2011 Fall Camp: Tackling Circuit

Linfield puts in daily work as a defense on tackling in cultivating good feet, good leverage, good wrap, and good finishing and we're happy to bring you a taste of the 'Cats tackling circuit as I followed a group of LB's and DB's around the curcuit. We all know that tackling is one of the very base fundementals in the game of football. You can have the best defensive scheme in the world headed into a game but if you tackle poorly then you might as well phone in a victory for the other team.

2011 Fall Camp: Coaches Interviews

After the 1st scrimmage wrapped up this past Saturday morning I stuck around and grabbed a few lingering coaches to check in with the progress of their position groups now that doubles are officially wrapped up. 1st off you'll hear from Linebacker coach (and recruiting coordinator) Phil Rombach about his thoughts on the 'Cats 2011 Linebackers, and then we'll talk to receiver coach James Yen about where he feels where the 'Cats pass catchers are headed to and we check in with Linfield's Defensive Coordinator Jackson Vaughn to get a quick overview of the Linfield defense.

Come back tomorrow as we'll take you though Linfield's tackling circuit and we'll have some D-Line pop up sled work on Thursday.

2011 Fall Camp: 1st Scrimmage

Wildcat11 was able to catch the last 45 minutes of the 'Cats 3 hour scrimmage this past Saturday morning at the 'Catdome. It was what I expected to see during the 1st live bullet situation of camp...some really good things and some not good things. Coach Smith summed up his thoughts that while this team has the talent and ability to be very good there's a lot of polishing and improving that needs to happen between now and September 10th. I'm excited to see just how much improvement there is over this week as the 'Cats final team scrimmage takes place Saturday and will be the launching pad into the season.

Keep checking back in this week as we'll have some coaches interviews, 1st week of Division III/NWC pick 'ems, and more clips of practice.

2011 Fall Camp: Skelly Session

The skelly session is a very common drill that you'll find in just about any football camp across the country and the 'Cats are no different as the Linfield defensive backs and offensive backs hook up in this 7-on-7 passing drill during the 1st half of practice throughout the season.

Everybody loves watching skelly but I'm always torn when I have the good fortune of watching practice. The reason is as skelly is rolling along the big fellas are usually getting together for either drive drill or a full line pass rush drill and being a former defensive lineman watching a good old fashion pass rush or massive amounts of collisions are just way too much fun to miss out on. So this one time I forsake my roots to bring you the clip above of the 'Cat Backs tossing the rock around the 'Catdome.

Under the lights with the 'Cats

Wildcat11 made it out to the 'Cats night practice yesterday to check out the progress of this year's team. While there is still much to improve upon and round into the shape, there is no question this group of 'Cats are putting in hard work and preparation for the upcoming season.

Some things that are jumping out at me so far is the smoothness of the defensive backs. Along with the senior vets a number of younger DBs are taking heavy reps and have looked great in not only coverage but getting back to the LOS and making plays on the ball.  I wouldn't want to be crossing the middle of the field if I was an opposing wide receiver.

You're going to love our young linebackers. They are explosive and fast but the issue with being a young LB in Linfield's defensive system is it can be very overwhelming at times and I think that is something this group is working though right now. This is nothing new with young LBs at Linfield and it will be worked out and when they round into form they're going to be a wrecking crew.

I'm still curious to see what develops out of the defensive line. I've been very impressed in what I've seen out of Sophomore Defenisve End Brynnan Hyland and Senior Defensive End Brent Shimabukuro early in camp. Tyler Steele continues to be work horse at defensive tackle and Joell Reyes has shown at times to be a physical presences at the other tackle spot. There have been a few guys on the shelf with dings and nicks but should be back soon and that will be huge in seeing what the d-line will be able to offer as camp progresses.

Over on the other side of the ball I believe the offensive line has an opportunity to be exceptional. The middle three (Guard, Center, Guard) Barnes, Mace, and Wert are looking very sharp and the battle for the tackles spots are rolling along with returning starter Kaston Gleason at one tackle spot and a number of players trying to grab onto the other tackle job. I will say the young offensive linemen look very promising. There is a lot of size and talent with the returning Sophomores and Freshmen that should blend well with the vets. I'm really excited about what this group could do this year.

