Negros battles Azkals to a draw

Pic : BACOLOD. Negrense Camelo Tacusalme and Azkals� Phil Younghusband battle for ball possession during their tune-up game Monday at the Panaad Stadium. (Contributed Photo)

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

IT WAS the strong sense of Negrense pride which pushed the Negros Selection, led by former national head coach Norman Fegidero, to equalize the match against the Philippine Football Team-Azkals, 4-all, before hundreds of Negrenses watching under the rain at the Panaad
Stadium Monday.

University of St. La Salle skipper Aldrin Dolino scored Negros� first goal in the 35th minute and the second half opening goal at the 61st minute while West Negros University striker Jaime Poderoso made two successive goals in the 83rd and 89th minute of the ball game, allowing the Negrenses to hold their heads up high after the tune-up match.

�The presence of Fil-foreign players influenced the Azkals� dominance in the first half,� admitted Fegidero, a renowned striker who scored against Malaysia during the 1991 Southeast Asian Games where the Philippine team made its way to the semifinals.

He also holds an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) �B� license.


�But in the second half when we expected the locals to come in, then we were able to give them a good match,� he added.


Meanwhile, he also stressed that there are lots of potential players in the province.


However, due to lack of tournaments as well as support, they were not well exposed, unlike in the past years when there were many clubs and lots of competitions being played.


�That�s why Negrenses had previously dominated the national team, with sixty percent of the players coming from the province,� he said.


Moreover, the former national coach said that he told his players, prior to the match, to play their 100 percent and show the Azkals that there are still lots of premiere talented Negrense players here whose talents are untapped.


To prove his point, Fegidero cited that most of the players in the under-23 national team, which the Philippine Football Federation is forming for the upcoming South East Asian Games, are from his squad.


On the other hand, Azklas head coach Hans Michael Weiss said that he is satisfied with the team�s performance in the early part of the match where, after fielding his key players, the Azkals finished the first half on top with a score of 4-1, with no players getting into injury and finishing the game safe. However, he did not comment on his second stingers� performance.


He said that he gave every player a chance but the result speaks for itself. �You must show that you deserve to be on the team,� he explained.


�In the first half, we got the rhythm and played more aggressively. We will be more focused in the coming game on February 9 as other players arrive,� Weiss said.


Phil Younghusband led the Azkals with two goals - the opening goal in the 6th minute and another in the 19th minute. Ricardo Bicete nailed the Azkals� second goal in the 10th minute.


Team captain Aly Borromeo made the first half closing goal in the 43rd minute through a corner kick from Phil Younghusband.


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 01, 2011.

Signing Day: One of the best in sports

WR Malcolm Eugene (8) is signed and enrolled at Temple now.

Phil Knight, the Nike CEO, will tell you National Football Signing Day (that's tomorrow) is his favorite sports day of the year.
He's a big Oregon football fan.
Knight will be glued to his television tomorrow for all-day coverage on ESPNU (9 a.m.-7 p.m) of signing day.
I'll probably pass on the coverage (unless it's on in my gym), but it's one of my favorite sports days, too, right there with opening day of baseball and the first Owl kickoff of the year and, yes, the first Thursday of the NCAA basketball tournament.
(I hear that's Rick Neuheisel's favorite day.)
Signing Day means more to me than Super Bowl Sunday because I have no rooting interest in either team on that day, but signing day I have rooting interest in just one team.
Temple.
Signing Day gets me pretty pumped up because I get to see a good portion of the football talent coming to Temple for the first time.

ESPNU's coverage of signing day starts at 9 a.m.

I'll be the first to tell you I'm not a recruiting expert.
Having covered high school football for 35 years (since I was a 17-year-old kid who found out I couldn't play as well as I wanted to), I know one thing for sure.
I know the kind of player I like.
I like a kid who overachieves. (Give me a 6-1, 200-pound Dick Beck at center, who became captain of a 7-4 Temple team and pancaked everyone in sight over a 6-3, 240-pound guy who only plays when he feels like it.)
I like a kid who is tough.
I like a kid who makes plays. (I'm thinking Adam DiMichele with 38 seconds left in the Buffalo game, who scrambled and bought just enough time to hit Bruce Francis for what should have been the game-winning score.)
I like a kid who is a leader. (I'm thinking center Donny Klein in the 2002 Rutgers game who threw his helmet down and dropped 47 f-bombs in a halftime speech when down, 17-3, saying, "I never f-ing lost to f-ing Rutgers in my f-ing life and I'm not about to start f-ing now ..." All Klein did was clear the way for Tanardo Sharps to gain 215 yards on 43 carries in the mud in a 20-17 win.)
I like a kid who is a gamer.
I'm a hard marker.
There are very few Temple players who have all of those qualities.
In short, I like a kid like Henry Hynoski from the 70s, Dick Beck, Matty Baker and Tim Riordan from (mostly) the 80s, Tanardo Sharps, Donny Klein, Alex Derenthal, Adrian Robinson, and Adam DiMichele from the 00s.
There are more, certainly, that fit the mold and some of them will be joining the Temple Football Family today and tomorrow.
If you get enough of those kids, you can win.
Indications are that Steve Addazio grabbed a few of those kids with this class. This won't be the class we judge Addazio on because in college football today you need more than a month to get organized. There are a couple of names of kids who haven't yet committed, but whose names I'd really like to see on the dotted line tomorrow: Desmond Blue (a safety) and Jared Williams (a running back), both from Florida. Both would fill immediate needs at Temple. The other high school guys might be candidates for redshirts.
What he needs to find, right now, is some gamers and some overachievers because the one thing about this class is that there aren't a whole lot of five-star recruits knocking down Temple's door.
What we don't know, right now, is if he's got enough of those kids.
I like what I see in the film on a lot of these kids, especially quarterbacks Clinton Grainger and Jalen Fitzpatrick, but film can be deceiving.
What is it my friend, Sal, said a couple of years ago at one of Al Golden's signing parties?
"On signing day film, they all look like they should have gone to USC," Sal said.
He's right.
It's a day to get pumped up, but we will have to wait some time down the road to see if they are the kind of players you and I like.

PFF to form youth squads

By Edri K. Aznar

THE months of February and March will be relatively busy for Filipino football.


Aside from the upcoming match between the Azkals and Mongolia in the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City this month, the Philippine Football Federation will be having the team selections for the 13-, 14- and 16-Under national teams late this month and early March.

Cebu Football Association president Richard Montayre, who was appointed as head of the grassroots program and youth development committee, said the elimination tournaments for the age groups will be held late this month and early next month.


�The Visayas tournament will be held at the end of February in San Carlos City while for Luzon and Mindanao, it will be in the first week of March,� Montayre told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Unlike last year, when the elimination tournaments were held just in the Visayas and Mindanao, a Luzon regional tournament has been added this year.

The teams joining the selection tournament will be the elite squads of the different areas of the Philippines.

Montayre said the coaches of each age group will be attending the tournament to select the best players to represent the country�s youth teams.

Premier league

For this year, the PFF will also be working on the premier league, which will be backed by a 10-year, P80-million financial package from Smart.

The Premier League will hold local eliminations for each FA, with the champions moving to the regional , then national level.

�P3.5 million (of the P8 million per year) will be spent for the Premier League. Four million will be spent for the local tournaments (qualifying tournaments). However, we will still be finalizing that,� said Montayre.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 01, 2011.

El Shaddai offers 4.5-hectare lot to host PFF�s P22-million football field

By Mike Limpag

THERE seems to be no end to the bounty the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is getting.

After Smart offered an P80-million, 10-year program to help fund a league, the PFF got another offer, this time, a prime property to house its own pitch.

El Shaddai�s Bro. Mike Velarde has offered a 4.5-hectare property in Para�aque to help build an artificial pitch, which will cost $500,000 (P22 million).

It will be funded by Fifa�s Goal Project.

PFF president Mariano Araneta said yesterday that he and senior and Under 23 team manager Dan Palami, met last Jan. 26 with the El Shaddai leader, who offered the prime lot for the PFF�s use.

