(07-12-2015 01:17 PM)toddjnsn Wrote:  

Quote:There is no openings in the MAC right now, not even for the #1 draft pick.

UMass is leaving after this year. That's an open slot to make the numbers even.

Quote:Northern Illinois, Toledo, Ohio U. and Bowling Green could move to a better conference.

(07-12-2015 01:17 PM)toddjnsn Wrote:  UMass is leaving after this year. That's an open slot to make the numbers even

(07-10-2015 02:44 PM)perimeterpost Wrote:  

(07-10-2015 07:27 AM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(07-09-2015 06:46 PM)utpotts Wrote:  

(07-09-2015 03:57 PM)e-parade Wrote:  

(07-09-2015 02:23 PM)utpotts Wrote:  Let us know when your football team is actually relevant.

Signed,

Everyone who doesn't give a **** about UMASS

Okay, we will.


So much hostility here.

No...... We are sick and tired of hearing about how great UMASS was in the 90's in basketball. It's irrelevant.

Not saying we've been rank number 1 but have been good most years. Since 2007 have been an at large bid team to the NIT 4 times and NCAA once, that's 5 times out of 8 years and with 2 NIT final fours plus the NCAA in 2014.

Since 2007 the MAC has received zero at-large bids and only had Akron in 2008, when being the regular season winner lost in the conference tournament.

CUSA year in and year out has a better chance for an at-large bid.

As a basketball conference the A10 is greater than the MAC. BUT,

As a basketball program, UMass is not greater than the best teams in the MAC.

If UMass wasn't a founding member of the A10 they wouldn't have the resume today to get in, I think we can agree on that. Therefore, its totally understandable why UMass fans would be extremely hesitant to leave because it guarentees a step down. But staying in the A10 creates a situation that I believe is impossible for UMass football to succeed.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.

Quote:July 20, 2015
AMHERST, Mass. - Molly O'Mara has been named to the newly-created position of Associate Director of Athletics for Communications and Public Relations, according to University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.

O'Mara will oversee all areas of athletics communications, including department messaging, media relations, internet strategies, social media, graphic design and video production. She will also serve as the primary media relations contact for the Minutemen football program.

A 2004 graduate of the University, O'Mara comes to Amherst after spending the previous five seasons at the University of Arizona, including the last three as Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football. She previously worked at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech.

She will begin her new duties at UMass on August 3.

"I am excited to welcome home a Commonwealth native and a distinguished graduate of our remarkable University," Bamford said. "Molly is an outstanding communicator with an unbridled passion for her alma mater. Her experiences at programs in the Big XII, SEC and Pac-12 conferences will elevate our athletic communications and enhance our senior leadership team as we continue to grow as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program."

Spanning her career, O'Mara coordinated media efforts prior to and on-site for eight college football bowl games (Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl twice, Capital Bowl, Liberty Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Independence Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and served as on-campus media coordinator for six NCAA Championships, two SEC Championships and one Pac-12 Championship.

"Words can't express how grateful I am to Chancellor Subbaswamy, Ryan Bamford and Tom McElroy for this opportunity," O'Mara said. "I'm a proud UMass graduate and the chance to work at my alma mater is one I have always worked towards. I'm excited for the future of UMass Athletics under Ryan's leadership and I look forward to working with the staff to elevate UMass Athletics to new heights. As the Commonwealth's Flagship University, we will strive to be at the forefront of traditional, digital and social communications while building strong relationships, locally and nationally."

O'Mara graduated from the Isenberg School of Management Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management in May, 2004. During her time on campus, she worked in the athletics media relations department for two years assisting with all facets of day-to-day operations. In 2003-04, she served as the primary contact for men's and women's cross country and track and field.

"On behalf of the Isenberg School and the McCormack Department of Sport Management, I am pleased to welcome our alumnus Molly O'Mara back to campus," Isenberg Associate Dean for Administration Lisa Masteralexis said. "We are thrilled that Molly has chosen to bring her passion for athletics and skills she has honed through her career back 'home' to UMass. We are proud of all that she has accomplished. It's always special to welcome back an alum, like Molly. She will instantly become a role model for our students interested in college athletics administration."

