As a fan of uniform related material, I'm excited for Wednesday's introduction of the new logos. The new basketball court, which I have not seen but have been told came out really well, will be on display, as will the new football helmets and the new Victor E.
We'll find out what logo will go onto the 50-yard line on Arute Field (I assume), but we won't see the new basketball uniforms yet. Those are still being worked on. If you won't be at the event, check the Herald as well as the blog, where I'll have a breakdown/review of the new art.
A QUICK TRIBUTE TO A FELLOW SCRIBE
Below you'll find my first set of several CCSU sports posts. Now that the season is ready to go, you'll find this blog full of news, opinions and answers.
But before that, I wanted to say this. I wasn't nearly as close to Dave Solomon as many other writers who knew him much longer were. Those who were able to call him a friend have written extensively and eloquently about him this week.
I simply wanted to add one note. When I was first starting out in this business, one of the ways I gauged who was a nice guy was by finding out who took the time to learn/remember my name when I was a cub reporter for a relatively small paper.
Dave Solomon remembered my name despite the fact that neither stature or circumstance would ever require him to do so. Yes, the roster of Connecticut sportswriters now has a big hole in it. But the world has lost a nice man. That's a much bigger deal.
But before that, I wanted to say this. I wasn't nearly as close to Dave Solomon as many other writers who knew him much longer were. Those who were able to call him a friend have written extensively and eloquently about him this week.
I simply wanted to add one note. When I was first starting out in this business, one of the ways I gauged who was a nice guy was by finding out who took the time to learn/remember my name when I was a cub reporter for a relatively small paper.
Dave Solomon remembered my name despite the fact that neither stature or circumstance would ever require him to do so. Yes, the roster of Connecticut sportswriters now has a big hole in it. But the world has lost a nice man. That's a much bigger deal.
CCSU MAILBAG QUESTIONS FOR AD PAUL SCHLICKMANN
I'll be meeting with Paul for our hopefully annual extended summer interview, so send me questions you want answered to mstraubblog@hotmail.com.
CCSU FOOTBALL STARTS TRAINING CAMP
With the first practice taking place Monday night, I thought I'd take a look at some of the things to watch for this month as the Blue Devils try and get ready for what they and most other NEC observers believe will be a run at another NEC title.
1) The running back situation: A staple of any Jeff McInerney team is the running game, and Central has two players at that spot who come into camp with question marks. We all know what Brian Fowler can do on the field, but will his injured shoulder hold up for a full season at a position that gets hit as much, if not more, than anyone else on the field?
Kevin Woolfolk was good during the spring game. Is he ready to take on more of a role? If so, does Central split time in the backfield?
2) The Gunnar show: Gunnar Jespersen became a leader in what seemed to be about 10 minutes last season. With a full year under his belt and another spring and summer of running the show, is he poised to have a real breakout year? How much can he be helped by the running game?
3) But to whom will he throw it?: Denzell Jones was probably as good a receiver as Central had in the spring along with tight end Anthony Julbes. Jones is explosive, but Central will either have to develop some sure WR threats or lean heavily on the run again.
4) Stop the ball: Central's defense wasn't bad on paper, but couldn't get big stops against the best teams on the schedule a year ago. Clamping down and giving the offense a little more breathing room would be a huge help to a title run.
5) Special intrests: Replacing kicker Joe Izzo will be key, as will kickoff coverage. One of the problems the defense faced last year was that it was up against a short field too often. Having the opponent start further back in its own end will help lower the PA column for the Blue Devils in 2011.
6) Health: The biggest one is always the health of the team by the time camp ends. If the Blue Devils have their whole team intact come September, they can get off to a good start. But any big injury this month can derail a great year before it ever offically begins.
1) The running back situation: A staple of any Jeff McInerney team is the running game, and Central has two players at that spot who come into camp with question marks. We all know what Brian Fowler can do on the field, but will his injured shoulder hold up for a full season at a position that gets hit as much, if not more, than anyone else on the field?
Kevin Woolfolk was good during the spring game. Is he ready to take on more of a role? If so, does Central split time in the backfield?
2) The Gunnar show: Gunnar Jespersen became a leader in what seemed to be about 10 minutes last season. With a full year under his belt and another spring and summer of running the show, is he poised to have a real breakout year? How much can he be helped by the running game?
3) But to whom will he throw it?: Denzell Jones was probably as good a receiver as Central had in the spring along with tight end Anthony Julbes. Jones is explosive, but Central will either have to develop some sure WR threats or lean heavily on the run again.
4) Stop the ball: Central's defense wasn't bad on paper, but couldn't get big stops against the best teams on the schedule a year ago. Clamping down and giving the offense a little more breathing room would be a huge help to a title run.
5) Special intrests: Replacing kicker Joe Izzo will be key, as will kickoff coverage. One of the problems the defense faced last year was that it was up against a short field too often. Having the opponent start further back in its own end will help lower the PA column for the Blue Devils in 2011.
6) Health: The biggest one is always the health of the team by the time camp ends. If the Blue Devils have their whole team intact come September, they can get off to a good start. But any big injury this month can derail a great year before it ever offically begins.
CCSU LACROSSE GETS NEW HEAD COACH
CCSU named former Rutgers assistant coach Kelly Nangle as its new women's lacrosse coach today, replacing Rachel Tringali.
Nangle was with the Scarlet Knights for the last three seasons, during which Rutgers went 27-21. Nangle was in charge of the defense and played a big part in recruiting.
