Football head coach Charley Molnar will be the guest speaker at today's UMass Sports Luncheon which will begin at Noon in the Massachusetts Room of the Mullins Center.
Coach Molnar will speak about the 2013 recruiting class which was officially signed last week and will give updates on the upcoming spring season.
Chaz Williams of the men's basketball team and Matt Whippen of the men's lacrosse team will also be honored as the Co-Athletes of the Week.
The UMass Sports Luncheon features an all-you-can-eat buffett for just $11 and parking behind the Mullins Center is free. The Luncheon is held every Wednesday throughout the school year.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican also has a story on Rob Blanchflower being named a team captain for the 2013 season. UMass head coach Charley Molnar also stated that additional captains would be named at the team banquet.
Matt Stewart of the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise has a feature on Leominster native Rob Blanchflower who had a breakout season for the UMass football team in 2012. Stewart also notes that Blanchflower's leadership earned him the title of team captain for the upcoming season in a vote by the team.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a feature on Joe Colton being awarded a scholarship on Wednesday. Colton says that a major reason for his determined play this year was being doubted as a FBS player coming out of high school.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature on Joe Colton who was awarded a scholarship on Wednesday. The true freshman walk-on from Norwood, Mass., was one of the most productive defensive players this season.
Be sure to join us at the Hangar Pub & Grill tonight for the UMass Football Coach's Radio Show with Charley Molnar. Our player guests will be quarterback Mike Wegzyn and defensive tackle Hafis Williams.
Also, please note the show will start at the special time of 6:10 PM to accomodate the men's basketball game against Providence which will follow right after.
Fans can listen on the flagship radio station of UMass football and basketball, 105.5 FM WEEI Springfield, or by using the TuneIn App for smart devices.
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe previews UMass football's game at Northern Illinois and how the success of the offense early can lead to a strong performance.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican takes a look at this Saturday's football game at Northern Illinois and how the UMass defense will look to contain Heisman candidate quarterback Jordan Lynch.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of Saturday's football game at Northern Illinois. The game will pit the Minutemen against the MAC West leading Huskies starting at 3:30 PM EST.
By John Sinnett on October 5, 2012 11:10 AM
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Stephen Hewitt of the Daily Collegian previews the Western Michigan game and says the improvement of UMass over the last two weeks is encouraging progress.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 11:32 AM
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Marc Bertrand from 98.5 FM The Sports Hub in Boston spoke with Charley Molnar in their weekly radio interview that featured a recap of the Ohio game and a preview of this Saturday's Western Michigan game.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 11:01 AM
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Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican looks at the connections between the Western Michigan coaching staff and the UMass coaching staff as the two teams meet this Saturday.
Western Michigan's quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Ryan Cubit play for UMass head coach Charley Molnar and with Charley Molnar III at Western Michigan.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 10:56 AM
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Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a look at the improvement of Deion Walker over the last three games and his route to UMass after graduating from Notre Dame.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 10:16 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature story on Joe Colton who has exceeded expectations with his play as a back-up and starting strong safety for the UMass football team. A Norwood, Mass., native, Colton is able to play home games just a few minutes away from his friends and family.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 9:56 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette takes a look at the impact the true freshmen and redshirt freshmen classes are making on the UMass football team. All told, 26 freshmen have played this season with 7 earning game starts.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 9:52 AM
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Stephen Sellner of the Daily Collegian takes a look at the impact of the receiving corps on the offense which has improved drastically over the last two weeks of play.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 9:48 AM
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Stephen Sellner of the Daily Collegian has a piece looking at the progress of the UMass football program over the last two weeks with a focus on quarterback Mike Wegzyn.
By John Sinnett on October 4, 2012 8:50 AM
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It's Thursday night and that means another installment of the UMass Football Coach's Show With Charley Molnar at The Hangar Pub & Grill. Join us at 7 PM to talk UMass football and enjoy some of the best wings in the Pioneer Valley!
Along with Coach Molnar, player guests tonight include linebacker Perry McIntyre and wide receiver Deion Walker - both of home have been key players for the Minutemen.
If you can't make it to the Hangar, you can listen on the radio (105.5 FM WEEI), online (http://www.weei.com/umass) or on your smart phone/tablet by downloading the TuneIn app.
Also, submit a question for coach Molnar to answer on the air by clicking on http://www.umassathletics.com/ot/ask-coach.html. You can also tweet us a question @UMassAthletics or @UMass_Football.
By John Sinnett on September 28, 2012 6:37 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of UMass' game against Ohio on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. One focus of the story is UMass' ability to convert scoring chances in the red zone.
