Kevin Goheen also contributed this story on James Ihedigbo's experience as he prepares for the Super Bowl and how his NFL career has unfolded over the last four seasons.
Recently in Football Category
Kevin Goheen contributes this story to the Daily Hampshire Gazette on how Victor Cruz is savoring the Super Bowl experience. He will face fellow alum James Ihedigbo of the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Stephen Hewitt of the Daily Collegian has a look at Victor Cruz and his storybook season with the New York Giants.
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe has a feature today on how the success of James Ihedigbo and Victor Cruz has helped recruiting for Charley Molnar and the UMass football program.
Charley Molnar hasn't spent much time in the football offices at the University of Massachusetts since he became head coach in December.
With the program moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision next season and joining the Mid-American Conference, Molnar has been on the road recruiting. But he did find time to do a little interior decorating.
Hang a left when you walk through the doors, and there on the wall are super-sized photographs of Patriots defensive back James Ihedigbo and Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.
The display is a reminder to the current players and recruits visiting campus that the Minutemen have two players in the Super Bowl.
"I want every player who comes through our program to know they can do great things, just like Victor and James did,'' Molnar said. "They were on the same practice fields and in the same weight room and look where they are now.''
Jim Slater of the AFP has a story mentioning James Ihedigbo as Super Bowl 46 has a 'global array of talent'.
As the Super Bowl draws closer, James Ihedigbo of the New England Patriots and Victor Cruz of the New York Giants have both been in the media spotlight - both here in Massachusetts and nationally.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on how the success James Ihedigbo and Victor Cruz are having in the NFL has served as an inspiration and a blueprint to pro-football hopefuls Julian Talley and Tyler Holmes. Talley and Holmes are currently in Florida working out to prepare for various NFL scouting combines.
Zach Schonbrun of Newsday has a story on Victor Cruz's appearance at a Modell's store in Times Square where he gave out salsa-dancing lessons, signed autographs and promoted a new t-shirt with "Cruuuuuuuuuuuuz!" on the front and salsa steps on the back - his trademark touchdown celebration.
No matter if you are a Giants fan or a Patriot fan, if you are a UMass fan, then this year's Super Bowl will be a win for you. Congratulations to Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo who will both be playing in the title game.
Coverage of Cruz & Ihedigbo:
Coverage of Ihedigbo:
Coverage of Cruz:
Tim Weisberg of SouthCoastToday.com has a great feature on former UMass football player and assistant coach Clarence Brooks who is the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on Emil Igwenagu's performance on Saturday in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Playing mostly as a fullback, Igwenagu had a catch for 21 yards and a performance that helped increase his visibility in the upcoming NFL Draft.
UMass' Victor Cruz once again put on a show for New York Giants fans - this time adding an on-side kick recovery to his resume - in Sunday's win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
UMass alum James Ihedigbo will be playing in his third career AFC Championship Game after he helped the New England Patriots defeat the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Ihedigbo made two appearances in the AFC title game with the New York Jets prior to joining the Patriots.
In Jennifer Toland's NFL playoff notebook for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, she has a snippet on Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo.
Cruz not dancing
Patriots safety James Ihedigbo isn't the only UMass product in the playoffs.
Giants receiver Victor Cruz, a two-year teammate of Ihedigbo's at UMass, leads New York into its NFC divisional game at top-seeded Green Bay.
Cruz set a Giants record with 1,536 receiving yards this season and finished third in the league behind Calvin Johnson and Wes Welker.
"He's doing amazing," said Ihedigbo, who said the two are good friends. "I'm happy for him.
Cruz has become so big he was invited to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars." He turned it down.
It was announced yesterday that UMass alum Brandon London has re-signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League after an impressive 2011 campaign.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story covering Charley Molnar standards and goals for the UMass football program.
Several stories looking at the Cincinnati Bengals defense have mentioned the play of Jeromy Miles and his success as a member of the special teams units.
Jeromy Miles is one of the best special teams players on the Bengals. I don't think he has much of a shot at being the future at safety, but he is certainly a contributor to this team. He is a restricted free agent this year, and will probably be back in 2013 for another year of dominance on coverage teams.
