Trinity is looking to take back the title for the first time since 2012 (Courtesy of Trinity Athletics).
It’s finally the moment you’ve all been waiting for. That’s right, Nothing But NESCAC is back in action with football season just around the corner. We have a heck of a season ahead of us, and honestly, I couldn’t be any more excited. The league is shaping up to be quite competitive, and a handful of teams will be fighting for the top spot. There is plenty to look forward to during the 2016 season: Williams hired Mark Raymond as their new head coach in hopes of bringing their program back to title contention, Tufts is set to host their first night game in history against Wesleyan, and there is strong potential for a four or even five team race for the conference crown. Get me to opening day.
NESCAC football is by no means the gold standard for a college football season. First of all, the season is just eight games long. A slow start or a bad game can be fatal in this league, and every team knows that, which is why every team always has hope at the beginning of the season. Then again, either Amherst or Trinity has finished at the top of the standings every year since 2010 when Williams ran the table (though 2013 ended in a three-way tie for first place between Amherst, Middlebury and Wesleyan). Will one of these two perennial juggernauts take the cake again this year? Or will another contender surpass them? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
The NESCAC is definitely different than most collegiate athletic conference, but that’s part of the reason that I love this conference. It’s also why I love writing for NBN. As Adam mentioned in his final farewell, he and Joe offered me ownership of the website after they graduated from Bowdoin and Middlebury in May. I was humbled to receive this offer, and I can’t thank the two of them enough for all the advice and support they have given me in the year since I started with NBN. I hope that the rest of the writers and I can continue what Adam and Joe started with the site.
One of my favorite things about the NESCAC is that academics and athletics work hand in hand. An old si.com article written by Douglas Looney perfectly describes this belief, the belief that this is how college athletics are meant to function. While NESCAC athletes dedicate a huge chunk of time to their teams, they are required to work just as hard in the classroom, something you don’t always see at some of the big-time Division I programs. I would strongly suggest taking a look at Looney’s article – though some of the information is outdated now, it’s a pretty intriguing take on the NESCAC.
Another huge difference between the ‘CAC and other athletic conferences is the fan support. There aren’t any Alabama- or Auburn-sized football stadiums in the conference, but one aspect that I love (as both a fan and a player) is that the athletes know most of the people in the stands. I can go to Tufts basketball games as a super fan and literally have conversations with my friends on the court, but I can also look into the stands from the baseball diamond and see my classmates, my neighbors and even peers that I see every day in the dining hall. In general, a NESCAC sporting event is not going to be the most raucous crowd of all time. Not even close. But that’s okay. I think most NESCAC athletes understand this and enjoy the fact that they know most of their fans.
I’m absolutely stoked for NESCAC football action to start up in a couple weeks, and I’m equally as excited to write about everything that goes on throughout the season. If you’re looking to join NBN, please don’t hesitate to email nothingbutnescac@gmail.com to inquire about how you can help. I am more than happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, and simply put, we can always use extra help with writing, live-tweeting games, web design, graphic design, etc. We know that NBN isn’t perfect, and we are constantly trying to build on our coverage and content, so feel free to reach out with any suggestions or article ideas as well.
Looking forward to a great year!
Rory Ziomek (Tufts ‘17)
Rory, it is GREAT to have NBN back! Thanks for doing this!