The WR core is deep. The guy that keeps jumping out at me during team time is Deidre Wiersma. Dre had a very good 2010 but so far has looked to made a jump to the next level early in camp. Senior Buddy Saxon will once again be a weapon for the 'Cats as the 6-6 slot receiver should be able to dominate smaller defensive backs. Once you get past the two returning starters it's a huge battle to crack the rotation between a lot of talented players and potential play makers. Linfield is not hurting at the receiver position.

Over at Running Back Stephen Nasca has come into camp bigger and stronger and has shown some great pop in hitting the hole and should be a very good option along with Aaron Williams and Josh Hill. Another RB that has been showing me something is converted WR Jordy Romick. Romick, a Sophomore, was a quarterback at Grants Pass high school in the spread and has looked very comfortable carrying the rock during fall camp.

Last but not least...Quarterbacks. It's a battle right now between Micky Inns, Josh Yoder, and Logan Krellwitz. No question all three have the ability to make plays with their arms and finding the open man but I'm still waiting for one of them to take control and separate for the pack as the number 1 guy. The good news is that all three of these guys are players so whoever wins the job will have earned it and have lots to weapons to distribute to.

The 'Cats scrimmage this Saturday so more should be revealed on what the finished product is going look like for that huge September 10th game vs California Lutheran. Check back tomorrow and Friday for more camp videos.

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2011 Fall Camp: "Reminders"

Sometimes we all need reminders in life and with football there is no better way to remind players of what needs to be done than with some work in the legs. So with that in mind the 'Cats needed a few reminders at the end of this past Sunday's practice on a couple points of procedure during the 'Cats 2011 fall practices.

What the staff is trying to accomplish is keeping guys off the ground as much as possible during non-scrimmage situations in the name of not accumulating needless injuries and wear and tear. However, sometimes it's hard to fight that instinct to blow someone up and that's when Coach Smith steps in to provide the team some reminders after a long hot practice.

2011 Fall Camp: Offensive Line Sled Work

Wildcat11 at the 'Cats 1/2 pad practice on Sunday taking in the action. Throughout the week I'll be posting up various clips from practice to give you a taste of the 'Cat putting in work. It's a hard working group of 'Cats with a lot of talent. Unproven in areas but talented and I'm looking forward to making a few more practices this week.

Keep checking back daily for new clips.

2011 Fall Camp has offically kicked off

The 2011 Linfield College Football Team met for the 1st time yesterday as incoming 'Cats started checking into their dorms at 9AM and met at the Stadium at 2 PM to start going through all the joys of filling out various forms, checking out equipment, physicals, etc, etc. At 3:30 new parents got together at Ice Auditorium in Melrose Hall for Orientation on what their sons could expect as a newly minted Linfield Wildcats. It's a big day for not only the new 'Cats but for parents too that have either sent their sons off to college or for those that make the trip to help send off their son for the 1st time. It's a big day for many reasons.

Once the players were finished with getting keys, checking out gear, filling out reams of paper, and getting poked, prodded, and some stranger asking you to turn your head and cough (only kidding, I have no idea if the old turn and cough was part of the physical) the organized chaos finally settled down as the 'Cats hosted their annual family dinner at the 'Catdome during the evening.

The Seniors did a great job on the spread on treating everyone to a great tasting roasted pig with all the trimmings. Before the mad dash to the food tables Coach Smith addressed the team and parents on what the program's philosophy and his expectations for year. The group was also addressed by Linfield College President Thomas Hellie. I enjoyed what President Hellie had to say as he discussed how Linfield football has been built on a foundation of character and you gained a sense that our President is both supportive and appreciative of how football program goes about their business. That's not a bad thing at all.

After dinner, the team broke down by position group to get further acquainted and that's when WC11 decided it was time to head home. I believed I missed the Senior skit where they usually poke fun at themselves and the coaching staff. Nobody is immune to taking some shrapnel.

So with Wednesday now in the books the real fun begins as the team tests Thursday morning and then hold their 1st official practice at 7 PM tonight. Be sure to check out the Ben Schorzman's article in the News-Register on the start of Fall Camp and some good quotes from Coach Smith. WC11 is looking forward to following Ben's coverage of the 'Cats this year.

Hayden's Movies Top 5 Football Flicks!!!!

Linfield starting Center, Hayden Mace, breaks down his top 5 all-time football movies

With today being the 1st official day of football camp for YOUR Linfield Wildcats we here at the ADvantage thought it would be fun to kick it off with a always highly debated topic: movies.  And not just any type of movie but movies about the sport we all love and, yes, I'm talking about football movies.