The 6-2, 210-pound Miles had 15 tackles on special teams as part of the NFL's No. 1 kick coverage...Miles is conscientious and reliable enough to be one of the team's most dependable players.
Erik Matuszewski of Bloomberg.com has an extensive piece on the meteoric rise of Victor Cruz with the New York Giants. As he closes in on a new contract negotiation, Matuszewski points out:
Cruz has emerged as one of the Giants' most valuable and popular players. His No. 80 jersey is the team's second-best seller for the season behind Manning and the 13th-best seller in the league last month, according to NFLShop.com. Cruz is ninth on the ranking of rising sports stars issued today by Irvine, California-based Brand Affinity Technologies, which calculates consumer appeal based on performance, media exposure, popularity and other indicators among more than 45,000 athletes and celebrities.
Steve Serby of the New York Post has a story on the amazing season that Victor Cruz has put together this year for the Giants.
"It's amazing, man," Cruz said. "It's something you dream of when you grow up and you hear all the chants that different stadiums have for different people. For me to have one in New York, it's just a surreal feeling. I get goose bumps every time I hear it."
New York gets goose bumps every time he takes a short pass from Manning and takes it to the house.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at the Mid-American Conference Divisional Alignment which was announced yesterday placing UMass in the East alongside basketball-rival Temple.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a story on new UMass football coach Charley Molnar and the work he has done over the last three weeks.
Molnar touches on his staff, recruiting, and promoting the program as it enters its first year at the FBS level.
Vernon Hill of the Springfield Republican looks at the popularity of Victor Cruz this year and his trademark Salsa touchdown dance that has become a league favorite.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story focusing on the qualities Charley Molnar is looking for in his new staff and incoming players.
New University of Massachusetts football coach Charley Molnar said he expects the Minutemen to be competitive in the Mid-American Conference quickly.
As he recruits UMass' first class that will spend its entire career in the Bowl Subdivision, Molnar is telling players that they wouldn't just be serving as a springboard for future players' success.
"I'm really talking to them about being the foundation of a championship football team. These guys aren't going to be just a step along the way so some group down the road can win a championship," Molnar said. "These guys are coming to the University of Massachusetts to win a championship in their time here. These guys are going to be hoisting a trophy up. That's the absolute plan. That's the vision and that's why they're coming to UMass."
"One of the things I set out to do was hire a staff where every coach has full-time I-A experience," said Molnar, wearing a maroon dress shirt sitting a conference room in UMass' University Drive football offices. "Some have coached in the MAC and most of the coaches have some BCS experience at the full-time level."
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has an update on MAC teams and their bowl success this year. MAC teams have won three of four bowl games this year following Toledo's win over Air Force last night. Temple and Ohio each won their respective bowls, while Western Michigan lost a close game to Purdue.
Jeff Thomas reveals the Springfield Republican's No. 3 pick for Top 10 Sports Stories of 2011 as being UMass making the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference. The complete Top-10 list will be published on Jan. 1 in the Republican.
After putting together an unbelievable regular-season performance, Victor Cruz has been selected as a second alternate for this year's NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
Jeff Roberts of The Record has a feature on Cruz who says he feels "blessed" and that he's "having the most incredible year of my life."
An amazing game by Victor Cruz against the Jets over the week where he had a 99-yard pass reception-and-run to help him set a new Giants single season receiving record. Along with his season total, the 99-yard play also ties a franchise record putting the UMass standout's name in the Giants record book twice.
CBS Boston (WBZ) has a feature story on former Minuteman and current New England Patriot James Ihedigbo that focuses on his life growing up and his HOPE Foundation which helps students in Africa gain a college education in the United States.
Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal has a story on Vladimir Ducasse and his recent success with the Jets who are using him exclusively in "Jumbo Formations" where he plays as a third tackle/tightend.
In an editorial to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Michel Fusia, son of former UMass football head coach Vic Fusia, writes on why the football move to the FBS is a critical one for the success of the University.
