Tigers vs Tigers – CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE

UPDATE 10/20/10 - 2:00 PM CST

I have both a follow-up from Coach Long and from our host at Trinity.

FROM COACH LONG: If a fellow parent wishes to take another player to dinner, you must make arrangements in advance by emailing Coach Wednesday or Thursday BEFORE the team leaves. Coach's email address is: rlong@depauw.edu

HE ALSO REQUESTED AS STRONGLY AS HE CAN THAT HE "NEEDS PARENTS TO BE SUPPORTIVE and ENFORCE THE NO ALCOHOL POLICY."

From Trinity's Administration concerning a designated tailgate area:
"We look forward to your visit and wish you safe travels here. We ask that you tailgate in Lot U next to the Outdoor Pool. I have attached a campus map. As you may know, DePauw will park their bus next to the baseball field and use the outdoor pool locker rooms. This is an ideal location for your fans. There is a grassy area next to the hitting tunnel that you may set up a pop-up tent if you have one.

I have copied TU police department on this note to let them know of your group. They may or may not be able to block a couple of parking spaces for you. This being Alumni Weekend, and inaguration weekend for our new univsersity president, parking will be at a premium, so I advise you to arrive early. Kings Court, between the Bell Center and Football Stadium will close approximately 11:00 am. I advise you to enter campus on the west side off Shook Avenue. From the airport, 281 South, Exit Mulberry St. Left (west) on Mulberry St. Then right on Shook. Then right into campus. You'll run into the football stadium. Follow the street around to Lot U."





>>>>UPDATE: Tuesday evening:
This is the latest I have from Coach. I requested a clarification if parent(s) of player Jones wished to "sign-out" player Smith and take him to dinner, as well. At this point he has not replied.

"Players must return to the hotel with the team. No player can leave the hotel Saturday without THEIR parent(s) being present. Any player going to dinner with their family must return and be in their rooms by midnight. No alcohol can be consumed during the duration of the trip."


Over the past several years, one of the biggest games of the year is the tilt vs the Trinity University Tigers. Perennial conference championship contenders, and 2002 national runner-up, our host are returning home for their Alumni Weekend after being on the road for three consecutive games, and stand 3-3 overall, 1-2 in SCAC play.

There is very little love-lost between the schools. Last year’s win was the first ever in the 11-meetings between the schools. Our last trip to San Antonio 2-years ago was one of the most frustrating games as we thought we were robbed of a W by the same 7-guys who were less than home-friendly this past weekend, if you know what I mean!!!! With our victory in Greencastle in 2009, and Trinity’s struggles this year, I would expect the bad-guy Tigers to come out clawing and present a huge challenge to our good-guy Tigers. With a win we clinch the conference championship and our second consecutive and second ever automatic bid to the NCAA Division III post-season tournament.

I have not yet heard from the Trinity administration concerning a designated tailgate area for our followers. I will post as soon as I have more info. Please plan to join together like normal before the game, if possible, to get voices and attitudes in the correct frame of mind! Since nearly everyone will be flying instead of driving, tailgating operations will be primarily beverages and light snacks starting about 11:30 AM CST unless someone from the Texas/San Antonio area steps up with a better plan.

Much to my chagrin, I will not be there in person to keep Doane and Koors in check; one of my life’s primary responsibilities. Lambert, Marianne, not Tim, it is your responsibility this week!!! You too are used to such challenges. Ms. America and I will be traveling to the DC-area this weekend to care for four of our grandkids. It will still be a football weekend however. I will be watching with interest towards potentially recruiting for DePauw our 8-year old Jack who is in his first year of playing tackle football. A stud in the making I am certain.

Following that titanic battle, we will be heading back to the house to ‘tailgate’ and watch the live stream from Trinity. You can catch the action at http://www.sportsnation360.com/schools/Trinity-University
with the game starting at 2:30 EST. If the link above does not work, log into the blog, select Trinity University on the right SCAC menu bar. That will take you to their athletic website where you can click on Video in their Schedule. You can catch the Trinity feed and listen to the WGRE radio broadcast!!

This is the longest road trip of the year for the team, with an extremely rare 2-night stay in San Antonio. Although not officially confirmed yet, it appears that Coach is allowing players to join parents/family for dinner following the game. As soon as we receive more info from Coach on this as well, we will post. Several families have already begun reserving group tables at a couple of local eateries. Check out the What’s New Chat Box for updated info. I am envious of the thought of missing the opportunity of sucking down a Championship Celebratory Margareta, or two, with you!!!! I can feel the effervescent energy already.

Therefore, we need a rowdy and positive force wherever you are supporting our young warriors on Saturday. Let’s sew up the conference title and the NCAA bid this weekend with a crushing win vs our sinister southern Tiger foes!!!!!

DON’T forget Monon tickets go on sale next Monday, Oct. 25th. No additional news concerning parent allotment yet. I expect more info from Coach this week.

GO TIGERS!!

Roger