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Topic: Bobcat Caravans
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Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 4/30/2014 2:59 PM
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SBH wrote:expand_more
The idea of special teams being one of our strengths scares the hell out of me.


I think we all knew offense would be breaking in several new parts, so I can only hope that a stout D is accompanied by strong special teams. Then when Vick hits his stride... look out!
TheRealMikeDrake
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Posted: 5/1/2014 11:34 AM
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MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Learned Coach Phillips has done well at recruiting late--3 visits this weekend in Athens are scheduled.
 

That's the key piece from the caravan in my opinion.  Hoping some names start trickling out soon and Saul can get some positive momentum going.  

 
mcbin
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Posted: 5/6/2014 9:46 PM
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To all the Columbus BA'ers - just wanted to note that we've had the head BB & FB coach every time(I believe) since the caravans started, and I don't want to give them a reason to slack in future years. (BTW both Frank & Saul P are coming to Columbus caravan this year). Hope many/all of you can make it to the Caravan on June 3rd @ 5:30.

So just trying to make sure we continue to be the largest attended caravan. I know this year they had to move venues because the previous ones (Lizard/Callahan's) were outgrown. Bluestone is downtown, with free parking. Pretty sure we won't run out of room there!

https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/OUL/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=172404

ben
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 5/7/2014 8:58 AM
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I will be there, excited to see it in the Bluestone.
RSBobcat
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Posted: 5/7/2014 10:54 PM
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Will be there again as always
RSBobcat
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Posted: 5/8/2014 8:00 PM
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SBH wrote:expand_more
The idea of special teams being one of our strengths scares the hell out of me.



I know what you're saying, but not me. Fantastic if it is "one" of your strengths. Remember "punting" 2 years ago? How many games did we possibly lose due to just that being one of OUr "weaknesses" (to put it mildly)?
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 5/9/2014 9:29 AM
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mcbin wrote:expand_more
To all the Columbus BA'ers - just wanted to note that we've had the head BB & FB coach every time(I believe) since the caravans started, and I don't want to give them a reason to slack in future years. (BTW both Frank & Saul P are coming to Columbus caravan this year). Hope many/all of you can make it to the Caravan on June 3rd @ 5:30.

So just trying to make sure we continue to be the largest attended caravan. I know this year they had to move venues because the previous ones (Lizard/Callahan's) were outgrown. Bluestone is downtown, with free parking. Pretty sure we won't run out of room there!

https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/OUL/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=172404

ben


Is this event kid friendly? Last day of school and thinking of heading out at dismissal bell, picking up son and driving in from Licking County.
sargentfan
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Posted: 5/9/2014 9:46 AM
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Yes the event is kid friendly, my older brother's friend actually brought his whole family to last year's caravan.
OU_Country
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Posted: 5/9/2014 10:26 AM
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sargentfan wrote:expand_more
Yes the event is kid friendly, my older brother's friend actually brought his whole family to last year's caravan.


Kid friendly, and think of it this way - every time we get kids to things like this it increases the chances of them be lifetime Bobcats.
Ryan Carey
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Posted: 5/9/2014 10:48 AM
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I brought my then 5 or 6 year old a few years back and both Solich and Groce seemed to talk to my son more than anybody else in the room.  Groce even invited us down for a pre-game practice so my son could shoot some baskets on the Convo floor with the players after practice.  I took all 3 boys a couple of years ago and they got the same treatment with the coaches taking the time to interact with the kids and made reference to them during their speech.  
Mike Johnson
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Posted: 5/9/2014 3:37 PM
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Ryan Carey wrote:expand_more
I brought my then 5 or 6 year old a few years back and both Solich and Groce seemed to talk to my son more than anybody else in the room.  Groce even invited us down for a pre-game practice so my son could shoot some baskets on the Convo floor with the players after practice.  I took all 3 boys a couple of years ago and they got the same treatment with the coaches taking the time to interact with the kids and made reference to them during their speech.  