Quote:@UAB_Football is back any chance we see them on 2017/18 schedules? Both could use the games. #FreeUAB #UABFreed

Quote:Ryan Bamford ‏@UMassADBamford 2h2 hours ago
Ryan Bamford retweeted Michael Traini
... 2017 is basically done for us save FCS game

Quote:Can we expect an FCS opponent every season going forward after 2015? Part of the scheduling strategy?

Quote:Ryan Bamford ‏@UMassADBamford 2h2 hours ago
Ryan Bamford retweeted Michael Traini
Most likely, yes.

Quote:Good to know, thank you. FCS would give us 6 home in 2017, chance we could play them all in Amherst? Or still split?

Quote:Ryan Bamford ‏@UMassADBamford 2h2 hours ago
Ryan Bamford retweeted Michael Traini
At present, we have opportunity to be flexible with the game site for all 6. And good news is we have time to decide

(07-21-2015 08:54 AM)Steve1981 Wrote:  UMass continues upgrading the Athletic Department with P-5 experience.

Molly O'Mara Named Associate AD For Communications & Public Relations
After successful tenure at Arizona, O'Mara will oversee all phases of external communications and serve as the primary football contact.

Quote:July 20, 2015
AMHERST, Mass. - Molly O'Mara has been named to the newly-created position of Associate Director of Athletics for Communications and Public Relations, according to University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.

O'Mara will oversee all areas of athletics communications, including department messaging, media relations, internet strategies, social media, graphic design and video production. She will also serve as the primary media relations contact for the Minutemen football program.

A 2004 graduate of the University, O'Mara comes to Amherst after spending the previous five seasons at the University of Arizona, including the last three as Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football. She previously worked at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech.

She will begin her new duties at UMass on August 3.

"I am excited to welcome home a Commonwealth native and a distinguished graduate of our remarkable University," Bamford said. "Molly is an outstanding communicator with an unbridled passion for her alma mater. Her experiences at programs in the Big XII, SEC and Pac-12 conferences will elevate our athletic communications and enhance our senior leadership team as we continue to grow as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program."

Spanning her career, O'Mara coordinated media efforts prior to and on-site for eight college football bowl games (Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl twice, Capital Bowl, Liberty Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Independence Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and served as on-campus media coordinator for six NCAA Championships, two SEC Championships and one Pac-12 Championship.

"Words can't express how grateful I am to Chancellor Subbaswamy, Ryan Bamford and Tom McElroy for this opportunity," O'Mara said. "I'm a proud UMass graduate and the chance to work at my alma mater is one I have always worked towards. I'm excited for the future of UMass Athletics under Ryan's leadership and I look forward to working with the staff to elevate UMass Athletics to new heights. As the Commonwealth's Flagship University, we will strive to be at the forefront of traditional, digital and social communications while building strong relationships, locally and nationally."

O'Mara graduated from the Isenberg School of Management Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management in May, 2004. During her time on campus, she worked in the athletics media relations department for two years assisting with all facets of day-to-day operations. In 2003-04, she served as the primary contact for men's and women's cross country and track and field.

"On behalf of the Isenberg School and the McCormack Department of Sport Management, I am pleased to welcome our alumnus Molly O'Mara back to campus," Isenberg Associate Dean for Administration Lisa Masteralexis said. "We are thrilled that Molly has chosen to bring her passion for athletics and skills she has honed through her career back 'home' to UMass. We are proud of all that she has accomplished. It's always special to welcome back an alum, like Molly. She will instantly become a role model for our students interested in college athletics administration."

http://www.umassathletics.com/genrel/072015aaa.html

(07-22-2015 10:41 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  That's a good hire but its pretty typical for a G5 school to reach into a P5's middle management..

"Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football."

(07-21-2015 08:54 AM)Steve1981 Wrote:  UMass continues upgrading the Athletic Department with P-5 experience.

Molly O'Mara Named Associate AD For Communications & Public Relations
After successful tenure at Arizona, O'Mara will oversee all phases of external communications and serve as the primary football contact.

Quote:July 20, 2015
AMHERST, Mass. - Molly O'Mara has been named to the newly-created position of Associate Director of Athletics for Communications and Public Relations, according to University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.

O'Mara will oversee all areas of athletics communications, including department messaging, media relations, internet strategies, social media, graphic design and video production. She will also serve as the primary media relations contact for the Minutemen football program.

A 2004 graduate of the University, O'Mara comes to Amherst after spending the previous five seasons at the University of Arizona, including the last three as Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football. She previously worked at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech.

