, Ferrum must get these vacancies filled as soon as possible. It is a somewhat lengthy process to fill any position, so the sooner the positions are advertised, the sooner the replacements can be put into place. It's already March, and Fall Camp starts in August.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Tradition of Winning Continues
Over the last few months, I have been watching, somewhat quietly, the progress of the Ferrum sports teams. I attended a baseball game a few weeks back when Ferrum visited CNU. It was a doubleheader, but I only saw the first game...The Panthers played well, but fell 3-0. Thanks to the Internet, I I have been able to see many of the Men's and Women's basketball games. I have been quite impressed with what I have seen. It is apparent to me, that Ferrum is on the right road when it comes to their athletics program.
Football, in two years under Dave Harper has posted a 14-6 record, and this past season, were co champions of the conference. Coach Bill Tharp was named USA South Men's Basketball Coach of the Year, as the Panthers finished 2nd in the USA South with a 14-11 record.
The season was extended for the Lady Panthers, as they received an at-large bid to the DIII NCAA tournament. For the second consecutive year, Ferrum made an appearance in the tournament, but had a quick exit as they fell to Huntindon (AL) Also for the second year in a row, Coach Bryan Harvey was named Women's Basketball Coach of the Year in the USA South. The future is bright for the Panthers.
My Freshman year at Ferrum was 1978-79. This was the year after Ferrum won it's final JUCO football national championship. While many of the players from that team had already transferred when I got there...(Remember, football was still a two year sport), there were still a lot of talent remaining. The team finished the season 8-2 that year, and although they were not national champions, they did win their regional title.
I happened to be flipping through my freshman year yearbook, and was surprised to learn of some of the othere records Ferrum posted in athletics that season.
Men's Basketball 23-6
Women's Basketball 11-9
Men's Tennis 8-3
Women's Tennis 1-7
Baseball 17-19
Women's Softball 6-3
Men's Golf 7-5
Track 10-1
Women's Volleyball 13-11
Interestingly enough, the yearbook lists a Men's and Women's swim team, and a Cross Country team, but does not show records. It was a strong year for the Panthers, and then, as now, the winning continues.
Football, in two years under Dave Harper has posted a 14-6 record, and this past season, were co champions of the conference. Coach Bill Tharp was named USA South Men's Basketball Coach of the Year, as the Panthers finished 2nd in the USA South with a 14-11 record.
The season was extended for the Lady Panthers, as they received an at-large bid to the DIII NCAA tournament. For the second consecutive year, Ferrum made an appearance in the tournament, but had a quick exit as they fell to Huntindon (AL) Also for the second year in a row, Coach Bryan Harvey was named Women's Basketball Coach of the Year in the USA South. The future is bright for the Panthers.
My Freshman year at Ferrum was 1978-79. This was the year after Ferrum won it's final JUCO football national championship. While many of the players from that team had already transferred when I got there...(Remember, football was still a two year sport), there were still a lot of talent remaining. The team finished the season 8-2 that year, and although they were not national champions, they did win their regional title.
I happened to be flipping through my freshman year yearbook, and was surprised to learn of some of the othere records Ferrum posted in athletics that season.
Men's Basketball 23-6
Women's Basketball 11-9
Men's Tennis 8-3
Women's Tennis 1-7
Baseball 17-19
Women's Softball 6-3
Men's Golf 7-5
Track 10-1
Women's Volleyball 13-11
Interestingly enough, the yearbook lists a Men's and Women's swim team, and a Cross Country team, but does not show records. It was a strong year for the Panthers, and then, as now, the winning continues.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
When Only the Best Will Do
There is an old axiom that goes "In order to be the best, you must be able to beat the best" This idea suggests that the tougher the competition that you schedule, the more likely it is that this competition will make you a better team.
It seems to me that you have to look no further than Christopher Newport University to see this premise put into action. While I have repeatedly cited the unfairness of their public school status in a conference where every other school is private, and while I am also glad that they are leaving the conference, I must cite, with admiration, their tendency to schedule very strong teams within their region for their non-conference games. Over the last few years, CNU has made a habit of playing Wesley (DE), and Salisbury (MD). Theses two teams are consistently ranked in the top twenty in the nation,
From my perspective, this has helped the Captains, and gives them an edge when the conference schedule begins. It prepares them for tough games, and while I am not advocating scheduling Mt. Union, I do think It would be the right thing to schedule Hampden-Sydney, Randolph Macon, or maybe even a Mary Hardin Baylor. Why not Wesley, or Salisbury? It would be an important step in getting Ferrum football to the next level.