�I and Palami met with Brother Mike for an hour last week and he offered us this property where we can construct an artificial pitch subsidized by Fifa Goal Project 4 to the PFF,� Araneta said. �We have seen the property and it is ideal for our requirements. He (Velarde) wanted to formalize the agreement right there and then, but we expect it to be signed within the week.�


Araneta said that Fifa will release the $500,000 once it is inspected and passes the world football body�s specifications.

Among the terms of the deal with Bro. Velarde is a minimum 25-year lease of the area once the artificial pitch is constructed.

He added that the lot, located within one of the subdivisions developed by Velarde�s company, Anvel, is easily accessible and would serve as the permanent training facility of the national football teams.


Palami earlier identified a permanent training venue as one of the needs of the Azkals, who hold their training sessions at the University of Makati.


�Brother Mike also offered an area where the PFF could set up a permament office so that it wouldn�t be far from the pitch,� he said.


He said they would consider the office offer, assuming they can find a buyer for the PFF�s present office building in Pasig City, which cost over P20 million in the lot purchase and construction.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 01, 2011.

Sun Star Cebu

Azkals magazine , First edition out next week

YouTube - Azkals in Bacolod ( Local news ) 1/31/11

Recruiting 2011--Cody Bell

Mark McLeod/gatorcountry.com image

Florida Today reports that UMass has offered to Cody Bell, a 5-8 145 pd K from Cocoa HS in Florida.

Story here.

YouTube highlight video here.

Story about Bell here.

Kicked the winning extra point in the State Championship game.

Also has an offer from Bethune Cookman.

Recruiting 2011--Breshad Perriman II

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Breshad Perriman has accepted an offer from UCF.

I had blogged about Perriman back in December.

Besides UMass, Perriman had interest from FIU, Florida State, Marshall, Miami of Florida and UConn.

Azkals drew Negros Selection XI

Azkals drew Negros Selection XI 4-4 today .

Azkals were leading 4-1 after HT , but fielded the reserves in second half and only drew 4-4.

Ricardo Becite , Phil Younghusband , Own goal , Ian Araneta or Aly Borromeo scored for the Azkals.

Paolo Dolino and Jaime Poderoso scored two goals each for Negros Select team who was coached by former National Coach Norman Fegidero Jr

UFL - Sunday`s results

Results from Sunday`s matches in UFL.

Sunken Garden United FC 1 - 0 Lions FC
Stallions FC 2 - 0 Pasargad FC
Japan FC 2 - 5 Nomads FC
Dolphins FC 0 - 1 Union Internacional Manila

Upcoming matches :

6. February

Union Internacional Manila - Stallions FC
Navy FC - Loyola Agila Futbol Club
Pasargad FC - Dolphins FC
Kaya FC - Union FC
Nomads FC - Sunken Garden United FC
Lions FC - Japan FC

Azkals first test vs Negros selection today

AFTER four days of rigid training in Negros football pitches under German mentor Hans Michael Weiss, the Philippine Football Team Azkals will taste their first test as they clash against the Negros Selection at 4 p.m. today at the Panaad Sports Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Azkals' team captain Aly Borromeo on Sunday admitted that they are expecting a hard game against the local selection which is composed of several former national team standouts. "We expect that they will play hard against us and will try to make a point. We know that players from Negros play very well," Borromeo said.

After arriving last Saturday, Borromeo felt good to get back on training in Bacolod as they look forward to play against Mongolia next week, February 9, for the 2012 AFC-Challenge Cup qualifying round.


Borromeo also lauded the warm hospitality of the local fans in Bacolod, which will serve as an inspiration in the team's determination to win the game.

Meanwhile, James and Phil Younghusband also joined yesterday's practice at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos pitch following their 5:41 a.m. arrival at the New Silay-Bacolod Airport.

On the other hand, Weiss said it's good that Borromeo and the Younghusband brothers had already joined the squad. "We have great expectations from them but we don't want to push them too much, so we need to find other ways to score," he explained.

Weiss also admitted that there are several players in Team B, who performed well and also deserve playing time.

According to team coordinating officer Patrick Ace Bright, two other Fil-foreign players are expected to suit up for the Azkals in next week's match.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, midfielder Ray Anthony J�nsson, Rob Gier and Jason de Jong are expected to arrive on February 6. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 31, 2011.

Adao is Rifa Cup MVP

ATENEO de Davao University's explosive striker Joana Marie Adao was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the recent Rizal Football Association (Rifa) Cup International Football Festival at the Ateneo de Manila in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.


The individual award handed out to Adao as the best performer in the tournament made it a double celebration for Ateneo, which also on the championship in the 12-under category over the Victory Christian International School-Philippine Army.

Adao scored the winning goal for Ateneo with five minutes remaining in the titular showdown that was played under a driving rain and sparked a joyous celebration for the Ateneo squad.

With the win, Ateneo de Davao dethroned Victory Christian International School and avenged the loss it suffered to the same team in last year's edition of the Rifa Cup.

Adao was also named MVP when Ateneo won its 4th straight crown in the 12-under division of the Alaska Cup last year, scoring all four goals in the finals. (CRAM)

Sun Star Davao

Recruiting 2011--Andrew Ortiz

Berecruited.com image

Rivals.com reports Andrew Ortiz, a 5-10 160 pd K from Kings Academy/West Palm Beach FL has verbaled to UMass.

Bio here.

Highlight video here.

Thanks to a reader for catching this.

Recruiting 2011--Anddy Moas

The SunSentinel reports that Anddy Moas, a 6-6 322 pd OL from West Broward, FL has verbaled to the Minutemen.

Article here.

Moas played in the Miami-Dade Vs Broward All-Star game.

Image link here.

Thanks to the reader who alerted me.

YouTube - Mongolian Football

Cebuano Montayre named head of PFF grassroots, youth committee

Cebu Daily News

THE FIRST meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) yesterday at the Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites was declared successful with Glenn Caritativo of the Tarlac Football Association (FA) saying it was the best board meeting he has ever attended.

This was echoed by PFF chairman Mariano �Nono� Araneta (Iloilo FA) and Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who heads the Leyte FA. Araneta said they were able to discuss a lot of programs for the development of Philippine football.

�We can now move forward and look at the future of football in the country and with the entry of sponsors, we now have the resources to implement programs,� said Araneta right after the meeting was adjourned.

Palami, whose appointment as team manager of the Philippine Azkals was finally formalized, said the way the board conducted the meeting yesterday was an indication of where Philippine football is going.

�With the way the board discussed and resolved topics yesterday, Philippine football is in for a good ride. I am confident that football is here to stay,� Palami said.

Although his appointment did not mean that the PFF would compensate him for all the expenses for the Azkals that came out of his pockets, Palami said this does not matter because he is doing it for the love of the sport and the country.

Likewise, Araneta has declined receiving more compensation as chairman of the PFF.

Caritativo said that the PFF should make it known to the whole country that the federation is now under a new leadership with new members of the board, which means new hope for Philippine football.

Juan Luis Carpio, who heads the Naga FA also credited all football associations for removing Jose Mari Martinez, who did not do his job as chairman of the PFF.

The first BOG meeting was attended by all of its 12 members except one, Ramon Manlunas of the Bukidnon FA, as he was attending prior commitments.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

With the new PFF administration, various national tournaments will be undertaken as soon as next month or early March.

National tournaments will be conducted in the Under-16, U19 and U23, which would also be made as selection for the national teams who will be seeing action in Asian Federation Confederation (AFC) tournaments abroad. A �Festival of Football� will also be conducted for the U14 girls and U13 boys.

Most exciting that was approved by the board yesterday is the �club championship,� which is open to all club members under all FAs.

A provincial eliminations will be conducted with the winners representing the province in the regional eliminations and on to the national finals.

Also yesterday, committee heads were appointed by Araneta.

Cebu FA president Richard Montayre was appointed to head the grassroots and youth development committee. Dick Emperado (Negros Oriental FA) was appointed to head the competition committee formerly known as tournament committee; Arturo Pacificador (Laguna FA) for finance; Mike Batiles for referees; Carpio for membership; Caritativo for media/press; Charlie Cojuangco (Negros Occidental FA) for technical and Carlo Rodriguez for women's committee.

/CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

Cebu Daily News

Smart offers P80M

RUNNING�s loss is Philippine football�s huge gain.

Smart sports marketing and special projects head Patrick Gregorio said Smart may not be able to offer the same financial support to running this year as they had last year because the company will increase its funding for Philippine football.

The increase? P80 million.

�This is the commitment of Smart for Philippine football. Our chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, is really excited to support the sport,� Gregorio told Sun.Star Cebu after his presentation of the Smart football program during the Philippine Football Federation Board of Governors Meeting at Sarrosa Hotel yesterday.

The P80-million, 10-year program is geared toward two fronts�support for the national men�s team and the establishment of a Filipino Premier League.

Smart, which is also actively involved in the PBA, Asia�s first professional basketball league, wants to establish a league for locals and has identified four companies who are willing to sponsor teams�Smart, Meralco, Maynilad, Cignal TV-TV5.


Gregorio said whatever those companies will spend for their team is not included in the P80-million package.
�That�s just the minimum, so it can even go higher,� said Gregorio.

After returning from the group phase of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup last December, Pangilinan was the first to offer his support and gave P1 million for the team.

�That was just testing the waters,� Gregorio said. �Pag pumasok ang Smart, we really give our commitment.�
One of the teams could even be based in Cebu.

�We are looking at the possibility of a Smart football team in Cebu for the premier league,� said James Albert S. Bernas, the Wireless Community Solutions Department Head.


The PFF, led by its president Mariano Araneta, and Pangilinan, are expected to announce the deal once everything is finalized in the next few days.


�We just hope that the PFF can fast-track the development of a football pitch,� said Gregorio

Sun Star Cebu

UFL - Fixtures Sunday

Matches in UFL on Sunday :

13:00 Sunken Garden United FC vs Lions FC Alabang Country Club
13:00 Stallions FC vs Pasargad FC Alabang Country Club
15:00 Union FC vs Green Archers Orient Freight Game Postponed
16:30 Japan FC vs Nomads FC Nomads Sports Club, Merville
18:30 Dolphins FC vs Union Internacional Manila Nomads Sports Club, Merville

Football Organizer Told to Respect City Admin

By Edith B. Colmo

It is a laudable move to bring big events to Bacolod City like the upcoming football match between the Phl Azkals and Mongolia on February 9, 2011. However, as of this time, no official communication or coordination so far reached the local officials of the city.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said, he welcomes activities to the city, but he has not received any official communication about the Panaad footbal match here.

Councilor Caesar Distrito is even urging Bacolodnons to support this event. However, it is sad to note that the organizer of this event forgot to coordinate with city officials.

Whatever happens during the event, the image of Bacolod City is at stake.

There are some football enthusiasts from outside Bacolod who called up City Hall regarding the event, but were surprised to know the failure of the organizer to coordinate with the city officials.

Allegedly, the only contact person referred by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), whose contact person can not give full details of the event.

City officials said, what they need from the organizer is respect to the authority of the city, not necessarily the person. Political idiocyncracy must be taken out already, but credence and professionalism should prevail, Distrito stressed.*

Negros Daily Bulletin

Fans trail practicing RP Azkals

BY NIDA BUENAFE

Since they arrived in Negros Occidental on Wednesday for their training in preparation for their game on Feb. 9 against Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippine men�s football team members, the Azkals, have been followed everywhere they go by a crowd, mostly of females, wanting autographs and to take pictures.

It was the same excitement that met them yesterday at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, where the team had their afternoon practice.

With 30 university security personnel deployed to secure the football field, the Azkals had their practice amidst the screaming crowd of students, from grade schoolers to college coeds, who trooped to the pitch to watch the team.

But instead of getting distracted, the Azkals focused on their practice and were able to execute the moves their new German coach, Michael Weiss, gave them.

Weiss said he considers the presence of the crowd more encouraging than disturbing.

�We�re happy to see these boys and girls watching the practice. Very encouraging...but of course some of kind of discipline needs to be observed,� Weiss said.

Moving away from Manila, he said, is very good for the team since they were able to save time and experience less stress from driving for more than an hour to and back from where they practice.

�Here in Bacolod, we get to the venue in less than 15 minutes. This is better, much better,� Weiss, who also had his share of football fans asking for his autograph and having their pictures taken with him, added.

The Azkals� coach also confirmed two friendly games for the team against a selection of players on Monday and Thursday next week.

He said they will probably play the Monday game at the UNO-R pitch and the Thursday match-up at the Panaad Stadium.

Being with the Azkals for only two weeks, Weiss said he finds the players to be very disciplined.

While they still have to develop further their game, he said they have enough time to prepare for the game against Mongolia and he is looking forward to having the Fil-foreigner players joining the team soon.

�We will beat Mongolia. That is a sure thing,� Weiss said.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star

Recruiting 2011--Tyjuan Fray

elitescoutingservices.com image

Rivals.com reports that UMass has offered to Tyjuan Fray, a 6-1 191 pd Safety  from Ocala, FL.

His Rivals page is here.

This article features him.

YouTube highlight video here.

Also holds offers from Duquesne, Eastern Michigan and Wagner.

Saturday--January 29, 2011

Ron Chimelis has an article on the five mid-year transfers to UMass.

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If we are still in the market for big WR's, USC's 6-4 195 pd  Brice Butler is looking to transfer to a FCS school. Butler was All-Everything in HS.

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TSN's Craig Haley says Montana State has been giving Montana hard time in recruiting lately.

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Addazio trying to land last-minute recruits

??

Bruce Arians got a jem in his first recruiting class at TU.

??
When it comes to Temple football recruiting, I'm a lot like the guy who reserves the seat one  row behind the middle exit for the plane trip and trusts that I have a good pilot.
I kind of know where the Owls are going, but I trust the guy in charge to take us there safely.

Bruce Arians' First Recruiting Class included:
Paul Palmer, RB, Potomac (Md.)
Sheldon Morris, RB, Oxon Hills (Md.)
Steve Domonoski, LB, Jerwyn (Pa.).
Mike Swanson, DL, Mount Vernon (N.Y.)
Carl Holmes, OL, Philadelphia LaSalle
Mark Arcidiacono, DL, Philadelphia Father Judge
John Smith, RB, Philadelphia Penn Charter
Don Brown, DB, Pennsbury
Rodney Walker, DT, Philadelphia Cardinal Dougherty
James Thompson, QB, Tallahassee (Fla.) Leon High