She will begin her new duties at UMass on August 3.

"I am excited to welcome home a Commonwealth native and a distinguished graduate of our remarkable University," Bamford said. "Molly is an outstanding communicator with an unbridled passion for her alma mater. Her experiences at programs in the Big XII, SEC and Pac-12 conferences will elevate our athletic communications and enhance our senior leadership team as we continue to grow as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program."

Spanning her career, O'Mara coordinated media efforts prior to and on-site for eight college football bowl games (Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl twice, Capital Bowl, Liberty Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Independence Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and served as on-campus media coordinator for six NCAA Championships, two SEC Championships and one Pac-12 Championship.

"Words can't express how grateful I am to Chancellor Subbaswamy, Ryan Bamford and Tom McElroy for this opportunity," O'Mara said. "I'm a proud UMass graduate and the chance to work at my alma mater is one I have always worked towards. I'm excited for the future of UMass Athletics under Ryan's leadership and I look forward to working with the staff to elevate UMass Athletics to new heights. As the Commonwealth's Flagship University, we will strive to be at the forefront of traditional, digital and social communications while building strong relationships, locally and nationally."

O'Mara graduated from the Isenberg School of Management Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management in May, 2004. During her time on campus, she worked in the athletics media relations department for two years assisting with all facets of day-to-day operations. In 2003-04, she served as the primary contact for men's and women's cross country and track and field.

"On behalf of the Isenberg School and the McCormack Department of Sport Management, I am pleased to welcome our alumnus Molly O'Mara back to campus," Isenberg Associate Dean for Administration Lisa Masteralexis said. "We are thrilled that Molly has chosen to bring her passion for athletics and skills she has honed through her career back 'home' to UMass. We are proud of all that she has accomplished. It's always special to welcome back an alum, like Molly. She will instantly become a role model for our students interested in college athletics administration."

http://www.umassathletics.com/genrel/072015aaa.html

(07-22-2015 12:34 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  Not really. We just took NIU's AD.

(07-22-2015 12:34 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  

(07-22-2015 10:41 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  That's a good hire but its pretty typical for a G5 school to reach into a P5's middle management..

"Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football."

Not really. We just took NIU's AD.

(07-22-2015 12:34 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  

(07-22-2015 10:41 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  That's a good hire but its pretty typical for a G5 school to reach into a P5's middle management..

"Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football."

(07-21-2015 08:54 AM)Steve1981 Wrote:  UMass continues upgrading the Athletic Department with P-5 experience.

Molly O'Mara Named Associate AD For Communications & Public Relations
After successful tenure at Arizona, O'Mara will oversee all phases of external communications and serve as the primary football contact.

Quote:July 20, 2015
AMHERST, Mass. - Molly O'Mara has been named to the newly-created position of Associate Director of Athletics for Communications and Public Relations, according to University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.

O'Mara will oversee all areas of athletics communications, including department messaging, media relations, internet strategies, social media, graphic design and video production. She will also serve as the primary media relations contact for the Minutemen football program.

A 2004 graduate of the University, O'Mara comes to Amherst after spending the previous five seasons at the University of Arizona, including the last three as Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football. She previously worked at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech.

She will begin her new duties at UMass on August 3.

"I am excited to welcome home a Commonwealth native and a distinguished graduate of our remarkable University," Bamford said. "Molly is an outstanding communicator with an unbridled passion for her alma mater. Her experiences at programs in the Big XII, SEC and Pac-12 conferences will elevate our athletic communications and enhance our senior leadership team as we continue to grow as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program."

Spanning her career, O'Mara coordinated media efforts prior to and on-site for eight college football bowl games (Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl twice, Capital Bowl, Liberty Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Independence Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and served as on-campus media coordinator for six NCAA Championships, two SEC Championships and one Pac-12 Championship.

"Words can't express how grateful I am to Chancellor Subbaswamy, Ryan Bamford and Tom McElroy for this opportunity," O'Mara said. "I'm a proud UMass graduate and the chance to work at my alma mater is one I have always worked towards. I'm excited for the future of UMass Athletics under Ryan's leadership and I look forward to working with the staff to elevate UMass Athletics to new heights. As the Commonwealth's Flagship University, we will strive to be at the forefront of traditional, digital and social communications while building strong relationships, locally and nationally."

