OT: The Elmar Bolowich Era is Over

[Pablo]

2021-2022 Vacancies

Filled Xavier - John Higgins (UIndy HC) [IMG]

www.bigsoccer.com

"Open
Chicago State (2/17)
George Mason (3/31)
Grand Canyon (3/31)

Filled
Missouri State - Michael Seabolt (assistant)
Delaware - Tommy McMenemy (Michigan assistant)
ETSU - David Lilly (Milligan head)
UConn - Chris Gbandi (Northeastern HC)
Bucknell - Dave Brandt (Hope HC)
Cal Poly - Steve Sampson (Cal Poly HC unretired)
Gonzaga - Aaron Lewis (previous interim)
Drake - Pat Flinn (UChicago HC)
UNLV - BJ Craig (Oregon State associate HC)
Wisconsin - Neil Jones (Loyola Chicago HC)
Northern Kentucky - Tom Poitras (Hartford HC)
Brown - Chase Wileman (Kentucky associate HC)
Loyola Chicago - Steve Bode (Marquette women’s assistant)
Northeastern - Rich Weinrebe (New Hampshire associate HC)
Sacred Heart - Anthony Anzevui (interim - Sacred Heart assistant)
Canisius - Michael Tanke (Empire United club coach)
IUPUI - Sid van Druenen (Wright State associate HC)
UMass Lowell - Kyle Zenoni (Milwaukee associate HC)
Loyola Marymount - Kyle Schmid (LMU associate HC)
Xavier - John Higgins (UIndy HC)
Cal - Leonard Griffin (Grand Canyon HC)"

 

[MasonSAE4]

Any soccer people have better insight into what's wrong with the program? Seemed like people in the know thought the last two hires (Andrulis and Bolowich, I think) were home runs.

Soccer person here. Can’t speak to Andrulis but I think the game had largely passed Bolowich by. Soccer is a game that’s far more cyclical than others; systems come in and out of style fairly quick. Simply being about to recruit and then sit back and watch the magic isn't really a thing. I don't think he was much of a tactician, and when you take away any sort of decent facilities to use in recruiting battles, he was probably going to struggle. I'm not really in the know with Mason soccer so don't take anything as gospel.

Our facilities are baaaaad. Mason Stadium is a dump. The running track around the field takes away any sense of atmosphere. Even the field itself wasn't great the few times I got to play on it back in school. I can't really fault the administration as Mason Stadium isn't really a priority we can't really expect much from that program until some money goes in. I think @GMUgemini is spot on in saying the next coach has to be a guy more immersed in the developmental side of the game.

 

[MasonFanatic]

Any soccer people have better insight into what's wrong with the program? Seemed like people in the know thought the last two hires (Andrulis and Bolowich, I think) were home runs.

I wouldn't really count myself as a soccer person, but it seems like our recruiting has tanked in the last decade. We're no longer getting the caliber of player that we were getting early on in Andrulis's tenure. Which is bad, because we live in a very rich area for prospects.

What I don't know is why that happened. Dropping down from the CAA to the A10? Facilities haven't kept pace? Don't have connections to the local academies...?

 

[GMUgemini]

Any soccer people have better insight into what's wrong with the program? Seemed like people in the know thought the last two hires (Andrulis and Bolowich, I think) were home runs.

I think the move to the A-10 hurt them. It’s not as good of a conference as the CAA overall, and given the lack of facilities and investment it’s hard to convince a local talent to come here instead of going to any number of other programs (UMD, UVA, Georgetown, UMBC, JMU, W&M, American, VaTech, etc.) let alone the other good regional programs in the ACC.

Andrulis had some success early on (hired in 2005 and took them to the tournament in 2006, 2008, and 2011). Andrulis was old school (play a deep line, be annoying to play against, and win ugly — that doesn’t prepare players for the next level in the modern game).

I haven’t seen a Mason soccer game in awhile, so I couldn’t tell you why Bolowich coached teams were so bad.

The nature of recruiting has changed now too with all the MLS academies signing promising players early and stuffing them on lower division teams.

 

[Leesburg Chankenstank III]

That is chump change...

Elmar is good for life, he doesn’t need the money. His father made millions in the horse breeding industry and when that failed he made even more in the glue industry…… wait that might’ve been Elmer. Never mind.

 

[TweederGMU]

I remember seeing this hire a couple years ago and just didn't seem to be a good fit. These older coaches who have had success at larger schools often don't want to put in the extra effort if/when they need to help rebuild a program or sustain that success. Older guy who probably just didn't want to put in man effort, especially during Covid which can be worrisome for his health as well. Shitty situation all around. But only 2 wins on that previous schedule is pretty piss poor.