If my memory is functioning accurately today, at one of those caravan stops, I won a basketball, and I think it was one of your sons to whom I turned and handed it.  I do remember clearly a young  beaming visage.
Ryan Carey
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Posted: 5/9/2014 7:28 PM
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He still has it on his shelf Mike!
Ted Thompson
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Posted: 5/29/2014 8:13 AM
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A reminder to Dayton-area Bobcats that the Caravan stop is tonight.

May 28, 2014

ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio Bobcat Club and the Ohio University Alumni Association will host the fifth of six 2014 Bobcat Caravan stops at the Fox & Hound Bar & Grille in Dayton Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

The Caravan is FREE to attend and include food, non-alcoholic drinks, prize giveaways, photo opportunities, and plenty of fun. There is no better opportunity to meet our coaches face to face and get the inside information on Ohio Athletics. Head coaches Frank Solich (football) and Saul Phillips (men's basketball) will be on hand in Dayton to hold Q&A sessions and meet with fans throughout the evening.

To register for either of the remaining Bobcat Caravan stops in 2014, click on the links below!

Remaining 2014 Caravan Stops

Thursday, May 29: Dayton - 6-8 p.m.
Fox & Hound Bar & Grille
2661 Fairfield Commons Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431


 
bornacatfan
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Posted: 5/29/2014 10:08 AM
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How was it?
Ted Thompson
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Posted: 5/30/2014 12:31 AM
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bornacatfan wrote:expand_more
How was it?

Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.
- Defense will be strength of team. Not only will last year's players be better but they'll get big contributions from redshirts. Will have as much speed on defense as they ever have.
- Team speed, coupled with JUCO All-American punter and returning kicker, means special teams will be very good as well.
- Offense will have to improve as season progresses. Could be as many as 8 new starters. Vick is great runner and scrambler and probably the fastest QB they've had (maybe tied with Theo Scott). Question is whther he can put the ball in the air accurately and to the right places.
- Said they could use more handoffs to slot guys like Daz and Papi White. Said Dorian Brown is as tough a runner as you'll find. Maleek Irons is a power back.
- Will probably use more true freshmen than they ever have.
- Mentioned they had a lead donor for locker room renovation.

Phillips
- Great surprises around every corner. Beautiful campus, Convo, Ozone, Band, fan support, not a selfish bone in the locker room.
- Canada trip will allow him to have 10 practices and 3 games with team (including freshmen). Ndour will not participate as he'll be playing on the Senegal national team. Will play Stevie and Bean together to see what that looks like.
- Ricardo Johnson is done playing. They are exploring overseas opportunities for him. Applied for Marketing job at North Dakota State.
- May apply to the NCAA for immediate eligibility for Simmons. Plan would still be for him to redshirt but would have the option to play in case of emergency. Will enroll in 2nd summer semester.
- Announced incoming transfer Chandler Thomas (see recruiting forum).
- HS recruits are high GPA guys and play above the rim. May give Taylor a look at PG. Will probably have to rely on freshmen to get PT at wing positions.
- Scheduling has taken a backseat until now. Has very specific scheduling plan for the future. Right now, trying to fill home games. Said Hawaii tourney and Belmont/St. Bonaventure home games would be highlights. Has talked to Wright St. some but not Dayton. Said in the future they'll examine in-state opponent opportunities.
- Bets that they'll play Nebraska in the Hawaii tourney as he used to work for Nebraska coach.

 
perimeterpost
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Posted: 5/30/2014 2:57 AM
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Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
How was it?


Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.
- Defense will be strength of team. Not only will last year's players be better but they'll get big contributions from redshirts. Will have as much speed on defense as they ever have.
- Team speed, coupled with JUCO All-American punter and returning kicker, means special teams will be very good as well.
- Offense will have to improve as season progresses. Could be as many as 8 new starters. Vick is great runner and scrambler and probably the fastest QB they've had (maybe tied with Theo Scott). Question is whther he can put the ball in the air accurately and to the right places.
- Said they could use more handoffs to slot guys like Daz and Papi White. Said Dorian Brown is as tough a runner as you'll find. Maleek Irons is a power back.
- Will probably use more true freshmen than they ever have.
- Mentioned they had a lead donor for locker room renovation.