O'Mara graduated from the Isenberg School of Management Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management in May, 2004. During her time on campus, she worked in the athletics media relations department for two years assisting with all facets of day-to-day operations. In 2003-04, she served as the primary contact for men's and women's cross country and track and field.

"On behalf of the Isenberg School and the McCormack Department of Sport Management, I am pleased to welcome our alumnus Molly O'Mara back to campus," Isenberg Associate Dean for Administration Lisa Masteralexis said. "We are thrilled that Molly has chosen to bring her passion for athletics and skills she has honed through her career back 'home' to UMass. We are proud of all that she has accomplished. It's always special to welcome back an alum, like Molly. She will instantly become a role model for our students interested in college athletics administration."

http://www.umassathletics.com/genrel/072015aaa.html

Not really. We just took NIU's AD.

Quote:UMass's Blake Frohnapfel is the best QB you've never heard of

DETROIT — He threw for nearly 600 yards in a game last season — and lost.

He hoops like Zach Randolph and chugs Coca-Cola like Mean Joe Greene.

He has a twin brother, Eric, who plays tight end for the San Diego Chargers.

He is on track to earn his Masters of Business Administration and Sports Management degrees and boasts a 3.8 grade-point average.

He is Blake Frohnapfel from the University of Massachusetts, arguably the most promising yet least known quarterback in FBS. But that is likely to change this fall as he plays his final season at UMass.

Frohnapfel (pronounced FROH nap-ul) is a big fan of the movie, "About Time," a 2013 romantic comedy/drama about a man who tries to change his future by returning to his past via time travel.

The 6-foot-6, 238 pounder out of Stafford, Va., didn't need a flux capacitor to alter his path. After two years as the backup to Rakeem Cato at Marshall, he completed his undergraduate degree in May 2014, then transferred to UMass and put up eye-popping numbers in coach/quarterback guru Mark Whipple's pro-style offense.

"It was definitely a big change for me because Eric was with me at Marshall and my sister (Sarah) was there as a graduate assistant," Frohnapfel said Wednesday at Mid-American Conference Football Media Day. "I really had no connection to the Northeast. I was kind of on my own for the first time with no Eric. Plus, with the school aspect, I was with a bunch of people who were 10 years older than me.

"I felt way out of my element. I had to learn and get more comfortable on the field and in the classroom. I wound up thinking I can handle this."

It didn't take Frohnapfel long to get a grip. The kid, first known as "Marshall" in Amherst, went from new guy to campus leader over the course of a few of weeks. Some bumps, bruises and bad breaks were part of his journey.

In his first game at Boston College, he hooked up with receiver Tajae Sharpe on a 77-yard touchdown in a 30-7 loss to the Eagles. He completed just 9 of 22 passes and was sacked three times.

A month later he threw for five touchdowns and a MAC-record 589 yards in a 47-42 home loss to Bowling Green.

In between was a 48-7 drubbing at Penn State. Whipple, who returned to UMass as head coach after 10 years as an assistant in the NFL, decided to light a fire under his quarterback.

"He played really poorly and I called him out in front of the team," Whipple said. "He came to me and asked 'How do I be a leader?' I said you just keep doing what you're doing. I have all the confidence in the world in you. And if I rip you sometimes, it's more for motivation.

"The next week he threw for 589 yards, broke all the records in New England. It was all about experience."

***

Teammates realized "Froh" was a unique talent. And as smart as a Whip.

"When he threw me that post against BC, that's when I knew what kind of quarterback he was going to turn out to be," said Sharpe, a senior and UMass' all-time leader in receptions per game. "He's very special, he's very accurate and he's bright back there under center. When he was able to make that play the first game of the season, I saw what kind of player he was capable of being.

"There's no other quarterback in the country I'd rather have. When he throws the ball, as soon as I come out of my break it's right there in the perfect spot where no one can get to it but me. It seems like every ball he throws is right on the money. He has this trust with his receivers. Sometimes he lets the ball go early before we get out of the break but he trusts us to be on the right spot."

UMass finished just 3-9 overall, 3-5 in the MAC in 2014. Frohnapfel suffered a broken leg and missed the final two games.