I reached out the Linfield's All-NWC Center, Hayden Mace, about the idea of him putting together his top 5 football movies of all-time.  Hayden is not only a stand out player for the 'Cats but is a huge fan of movies and that passion led Hayden to start his own blog called Hayden's Movies, where he reviews various flicks, post up upcoming new release trailers, and gives you his opinion on if you should plunk down your hard earned cash to go watch new releases like: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

With any list it comes with controversy and debate.  Some are going to agree with Hayden and others will disagree.  Myself, I think Hayden's top 5 is solid but there is one movie on there that I just can't get behind.  Let us know what you think about Hayden's Movies top 5 football flicks.

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Hello, movie fans! I'd like to share with you the Top-5 Football Movies of All-Time! You might be thinking to yourself: "Awesome". But you could also be thinking to yourself: "You're going to put The Blind Side as your #1 football movie, aren't you? It's because it's about an offensive lineman, and you're an offensive lineman." First, great job recognizing the correlation between the main character from the Blind Side, Michael Oher, and myself. And second, yes, you are correct...we are both large individuals. We have more in common: we're extremely talented singers and avid Linfield Wildcat Softball fans! "Catball! Back-to-back," Michael and I often say in unison!

Back on track though, I don't know. Maybe it will be #1 on my list. Maybe it won't be. That's the best part of a Top-5 list, you have to read from #5 to #1 to see what's the best of all-time! Or, I guess you could just scroll to the bottom. I do, however, prefer that you pay tribute to the these great films and our great sport by reading the entire blog. The choice, however, is yours!

I did struggle putting together the perfect algorithm that would put these movies into order for me though. I mean, what really makes a Top-5 football movie? Is it the story? Is it the football action? Is it the ending accomplishment or the overall journey? I put these five movies into my list for their own reasons, and I didn't use some complicated scoring system. I haven't seen every football movie ever made, but I've seen enough to know what my list looks like. Agree to disagree, right? And now, I present to you my Top-5 Football Movies of All-Time:

#5

Brian's Song

Brian's Song is the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, both running backs for the Chicago Bears in the late sixties. At first, the men don't get along, but they soon create a bond that can't be broken. Piccolo is later diagnosed with cancer and that's really when their friendship takes off.

It's a powerful movie that has all of the right ingredients for a great football movie. It tackles racial barriers and is the story of friendship and brotherly love. It takes a focus on the incredible off-field relationship between the two men. This movie is an absolute tearjerker. If you're an athlete, or let alone have a pulse, it'll be extremely hard for you to hold off the waterworks.

Favorite Quote: "I love Brian Piccolo, and I'd like all of you to love him. When you hit your knees to pray tonight, please ask God to love him, too." -Gale Sayers

#4

The Longest Yard (1974)

It's the story of an ex-NFL player who has a little too much to drink and gets a little aggressive with his girl, his car and some police officers. He finds himself in jail, where the warden challenges him to a game between the inmates and the guards. It starts off fast with our former star, Paul, losing control and going on a classic car chase. It ends, as we know, with an epic game between the vicious criminals and the deserving guards.

The '74 version is much better than the Adam Sandler remake; it does what the remake couldn't do. It's strong, "manly" and, bluntly, bad ass at the core. If you haven't seen the original, it's worth renting!

Favorite Quote: "Hey Pop, the time you hit Hazen in the mouth, was it worth 30 years?" - Paul Crewe

#3

Rudy

I've never really appreciated Rudy until the last couple of years. I've always felt like it's kind of an overrated movie, but the last few times I've watched it, I've really enjoyed it. It's the story of a small town kid, who has always been told he's too small, and his incredible journey to make the Notre Dame football team. "Rudy" has to overcome many obstacles in order to reach his goal. He doesn't have a good support system at home and his best friend is killed in an explosion right in front of Rudy, which eventually pushes Rudy to leave town.


Rudy struggles along at a junior college, Holy Cross, before finally being accepted into Notre Dame. He tries out for the team and makes the practice squad, where he busts his ass every practice for two seasons. Eventually, in the last game of the season, Rudy is allowed to dress and actually gets into the game.

