Good evening Mustang fans! Sorry I haven't posted earlier tonight. Following my post game duties getting our players and head coach to the press conference, I had other media obligations as well for our Web site, etc.
Well the SMSU run came to an end today. Very tough to see the guys lose today. I'm not sure there was anyone who would've thought a team could outrebound SMSU by 13 and shot over 55 percent from the field. You have to give Cal Poly Pomona credit and jus tip your hat.
The guys, as always, fought hard all the way to the end. A couple of three-pointers late in the game...if they go in...who knows.
Just awesome to see the fans in attendance for the game. A great pre-game social, a great crowd, what more could you ask for.
28 wins, a conference title in a 14-team league, region champions and winning on your home floor. A season SMSU fans will never forget.
The only other "downer" today was the video feed from the NCAA. I heard we had a great crowd to watch the game at the Conference Center, but the feed wasn't good. It wasn't at SMSU, it was something from the NCAA. We had several people nation wide not happy with it.
Well fans, it's late here in Springfield. Had a good time tonight with fans as we talked about the great season over food and drinks, but now time to say goodbye for The Hey Loft.
I will post when arrive in Marshall. The team is set to leave Hartford at 9 am on Thursday, while I leave with Chris, Rolly and Aaron at 11 am.
It has been a blast keeping you all updated on this trip. I just wish it could've lasted longer. Man I wish it would!
But what a season for SMSU hoops. Thank you seniors Andy Bielke, Ross DeMasi and Ryan Krome. What a way to end your career. Also a great thanks to ALL the players. Awesome job guys and do it next year!
Thanks Mustang fans for a great week! Go Mustangs!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25 - 11:45 am EDT
Game Day!!!! It's finally here.
I'm writing this morning from courtside at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Augusta State and Christian Brothers are warming up. Nice crowd in the arena. As expected, hundreds of local grade school students are here and making lots of noise.
Great turn out at the pre-game social at the Sheraton this morning. A big thanks to Tyler Bowen from the SMSU Alumni Office for organizing the event. Great to see so many Mustang fans here in Mass.!
We had our one hour radio show and guests included Greg Stemen, Ross DeMasi, Butch Raymond, Dr. Danahar, Bill Mulso and SMSU cheerleaders.
Have fun today SMSU fans and cheer on the Mustangs!!
I'm writing this morning from courtside at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Augusta State and Christian Brothers are warming up. Nice crowd in the arena. As expected, hundreds of local grade school students are here and making lots of noise.
Great turn out at the pre-game social at the Sheraton this morning. A big thanks to Tyler Bowen from the SMSU Alumni Office for organizing the event. Great to see so many Mustang fans here in Mass.!
We had our one hour radio show and guests included Greg Stemen, Ross DeMasi, Butch Raymond, Dr. Danahar, Bill Mulso and SMSU cheerleaders.
Have fun today SMSU fans and cheer on the Mustangs!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24 - 11 pm EDT
Hope your Tuesday night has been enjoyable Mustang fans. I know we all can’t wait until tomorrow afternoon’s game.
Sounds like it will be a great crowd to watch the game at the SMSU Conference Center. If you're in Marshall, stop over to watch the game or listen to Aaron Ziemer on KARL 105.1 FM.
Here is an update on the team’s Tuesday night activities. Coach Stemen, Chris Hmielewski, Aaron Ziemer, Butch Raymond and I drove to the Hall of Fame for the pre tournament press conference at 6 p.m. Each of the eight head coaches gave opening statements and then the media asked questions. The conference ran smoothly.
Also in attendance for the press conference were SMSU president Dr. Danahar along with Vice President of Advancement Bill Mulso. (I think that is his title, it changes each year) Glad they both could make the tournament.
Following the press conference, the teams showed up for the pre tournament banquet. A great dinner was served, including salad, potatoes and chicken. Representatives from the NCAA and the local committee all spoke. The keynote speaker was Rece Davis from ESPN. Davis is the studio host for college football and college basketball coverage on ESPN. He did a great job telling stories about Digger Phelps, Bobby Knight, Dick Vital, Hubert Davis and others he works with at the World Wide Leader in Sports. Thank you Rece for a job well done.
Then each of the head coaches got up and spoke briefly about their teams and how happy they are being in Springfield.
After the banquet the team returned to the hotel and watched film on Cal Poly Pomona. I then headed out with Butch, Chris, Rolly and Aaron to Theodores’ Bar and Grill to make sure it was open and the lights were working. Everything was working fine inside the building, so we decided to go in and keep the locals happy. Then, when we walked in, we couldn’t believe it! There in the local tavern were 20 Mustang fans. Amazing how we all just made it to the same place….wow what are the odds…
I won’t mention everyone there, but some of the individuals who have made the trip include (sorry if I don’t spell your name right): Karen VanKuelen, Carol Bossuyt, Warren Quarnstrom, Ken Mukomela, Lee Raske, Ron McLaughlin, John Alcorn, Doug and JoAnn Fraunfelder. Awesome to see so many Mustang fans, are there are plenty more coming later tonight and Wednesday. The cheer team also has five members who made the trip and will be cheering on Wednesday. Graet job ladies!
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, there will be pre-game party here at the Sheraton Hotel for all Mustang fans. We will also have a live radio show from the pre-game party starting at 10 a.m. on 105.1 FM KARL. So if your in the area, listen for interviews from coaches, players and fans
Heading to bed everyone! Have a great night. As your head hits the pillow tonight, say a quick prayer for the Stangs!
