Mind Numbing

Just some thing to think about:

• When a DOOR is open, people say it is AJAR. But if A JAR is open is it a DOOR?
• If you put HOT SAUCE in the refrigerator, does it get cold?

Sad days...

Last night I read something that was totally shocking to me. It hurt me to the core. I read an article on yahoo.com stating that J. K. Rowling, the author of the infamous Harry Potter series, revealed that Dumbledore, the Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, was indeed a homosexual. That while he was growing up he had a "crush" on the wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Although it must not have been too big of a crush because those of us that have read the last and final book in the series learned that Dumbledore eventually killed Grindelwand in an epic battle. A battle that was almost five years in the making because Dumbledore struggled with his heart and feelings.

Now, in another yahoo.com article, I read that former singer for the "Boy Band" N'Sync also has a book coming out soon where he reveals he is also a homosexual. Indeed these last two days have been sad.

Here is a little picture and caption that Erich Janousky, our Offensive Coordinator wrote to capture to the moment of me purchasing my first Big Gulp Refill at 7-11.

"Birth, Baptism, getting a driver's license, turning 18, turning 21, graduating from college, the first real job, going toe to toe with "the ole' Ball Coach" and all-around (edited) anonymous offensive coordinator for a rival Illini-Badger foe, and now....the first Big Gulp refill. Dan's latest milestone in his life! Just look at that cup on the counter, basking in the glory and revelry of the moment!"

What a great day and moment in my life!

Sorry...

Sorry Cougar faithfuls, I have not been keeping up on the updates. To summarize the last two weeks I believe I can use one word...WOW! We were successful in beating the Highlanders of MacMurray College on October 6, 2007. It did mark the first time on 15 years a Cougar football team had more than two wins. It also was the first time in 15 years that we had defeated the Highlanders.

While we were feeling good about the win, we knew we had a tough week of work ahead of us. It was Homecoming Week, and we were preparing to face our nemesis, Concordia University Wisconsin. My Alma mater. So despite some of the distractions, were were able to finish the week with a good day of practice on Thursday. I think it was sparked by me wearing my old CUW football jersey and clothing all day.

We played the Falcons extremely well for the first 30 minutes of the ball game. The score at the break was 3-0 Falcons. Unfortunately it is a 60 minutes ball game. It what seemed a blink of the eye, we found ourselves down 31-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter and 45-0 at the end of the game.

This week were are getting ready for Aurora University. For those that know about my days playing in the Illini-Badger Football Conference know that the Spartans were once a powerhouse. Going undefeated in conference during my sophomore through senior year at CUW. They are not the same team they once were. While they do some things very well (inside run, which we have a hard time stopping) they also are vulnerable in spots. The Cougar Coaching staff will have their hands full trying to find ways to stop them this week.

GO COUGARS!!!

MacMurray Game Preview

After the demoralizing defeat last week at the hands of the Eureka Red Devils, the Cougars return home to verse the Highlanders of MacMurray. The Highlanders are also coming off a defeat from the previous week which was delivered to them by Concordia University Wisconsin.

The Cougars have made some changes in many positions. Sophomore Mike Marotta will return as the starting QB. He will also have three new receivers to throw passes to. The defense will see five new starters as well. One in the secondary, two at inside linebacker and two at the defensive line. Not only are the coaches looking for a spark from these players, but they are also hoping to motivate the prior starter.

Good luck Cougars!!!

Game Preview

The Cougars travel to Eureka, Illinois on Saturday to play the Red Devils of Eureka College. While in previous years this game may not have drawn too much attention, this year it is different. The Cougars enter the game tied for the best record in the conference at 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference. This game means a lot for the Cougars. When they win it will mark the first time they have had more than 2 wins in a season since 1992. Eureka enters the game with the 2nd longest losing streak in Division III football. Their last win was against the Cougars.

Good Luck Cougars!!!

Cougars vs Eagles

Waking up at 6:00 am on a Saturday...maddening. Starbucks not having the cinnamon bagel I really enjoy...sub-standard. Recruits showing up late for our presentation causing me to miss our pre-game meeting...exasperating. Beating the Eagles of Benedictine...one of the best wins of my young coaching career.

If I have not told you this before, we as coaches and a team absolutely loathe Benedictine University. Not only do we often compete for the same recruits year in and year out, but we often hear that they bad mouth us as coaches and a staff. Plus, this was the first conference game of the season and we are now off to a great start. With upcoming competitions verse Eureka College and MacMurray College, the Cougars have a great opportunity to start 3-0 in conference play.

Congrats to Mike Marotta who got his first collegiate start at Quarterback and led the Cougar offense on 3 scoring drives. One of those drives has been called the best drive many people have seen in a long time from a Concordia football team. Congrats to Justin Peacock who made his first start as a Cougar and had 20 carries for the team. While he did not make any huge runs, he was a defensive coordinator's dream. He was a great ball control runner taking time off the clock. Congrats to the eight freshman that started on defense and the many other players that helped contribute to holding the Eagles to 10 points. Finally, congrats to the entire Cougar Football team. By avoiding the loss the kept the program from going 100 games under .500 in conference play.