Phillips
- Great surprises around every corner. Beautiful campus, Convo, Ozone, Band, fan support, not a selfish bone in the locker room.
- Canada trip will allow him to have 10 practices and 3 games with team (including freshmen). Ndour will not participate as he'll be playing on the Senegal national team. Will play Stevie and Bean together to see what that looks like.
- Ricardo Johnson is done playing. They are exploring overseas opportunities for him. Applied for Marketing job at North Dakota State.
- May apply to the NCAA for immediate eligibility for Simmons. Plan would still be him for to redshirt but would have the option to play in case of emergency. Will enroll in 2nd summer semester.
- Announced incoming transfer Chandler Thomas (see recruiting forum).
- HS recruits are high GPA guys and play above the rim. May give Taylor a look at PG. Will probably have to rely on freshmen to get PT at wing positions.
- Scheduling has taken a backseat until now. Has very specific scheduling plan for the future. Right now, trying to fill home games. Said Hawaii tourney and Belmont/St. Bonaventure home games would be highlights. Has talked to Wright St. some but not Dayton. Said in the future they'll examine in-state opponent opportunities.
- Bets that they'll play Nebraska in the Hawaii tourney as he used to work for Nebraska coach.
great recap, thanks Ted,
Eagle66
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Posted: 5/30/2014 8:41 AM
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Agreed.  Thanks for the info Ted.  I know it's been said before, but the access Ohio fans have to the head coaches is a great thing.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 5/30/2014 9:16 AM
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Eagle66 wrote:expand_more
Agreed.  Thanks for the info Ted.  I know it's been said before, but the access Ohio fans have to the head coaches is a great thing.


Unfettered access to the coaches has been a hallmark of OU athletics for over 50 years.  Back when the Green and White Club was operating at full speed, the weekly then monthly lunches provided local fans with an opportunity to have an open dialogue with the coaching staff.  The caravans have taken that to a new level by making the coaches available to fans across the state not just hear in Athens.  Glad to hear that there has been a good turnout for these events.  It helps when you have coaches who know how to connect with the fan base.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 5/30/2014 11:29 AM
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Great job on the recap, Ted!
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 5/31/2014 1:28 PM
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Thanks for the re-cap.

It's always surprising to hear our coaches speak highly of our players.  I'm joking.  It does raise my hopes, espec for football in light of recent less than optimal.  I do hope that the best of what the coaches say proves out.



 
OhioStunter
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Posted: 6/2/2014 7:22 PM
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Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
How was it?

Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.

 

Thanks for that good recap Ted. The recruiting point was always curious to me. Ohio has such a great campus, has had a great bowl run, a well-known veteran coach, national TV exposure -- yet when it comes to all-MAC selections, Ohio is typically in the middle of the pack with selections. You'd think we could out-recruit most, if not all, of these MAC teams...

 
colobobcat66
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Posted: 6/2/2014 7:49 PM
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OhioStunter wrote:expand_more
How was it?


Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.


Thanks for that good recap Ted. The recruiting point was always curious to me. Ohio has such a great campus, has had a great bowl run, a well-known veteran coach, national TV exposure -- yet when it comes to all-MAC selections, Ohio is typically in the middle of the pack with selections. You'd think we could out-recruit most, if not all, of these MAC teams...

I surmise that (1)our having a well-known veteran (69 year old) coach may be precisely why some recruits aren't excited about coming here,(2)Athens may not be everyone's cup of tea as discussed elsewhere,(3)the tradition in football doesn't excite some, (4) we may love Peden, but some recruits may see it as an oversized high school stadium,(5) and everyone cites the Nelsonville bypass, but Athens is still pretty isolated compared to some places.
Last Edited: 6/2/2014 7:50:32 PM by colobobcat66
OhioStunter
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Posted: 6/2/2014 8:11 PM
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colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
How was it?


Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.


Thanks for that good recap Ted. The recruiting point was always curious to me. Ohio has such a great campus, has had a great bowl run, a well-known veteran coach, national TV exposure -- yet when it comes to all-MAC selections, Ohio is typically in the middle of the pack with selections. You'd think we could out-recruit most, if not all, of these MAC teams...