For the past five years, all I did was look forward to the trip because Temple had the "Sully Sullenberger" of recruiting pilots in the meticulously organized, persistent and clean-cut Al Golden.
I (mostly) trusted Al because recruiting (except maybe for quarterbacks) was his strong point, he was organized and a good-looking, personable, guy who mothers (they are key in recruiting) welcomed into their homes.
If Al Golden was Sully Sullenberger, then Steve Addazio is Chuck Yeager.
He's not as good-looking (that doesn't mean anything to me, but it might to the Moms out there), but he's just as personable and he was named three-time national pilot, err, recruiter, of the year. So I should have reason to be confident.
Still, I must admit that it's less than a week to go before signing day and the turbulence on this flight appears rockier than usual.
The first recruit Addazio supposedly "locked down" was a Golden recruit, Cedric "The Entertainer" Walker who de-committed and chose Florida International instead.
Another DE recruit is said to be leaning that away.
For the last three years, Temple was routinely winnning the recruiting battles against the Pitts, Rutgers, BC's and Marylands.
I must admit losing two guys to FIU isn't sitting too well.
Maybe Addazio will surprise me and come up with a gem or two.
Geez, I hope so.
Harrisburg quarterback Jalen Fitzpatrick is in this weekend. Daz is also said to be recruiting Bradenton Southeast's Jared Williams, a blue-chip running back with Bernard Pierce size, speed and vision. I would be thrilled to get one or both.
Daz is also working hard to keep the early Golden commits and I hope he does that. I'm thrilled that Camden Catholic playmaking wide receiver Jerry Watters is finally coming to campus as a walk-on.
People say not to expect much from Addazio because he's been here only a month,  but Bruce Arians came up with a solid class in less than a month from the time he was hired away from Alabama in 1983. In Arians' first class was a fullback from Norcross (Ga.), Shelly Poole; an all-state lineman from Mount Vernon (N.Y.) in Mike Swanson; Carl Holmes, a 6-7, 300-pound offensive tackle from LaSalle; Sheldon Morris, a 6-foot, 198-pound back from Oxon Hills, Md., who led was county player of the year and led his team to the state title; Steve Domonoski, a linebacker from Jerwyn, Pa. and, oh yeah, a 5-10, 180-pound running back from Winston Churchill High in Potomac, Md., named Paul Palmer where the bio simply said "rushed for almost 2,000 yards his senior year."
What has been my recruiting mantra on this blog for years?
"The best indicator of future success is past success."
Paul Palmer is the embodiment of that statement. So is current Owen J. Roberts' back Ryan Brumfield, who is an inch taller and five pounds heavier.
If Golden had one Achilles' Heel in recruiting, it was trying to develop running backs and quarterbacks rather than recruit finished products at both positions. The one solid QB he had, Adam DiMichele, was a first-team all-state player and one of the greatest touchdown-producers in WPIAL history.
Bernard Pierce was a great running back recruit, a 2,000-yard back and state champion sprinter at Glen Mills, but where were the 2,000-yard backs and sprinters to back Pierce up?
You are not going to get it done with a 5-5, 150-pound backup.
Arians understood that so, in his first class, he recruited both Sheldon Morris and Paul Palmer.
A few years later, Temple's sports information department put out a comic book promoting Palmer for Heisman.
He finished second.
Arians' first recruiting class was the best of the first-year Temple coaches, but others have found gems, too. Jerry Berndt, who couldn't recruit a lick, got OT Tre Johnson in his first class. Ron Dickerson, who could recruit, got Easton's Juan Gaddy in his first class, along with WR Troy Kersey, QB Henry Burris and LB Al Singleton.
Dickerson, Arians and Berndt were all hired in late Dec., about the same time Daz was, so they had the same handicaps he's facing now.
If Daz can bring me a Paul Palmer (cough, cough, Ryan Brumfield or Jared Williams) in this class, I will do cartwheels.
For now, though, I'm just going to try to enjoy my first time flying with Captain Addazio.
They tell me he's a pretty good pilot.

PH Azkals scrap plans to hold 10-day training in Cebu

Cebu Daily News

THE Philippine Azkals will no longer be having a 10-day training camp here in Cebu City in preparation for the 2nd leg of the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers in March in Mongolia, according to Richard Montayre, president of the Cebu Football Association (CFA).

This was confirmed by Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who met with Montayre yesterday in Bacolod.

�We were informed that the temperature in Mongolia right now is -17 degrees Celsius so we need a training camp that is in high altitude and would simulate that kind of climate,� Palami said.

The team strongly considered holding a 10-day training camp here in preparation for their match in Mongolia and plans would have been finalized once Palami gets to inspect the pitch and accommodation for the national football team.

Palami would have done the inspection this weekend when he comes to Cebu for the first Board of Governors meeting of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for the year and since Mariano �Nono� Araneta took over the reins of the country's football governing body.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss had decided that the team must acclimatized to the Mongolian climate and therefore must train in a place that would have the closes approximate climate as that of Mongolia.

Instead, the Azkals will spend about 10 days in Baguio.

Cebuano fans of the Azkals need not despair as the team would still be visiting Cebu after their stint in Mongolia.

Palami said he committed to Montayre that the Azkals would have its training camp here in preparation for the 2014 World Cup qualifier in June. /CORRESPONDENT

Cebu Daily News

Recruiting 2011--Ronald Baines

Kevin Minnick/Courier Post Online

Rivals.com reports UMass is interested in Ronald Baines, a 6-0 179 pd CB from Vorhees, NJ.

Baines Rivals page is here.

This article features him.

He's mentioned here.

YouTube highlight video here.

Baines holds an offer from East Carolina. Also drawing interest from Florida International, JMU and Maine.

Friday--Jan 28,2011

UPDATE: UMass has an article on the five mid-year transfers for UMass football. Has stats and quotes from Minutemen HC Kevin Morris.

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UMass' HC Kevin Morris will speak at a Football Preview Luncheon at the University of Boston Club in Boston on Feb 3rd, 2011. That's the day after Letter-of-intent day.

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Ron Chimelis comments on UConn's booster trouble.

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Roger Brown has a couple of articles:

• Oregon's Chip Kelley will speak at New England Football Coaches clinic in March.
• New Hampshire adds a verbal from a New Jersey WR/DB.

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Boston College has interviewed Delaware's OC Jim Hofner for the same position at the Heights.

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Azkals in friendly games vs. CPU, Negros Selection

BY NIDA BUENAFE

As part of their preparations for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifying play-off match against Mongolia, the Philippine men�s football team, Azkals, will play two friendly games in Bacolod City.

Although they have yet to finalize everything, team manager Dan Palami said the Azkals are scheduled to play against the Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University squad this weekend and against the local selection when the team is complete.

Celebrated members midfielders James and Philip Younghusbands, Jason de Jong, keeper Neil Etheridge, defenders Robert Gier and Aly Borromeo were not with the team when the group arrived in Bacolod, Wednesday.

Palami said the team is focused on playing their best on February 9 and they are looking forward to having a good training camp in Bacolod City.

�What we want to do is to play and focus on executing accurate passes and good transition from offense to defense,� Palami said, adding that the team needs to play consistently irregardless of whom they are playing against.

The presence of the Fil-foreigners in the team, he said, was a product of a continuous recruitment of players who will strengthen the team.

With the popularity football has been getting lately, he said players have come forward to tryout for the national team.

The victory against Vietnam in the elimination round and its entry in the semifinals against Indonesia during the AFF Suzuki Cup last year proved to be the turning point for the Azkals.

�When we returned from Vietnam, everybody was eager to see the Azkals,� Palami said during the press conference yesterday at the Luxor Hotel.

The players, he said has come to love their name, Azkals, attributing it to the lowly local stray dog�s character of fighting back when intimidated but rising to its potential when taken cared of.

�What we have back in 2006 was a losing Azkal. After Vietnam, there was some sort of transformation and we decided to keep the name and elevate the status of the Azkals,� Palami said.

Visayan Daily Star

AFC U-16 2012 qualifiers extended

Kuala Lumpur: AFC has extended the deadline for entry confirmation and interest to host the AFC U-16 Championship 2012 Qualifiers to 31 January 2011.

In a letter dated 26 January 2011 to member associations Bhutan, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Turkmenistan, AFC informs that it did not receive replies on the above matters by the previous deadline of 24 January 2011.

AFC advises that if it does not receive the member associations� replies by the extended deadline, it considers them as not taking part in the said competition.


afc.com

Recruiting 2011- UMass adds five Spring semester players

Matty V has an article on UMass adding five players to the Spring roster.

Two, I have already blogged about:

• Chase Danska
• Greg Hilliard

Three are new names.

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Kellen Pagel, a 6-2 192 pd QB transfer from Bowling Green. Some info about Pagel here. An article here about Kellen and his father Mike Pagel who started 54 NFL games.

Kellen Pagel/Lisa Dejong/The Plain Dealer

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Chris Burns, 5-11 200 pd RB transfer from Pittsburgh.

Burns Panther's bio here. PrepStar All-American and SuperPrep All-Northeast. Ranked #14 in the nation in HS. Rushed 32-78 1 TD while at Pitt.

Scout.com four star player.

Getty Images

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Ryan Campbell, a 6-0 180 CB transfer from Mississippi.

Campbell's Rebels' bio here. Rated the #50 CB in the nation by ESPN.

Rivals two star player.

Scout.com image

Looks like some nice additions to the team.

Transfer of Paglaum floodlights to Panaad set today

NEGROS Occidental High School (NOHS) Principal Mario Amaca yesterday confirmed that the national office of the Department of Education has already given go signal for the transfer of the floodlights from Paglaum Sports Complex to Panaad Stadium, as part of the upgrading of Panaad's lighting system for the upcoming AFC-Challenge Cup scheduled February 9, 2011.