Reminder, 2:30 EDT on Wednesday (1:30 CDT). Game can be heard on 105.1 FM KARL or you can watch on-line at www.NCAA.com
Sounds like it will be a great crowd to watch the game at the SMSU Conference Center. If you're in Marshall, stop over to watch the game or listen to Aaron Ziemer on KARL 105.1 FM.
Here is an update on the team’s Tuesday night activities. Coach Stemen, Chris Hmielewski, Aaron Ziemer, Butch Raymond and I drove to the Hall of Fame for the pre tournament press conference at 6 p.m. Each of the eight head coaches gave opening statements and then the media asked questions. The conference ran smoothly.
Also in attendance for the press conference were SMSU president Dr. Danahar along with Vice President of Advancement Bill Mulso. (I think that is his title, it changes each year) Glad they both could make the tournament.
Following the press conference, the teams showed up for the pre tournament banquet. A great dinner was served, including salad, potatoes and chicken. Representatives from the NCAA and the local committee all spoke. The keynote speaker was Rece Davis from ESPN. Davis is the studio host for college football and college basketball coverage on ESPN. He did a great job telling stories about Digger Phelps, Bobby Knight, Dick Vital, Hubert Davis and others he works with at the World Wide Leader in Sports. Thank you Rece for a job well done.
Then each of the head coaches got up and spoke briefly about their teams and how happy they are being in Springfield.
After the banquet the team returned to the hotel and watched film on Cal Poly Pomona. I then headed out with Butch, Chris, Rolly and Aaron to Theodores’ Bar and Grill to make sure it was open and the lights were working. Everything was working fine inside the building, so we decided to go in and keep the locals happy. Then, when we walked in, we couldn’t believe it! There in the local tavern were 20 Mustang fans. Amazing how we all just made it to the same place….wow what are the odds…
I won’t mention everyone there, but some of the individuals who have made the trip include (sorry if I don’t spell your name right): Karen VanKuelen, Carol Bossuyt, Warren Quarnstrom, Ken Mukomela, Lee Raske, Ron McLaughlin, John Alcorn, Doug and JoAnn Fraunfelder. Awesome to see so many Mustang fans, are there are plenty more coming later tonight and Wednesday. The cheer team also has five members who made the trip and will be cheering on Wednesday. Graet job ladies!
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, there will be pre-game party here at the Sheraton Hotel for all Mustang fans. We will also have a live radio show from the pre-game party starting at 10 a.m. on 105.1 FM KARL. So if your in the area, listen for interviews from coaches, players and fans
Heading to bed everyone! Have a great night. As your head hits the pillow tonight, say a quick prayer for the Stangs!
Reminder, 2:30 EDT on Wednesday (1:30 CDT). Game can be heard on 105.1 FM KARL or you can watch on-line at www.NCAA.com
March 24 - 4 pm EDT
Good afternoon and welcome back to Springfield. I’d first like to thank everyone for their kind words about the “Hey Loft” blog. It’s enjoyable to write about the happenings of SMSU basketball during the trip and help keep you all connected. Wish you could be here.
We had a 55-minute practice today the MassMutual Center, the arena for the Elite Eight. They have minor league hockey in Springfield and this is their home arena most nights. But it’s all basketball this week.
Nice setup for everyone at the arena. Locker rooms facilities are nice, big press room, press conference area is also set up well. Also, the arena has a huge overhead scoreboard above the court.
Butch Raymond, NSIC commish, and former SMSU A.D. arrived today and will be at the tournament all week. He showed up near the end of practice.
Following the practice, we all headed to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for a chance to see kids of all ages who are in the hospital for various reasons. Great experience for all parties involved. Our guys were great with the patients and I’m sure we brightened their day as well. Pictures were taken, autographs given out, along with other SMSU goodies.
It’s now 4 p.m. in Springfield and we have some down time until the press conference at 6 p.m. All eight coaches will speak to the media that are attending the event. At 7 p.m. the official banquet will take place. Our travel party will be looking sharp, as we don our new SMSU shirts that were made just for the trip.
The van ride to the hospital was very smooth. Our host led the way, but the directions they gave didn’t help because of construction. So we only had to make one u-turn on this drive. The only other news is there is now a battle on which van, mine or the Scott Roehl/Trent Carlson van, is the “cool” van. I like to tell them I “educate” in my van, not just play time. I’m still sticking with the Loft, DeMasi, Krome, Peschong and Dale van as “the one”.
DeMasi has had to deal with some ribbing in the van about being named All-America today. What a great honor for Ross as he becomes just the second NCAA All-America in program history. If Ross sits in the front seat someone yells, “ah yeah, All-American gets the best seat”, etc. All in fun of course.
We'll speak again Mustang fans later tonight.
We had a 55-minute practice today the MassMutual Center, the arena for the Elite Eight. They have minor league hockey in Springfield and this is their home arena most nights. But it’s all basketball this week.
Nice setup for everyone at the arena. Locker rooms facilities are nice, big press room, press conference area is also set up well. Also, the arena has a huge overhead scoreboard above the court.
Butch Raymond, NSIC commish, and former SMSU A.D. arrived today and will be at the tournament all week. He showed up near the end of practice.
Following the practice, we all headed to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for a chance to see kids of all ages who are in the hospital for various reasons. Great experience for all parties involved. Our guys were great with the patients and I’m sure we brightened their day as well. Pictures were taken, autographs given out, along with other SMSU goodies.