"I can't wait to get started," Nangle said in a statement. "This program has the potential to be one of the best in the NEC and in the region, and I look forward to getting to work. CCSU has a history of successful programs winning NEC titles, it's time to add women's lacrosse to that list."
Women's lacrosse is one of the few programs at Central that hasn't gotten over the NEC title hump, and Nangle will become the fourth coach to try and change that.
Tringali had success gathering some quality individual players at CCSU, but the Blue Devils are hoping the change helps get the program a championship banner.
Here's the full release from the school.
http://ccsubluedevils.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17600&ATCLID=205240139
Nangle was with the Scarlet Knights for the last three seasons, during which Rutgers went 27-21. Nangle was in charge of the defense and played a big part in recruiting.
"I can't wait to get started," Nangle said in a statement. "This program has the potential to be one of the best in the NEC and in the region, and I look forward to getting to work. CCSU has a history of successful programs winning NEC titles, it's time to add women's lacrosse to that list."
Women's lacrosse is one of the few programs at Central that hasn't gotten over the NEC title hump, and Nangle will become the fourth coach to try and change that.
Tringali had success gathering some quality individual players at CCSU, but the Blue Devils are hoping the change helps get the program a championship banner.
Here's the full release from the school.
http://ccsubluedevils.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17600&ATCLID=205240139
MORE ON THE WOMEN'S SKED
I think for what will be a very young team, having a bunch of home games early is huge. Coach Piper does a good job of finding challenging and yet winnable games for the non-conference slate.
At Hartford might be a real test as the Hawks will be looking for revenge, and UMass is a step up in class from the NEC.
Holy Cross at home is interesting, and Rhody and Siena give Central a trio of fairly big name area schools coming to New Britain.
Note that the Boston College game is at Chestnut Hill.
The NEC games are oddly bunched, looking more like a baseball schedule. Four-game trip, a few at home, etc.
One mistake I caught... there isn't five in a row at home. It's 3 out of 5. I saw an early version that had me a bit confused.
There's a home and home with Quinnipiac in February but the Sacred Heart games are broken up this year.
The PA trip coming so late in the year has to be a concern. If the Blue Devils are playing for something, that's a tough time to have to head on the road. But Central finishes with two at home, which gives it one more chance.
At Hartford might be a real test as the Hawks will be looking for revenge, and UMass is a step up in class from the NEC.
Holy Cross at home is interesting, and Rhody and Siena give Central a trio of fairly big name area schools coming to New Britain.
Note that the Boston College game is at Chestnut Hill.
The NEC games are oddly bunched, looking more like a baseball schedule. Four-game trip, a few at home, etc.
One mistake I caught... there isn't five in a row at home. It's 3 out of 5. I saw an early version that had me a bit confused.
There's a home and home with Quinnipiac in February but the Sacred Heart games are broken up this year.
The PA trip coming so late in the year has to be a concern. If the Blue Devils are playing for something, that's a tough time to have to head on the road. But Central finishes with two at home, which gives it one more chance.
WOMEN'S HOOP SCHEDULE IS OUT
I'll have a lot more to say about this tonight, but I have to write something for the paper before I head to the Rock Cats game, so I'll blog more tonight.
For now, here's a link to the schedule.
Spoiler alert: Many, many early home games.
http://www.ccsubluedevils.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17600&KEY=&SPID=10565&SPSID=88658
For now, here's a link to the schedule.
Spoiler alert: Many, many early home games.
http://www.ccsubluedevils.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17600&KEY=&SPID=10565&SPSID=88658
MORE CHANGES
As you guys know, I've often prided myself on giving you the best coverage of CCSU athletics you can find anywhere. That's NOT what's changing.
But now, there's going to be even more coverage. I can't tell you all the details yet, but it's going to be a rather extensive endeavor. For it to work, we need you guys to support it. So I'll make my usual request: I'll do all the running around I usually do for you guys and write my fingers off, and you agree to read and click on all of it. Deal? Deal.
But now, there's going to be even more coverage. I can't tell you all the details yet, but it's going to be a rather extensive endeavor. For it to work, we need you guys to support it. So I'll make my usual request: I'll do all the running around I usually do for you guys and write my fingers off, and you agree to read and click on all of it. Deal? Deal.
RIGHT IN MY WHEELHOUSE
So you've probably seen the the teaser video CCSU produced for their new logo unveiling in August. The little I know about it makes the uniform/logo geek in me excited. I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing the new court.
By the way, cheap plug, we'll be doing an episode of Sports Page Online from the unveiling. Make sure you watch.
Also, while I'm thinking of it, did you all read all my stuff on CCSU hoops last week?
The short of it is this: If the Devils can find a point guard, they can win the NEC.
By the way, cheap plug, we'll be doing an episode of Sports Page Online from the unveiling. Make sure you watch.
Also, while I'm thinking of it, did you all read all my stuff on CCSU hoops last week?
The short of it is this: If the Devils can find a point guard, they can win the NEC.
QUESTIONS
Planning in August to be doing what I hope becomes an annual big sit down with Paul Schlickmann, so start sending me questions and subjects you want me to hit on. He's pretty good about answering whatever I ask, so let me know what you want to know about!
CONFIRMATION
I know I keep beating this one to death, but Ken Horton himself told me he's coming back. So no more questions about that.
I'll have a few stories and notes over the next couple of days off of Howie Dickenman's Basketball School.
I'll have a few stories and notes over the next couple of days off of Howie Dickenman's Basketball School.
A COUPLE MORE SCHEDULE NOTES
A couple of birdies told me you could see Army and UMBC at Detrick, and CCSU at UMass and Brown for return games.
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