Amaca said that, after he received the order from DepEd-Negros Occidental Supt. Rizalino Tortosa to oversee the undertaking, he immediately communicated with the Dynamic Builders & Construction Company for the transfer of the lighting equipment.

"We will have this transfer recorded as compliance with the existing rules and regulations on the transfer of government properties," Amaca explained.


In the communication sent to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro stated that DepEd has no objection to the PSC's request for the transfer of all Paglaum's available floodlights, including its accessories, to Panaad Stadium, provided that the existing rules and regulations for the transfer of property are strictly followed.

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella reiterated that PLDT and SMART Communication chairman Manny Pangilinan has signified his intention to assist the province for the possible expansion of the Panaad Stadium in preparation for future international football competitions.

Puentevella said that Pangilinan will talk to Gov. Alfredo Mara�on Jr. and will see what his companies can do, particularly in expanding the stadium's existing structure which can accommodate 20,000 spectators. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)

Sun Star Bacolod

Stadium preps for Azkals game hit snag

MANILA, Philippines � With barely 2 weeks left before the much awaited game between the Philippine Azkals and Mongolia, organizers have yet to finish preparing the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City which will host the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella said they have yet to complete the installation of additional lights in Panaad as requested by the AFC for live television coverage of the night games.

The additional lighting will come from the nearby Paglaum Sports Complex, which is also located in Bacolod City.

He, however, said that organizers were being given a hard time in transferring the lights.

�Sa approval ng pag-gamit ng lights, sana huwag na kaming pahirapan,� said an irritated Puentevella.

He said they were already granted permission by the Department of Education (DepEd), which manages the Paglaum Sports complex.

Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Palami hopes the problem will be solved soon.

�It�s sad for the team, you know, these things like lights and preparation of the pitch will not be ready come game time because at the end of the day it will be Bacolod who will be affected, I think,� he said.

The Azkals will face a younger Mongolia squad on February 9 for a home-and-away qualifying series for the AFC Challenge Cup.

Azkals continue training

The Azkals, meanwhile, continue their training in secret venues to keep away from the fans.

Palami said that their preparations are sometimes hampered by die-hard Azkals fans.

�As long as they maintain the distance from the players, where it becomes obtrusive, then we will have no problem with that because some fans will go to the pitch,� he said.

Local players also had to adjust with their new teammates, mostly Filipino-Europeans, because of their thick English accents.

Ilonggo booter Reymak Palmes said that sometimes, they resort to sign language.

�Dinadala na lang namin sa sign language kung minsan. Ang mas importante, mabuild up ang team at mapabuti pa ang komunikasyon sa isa't isa,� he said. -- With a report from Ragie Arellano, ABS-CBN News Iloilo


ABS CBN News

Chris Greatwich not going to Bacolod

Chris Greatwich confirmed today that he will not play against Mongolia.

Chris who live in USA scored one goal against Singapore and one against Vietnam in AFF Suzuki Cup.

His brother Simon is already in Bacolod.

Azkals can't afford to lose � Palami

By DING MARCELO

MANILA, Philippines � Philippine football�s steps toward respectability will suffer a huge setback should the national football team known as the Azkals lose to Mongolia in their AFC Cup qualifier on February 9 in Bacolod, Dan Palami, the team manager said.

Palami, the guiding force behind football�s remarkable renaissance in the country as its low-key godfather, said it would be shocking to even contemplate a loss at this juncture of football�s buildup.

�I cannot imagine a loss to Mongolia,� he said. �That would almost be disastrous.�

But Palami said only a totally miserable performance by the Azkals would result in a defeat although the Mongolians, like the Filipinos, are also trying to build their game and their confidence and are aiming for an upset victory.

Palami has so much confidence on his boys, now playing under a new coach, that he has decided not to bring three new players from Europe who he has tapped to reinforce the team for the more difficult days ahead.

�We don�t need them at this point,� he said. �We can handle the Mongolians.�

A second match is scheduled in Mongolia in the home and away encounter where the winner will join Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh in the AFC Cup later this year.

The more pressing problem for the Philippine Football Federation is the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, site of the match, which is way behind in the preparations for the match. He said the lights have not yet been installed, though organizers, who were given P6 million by the Philippine Sports Commission to help them set up the stadium and provide logistics for the team, are confident they will be up on game day.

Among those expected to attend is President Noynoy Aquino whose presence would be another testament to the growing stature of football as a sport that Filipinos can excel in if given the right support.

Proof that many Filipinos have embraced the game is that tickets for the match have all been sold out on line when they came up for sale.

Television has also joined the scramble for a piece of the football pie.

After weighing the offers on the table, the PFF chose ABS-CBN to be exclusive broadcaster of the Mongolia series, both here and abroad.

The network giant reportedly offered the best package, promising to broadcast the Bacolod and Mongolia games live on local TV and on its popular Filipino channel abroad.

Manila Bulletin

Recruiting 2011--Iric Harris

Rivals image

UMass added its seventh (that I can confirm) verbal yesterday as Iric Harris committed to the Minutemen.

Harris is a Rivals two star recruit.

I've blogged about Harris twice before.

Welcome to the Minutemen Iric!

Thursday--Jan 27, 2011

UMass finished 23rd in the final CSN Gridiron Power Index for 2010.

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Former UMass assistant coach Bob Shoop (2006) and current William & Mary DC will be joining the staff at Vanderbilt.

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The Big East will not wait for Villanova to make its decision before expanding.

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In other News:

The poop hit the propeller at Iowa as 13 Iowa football players were hospitalized after a off season workout.

This CBS columnist calls for several Iowa football officials to be fired.

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Meanwhile...

The fecal particulate hit the rotary oscillator at UConn.

Quote from the article:"A major benefactor to the University of Connecticut wants the school to return $3 million in donations and remove his family name from its football complex".

Azkals at Bacolod Airport

Members of the Philippine football team, Azkals, were welcomed by Silay City officials led by Vice Mayor Mark Golez at the Bacolod-Silay Airport.*

Pic : Andy Alvarez

Visayan Daily Star

Azkals to Bangladesh ?

Got a reply from Bangladesh FA :

"it is not yet finalized that bangladesh is hosting the tournament. Dates are final."

Philippines will be in same group as Bangladesh , Myanmar and Palestine if they qualify after winning playoffs against Mongolia.

The match dates :


AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers
Group � A fixture

21.03.11: Myanmar vs Philippines/Mongolia
Palestine vs Bangladesh
23.03.11: Philippines/Mongolia vs Palestine
Bangladesh vs Myanmar
25.03.11: Myanmar vs Palestine
Bangladesh vs Philippines/Mongolia

New players in the training pool

By Cedelf P. Tupas, Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines�Just hours after appearing in a Senate inquiry in Manila, the national football team touched down here Wednesday night to begin the final stretch of preparations for the game against Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series.

Among those who joined the first wave of arrivals were seven players who were not included in the provisional 31-man lineup but impressed new coach Hans Michael Weiss during tryouts.

With Weiss still waiting for the arrival of several players based abroad, Filipino-Scottish Mark McMahon, keeper Paolo Pascual, winger Aaron Altiche, striker Yannick Tuazon, Italy-raised Albert Frias and former national players Roxy Dorlas and Ricardo Becite were included in the training pool for the February 9 match.

Majority of the players who arrived here where in a Senate hearing in Manila, where it was revealed that members of the squad, known as the Azkals, have been receiving only P4,000 to P6,000 a month for national duties.

�We just hope that the players themselves are the ones taken care of first because we are the ones who put in all the hard work,� said skipper Aly Borromeo, who did not join the flight on Wednesday night.

�Some of us can�t even attend the camp as well as the other players because we have to attend to our jobs,� added Borromeo, who is set to arrive here in the weekend, along with brothers Phil and James Younghusband.

Four players in the Azkals� starting lineup�Neil Etheridge, Jason de Jong, Rob Gier and Ray Jonnson�are expected on February 6.

Comment :

Also new player 18 y.o filipino-egyptian from USA, Islam Ahmid is joining the team for Bacolod.