Ben Larsen of the Springfield Republican has a story on new UMass football coach Charley Molnar deciding to forgo coaching in the Champs Sports Bowl with his former team, Notre Dame, so that he can continue the momentum he has built in Amherst.
UMass alum Mike Reiss has a profile of James Ihedigbo up on ESPNBoston.com. Included in the Q&A session is Ihedigbo recounting some of his favorite memories while at UMass including the 2006 win over Montana in the NCAA Playoffs in 2006.
Jim Hague of the Daily Record of Morristown, N.J., has a feature on new UMass football coach Charley Molnar. The story recaps Molnar's process in taking the job and what the past few days have been like as he works to assemble his staff, recruit, meet people around campus and prepare to head back to Notre Dame to help coach the Irish in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Victor Cruz of the New York Giants was a guest on Colin Cowherd's show on ESPN Radio yesterday. The former UMass standout talked about the win over the Cowboys, his season so far, and playing with Eli Manning.
New UMass football head coach Charley Molnar was a guest on the Bertrand and Gasper Show on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub in Boston this past Saturday. Check out the audio of the interview below.
GangGreenNation.com ran a story yesterday on Vladimir Ducasse and the New York Jets mixing him in the offensive line as an extra tight end in power sets.
With 7 catches for 83 yards in last night's win over Dallas, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants continues to show why he is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
*Cruz had seven receptions for 83 yards in Dallas
UMass alum Dan Duggan has a story on New England Patriots' safety James Ihedigbo and how the veteran has contributed not just on the field but also in the locker room.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the transition process from the FCS to the FBS level with Charley Molnar at the helm of the UMass football program and the meaning the move will have on the University at the institutional level.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a piece on Charley Molnar and how he will use the example set by Boise State in transitioning UMass from the FCS level to the FBS level in the coming years.
In making an ambitious transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Mid-American Conference, the University of Massachusetts turned to a man with an equal amount of ambition as its next coach.
The challenge of building a championship-caliber program is daunting, but Notre Dame offensive coordinator Charley Molnar embraced the opportunity when he was introduced yesterday as the Minutemen's 29th coach during a press conference at Gillette Stadium, where UMass will play five home games each of the next two seasons.
"Why did I choose UMass to be the place where I'm going to put the rest of my professional reputation and my career [at stake] - why did I choose to come here?'' asked Molnar.
"UMass has a vision to be greater than what it is today. I wanted to be involved in a program from the ground up. Some people like to be caretakers of college football programs; I've always envisioned myself to be a builder.Motivational speaking can be a bit of a tightrope.
If it comes off at all oversold or disingenuous, it looks phony. Being a salesman is good. Being a used car salesman is very bad.
But in his first appearance as the coach of the University of Massachusetts football program, Charley Molnar walked that line effectively, getting the most out of his first impression.
The Notre Dame offensive coordinator's energy appeared genuine and more than a little infectious. He's never been a head coach before, but he came off as a polished speaker. Even during the question and answer session, Molnar stayed on message like an experienced campaigner. And while he seemed honored and excited to have the job, he came off very confident that he was the right man for it.
CONTINUE READING: Charley Molnar passes first test at opening press conference | GazetteNET
Congratulations to Charley Molnar for being named the new head coach of the UMass football program yesterday at Gillette Stadium. Tons of coverage today on our newest Minuteman!
NBC Sports: CFT: Winners of college football's awards
NBCSports.com: UMass tabs Molnar as new head coach
Boston Globe: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium
Boston Herald: UMass hires Notre Dame assistant Charley Molnar
Springfield Republican: Patriots safety James Ihedigbo gives his vote of confidence to new ...
