-Liz Honegger

These are just a couple of the sound bites I picked up from members of the BGSU women's basketball team on the bus back from East Lansing following the 59-56 win over SEC tourney champion Vanderbilt in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Needless to say, I echo the sentiments of both Liz and Kate, as someone who instantly went from the broadcaster of a 3-time champion, history making Division I basketball team, to an unemployed free agent in just a few ticks of the game clock at the Greensboro Colliseum on Saturday. I could work in this business for the rest of my life, make decent money, and never again call anything as big as the ride the Falcons took me on this season. I shudder to think my career could peak at 22, but if it has, that's fine. Some people wait a lifetime to broadcast events such as these, so I can't complain. It was that huge.

The point is to just enjoy this to the fullest while the exhilarating run of the best team in the history of the Mid-American Conference is still fresh in our minds. The games will go on, but a season or a four year run like this will be tough to duplicate anytime soon. Granted, Ali, Liz, Carin, Megan, Amber, and Julie came within a game of the NCAA tournament their freshman year, and officially arrived as sophomores. But a repeat performance is unlikely, even as highly touted the eight incoming freshman for next year are. It seemed so appropriate that upon our return from Greensboro, the dark dreary Ohio winter we left behind had suddenly vanished, giving way to spring, a fitting end to a dream season and a fresh start for BGSU Basketball.

Going into the NCAA tournament, it was well documented that the only hole on the resume of this team and coaching staff was a March Madness victory. After the first round win over Oklahoma State I bluntly stated on-air that beating the Cowgirls was the equivalent of going to the Final Four, and beating Vanderbilt would be the equivalent of winning a National Championship. For a school in the MAC, a league that is 7-28 in the tourney after BG's run, that had never sent a team to the Sweet 16, I didn't feel it was an overstatement. The feeling we all shared in the Breslin Center last Tuesday evening after the Vandy win leads me to believe I was, for a change, correct. That's not to say the Arizona State game didn't matter, didn't sting to lose it, or suggest that the coaching staff and players didn't work just as hard to try to beat the Sun Devils as they did the Commodores. But honestly after the second round, it was all bonus. Let's face it, as good as this team was, they weren't going to win the National Championship. We knew it would end in a loss eventually, with bitter-sweet tears of joy and some anguish from the seniors, which is exactly what took place.

What I will remember most fondly from this run is not a particular game, but Curt Miller's press conference on Monday following practice a day after defeating Oklahoma State. He spoke of how much he enjoyed just getting at least one more chance to practice with this group of seniors and how he cherished every moment of the Falcons hour or so workout. With Ali and Liz by his side, it was as an emotional press conference that I've seen not involving Dick Vermeil. Right then I realized, it was so much more about guaranteeing yourself at least 40 more minutes with your best friends you've taken on the world with for the last four years, than it was advancing in the NCAA Tournament. Not that the latter wasn't important, as BGSU and tiny Marist College out of Poughkeepsie, New York raced into the Sweet 16 and simultaneously thumbed their noses at a system by the rich, for the rich. Call them Cinderella if you must, but the term "Mid-Major" need not apply.

The 18 point loss to end the season wasn't the prettiest basketball BG has played, but it was still a celebration in appreciation of a group of women who represented their university as well as anyone could. We knew this moment would come, as the throngs of BG fans who drove nine hours and slept many fewer to get to Greensboro shouted "WE ARE….BG!" as the seconds ticked away, completely drowning out the cheers of victory from the much smaller Arizona State contingent. The clock may have struck midnight for Cinderella, but that didn't prevent a fairytale ending on the Coliseum floor.

Once we returned to BG on Saturday night, Curt Miller thanked Brian Scullin and I for our work as we left the bus. Immediately, we both realized we were the ones who should be doling out thanks. The two of us would have been more than happy to get the chance to broadcast Division I basketball for a bad team, let alone a national power. The timing couldn't have been better, and we both are so grateful and fortunate that I don't even think it has sunk in yet that we've just finished calling three games in an NCAA Tournament. All of the folks at Bowling Green Radio Sports are forever in debt to this team and coaching staff, for the privilege to cover a program with so much integrity at such a high level. We all know what kind of talk the next couple of weeks will bring regarding coach's future at the school, and I'm sure all Falcon fans want what's best for Curt and his family, whatever he believes that is. Having said that, I have one thing to say to Penn State, Michigan, Louisville or anyone else...HANDS OFF OUR COACH!

