Well in our world of football in Sweden today, things were happening big time. Carlstad Crusaders announced the Anders Hermodsson was going to be leaving his home club team and moving on to the Crusaders. I am not a big fan of recruiting each others players and that is no secret, but at the same time there are no rules against it and it does do one thing in our little world of American football in Sweden...it gets things stirred up.
HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS IN REGARDS TO THE NEWS:
The Crusaders put out a "twitter alert" that there would be a press conference this afternoon at 5:00pm (later moved to 5:30pm) to introduce their new quarterback. This created a buzz right away, many of us were aware that Anders might be going to CC, but it was a cool way to get people talking about the move.
Also, what this sends is a message that has been sent for many years to all clubs and that is "your players may not stay your players." This is a level that I am not sure Swedish football should be at right now, but it is where we are just now.
The QB is a special position and according to HC Tracey Gere, they are expecting Anders to play the position for many years. This will allow them to bring over an import player that can serve in many capacities and roles for the team. Not a bad move in my opinion.
Also, I thought it was a great job that Carlstad did a professional press conference and interviews to announce this signing. All of it was done in good taste and most importantly professionally which is good for the sport.
It will be interesting to see what happens at STU. I mean Anders is one of the top 3 QB's if not the best in Sweden that I am aware of. I have been around him at the national team level and coaching against him for many years. He is very good without a doubt. Will STU now go out and get an import QB to come in? Do they have some young QB's coming up to fill those big shoes left behind by Mr. Hermodsson? Time will tell, either way it generates some talk and excitement in the world of American Football here in Sweden and will be interesting to follow.
Here is a link that has some quotes and video about the announcement:
http://lirresblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/anders-jarod-hermodsson-klar-for-crusaders/#comments
I have talked to players from our own team that have been offered cash to go and play for another team. I even had a former player over a "chat" conversation say that he decided to go where he did for money. Not massive amounts, but still some help to get situated and make something instead of paying something to play. Again, this is nothing new and has been going on for many years, but seems to get more attention this year. My over all hope is that we just get stability in our top league. I don't care how many teams we have, we just need to have a group of teams that compete and play some exciting, close games that attract fans. Our gameday environment and product on the field needs to be such that people want to come back to see the next game. Club colors, noise, tailgating action around the stadium. Good music and excitement. Make the game day experience something special. Since I have been in Sweden (starting year 10 now) only Arlanda, Karlstad & Stockholm have continueslsy been in the Super Series. Everyother team that is in the Super Series today has dropped out for one reason or another at some point in the last 10 years or before. Now, things are looking stronger and I think some of these new teams are trying to make moves that keep them in the Super Series for a long time. I just hope that we all continue to recruit and develop young players in our clubs because some of our best players may go to the US or to another team and we have to be able to replace them. We also need to build strong senior teams that attract our players that comeback to Sweden after playing in the US so that we don't lose them. But that is another blog post for another time...hell I have the entire year ahead of me...
WHO PUT THESE BOWL GAMES AT 2:00am:
I have mentioned this many times, but this bowl season is killing me. All these games coming on in prime time in the USofA are working me over here in Sweden. I made it through the Sooners bowl game, it actually kicked off at 4:00am. That was easy, go to bed and set the alarm. What usually happens is I keep trying to stay up which results in going to sleep sometime during the 2nd quarter and sleeping all night on the couch. I have received advice from friends about watching the replay the next day. Well that would be great, but I will admit right here on my very own blog, I am the King of my castle ONLY when the Queen ain't here. Not to mention the 5 and half year old prince that makes a heck of a lot of decisions!! I am still looking for my "parents owners manual" but can't find it. In the meantime, it'll be trying to watch as many of the games as I can. There have been some great ones for sure. I will say that the Big 12 is doing pretty good. I am counting Mizzou and A&M as Big 12 teams until after the bowl season is over since they played a Big 12 schedule.