Springfield Republican: UMass football introduces new head coach Charley Molnar
Daily Hampshire Gazette: New football coach Charley Molnar had eyed UMass since upgrade announced
Daily Hampshire Gazette: James Ihedigbo excited for UMass program, upgrade
Worcester Telegram: Charley Molnar new UMass football coach
SouthCoastToday.com: UMass hires Notre Dame assistant as new football coach
Fitchburg Sentinel: UMass introduces new football coach
Enterprise News: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium
The Ledger: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium
Hustle Belt: Charley Molnar: Introducing The 14th MAC Coach
Daily Collegian: Molnar officially announced as UMass football coach
Charley Molnar is introduced on Thursday as the next head coach of the UMass football team. Fans can watch the entire archived press conference here:
CBS3 and ABC40 both have coverage here as well:
Former UMass Minutemen, Casey Wellman currently of the Minnesota Wild, Johnathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants and Jeremy Horn of the Kansas City Chiefs continue to excel as their professional athletic careers continue to take form in the 2011/12 hockey and football seasons.
Victor Cruz:
Yahoo! Sports: Giants WR Victor Cruz Knocking on 1000 Receiving Yards
Yahoo! Sports: New York Giants' Report Card for Week 13: Fan's Take
Jeremy Horne: Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Pride: Chiefs Depth Chart Has A Couple Of Changes For Steelers Week
Jonathan Quick: Los Angeles Kings
Bleacher Report: Los Angeles Kings: Why Jonathan Quick Will Win the Vezina Trophy ...
Bleacher Report: Los Angeles Kings: Explaining Jonathan Quick's Dominance ...
Casey Wellman: Minnesota Wild
Boston Globe: Johnson lift Wild past Ducks, 5-3
China Post: Johnson boosts Wild past Ducks in 5-3 victory
WJON News: Wild Down Anaheim 5-3
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has a feature on James Ihedigbo has quickly become a key part of the New England Patriots defense and a spokesman in the locker room.
Dan Salomone of Giants.com has a feature on Victor Cruz who was just shy of his career-best performance in last night's loss to the Saints. On a 72-yard touchdown catch, Cruz refrained from his now-famous Salsa dance in the endzone - a sign of his maturity as a professional football player.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has an update on the coaching search for the new football head coach including an informative look at the roll the Black Coaches and Administrators organization plays in the process.
UMass' news that it was releasing Kevin Morris as head football coach made national headlines yesterday. The Minutemen completed their final year at the FCS level this past season and now turn their attention to moving up to the FBS level as members of the Mid-American Conference.
Boston Globe: Morris out at UMass
Boston Herald: UMass moves up without Kevin Morris
Associated Press:UMass fires football coach Morris
BC Sports: UMass releases coach ahead of MAC move
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass seeks 'momentum' in move to FBS
Springfield Republican: UMass AD McCutcheon cites lack of progress for releasing Morris
NBC22 Springfield:
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at the long-time rivalry between UMass and Maine on the grid iron which will likely be played for the last time on Saturday.
Joe Sturzi of The Maine Campus looks at the game from the Black Bears' perspective.
Pete Warner of the Bangor Daily News looks at Maine back-up quarterback Chris Treister's long journey in Orono.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has a Q&A session with James Ihedigbo as the New England Patriots head to the New York Jets on Sunday. Ihedigbo started his NFL career with the Jets and will face fellow Minuteman Vladimir Ducasse his former teammate in New York.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has an update on Kellen Pagel's return after missing the Villanova game due to injury. He also takes a look at the impact of Shane Vivieros' return to the defense in the recent weeks.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican looks at the success the Mid-American Conference is having with mid-week games on national television due to the agreement in hand with ESPN. UMass will be a member of the conference starting in 2012.
A big game for UMass football fans on Sunday was the match-up of former Minutemen as Victor Cruz's New York Giants played James Ihedigbo's New England Patriots. Cruz got the better of the meeting as the Giants won 24-20.
For the game, Cruz led New York with six catches for 91 yards, while Ihedigbo had five tackles including four solo stops.
At 17.3 yards per catch, Cruz ranks 8th in the NFL among players with 20 or more receptions. Overall, his 73.5 yards per game ranks 19th in the league.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette caught up with Marcel Shipp and Steve Baylark at Saturday's Homecoming Game against Villanova.
Geoff Hobson has a recap from Cincinnati's win over Tennessee yesterday in NFL action and mention's former UMass standout Jeromy Miles served as one of the game captains.