(07-30-2015 12:03 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  Nice write-up on our QB Blake Frohnapfel in USA Today.
Will quote the first half of the article and here is the link.
USA Today Full Article by Gerry Ahem

Quote:UMass's Blake Frohnapfel is the best QB you've never heard of

DETROIT — He threw for nearly 600 yards in a game last season — and lost.

He hoops like Zach Randolph and chugs Coca-Cola like Mean Joe Greene.

He has a twin brother, Eric, who plays tight end for the San Diego Chargers.

He is on track to earn his Masters of Business Administration and Sports Management degrees and boasts a 3.8 grade-point average.

He is Blake Frohnapfel from the University of Massachusetts, arguably the most promising yet least known quarterback in FBS. But that is likely to change this fall as he plays his final season at UMass.

Frohnapfel (pronounced FROH nap-ul) is a big fan of the movie, "About Time," a 2013 romantic comedy/drama about a man who tries to change his future by returning to his past via time travel.

The 6-foot-6, 238 pounder out of Stafford, Va., didn't need a flux capacitor to alter his path. After two years as the backup to Rakeem Cato at Marshall, he completed his undergraduate degree in May 2014, then transferred to UMass and put up eye-popping numbers in coach/quarterback guru Mark Whipple's pro-style offense.

"It was definitely a big change for me because Eric was with me at Marshall and my sister (Sarah) was there as a graduate assistant," Frohnapfel said Wednesday at Mid-American Conference Football Media Day. "I really had no connection to the Northeast. I was kind of on my own for the first time with no Eric. Plus, with the school aspect, I was with a bunch of people who were 10 years older than me.

"I felt way out of my element. I had to learn and get more comfortable on the field and in the classroom. I wound up thinking I can handle this."

It didn't take Frohnapfel long to get a grip. The kid, first known as "Marshall" in Amherst, went from new guy to campus leader over the course of a few of weeks. Some bumps, bruises and bad breaks were part of his journey.

In his first game at Boston College, he hooked up with receiver Tajae Sharpe on a 77-yard touchdown in a 30-7 loss to the Eagles. He completed just 9 of 22 passes and was sacked three times.

A month later he threw for five touchdowns and a MAC-record 589 yards in a 47-42 home loss to Bowling Green.

In between was a 48-7 drubbing at Penn State. Whipple, who returned to UMass as head coach after 10 years as an assistant in the NFL, decided to light a fire under his quarterback.

"He played really poorly and I called him out in front of the team," Whipple said. "He came to me and asked 'How do I be a leader?' I said you just keep doing what you're doing. I have all the confidence in the world in you. And if I rip you sometimes, it's more for motivation.

"The next week he threw for 589 yards, broke all the records in New England. It was all about experience."

***

Teammates realized "Froh" was a unique talent. And as smart as a Whip.

"When he threw me that post against BC, that's when I knew what kind of quarterback he was going to turn out to be," said Sharpe, a senior and UMass' all-time leader in receptions per game. "He's very special, he's very accurate and he's bright back there under center. When he was able to make that play the first game of the season, I saw what kind of player he was capable of being.

"There's no other quarterback in the country I'd rather have. When he throws the ball, as soon as I come out of my break it's right there in the perfect spot where no one can get to it but me. It seems like every ball he throws is right on the money. He has this trust with his receivers. Sometimes he lets the ball go early before we get out of the break but he trusts us to be on the right spot."

UMass finished just 3-9 overall, 3-5 in the MAC in 2014. Frohnapfel suffered a broken leg and missed the final two games.

Quote:Still he ranked fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision in passing yards per game (334.5). He was ninth nationally with a 24.10 completions per game and ranked ninth with 326.1 yards total offense per game.

That has raised expectations for Frohnapfel and the Minutemen, who will compete with Bowling Green, Ohio and Akron for the 2015 MAC East Division crown.

Frohnapfel has a full year in Whipple's complex system. His leg is sturdy. And his confidence is through the roof.

"Last year I was just tying to figure things out," Frohnapfel said. "Like in certain situations, 'What do I do here?' I started to get a little more comfortable with what I was doing. Just watching the film from last year I would see little portions of my game, little times in the game where I wouldn't play as well. They were easy fixes and over the summer and spring I focused on them. Where can I get a couple more completions? Where did I miss a deep ball? That's been my main focus."

The sign of a leader is how well he motivates his teammates to hunker down and do better. UMass senior offensive lineman Matt Sparks, Frohnapfel's roommate, has been inspired by the quarterback's work ethic and feels like the guys up front have a debt to pay.