HEADED "OVER THERE":
At our teams workout Tuesday night we said good-bye to a couple of our young ones. We had a visit from Joshua Akena. A young and talented player that went to HS on an exchange program and ended up at Grand Valley State in Michigan playing some football. Joshua was there and working out with us. It was fun to see a young kid from your youth program that is chasing his dream of playing college football. Also, William James was working out for the last time as he will leave for the University of North Dakota in just a few days. He will show up in great shape. He has worked his tail end off. It will be exciting to follow his adventure. He will get right into the off-season program and be there for spring ball so we can only wish him the best.
I mention these two guys, not to brag about our club, but to bring up a point. There are a ton of really good Swedish football players. I remember when I first moved here, the main question I would get from my buddies back home was "Do the women really go topless there all the time?" and after I relayed the story of meeting two of my wife's...mothers friends topless...yeah, your read it correctly, right out of "Something about Mary" there...at the lake we would quickly change the subject. The next question usually involved something to do with how good the players were. I noticed right away that there was talent. My first thought was that there were some really good players, but they were chronologically older than their talent. I hope that makes sense, but I would see a guy that I know could have played at some level back in the US, but he would be 25 or 26 years old. The longer I have been here and the more I have seen Junior football here and followed many of the athletes, I can tell you it is amazing the young men that have been over to the US from Sweden, played and contributed to their teams at both the High School and College levels. I truly wish we would start a list of young men that have done that. Not to mention the few that made it to NFLE and even NFL be it practice squad or camp. It's quite an accomplishment. So when I was asked the question by an American player that I was talking to about coming here, "what is the talent level compared to here in the states?" I told him that it is all individual. In any given game, he could get tackled by, pass to, hand off to or be protected by a player that is just as good as anywhere he has been. I also told him than on any play he could see somebody that might not have the experience level of a junior high player. By saying that, it is in no means an insult to our level of play here in Sweden, it is a way to explain to a potential player that there are really good football players here and there are some not so good football players here and the gap, on any given team, can be great. I may have to try and start my list, because I know that there have been a lot of guys that have made that journey over to the land of football opportunity and done well at the High school and/or College level. So the message to the young Swedish kid that might have the dream to go play in the States...go do it, it ain't easy, but it's been done. Work hard and never stop believing. And my message to the Americans coming here to play...yeah, you'll see some things that might make you look twice...but when the ball is snapped, you need to make sure your head gear is fastened and your mouth piece is in...cause you are gonna get hit by somebody that might be pretty good...
Well, I'm on a roll updating the old blog. I'll try to keep it up. I plan on moving into a little more about O-Line play and some thoughts on drill progressions and practice plans along with fundamentals...so I have lots of ideas...of course I had those last year too...we'll see how it goes. Until next time....high hat, then cut...get's 'em everytime...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Straight Season for the Seniors 2012
Probably one of the coolest emails I ever received was the one that said that here in Sweden, we would play the 2012 in a straight (no breaks outside of a bye week) season. This has been a topic of discussion for the 9 full years I have been in Sweden. In my years here, I have never gotten accustomed to playing half the season in two months, then taking 4-6 weeks off, then finsihing the season over the next two months. I personally don't think football is supposed to be played that way. It is a consecutive week type sport. One game each week until the season is over. Usually followed by play-offs unless you are a member in the BCS...then you can take a month off, comeback and play in a bowl game, then move on to the next season.
I will be the first to admit, that as time went on, I did enjoy my summer more and more. In the beginning of my time here in Sweden most weeks "off" in July meant that I would be doing something with either the Senior or Junior National teams, or both. I travelled with those teams to see some wonderful places. As of late, I actually enjoyed a real Swedish vacation and hung out with my family for the entire break time. The problem with last season was the fact that Djurgården dropped out last year and when you add that to an odd number of teams in a league, you were given an extra by week. That created gaps in schedules. For example, in 2011 we (Arlanda Jets) played a game on June 11th, August 7th and then again on Aug 27th. I Just don't think that is the way you are supposed to play football.
There is a group of guys called the Super Series Råd that began meeting after the season and discussing what can be done to make things better and one of the many things they discussed was whether we should play a straight season or continue the one with the break. So, long story short, between the work of the SSR and discussions with the Board of Directors here in Sweden, a decision has been made and it appears that kick-off will be in Mid-April with the finals scheduled in Mid-July. A classic American football schedule.