The Titans won the toss and took the ball with the Bengals captains looking on: Jeromy Miles, Kyle Cook, Domata Peko, Brandon Johnson, and Donald Lee.
Steve Levine of the Daily Collegian recaps the tough loss for the football team to Villanova on Saturday.
Be sure to check out the Giants/Patriots game today as UMass alums Victory Cruz and James Ihedigbo are almost certainly going to face each other.
Fellow UMass alum Jeff Howe has a great piece on the two of them playing against each other on the pro level and how they refined their games at UMass.
A tough day for the UMass football team as the Minutemen dropped a 35-17 decision to Villanova at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday.
Hampshire Gazette: Villanova takes early big lead to spoil homecoming game for Minutemen
Boston Herald: Mass-ive mistakes
Springfield Republican: Mass football gives away Homecoming to Villanova
Boston Globe: Minutemen left at a loss by Wildcats
Delaware County Times: Abdur-Rahman steps up for Villanova in road win
Philadelphia Sports Daily: Villanova Upsets UMass
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a story on the UMass football team flying into Boston, and staying the night there, after their game in Richmond, Va. Thomas also has some notebook topics on Perry McIntyre being honored for leading the Minutemen in tackles, runner defense, kicking change, etc.
UMass football team spent night in Boston after win over Richmond - Springfield Republican
John O'Connor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch has the local preview of today's game against the Spiders.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has his game preview of today's contest at Richmond focusing on the Spiders need of a win for postseason hopes.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has his game-day preview of Saturday's match-up at Richmond.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at UMass' kicking game going into this weekend's contest at Richmond.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a look at Julian Talley's season so far following his career-performance against New Hampshire. The story also takes a look into the wideouts flair for entertainment and helping young children at a local elementary school.
Michael Wood of the Daily Collegian looks at Saturday's football game at Richmond focusing on red-zone scoring as a key factor.
Former UMass football standout Jeremy Horne was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on Wednesday after being put on waivers on Tuesday. Horne had played in three games on the active roster this season after playing in three the previous season as well.
Happy birthday to Brian Frame of men's soccer and Dominic Wooten of football!
A tough loss for football on Saturday in one of the most iconic New England football rivalries as New Hampshire upended the Minutemen 27-21 at Gillette Stadium in the Colonial Clash.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News has a terrific feature on UMass alum and current New York Giant Victor Cruz and the obstacles he had to overcome in life.
Steve Levine of The Daily Collegian takes a look at the schedule of events for Saturday's Colonial Clash at Gillette Stadium against New Hampshire.
Michael Wood of the Daily Collegian has a preview of Saturday's Colonial Clash game at Gillette Stadium against New Hampshire.
Darren Thellen was named one of four "College Football Heros" by the Boston Herald staff after his impressive defensive performance last weekend in the win at No. 9 Delaware. Thellen had a pair of interceptions for the second straight game.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook covering several aspects of the UMass football team this week including an update on Jerome Lewis' injury at practice yesterday, Tom Gilson being named as a team captain for Saturday, an update on some special alums to be in attendance at Gillette and a look at the schedule of events for the Colonial Clash.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette previews today's game at Delaware and looks back at the history of the series.
Lynn Barry of WWLP 22 News has a story on Kevin Morris and his wife Rebecca serving as co-chairs of the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Walk to Cure Diabetes" which will be held this Sunday at Six Flags New England.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story today on the return of quarterback Kellen Pagel to the starting lineup after missing last weekend's game against Central Connecticut.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a profile piece on Emil Igwenagu and the season the standout tight end has put together so far.
Michael Wood of the Daily Collegian has a profile piece on Jesse Julmiste's standout performance this year as an all-around offensive and special teams' threat.
Steve Levine of the Daily Collegian takes a look at this Saturday's football game at Delaware.
Big plays were the theme of Saturday as UMass was able to get past Central Connecticut State on Saturday night, 42-26.