It’s now 4 p.m. in Springfield and we have some down time until the press conference at 6 p.m. All eight coaches will speak to the media that are attending the event. At 7 p.m. the official banquet will take place. Our travel party will be looking sharp, as we don our new SMSU shirts that were made just for the trip.
The van ride to the hospital was very smooth. Our host led the way, but the directions they gave didn’t help because of construction. So we only had to make one u-turn on this drive. The only other news is there is now a battle on which van, mine or the Scott Roehl/Trent Carlson van, is the “cool” van. I like to tell them I “educate” in my van, not just play time. I’m still sticking with the Loft, DeMasi, Krome, Peschong and Dale van as “the one”.
DeMasi has had to deal with some ribbing in the van about being named All-America today. What a great honor for Ross as he becomes just the second NCAA All-America in program history. If Ross sits in the front seat someone yells, “ah yeah, All-American gets the best seat”, etc. All in fun of course.
We'll speak again Mustang fans later tonight.
Tuesday, March 24 - 10:50 am EDT
Good morning another update from Springfield. After some down time following breakfast, the team headed to practice (which is going on as I write) at American International College. The best part was we go to practice without taking the wrong direction. Yeah us!
There was a small error in communication prior to driving to practice. My van "the cool van" was loaded up ready to leave at 9:45 am. I, along with Ross DeMasi, Ryan Krome, Nick Dale and Andrew Peschong all waited for my co-pilot assistant coach Nate Kaeding. Nate has been riding for us all week. No problems at all. BUT, today Nate decides he's going to ride to practice with Chris Hmielewski...without telling us. We wait for 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. No sign of Nate. Finally he calls and says, "by the way, I'm going with Chris." Nice buddy system Nate.
We finally get to practice and as the guys stretch, Chris and I decide to tour the athletic facilities of AIC. "Let's check out their Fitness Center." As Chris and I walk in the basement which seemed like for hours, we finally reach our goal. Somewhere 50 feet below the gym. As we look inside the Fitness Center, there is a sign on the door that says, "Please use other door". Well, we don't care about signs and Mr. Hmielewski decided to open the door and seconds later...the alarm system goes off. As real men that we are... we just quickly exited the area hoping know one would find out. We finally did tell a football coach and he said he'll shut it off. Good times.
practice done, have to go.
There was a small error in communication prior to driving to practice. My van "the cool van" was loaded up ready to leave at 9:45 am. I, along with Ross DeMasi, Ryan Krome, Nick Dale and Andrew Peschong all waited for my co-pilot assistant coach Nate Kaeding. Nate has been riding for us all week. No problems at all. BUT, today Nate decides he's going to ride to practice with Chris Hmielewski...without telling us. We wait for 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. No sign of Nate. Finally he calls and says, "by the way, I'm going with Chris." Nice buddy system Nate.
We finally get to practice and as the guys stretch, Chris and I decide to tour the athletic facilities of AIC. "Let's check out their Fitness Center." As Chris and I walk in the basement which seemed like for hours, we finally reach our goal. Somewhere 50 feet below the gym. As we look inside the Fitness Center, there is a sign on the door that says, "Please use other door". Well, we don't care about signs and Mr. Hmielewski decided to open the door and seconds later...the alarm system goes off. As real men that we are... we just quickly exited the area hoping know one would find out. We finally did tell a football coach and he said he'll shut it off. Good times.
practice done, have to go.
Tuesday, March 24 - 8:45 EDT
Good morning from Springfield, Mass. Early wake up this morning as the alarm went off at 6:15 a.m. The team had breakfast at Memo's again this morning. It is now 8:45 am, the guys are getting taped for practice at 10 a.m. over at American International College.
I've heard and fairly large group of fans are making the drive from Marshall to Springfield. At breakfast this morning Nick Dale gave an update from Tyler Peschong, Levi Bullerman, Tony Weiler and Blake Wilson who are driving to the game. They were somewhere in Ohio. Safe travels gentelmen!
Rece Davis from ESPN will be the keynote speaker tonight at the banquet.
Much more will be posted later today.
I've heard and fairly large group of fans are making the drive from Marshall to Springfield. At breakfast this morning Nick Dale gave an update from Tyler Peschong, Levi Bullerman, Tony Weiler and Blake Wilson who are driving to the game. They were somewhere in Ohio. Safe travels gentelmen!
Rece Davis from ESPN will be the keynote speaker tonight at the banquet.
Much more will be posted later today.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23 - 11 pm
Another day in Springfield is wrapping up as we close in on 11 pm EDT. A nice evening was had by the Mustangs as the Elite Eight host committee hosted a meet and greet with local fourth graders at the Basketball Hall of Fame. You can see on the pictures it was a special night.
As we entered the Hall of Fame, the team was introduced and was greeted by hundreds of local school kids and their parents. What I was told was local school kids have been following the tournament the past few weeks and learning about each region of the country. It was tremendous to see the kids, as they got a chance to get autographs from the teams and take pictures. We handed out SMSU pennants and SMSU stress relievers (those little things you can squeeze) to the kids. We now have gained SMSU fans in the Springfield area. I also wanted to drop them an application form for college as I told them as a member of the Class of 2017, you have to think about your future.
We also thought about dropping off some mini-Mustang and summer camp brochures. Maybe next year.