I surmise that (1)our having a well-known veteran (69 year old) coach may be precisely why some recruits aren't excited about coming here,(2)Athens may not be everyone's cup of tea as discussed elsewhere,(3)the tradition in football doesn't excite some, (4) we may love Peden, but some recruits may see it as an oversized high school stadium,(5) and everyone cites the Nelsonville bypass, but Athens is still pretty isolated compared to some places.

I don't disagree, but do you really think other MAC schools have an advantage on points 2 through 5?

Sorry to hijack the basketball board here with football talk. 

(Blame Ted for posting both the basketball and football caravan recap here. I'll let an administrator know.)

 
colobobcat66
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Posted: 6/2/2014 8:27 PM
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OhioStunter wrote:expand_more
How was it?


Solich
- Last 2 recruiting classes the best they've had.


Thanks for that good recap Ted. The recruiting point was always curious to me. Ohio has such a great campus, has had a great bowl run, a well-known veteran coach, national TV exposure -- yet when it comes to all-MAC selections, Ohio is typically in the middle of the pack with selections. You'd think we could out-recruit most, if not all, of these MAC teams...

I surmise that (1)our having a well-known veteran (69 year old) coach may be precisely why some recruits aren't excited about coming here,(2)Athens may not be everyone's cup of tea as discussed elsewhere,(3)the tradition in football doesn't excite some, (4) we may love Peden, but some recruits may see it as an oversized high school stadium,(5) and everyone cites the Nelsonville bypass, but Athens is still pretty isolated compared to some places.


I don't disagree, but do you really think other MAC schools have an advantage on points 2 through 5?

Sorry to hijack the basketball board here with football talk.

(Blame Ted for posting both the basketball and football caravan recap here. I'll let an administrator know.)
well we've gone over the Athens town thing before and I would say 3-4 places are way bigger cities than Athens. Ohio is below .500 in football overall, but Toledo, CMU, and Miami are way better and NIU and BG as well. Kent State has some big name players kicking around. I haven't been to all the MAC stadiums, but I'll just say PEDEN is quaint to say the least. It has some real dump elements. Buffalo, Toledo and Akron among others are closer to airports and interstates
I'm not saying that anyone of these things is a fatal flaw based on our recent success, but I'm trying to propose some causes.
Last Edited: 6/2/2014 8:31:40 PM by colobobcat66
bornacatfan
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Posted: 6/3/2014 9:28 AM
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colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
[ well we've gone over the Athens town thing before and I would say 3-4 places are way bigger cities than Athens. Ohio is below .500 in football overall, but Toledo, CMU, and Miami are way better and NIU and BG as well. Kent State has some big name players kicking around. I haven't been to all the MAC stadiums, but I'll just say PEDEN is quaint to say the least. It has some real dump elements. Buffalo, Toledo and Akron among others are closer to airports and interstates
I'm not saying that anyone of these things is a fatal flaw based on our recent success, but I'm trying to propose some causes.
I had he opportunity to attend the BSU caravan in association with an INdianapolis Indians game. Listened to Lembo speak. He is impressive. Balls Stadium has come a long way. Still only  22 K ish and has not been full since your boy Nate from Bellaire OH and Brady left. THe facilites and Weight room are finestkind and the strength coach is off the chain good so promises of development are not empty. THey talk about nutrition and character to their recruits and boosters. Lembo bases his program on redshirting as many kids as he can and ppenly talks about that philosophy of getting them on campus for a year practicing and getting used to life as an athlete while no having the pressure of games and tells the kids they will finish their degree and start their masters before they are done. Talks about 24 year olds who are physically men amongst boys playing their 5th year and how it helps the program. Interesting evening at the ball park courtesy of OUr former Ticket man Roger Jones and Indianapolis Indians intern and former OU hoopster Erin Bailes. Had a great night and a lengthy and interesting 1 on 1 with Coaches WHitford and Lembo and AD Scholl who has 2 brothers with OHIO degrees... I can't speak for other MAC schools but they are making it very easy for recruits to feel like Balls is a destination and their emphasis is on recruiting Indiana HARD in both FB and Hoops. 



. 




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