BTW, the perception to this pandemic is, in part, based on the experience of others around us.

I know no one affected by it. I have a friend whose son-in-law is an ER doctor so his view is more 'real world' than mine.

So doctors, nurses, EMTs, public health professionals, researchers, etc. etc. (and those around them) see it much more critically than do those who have little exposure to it.

(05-24-2020 04:16 PM)emu steve Wrote:  BTW, the perception to this pandemic is, in part, based on the experience of others around us.

I know no one affected by it. I have a friend whose son-in-law is an ER doctor so his view is more 'real world' than mine.

So doctors, nurses, EMTs, public health professionals, researchers, etc. etc. (and those around them) see it much more critically than do those who have little exposure to it.

James is 100% correct, Arkansas is reporting far more cases now than before. DC is probably the hottest spot in the nation right now as well. Based on what I have seen, this seems to be the pattern. Once the virus is established, it hits pretty hard, then subsides. Is this due to increased restrictions or just a normal wash of the virus? NOBODY has the correct strategy to combat it, at least one that is known presently and I don't purport to be an expert of any sort.

My point is this. There is next to zero media positive coverage of any Governors or foreign state leaders who assumed the risk that Arkansas did, with to date only 115 fatalities. They have 30% the population of Michigan with less than a percent of our state's fatalities. I think this might be due to their population distribution myself, nevertheless no media outlet has been acknowledging Gov Hutchinson's positive outcomes. "If you are not lock-downed you have blood on your hands" so to speak. It is what it is.

Prez Smith could be presented with a choice of opening campus and playing football with the likelihood of success being 95%. If U-M decides to close, however, he simply has no choice but to follow suit. The decision on whether EMU has campus classes and football games will be made by Mark Schlissel and Gretchen Whitmer.

Dear Jerry,
I have to disagree with your comment about the University of Michigan. Since when does Eastern have to follow them on anything? I also do not believe that Governor Whitmer will close college campus classes, because they need the enrollment to stay open. There may be conditions certainly, but to close down campus classes, to me, just won't fly.

(05-25-2020 07:13 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Jerry,
I have to disagree with your comment about the University of Michigan. Since when does Eastern have to follow them on anything? I also do not believe that Governor Whitmer will close college campus classes, because they need the enrollment to stay open. There may be conditions certainly, but to close down campus classes, to me, just won't fly.

Ken, I am 100% in agreement with you in regards to closing campuses, but I think it is likely to happen. Prez Smith could be faced with a decision that he feels is 97% correct to open but if U-M does not, that 3% chance of failure should it occur would certainly doom his career. He will be the rebel University president who sacrificed life, while the esteemed epidemiologist President of Michigan chose to stay closed.

I would like to present a scenario with respect to the "new normal" and the possibility of continued on-line learning:

Let's assume I am an Elon Musk type entrepreneur and on-line learning is now generally accepted. I could then venture to recruit the absolute most distinguished faculty on the planet and compensate them richly as I don't have to relocate them. My brick and mortar investment would be minimal as would be my need of facilities and operations staff. I could provide an Ivy League type or possibly more revered education on a vastly reduced budget. I'm not providing any campus life or face to face interaction with faculty but if Michigan Universities choose not to open, they will not either. The EMU COB building could indeed be the just of the first of many to be converted for other purposes. Wild idea but ?

Dear Jerry,
My take on the campus staying open, is based on the fact that many of the State universities have already declared they plan on opening this fall. The only ones that have not made a decision so far are Michigan State, University of Michigan, and Wayne State. To my knowledge, Michigan State has been implying that they are leaning in that direction, so I think the other two will follow.
As I have said earlier, there may be, and probably will be changes. Guess we will have to wait to see what they will be.

Crain's Detroit says MSU students will back on campus this fall

Detroit Free Press has an article too.

Indicates students have remote learning option.

Also, in person classes to end by Thanksgiving.

Ball St students on campus at beginning of year

(05-28-2020 04:52 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Ball St students on campus at beginning of year

I'm surprised more schools haven't used good 'public health science.'

What I mean: The big fear is a second wave which coincides with the season flu season.

The public health thinking is that the flu season starts say the beginning of December.