"If you had half the heart as Rudy.." pretty much sums up the movie. There are a lot of guys out there who kind of just go through the motions and never reach their full potential. Rudy never had the size, strength or speed to be a great, or even good, football player. What he did have, a large percentage of guys don't have...heart and drive. Oh, and another interesting fact, it was Vince Vaughn's first movie.

Favorite Quote: "You just summed up your entire sorry career here in one sentence! If you had a tenth of the heart of Ruettiger, you'd have made All-American by now! As it is, you just went from third team to the prep team! Get out of here!" - Coach Parseghian

#2

Remember the Titans

Remember the Titans is the amazing true story of a high school football team in the middle of severe racial tension from all around. Coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington, takes over the head coaching job and is responsible for bringing the team together. I saw this movie when I was ten years old, and I swore that it would always be my favorite movie. It has it all: the come-together story, the unforgettable characters, the comedy, and the last play to win it all!


(One of my) Favorite Quote(s): "Fake 23 Blast...with a backside George reverse...like your life depended on it!" - Coach Boone. If only it were that easy, right?!

#1 

Friday Night Lights

In my opinion, it just doesn't get any better than this movie. Friday Night Lights (from hereon FNL) is the story of a Texas high school football team, the Permian Panthers. I hate to say it but Texas high school football is some of the best around. A lot of games in Texas average more than almost every D-II and D-III game in the nation. There's nothing better as a football player than knowing the entire town has shutdown to come watch you play, and that's what happens in the town of Odessa, where the Panthers play.

FNL is the best football movie ever made. It has everything: an intro that sucks you right in (you can hear the radio show while all of the players roll into their first day of camp), an unbelievable season (star player goes down, so the team is forced to come together and pick up the slack after a few losses), and a lights-out, roller coaster finish. The characters are well-developed and believable. "Boobie" Miles is a star on and off the field. He would put guys like T.O. and Ochocinco to shame in the smack-talk category. And who could forget the epic scene at the hamburger joint? And what about Coach Gary Gaines, played by Billy Bob Thornton, and all of his epic speeches to his team. Here's one of my favorites:

"Gentlemen. The hopes and dreams of an entire town are riding on your shoulders. You may never matter more than you do right now. It's time."

The state championship game is one to remember. They're up against all odds playing against heavy favorites, but they're able to stay in the game until the very end. When I saw FNL in theaters with my high school team, I teared up at the end. I mean, are you kidding me? What a heart-wrenching finish! I'll be a man and admit it, the combination of coming so close and failing along with the story of Billingsley and his father...I mean, come on! If you're a ball player and you can put yourself in that position, what an unbelievable moment! FNL is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack!

(One of my) Favorite Quote(s): "Perfection is being able to look your friends in the eye and know you did everything you could not to let them down." - Coach Gaines

Honorable Mention:

The Junction Boys, The Program, North Dallas Forty, Any Given Sunday, The Express, The Replacements and The Waterboy.

Not Even Close:

The Blind Side - Football action was weak, and Sandra Bullock annoys me in this movie. Read the book if you want some football!

-Hayden Mace

Class of 2012

For Movie Reviews, Trailers, and more check out: Hayden's Movies

2011 Alumni vs Junior Varsity game is set

The annual Linfield Alumni vs. Junior Varsity game is now set and ready to go. The 'Cats have been playing alumni/j.v. game since 2005 and it's been a big hit for the program to have former 'Cats squeeze into the Linfield gear one more time to face off vs the young bucks.  It's the past of Linfield football vs. the future and I've yet to see both sides of the not have a great time.

This year's game will be played at 7 P.M. on Saturday, September 24th or just a little over a month away.  If you're interested in playing in the game Coach Brandon Hazenberg has set up a open events page on Facebook where you can let him know that you want to buckle up one more time.  If Facebook isn't your thing then please send Coach an e-mail at brhazenb@linfield.edu

This will be a great Saturday as the 24th will be a double feature as the 'Cats will battle La Verne University at 1 P.M. and then the Alumni/J.V. tilt will be the night cap.  It should be great weather and great times in the Valley so make sure you sign up and make it on out to the 'Catdome.

Facebook: 2011 Linfield Alumni Football Game Sign Up

'Cats report Wednesday and we'll have you covered

Linfield football will be reporting this Wednesday evening for the 'Cats annual family BBQ/dinner to kick off the 2011 fall camp. Wildcat11 is going to be doing his best to make it out to fall ball and bring you back reports and video on the team's progress headed into the season.