Scheduling, is not the only element that helps a team be successful. A team must be able to draw recruits, strong recruits to be competitive. Ferrum has made phenomenal strides in their facility enhancements. but I wonder if there is another angle that needs to be explored? Athletics funding, is likely not at the top of the priorities list when it comes to developing a college budget. While Ferrum has shown an overwhelming commitment to its athletic programs, I believe that there needs to be a push toward developing involvement in the athletics funding through supporters of the college. Many schools, have athletic foundations that are comprised of alumni, private supporters, and commercial entities that can contribute to the athletic programs.
I am not sure how an athletic foundation would work as it relates to Ferrum, but there could be an effort to recruit members, and solicit donations. These donations may be distributed equally among all of the sports at Ferrum, or may be designated for a certain sport.
Just an idea.
It seems to me that you have to look no further than Christopher Newport University to see this premise put into action. While I have repeatedly cited the unfairness of their public school status in a conference where every other school is private, and while I am also glad that they are leaving the conference, I must cite, with admiration, their tendency to schedule very strong teams within their region for their non-conference games. Over the last few years, CNU has made a habit of playing Wesley (DE), and Salisbury (MD). Theses two teams are consistently ranked in the top twenty in the nation,
From my perspective, this has helped the Captains, and gives them an edge when the conference schedule begins. It prepares them for tough games, and while I am not advocating scheduling Mt. Union, I do think It would be the right thing to schedule Hampden-Sydney, Randolph Macon, or maybe even a Mary Hardin Baylor. Why not Wesley, or Salisbury? It would be an important step in getting Ferrum football to the next level.
Scheduling, is not the only element that helps a team be successful. A team must be able to draw recruits, strong recruits to be competitive. Ferrum has made phenomenal strides in their facility enhancements. but I wonder if there is another angle that needs to be explored? Athletics funding, is likely not at the top of the priorities list when it comes to developing a college budget. While Ferrum has shown an overwhelming commitment to its athletic programs, I believe that there needs to be a push toward developing involvement in the athletics funding through supporters of the college. Many schools, have athletic foundations that are comprised of alumni, private supporters, and commercial entities that can contribute to the athletic programs.
I am not sure how an athletic foundation would work as it relates to Ferrum, but there could be an effort to recruit members, and solicit donations. These donations may be distributed equally among all of the sports at Ferrum, or may be designated for a certain sport.
Just an idea.
Friday, February 8, 2013
400 And Still Counting
This marks the 400th story on the blog since I began it in Sept. of 2008. I was not sure what to write about, but I spoke with Coach Dave Harper recently, and I thought I would pass on some of our conversation.
Harper seemed pleased with the way the off season is going. He and his staff are out working hard on the recruiting end of things, and he indicated that the players are working hard in the weight room. He also was quite happy with the campus visits from potential recruits. While there is still a long way to go, the impression I got from Coach Harper on the off season was quite positive. Unfortunately, Southwest Virginia is not always the greatest for cell phone reception, and while we did talk for a nice amount of time, our conversation was cut short.
Ferrum will be entering the 2013 season as one of three defending co-champions this season, but there will also be a new team in the conference. Huntingdon (AL) will throw their hat into the USA South ring this season as the conference's 9th football member. Huntingdon brings a solid reputation as a winner to the conference, and will certainly improve the overall conference.
Spending a good portion of last season ranked in the d3football.com top 25, the Hawks
finished their season 6-3, and ultimately outside of the top 25, but look for them to contend for the top conference spot this year.
We have a long way to go til kickoff, but I am starting to get the itch. Ready for the Blackhats to take the field.
Ferrum will again have Tim Reynolds at quarterback, but his supporting cast has changed drastically. Wide Receivers Jackson and West are gone, as is Tyler Brubaker.
On the defensive side, Ferrum losses 7 players that were regulars on the field.
With all of these changes, it will be an interesting upcoming season. That being said, you can still count on the Panthers to be a force in the conference.
Lastly, the schedule is out for the 2013 season. Interestingly enough, the Panthers will still play 10 games, and will play 3 non conference games. That means that someone gets skipped. This year Ferrum and Methodist will not face each other. Other interesting things are that Ferrum will for the second year in a row, host LaGrange. Ferrum will play newcomer Huntingdon in their conference opener, as they travel to Alabama. This will be the Panthers 3rd road game of their first four. Ferrum does not play Southern Virginia University this year, and brings Bridgewater back to the schedule. Ferrum closes the regular season at home against Christopher Newport. The Open Date is on Oct.12th. Click the link below for the full schedule.