It's always windy in Bowling Green, but seldom are the winds of change blowing through our small, picturesque campus so noticeable. That's just what the springtime brings. In about a month, a whole new crop of proud alums will be faced with much more daunting decisions than whether to go to Junction or Downtown on Friday night. We'll have a new men's basketball coach soon to try to right our struggling program, while football is marred in uncertainty with several new coaches and unproven players. (Not to mention a three game losing streak to the school up north L.) With lagging funds and facilities for a Division I school, perhaps there hasn't been a more trying time for BGSU athletics. But whatever the future holds, we will always have this women's basketball team. All it took was six athletes and four coaches to transform what was a fringe sport with a cult following into the toast of the town. Curt Miller condensed this whole column into one line while being interviewed in the locker room following the loss to Arizona State. "I just hope they realize how special this is, they'll be talking about this team in BG thirty years from now." Judging by the number of restaurant billboards in town that wished the Falcons well throughout their third consecutive MAC Tournament championship and NCAA run, I doubt any members of this team will have to pay for a meal again in Bowling Green for about thirty years.

After an unforgettable three-week interruption to my last semester as a BGSU student, I returned to classes and work full time this week, delighted to share stories and memories of an unforgettable season with friends, classmates, professors, and alums. Everyone seems to have their own unique favorite moments from the past season and four years, and this time of year, wild stories of spring break excursions are always mixed in. As someone who spent all four years as a student following every move of BGSU Basketball during the MAC tournament that week, I've always condescendingly asked what makes partying on the beach more attractive than being in Cleveland. The response is invariably always weather related, and after a long snowy winter I understand. However, the way I've always seen it, is for eight months out of the year, Bowling Green has the best weather on earth. The other four, we're playing basketball.

-Paul Braverman

Braverman just completed his fourth and final year as a broadcaster for WBGU-FM, the flagship home of BGSU Women's Basketball. Contact him at paulmb@bgsu.edu.

Now that we have that out of the way, I can begin my rant. Up front, I am not from Ohio and I am not an Ohio State fan. My love for BG Falcon sports is exceeded by very few things. It certainly doesn't bother me that students at this school cheer for the Buckeyes. After all, it's the team they grew up with and Ohio State has one of, if not the most loyal and extensive fan bases anywhere. Their rabid fan base rivals that of an elite European soccer club, and just as a lover of college sports, I respect that kind of commitment and enthusiasm mightily.

I just wish we had one tenth of that enthusiasm for Falcon sports.

If we did, the athletic department wouldn't be receiving idle threats from the NCAA concerning BGSU falling below the minimum football attendance requirement for a Division 1-A program. How a team that compiled a 43-17 record between 2001 and 2005, went 8-3 against BCS conference teams (including 3-2 against the Big Ten) and won two bowl games in that same span can't draw an average of 15,000 fans per game is mind-boggling.

What does bother me, are when BGSU students, who identify themselves as Falcon sports fans, place a higher premium on Ohio State than their own school, their own livelihood. Again, there is no problem with being an Ohio State fan and a Falcon fan. When you were born you didn't know you were going to BGSU, and if you lived anywhere within this state's border it's likely you were conditioned to be an OSU fan beginning at an early age. But seriously folks, this is your school. You made a conscious choice to attend BGSU because there was something it had that Ohio State didn't, something that made you want to come to this special place. Maybe I am just too rah-rah when it comes to supporting this "Mid-Major" school.. But upon coming to BG I was anticipating more people would embrace the Falcons and all the tradition they stand for. You only have a limited amount of time here, and although there are so many more important things than intercollegiate athletic teams that define a collegiate career, I feel that sports serve as a good metaphor for being proud of your university as a whole.

A degree from this institution means a lot. It distinguishes you amongst your competitors and peers. Students, although you may be die-hard Buckeyes at heart, your affiliation with Ohio State is unofficial. You may define yourself as an OSU fan until death, but the mark of a BGSU education is so much more defining. With each waning credit hour completed, I fear many students on campus aren't fully embracing the short time they have here. Sure, it is only natural to be looking ahead at this point in our lives as we prepare for our budding careers. It's necessary to plan ahead to be successful. However, I consider it a tragedy to pass through this school and not take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy what it has to offer. As I said, with a BGSU education you will most definitely command respect. I'd just like to see more people reciprocate that respect to our athletic programs, because they most definitely deserve it.

It really does sadden me to hear students say they will be rooting for Ohio State to beat Bowling Green this Saturday. The explanation I usually get is "It's more important for Ohio State to win because they compete for National Championships. When Bowling Green loses this game, they can still win the MAC."

