Cornell vs Virginia

[scoop85]

Best recipe for a Cornell win:  Virginia is the most skilled team in the game today, but after seeing parts of their two losses to Duke earlier this year, they seemed to deflate quickly when Duke got up by a few goals.  If we can get off to a fast start like the past two games, we can use our physicality and hope to control the FO's and ground balls. But as we've seen from the 'Hoos first two playoff games, if they get off to an early lead, we're in big trouble.

[Tom Pasniewski 98]

What are the start times of the games?  Cornell's site has us at 2 p.m.  I've also seen us listed as semifinal game #1.

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

ESPN shows the Duke - 'Cuse game at noon, and our game at 2.  More likely our game will start at 2:30-2:45.

[billhoward]

[quote Jeff Hopkins '82]ESPN shows the Duke - 'Cuse game at noon, and our game at 2.  More likely our game will start at 2:30-2:45.[/quote]
... and so, now, does cornellbigred.com show a 2 pm gametime. If there's one piece of info that site could have, should have, put up the moment they know, to help fans with their game planning, that was it. For fans coming from Ithaca, NYS, NYC, LI, NJ, or PA, the 2 pm start (more or less) vs. the noon game means the difference between getting up godawful early for a same day drive (or overnighting in Boston) vs. a more leisurely departure if you don't need to see the first game.

Cornell, please: excellence in everything, including the god-is-in-the-details of your website.

[RichH]

[quote billhoward][quote Jeff Hopkins '82]ESPN shows the Duke - 'Cuse game at noon, and our game at 2.  More likely our game will start at 2:30-2:45.[/quote]
... and so, now, does cornellbigred.com show a 2 pm gametime. If there's one piece of info that site could have, should have, put up the moment they know, to help fans with their game planning, that was it. For fans coming from Ithaca, NYS, NYC, LI, NJ, or PA, the 2 pm start (more or less) vs. the noon game means the difference between getting up godawful early for a same day drive (or overnighting in Boston) vs. a more leisurely departure if you don't need to see the first game.

Cornell, please: excellence in everything, including the god-is-in-the-details of your website.[/quote]

Huh, bill?  If you read this thread, the CU site has always had us as the 2 pm game...see Tom's post from yesterday saying just that.  I don't understand your griping this time.

BTW, I'm in MD for work this week, and the local Sunday sports-wrap show had about 10 minutes on the Hop-UVA game and post-game press conference, including a frustrated Pietramala. They showed the CU-UVA game as being the later game next week, so I think that's set.

[billhoward]

My fault. I looked yesterday and didn't see it on the games-of-5/23 calendar. It would have been nicer if Cornell had a story ready to go Saturday evening about tickets (even to say more info would be forthcoming) and the game time and any plans for Cornell gatherings, but if the calendar had it, that was a good start, and I missed it. Instead, the game story said and today (Monday 5/18 midmorning) still says, "Cornell will play the winner of tomorrow's NCAA quarterfinal between No. 1 Virginia and No. 8 Johns Hopkins in a semifinal game on Saturday, May 23 at either noon or 2 p.m. at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass." Even with its reduced numbers staffing the department of athletics, Cornell ought to anticipate things such as beating Princeton and fans wanting to know what's up next.

[RichH]

[quote billhoward]My fault. I looked yesterday and didn't see it on the games-of-5/23 calendar. It would have been nicer if Cornell had a story ready to go Saturday evening about tickets (even to say more info would be forthcoming) and the game time and any plans for Cornell gatherings, but if the calendar had it, that was a good start, and I missed it. Instead, the game story said and today (Monday 5/18 midmorning) still says, "Cornell will play the winner of tomorrow's NCAA quarterfinal between No. 1 Virginia and No. 8 Johns Hopkins in a semifinal game on Saturday, May 23 at either noon or 2 p.m. at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass." Even with its reduced numbers staffing the department of athletics, Cornell ought to anticipate things such as beating Princeton and fans wanting to know what's up next.[/quote]

Agree with you there.  This is a big event, and there should be a big push to promote having a large, concentrated Cornell section in that stadium, rather than leave it to us to be scattered around, like we usually are.  Especially since this is accessible (within a couple of hours) to a huge number of alumni in Boston/New England/Long Island/NYC.

[Al DeFlorio]

[quote RichH]Agree with you there.  This is a big event, and there should be a big push to promote having a large, concentrated Cornell section in that stadium, rather than leave it to us to be scattered around, like we usually are.  Especially since this is accessible (within a couple of hours) to a huge number of alumni in Boston/New England/Long Island/NYC.[/quote]
If last year is any indication, it may be possible to move around in the stadium for the second game.  Unlike most Cornell fans who want to see both games (hockey or lacrosse), many others leave after their school plays.  Many Syracuse fans may stay to watch Cornell, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of Dukies head for the tailgating after their game.