"We saw what happened when he got hurt," Sparks said. "(Whipple) said if we can keep him standing up, we're going to have a pretty special year. I agree. There's definitely a little bit of pressure on us to keep him healthy this year."

***

Frohnapfel's biggest vice is sucking down soda. His avocation? Playing basketball.

"I drink tons of Coke," he said, laughing. "I probably drink a two liter a day. It's really bad. My roommates are always like, 'You gotta stop.' I work out. I eat pretty well, don't eat a lot of junk food. But I'm going to drink Coke. Before each game I drink a can. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or what. It helps me relax.

"I always compare my basketball game to Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies. He doesn't really dunk any more. He just gets in the paint and drives hard, does some hook shots here and there. That's my game."

No one knows Blake better than twin brother Eric. The duo is one of only two sets of twins in Division I football history to connect for a touchdown. Eric has moved on to the NFL. He believes his brother can get there too.

"I think that he has definitely exceeded expectations," Eric said. "I knew he was a good quarterback and I figured he would go (to UMass) and get the starting job. But for him to have such a prolific season like he had, I think none of us could have expected that much success for him. There's more to come."

Whipple too thinks Blake Frohnapfel has what it takes to play on Sundays. The man who developed NFL quarterback talents such as Ben Roethlisberger and Donovan McNabb ought to know.

"He's going to work, he's going to study, he's smart," Whipple said. "He's competitive. That's the kind of guy you look for who can take a game plan and handle it and be ready when the other guy gets hurt. I wouldn't hesitate to draft him."

The country will get a chance to see how good Frohnapfel is on Sept. 26 when UMass travels to Notre Dame for a nationally televised game against the Fighting Irish.

It's a challenge that has Frohnapfel reflecting on his childhood.

"It definitely will be a great experience," Frohnapfel said. "My dad (Steve) was a big Notre Dame fan, so I was too by default. We'd stand in front of the TV and try to block kicks. It's a historic university and historic stadium to play in. Our guys will be ready."

Western Massachusetts has proven to be the place for Frohnapfel. Faculty raves about his academic prowess. He served as part of committee assembled to help select UMass' athletic director.

"I've had four to five professors seek me out and say he's one of the best students they've ever had," Whipple said. "He's just a great representative of what we are trying to do. One of the best kids I've ever coached.

"Our chancellor asked me about a student rep (for the AD committee) and I said right away Froh would be the perfect guy. Even though he was taking 18 hours of graduate classes, he managed to make that work with football. He fit it in and did and great job and had a lot of input.

"When you talk about a student-athlete, I've never been around a better one."

(07-22-2015 01:08 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(07-22-2015 12:34 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  

(07-22-2015 10:41 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  That's a good hire but its pretty typical for a G5 school to reach into a P5's middle management..

"Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football."

(07-21-2015 08:54 AM)Steve1981 Wrote:  UMass continues upgrading the Athletic Department with P-5 experience.

Molly O'Mara Named Associate AD For Communications & Public Relations
After successful tenure at Arizona, O'Mara will oversee all phases of external communications and serve as the primary football contact.

Quote:July 20, 2015
AMHERST, Mass. - Molly O'Mara has been named to the newly-created position of Associate Director of Athletics for Communications and Public Relations, according to University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.

O'Mara will oversee all areas of athletics communications, including department messaging, media relations, internet strategies, social media, graphic design and video production. She will also serve as the primary media relations contact for the Minutemen football program.

A 2004 graduate of the University, O'Mara comes to Amherst after spending the previous five seasons at the University of Arizona, including the last three as Associate Communication Services Director with primary responsibilities for Wildcat football. She previously worked at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech.

She will begin her new duties at UMass on August 3.

"I am excited to welcome home a Commonwealth native and a distinguished graduate of our remarkable University," Bamford said. "Molly is an outstanding communicator with an unbridled passion for her alma mater. Her experiences at programs in the Big XII, SEC and Pac-12 conferences will elevate our athletic communications and enhance our senior leadership team as we continue to grow as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program."

Spanning her career, O'Mara coordinated media efforts prior to and on-site for eight college football bowl games (Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl twice, Capital Bowl, Liberty Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Independence Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and served as on-campus media coordinator for six NCAA Championships, two SEC Championships and one Pac-12 Championship.