Palami assures good show from Azkals

SILAY CITY - The Philippine Azkals, along with the coaching crew led by German coach Hans Michael Weiss, team manager Dan Palami and Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella, finally landed Wednesday night at the New Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City for the team's early preparation for the upcoming AFC-Challenge Cup on February 9, 2011 at the Panaad Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Silay City Vice-Mayor Mark Golez, who led the warm welcomed for the Azkals, said that while the city has yet to establish a grassroots program for football, the arrival of the national team in Silay City will surely hasten the realization of the football program.


From the airport, the Azkals also attended the welcome dinner by Governor Alfredo Mara�on Jr. at Bar 21.


In an interview at the airport, Palami, who has been working with the team for 13 months, assured the Filipino fans of a good show from the Azkals.

"I think that with the preparations I've seen in Manila and the time we will have in Bacolod, I think we will make an exciting game and we will make sure that we will make the Filipinos proud of their Azkals," Palami said.


Despite the delayed arrival of several Fil-foreign players like James and Philip Younghusband, Niel Etheridge, Rob Gier, Ray Johnson and Jason de de Jong, Palami stressed that most of them, including the new recruits, are on the way to Bacolod aboard the last flight for the day to join the team.


While the Younghusbands and defender Aly Borromeo are reportedly set to arrive this weekend, Palami disclosed that the other Fil-foreign booters will be coming over either on February 4 or 5.


"As they are coming on February 4 or 5, they have four days to blend with the team but since they have been playing with the team for some time, it's easier for them to adjust. I just hope they won't suffer jet lag when they come over," Palami said.


However, Palami was confident that these Fil-foreign players will not be affected by jet lag because they have experienced jet lag before it's not hard for them to adjust.


On the other hand, Azkals goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano, one of the two Negrense players in the team, said that since they have worked only for a week with their new coach, lots of adjustments are needed.


"That's the reason why we come early in Bacolod. It is to settle the needed adjustments in the game plan," Sacapano stressed.


Sacapano, along with Reymark Palmes, are both natives of Bago City.


Aside from these Negrense standouts, other Ilonggo players joining the pack are Ian Araneta,Yanti Bersales, Mark Ferrer, Chip Caligdong, Noel Gener, Joven Bermejo and Nestor Magarce.


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 27, 2011.

Baguio Football - Pine Cup football gets underway

THE promotion of football in the summer capital gets another boost as the 2011 edition of Pine Cup is now in the drawing boards.


Tentatively slated from April 14 to 17, eight age group divisions are being planned in the three day, 11 a side tournament being spearheaded by the Baguio United Football Club.


Some 35 teams are expected to see action in the tournament with teams composed of boys 21 and under, boys 17 and under, boys and girls 14 and under, boys 11 and under, mixed 9 and under, and mixed 7 and under.

Also in the competition will be teams from the men's and ladies' open division.

Last year, the tournament also saw a two-day football clinic in the hopes of popularizing the sports and train would be football players in this part of the country.


Teams from as far as Tarlac, Uminggan, Pangasinan State U, Laguna, Manaoag, and Agoo suited up last year for the men's open division and boys 21 under category.

This year, more teams are expected to join the tournament as it hopes to bring in more competitive level of football not only in the city but all over the country as well.


Interested teams who wish to join the tournament may send an e-mail to baguio united@gmail.com for invitation packet. (Roderick Osis)


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on January 27, 2011.

Azkals arrive tonight

THE much-awaited arrival of the most celebrated team in the country Wednesday is set to land at Bacolod-Silay Airport at 6 p.m.


The Philippine Football Team-Azkals led by their German coach Hans Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami along with Ilonggo standouts Ian Araneta,Yanti Bersales, Mark Ferrer, Chip Caligdong, Noel Gener, Joven Bermejo, Nestor Magarce and Eduard Sacapa�o will compose the first batch, the PFF media relations said yesterday.

The Azkals� early arrival is part of their venue familiarization and preparation for the upcoming February 9 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series at the Panaad Stadium.

Meanwhile, key players like the Younghusbands, James and Phil, are most likely to arrive soon as well as goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, defenders Ray Jonnson and Rob Gier and midfielders Jason de Jong and Chris Greatwich, who are expected to arrive on February 5.


On the other hand, national coach Weiss, in a national paper, expressed confidence that he could whip the national squad into a solid attacking unit when the Azkals face Mongolia however allayed concerns that the team�s preparations will be affected by the arrival of several overseas-based players just a few days before the match.


A press conference, meanwhile, is also set after a welcome dinner for the team led by Gov. Alfredo Mara�on will be held at Bar 21 Restaurant.


Negrenses and Bacole�os who are interested to buy tickets for the said games and have their reservations may contact Pauline Javelona of Negros Occidental Football Association Tuesday said that for those may contact 0922-8210466.


Bearers of these tickets will earn their sets at the main grand stand. (JSG)

Sun Star Bacolod

Japanese offer help to Philippine football

PHILIPPINE Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta announced Monday that the Japan Football Association (JFA) is willing to support the PFF�s grassroots football program.
Araneta said the Philippines was advised to follow the same pattern used by the Japanese a long time ago that allowed them to qualify in at least four World Cup events.

�We�re going to follow what the JFA did before. We will use their methodology in terms of grassroots program to help sustain the national team program,� said Araneta.

Araneta also confirmed officials from JFA will arrive on February to help the PFF lay down a blueprint of the program. Besides technical advise, the JFA will also donate football equipments.

For his part, new Azkals German mentor Hans Michael Weiss stressed the importance of developing a national football team, as well as the construction of football stadiums in the country, �How can you put a roof on top of the house if the foundation isn�t strong enough? We must have football venues and a competitive league which we can scout some players,� he said.

Manila Times

Owl FB could use a $3 million contribution

The Robert G. Burton Practice Bubble at Temple University.

I've always wondered why Temple football never had a Robert G. Burton.
You know, the guy who contributed $3 million to UConn football and then asked for his money back when the Huskies did not hire Steve Addazio away from Temple.
Oh, sure there have been great benefactors in the past like Dr. Pete Chodoff who spearheaded the Edberg-Olson Complex and the $500,000 practice field.
Even Bill Cosby reportedly "bought out" Jerry Berndt's contract so the uni could hire Ron Dickerson. (That's like chump change to Cos because Fortune Magazine reported he has $368 million in his bank account. He could donate $61 mil for a new Temple football stadium and still have $307 million left over and I didn't even major in math at Temple.)
Yet there has been no single $3 million contribution to Temple football in my memory.

The Burton Football Complex at UConn

Not even from Cos.
Lord knows no one needs the money more than Temple football, yet Dennis Alter gave his $15 million for the new Fox Business School. A noble cause, yet the Temple football team still has to bus down to the Eagles' practice facility on bad weather days because they have no bubble.
If there was no new Alter School of Business, kids could still walk to school in the old building.
Yet it's the football team that has to board the bus for that dangerous four-mile ride down to NovaCare (not to mention the driving conditions, either).
Heck, I would be a Robert G. Burton for Temple football. The only thing that's keeping me from giving is that I have no money. I would not even demand that Steve Addazio recruit Ryan Brumfield or that Temple fire Steve Addazio and replace him with Bruce Arians after the Super Bowl.
I would just give unconditionally.
I have an idea, Mr. Burton. Turn some negative publicity you've been receiving in New England to some positive press down here.
You have a direct interest in Steve Addazio becoming a big-time success at Temple so you can prove to those UConn bozos that you were right and they were wrong.
So, when UConn gives you the $3 million back, you should forward that check to Temple University for the construction of the Robert G. Burton Practice Bubble.
Think of it as the best investment you ever will make in yourself.

Azkals arriving tonight minus Younghusbands

BY NIDA BUENAFE

The celebrated Philippine national football team is arriving in Bacolod City tonight with new coach Michael Weiss and officials of the Philippine Football Federation.

Silay City Mayor Jose �Oti� Montelibano said the team is expected to arrive 6 p.m. at the Bacolod-Silay Airport and will proceed to Bacolod City for a welcome dinner to be hosted by Gov. Alfredo Mara�on Jr.

Montelibano said they are also planning to host a welcome party for the Azkals but everything will depend on the schedule of the team.