Following the meet and greet, headed back to the hotel and then had a team reception across the street at the Marriot. All eight teams were in attendance as the local committee served the teams hot dogs, burgers, ice cream and beverages. The food was much needed and tasted great.
On the big screen TV during the reception, they showed highlights of past Division II championship games on CBS-TV. Good stuff to watch. The 1994 final (I think it was 1994 or maybe 1995) it showed the head coaches shaking hands after the game between Cal State Bakersfield and Southern Indiana. The Southern Indiana head coach at the time? It was Bruce Pearl, now head coach at Tennessee. Also shown were highlights of Metro State and its head coach at the time, Mike Dunlap, who is now assistant coach at Arizona. Some great coaches, as we all know, have coached at the D2 level.
Guys then went back to their room and relaxed for the night, while the rest of us had some administrative meetings as we prepare for the official practices and media obligations set for Tuesday.
Early morning on Tuesday, up at 7 am, breakfast at 8 am, practice at 10 am over at American International and then a walk-through at 12 pm at the MassMutual Center. This 55-minute practice is open to the public.
Have a good night Mustang fans.
As we entered the Hall of Fame, the team was introduced and was greeted by hundreds of local school kids and their parents. What I was told was local school kids have been following the tournament the past few weeks and learning about each region of the country. It was tremendous to see the kids, as they got a chance to get autographs from the teams and take pictures. We handed out SMSU pennants and SMSU stress relievers (those little things you can squeeze) to the kids. We now have gained SMSU fans in the Springfield area. I also wanted to drop them an application form for college as I told them as a member of the Class of 2017, you have to think about your future.
We also thought about dropping off some mini-Mustang and summer camp brochures. Maybe next year.
Following the meet and greet, headed back to the hotel and then had a team reception across the street at the Marriot. All eight teams were in attendance as the local committee served the teams hot dogs, burgers, ice cream and beverages. The food was much needed and tasted great.
On the big screen TV during the reception, they showed highlights of past Division II championship games on CBS-TV. Good stuff to watch. The 1994 final (I think it was 1994 or maybe 1995) it showed the head coaches shaking hands after the game between Cal State Bakersfield and Southern Indiana. The Southern Indiana head coach at the time? It was Bruce Pearl, now head coach at Tennessee. Also shown were highlights of Metro State and its head coach at the time, Mike Dunlap, who is now assistant coach at Arizona. Some great coaches, as we all know, have coached at the D2 level.
Guys then went back to their room and relaxed for the night, while the rest of us had some administrative meetings as we prepare for the official practices and media obligations set for Tuesday.
Early morning on Tuesday, up at 7 am, breakfast at 8 am, practice at 10 am over at American International and then a walk-through at 12 pm at the MassMutual Center. This 55-minute practice is open to the public.
Have a good night Mustang fans.
Monday, March 23 - 4:20 p.m.
Back with a quick update here in Springfield, Mass. The temp. today is in the lower 40s, so it's not too bad.
The team practiced today at American International College. Chris Hmielewski lead the five-van caravan today to practice and like yesterday going to the hotel....we got lost. Not a major setback, just a few more turns and we made it back on the main road. Like I tell my van passengers, "boys, we are just seeing the sights of Springfield. Enjoy it." As we were trying to get back on track, my phone rings at its Mike Max from WCCO radio. I hope its not against the law driving while on a phone in Mass., because I broke the law for a few minutes. Trying to keep up with the van ahead of you, while on the phone and tuning in a radio...yikes! (trust me we are safe)
American International is an older campus, just like everything out here is...old. I'm not knocking it at all. I love the character of the buildings at the college and driving around town you can just sense the history of the area and the New England region. I keep telling the guys "this is where Paul Revere rode his horse, yelling 'the British are coming". Of course I have no idea. But it sounds good. I'm just trying to education these young gentlemen. It's an education trip as well. :)
We now have down time for one hour and at 5 pm EDT we a meet and greet with some grade school kids. I guess some elementary kids around the area have been doing a map of each of the eight regions that compete in NCAA Division II hoops and have been following the tournament the last few weeks. Learning about each area of the country and who is coming to Springfield.
At 6 p.m. there is a reception for administrators, NCAA officials that are here, followed by meetings at 7:30 to about 9:30 p.m.
Reminder, listen to Aaron Ziemer's updates on KARL and KMHL radio in southwest Minnesota and WCCO AM 830 tonight at 8:10 CDT as Greg Stemen is on the air live with Mike Max.
More later Mustang fans!
The team practiced today at American International College. Chris Hmielewski lead the five-van caravan today to practice and like yesterday going to the hotel....we got lost. Not a major setback, just a few more turns and we made it back on the main road. Like I tell my van passengers, "boys, we are just seeing the sights of Springfield. Enjoy it." As we were trying to get back on track, my phone rings at its Mike Max from WCCO radio. I hope its not against the law driving while on a phone in Mass., because I broke the law for a few minutes. Trying to keep up with the van ahead of you, while on the phone and tuning in a radio...yikes! (trust me we are safe)
American International is an older campus, just like everything out here is...old. I'm not knocking it at all. I love the character of the buildings at the college and driving around town you can just sense the history of the area and the New England region. I keep telling the guys "this is where Paul Revere rode his horse, yelling 'the British are coming". Of course I have no idea. But it sounds good. I'm just trying to education these young gentlemen. It's an education trip as well. :)
We now have down time for one hour and at 5 pm EDT we a meet and greet with some grade school kids. I guess some elementary kids around the area have been doing a map of each of the eight regions that compete in NCAA Division II hoops and have been following the tournament the last few weeks. Learning about each area of the country and who is coming to Springfield.