"Words can't express how grateful I am to Chancellor Subbaswamy, Ryan Bamford and Tom McElroy for this opportunity," O'Mara said. "I'm a proud UMass graduate and the chance to work at my alma mater is one I have always worked towards. I'm excited for the future of UMass Athletics under Ryan's leadership and I look forward to working with the staff to elevate UMass Athletics to new heights. As the Commonwealth's Flagship University, we will strive to be at the forefront of traditional, digital and social communications while building strong relationships, locally and nationally."

O'Mara graduated from the Isenberg School of Management Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management in May, 2004. During her time on campus, she worked in the athletics media relations department for two years assisting with all facets of day-to-day operations. In 2003-04, she served as the primary contact for men's and women's cross country and track and field.

"On behalf of the Isenberg School and the McCormack Department of Sport Management, I am pleased to welcome our alumnus Molly O'Mara back to campus," Isenberg Associate Dean for Administration Lisa Masteralexis said. "We are thrilled that Molly has chosen to bring her passion for athletics and skills she has honed through her career back 'home' to UMass. We are proud of all that she has accomplished. It's always special to welcome back an alum, like Molly. She will instantly become a role model for our students interested in college athletics administration."

http://www.umassathletics.com/genrel/072015aaa.html

Not really. We just took NIU's AD.

Enjoy.

(07-30-2015 03:22 PM)e-parade Wrote:  

(07-30-2015 12:03 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  Nice write-up on our QB Blake Frohnapfel in USA Today.
Will quote the first half of the article and here is the link.
USA Today Full Article by Gerry Ahem

Quote:UMass's Blake Frohnapfel is the best QB you've never heard of

DETROIT — He threw for nearly 600 yards in a game last season — and lost.

He hoops like Zach Randolph and chugs Coca-Cola like Mean Joe Greene.

He has a twin brother, Eric, who plays tight end for the San Diego Chargers.

He is on track to earn his Masters of Business Administration and Sports Management degrees and boasts a 3.8 grade-point average.

He is Blake Frohnapfel from the University of Massachusetts, arguably the most promising yet least known quarterback in FBS. But that is likely to change this fall as he plays his final season at UMass.

Frohnapfel (pronounced FROH nap-ul) is a big fan of the movie, "About Time," a 2013 romantic comedy/drama about a man who tries to change his future by returning to his past via time travel.

The 6-foot-6, 238 pounder out of Stafford, Va., didn't need a flux capacitor to alter his path. After two years as the backup to Rakeem Cato at Marshall, he completed his undergraduate degree in May 2014, then transferred to UMass and put up eye-popping numbers in coach/quarterback guru Mark Whipple's pro-style offense.

"It was definitely a big change for me because Eric was with me at Marshall and my sister (Sarah) was there as a graduate assistant," Frohnapfel said Wednesday at Mid-American Conference Football Media Day. "I really had no connection to the Northeast. I was kind of on my own for the first time with no Eric. Plus, with the school aspect, I was with a bunch of people who were 10 years older than me.

"I felt way out of my element. I had to learn and get more comfortable on the field and in the classroom. I wound up thinking I can handle this."

It didn't take Frohnapfel long to get a grip. The kid, first known as "Marshall" in Amherst, went from new guy to campus leader over the course of a few of weeks. Some bumps, bruises and bad breaks were part of his journey.

In his first game at Boston College, he hooked up with receiver Tajae Sharpe on a 77-yard touchdown in a 30-7 loss to the Eagles. He completed just 9 of 22 passes and was sacked three times.

A month later he threw for five touchdowns and a MAC-record 589 yards in a 47-42 home loss to Bowling Green.

In between was a 48-7 drubbing at Penn State. Whipple, who returned to UMass as head coach after 10 years as an assistant in the NFL, decided to light a fire under his quarterback.

"He played really poorly and I called him out in front of the team," Whipple said. "He came to me and asked 'How do I be a leader?' I said you just keep doing what you're doing. I have all the confidence in the world in you. And if I rip you sometimes, it's more for motivation.

"The next week he threw for 589 yards, broke all the records in New England. It was all about experience."

***

Teammates realized "Froh" was a unique talent. And as smart as a Whip.