Some schools are now trying to get students OFF campus AT Thanksgiving and not bring them back until January (and save the students extra trips home and back).

I think some schools (elementary, high, etc.) are considering starting the school year maybe a couple weeks early.

P.S. if the BIGGEST threat not CFB but MBB and WBB????

The two salient points:

1). College hoops is played during the flu season,

2). College hoops is played indoors.

Neither of them are not true for CFB for the great majority of teams (referring to #2).

Nice N.Y. Times article on the 2020 season. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/sport...tball.html

One point the article makes, similar to our parent, is that players WANT to play. This probably true of especially players hoping to get drafted in 2021 (rising juniors and seniors), players on very successful teams competing for the college football playoffs and generally any senior in for his last chance...

"To many players, the prospect of a season lost to the coronavirus pandemic would be crushing, especially to juniors and seniors whose dreams of jumping to the N.F.L. or having one last hurrah could be deferred for another year, much like athletes whose sports were halted in March. “Players have worked their whole lives for this,” said Camren McDonald, a junior tight end at Florida State, who called a lost season a worst-case scenario. " (NYTimes)

I realize that Covid-19 is different than an ACL (it is a communicable disease, not an injury or condition like cancer), but football players play the sport they love regardless of possible injuries. I dare say many have unprotected sex which can lead to communicative diseases. People take risks based on what they love (e.g., smoking, overeating, drinking too much, etc. etc.).

In my younger day I ran in I think two foot races where someone died (I remember one distinctly - the Annapolis 10 miler). https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/s...793d490b9/ This was despite complete medical assistance stationed along the course (i.e., EMT crews, runners who are medical professionals, etc.).

My point is that people takes risks based on the cost/benefit analysis. Playing college or NFL football is considered a huge benefit for a player. It isn't like conscription in the military to fight a war (e.g., Vietnam).

The big issue, of course, is how not to spread the risk (Covid-19) which players willingly take to others who do not play the sport or attend the sport, etc. Much like 2nd hand smoke at a much, much, much greater risk.

(05-28-2020 08:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Nice N.Y. Times article on the 2020 season. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/sport...tball.html

One point the article makes, similar to our parent, is that players WANT to play. This probably true of especially players hoping to get drafted in 2021 (rising juniors and seniors), players on very successful teams competing for the college football playoffs and generally any senior in for his last chance...

"To many players, the prospect of a season lost to the coronavirus pandemic would be crushing, especially to juniors and seniors whose dreams of jumping to the N.F.L. or having one last hurrah could be deferred for another year, much like athletes whose sports were halted in March. “Players have worked their whole lives for this,” said Camren McDonald, a junior tight end at Florida State, who called a lost season a worst-case scenario. " (NYTimes)

I realize that Covid-19 is different than an ACL (it is a communicable disease, not an injury or condition like cancer), but football players play the sport they love regardless of possible injuries. I dare say many have unprotected sex which can lead to communicative diseases. People take risks based on what they love (e.g., smoking, overeating, drinking too much, etc. etc.).

In my younger day I ran in I think two foot races where someone died (I remember one distinctly - the Annapolis 10 miler). https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/s...793d490b9/ This was despite complete medical assistance stationed along the course (i.e., EMT crews, runners who are medical professionals, etc.).

My point is that people takes risks based on the cost/benefit analysis. Playing college or NFL football is considered a huge benefit for a player. It isn't like conscription in the military to fight a war (e.g., Vietnam).

The big issue, of course, is how not to spread the risk (Covid-19) which players willingly take to others who do not play the sport or attend the sport, etc. Much like 2nd hand smoke at a much, much, much greater risk.

Agree with everything Steve. Shaq Vann petitioned for and received the med redshirt even though it was obvious that last season was going to be his last playing organized football. This is not all about NFL potential, it is young men participating in something they love and have trained years to do. If they don't want to play, by all means honor their scholarship and allow them to sit out. I'm guessing few would take this option.

(05-28-2020 10:32 AM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 08:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Nice N.Y. Times article on the 2020 season. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/sport...tball.html

One point the article makes, similar to our parent, is that players WANT to play. This probably true of especially players hoping to get drafted in 2021 (rising juniors and seniors), players on very successful teams competing for the college football playoffs and generally any senior in for his last chance...