Now I fully understand this point of view, and it makes sense. MAC teams have not been put in a position by college football to compete for national championships, and Big Ten teams have. However, you tell those men in orange and brown that winning the MAC is "less important," and observe the fire in their eyes. Every single one of them, ignoring the fact no one outside of ay-ziggy-zoomba.com will pick them to even keep this game close against OSU, will go to bed Friday night thinking a victory is entirely possible. Call them crazy, but that kind of confidence is the real mark of a winner. Ohio State expects to win every game, which is part of what makes them so intimidating. So hey, why not us? Even if you're rooting for the Bucks, bear in mind the Falcons are still playing for you, as they are saddled with the pressure of representing the entire university on that field. Please show them you appreciate that.

I fully realize how unlikely a victory is for the Falcons, and I also realize how likely it is OSU will win in a runaway. But I just can't pick against BG. The kind of commitment a Buckeye has for Ohio State is my attitude ten-fold for the Falcons, if that helps explain where I'm coming from. From what I've observed in three and a half years, the majority of BGSU sports fans do not feel as strongly as I, and I guess I'm venting because I'm a little disappointed.

When I bring up this sensitive issue, the response is invariably the same.

"You don't understand how important Ohio State football is to Ohio because you're not from here."

This is always the ultimate justification for choosing the Buckeyes over BG. And its complete bull. No I'm not from Ohio, but I, like you, had my favorite big name local team where I grew up with a rabid fan base of its own. But when I got to BGSU the allure of the Falcons was just too much. I'm still a huge fan of my original team but the Falcons will be number one from here on out, so if I can do it, so can you. (Believe it or not actual Ohioans have done this too!) And don't tell me that OSU football here is unlike anywhere else. The ego of that statement is absolutely infuriating. Until you've been to USC, Texas, Auburn, or every other site of a Division I-A college football team for that matter, no one has grounds to make that statement. It's another faulty argument I am sick of hearing.

I am not suggesting anyone leave the Buckeyes behind, I know the tradition is important. I am just simply asking our student body to embrace the tradition at Bowling Green with the same passion it exudes for Ohio State.

Die-hard Buckeye fans I'm sure find it laughable that I consider BG-OSU the same type of match-up as Florida-Florida State. But I have just not been conditioned to think OSU playing a non-BCS conference school automatically equals a victory. It's funny, us media types constantly yap about how much the overall quality of the MAC has improved and how much the MAC has closed the gap between it and BCS conference schools. Yet we still constantly write-off MAC teams almost immediately when they play BCS conference programs, and then act completely shocked when one them pulls off an "upset." (See Akron 20, N.C. State 17 on 9/9, or Western Michigan 17, Virginia 10 two weeks later). Maybe it's true, maybe I "just don't understand OSU Football." But as I watch the Falcons and Buckeyes run onto the field at Ohio Stadium Saturday, I won't see the MAC versus the Big Ten, or "David against Goliath," as I'm sure every media type in the Horseshoe will crack out the holiest of all sports clichés. The only thing I will see are the two most consistently successful college football programs in Ohio this decade. Predict a lopsided score if you must, but to me that's a pretty good match-up. It's just necessary.
-----------------
Paul M. Braverman
Assistant Sports Director/Play-by-play Announcer
Bowling Green Radio Sports Organization
88.1 FM WBGU, Bowling Green, Ohio

The Falcon Club, originated in 1964, has served to draw together alums, former letter winners and friends of BGSU to support the needs of the BGSU Athletics Department. The 1400+ current members from all over the country, help to offset the cost to the BGSU Athletic Department, of educating, over 400 student-athletes competing on our 18 sports teams. In 2004, members gave at levels of $100.00 to $10,000 annually and provided nearly $500,000 toward the education costs of 4.4 million dollars. (36% of the athletic department budget) 100% of the money raised by the Falcon Club goes to athletic scholarship costs.

As well as raising the necessary dollars, the Falcon Club also has a social component that brings members together, based around the common denominator of supporting Falcon athletics.

Access to the Falcon Club Pavilion in the south end zone at football, is one of the benefits of membership. Center Ice Club Lounge as well, is open to members between periods at hockey.

Another social event that thanks Falcon Club members for their involvement, is the annual Falcon Club Reception held each February.

Additionally, parking options, invitations to special events and priority ticket purchase are awarded to members of The Falcon Club.

The Falcon Club actively recruits new members to the Club and current members are encouraged to involve themselves in the "Each One, Reach One" recruitment campaign.

Questions that are often asked about the Falcon Club:

I have an interest in helping a specific sport so why should I join the Falcon Club?

When you give to the Falcon Club you are providing support to the scholarship fund for all sports but you may earmark a sport of interest for your scholarship gift. The coach will be notified of your gift to the scholarship needs of that specific sport.