By John Sinnett on September 26, 2012 10:53 AM
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Marc Bertrand of 98.5 The Sports Hub spoke with Charley Molnar on the positives to be taken away from the loss at Miami, the impact of Michael Cox and Kassan Messiah, and this weekend's opponent in undefeated Ohio.
By John Sinnett on September 26, 2012 5:46 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on UMass cornerback Mike Lee who is coming off a strong game at Miami despite being hurt in the first quarter.
By John Sinnett on September 25, 2012 8:35 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a look at Ohio's quarterback situation with starter Tyler Tettleton's status uncertain for Saturday's game at Gillette Stadium. Tettleton missed Ohio's game against Norfolk State last weekend with an injury.
By John Sinnett on September 24, 2012 6:03 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette spotlight's freshman linebacker Kassan Messiah who had an outstanding day at Miami with 10 tackles including a sack in his collegiate debut.
By John Sinnett on September 24, 2012 5:47 AM
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Despite an improved showing on both sides of the ball, the UMass football team fell in its MAC opener at Miami on Saturday. The highlight of the game was Michael Cox who ran for a career-high 188 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns including an end-over-end front flip which was ESPN Sports Center's No. 5 Play of the Day. Here are the recaps of the game.
Jack McCluskey of ESPNBoston.com examines some of the lessons learned from the Michigan game and looks at this week's MAC opening game at Miami (Ohio).
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a preview of Saturday's MAC opener when UMass heads to Miami (Ohio) for a Noon kick-off. Head coach Charley Molnar announced this week that Christian Birt (defense), Alan Williams (offense) and Jordan Broadnax (special teams) will serve as team captains. This is the first time this season UMass has had three game captains (normally two representing offense and defense).
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of the MAC opener between UMass and Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. In his story he says that UMass is hoping that the start of conference play will represent a new beginning for the season.
Stephen Hewitt of the Daily Collegian has a story on Christian Birt and his return to the starting line-up after being injured for the UConn game. Birt started at Michigan after being out the UConn game and seeing limited action against Indiana.
Frank Dell'Apa has a preview of tomorrow's MAC opener for UMass at Miami (Ohio). A centerpiece of the story is a focus on safety Christian Birt and his contributions this season. Birt had a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown at Michigan and will serve as a game captain this Saturday.
By John Sinnett on September 20, 2012 5:10 AM
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In Charley Molnar's weekly interview with Marc Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub, coach grades out the performance of the Minutemen at Michigan and previews the MAC opener at Miami this Saturday.
By John Sinnett on September 20, 2012 5:02 AM
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of the Miami (Ohio) game focusing on the challenge the UMass secondary will have with Red Hawks quarterback Zac Dysert who is one of the top passers in the league.
John Connolly of the Boston Herald has a follow-up piece on UMass' game at Michigan last Saturday. He highlights some of the improvements made by the Minutemen in the game and the focus of this week's practice as UMass gets ready for Miami (Ohio).
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on Quinton Sales as the senior center has been the anchor of an offensive line that has faced change and injury during the season.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a story today on the return home for Michael Cox and Mike Wegzyn when the Minutemen play Michigan this Saturday. Cox is a Michigan alum who is a graduate student at UMass. He played four years as a back-up tailback for the Wolverines before transferring to UMass for his fifth-year of eligibility. Wegzyn grew up in the Detroit area before moving to Tennessee prior to his senior year in college.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story today on freshman Elijah Barrows, a Springfield native, whose task this week is to play the role of Denard Robinson on the scout team for UMass as the Minutemen prepare to face No. 17 Michigan this Saturday.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook on the growth process of the UMass football transition. He takes a look at the win over Louisiana-Monroe over No. 8 Arkansas and how that example translates to the UMass football program.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on UMass running back Michael Cox who will face his former team, the Michigan Wolverines, this Saturday. Cox graduated from Michigan last spring and transferred to UMass as a graduate student.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican writes about the offensive improvements last Saturday against Indiana and where the Minutemen can build upon heading into the Michigan game.
John Connolly of the Boston Herald led his Monday notebook with a look at UMass redshirt freshman quarterback Mike Wegzyn and the step forward the offense took in Week 2 of the season.
By John Sinnett on August 30, 2012 8:23 AM
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It's finally here! After announcing the transition to the FBS level back in April 2011, the Minutemen will kick-off a new era in a storied football history tonight as UMass takes on UConn at Rentschler Field (7:30 PM).
