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Adrian Chapter IV: A Legacy of Firsts from the Class of 2011…..
How quickly the first three years have passed for Adrian hockey. Eighteen players have gone every step of the way, enjoying all of the firsts, while contributing and watching their classmates set numerous team, individual, NCAA & MCHA records, the likes of which may never be broken.
When the team first assembled, the freshmen class numbered 25. As the Bulldogs’ record began to attract attention that first year, I recall several posters predicting a large turnover before the 4 years was up, and for various reasons with the one most repeated being… to transfer to schools offering NCAA tournament opportunities. Clearly this group realized something very special was happening and wanted their entire journey to be at Adrian College.
The first two years ended on winning notes, and hopes for an invitation to experience the tournament were dashed by the NCAA selection process. This new program caused quite a stir, becoming an annoyance to many seasoned DIII followers who understood and embraced the flawed system, while winning the respect of as many others in these first highly successful years of existence. Adrian threads were sprouting up like weeds, dominating discussion in the forum. One particular thread was locked after becoming what was possibly the first on the DIII board to reach 1000 posts. If one tried to escape the Adrian discussion and find safe haven in an unrelated thread, all too often the Bulldog talk would invade like a virus, usually resulting in temporary derailment. “Incredible Record” ”Weak Schedule”……”they deserve it” …”others are more deserving” ….” beat the U18’s” ….. “The U18’s played their back-ups” “that game doesn’t count “.”we smoked 2009 Nat’l Champs Neumann”……”it was only Neumann’s third game”…and “that game doesn’t count either” ……echoed incessantly throughout the DIII forum. The graphic illustration of a “Dead Horse”, though humorous, did little to interrupt either position in the debate.
After a great deal of administrative stick handling in year three, the MCHA conference was finally awarded the AQ. As a result, Adrian threads and discussions, along with many of the trolls they attracted, pretty much disappeared in the void. Last minute heroics were required in the conference final, however, and with the victory, the Bulldogs added more firsts to their substantial list. The team accounted very well for themselves, and although they lost in their first tournament appearance to a great St. Norbert program, they won a lot of respect from DIII followers in the process.
This fourth year shapes up to be very exciting, and more challenging than ever. MCHA teams continue to improve, closing the gap in conference play, and several teams are competing very well in NC action. The road to the MCHA title will be much more difficult than previous years. Adrian’s NC schedule will include hosting Wisconsin Eau Claire (first NCHA team to agree to play Adrian), and Hamline (two stinging losses to avenge), at the Thanksgiving Invitational. Geneseo will complete the draw, all but guaranteeing exciting and entertaining hockey for the local supporters and guests. A trip east during the Holiday break to play Manhattanville, and hopefully a New Year’s engagement with 2010 National Champions Norwich, will certainly be looked upon with great anticipation. The schedule has awesome potential and should provide the level of competition needed to prepare this team for the stretch run and post season possibilities.
Good luck to the Class of 2011 and to the Classes that have joined them on their quest for more firsts in this their senior year. Welcome to Chapter IV…. GO BULLDOGS!!
When the team first assembled, the freshmen class numbered 25. As the Bulldogs’ record began to attract attention that first year, I recall several posters predicting a large turnover before the 4 years was up, and for various reasons with the one most repeated being… to transfer to schools offering NCAA tournament opportunities. Clearly this group realized something very special was happening and wanted their entire journey to be at Adrian College.
The first two years ended on winning notes, and hopes for an invitation to experience the tournament were dashed by the NCAA selection process. This new program caused quite a stir, becoming an annoyance to many seasoned DIII followers who understood and embraced the flawed system, while winning the respect of as many others in these first highly successful years of existence. Adrian threads were sprouting up like weeds, dominating discussion in the forum. One particular thread was locked after becoming what was possibly the first on the DIII board to reach 1000 posts. If one tried to escape the Adrian discussion and find safe haven in an unrelated thread, all too often the Bulldog talk would invade like a virus, usually resulting in temporary derailment. “Incredible Record” ”Weak Schedule”……”they deserve it” …”others are more deserving” ….” beat the U18’s” ….. “The U18’s played their back-ups” “that game doesn’t count “.”we smoked 2009 Nat’l Champs Neumann”……”it was only Neumann’s third game”…and “that game doesn’t count either” ……echoed incessantly throughout the DIII forum. The graphic illustration of a “Dead Horse”, though humorous, did little to interrupt either position in the debate.
After a great deal of administrative stick handling in year three, the MCHA conference was finally awarded the AQ. As a result, Adrian threads and discussions, along with many of the trolls they attracted, pretty much disappeared in the void. Last minute heroics were required in the conference final, however, and with the victory, the Bulldogs added more firsts to their substantial list. The team accounted very well for themselves, and although they lost in their first tournament appearance to a great St. Norbert program, they won a lot of respect from DIII followers in the process.
This fourth year shapes up to be very exciting, and more challenging than ever. MCHA teams continue to improve, closing the gap in conference play, and several teams are competing very well in NC action. The road to the MCHA title will be much more difficult than previous years. Adrian’s NC schedule will include hosting Wisconsin Eau Claire (first NCHA team to agree to play Adrian), and Hamline (two stinging losses to avenge), at the Thanksgiving Invitational. Geneseo will complete the draw, all but guaranteeing exciting and entertaining hockey for the local supporters and guests. A trip east during the Holiday break to play Manhattanville, and hopefully a New Year’s engagement with 2010 National Champions Norwich, will certainly be looked upon with great anticipation. The schedule has awesome potential and should provide the level of competition needed to prepare this team for the stretch run and post season possibilities.
Good luck to the Class of 2011 and to the Classes that have joined them on their quest for more firsts in this their senior year. Welcome to Chapter IV…. GO BULLDOGS!!
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