"To many players, the prospect of a season lost to the coronavirus pandemic would be crushing, especially to juniors and seniors whose dreams of jumping to the N.F.L. or having one last hurrah could be deferred for another year, much like athletes whose sports were halted in March. “Players have worked their whole lives for this,” said Camren McDonald, a junior tight end at Florida State, who called a lost season a worst-case scenario. " (NYTimes)

I realize that Covid-19 is different than an ACL (it is a communicable disease, not an injury or condition like cancer), but football players play the sport they love regardless of possible injuries. I dare say many have unprotected sex which can lead to communicative diseases. People take risks based on what they love (e.g., smoking, overeating, drinking too much, etc. etc.).

In my younger day I ran in I think two foot races where someone died (I remember one distinctly - the Annapolis 10 miler). https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/s...793d490b9/ This was despite complete medical assistance stationed along the course (i.e., EMT crews, runners who are medical professionals, etc.).

My point is that people takes risks based on the cost/benefit analysis. Playing college or NFL football is considered a huge benefit for a player. It isn't like conscription in the military to fight a war (e.g., Vietnam).

The big issue, of course, is how not to spread the risk (Covid-19) which players willingly take to others who do not play the sport or attend the sport, etc. Much like 2nd hand smoke at a much, much, much greater risk.

Agree with everything Steve. Shaq Vann petitioned for and received the med redshirt even though it was obvious that last season was going to be his last playing organized football. This is not all about NFL potential, it is young men participating in something they love and have trained years to do. If they don't want to play, by all means honor their scholarship and allow them to sit out. I'm guessing few would take this option.

Thanks, Jerry.

I was by no means an excellent marathoner, but was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran 29 marathons over 26 years.

To me running was the 'love of my life.' I ran in S.E. MI with wind chills say 10 - 20 belong zero (on Belle Isle in January - wore TWO lined windbreakers). I ran down Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti with a foot of snow on the road way.

Football is a game these guys love. They do not play it for money. Some don't do it for their scholarship (some would not be in college if they couldn't play the game).

I say let's play the game. Let's work on the public health aspects for the players, coaches, staff, game officials, fans, etc.

The game will be different, BUT MAC fans have long migrated from the benches of MAC stadiums to their comfy homes with HD TV.

So if fans want to stay home, as they usually do, and watch that's fine.

If stadiums are open to limited seating and some want to come, that's fine.
(they're outdoors, can wear masks, social distance if they want, etc.).

(05-28-2020 11:00 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 10:32 AM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 08:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Nice N.Y. Times article on the 2020 season. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/sport...tball.html

One point the article makes, similar to our parent, is that players WANT to play. This probably true of especially players hoping to get drafted in 2021 (rising juniors and seniors), players on very successful teams competing for the college football playoffs and generally any senior in for his last chance...

"To many players, the prospect of a season lost to the coronavirus pandemic would be crushing, especially to juniors and seniors whose dreams of jumping to the N.F.L. or having one last hurrah could be deferred for another year, much like athletes whose sports were halted in March. “Players have worked their whole lives for this,” said Camren McDonald, a junior tight end at Florida State, who called a lost season a worst-case scenario. " (NYTimes)

I realize that Covid-19 is different than an ACL (it is a communicable disease, not an injury or condition like cancer), but football players play the sport they love regardless of possible injuries. I dare say many have unprotected sex which can lead to communicative diseases. People take risks based on what they love (e.g., smoking, overeating, drinking too much, etc. etc.).

In my younger day I ran in I think two foot races where someone died (I remember one distinctly - the Annapolis 10 miler). https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/s...793d490b9/ This was despite complete medical assistance stationed along the course (i.e., EMT crews, runners who are medical professionals, etc.).

My point is that people takes risks based on the cost/benefit analysis. Playing college or NFL football is considered a huge benefit for a player. It isn't like conscription in the military to fight a war (e.g., Vietnam).

The big issue, of course, is how not to spread the risk (Covid-19) which players willingly take to others who do not play the sport or attend the sport, etc. Much like 2nd hand smoke at a much, much, much greater risk.