[billhoward]

[quote RichH][quote billhoward]My fault. I looked yesterday and didn't see it on the games-of-5/23 calendar. It would have been nicer if Cornell had a story ready to go Saturday evening about tickets (even to say more info would be forthcoming) and the game time and any plans for Cornell gatherings, but if the calendar had it, that was a good start, and I missed it. Instead, the game story said and today (Monday 5/18 midmorning) still says, "Cornell will play the winner of tomorrow's NCAA quarterfinal between No. 1 Virginia and No. 8 Johns Hopkins in a semifinal game on Saturday, May 23 at either noon or 2 p.m. at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass." Even with its reduced numbers staffing the department of athletics, Cornell ought to anticipate things such as beating Princeton and fans wanting to know what's up next.[/quote]

Agree with you there.  This is a big event, and there should be a big push to promote having a large, concentrated Cornell section in that stadium, rather than leave it to us to be scattered around, like we usually are.  Especially since this is accessible (within a couple of hours) to a huge number of alumni in Boston/New England/Long Island/NYC.[/quote]
I think location in Mass not Baltimore (site of our last FF appearance) may reduce turnout enough to allow us to move around. PLus some like me would buy tickets now but still not sure if it's one, two, or (most likely) four of us coming so I can't buy tix with friends.

One very good sign overall for Big Red experience at sports events is that new Cornell alumni affairs guy, Chris Marshall, is a jock at heart (swim coach at Lehigh while running alumni program there) and is making every effort to do things to gather Cornellians before/after sports events. Example was the free tailgate BBQ before home football game last fall, using money saving by e-mailing not paper-mailing alumni mailings. His big plan is to do more alumni things based on affiliations (greek life, music, sports, Cornell Sun) other than class year (but not do away with reunions). Kind of obvious when you think of it.

Aside: Hofstra vastly underestimated the need for aluminum recycling in parking lots. Or they didn't know lacrosse fans drink like fish?

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

[quote billhoward]Aside: Hofstra vastly underestimated the need for aluminum recycling in parking lots. Or they didn't know lacrosse fans drink like fish?[/quote]

Not just recycling.  The garbage can at the bottom of the footbridge to the North Campus parking lot was overflowing.  People just started a pile opposite it.  Kinda gross.

[Hillel Hoffmann]

Is it Saturday yet?

[Germ]

Although I think we've had a very successful season by making the final four, I feel reaching the finals and winning it is critical to reestablishing our program as one of the best in the country.  Yes, we've made the final four 2 out of the last 3 but we really need to take the championship.   We haven't made the final in 21 years and haven't won it in 32 years.  

And why can't this be our time?  We've played the three other ff teams going 1-2..all close games.  We have the perfect recipe to beat UVA and either Duke or Cuse.  We have 16 seniors, a few of them All-Americans,  and one of them a finalist for best player in the land.  I think our goaler is the only cause for concern.  

It's safe to say we have regained control of the Ivies winning 7 straight titles(?) and taking 6 of the last 7 from PU.  Now we need to wedge our way into the debate of who are the elite teams in the country.  I don't think we can do that without winning it all.  This can be the year.

[Josh '99]

[quote Hillel Hoffmann]Is it Saturday yet?[/quote]Come on Hillel, I know you haven't been writing much for us about the lax team this year, but could you give us a write-up about this weekend?  Pleeeeeeeease?  :-D

[JasonN95]

[quote Josh '99][quote Hillel Hoffmann]Is it Saturday yet?[/quote]Come on Hillel, I know you haven't been writing much for us about the lax team this year, but could you give us a write-up about this weekend?  Pleeeeeeeease?  :-D[/quote]

Seconded.

[Hillel Hoffmann]

[quote JasonN95][quote Josh '99][quote Hillel Hoffmann]Is it Saturday yet?[/quote]Come on Hillel, I know you haven't been writing much for us about the lax team this year, but could you give us a write-up about this weekend?  Pleeeeeeeease?  :-D[/quote]
Seconded.[/quote]
I can't. It's too embarrassing to explain, but I'm way superstitious and I'm locked into a routine that I can't break as long as they're on a roll. It's like a playoff beard. (I am such a dork, but I know I am not alone in my dorkitude.)

Besides, the level of analysis and emotional investment is so beautifully high here that there's nothing I could contribute that hasn't already been said. Keep it up.

The only thing I'll add is my gratitude to this senior class. What an achievement to get this far despite the retirements, injuries and a tough, road-heavy schedule.

Let's Go Red.