Visayan Daily Star

Wednesday---Jan 26, 2011

The Blog and Mrs Blog join all UMass fans in being grateful that the UMass basketball team is safe on the ground after an emergency landing during their return trip from Charlotte.

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Craig Haley of TSN looks at potential NFL draft picks from the FCS division and their potential replacements.

Also from TSN: Southern Illinois adds four FBS transfers and two JUCO's.

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Former Michigan QB Tate Forcier is still looking for a place to play. He wouldn't fit the UMass offense at QB, but he would make a hellva WR.

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More on Richmond's Martin Parker's good showing at the East-West Shrine game.

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Recruiting 2011--Greg Hilliard II

Enterprisenews.com has an article about Brockton's Greg Hilliard joining the Minutemen.

I had blogged previously about Hilliard back on December 14th.

PFF offered 'home' for football

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO


MANILA, Philippines � The country�s bid to build a national football stadium that meets international standard got a boost after a private entity said it was willing to donate 4.5 hectares of land to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

PFF president Mariano �Nonong� Araneta declined to reveal the identity of the private group, but sources said the head of El Shaddai, Mike Velarde, had broached the idea of donating a parcel of land in Paranaque for the purpose.

Only the finer details are reportedly being ironed out such as if the place will also be used for religious purposes or whether it is exclusive for football.

It was earlier reported that FIFA, the international football federation, was willing to help the PFF build its own stadium if the place will be used exlusively for football for at least 20 years.

Araneta said if the donation of land will push through, it will fast track PFF�s plan to finally have �home� stadium that can host huge international events.

�Maybe in two months, after we meet with them (donors) and seal the deal, we can submit the (site) report to FIFA for approval,� Mariano said.

Araneta said FIFA is willing to give as much as $500,000 (about P21.5 million) to help realized PFF�s dream project.

The PFF had earlier eyed the Philsports Arena in Pasig City as the site for the project but it could not get the Philippine Sports Commission to commit the facility for the exlusive use of football.

Right now, the 15,500-seater Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City stands as the country�s lone venue fit to host international tournaments but on a Southeast Asian level only. Araneta said to host SEA level events, a football stadium must accommodate at least 15,000.

Last December, the Philippines lost its chance to host its �home� game against Indonesia in the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals after AFF officials believed that the Panaad Stadium is not fit for such an event.

The Panaad Stadium, which can accommodate as much as 18,000, served as a satellite venue for the 2005 SEA Games and the Palarong Pambansa

The Panaad Stadium will host the Azkals� AFC Challenge Cup qualifier against a Mongolia on February 9.


Manila Bulletin

Weiss monitors Mongolians buildup

ba Abac Cordero

The Azkals coach is keeping an eye on the Mongolians.

�For the moment, I know they�re training outside of Mongolia,� said Hans Michael Weiss of the team they will soon face in the AFC Challenge Cup in Bacolod City.

The Mongolians, Weiss learned, moved out of the capital of Ulan Bator mainly because the weather is too cold, freezing at minus 20 degrees.

�I was told they�re training in an artificial pitch,� said Weiss during the PSA Forum.

Weiss said he also received information that a couple of Mongolian players are injured, and that there are younger ones coming in for their Feb. 9 match with the Azkals at the Panaad Stadium.

�They are building up. So, maybe we will face a not so experienced team,� he said, adding that the Mongolians, considered as one of the weakest teams in football, will soon move to Guangzhou, China.

�I think they will stay there, train there for a week before coming over to Bacolod. I expect our opponents to be very serious. So we are also serious in preparing for this match,� said the 45-year-old mentor.

At the same time, he has an eye glued on the Azkals.

�I know everybody�s enthusiastic,� he said.

Part of his job is putting up the final lineup for the AFC Challenge. So far he has around 30 players under his wings, each one of them fit and ready to get the job done against the Mongolians.

But there are new faces coming in, new faces as far as he�s concerned, because on Feb. 6, a bunch of Azkals based overseas, including Neil Etheridge, Chris Greatwich, Jason de Jong, Rob Gier and Anton del Rosario, are coming in.

Then there�s a couple more who might make it if they get their passports done in time, European recruits Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Patrick Herget, John Hinrichsen, Oliver Potschke and Stephan Schrock.

�It would been better if we had group together by now. But it�s okay. I don�t worry. The players we have right now are fit, and they will try to transfer the ideas to those coming in. It�s going to be okay,� said Weiss.

�I still have to see the others. Then we will test them and observe.Then I can announce the final lineup one day before the match. The others will have to present themselves,� he said.

The Azkals will fly to Bacolod today to start training at the Panaad Stadium.


philstar

Panaad Stadium expansion mulled

A possible expansion of the Panaad Stadium, in preparation for future international football competitions, is being considered after Manny Pangilinan, chairman of the PLDT and SMART Communications visited the site, Saturday.

Pangilinan said he will see what his companies can do to help expand the stadium with more seats to be added in the existing structure.

With Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo �Richie� Garcia, Pangilinan visited the Stadium to check the venue for the Feb. 9 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers Play-off match between the Philippines and Mongolia.

As one of the benefactors of the Azkals, Pangilinan recently turned over a P1 million check to the team during a courtesy visit at the Smart Communications head office in Makati City.

The team presented to Pangilinan a football signed by the Azkals as a token of appreciation for the Smart-PLDT Chairman�s support for the group.

Pangilinan, who was in Bacolod City over the weekend for the Game One showdown between his Talk �n Text team and San Miguel Beer in their best-of-seven final series in the PBA, said he will come back next month for the Azkals vs. Mongolia game.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday assured those who are coming to Bacolod for the AFC Challenge Cup game that hotels rooms are still available for their accommodations.

The mayor said he talked to one of the hotel owners in the city and was told that their hotels are not yet fully booked, contrary to reports being circulated that all the hotels in Bacolod are full.

The reports, he said were premature and might not be very positive for us since it might discourage others from booking for a trip to Bacolod, Leonardia said.

�Bacolod is ready in terms of accommodation and security. We know it is another event for Bacolod and when there are big events like this one, we are on alert,� Leonardia added.*NAB/CGS

Visayan Daily Star

Panaad game a hit

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO

MANILA, Philippines � Dana Ramos, a first year University of the Philippines student, is a diehard Philippine Azkals fan.

So when she learned that the national team will be playing against Mongolia in an AFC Challenge Cup qualifier on Feb. 9 in Bacolod City, she skipped going to movie houses for nearly a month to save money for airline tickets.

�I will be absent from class for three days. But it�s okay. I will be with my friends to watch the game live,� Ramos, 17, said.

Ramos, who is set to arrive in Bacolod on February 8 and will stay in her classmates� relatives there, is one of the thousands caught in the football mania that is sweeping the country.

Ramos, who spent around P3,000 for the two-way airfare, is actually lucky to have booked a flight early because reports have it that its already difficult to land a flight close to Feb. 9.

She�s also lucky to have a house to stay in because reports have it that hotels near the Panaad Stadium, the venue of the match, are fully booked.

A quick random check in the hotels and Inns around Bacolod confirmed the reports.

�It�s very unusual to have guests as many as these. And most of our guests will be coming in from Manila to watch the (Azkals�) game,� said Sansan Lacson, a desk officer from Check Inn Pension Arcade, which stands beside the Bacolod City Hall in Luzuriaga Street.

Offering one of the cheapest rooms at P500 per night, Check Inn, about a 30-minute drive from the Stadium, has all its 91 rooms reserved within the week of competition.

Manila Bulletin

Recruiting 2011--Gregory Lewis

Miami Herald image

Rivals.com reports that UMass has offered to Gregory Lewis, 6-5 300 pd OL from Hollywood, FL (Chaminade Madonna HS).

Lewis's Rivals page here.

YouTube highlight video here.

Miami Herald write-up on Lewis here.

He also holds offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International and Indiana.

Azkals' coach wary of Mongolia

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA



MANILA, Philippines � Although the Philippine Azkals rank way above Mongolia in the international rankings, German coach Michael Weiss said they are not discounting the Mongolians when they clash in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier on February 9 in Bacolod City.