Agree with everything Steve. Shaq Vann petitioned for and received the med redshirt even though it was obvious that last season was going to be his last playing organized football. This is not all about NFL potential, it is young men participating in something they love and have trained years to do. If they don't want to play, by all means honor their scholarship and allow them to sit out. I'm guessing few would take this option.

Thanks, Jerry.

I was by no means an excellent marathoner, but was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran 29 marathons over 26 years.

To me running was the 'love of my life.' I ran in S.E. MI with wind chills say 10 - 20 belong zero (on Belle Isle in January - wore TWO lined windbreakers). I ran down Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti with a foot of snow on the road way.

Football is a game these guys love. They do not play it for money. Some don't do it for their scholarship (some would not be in college if they couldn't play the game).

I say let's play the game. Let's work on the public health aspects for the players, coaches, staff, game officials, fans, etc.

The game will be different, BUT MAC fans have long migrated from the benches of MAC stadiums to their comfy homes with HD TV.

So if fans want to stay home, as they usually do, and watch that's fine.

If stadiums are open to limited seating and some want to come, that's fine.
(they're outdoors, can wear masks, social distance if they want, etc.).

Steve,

Great job on your marathon accomplishments! That’s very impressive!!

I ran into Wetherbe at the grocery store two days ago and asked him if we’re having football this season. He said there was a lot of confidence that we would have football but not sure if it’s been worked out whether or not to allow fans in attendance.

Honestly I want the football season to proceed but I don't see myself in attendance this year. Not our of virus fear, but I think the fan experience will be severely diminished. Tailgating is likely to be curtailed, restroom visits I suspect will have huge delays and crowds will hardly be electric with social distancing. ESPN plus at home is likely to provide a superior experience. Let the kids play and the coaches coach, I watch them on TV.

(05-28-2020 12:12 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 11:00 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 10:32 AM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 08:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Nice N.Y. Times article on the 2020 season. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/sport...tball.html

One point the article makes, similar to our parent, is that players WANT to play. This probably true of especially players hoping to get drafted in 2021 (rising juniors and seniors), players on very successful teams competing for the college football playoffs and generally any senior in for his last chance...

"To many players, the prospect of a season lost to the coronavirus pandemic would be crushing, especially to juniors and seniors whose dreams of jumping to the N.F.L. or having one last hurrah could be deferred for another year, much like athletes whose sports were halted in March. “Players have worked their whole lives for this,” said Camren McDonald, a junior tight end at Florida State, who called a lost season a worst-case scenario. " (NYTimes)

I realize that Covid-19 is different than an ACL (it is a communicable disease, not an injury or condition like cancer), but football players play the sport they love regardless of possible injuries. I dare say many have unprotected sex which can lead to communicative diseases. People take risks based on what they love (e.g., smoking, overeating, drinking too much, etc. etc.).

In my younger day I ran in I think two foot races where someone died (I remember one distinctly - the Annapolis 10 miler). https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/s...793d490b9/ This was despite complete medical assistance stationed along the course (i.e., EMT crews, runners who are medical professionals, etc.).

My point is that people takes risks based on the cost/benefit analysis. Playing college or NFL football is considered a huge benefit for a player. It isn't like conscription in the military to fight a war (e.g., Vietnam).

The big issue, of course, is how not to spread the risk (Covid-19) which players willingly take to others who do not play the sport or attend the sport, etc. Much like 2nd hand smoke at a much, much, much greater risk.

Agree with everything Steve. Shaq Vann petitioned for and received the med redshirt even though it was obvious that last season was going to be his last playing organized football. This is not all about NFL potential, it is young men participating in something they love and have trained years to do. If they don't want to play, by all means honor their scholarship and allow them to sit out. I'm guessing few would take this option.

Thanks, Jerry.

I was by no means an excellent marathoner, but was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran 29 marathons over 26 years.

To me running was the 'love of my life.' I ran in S.E. MI with wind chills say 10 - 20 belong zero (on Belle Isle in January - wore TWO lined windbreakers). I ran down Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti with a foot of snow on the road way.