Additionally, by helping to increase the educational dollars needed it allows the athletic department to be able to channel more dollars to enhance operating budgets.

Why should I support annual athletic scholarship? Doesn't the University take care of providing that?

The Athletic Department is obligated to pay to the University the educational expenses (room, board, tuition and books) for the student-athletes who are receiving aid. Last year, the department costs were 4.4 million dollars. First and foremost in our minds, is the education of our Falcon student-athletes. Our Falcons are bringing national prominence to BGSU through their success in the classroom and on the playing fields. By supporting the education of these leaders of tomorrow, you are in fact helping to bring visibility to the University.

If I support a special project, such as the Sebo Athletic Center or the team fundraisers, can I receive Falcon Club credit?

Certainly both annual giving and the special projects are dependent on the generosity of those who care about the Falcons. With that being said though, the annual scholarship needs are ongoing, and need to be sustained, even with special project fund raising. One takes care of the present needs, while the additional giving situates the programs for the future. It should not be an either or. Rather we must continue to take care of educational expenses by growing the annual giving while still securing the additional gifts that make the special projects a reality. In that vein, they are separate areas that require funding.

How does one get to have access to the Falcon Club Pavilion on the end zone?

Join at any level and you will be given a membership card to join other members in game day socializing and other Falcon Club events.

Do my spouse and I each need to join?

No spouses are included as members and will receive a membership card.

I have recently graduated and do not feel I can afford $100.00 entry level membership?

This year we have added a new category, "young alumni" for those within five years of graduation. For half price of a minimum level or $50.00, one can become a member and have full benefits of active membership.

I live a distance away and cannot get to games, why should I join?

Your gift shows your support from afar for our Falcons. You will receive weekly electronic updates and will be kept "in the know" on athletic happenings. You will know that you are investing in the scholar athletes of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Your gift, also constitutes alumni credit giving and allows one to say with pride "I am a supporting Falcon"

How do I find out more?

Check out the Falcon Club website at
http://bgsufalcons.collegesports.com/boosters/falcon-club-index.html
Email me, or just call 419-372-7062

Jane B. Myers
Assistant Athletic Director for Development/
Director of the Falcon Club

We welcome your consideration of membership!

Wednesday was the first day that high school basketball players could sign a national letter of intent with the team of their choosing. Did BGSU come away with the most highly sought after national prospects? No, but if we had, a lot of coaches around the country would be answering a swarm of questions right now. However, we did do very well and if you need something to jump-start your excitement for the upcoming season, keep reading.

According to several pay recruiting websites, Coaches Dakich, Pepelea, Stone and Richter have put together one of the best classes in the Mid-American Conference. Overall, out of 300+ Division I ballclubs nationally, the 2005 Falcon recruiting class chimes in in the top 20 percent!

I got a chance to speak with the newest members of the Falcon family Wednesday and I can honestly say it was extremely enjoyable. At first I was apprehensive to bother the players on the first night they were available, but after talking to Lionel Sullivan, I became anxious to dial-up the remaining three. All four kids were very receptive to questions and very personable with their general attitude and responses.

I asked each player their reasons for choosing Bowling Green and here are the responses I received...

Jeremy Holland...
"I think I really fit well into the system and I really want to play for Coach Dakich, I think he can make me a better player."

Lionel Sullivan...
"Bowling Green has a great environment, plus the students are great. Basically just the people around Bowling Green are great. Also, the players are really fun to play with and I think BG has a great coach that can take me to the next level. Good teammates, good guys to hang around with and I think it is a great place to keep me out of trouble."

Nick Wilson...
"I really like Coach Dakich and the way he coaches. He has a background playing for and coaching with Bobby Knight at Indiana. And the players...they have decent talent already, it isn't like a team where they are just starting to build, there is one in place already. And I like the arena where the fans are allowed right down on the floor."

Erik Marschall...
"It was a decision on how hard the coaches get the players to work. And just the excitement I felt with the players and just a good relationship I had with the coaches. The attitude of the coaches and how a lot is about basketball. And basically how they have a one-on-one relationship with the players that was really important. They care about you. You sign and you feel just like family."

Keith has continued that hard-work ethic since leaving BG. He's fought for spots on NBA teams, European league teams, has played in summer leagues and basically anywhere he could, giving himself the chance to get better and the chance to prove himself all over again.

Last year, Keith played 30+ games with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he played with seasoned veterans such as Kevin Garnett and Sam Cassell, he caught the eye of several NBA talent watchers and, while he couldn't land a permanent spot on that roster because of the way the NBA does business, he's ready to start this season with a partially guaranteed contract with the Utah Jazz!