Victor Cruz was center stage again for the New York Giants in their 36-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The former UMass wide receiver led the Giants with eight receptions for 161 yards, including a juggling one-handed 68-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Cruz was also involved in a pair of late turnovers by the Giants. All of that leads to lots of Cruz headlines today:
New York Daily News
ESPN.com
Wall Street Journal
New York Post
James Ighedibo made the first start of his career at safety for the New England Patriots, helping lead them to victory over his former team, the New York Jets, 30-20. The Amherst Regional High and UMass alum played the first four seasons of his career with the Jets, so Sunday's first start took on extra meaning. Ighedibo finished with six tackles on four solos and two assists.
NESN.com
Boston Herald
ESPN Boston (written by UMass alum Mike Reiss)
David Driver of the News & Messenger in Virginia has a profile of freshman defensive back Iric Harris and his transition to college football. Harris hails from Woodbridge, Va. and travelled to the Old Dominion game where many of his local friends and family were in attendance.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that quarterback Kellen Pagel will be back in action on Saturday after missing the latter stages of the Old Dominion game.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a look as adjustments UMass has made this week as the Minutemen prepare to host Central Connecticut State.
Happy birthday to Jen Houtman of the women's soccer team and Travis Poston of the football team!
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette leads of his college football notebook in today's edition with news that the Minutemen are expected to have Kellen Pagel back for the Central Connecticut game this Saturday night. The UMass starting quarterback was left with an injury in this past Saturday's game at Old Dominion, where he had led the Minutemen to 26-straight points before leaving the game.
UMass quarterback Kellen Pagel expected to return from injury on Saturday - Daily Hampshire Gazette
VIDEO: Game Highlights
The UMass football team dropped a 48-33 decision at Old Dominion on Saturday in a game that featured huge scoring runs by both teams.
Haleigh Finch of the Amherst Bulletin takes a look at the UMass Football History Exhibit being hosted in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The exhibit holds many pieces of memorabilia from throughout the program's time in Amherst.
Fans can get an inside look at the exhibit this Thursday night when the UMass Coach's Radio Show is held live at 7 PM.
Happy Birthday to football player John Moran!
As you get prepped to follow tonight's game at Old Dominion, here are several previews of the match-up. This will be the first-ever CAA game at Ballard Stadium and will also be "Black Out" night for Monarch fans.
John Connolly of the Boston Herald caught up with former UMass great Tim Berra who held the football team's all-time record for most kickoff return yards in a game until Jesse Julmiste's performance last Saturday at Boston College. Berra set the record in 1973 against Rhode Island until Julmiste's 252 yard effort last weekend.
Chad Cain of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on the University of Massachusetts trustees approving a five-year, $3.1 billion capital plan for the five-campus system.
Some $30 million in improvements to the stadium in Amherst are also moving forward as part of the upgrade by UMass to Bowl Subdivision football. Plans call for a new facilities building, a new press box and other renovations.
In April, university officials announced that the new football facilities would include construction of a two-story building to house a locker room, a weight room, a sports medicine facility, an equipment room, coaches offices and meeting rooms. It will be built in the north end zone of McGuirk Stadium, where there is currently a small parking lot.
"This will be a first-class training and administration building for the football team," said spokesman Ed Blaguszewski.
Rebecca L. Morris has Type 1 diabetes, so when she and her husband, University of Massachusetts Amherst Head Football Coach Kevin P. Morris, were asked in 2009 to chair the North Central Connecticut/Western Massachusetts chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes, they immediately accepted the honor.
The Belchertown couple had been wanting to get involved in the cause; they wanted to help raise awareness and financial support for research.
This year's walk will be their third as chairpersons, the first since their only child, Ryan J., was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in December at age 10. "It is our mission as a family to do whatever we can to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure," Mrs. Morris said.
The 2011 North Central Connecticut/Western Massachusetts chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes will take place on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. at Six Flags New England.
Jim Mandelaro has a great feature on former UMass football All-American running back Rene Ingoglia who has spent much of this season as a color analyst for ESPN3 - including the Minutemen's game at Boston College on Sept. 24. Prior to working with ESPN3, Rene was a member of the UMass Sports Network radio team for two seasons.
Michael Wood of The Daily Collegian also has a look at UMass' 2012 non-conference schedule which was released earlier this week.