"When he threw me that post against BC, that's when I knew what kind of quarterback he was going to turn out to be," said Sharpe, a senior and UMass' all-time leader in receptions per game. "He's very special, he's very accurate and he's bright back there under center. When he was able to make that play the first game of the season, I saw what kind of player he was capable of being.

"There's no other quarterback in the country I'd rather have. When he throws the ball, as soon as I come out of my break it's right there in the perfect spot where no one can get to it but me. It seems like every ball he throws is right on the money. He has this trust with his receivers. Sometimes he lets the ball go early before we get out of the break but he trusts us to be on the right spot."

UMass finished just 3-9 overall, 3-5 in the MAC in 2014. Frohnapfel suffered a broken leg and missed the final two games.

They may have added more since you posted this, it continues for a bit more there:

Quote:Still he ranked fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision in passing yards per game (334.5). He was ninth nationally with a 24.10 completions per game and ranked ninth with 326.1 yards total offense per game.

That has raised expectations for Frohnapfel and the Minutemen, who will compete with Bowling Green, Ohio and Akron for the 2015 MAC East Division crown.

Frohnapfel has a full year in Whipple's complex system. His leg is sturdy. And his confidence is through the roof.

"Last year I was just tying to figure things out," Frohnapfel said. "Like in certain situations, 'What do I do here?' I started to get a little more comfortable with what I was doing. Just watching the film from last year I would see little portions of my game, little times in the game where I wouldn't play as well. They were easy fixes and over the summer and spring I focused on them. Where can I get a couple more completions? Where did I miss a deep ball? That's been my main focus."

The sign of a leader is how well he motivates his teammates to hunker down and do better. UMass senior offensive lineman Matt Sparks, Frohnapfel's roommate, has been inspired by the quarterback's work ethic and feels like the guys up front have a debt to pay.

"We saw what happened when he got hurt," Sparks said. "(Whipple) said if we can keep him standing up, we're going to have a pretty special year. I agree. There's definitely a little bit of pressure on us to keep him healthy this year."

***

Frohnapfel's biggest vice is sucking down soda. His avocation? Playing basketball.

"I drink tons of Coke," he said, laughing. "I probably drink a two liter a day. It's really bad. My roommates are always like, 'You gotta stop.' I work out. I eat pretty well, don't eat a lot of junk food. But I'm going to drink Coke. Before each game I drink a can. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or what. It helps me relax.

"I always compare my basketball game to Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies. He doesn't really dunk any more. He just gets in the paint and drives hard, does some hook shots here and there. That's my game."

No one knows Blake better than twin brother Eric. The duo is one of only two sets of twins in Division I football history to connect for a touchdown. Eric has moved on to the NFL. He believes his brother can get there too.

"I think that he has definitely exceeded expectations," Eric said. "I knew he was a good quarterback and I figured he would go (to UMass) and get the starting job. But for him to have such a prolific season like he had, I think none of us could have expected that much success for him. There's more to come."

Whipple too thinks Blake Frohnapfel has what it takes to play on Sundays. The man who developed NFL quarterback talents such as Ben Roethlisberger and Donovan McNabb ought to know.

"He's going to work, he's going to study, he's smart," Whipple said. "He's competitive. That's the kind of guy you look for who can take a game plan and handle it and be ready when the other guy gets hurt. I wouldn't hesitate to draft him."

The country will get a chance to see how good Frohnapfel is on Sept. 26 when UMass travels to Notre Dame for a nationally televised game against the Fighting Irish.

It's a challenge that has Frohnapfel reflecting on his childhood.

"It definitely will be a great experience," Frohnapfel said. "My dad (Steve) was a big Notre Dame fan, so I was too by default. We'd stand in front of the TV and try to block kicks. It's a historic university and historic stadium to play in. Our guys will be ready."

Western Massachusetts has proven to be the place for Frohnapfel. Faculty raves about his academic prowess. He served as part of committee assembled to help select UMass' athletic director.

"I've had four to five professors seek me out and say he's one of the best students they've ever had," Whipple said. "He's just a great representative of what we are trying to do. One of the best kids I've ever coached.

"Our chancellor asked me about a student rep (for the AD committee) and I said right away Froh would be the perfect guy. Even though he was taking 18 hours of graduate classes, he managed to make that work with football. He fit it in and did and great job and had a lot of input.

"When you talk about a student-athlete, I've never been around a better one."