Now...we finally got what we wanted...and that will be the challenge.
WHAT A STRAIGHT SEASON MEANS TO THE PLAYERS & COACHES:
The straight season will mean that you will have less times to recover from game to game. This is something that we must take into consideration in physically preparing for a straight season. In the past few years, injuries could be a little easier dealt with in that you might have two weeks off or a long summer break to recover from that nagging injury. This year you will play each week so you must prepare yourself physically to perform each week. An unfortunate injury can cause a player to miss a large part of the season as opposed to missing 6 weeks, but maybe two games. I am a big fan of a straight season, but that is something we must be prepared for as coaches and players.
Physical preparation and depth will play a key role in the 2012 season in my opinion.
One area the shorter, straight season should help is the ability to bring over import players and/or coaches. Not having to pay a coach or player for a full month to 6 weeks where there is no football, should save some money. The difference in one to two months of salary, might make a difference in affording an import player.
The most important thing we can do as teams is to make each week an exciting week of football. Play hard and entertaining football. Create an exciting atmoshpere around the games and leave the public talking about what a great time they had at the game they attended.
Needless to say, 2012 will be an exciting year of challenges and opportunities for those of us in the football world here in Sweden. I have high expectations for a very competitive Super Series. The bulk of the responsibility lays on us teams who have been at the bottom of the pack in recent years, to raise our standard and compete not only with each other, but go against the two leaders of the league (Carlstad Crusaders & Tyresö Royal Crowns) and give them games that are exciting and unpredictable.
THE CHALLENGE OF WATCHING LIVE FOOTBALL IN SWEDEN:
I have to admit that the older I get the harder it is to watch live football. I have spent more time watching a kick-off then waking up on the couch and watching the last two drives of a game than ever before. As a family man with an active 5 year old in the house it's not easy to see the "early" kick-off game which usually is at 7:00pm here. So it comes down to if I am up to catch the 10:15pm game or want to stay up and catch the "big game" that kicks-off at 2:30am. Not a totally bad schedule, but as a huge college football fan, I try to watch as much college football as possible. This leads to a crazy sleep schedule. Not to mention trying to follow the Sooners, who seemed to have more night games than I can ever remember, which in turn saw me putting coffee on at 4:00am and watching the Insight.com bowl. Just glad the Sooners won. Just thank goodness for NFL gamepass and ESPN 360...I know I'm old school to actually use those, but I really like the quality...so know I can go back and watch all the games I slept through on demand...that is, when I am not playing "Star Wars" or other activities with my son...he get's the cool light saber and I am forced to use the extra long shoe horn...I mean it is an IKEA produt, but not as good as an actual light saber...
FIREWORKS IN SWEDEN:
Just a quick note to let everyone now that these Swedes are crazy about their fireworks. I grew up in Oklahoma and the 4th of July was always special. I have shot bottle rocket out of bottles, out of the ends of BB guns, I have even held them, lit them and thrown them both up in air and towards other people. But after experiencing a few New Years here in Sweden I can tell you these folks get after it over here. I am not talking about the organized fireworks show put on by the local community. I am talking about the old "hold my beer and watch this" type of fireworks show that goes on from about 11:00pm to 12:30am. I have never seen anything like it. All credit to my Swedish friends...I like it...I'll watch it very year...from behind my window, locked in my apartment...
OK...5 SENTENCES THAT MEAN YOUR NEW YEARS EVE PARTY MIGHT GET HAIRY:
I will be the first to admit, that as time went on, I did enjoy my summer more and more. In the beginning of my time here in Sweden most weeks "off" in July meant that I would be doing something with either the Senior or Junior National teams, or both. I travelled with those teams to see some wonderful places. As of late, I actually enjoyed a real Swedish vacation and hung out with my family for the entire break time. The problem with last season was the fact that Djurgården dropped out last year and when you add that to an odd number of teams in a league, you were given an extra by week. That created gaps in schedules. For example, in 2011 we (Arlanda Jets) played a game on June 11th, August 7th and then again on Aug 27th. I Just don't think that is the way you are supposed to play football.