Keith was gracious enough to grant Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com's Andrew Hemminger an exclusive phone interview!! We hope to be able to follow Keith's season this year and as he works his way up the NBA ladder and hopefully provide a few more interviews and other surprises as the season progresses!

Thanks go to Keith, to his agent, Mark Termini, and Keith's long-time friend and coach, Brian Worstell for their help in setting this interview up. Special thanks go to Andrew who did a fantastic job!! He told me, "me interviewing Keith McLeod is like most people interviewing MJ, or Magic, or Bird..."

Here's the conversation...Keith's last comment really sums up what he's all about, and what being a Falcon is all about!!

AZZ.COM - DESCRIBE YOUR TIME AT BOWLING GREEN.
KM - It was great to me...I came in, it started out rough, stuck it out...I butted heads with Coach Dak (Dakich) a little bit, but as I got older and understood what he was trying to tell me and teach me, it went a lot better.

AZZ.COM - YOU'RE CURRENTLY 18 HOURS SHORT OF EARNING YOUR DEGREE, DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS OF RETURNING?
KM - I want to! That is something I've been wanting to do, but far as playing now, I'm playing a lot in the summer, I think once I get settled in on a team, it will be a lot easier, I'll have more time.

AZZ.COM - YOURSELF AND ANTONIO DANIELS ARE PROBABLY THE TWO BEST GUARDS IN BG HISTORY, IF NOT THE BEST OVERALL, 1 on 1 WHO WINS THAT MATCH-UP?
KM - (laughter) I don't know. I can't really say, Antonio has a lot of experience, I don't know...

AZZ.COM - YOU WORE NUMBER "4" WITH MINNESOTA, YOU HAVE "25" NOW, ANY MEANING BEHIND THAT?
KM - No reason, that is just the number that I was given ...If no one on the team has 4, hopefully I can get that one back.

AZZ.COM - AT BOWLING GREEN YOU WORE 20, ANY MEANING THERE?
KM - That is what I wore in HS. (Canton-McKinley)

AZZ.COM - WHAT PLAYERS AND COACHES DO YOU KEEP IN CONTACT WITH FROM BOWLING GREEN?
KM - I talked to Brandon Pardon a week ago. Cowboy,(Brent Klassen) I talk to Cowboy on a regular basis, he leaves me crazy voice mails. I talk to Coach Dak (Dakich), talk to Cory Ryan a lot...

AZZ.COM - WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN BOWLING GREEN?
KM - You know what, since I've left and been back, I ate a Jed's...(chicken wings)

AZZ.COM - I READ AN ARTICLE THAT WHILE YOU WERE WITH GARY YOU WERE TRYING TO HIT 100 THREES AND FINALLY MISSED AT 97, IS THAT TRUE BECAUSE THAT IS A CRAZY NUMBER?
KM - Not 100, not all back-to-back...

AZZ.COM - LAST YEAR YOU SPENT 33 GAMES WITH MINNESOTA, THEN PLAYED IN THE CBA (Continental Basketball Association) WITH THE GARY STEELHEADS AND THEN FINALLY IN ROME. HOW TOUGH WAS IT NOT KNOWING WHERE YOU WERE GOING TO BE FROM ONE MONTH TO THE NEXT, AND DO YOU THINK IT AFFECTED YOUR PERFORMANCE AT ALL?
KM - Last year I think I played under pressure a little bit, kind of like I had something to prove, and then going to Gary and Rome. This year I'm a little more at ease. (Keith has a partially guaranteed contract this season for 250,000 dollars and 750,000 dollars should he remain throughout the season)

AZZ.COM - YOU HAVE SPENT PARTS OF TWO SEASONS OVERSEAS, HOW IS THE GAME DIFFERENT OVER THERE?
KM - The (international) rules.

AZZ.COM - YOU NEEDED TO MAKE THE SWITCH FROM THE 2-GUARD TO THE POINT, HOW HARD HAS THAT BEEN FOR YOU?
KM - It hasn't really been that hard for me...Just refining some of the things I already knew and trying to get better at knowing the game more than just playing it now.

AZZ.COM - YOU GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WITH SAM (CASSELL) AND KG (KEVIN GARNETT), WHAT DID THE LEARN FROM YOUR TIME WITH THEM?
KM - Talking to Kevin, You just always listen. Even though I felt under pressure sometimes, they always kept me feeling comfortable.

AZZ.COM - PEOPLE RESPECT YOUR TALENT, BUT I THINK EVEN MORE SO HOW HARD YOU WORK. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS ON A DAILY BASIS TO TRY TO IMPROVE?
KM - I need to get my shots ...I don't like settling for anything, I always feel like I can get better. So, I guess that is my motivation right there.