At 6 p.m. there is a reception for administrators, NCAA officials that are here, followed by meetings at 7:30 to about 9:30 p.m.
Reminder, listen to Aaron Ziemer's updates on KARL and KMHL radio in southwest Minnesota and WCCO AM 830 tonight at 8:10 CDT as Greg Stemen is on the air live with Mike Max.
More later Mustang fans!
Monday, March 23 - 1 p.m. EDT
Good afternoon Mustang fans from Springfield, Mass. I'm still trying to figure out how to put these pictures at the bottom of the blog and put a caption. But I guess I'm not smart enough. I'll explain the pictures at the end of the blog.
Everyone got a chance to sleep in today. Some longer than others. I actually slept until 8 a.m., which is sleeping in for me. We had breakfast at 10 a.m. in West Springfield, Mass., at Memo's Restaurant. Very good place to eat. Felt like Minnesota, a true small town cafe. Eggs, sausage, pancakes, etc.
We then headed down the road to the Basketball Hall of Fame. If you didn't know, James Naismith invented the game of basketball in the late 1880s here in Springfield at the YMCA, which is now Springfield College. Great chance for all of us to see the history of the game, take pics, etc. The team spent about two hours looking at all the great artifacts, jerseys, pictures and shooting hoops on the various “old school” hoops. From peach basket to a modern backboard and rim.
Before I forget. A story in today's Springfield newspaper on SMSU:
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/03/cal_poly_pomona_preparing_for.html?category=D2%20Elite%20Eight
It is now 1 p.m. EDT on Monday and we are back in our hotel. You wanna know the best part of staying with coach Stemen on the road? We received another LARGE “goodie” basket from the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Crackers, cheese, desserts, wafers, sausage, juice and more. Our room has a fridge, sink and dishwasher, so we’ve got plenty of space for the food.
At 2 p.m. EDT we’ll be heading over to American International College, an NCAA Division II school in Springfield, for practice. Should be a good chance for the guys to focus back on the game coming up and get a good sweat.
A few other items to mention this afternoon. Aaron Ziemer from KARL radio is doing daily reports for Marshall radio. Three times a day he’ll be calling in and giving updates on the happenings in Springfield. Make sure and tune in if you live in the listening area.
I also want to mention what a great job KSSU-TV did producing the seven games at the region tournament in Marshall. The replays in the arena and the video feed on the Web site was outstanding for everyone to watch. I had several alums (like Mr. Mustang) comment on how great it was to watch the games on-line.
More coming later tonight. We have some administrative meetings tonight that myself, Chris, Rolly and Greg must attend. I’ll post again following the meetings.
Go Mustangs!
We then headed down the road to the Basketball Hall of Fame. If you didn't know, James Naismith invented the game of basketball in the late 1880s here in Springfield at the YMCA, which is now Springfield College. Great chance for all of us to see the history of the game, take pics, etc. The team spent about two hours looking at all the great artifacts, jerseys, pictures and shooting hoops on the various “old school” hoops. From peach basket to a modern backboard and rim.
Before I forget. A story in today's Springfield newspaper on SMSU:
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/03/cal_poly_pomona_preparing_for.html?category=D2%20Elite%20Eight
It is now 1 p.m. EDT on Monday and we are back in our hotel. You wanna know the best part of staying with coach Stemen on the road? We received another LARGE “goodie” basket from the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Crackers, cheese, desserts, wafers, sausage, juice and more. Our room has a fridge, sink and dishwasher, so we’ve got plenty of space for the food.
At 2 p.m. EDT we’ll be heading over to American International College, an NCAA Division II school in Springfield, for practice. Should be a good chance for the guys to focus back on the game coming up and get a good sweat.
A few other items to mention this afternoon. Aaron Ziemer from KARL radio is doing daily reports for Marshall radio. Three times a day he’ll be calling in and giving updates on the happenings in Springfield. Make sure and tune in if you live in the listening area.
I also want to mention what a great job KSSU-TV did producing the seven games at the region tournament in Marshall. The replays in the arena and the video feed on the Web site was outstanding for everyone to watch. I had several alums (like Mr. Mustang) comment on how great it was to watch the games on-line.
More coming later tonight. We have some administrative meetings tonight that myself, Chris, Rolly and Greg must attend. I’ll post again following the meetings.
Go Mustangs!
The pics, from top to bottom:
(1) The Mustang players
(2) this was a place to test your vertical jump. Coach Stemen bet me he would be higher. I took the bet...and we tied. (really we did). He played hoops his whole live, while I played hockey. I guess it shows hockey players are the better athletes.. Official results from the jump contest will not be posted
(3)a view from the third floor of the Hall of Fame. You can shoot the basketball and take pics. This is where the D2 All-Star game is played on Friday night. Kevin Raatzsch from Northern State and John Vaudreil from Minnesota Duluth will be here from the Central Region. Players competing in the Elite Eight can't play.
(4)a small portion of the head shots of the Hall of Fame members. They have pictures all around the building along with bios on all of the honorees.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday Night in Springfield - 8:20 pm EDT
Well we have finally made it to the Elite Eight in Springfield, Mass. Some people had a much easier time getting here and they should, because they are much more important than me. More on that in a minute.