Football is a game these guys love. They do not play it for money. Some don't do it for their scholarship (some would not be in college if they couldn't play the game).

I say let's play the game. Let's work on the public health aspects for the players, coaches, staff, game officials, fans, etc.

The game will be different, BUT MAC fans have long migrated from the benches of MAC stadiums to their comfy homes with HD TV.

So if fans want to stay home, as they usually do, and watch that's fine.

If stadiums are open to limited seating and some want to come, that's fine.
(they're outdoors, can wear masks, social distance if they want, etc.).

Steve,

Great job on your marathon accomplishments! That’s very impressive!!

I ran into Wetherbe at the grocery store two days ago and asked him if we’re having football this season. He said there was a lot of confidence that we would have football but not sure if it’s been worked out whether or not to allow fans in attendance.

One of the joys of running as an amateur sport is that there are a lot of milestones or goals for a runner to accomplish. Running say a 10K, then a marathon, and then one of the biggies (e.g., NYC, Marine Corps, etc.) and then try to qualify for Boston. Once a runner does a 10K the next step is to run it again, but faster (PR - "Personal Record").

I made a 'life' out of running out-of-town marathons such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, St. George (Utah), Marine Corps, South Bend, etc. etc.

And for those who want to stay close to home, the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

A marathon runner trains virtually year around like college football players.

The postponement of the 2020 Boston Marathon was to those runners like the cancellation of the tourneys in basketball. It was the highlight of their whole 'season' of running.

Word I'm getting is that Toledo Football plans to start small group sessions as early as June 3.

(05-28-2020 02:37 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  Word I'm getting is that Toledo Football plans to start small group sessions as early as June 3.

Thanks for the tidbit of information! So i have gone back to work tomorrow n small groups too. Is Howie and the rest of the players ready to get back into football workouts?

(05-28-2020 05:05 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 02:37 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  Word I'm getting is that Toledo Football plans to start small group sessions as early as June 3.

Thanks for the tidbit of information! So i have gone back to work tomorrow n small groups too. Is Howie and the rest of the players ready to get back into football workouts?

Chomping at the bit! The staff has been sending out suggested workout plans to the guys...running, lifting, bodyweight exercises and encouraging them to do what they can to try to stay in shape. Alex has been lifting with Van Hoeven, and doing a lot of running. But working out on your own like that is not the same as directed workouts with coaches and training staff. They're staying healthy, but I'm sure they've all lost a bit of speed, strength, and agility. But they should bounce back quickly.

(05-28-2020 05:35 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 05:05 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 02:37 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  Word I'm getting is that Toledo Football plans to start small group sessions as early as June 3.

Thanks for the tidbit of information! So i have gone back to work tomorrow n small groups too. Is Howie and the rest of the players ready to get back into football workouts?

Chomping at the bit! The staff has been sending out suggested workout plans to the guys...running, lifting, bodyweight exercises and encouraging them to do what they can to try to stay in shape. Alex has been lifting with Van Hoeven, and doing a lot of running. But working out on your own like that is not the same as directed workouts with coaches and training staff. They're staying healthy, but I'm sure they've all lost a bit of speed, strength, and agility. But they should bounce back quickly.

Thanks! That’s great to hear!

(05-28-2020 06:47 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 05:35 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 05:05 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(05-28-2020 02:37 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  Word I'm getting is that Toledo Football plans to start small group sessions as early as June 3.

Thanks for the tidbit of information! So i have gone back to work tomorrow n small groups too. Is Howie and the rest of the players ready to get back into football workouts?

Chomping at the bit! The staff has been sending out suggested workout plans to the guys...running, lifting, bodyweight exercises and encouraging them to do what they can to try to stay in shape. Alex has been lifting with Van Hoeven, and doing a lot of running. But working out on your own like that is not the same as directed workouts with coaches and training staff. They're staying healthy, but I'm sure they've all lost a bit of speed, strength, and agility. But they should bounce back quickly.

Thanks! That’s great to hear!

Agreed, great to hear. Excited the line on the offensive and defensive side get back to it. Should be one of the more competitive positions on the team and the practices are needed to get an idea of who is playing where. I NEED FOOTBALL back!