AZZ.COM - DURING THE SUMMER, YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHERE FOR SURE YOU WOULD BE TO START THE YEAR, HAS IT BEEN TOUGH FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE AND HAVE YOU EVEN HAD TIME TO UNPACK?
KM - I've been living out of my bags for awhile now. There are places around here, it you need some help they can, but it isn't a problem at all.

AZZ.COM - HAVE YOU MADE ANY PURCHASE WORTH NOTING?
KM - No, no, no, I'm not real flashy....

AZZ.COM - WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DAY-TO-DAY PERKS THAT COME ALONG WITH BEING IN THE LEAGUE AND IS IT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DREAMED OF?
KM - It is just a blessing to be in the league because not everybody gets to do what they want to do. I'm just thankful for and appreciate everything that I get!

How many people here know the history of this storied program?

How many people here know that this program has produced 1 NCAA championship, 2 Hobey Baker Memorial Award recipients (for football fans this is akin to the Heisman Trophy), 15 First Team All-Americans, 3 Second Team All-Americans, 4 First Team Academic All-Americans, 2 Second Team Academic All-Americans, 4 Third Team Academic All-Americans (D'Arcy McConvey was named to this team twice), and 9 hockey Olympians winning 2 gold and 2 silver medals?

How many people here know that BG has produced no less than 30 players who have or are still playing in the NHL, with several of those players having their names etched on the prestigious Stanley Cup? (Rob Blake sound familiar?)

All of this, and yet the program has fallen into relative obscurity, even in its own home town. There are still those of us around who have seen all of the highs and lows that this team has experienced over the years and refuse to abandon them. However, the point of this essay is not to reveal to you the reasons for the fall of this program for there are many hypothesis and opinions on this matter. No, I'm writing this to show you why I believe that Scott Paluch and his coaching staff are on the verge of turning this program around and returning it to the glory years of the 80's.

Scott Paluch became the head coach of the Bowling Green State University hockey team in 2002 after spending time as an assistant coach under Jerry York for 10 years (2 of those at BG, and 8 at Boston College). He is the first coach in the history of the program to return to his Alma Mater as the head coach. He played for Bowling Green, earning First Team All-American honors his senior year (1987-88), during the glory years of the program. He knows how to win. As an assistant coach at Boston College he helped coach his team to 4 consecutive Frozen Four appearances, winning the NCAA championship in 2001.

Since his arrival at BG there has been a distinct change in the attitude of the team. While the statistics didn't show it in the first year, the intensity on the ice did. The team just did not quit... a characteristic that had been missing of late. The team had lost a ton of scoring prowess to graduation the prior year and just did not have the guns to put the puck in the net. What did happen is that as the year progressed the team got stronger. Early in the season the team was all over the place with scores ranging from losing 3-2 to as much as 10-1... inconsistency was the key issue here. BG went 3-12-1 in the first half with the biggest highlights being a win against Michigan State and a tie against #6 Michigan (which proved that we could play with the big boys). By the second half of the season the scores were much tighter starting off with a tie and loss to Alaska-Fairbanks. But then something huge happened, we swept Northern Michigan... something we hadn't seen in, what seemed like, ages. The team was starting to gel and buy into Coach Paluch's scheme. We ended the second half of the season with a 5-11-2 record, but where we were losing to Ferris State 10-1 at the beginning of the season, we lost to them by scores of just 4-2, and 4-3 in the second half when they were ranked #5 nationally. This was a huge improvement in the minds of those who knew and cared.

Last year was the first year that Coach Paluch brought in his own recruits, and, in my mind, these were some of the best recruits BG has seen in a long time. Among them was Jordan Sigalet's younger brother Jonathan, an offensive minded defenseman, and James Unger, a scrappy playmaker who knows how to score. These 2 along with freshman Rich Meloche had an immediate impact on the team. Sigalet finished 7th in on the team scoring (a freshman defenseman!), Meloche was 8th, and Unger was 9th. (Sigalet was eligible to enter the draft this year, but declined, feeling that he needed to get bigger and stronger. This means that he will probably go higher in the draft when he finally enters it. Rest assured, he will be drafted!) What was the result last year? BG finished 11-18-9. We only had 3 more wins than the prior year, however we had 5 fewer losses. 9 ties!!! We played in 11 overtime games last year and finished 1-1-9!!! We only lost one of those. In years past when a game went into overtime we all dreaded it because our overtime history had been less than stellar. That was the attitude on the ice and in the stands... but not last year. We KNEW that the odds were with us that we would escape with at least one point. Another key statistic from last year: in the second half of the season we went 7-8-3 overall and 7-6-3 in league play. That is the first time in a long time that we came out with a winning record in league play. In fact, we had the fourth best record in the conference in the second half! Now, for the final statistic: We lost 7 games by 1 goal (6 of those in league play). How close were we to home ice in the playoffs last year, let alone finishing with a winning season? Turn those one goal losses and ties into wins and we end up 21-7 in league play and 27-9 overall. This really isn't a stretch... 1 goal games can change on a dime and many of them did last year. That's where all of the ties came from. (Also consider that we allowed 4 empty net goals last year meaning that those 4 games were one goal games where we pulled the goalie in favor of an extra attacker. Those could have gone either way also, but I chose not to include them.) We were that close. Frustrating? Yep! Encouraging? Even more so!