Thinking we need to hire young, grab a 30-40 something year old coach who us hungry to prove himself and infuse some excitement and energy in to this program. We have a back yard full of great talent in VA and MD where soccer is pretty popular.... need to recruit some local stud talent and get this team back on track.

 

[TweederGMU]

I think the move to the A-10 hurt them. It’s not as good of a conference as the CAA overall, and given the lack of facilities and investment it’s hard to convince a local talent to come here instead of going to any number of other programs (UMD, UVA, Georgetown, UMBC, JMU, W&M, American, VaTech, etc.) let alone the other good regional programs in the ACC.

Andrulis had some success early on (hired in 2005 and took them to the tournament in 2006, 2008, and 2011). Andrulis was old school (play a deep line, be annoying to play against, and win ugly — that doesn’t prepare players for the next level in the modern game).

I haven’t seen a Mason soccer game in awhile, so I couldn’t tell you why Bolowich coached teams were so bad.

The nature of recruiting has changed now too with all the MLS academies signing promising players early and stuffing them on lower division teams.

Remember talking to my friend a few months back who has Mason soccer alumni friends and your right, the move to the A-10 hurt a bit as the conference overall isn't known to be a great soccer conference. 4-5 star Kids aim for the ACC. Our facilities are not great as well.

Seems CAA schools usually get good talent based off their facilities and them being known as a soccer school. Bill & Mary has a reputation across VA as being a good soccer school.

I personally didn't know that the CAA was considered a really good soccer conference over the years.

https://www.lflrankings.com/conf.php

 

[Five Two]

Rally baby!!

Win

The baseball team's win means you save $5 at McAlister's Deli in University mall:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1510970840552296450

View: https://twitter.com/MasonBaseball/status/1510970840552296450

 

[Quentin Daniels]

Elmar is good for life, he doesn’t need the money. His father made millions in the horse breeding industry and when that failed he made even more in the glue industry…… wait that might’ve been Elmer. Never mind.

No, no, no, you're thinking of Elmer the Bull.

Elmer Bolowich made his money as “THE KING OF COLD CUTS” Slinging bargain sandwiches since '79. He is loaded, but dude has taken it a bit hard recently as Jimmy John's has cut into his market share.

 

[Five Two]

If you look at the 13 DI baseball schools in Virginia (Hampton doesn't offer baseball), its not pretty. Here is my unofficial facility rankings. This isnt just about the grandstand, field, lights, etc but also includes team rooms and training/practice facilities.

1. UVA: https://virginiasports.com/davenport-field-at-disharoon-park/ minor league-type stadium
2. VT: https://hokiesports.com/facilities/english-field-at-atlantic-union-bank-park/1 another minor league-type stadium
3. Liberty: https://www.liberty.edu/flames/athletics-facilities/worthington-field-liberty-baseball-stadium/ this might be better than VA Tech, not sure
4. vcu: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/2020/5/20/facilities-diamond.aspx since this isnt really theirs, I'm putting them at #4
5. JMU: https://jmusports.com/facilities/eagle-field-at-veterans-memorial-park/14
6. ODU: https://odusports.com/facilities/bud-metheny-baseball-stadium/4 I think its just below JMU, but
7. Radford: https://radfordathletics.com/facilities/sherman-carter-memorial-stadium/118
8. W&M: https://tribeathletics.com/facilities/plumeri-park/4
9. VMI: https://vmikeydets.com/sports/2007/12/31/1357394.aspx
10. Longwood: https://longwoodlancers.com/sports/2006/9/8/lancerstadium.aspx it has lights so its better than the Hap
11. Richmond: https://richmondspiders.com/facilities/pitt-field/8 slightly better than the Hap, but barely
12. Norfolk St: https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/marty-l-miller-field-s2347/

At best, we are 11th. At worst, 13th.

I would build a baseball-softball training facility adjacent to the softball field's first base dugout. Facility to include team locker rooms, meeting rooms, sports medicine, turf infields for both teams, batting cages for both teams and bullpens for both teams. Add whatever else is required these days. The softball team can walk directly from their locker room to the dugout.

Then on the others side of the facility build a new baseball stadium in the JMU-Radford range. Baseball team can go directly from their locker room to the third base dugout. putting a new stadium there eliminates all the sh*t from the home owners across the street in the current location. They don't want lights on the baseball field.

But its probably $50M to do all that. I know what Binghamton University did for their baseball program with $40M so I'm adding $10M for cost-of-living in Fairfax.......

Can you tell I'm already bored by the offseason??

Got bored and decided to look at the 11 other schools in the A10 that offer baseball. Loyola-C, Duquesne and LaSalle don't have baseball teams. The A10 is not known as a good baseball conference; definitely not as good as the CAA. There are two really nice facilities and the rest range from meh to really bad.