There is a group of guys called the Super Series Råd that began meeting after the season and discussing what can be done to make things better and one of the many things they discussed was whether we should play a straight season or continue the one with the break. So, long story short, between the work of the SSR and discussions with the Board of Directors here in Sweden, a decision has been made and it appears that kick-off will be in Mid-April with the finals scheduled in Mid-July. A classic American football schedule.
Now...we finally got what we wanted...and that will be the challenge.
WHAT A STRAIGHT SEASON MEANS TO THE PLAYERS & COACHES:
The straight season will mean that you will have less times to recover from game to game. This is something that we must take into consideration in physically preparing for a straight season. In the past few years, injuries could be a little easier dealt with in that you might have two weeks off or a long summer break to recover from that nagging injury. This year you will play each week so you must prepare yourself physically to perform each week. An unfortunate injury can cause a player to miss a large part of the season as opposed to missing 6 weeks, but maybe two games. I am a big fan of a straight season, but that is something we must be prepared for as coaches and players.
Physical preparation and depth will play a key role in the 2012 season in my opinion.
One area the shorter, straight season should help is the ability to bring over import players and/or coaches. Not having to pay a coach or player for a full month to 6 weeks where there is no football, should save some money. The difference in one to two months of salary, might make a difference in affording an import player.
The most important thing we can do as teams is to make each week an exciting week of football. Play hard and entertaining football. Create an exciting atmoshpere around the games and leave the public talking about what a great time they had at the game they attended.
Needless to say, 2012 will be an exciting year of challenges and opportunities for those of us in the football world here in Sweden. I have high expectations for a very competitive Super Series. The bulk of the responsibility lays on us teams who have been at the bottom of the pack in recent years, to raise our standard and compete not only with each other, but go against the two leaders of the league (Carlstad Crusaders & Tyresö Royal Crowns) and give them games that are exciting and unpredictable.
THE CHALLENGE OF WATCHING LIVE FOOTBALL IN SWEDEN:
I have to admit that the older I get the harder it is to watch live football. I have spent more time watching a kick-off then waking up on the couch and watching the last two drives of a game than ever before. As a family man with an active 5 year old in the house it's not easy to see the "early" kick-off game which usually is at 7:00pm here. So it comes down to if I am up to catch the 10:15pm game or want to stay up and catch the "big game" that kicks-off at 2:30am. Not a totally bad schedule, but as a huge college football fan, I try to watch as much college football as possible. This leads to a crazy sleep schedule. Not to mention trying to follow the Sooners, who seemed to have more night games than I can ever remember, which in turn saw me putting coffee on at 4:00am and watching the Insight.com bowl. Just glad the Sooners won. Just thank goodness for NFL gamepass and ESPN 360...I know I'm old school to actually use those, but I really like the quality...so know I can go back and watch all the games I slept through on demand...that is, when I am not playing "Star Wars" or other activities with my son...he get's the cool light saber and I am forced to use the extra long shoe horn...I mean it is an IKEA produt, but not as good as an actual light saber...
FIREWORKS IN SWEDEN:
Just a quick note to let everyone now that these Swedes are crazy about their fireworks. I grew up in Oklahoma and the 4th of July was always special. I have shot bottle rocket out of bottles, out of the ends of BB guns, I have even held them, lit them and thrown them both up in air and towards other people. But after experiencing a few New Years here in Sweden I can tell you these folks get after it over here. I am not talking about the organized fireworks show put on by the local community. I am talking about the old "hold my beer and watch this" type of fireworks show that goes on from about 11:00pm to 12:30am. I have never seen anything like it. All credit to my Swedish friends...I like it...I'll watch it very year...from behind my window, locked in my apartment...
OK...5 SENTENCES THAT MEAN YOUR NEW YEARS EVE PARTY MIGHT GET HAIRY:
- The above mentioned, "hold my beer and watch this"
- "I wonder if I could...."
- "No, really, just try it..."
- "just light it with a cigarette..."
- "hey, get this on video..it'll go viral"
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