So, what can we expect this season? Many in the league are already writing us off because we lost our top 3 scorers to graduation. But, guess what? We have more scoring coming in then we are losing. Scott Paluch, Ron Fogarty, and Kevin Patrick have done an incredible job of recruiting for this season! Inside College Hockey magazine has ranked our incoming class 14th in the nation overall!!! This is incredible, people! How are they doing it? A $700,000 addition to the ice arena, spearheaded by former coach Buddy Powers, has helped immensely with recruiting. This, coupled with the fact that our current coaches are simply working harder and showing these kids that we want them more than the other schools. Case in point: John Mazzei (this kid is going to be good!). Mazzei needed to meet certain requirements to become eligible to play college hockey. Other big name schools were looking at him for next year figuring that, by then, he would be qualified. What did our coaches do? They told him exactly what he needed to do to meet those requirements and stayed with him and on him until they were met. The result? He came to BG THIS YEAR, NOT NEXT YEAR. It's my understanding that he never made a recruiting trip to our fair city, he came here site unseen. He said basically, that you stuck with me and helped me get eligible earlier so I'm playing my college hockey for BG! That is unbelievable! Others of note coming here to play this year: Jonathan Matsumoto - Rookie of the year in the Central Ontario Junior Hockey League and Mike Hodgson - USHL Defensive player of the year. All three of these kids are high caliber players and will immediately impact the program. All told, BG is bringing in eight new freshmen, and one transfer who is a junior (goaltender from Findlay); all have qualities that will add to the program and at least four will contribute immediately.

Aside from recruiting, BG has also hired a strength and conditioning coach who specializes in hockey. 90+ % of the team (even some of the incoming freshmen) stayed some or all of this past summer to work with him. The results have been fantastic. Many have put on several pounds of muscle; muscle specifically needed to improve their play on the ice. This team will have the strength and stamina needed to put those extra one or two goals past the opposing goalies and put us back where BG hockey belongs!

Come to the ice arena and give these kids the support they deserve. As you all know, athletes thrive on a strong home atmosphere. They play harder knowing that the fans are behind them, supporting them and cheering them on. Our ice arena rocks when it's packed (think of Anderson Arena only a little colder) and it gives a huge psychological advantage to the home team. Come on out this year and help put BG back at the top of the CCHA!!!

Written by BGFan

Edited (and $.02 added) by FalconFanatic
(OK, maybe $.10)

Getting right to the heart of it, here is a list of the players that have left the program in the last two seasons with a brief analysis of each. Read them and ask yourself, have we lost that much talent, or just a large number?

Reggie Harwell: If you can't go to class and earn credits than you can't stay at Bowling Green. You can't even stay at Toledo if you choose not to attend class.

Kris Wilson: First of all, I don't even think you can include him fairly. Much know the tragedy that he had to deal with concerning his father. Also, he was under six feet tall, just like our new signee that several have found fault with for being only 5'9".

Jabari Mattox: A ball-handler that couldn't score, that could no longer run, and could no longer defense against other point guards due to a bum knee.

Chris Hobson: Some fans thought Chris was a promising young player, even though his shot needed a lot of work. He didn't get much time for whatever reason. He may eventually be a good one that will come back to hurt us but only time will tell.

Isaac Rosefelt: Come on! He was soft, showed little heart, and was another Kevin Netter in terms of size and weight.

Erik Crawford: Got to experience the dance with Northern Iowa this past season and started at Bowling Green in 2002 alongside seniors, 'Cowboy', Pardon, McLeod and Lenny. Wasn't that well perceived while he was a Falcon and was considered good mainly on the defensive end.

Raheem Moss: Played one season here before transferring to a Cleveland State program that went something like 4-24 last season. Not much of a contributor as a freshman and looked a step slow on a team that went 13-16.

