NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog

Everyone I talked with after the first few season games said Valpo was gonna be OK this year. I have played basketball since I was 5 years old, and even coached some, so I knew better. Now, my concern become real after watching the Valparaiso University Crusaders Men's Basketball Team lose to Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne - IPFW Mastodons, 63-46 Wednesday evening at the ARC.

I looked at the season schedule and thought this would be the telling game for the Crusaders and it was. It is gonna be a tough, long & challenging seasonfor the young Valpo Men's Basketball Team.

IPFW is coached by Dane Fife, yes, the same Fife that played under Hall of Fame Coach - Bob Knight at the University of Indiana,and some of the same principals were displayed in Wednesady nights game:

 1. INTENSE Man to Man Defense 

2. Aggressive Animated Coaching 

IPFW played hard! The team played intense for 40 minutes and played a style of man to man D that would make any Coach proud.

Sometimes stats don't tell the game, these stats did:

Valpo Shot - 19 for 61 from the field - they MISSED 42 Shots - yes 42,  many were from inside the paint that is 31.1% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 21 from behind the arch - that is 17 missed and a whopping 19% for the game.

Valpo Shot - 4 for 12 from the Charity Stripe - that is 8 missed and 33.3% for the game.

  There was a 1 hour delay of the game even starting due to the Valparaiso University Girls Basketball Game (which I must say was exciting -VU Crusader Girls UPSET No. 21 Purdue Boilermakers in a great game!.

It does not get any easier in the next 2 weeks as on Saturday 12/13/08 the Crusaders travel to play the Redhawks of Miami of Ohio . Then a week from Saturday on 12/20/08 at the United Center in Chicago, IL- Are you ready .........The Tar Heels of North Carolina - yes the Number 1 Ranked Team in the Country will play Valpo. I really only have 2 words for that upcoming game OH BOY!                                        

I am an optimist, but, it is going to be a trying year for our Valpo Crusaders. Don't get me wrong, this team will be competitive, but need to develop consistency. I have only seen one player this year so far, Howard Little, show game in and game out consistency. Freshman standout Erik Buggs, shows promise, but still is learning and lacks some judgment..... Like trying to drive to the basket and beat 6'9" Post Players :)In time, I'm sure that will all change. Valpo so far this year, has shown they have no threat from anyone beyond the 3 point line. That will be an issue as the season goes on. IF, they can get some perimeter shooting- it will open the inside play to Igbavoda, Rogers & Little. The Crusaders have played all their games this year without standout Senior Guard Brandon McPherson and do they need him NOW !

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

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On this past Saturday afternoon, in between downpours of rain, Valparaiso University Crusader's Football Team played their 1st game of the 2008 season at their newly renovated Brown Field with an impressive performance and a Big win over Concordia (WI) 34-10. 

Valparaiso rolled up 449 yards of total offense, 229 on the ground and 220 through the air as the Crusaders showed they had a balanced attack by air or by ground. The Aeriel show was quite impressive as Senior QB Warren Arnold threw with precision and showed that if the Wide-outs were not open, he would burn you once he got outside the pocket with his running ability! On the ground Junior standout Ross Wiemer carried the ball for 94 yards on 10 carries - a 9.4/carry average.

Offensively, they look sound. Defensively, under the direction of Sam Bernardi  (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator) the Crusaders were absolutely well coached and relentless in their aggressive tackling! They held Concordia to 287 yards of total offensive. But, the Crusaders will need to improve their rush defense as they did allow 233 yards rushing. The season is young and you can be assured that Bernardi will address those concerns and make adjustments. The key play that broke this game wide open was when Head Coach Stacy Adams called in a fake punt that resulted in a Valpo Touchdown!                                                                                                                                                                 

 Valpo Crusader Football needs and deserves all the local support they can get! Every single kid on this team is playing without a scholarship !  YES ! WITHOUT a scholarship. For them to come out and play their hearts out every Saturday, is to me, most impressive and incredible.

Both Head Coach Stacy and Associate Head Coach Bernardi have shown their dedication, not only to the University, not only to the Community, but to these 55 or so players that just wanna play football. They play the game extremely well and they play their hearts out each week!. I urge all of you NorthWest Indiana residents  -  take off 3 hours this upcoming Saturday, September 20th at 1:00 p.m. and come out to watch and SUPPORT the Crusader Football Program - you will be Glad you did !

 Here is the Full Fall Schedule including Home Games in Bold->>

editorial written by Jeff Safrin

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided.