The Bulldogs are now on the bus, headed back to Barbourville. It's been a long day to say the least. However, I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say "Thank you" to all the parents, friends, family, students and fans that came to Fort Wayne to support the Bulldogs in the NAIA playoffs.
By my estimation, there were between 200-300 Bulldog supporters there - a nice size crowd, in my humble opinion. I know the drive for us was 6-plus hours and I know others had greater distances to travel. Your support is very much appreciated.
Like I said in previous posts, I firmly believe this season was just a stepping stone of what is yet to come. I believe there are some good football yet to be played at Burch/Nau Field, and your support makes it possible and worth.
From the team, the coaching staff and the athletic department, I again say, "Thank you."
Showing posts with label NAIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NAIA. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
And we're off ...
Well, the Bulldogs are FINALLY on the road en route to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The buses were supposed to pull out the Centennial parking lot at 8 a.m. HOWEVER, departature was delayed nearly an hour after one of the buses didn't want to start up this morning. (Shoot, it's around 20 degrees this morning, I didn't want to get going this morning.)
But after waiting nearly an hour for the bus to arrive, we pulled out just before 9 a.m. and are headed north - to where it's colder.
Although the little hiccup with having to wait for a bus to arrive, the mood of the team is good. Everyone is just taking everything in stride, enjoying the ride and getting ready for the weekend of playoff football.
You got a player or two trying to sing along with their Ipod. The movie "Next" is now playing on the DVD player on our bus and folks are settling in for the trip.
For a program making its first-ever playoff appearance the team appears to be taking a very businesslike approach, like it's just another game on the schedule.
Me? I'm pumped. Like I posted a couple days ago, I've been looking forward to seeing the Bulldogs make the playoffs. Even back in the early- and mid-1990s when I was working at Corbin Times-Tribune, I've been pulling for the Bulldogs to make the playoffs. I recall watching the 1995 team come up just short.
And since then, it's been a rocky ride for the Bulldogs. (Yet, there is no need to rehash all that.)
The 2008 season has been nothing but magical, and now we're on our way to take on the No. 3 team in the NAIA playoffs.
Despite the 'bus' issues, this is going to be a fun ride.
More from the road later.
The buses were supposed to pull out the Centennial parking lot at 8 a.m. HOWEVER, departature was delayed nearly an hour after one of the buses didn't want to start up this morning. (Shoot, it's around 20 degrees this morning, I didn't want to get going this morning.)
But after waiting nearly an hour for the bus to arrive, we pulled out just before 9 a.m. and are headed north - to where it's colder.
Although the little hiccup with having to wait for a bus to arrive, the mood of the team is good. Everyone is just taking everything in stride, enjoying the ride and getting ready for the weekend of playoff football.
You got a player or two trying to sing along with their Ipod. The movie "Next" is now playing on the DVD player on our bus and folks are settling in for the trip.
For a program making its first-ever playoff appearance the team appears to be taking a very businesslike approach, like it's just another game on the schedule.
Me? I'm pumped. Like I posted a couple days ago, I've been looking forward to seeing the Bulldogs make the playoffs. Even back in the early- and mid-1990s when I was working at Corbin Times-Tribune, I've been pulling for the Bulldogs to make the playoffs. I recall watching the 1995 team come up just short.
And since then, it's been a rocky ride for the Bulldogs. (Yet, there is no need to rehash all that.)
The 2008 season has been nothing but magical, and now we're on our way to take on the No. 3 team in the NAIA playoffs.
Despite the 'bus' issues, this is going to be a fun ride.
More from the road later.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Who Let the Dogs Out?!?!?!
Tonight, I went to Wal-Mart with my daughter in tow. And because my 5-year-old bundle of energy and joy was with me, she dedicated what channel my XM Radio got turned to. (What can I say, I'm a softee.)
On the way home, a song came on, one that I hadn't heard in a couple years. But yet, it was one that brought back a lot of memories.
Blaring through my speakers was "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.
Like many, when the song came out, I liked it. It was fun, catchy and it fit Union. After all, we are the Bulldogs.
Well, during the 2000 season - the year the Baha Men produced their version of the song, the song got played at Burch/Nau Field. Over and over and over.
We played it when the team ran out on the field before the game. We played it when the team scored. We played it when the team into to the lockerroom at halftime and when they came back out for the second half.
And when Union won, it got played REPEATEDLY.
"Who Let the Dogs Out" was played on average 10-15 times per game.
Needlesstosay, many of us got sick of the song and it didn't get played again anywhere on campus for a long time following the 2000 football season.
But hearing the song again tonight brought back some fun memories, and some painful ones as well.
You see, it was five games into the 2000 season that Union won a game. That win was the first win in THREE YEARS, snapping a 25-game losing streak.
After beating Lambuth 14-10 to end the 1997 season, Union went 0-10 in 1998, 0-11 in 1999 and started the 2000 season 0-4 before enjoying a three-game win streak.
I have always enjoyed Union football. Saturday's at Burch/Nau Field are a blast for me, win or lose. (Obviously, it's always more fun when the Bulldogs win.)
Yet, there's always been something keeping the Bulldogs from getting over the hump.
I can't tell you how many games I've seen Union battle, go toe-to-toe against the opponent, only to come up just short of getting the victory.
One of the most gut-wrenching losses I've witnessed in Union history (that's encompassing all sports) came on Homecoming 2006 when the Bulldogs fell to Frostburg State 7-3. It was an ugly game. Neither offense get anything generated for the field was an absolute muddy mess. (This was the final season of Union having a natural grass surface.)
With less than three minutes remaining, Union was up 3-0. Forced to punt, the feeling was good because the Bulldog defense had held strong ALL DAY. However, the punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown, sealing Union's fate.
I mention all this to just give you a sense of how fun, how amazing, how exciting this football season has been and continues to be.
The Bulldogs are 9-2!!! NINE WINS and just TWO LOSSES!!!
Since 1995, Union had not won more than four games in a season. In the three seasons prior to this year, the Bulldogs had just 11 wins.
And now Union is heading into the NAIA Playoffs!!!
How great is that?
Union has been blessed, especially in the past five, six years with some amazing teams. Women's basketball has been to three national championship tournaments. The baseball team went to the NAIA World Series and placed 5th. Women's soccer advanced to the Final Four in 2002, the same year the mountain biking team won the NCCA National Championship. The men's and women's tennis teams both have made back-to-back trips to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen, and the softball and volleyball teams each have won their first conference championships in program history.
Every program has enjoyed some sort of success this decade. All but football.
Until now.
So, tonight, as my daughter danced in the backseat to sounds of "Who Let the Dogs Out", I enjoyed the journey and the lengths the Bulldog football program has come over the years.
And the ride isn't over.
On the way home, a song came on, one that I hadn't heard in a couple years. But yet, it was one that brought back a lot of memories.
Blaring through my speakers was "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.
Like many, when the song came out, I liked it. It was fun, catchy and it fit Union. After all, we are the Bulldogs.
Well, during the 2000 season - the year the Baha Men produced their version of the song, the song got played at Burch/Nau Field. Over and over and over.
We played it when the team ran out on the field before the game. We played it when the team scored. We played it when the team into to the lockerroom at halftime and when they came back out for the second half.
And when Union won, it got played REPEATEDLY.
"Who Let the Dogs Out" was played on average 10-15 times per game.
Needlesstosay, many of us got sick of the song and it didn't get played again anywhere on campus for a long time following the 2000 football season.
But hearing the song again tonight brought back some fun memories, and some painful ones as well.
You see, it was five games into the 2000 season that Union won a game. That win was the first win in THREE YEARS, snapping a 25-game losing streak.
After beating Lambuth 14-10 to end the 1997 season, Union went 0-10 in 1998, 0-11 in 1999 and started the 2000 season 0-4 before enjoying a three-game win streak.
I have always enjoyed Union football. Saturday's at Burch/Nau Field are a blast for me, win or lose. (Obviously, it's always more fun when the Bulldogs win.)
Yet, there's always been something keeping the Bulldogs from getting over the hump.
I can't tell you how many games I've seen Union battle, go toe-to-toe against the opponent, only to come up just short of getting the victory.
One of the most gut-wrenching losses I've witnessed in Union history (that's encompassing all sports) came on Homecoming 2006 when the Bulldogs fell to Frostburg State 7-3. It was an ugly game. Neither offense get anything generated for the field was an absolute muddy mess. (This was the final season of Union having a natural grass surface.)
With less than three minutes remaining, Union was up 3-0. Forced to punt, the feeling was good because the Bulldog defense had held strong ALL DAY. However, the punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown, sealing Union's fate.
I mention all this to just give you a sense of how fun, how amazing, how exciting this football season has been and continues to be.
The Bulldogs are 9-2!!! NINE WINS and just TWO LOSSES!!!
Since 1995, Union had not won more than four games in a season. In the three seasons prior to this year, the Bulldogs had just 11 wins.
And now Union is heading into the NAIA Playoffs!!!
How great is that?
Union has been blessed, especially in the past five, six years with some amazing teams. Women's basketball has been to three national championship tournaments. The baseball team went to the NAIA World Series and placed 5th. Women's soccer advanced to the Final Four in 2002, the same year the mountain biking team won the NCCA National Championship. The men's and women's tennis teams both have made back-to-back trips to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen, and the softball and volleyball teams each have won their first conference championships in program history.
Every program has enjoyed some sort of success this decade. All but football.
Until now.
So, tonight, as my daughter danced in the backseat to sounds of "Who Let the Dogs Out", I enjoyed the journey and the lengths the Bulldog football program has come over the years.
And the ride isn't over.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Not the same ol' Bulldogs
In case you've been hiding under a rock, the Bulldog football team is off to one of its better seasons in years. Union is 3-0 for the eighth time in program history and the first time since 1994!And as they go for its first-ever 4-0 start, the Bulldogs will square off against Georgetown in a battle of NAIA Top 20 teams - and Union is the higher ranked team at No. 16 with the Tigers coming in at No. 18.
Can the Union-Georgetown game be any bigger? It's the Mid-South Conference East opener for both. The Bulldogs snapped a 23-game losing streak against Georgetown with a 28-21 decision on the Tigers home field to end the 2007 season. (Oh, and by the way, that loss kept Georgetown out of the playoffs for the first time in 12 years and snapped the Tigers' streak of winning and/or sharing the conference championship at 11 years.) So, revenge will be on Georgetown's mind come Saturday.
These are certainly fun times. Don't know about you, but I can't wait until game time.
Here are some more random football notes:
- One player to watch for - because opposing defenses will be - is No. 26 Terence Pollock. All Mr. Pollock did last week was ripped of a 198-yard, 2-touchdown performance, earning him the MSC Offensive Player of the Week nod. On the season, he's rushed for 400 yards and is on pace to become just the third player in program history to rush for a 1,000 yards in a season. Also, he is only 223 yards away from becoming the third player to run for 2,000 yards in a career!!! Currently, Terence is ranked third in the NAIA in rushing yards per game at 133.3.
- Willie Williams is certainly making his presence felt as he ranks fourth, fifth and 13th in the NAIA in tackles for a loss, sacks and total tackles.
- Jacob Appleby has played just 3 games in his collegiate career, but he's already making an impact. Currently, he ranks third in the NAIA in Kicking Scoring with an 8.3 points-per-game average. At Faulkner last week, Jacob booted three field goals to tie the school record and scored 11 of the team's 23 points as he was named the MSC Special Teams Player of the Week.
- The Bulldogs have rushed for 608 yards and passed for only 561. The last time Union finished the season with more yards rushing than passing was in 2003 when it ran for 1838 and passed for 1370.
- In the previous seven seasons Union started the year 3-0, the team finished no worse than .500 (5-5 in 1993). The Bulldogs posted a winning record in the other six seasons.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Renata just helping out her friends
Union College has had its share of great women's soccer players.
The Lady Bulldogs have had on their roster the all-time leading goal scorer in collegiate HISTORY!!! And Union is the only school in NAIA history to boast of
having TWO women's soccer players to score 100 goals during their careers.
But what Renata Peixoto is doing is on a whole other level.
Yesterday, the sophomore midfielder dished out five assists in the 6-0 win over Bluefield, narrowly missing tying the school record of six helpers in a game.
However, dishing out assists is what Renata has been doing all season. Through only nine games this season, she has scored eight goals and had 17 assists - one shy of tying the school record. At this clip, Renate could make a serious run at the NAIA record which stands at 29.
There is some history possibly in the making at Union. But if you're not careful, you could miss.
The Lady Bulldogs have had on their roster the all-time leading goal scorer in collegiate HISTORY!!! And Union is the only school in NAIA history to boast of
having TWO women's soccer players to score 100 goals during their careers.But what Renata Peixoto is doing is on a whole other level.
Yesterday, the sophomore midfielder dished out five assists in the 6-0 win over Bluefield, narrowly missing tying the school record of six helpers in a game.
However, dishing out assists is what Renata has been doing all season. Through only nine games this season, she has scored eight goals and had 17 assists - one shy of tying the school record. At this clip, Renate could make a serious run at the NAIA record which stands at 29.
There is some history possibly in the making at Union. But if you're not careful, you could miss.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
How 'bout them Bulldogs!!!
WOW!!!
What else is there to say after the amazing football game this weekend?
The Bulldogs defeated the then-No. 24 team in the nation. They did it in an impressive manner,
dominating ball control in the second half and just wore down Malone. It was a true team effort. The defense did all it could to keep the team in it in the first half, while the offense seized control of things in the second half.
Malone might've had more yardage and more first downs, but Union led in the category that matters most - the FINAL SCORE!!! 35-28.
In amongst the great team effort were some spectacular individual performances.
Kyle Callahan had just four catches all day, but he hauled in three TD passes - all three of which were SportsCenter worthy.
After a rough first half, running back Terence Pollock, Darrell Taylor, Tim Coffey and Ben Kelly did what they needed to do to eat up the clock and keep Malone's offense off the field. Quarterback Mike Brinkley did a commendable job of managing the clock and guiding the team to victory. And just think, Brinkley's just a freshman.
On defense, the line did a tremendous job getting pressure on the quarterback while the linebackers and secondary just did their thing.
The Bulldogs are now 2-0!!! It's been since 1994 that Union has been able to say that.
And now, the Bulldogs are ranked in the NAIA Top 25!!!
Union is currently tied for No. 18 in the latest NAIA Football Coaches' Poll. The last time Union was ranked the year was 1996 - and the ranking did not last long. The Bulldogs finished the 1995 season 7-2-1 and ranked 16th, just missing the NAIA playoffs. So, coming off the stellar, Union entered the 1996 season with high hopes and expectations and were ranked in the Top 25.
But things didn't go so well for Union in 1996. The Bulldogs finished the year 1-9 - with the only win being an 24-23 overtime victory over Cumberland (Ky.) College. (So, the year wasn't a total loss :-D )
The 1996 began a long, dry spell for the Bulldogs. Union has not had a winning season since 1995.
Twelve seasons and counting ...
Hopefully, the counting stops in 2008.
There's something special going on with this year's Bulldogs. The offense is relatively young yet overflowing with talent. The defense has strong senior leadership, especially in the linebacking corps. And it just seems everything is aligning just so, giving at least this old SID the hopes that a winning football season is just over the horizon.
I've been at Union since 1999, but I remember the winning seasons in the early 1990s. I was working at the local newspapers at the time, and football Saturday in Barbourville was an event - and it still is. The fans have always come out and supported the Bulldogs. Union football fans are among the most loyal and faithful. Yet, there was a certain buzz around Burch/Nau Field during those winning seasons.
And now, that buzz is starting to come back. Don't believe me? Then join me at Burch/Nau Field on Sept. 27 to see for yourself.
What else is there to say after the amazing football game this weekend?
The Bulldogs defeated the then-No. 24 team in the nation. They did it in an impressive manner,
dominating ball control in the second half and just wore down Malone. It was a true team effort. The defense did all it could to keep the team in it in the first half, while the offense seized control of things in the second half.Malone might've had more yardage and more first downs, but Union led in the category that matters most - the FINAL SCORE!!! 35-28.
In amongst the great team effort were some spectacular individual performances.
Kyle Callahan had just four catches all day, but he hauled in three TD passes - all three of which were SportsCenter worthy.