With camp starting on Wednesday it was the perfect time to grab a number of 2011 players and work on the 2011 edition of the team scoreboard intro video. Wildcat11 is working feverishly on the piece and I'm hoping it will be two entertaining minutes before kickoff. I was able to grab some still photos from yesterday's shoot to give you a taste of what to look forward to.

Check back with us on Thursday as we'll have a rundown from Wednesday's get together.

Catdome!

'Cats report to camp next week! The 2011 season is near.

YOUR 2011 Linfield College Wildcats will be reporting to camp starting next Wednesday as the 'Cats take the 1st step into their 2011 season. You know Wildcat11 will bring you all the scoops and inside views of the 'Cats that we can muster up.

Are you ready? Send 'Em Up!

ADvantage Mailbag is back!

Welcome back to the ADvantage Mailbag where Wildcat11 is here to answer your questions.  We've run this segment a few times in the past and Wildcat11 thought now would be a good time to answer your questions.  This edition of the mailbag we talk 2011 quarterbacks, defensive ends, an all-decade team for the 2000's (which I agonized over), some Saint Johns University/Linfield trash talk, and we wrap it up with an awesome email from a former 'Cat that played in the 1980's.

Since Linfield is looking for a new QB, would love a breakdown of how you see the competition!

-Kevin in Portland

A great question to kick off the mailbag.  For fans of Linfield football the thought of replacing an All-American quarterback (Boehme) can make you nervous.  Boehme was a special talent that dominated the NWC over the past two seasons.  But have faith my fellow Wildcats.  The quarterback competition this past spring was strong and the ‘Cats are bringing in three very talented freshman signal callers.  The future of the position looks bright but you really want to know who’s going to be lining up in the shotgun come the season opener.  I don’t have any inside juice on this but in my observations around the program is that Micky Inns is going to have the opportunity to establish himself as the ‘Cats signal caller in 2011.  The 6’ 2” Junior from Gresham has been on the playoff roster the past two seasons and has all the tools required to be a very good starting quarterback in the NWC/DIII.  Micky has a strong arm, quick release, and can move outside of the pocket.  The biggest worry I have is his limited playing experience but that’s a concern with any new QB taking their 1st snap under center as a starter.  I’m excited to see him get his shot and I feel he’s going to run with it.

The other two returning quarterbacks that I feel are right in the mix are Sophomores Josh Yoder and Logan Krellwitz.  Both of these young men are talented QB’s with different strengths.  Yoder is big and a physical quarterback standing at 6’ 4” and 205 lbs.  Yoder has a strong arm and is a fast athlete that can take off and run.  Yoder probably still is in need of more seasoning in the spread offense after spending his entire high school career playing in a double wing T.  With Krellwitz, he only stands 5’ 10” and 180 lbs, but he’s a very accurate passer, very familiar with the spread coming out of West Linn, and in watching him during JV games he showed strong leadership ability and a knack for making plays.  I like Logan’s intangibles.

How are the Cats planning on replacing the defensive production of Eric Hedin now that he's graduated?

-Todd in Mill Creek (Wa.)

The last thing I want to do is have put the pressure of what Eric did last season on Sparky Gonzalez and whoever is in the rotation in the other DE position.  I think that’s just putting an unfair burden on those guys if you start telling them they need be approaching mid-teens in sack numbers by the end of the season.  Don’t get me wrong, because Sparky was the 2nd leading sack man in the NWC with 8.5 on the season (which is a very good total) and I’m expecting him to have a monster Senior season.  However, I don’t want him chasing a number. 

I typically don’t talk about my playing days but this is a good spot to explain why I hope the returning DE’s are not thinking too much about that 22 Hedin put up last year.  I played defense end at Linfield (94-98) and during my Junior season (1997) I had a big game against Lewis & Clark where I piled up 5 sacks.  My senior season rolls around and it’s Lewis and Clark week once again.  In my mind, I was going to once again feast on the Pios scrubby offensive line.  Guess what happened?  I sucked.  I was forcing it, pressing, taking bad gambles, trying to chase sacks instead of just doing my responsibility the best I could.   I learned a huge lesson that day.

So that brings me back to our 2011 Defensive Ends.  We don’t need them to be Eric Hedin but what we need is to just let these guys form their own identity and I think we’re all going to be pleasantly surprised in their production and play as the season moves along.