As I mentioned on Friday night, myself, Chris Hmielewski and Rolly Muller along with Aaron Ziemer from KARL radio, were flying to Springfield a tad different than the team. We embarked from Marshall on Saturday night around 7 p.m. and the four of us headed to Omaha, Neb. The reason you ask? The NCAA pays for a team travel party of 20 for each of the teams going to the Elite Eight. With our coaches, players, media relations, trainer and administration that number reached over 20 people.
Because of cost, the four of us found less expensive flights out of Omaha. After a food stop in Sioux Falls and a gas stop in Sioux City, we arrived in Omaha around 11:30 p.m. Checked into our rooms around midnight and was sound asleep shortly after for our five-hour nap!
Woke up at 5:15 a.m. this morning, and we headed to the airport. Check in was fine the flight to Atlanta was just fine (yeah I know, real direct, Omaha to Atlanta to Hartford). I picked up some much needed sleep and also got some important reading in as well. Sports Illustrated, Omaha Herald newspaper, and a novel by Jonathan Kellerman.
Following lunch in at Chili’s and watching some college hoops on TV, we boarded the plane around 12:15 p.m. EDT to head north to Hartford. Before I forget, I’m doing some checking on-line, but I swore I saw Vanilla Ice in the airport. As someone who graduated high school in 1993, Vanilla Ice was “the man” for a few months of my life in the early 1990s. Again, I can’t be for sure it was him, but I’m sticking with the story.
Smooth flight to Hartford and we arrived around 4:15 p.m. Then went to Enterprise to pick up the five mini vans that team will be using this week.
Travel was much easier for the team and trainer Nathan Burns. The Mustangs were treated “big time”, taking a bus to Sioux Falls on Sunday morning and then boarding a charter plane that would take them directly from Sioux Falls to Hartford. The bus dropped the guys off right on the tarmac and within minutes the team was in the air. The team arrived earlier than expected and by 5 p.m. our official travel party was in the vans and making the drive north to Springfield, which is just 20 minutes from Hartford, Conn.
The drivers for the week: Greg Stemen, Nate Burns, Kelly Loft, Chris Hmielewski and Brad Bigler.
Finally got to Springfield and with Chris leading the way, took a wrong turn and we drove past the Basketball Hall of Fame twice. I told my van full of guys we were just checking to see the times it was open. I had assistant coach Nate Kaeding, along with Ross DeMasi, Ryan Krome and Andrew Peschong in my van. We’ll come up with some “cool” name for the van. When I’m with the SMSU baseball team in Ft. Myers, Fla, each year we usually come up with some dumb name. Just weird stuff guys do to pass the time.
Hope all is well in Marshall or wherever you’re reading this from. School is back in session at SMSU on Monday. I’m sure the players are all thinking of you students as you head back to classes…or maybe not.
More tomorrow, or maybe tonight. We’ll see.
Go Mustangs!
As I mentioned on Friday night, myself, Chris Hmielewski and Rolly Muller along with Aaron Ziemer from KARL radio, were flying to Springfield a tad different than the team. We embarked from Marshall on Saturday night around 7 p.m. and the four of us headed to Omaha, Neb. The reason you ask? The NCAA pays for a team travel party of 20 for each of the teams going to the Elite Eight. With our coaches, players, media relations, trainer and administration that number reached over 20 people.
Because of cost, the four of us found less expensive flights out of Omaha. After a food stop in Sioux Falls and a gas stop in Sioux City, we arrived in Omaha around 11:30 p.m. Checked into our rooms around midnight and was sound asleep shortly after for our five-hour nap!
Woke up at 5:15 a.m. this morning, and we headed to the airport. Check in was fine the flight to Atlanta was just fine (yeah I know, real direct, Omaha to Atlanta to Hartford). I picked up some much needed sleep and also got some important reading in as well. Sports Illustrated, Omaha Herald newspaper, and a novel by Jonathan Kellerman.
Following lunch in at Chili’s and watching some college hoops on TV, we boarded the plane around 12:15 p.m. EDT to head north to Hartford. Before I forget, I’m doing some checking on-line, but I swore I saw Vanilla Ice in the airport. As someone who graduated high school in 1993, Vanilla Ice was “the man” for a few months of my life in the early 1990s. Again, I can’t be for sure it was him, but I’m sticking with the story.
Smooth flight to Hartford and we arrived around 4:15 p.m. Then went to Enterprise to pick up the five mini vans that team will be using this week.
Travel was much easier for the team and trainer Nathan Burns. The Mustangs were treated “big time”, taking a bus to Sioux Falls on Sunday morning and then boarding a charter plane that would take them directly from Sioux Falls to Hartford. The bus dropped the guys off right on the tarmac and within minutes the team was in the air. The team arrived earlier than expected and by 5 p.m. our official travel party was in the vans and making the drive north to Springfield, which is just 20 minutes from Hartford, Conn.
The drivers for the week: Greg Stemen, Nate Burns, Kelly Loft, Chris Hmielewski and Brad Bigler.
Finally got to Springfield and with Chris leading the way, took a wrong turn and we drove past the Basketball Hall of Fame twice. I told my van full of guys we were just checking to see the times it was open. I had assistant coach Nate Kaeding, along with Ross DeMasi, Ryan Krome and Andrew Peschong in my van. We’ll come up with some “cool” name for the van. When I’m with the SMSU baseball team in Ft. Myers, Fla, each year we usually come up with some dumb name. Just weird stuff guys do to pass the time.