Ron Lewis: Say what you want about number 12, he was/is a great scorer and was our best player and so on. If he is against playing team ball and is in favor of looking out for himself, he needs to be where he is and that is not in Bowling Green.

As of now, we have twelve players; three of which are seniors, two of them fifth year (Reimold transferred and Almanson received a medical hardship from the NCAA). When you think of players from Bowling Green, or the Mid-American Conference for that matter, you think of the absolute best players getting a shot in the National Basketball Association. Keith McLeod was the MAC Player of the Year in 2002 averaging 22.9 points per game, seventh in the nation. Things may change in the near future, yet as of now, Keith has played in 26 NBA contests. He's also played in Italy, Greece and with the Gary Steelheads of the Continental Basketball Association. Anthony Stacey, our all-time leading scorer with 1,938 points, who was the MAC Player of the Year in 2000, has played a whopping zero games in the NBA. Finally, I come to Antonio Daniels. A fan-favorite, an All-American, and a fourth overall selection by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1997 draft. Oh sure, A.D. has a ring from his time in San Antonio, of which he had little to do with, and finally had a good season this year with the Seattle Supersonics. Yet even still, has he lived up fourth overall pick status? Egh? These are three of our best players ever! Nate Thurmond is an NBA hall of famer but besides him, Keith, Anthony and Antonio are the best we have had to offer. So, with the level and caliber of hoops we play at Bowling Green, what are players looking to get out of their time at BGSU when they sign on the dotted line? Does Cory Eyink sign a letter of intent from Maria Stein expecting to get drafted? I don't think so. Now maybe there were some specifics with Cory, I don't know. However, generally speaking, players come to Bowling Green to earn a free education, play Division I basketball, win a conference championship and hopefully have one shining moment in the big dance in March. We talk about Coach Dakich possibly being the root of the problem. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. Consider the following and maybe you'll remember exactly what our program has been granted.

Anderson Arena: We love the 44 year old building for its charm and hostility towards visiting opponents, but the place is an absolute dive. It has one bathroom, broken down wooden chairs, terrible parking, it makes us schedule teams like Urbana and it isn't air-conditioned. I'm sure it is fun practicing in the summer time for three or four hours. And I bet the coaching staff is really grateful to have it as a recruiting tool when they're at a kid's house and he wants to know about our home arena.

Locker room: Many schools have a player lounge or a facility for their hoops team to hang out, have a quiet place to get some work done or even catch an occasional nap. We have the 'Falcon Lab' that is available to ALL athletes and it has about eight computers in it and our actual locker room is about the size of the key.

Coaching Offices: Coach Dakich, Artie Pepelea and Andy Markowski have so-so offices at best, but Coach Shaun Vandiver isn't even on the same floor and the two administrative assistants, Marty Richter and Kyle Rase, don't have but one desk between the two of them in our 'lobby' area. We do have a secretary! Unfortunately she is also on a different floor and is also responsible for women's basketball and volleyball.

Alright, now I've stated some of the issues that can't be helped whether Dan Dakich is our coach or Roy Williams. Back to the players for a moment and I'll wrap this puppy up. Of the dozen players on our current roster do you think any of them will ever be paid to play, legally? Maybe one. So what are these guys playing for? THE LOVE OF BASKETBALL! Because if they didn't love it, they wouldn't be there. I've witnessed many practice sessions, heard them from afar, caught a glimpse of the conditioning regiment our players go through in the off-season, IT IS BRUTAL! I've seen the bus roll into town at four in the morning after a long drive home from DeKalb, Illinois.

You may be asking what is the point to the rambling. You give a lot of reasons, is there a rhyme? Your damn right there is and it applies to not just Bowling Green basketball, but life as well. I love this website, but we do a lot of complaining and I sometimes believe we lose track of what really should be important. For example, if you're a parent, and your child is struggling, you try to be there to support them through thick and thin. Well, right now we have twelve individuals that sacrifice a lot to be the best basketball players they can be. It isn't there fault Lewis, Hobson and Rosefelt have left since the end of last season. They deserve our respect and for us to be there in their time of struggle, just as they provide us with highs and time that takes us away from the problems and concerns in our own lives. To a lot of people, the bottom line is winning, partly because it is an easy factor to judge by. But there is so much more than winning. Former BGSU President Olscamp has a saying etched in the new union stone that goes something like, "Wherever you go, whatever you do, you will always be welcome when you're ready to come home." We talk about being good, true fans. We will see in November just how many we really have. I hope to see you there. Best of luck to you: John, Perrick, Steve, Mawel, Austin, Pat, John, Josh, Germain, Cory, Matt and Scott.