WC11, since you are the official czar of all things Wildcat, how about dazzling us with an all-decade team for the 2000s? 

-Chris in Fredericksburg, TX

First off, calling me a “czar” is funny.  I know Linfield football from 1994 to the present like the back of my hand.  However, there are so many people that have been around the football program longer than myself that know SOOOOO much more about the history of Linfield football.  They know how good the Jim Massey’s and Randy Marshall’s of Linfield football were because they watched them with their own eyes.  There are many qualified folks that you could call the “czar” of Linfield football before me.  However, if you want to call me “czar of Linfield football from 1994-2011” I’ll accept that!

In regards to an all-decade team for the 2000’s…wow…that is a terribly hard question. Honestly, I don’t want to answer that because I know so many of these the guys from the past decade and we’ve had many great players at positions it would be criminal for me to leave some of these guys off this list.  However, this is the mailbag and I have to answer the question because you asked it.  Now remember this is from 2000-2009 so this past season isn’t considered.  There might be a few controversial picks.  For guys that are reading this that may have not made the list…forgive me…I’ll buy you a beer next time I see you.

WC11’s Linfield football All-Decade Team for the 2000’s (2000-2009)

Offense:
QB – Brett Elliott (2004 - 05)
RB – David Russell (2000 - 02)
RB – Thomas Ford (2001 - 04)
WR- Casey Allen (2002 - 05)
WR-George Carter (2001 - 04)
WR-John Nosler (2000)
TE – Luke Buchheit (2000 - 02)
OT – Jared Hinkle (2005 - 08)
OT – Eric Moen (2000 - 02)
OG – Daryl Agpalsa (2000 - 02)
OG – Scott Millenbach (2006 - 09)
Center – Dwight Donaldson (2002 - 05)

Defense:
Corner: Chris Boock (2002 - 05)
Corner: Alex Rix (2000)
Monster: Ray Lions (2000 - 2003)
Rover: Zach Fleming (2001 - 04)
Safety: Brian Mehl (2004 - 2007)
Linebacker: Harrison Bertsch (2001 -2003)
Linebacker: Brandon Olsen (2002 -2005)
Defensive End: Kelley Bertrand (2001 - 2004)
Defensive End: Taylor Summers (2006 -2008)
Defensive Tackle: Ricky Gaspar (2000 - 2002)
Defensive Tackle: Mike Greenberg (2003 -2006)

Specialist:
Kicker: Scott Birkhofer (2005 - 2008)
Punter: James Wilson (2001 -2004)
Punt Returner: Brandon Hazenberg (2002 - 2005)
Kick Returner: Travis Masters (2004 - 2008)

Wow…that was fun and awful at the same time because there are guys that are well deserving of being “all-decade” that I left off the list.  I could go on for pages and pages on why I slotted some guys in and left others off and then talk about each player but I would just make myself insane. 

Need any inside info that I can spill to the idiots I hang with at the Blue Moon, your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated. GO CATS!

-Glen in Mac

Glen, I’m more of a Deluxe guy myself when it comes to a cold adult beverages (Draft PBR) on the side of my burger (best in McMinnville) and fries but I don’t have too much inside information that most folks don’t already know that follow the blog.  How about I tease you with this: the 2012 schedule.  Don’t expect La Verne to be back on the slate.  I’m not spilling any beans on that one as anyone could see that the Leos were just a 2-year deal from the jump.  As for who replaces them and what does that mean about Menlo and CLU?  I have no stinking clue at this point.  I wouldn’t at all be surprised that the La Verne game is NOT filled with another SCIAC team (I’m not expecting Linfield’s phone calls to be returned) but the ‘Cats could be forced to go back to the Mid-West or Texas to find another D3 game.   I’d love it to be a MIAC school but I’m not holding my breath.

We have a few questions via twitter.  If you’re not on twitter then you’re missing out.  Personally, I enjoy twitter much more than Facebook.  Don’t be afraid of Twitter, its 140 charters of great fun and information.  If you sign up or if you already have a Twitter account then come give Catdomealumni.com’s Twitter feed a look.

@catdomealumni dear mr 11 can you look into your crystal ball & tell me in Linfield will ever again beat a MIAC team in the playoffs? 