2013 Football Schedule
Harper seemed pleased with the way the off season is going. He and his staff are out working hard on the recruiting end of things, and he indicated that the players are working hard in the weight room. He also was quite happy with the campus visits from potential recruits. While there is still a long way to go, the impression I got from Coach Harper on the off season was quite positive. Unfortunately, Southwest Virginia is not always the greatest for cell phone reception, and while we did talk for a nice amount of time, our conversation was cut short.
Ferrum will be entering the 2013 season as one of three defending co-champions this season, but there will also be a new team in the conference. Huntingdon (AL) will throw their hat into the USA South ring this season as the conference's 9th football member. Huntingdon brings a solid reputation as a winner to the conference, and will certainly improve the overall conference.
Spending a good portion of last season ranked in the d3football.com top 25, the Hawks
finished their season 6-3, and ultimately outside of the top 25, but look for them to contend for the top conference spot this year.
We have a long way to go til kickoff, but I am starting to get the itch. Ready for the Blackhats to take the field.
Ferrum will again have Tim Reynolds at quarterback, but his supporting cast has changed drastically. Wide Receivers Jackson and West are gone, as is Tyler Brubaker.
On the defensive side, Ferrum losses 7 players that were regulars on the field.
With all of these changes, it will be an interesting upcoming season. That being said, you can still count on the Panthers to be a force in the conference.
Lastly, the schedule is out for the 2013 season. Interestingly enough, the Panthers will still play 10 games, and will play 3 non conference games. That means that someone gets skipped. This year Ferrum and Methodist will not face each other. Other interesting things are that Ferrum will for the second year in a row, host LaGrange. Ferrum will play newcomer Huntingdon in their conference opener, as they travel to Alabama. This will be the Panthers 3rd road game of their first four. Ferrum does not play Southern Virginia University this year, and brings Bridgewater back to the schedule. Ferrum closes the regular season at home against Christopher Newport. The Open Date is on Oct.12th. Click the link below for the full schedule.
2013 Football Schedule
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A Difficult Story to Write
The number one rule in writing, is to research your subject matter, and to have strong knowledge of what or who you are writing about. This post will have to defy that rule.
I never met James Dobson. James was the younger brother of former Ferrum quarterback Matt Dobson ('10). I likely first came to know who James was through photo's taken by Tammi Armstrong. I have actually never met Matt either, but I would see pictures of James, and either he would be with Matt, or would have his # 8 Ferrum Jersey on. I surmised they were brothers. I saw James at games, but I never had the chance to meet him.
I remember learning that James was battling cancer, and while I realized that this was a horrible thing, I saw first a happy, very alive and courageous kid. A kid who loved his brother, and loved the Ferrum Panthers. I received the news today, that James passed away this past Sunday at the young age of 13.
The impact that people have on others lives is something to marvel at. I can sit here and just imagine what it must have been like for James to be able to hang out with college football players. To be able to get up close and personal and high five with guys who were out there trying win a game. It was so evident that he ran every step with not only his brother, but with all the players. I marvel at the impact that this must have had on James. I am sure however that the impact that James had on the team was even greater.
Life can be hard to figure out. I certainly will never be able to explain certain things. One of those being the unfairness of a child with cancer. I do know that based on pictures I have seen, and the times I saw James at games, no one could have dealt with it with a more upbeat, positive attitude. His lesson to the team and likely to anyone around him, was that with all the difficulties we face, there is someone out there who has it worse. He was a special courageous kid who inspired many. I doubt that James dwelled on his condition all that much. My guess is that his focus was more centered on others around him....his friends, his family, and Ferrum football.....not self but others.
See WJLA news story on James
I never met James Dobson. James was the younger brother of former Ferrum quarterback Matt Dobson ('10). I likely first came to know who James was through photo's taken by Tammi Armstrong. I have actually never met Matt either, but I would see pictures of James, and either he would be with Matt, or would have his # 8 Ferrum Jersey on. I surmised they were brothers. I saw James at games, but I never had the chance to meet him.
I remember learning that James was battling cancer, and while I realized that this was a horrible thing, I saw first a happy, very alive and courageous kid. A kid who loved his brother, and loved the Ferrum Panthers. I received the news today, that James passed away this past Sunday at the young age of 13.
The impact that people have on others lives is something to marvel at. I can sit here and just imagine what it must have been like for James to be able to hang out with college football players. To be able to get up close and personal and high five with guys who were out there trying win a game. It was so evident that he ran every step with not only his brother, but with all the players. I marvel at the impact that this must have had on James. I am sure however that the impact that James had on the team was even greater.