We checked into the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield, Mass. Seems like a very nice place. They are doing some renovations or should I say LOTS of renovations. The middle of the hotel has (I’m not kidding) 14 floors of scaffolding. You walk out your room and you can look down to the second floor and look up and see to the 15th floor. It’s a huge open area, but right now all you see is scaffolding.
I still haven't talked to associate head coach Brad Bigler, or barely have seen him. I guess some motion sickness has taken over Mr. Bigler. He is staying in the room tonight.
Everyone got into their rooms, and then we head out for supper. Our first meal as a team was at Theodore’s Pub in downtown Springfield. Good food, BBQ, burgers, etc. We took some pictures and watched some college basketball. Make me wonder, how many meals this team has had together this season. Remember, the team first played an exhibition game in mid-October in Brandon, Manitoba, then in Anaheim, Calif., in early November and now we are still playing in late March. Love it!
Everyone is tad tired from the day of travel and we headed back to our rooms around 8 p.m. EDT. Coach Stemen has a meeting scheduled for around 9:30 p.m. to talk about tomorrow’s schedule. (Wait, there is a knock on my door, hold on). The hotel just dropped off a welcome tray for my roommate, head coach Greg Stemen. Coach is not here right now I tell them, but they bring in anyways. It looks fancy, two bottles of water on ice, with two glasses and a plate wrapped in tin foil. I’m trying to see what is inside, but I better wait for Greg. They also gave two plates and two forks. What are they saying? Date night for Greg and Kelly I guess.
I will post some pictures tonight and throughout the week of our travels. Tomorrow, there is practice, maybe the Basketball Hall of Fame and much more. This of course again is an experience the guys will never forget. I was a part of the 2001 team that advanced to the Elite Eight in Bakersfield, Calif., and it is something I will always remember. This year though, I’ll remember to take more pictures!
The guys also know there is plenty of business to take care of. Everything pointed to Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 EDT versus Cal Poly Pomona.
I still haven't talked to associate head coach Brad Bigler, or barely have seen him. I guess some motion sickness has taken over Mr. Bigler. He is staying in the room tonight.
Everyone got into their rooms, and then we head out for supper. Our first meal as a team was at Theodore’s Pub in downtown Springfield. Good food, BBQ, burgers, etc. We took some pictures and watched some college basketball. Make me wonder, how many meals this team has had together this season. Remember, the team first played an exhibition game in mid-October in Brandon, Manitoba, then in Anaheim, Calif., in early November and now we are still playing in late March. Love it!
Everyone is tad tired from the day of travel and we headed back to our rooms around 8 p.m. EDT. Coach Stemen has a meeting scheduled for around 9:30 p.m. to talk about tomorrow’s schedule. (Wait, there is a knock on my door, hold on). The hotel just dropped off a welcome tray for my roommate, head coach Greg Stemen. Coach is not here right now I tell them, but they bring in anyways. It looks fancy, two bottles of water on ice, with two glasses and a plate wrapped in tin foil. I’m trying to see what is inside, but I better wait for Greg. They also gave two plates and two forks. What are they saying? Date night for Greg and Kelly I guess.
I will post some pictures tonight and throughout the week of our travels. Tomorrow, there is practice, maybe the Basketball Hall of Fame and much more. This of course again is an experience the guys will never forget. I was a part of the 2001 team that advanced to the Elite Eight in Bakersfield, Calif., and it is something I will always remember. This year though, I’ll remember to take more pictures!
The guys also know there is plenty of business to take care of. Everything pointed to Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 EDT versus Cal Poly Pomona.
More media coverage for SMSU men's basketball coming up on Monday night. I worked my contacts and Greg Stemen will be on WCCO radio on Monday night with Mike Max at 8:10 CDT! Make sure and tune in!
Hope all is well in Marshall or wherever you’re reading this from. School is back in session at SMSU on Monday. I’m sure the players are all thinking of you students as you head back to classes…or maybe not.
More tomorrow, or maybe tonight. We’ll see.
Go Mustangs!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday Night Thoughts - 9 p.m. CDT
Hello once again Mustang basketball fans. Still trying to figure out all of this blogging stuff. I know it’s not rocket science, but I'm trying to come up with something with a little “kick” so you come back and visit the site throughout the upcoming tournament.
Before I move onto writing about the Elite Eight and Springfield, Mass., I'd like to thank everyone that came out the R/A Facility this past week for the NCAA region tournament. The R/A Facility had an incredible environment all three nights and it is something that many SMSU fans will never forget. I've seen nearly every SMSU basketball game played in the R/A Facility since it was built in 1996, either as a student or now as an employee, and the excitement shown by the Mustang fans was unreal.
I know coach Stemen has said it many times, either on radio or in the newspaper, but believe me when he says that the players and coaches feed off the crowd and really do appreciate all of the support. A message from the players: “thank you Marshall and all of southwest Minnesota!”
In fact following this week’s “Greg Stemen Show” that we taped on Thursday, on location in the R/A Facility, for local cable television, the players taped a short “thank you” message that will run throughout the week on local cable. The guys did a great job recording it. Took awhile, but they finally got the job done. But the outtakes are something to see, trust me.
The Mustangs practiced on both Thursday and Friday and will once again on Saturday. The team will fly out to Springfield, Mass., on Sunday. I will be flying out with Chris Hmielewski, director of athletics at SMSU and assistant A.D., Rolly Muller on Sunday as well…out of Omaha, Neb. Why Omaha? It’s a long story. We’ll be driving down on Saturday night and then meet up with the team on Sunday.