The Azkals boast of a No. 153 FIFA rankings compared to Mongolia�s 182, but Weiss remains wary of the Mongolians, who according to scouting reports, are planning to train in Guangzhou, China to acclimatize for one week before coming to Bacolod.

�There seems to be a transition in their team. We heard that some players are young and less experienced, while others are injured,� said Weiss at the PSA Forum in Shakey�s UN Avenue.

Weiss, who succeeded British coach Simon McMenemy is not underestimating their rival, adding they could also pull an upset the same way the Filipinos did against the heavily-favored Vietnamese at the AFF Suzuki Cup last December.

Weiss expects Fil-foreign players that include Neil Etheridge, Chris Greatwitch, Jason de Jong and Rob Gier to arrive on February 6.

�It would be better if we have the group complete on an earlier time. Still, I�m trying to squeeze out the best of the team as much as I can,� said Weiss, who has helped in developing the football system in Rwanda before joining the Azkals.

�But with the mix of cultures and the way they are responding as far as training, conditioning and technical aspects are concerned, there is a good possibility of developing a well-balanced team,� he said.

Skipper Ali Borromeo, meanwhile, said the transition to a new coach has brought a new dimension to squad.

�He knows the potential of the team and gives a variety of techniques in our conditioning. We�ve been working and stepping up on our attacking style of approach, while trying to put pressure on our opponent to commit more mistakes,� Borromeo said.

�On paper, we look really strong. Everyone�s in good spirits, but we haven�t been really tested. We�ll see against Mongolia,� he added.

The second tie will be held on March 15 in Mongolia.

Photo by Bob Dungo JR

Manila Bulletin

Azkals acquire 5 more Filipino-Europeans

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Azkals will feature new faces come the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup next month.

Joining the roster are 5 Filipino-Europeans namely Simon Greatwich, younger brother of the Azkals' top scorer Chris Greatwich, William Gueridon, Jason Sabio, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara.

The Fil-Danish players Lucena and Cagara made the cut but will not be able to play this February.

ABS CBN news

Tuesday---Jan 25, 2010

This article features Danver's Pat Santin, who recently passed away. He was a long time presence as an official in the North Shore area.

Santin won letters as a UMass football player in 1940, 1941 and as Captain in 1946.

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The Cape Cod times tells the story of Cody Murray, who is coming back from a devastating injury. He was drawing interest from UMass football prior to the injury.

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Roger Brown reports that UNH has a new defensive coordinator.

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Richmond's Martin Parker was defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine game last Saturday.

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University of North Carolina Charlotte will have football in 2013.

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Heater gives Owl fans the warm and fuzzies

Chuck Heater
Photo courtesy Univ. of Florida

Over the last four days, I expressed a couple of concerns about Steve Addazio's new staff.

One is hiring a grad assistant to coach the offensive line. The other is the possibility of rehiring Matt Rhule has offensive coordinator.

Justin Frye being hired as the new OL coach is bit concerning (I would have liked a proven line coach) and the possibility of Rhule being rehired gives me a major case Agata so I'm going to avoid that today.

Today is for the warm and fuzzies, which is about as good a day as any if you look at the temperature on the right side of this page. It was damn near zero yesterday and is trending upward today.

No name better than to supply the warmth than The (Chuck) Heater, Temple's new defensive coordinator, who is now officially listed in the Temple email directory.

Heater followed Urban Meyer to almost every stop along the Meyer road and Meyer gave him the ultimate compliment when he called Heater "Mother Teresa."

Mother Teresa as in Miracle Worker.


At age 57, (Heater has) served on coaching staffs that have won two SEC titles and two national titles at UF, a national title at Notre Dame, an undefeated season at Utah, a Rose Bowl and Pac 10 title at Washington, a Big Ten title at Ohio State, and an 11-1 record at Colorado.

He's a winner.

As one Georgia fan stated on his blog:

"As a recruiting coordinator for the Gators under Meyer, they built a recruiting machine with few peers. Also under Meyer and Heater, the Gators produced defensive back fields with devastating speed and toughness with kids who were coached well enough to begin contributing their freshmen year. He's a tough as nails coach with high expectations for his kids."

He will have those same high expectations at Temple. I smell shutout vs. Villanova (at least I hope so), a terrific kick-start to a wonderful season. I don't see being Temple DC as a step down for Heater because it will be his first sole DC gig (he shared the DC title with Teryl Austin last year at UF) and it will be at a school that has 16 returning starters from teams that went 9-3 and 8-4. If he creates a miracle at Temple, can 11-1 or 12-0 be out of the question?

I don't think so.

What would make the nation stand up and take notice of Heater, 11-1 at Colorado or 11-1 at Temple? There's plenty of kindling material here to light Heater's fire.

That gives me the warm and fuzzies today, on Jan. 25th, when warm and fuzzies are hard to come by.

Azkals arrive in Bacolod Jan. 26

THE long wait is over for the Negrense football fans to see the Philippine Football team-Azkals in Negros Occidental soil as they are scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon, January 26. This was confirmed yesterday by Philippine Football Federation - Local Organizing Committee Chairman Red Avelino.


Avelino told Sun.Star-Bacolod that the team is tentatively scheduled to meet Gov. Alfredo Mara�on Jr. at the Provincial Capitol upon their arrival and will also hold a press conference thereafter.

The PFF official, however, has yet to disclose Azkals' itinerary for the next following days. "I still have to check the schedules of the team," he said.

Meanwhile, PFF President Mariano Araneta earlier stressed that PFF intends to follow Japan's successful grassroots development program to sustain and improve the country's stature following the remarkable performance of the Azkals.

Araneta further said that they should set the right foundation to ensure a brighter future for the sport and using the method of the Japanese could be a step to the right direction.

Sun Star Bacolod

CFA kicks off program in Catmon

THE Cebu Football Association, led by president Richard Montayre, travelled all the way to the Northern town last Friday to held a coaches� and referees� seminar to help Catmon form its own football club.

Fifteen coaches and three referees joined the two-day seminar.

"They were very enthusiastic and since most of them will be starting from zero, they even wanted us to go back there three times a month to check on how they are doing,� Montayre said.

more : Sun Star Cebu

Football tickets gone before they're printed

By Abac Cordero


Tickets have been sold out even before they are printed.

�There�s a huge demand for tickets,� said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta, referring to the Azkals highly-anticipated match with the Mongolians in Bacolod City.

Araneta must feel like a lotto winner that suddenly he�s been getting a lot of calls from fellow sports officials, relatives, friends and even the friends of his friends regarding tickets for the Feb. 9 match.

�I�ve started turning off my cellular phone,� he said yesterday.

The Panaad Stadium, based on history, can seat only 15,000 fans, but the PFF president said there�s more than that. In fact, he said they�re printing 16,000 tickets starting next week.

And yet, Araneta said they�re all sold out.

�We have 4,000 tickets at P300 each and they�re sold out. Then we have another 2,000 tickets reserved for VIPs and another 10,000 which will be for free � first-come, first-served,� said Araneta.

�Wala na (None left).�

From the town of Barotac alone in Iloilo, the country�s football capital which is just a two-hour ferry ride from Bacolod, Araneta said they expect a deluge of fans for the lone match against Mongolia.

�I�m from Barotac, and they�ve been calling me. And we haven�t even printed the tickets,� he said.

Even the President is coming, unless there�s a sudden change in his schedule.

Assistant team captain Chieffy Caligdong, who�s from Barotac, said if only the Panaad Stadium can house a hundred thousand fans, there�d be no problem filling up the place.

�Buong Barotac manonood (The entire town will watch). Balak ko nga din dalhin ang mga aso�t pusa ko (I plan to bring my pets along),� he said, eliciting laughter from the floor.

It�s not only tickets to the match that have been sold out, but plane tickets to-and-from Bacolod on the eve of the match, the day of the match and the day after.

Hotels in Bacolod have also reported full bookings for the AFC Challenge Cup. It�s like the Masskara Festival, Bacolod�s most popular event, being held in February.

�I can�t wait for this match,� said Azkals star Phil Younghusband.

Everybody�s looking forward to it. With or without a ticket.

philstar