Life can be hard to figure out. I certainly will never be able to explain certain things. One of those being the unfairness of a child with cancer. I do know that based on pictures I have seen, and the times I saw James at games, no one could have dealt with it with a more upbeat, positive attitude. His lesson to the team and likely to anyone around him, was that with all the difficulties we face, there is someone out there who has it worse. He was a special courageous kid who inspired many. I doubt that James dwelled on his condition all that much. My guess is that his focus was more centered on others around him....his friends, his family, and Ferrum football.....not self but others.
See WJLA news story on James
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Growing Reputation of Ferrum
I happened to be in a Starbucks in Williamsburg the other day, and was wearing my Ferrum alumni hat. The girl working behind the counter asked me "Did you go to Fearum" (Not a typo, that is how she pronounced it) She told me that she considered going there at one time due to the wonderful academic offerings. I can talk Ferrum forever, and began to tell her of the successes of the women's basketball team this season, and she said "oh I did not realize they had sports there" (Before I left, I gave her a quick overview of Ferrum football) She went on to say that in the end, she did not go to Ferrum, but she visited the campus, and that she loved it.
My years at Ferrum were an important part of my life. A short four year segment, that I will likely never forget. I have friends that I made there that I am still friends with today. Ferrum was a formative experience, an experience that affected greatly my still developing person. When I was at Ferrum the campus was much different. The bookstore was in the basement of Franklin Hall, and home plate to one of two softball fields sat where the bookstore is now. Franklin Hall is so different it's unbelievable Downstairs, there was a combination post office/ game room, (game room consisted of 2 pool tables, a pinball machine, and Ms Pac Man) a small deli type restaurant that I think was called the Panthers Den, the campus radio station, The Campus Programs Office and the bookstore.
Upstairs, was the cafeteria, and while the quality of the food has likely improved, the cafeteria workers were excellent. I will always remember Zoe' and Mrs. Mountcastle. Mrs. Mountcastle would always make sure you got enough food. If you got there late, or just did not like what they were serving, she would make you a cheese sandwich so
you did not go without.
The facility improvements that have taken place since then are amazing. While I will not try to list them all, it is not an exaggeration at all to say that the campus is magnificent!
As for Ferrum's football facility, I have been to many home games in recent years, and I have never seen the field look better, The Norton Center is the diamond on Ferrum's crown, and with the planned new press box/concession stand, things just keep getting better. Ferrum is developing a great reputation. Whether it be through the impression a visitor gets by seeing the beautiful campus, the diverse academic offerings, or the quality and success of the athletic teams, Ferrum is on a roll.
My years at Ferrum were an important part of my life. A short four year segment, that I will likely never forget. I have friends that I made there that I am still friends with today. Ferrum was a formative experience, an experience that affected greatly my still developing person. When I was at Ferrum the campus was much different. The bookstore was in the basement of Franklin Hall, and home plate to one of two softball fields sat where the bookstore is now. Franklin Hall is so different it's unbelievable Downstairs, there was a combination post office/ game room, (game room consisted of 2 pool tables, a pinball machine, and Ms Pac Man) a small deli type restaurant that I think was called the Panthers Den, the campus radio station, The Campus Programs Office and the bookstore.
Upstairs, was the cafeteria, and while the quality of the food has likely improved, the cafeteria workers were excellent. I will always remember Zoe' and Mrs. Mountcastle. Mrs. Mountcastle would always make sure you got enough food. If you got there late, or just did not like what they were serving, she would make you a cheese sandwich so
you did not go without.
The facility improvements that have taken place since then are amazing. While I will not try to list them all, it is not an exaggeration at all to say that the campus is magnificent!
As for Ferrum's football facility, I have been to many home games in recent years, and I have never seen the field look better, The Norton Center is the diamond on Ferrum's crown, and with the planned new press box/concession stand, things just keep getting better. Ferrum is developing a great reputation. Whether it be through the impression a visitor gets by seeing the beautiful campus, the diverse academic offerings, or the quality and success of the athletic teams, Ferrum is on a roll.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Charges filed in Stringfellow case
Fairfax County Police have charged Johnny E. Bonilla 22, of Gainsville Va. with murder in the death of Ferrum football player Zavier Stringfellow. Stringfellow 19, was found in a crashed mini van deceased, but apparently his injuries were not a result of the crash. FCPD indicate on their website, that Stringfellow was stabbed.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Ferrum Linebacker Dies in Northern Virginia
Ferrum Player dies in Northern Virginia
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