-From usTDT

Very funny Touchdown Tommy (usTDT).  For those that don’t know this clown “TDT” is a Saint John’s alum and writes for Johnniefootball.com.  One of TDT’s favorite pastimes is taking shots at Linfield football and Wildcat11 since Saint John’s does hold a 3-0 record over Linfield (all playoff games).  SJU escaped with narrow victories over the ‘Cats in 2002 and 2003 and TDT has been quick to remind WC11 of that fact just about every week since. 

Currently, the ‘Cats are 2-3 vs. the MIAC in the playoffs during the past decade.  The losses have been painful (21-14, 2002 to SJU) (31-25, 2003 to SJU) and (24-17 double OT in 2010 to UST) and a sore spot for the Wildcat faithful.  I have no doubt that the ‘Cats and the MIAC are going to do battle once again in our futures and I’m looking forward to the ‘Cats correcting these close falls from years past.   Just don’t expect it to come from SJU as they have been slowly getting removed as the MIAC top power by Bethel and Saint Thomas.  

So after I exchanged a few insults with TDT, a former ‘Cats and I started tweeting about playing out at Saint John’s.

@catdomealumni always wanted to play the Johnnies! Sad I never got to play them at their place 

- From GunnarCederberg

For as much trash talk between the Linfield fans and SJU fans in the past (trust me during the 2002 -03 years there was some hot and heavy smack between these fans) I have to give it up to SJU when it comes to their stadium/facility.  As you know, we’ve recently run a NWC stadium ranking on the Advantage, so I thought Gunnar’s tweet was great timing to give a tip of the cap to SJU when it comes to their facility: “The Natural Bowl”.  I don’t think it gets any better in Division III than it does at Saint John’s when it comes atmosphere, crowd support, and stadium set up.    SJU has led DIII in attendance for the past 10 seasons (8,651 per game in 2010) and fans get access to the whole field.  The Johnnies do it big while still maintaining great intimacy unlike a school like Whitewater who just does it big.  I had the pleasure of being out at SJU in 2003 and while the crowd was only in the 2,000’s it was still a great experience and one that every fan of DIII football should get to go check out once in their life. 

@catdomealumni What is a bearcat exactly? #mailbag

-From TylerKaluza

Great question Tyler as most people think it’s just a made up animal shaped like pear.  (Lifted mostly from Wikipedia) Bearcats are actually a “Binturong”. It’s neither a bear nor a cat but is a four legged fuzzy creature that lives in the forest canopy of rainforests throughout Asia. They have a tail but it’s fully prehensile, which means they use it like a fifth hand. They’re not really big and are the size of a small dog. Their ears are small and round and have beady eyes with coarse and thick black fur.

Bearcats are nocturnal and sleep on branches. It likes to eat fruit but will chow on small animals like a bird or rats (you hear that Whitworth…rats.). They also have a sent or musk that is compared to that of warm popcorn and cornbread (I always wonder why I smelled warm popcorn when watching a game at Willamette).  So there you go Tyler.  Most Linfield fans think a Bearcats is something we stomp on most every year but it’s actually a real animal.

I just wanted to send a quick note to share with you how proud I am to have played football at Linfield.  Your site has kept me in touch and excited about Wildcat football.  As a member of the 86 Championship team I refer to my time at Linfield in everyday life and my experiences during my four years at Linfield are times that I believe have shaped my life.  I often share with people that I received a great education, play and learned the game of football, and met my wife at Linfield and that is the ultimate college experience!

Thanks and keep up the great work!

#1 Aundre Pace (86 National Championship Team), Portland Or.

Wow.  When Aundre sent this into me it made my day.  Linfield football runs so deep in our blood and hearts.  It’s more than just a football team, being a Wildcat is a way of life, and it’s awesome when players from team’s past reaches out and share their love of Linfield football.  The lessons we learned as ‘Cats carry many of us today. 

I do appreciate the kind words about the blog/site.  I’m just a former player that started this in 2006 as a way for ‘Cats no longer in the area to have a way to reconnect.  I love blogging about Linfield football and creating the videos.  In fact, it’s an honor and complete pleasure for me.   I’m not a journalist (obviously), or a coach, or someone trying to do this for a living.  I just want to create a place for us to share our passion for the ‘Catdome.

Now do me a favor.  Print out that note from Aundre and post it up somewhere visible.   Let his words be a reminder on how great it is to be a Linfield Wildcat.