After a rough first half, running back Terence Pollock, Darrell Taylor, Tim Coffey and Ben Kelly did what they needed to do to eat up the clock and keep Malone's offense off the field. Quarterback Mike Brinkley did a commendable job of managing the clock and guiding the team to victory. And just think, Brinkley's just a freshman.
On defense, the line did a tremendous job getting pressure on the quarterback while the linebackers and secondary just did their thing.
The Bulldogs are now 2-0!!! It's been since 1994 that Union has been able to say that.
And now, the Bulldogs are ranked in the NAIA Top 25!!!
Union is currently tied for No. 18 in the latest NAIA Football Coaches' Poll. The last time Union was ranked the year was 1996 - and the ranking did not last long. The Bulldogs finished the 1995 season 7-2-1 and ranked 16th, just missing the NAIA playoffs. So, coming off the stellar, Union entered the 1996 season with high hopes and expectations and were ranked in the Top 25.
But things didn't go so well for Union in 1996. The Bulldogs finished the year 1-9 - with the only win being an 24-23 overtime victory over Cumberland (Ky.) College. (So, the year wasn't a total loss :-D )
The 1996 began a long, dry spell for the Bulldogs. Union has not had a winning season since 1995.
Twelve seasons and counting ...
Hopefully, the counting stops in 2008.
There's something special going on with this year's Bulldogs. The offense is relatively young yet overflowing with talent. The defense has strong senior leadership, especially in the linebacking corps. And it just seems everything is aligning just so, giving at least this old SID the hopes that a winning football season is just over the horizon.
I've been at Union since 1999, but I remember the winning seasons in the early 1990s. I was working at the local newspapers at the time, and football Saturday in Barbourville was an event - and it still is. The fans have always come out and supported the Bulldogs. Union football fans are among the most loyal and faithful. Yet, there was a certain buzz around Burch/Nau Field during those winning seasons.
And now, that buzz is starting to come back. Don't believe me? Then join me at Burch/Nau Field on Sept. 27 to see for yourself.
Monday, September 8, 2008
And the honors start rolling in ...
I must admit it. I tend to be a 'Proud Papa', if you will, when it comes to the student-athletes at Union. And when my student-athletes are honored, my chest swells.
Well ... today my chest nearly exploded.
This was the first week for conference player of the week awards and today was the first week for the NAIA Football Player of the Week honors. And Union College was very well represented.
In the Appalachian Athletic Conference, Christina Prindle was named the Volleyball Libero of the Week, Aaron Miller is the Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, Marcela Salum the Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week and Brittany Puryear the Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week.
In the Mid-South Conference, Union took two of the three Player-of-the-Week awards with Terence Pollock earning the offensive honors and Willie Williams taking home the defensive honors.
Willie took things a step further in picking the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week nod. (Here's a neat fact for all you Bulldog fans: Union has had the last two NAIA Defensive Players of the Week. Patrick O'Neal received the honor in the final week of the regular-season in 2007 after Union defeated Georgetown for the first time since 1938 - and no I don't get tired of writing/saying that last sentence.)
A total of seven honors (and six student-athletes honored) in ONE DAY!!!
Yes, Monday was a good day.
Does a 'Papa' proud ... :-D
Now, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings.
Well ... today my chest nearly exploded.
This was the first week for conference player of the week awards and today was the first week for the NAIA Football Player of the Week honors. And Union College was very well represented.
In the Appalachian Athletic Conference, Christina Prindle was named the Volleyball Libero of the Week, Aaron Miller is the Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, Marcela Salum the Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week and Brittany Puryear the Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week.
In the Mid-South Conference, Union took two of the three Player-of-the-Week awards with Terence Pollock earning the offensive honors and Willie Williams taking home the defensive honors.
Willie took things a step further in picking the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week nod. (Here's a neat fact for all you Bulldog fans: Union has had the last two NAIA Defensive Players of the Week. Patrick O'Neal received the honor in the final week of the regular-season in 2007 after Union defeated Georgetown for the first time since 1938 - and no I don't get tired of writing/saying that last sentence.)
A total of seven honors (and six student-athletes honored) in ONE DAY!!!
Yes, Monday was a good day.
Does a 'Papa' proud ... :-D
Now, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings.
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