The UMass Sports Luncheon returns for the 2012-13 season on Tuesday, August 28 in the Massachusetts Room located on the 3rd Floor of the Mullins Center. The luncheon begins at Noon and will feature Charley Molnar as the guest speaker.
The event is $11 to attend which includes a full salad-to-dessert buffet. Parking behind the Mullins Center is free. The Sports Luncheons will normally be held on Wednesday afternoons, but was moved to this Tuesday as the Minutemen head to UConn on Thursday.
Kerri Fleming of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette has a story on all that is new this season with the UMass football program. Area players Rob Blanchflower, Brandon Potvin and Brandon Howard speak of how the changes have brought new motivation and excitement to the team.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a feature on UMass football head coach Charley Molnar with quotes from his family and other MAC coaches. The piece gives insight into Coach Molnar's daily life and his passion for all parts of his professional and personal life.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a story on how UMass football practice changed on Saturday from preseason camp mode to game-week mode with the Minutemen preparing to face UConn this Thursday night.
Paul Lazdowski of the MetroWest Daily News has a feature on twin brother linebackers Tim and Tom Brandt and how their football careers have been shaped by their family and high school football coaches.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican and Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette each have stories on the visit of Lt. Governor Tim Murray to Thursday's football practice as the Minutemen closed preseason camp.
Jack McCluskey of ESPNBoston.com has a story on Charley Molnar and the progress of the UMass football team this preseason as the Minutemen prepare for their first season at the FBS level.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature on UMass football head coach Charley Molnar's career path that led him to UMass. Included in the profile are quotes from Molnar's high school coach and insights such as Molnar calling his father and brother from the 50-yard line before each game.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on UMass football head coach Charley Molnar and his impressive five-year streak of running every day.
No matter where he is or what the conditions are, Molnar runs between 5-7.5 miles each day as part of his daily routine.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican takes a look at freshman wide receiver Tajae Sharpe and his quick acclimation to the UMass offense during training camp. Wide receivers coach Alan Suber credits Sharpe's performance to his 'FBI' or Football Intelligence.
Harry Plumer of the Springfield Republican has a feature on Stanley Andre who is having a standout camp as a defensive end. Andre was asked to switch from his natural linebacker position to defensive end and has made the transition seamlessly.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story today on Michael Boland who is fighting for a starting spot on the offensive line. Boland is playing guard after playing tackle for his entire football career.
John Connolly of the Boston Herald has a story today about Mike Wegzyn being named the starting quarterback as preseason camp winds down and the Minutemen prepare for UConn next Thursday night.
Kerri Fleming has a look at Rob Blanchflower and his impact on the UMass football offense in 2012. Blanchflower will enter the season at the team's top tight end after splitting time last season with Emil Igwenagu who is currently with the Philadelphia Eagles.
John Connolly of the Boston Herald has a feature on running back and Dorchester native Michael Cox who has joined the UMass football team as a graduate student after playing four years at Michigan.
Matt Stewart of the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise wrote a feature story on Leominster native Rob Blanchflower and the role he will play this season as the Minutemen's top tight end.
Matt Fortuna of ESPN.com has a story on Charley Molnar and the work he has done in preparation of UMass' first season at the Football Bowl Subdivision. Included in the piece are quotes from wide receiver Deion Walker who played under Molnar at Notre Dame before transferring to UMass.
One of the highlights of yesterday's UMass Football Media Day was showcased the be unveiling of one of the Minutemen's new uniforms for 2012 along with the new black helmets.
Both the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Springfield Republican had stories highlighting UMass' new look.
Additionally, CBS3, ABC40 and NBC22 each filed stories from the day.
Howard Herman of the Berkshire Eagle has a report from Wedneday's Football Media Day at McGuirk Stadium. Included in the story is a great quote from running back Chris Burns: "If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done."
John Connolly of the Boston Herald takes a look at redshirt freshman Mike Wegzyn who will likely be the starting quarterback in the season opener at UConn.
John Johnson of the Boston Globe takes a look at the impact of Brockton natives Darren Thellen and Greg Hilliard on the UMass football team this season.
New UMass football head coach Charley Molnar continues his state-wide tour with a stop at MacDonald's Tavern in Worcester on Thursday, June 14 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Fans can join Coach Molnar as he lays out his vision for UMass football both on and off the field as the Minutemen prepare for their first full season as members of the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference.
The evening will include a Q&A session with Coach Molnar along with time to mingle with fans and alums of the University. Complimentary food and a cash bar will be available for all guests.
The event is free, but registration suggested. To register, simply call the UMass Marketing Office at 413-545-3870 or e-mailrmccaffr@admin.umass.edu
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.''
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