Reminder, SMSU opens the Elite Eight versus the West Region champion, the Broncos from Cal Poly Pomona. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, March 25. The game can be heard on the radio on 105.1 FM KARL with the voice of the Mustangs, Aaron Ziemer. Most of you already know this, but we are lucky to have a play-by-play man like Aaron. He really does a great job and puts the time into his broadcasts to make it work smoothly. Check out the SMSU football highlight video on the football Web site and listen to his calls with the video. Great stuff!
The game on Wednesday afternoon will also be made available to watch at www.NCAA.com. Check back to www.SMSUmustangs.com for viewing parties on campus. I’m sure work production around Marshall and surrounding communities will dip slightly on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. J Come on managers, given you employees the day off!
American International University is the host school for the tournament and the Web site for the tournament can be found on the AIU Web site at www.aicyellowjackets.com/sports/2009/3/12/MBB_0312092419.aspx?id=137
Checking out for the night. There is much more to write about tomorrow and throughout the week. If you have questions, drop a comment and I hope I can answer it. Just get my attention by saying “Hey Loft!”. I know pretty cheesy. Trust me it took us a whole 15 seconds to come up with the title of the blog.
Keep that Brown and Gold pride high fans! The players need all the support! Go Mustangs!
Before I move onto writing about the Elite Eight and Springfield, Mass., I'd like to thank everyone that came out the R/A Facility this past week for the NCAA region tournament. The R/A Facility had an incredible environment all three nights and it is something that many SMSU fans will never forget. I've seen nearly every SMSU basketball game played in the R/A Facility since it was built in 1996, either as a student or now as an employee, and the excitement shown by the Mustang fans was unreal.
I know coach Stemen has said it many times, either on radio or in the newspaper, but believe me when he says that the players and coaches feed off the crowd and really do appreciate all of the support. A message from the players: “thank you Marshall and all of southwest Minnesota!”
In fact following this week’s “Greg Stemen Show” that we taped on Thursday, on location in the R/A Facility, for local cable television, the players taped a short “thank you” message that will run throughout the week on local cable. The guys did a great job recording it. Took awhile, but they finally got the job done. But the outtakes are something to see, trust me.
The Mustangs practiced on both Thursday and Friday and will once again on Saturday. The team will fly out to Springfield, Mass., on Sunday. I will be flying out with Chris Hmielewski, director of athletics at SMSU and assistant A.D., Rolly Muller on Sunday as well…out of Omaha, Neb. Why Omaha? It’s a long story. We’ll be driving down on Saturday night and then meet up with the team on Sunday.
Reminder, SMSU opens the Elite Eight versus the West Region champion, the Broncos from Cal Poly Pomona. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, March 25. The game can be heard on the radio on 105.1 FM KARL with the voice of the Mustangs, Aaron Ziemer. Most of you already know this, but we are lucky to have a play-by-play man like Aaron. He really does a great job and puts the time into his broadcasts to make it work smoothly. Check out the SMSU football highlight video on the football Web site and listen to his calls with the video. Great stuff!
The game on Wednesday afternoon will also be made available to watch at www.NCAA.com. Check back to www.SMSUmustangs.com for viewing parties on campus. I’m sure work production around Marshall and surrounding communities will dip slightly on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. J Come on managers, given you employees the day off!
American International University is the host school for the tournament and the Web site for the tournament can be found on the AIU Web site at www.aicyellowjackets.com/sports/2009/3/12/MBB_0312092419.aspx?id=137
Checking out for the night. There is much more to write about tomorrow and throughout the week. If you have questions, drop a comment and I hope I can answer it. Just get my attention by saying “Hey Loft!”. I know pretty cheesy. Trust me it took us a whole 15 seconds to come up with the title of the blog.
Keep that Brown and Gold pride high fans! The players need all the support! Go Mustangs!
Friday afternoon thoughts
Hey Mustang fans just writing from my office in Founders Hall. Has been an amazing week of things to get ready for from my office. As you see on the site, another "Mustang Minute" has been cut for this week. A special thanks to my assistant Tim Gerszewski for the great camera work!
Our office has been busy dealing with media requests around the country. The Springfield, Mass., newspaper has called to talk to coach Stemen, the Star Tribune will be calling early next week, and we've had one TV station from Sioux Falls already stop by on Wednesday. This along with our local media keeps things busy. I just want to recognize what a great job by both of our local media outlets, the Marshall Independent and Marshall Radio did during the NCAA regional tournament! Great coverage to our fans everywhere! Thanks to everyone.
More coming tonight!
Our office has been busy dealing with media requests around the country. The Springfield, Mass., newspaper has called to talk to coach Stemen, the Star Tribune will be calling early next week, and we've had one TV station from Sioux Falls already stop by on Wednesday. This along with our local media keeps things busy. I just want to recognize what a great job by both of our local media outlets, the Marshall Independent and Marshall Radio did during the NCAA regional tournament! Great coverage to our fans everywhere! Thanks to everyone.
More coming tonight!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Questions are Welcome
Oh, and feel free to ask me questions about how the trip is going. We're flying out on Sunday.
Massachusetts here we come!!
Massachusetts here we come!!
Welcome to the Hey Loft
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. I'll be keeping you up to date with the Mustangs as they travel to Springfield, Mass., for the Elite Eight!
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