1. vcu: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/2020/5/20/facilities-diamond.aspx its a minor league park, so its on the top of the list
2. Dayton: https://daytonflyers.com/sports/2013/8/8/BB_0808130506.aspx no lights, though
3. Fordham: https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2013/7/17/GEN_0717131810.aspx grandstand is nicer than Davidson and St Joes. field turf and lights
4. GW: https://gwsports.com/sports/2018/7/23/facilities-gewa-basebl-facility-html.aspx this facility is in Arlington, so it loses points just for that. its a lot better than it used to be and the grandstand is decent, has lights and field turf
5. Davidson: https://davidsonwildcats.com/facilities/wilson-field/30 nice setting, field and lights, but the bleachers grandstand hold it back
6. St Joe's: https://express.adobe.com/page/mXh678hXtAoYR/?path=baseball same as Davidson and no lights, but the setting isnt as nice as Davidson's
7. Saint Louis: https://slubillikens.com/facilities/billiken-sports-center-baseball-/5 nice field turf and it has lights, but not much of a grandstand. They could be 5th or 6th. Davidson, St Joe's and SLU are interchangeable, IMO
8. Richmond: https://richmondspiders.com/facilities/pitt-field/8 slightly better than the Hap, but barely
9: Mason
10. URI: https://gorhody.com/sports/2020/6/9/information-facilities-bill-beck-field.aspx field turf is nice and the outfield wall is decent, but no grandstand to speak of and the press box, if you can call it that, is weak.
11. UMass: https://umassathletics.com/galleries/baseball/umass-baseball-facility-photos/4063 I like the greenery beyond the outfield wall, but the rest is pretty meh and no lights. There is a reason they don't show the dugouts or behind home plate
12. St Bonaventure: https://gobonnies.com/sports/2021/8/12/inside-athletics-facilities-Fred-Handler-Park.aspx no grandstand, no lights, no setting


If we look at DC-Baltimore area, Morgan St, AU and Howard don't have baseball.
1.Maryland: https://umterps.com/sports/2018/6/18/bob-turtle-smith-stadium.aspx?path=athleticfacilities Big 10 facility. Clearly the best of this group.
2. Navy: https://navysports.com/galleries/baseball/baseball-facilities/481 easily 2nd on this list
3. Georgetown: https://guhoyas.com/sports/2021/11/12/facilities-baseball-html.aspx like GW, they play off campus. This is in Bethesda. Not bad but its 30 minutes from campus
4. GW: see above. maybe its better than Georgetown, maybe not.
5. Mount St Marys: https://mountathletics.com/sports/2020/6/4/information-facilities.aspx this is better than the Hap and they are in the NEC. ugh. with a little work, this might actually be better than Georgetown and GW since its on campus.
6. Coppin St: https://www.google.com/search?q=joe...E&biw=1920&bih=947&dpr=1#imgrc=4X_lRuFdb1qLPM this is an old place but has lights and an old and aging grandstand
7. UMBC: https://umbcretrievers.com/sports/2021/9/8/alumni-field-photo-gallery.aspx?id=562 has lights so its better than the Hap
8. Towson: https://towsontigers.com/sports/2014/7/14/schuerholzpark.aspx I’d say this is on par with
Mason

So I have us at 9th out of 12 in the conference, tied for 8th/last in DC-Balt and 11th out of 13 in Virginia.

 

[GMUgemini]

I’ve been to Mount St. Mary’s campus and remember them having good athletic facilities all around for their level. Not sure why considering the campus itself is rather small and light on amenities otherwise.

 

[Five Two]

I've now compiled all 30 of the A10, Virginia, DC and Maryland baseball facilities. I figure we are recruiting against schools in the conference and region. I did find out Coppin plays in Columbia, MD and not at that old park. Didn't change their rankings. I have us tied for 25th out of 30. UMES gets ranked high because they play in a minor league ballpark. But since its UMES, I did have to put them behind College Park. Dayton would probably be in the top 10 if they had lights.


1 UVA: https://virginiasports.com/davenport-field-at-disharoon-park/
2 VT: https://hokiesports.com/facilities/english-field-at-atlantic-union-bank-park/1
3. Liberty: https://www.liberty.edu/flames/athletics-facilities/worthington-field-liberty-baseball-stadium/
4. vcu: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/2020/5/20/facilities-diamond.aspx
5. Maryland: https://umterps.com/sports/2018/6/18/bob-turtle-smith-stadium.aspx?path=athleticfacilities
6. UMES: https://www.milb.com/delmarva/ballpark/perduestadium
7. JMU: https://jmusports.com/facilities/eagle-field-at-veterans-memorial-park/14
8. ODU: https://odusports.com/facilities/bud-metheny-baseball-stadium/4
9. Navy: https://navysports.com/galleries/baseball/baseball-facilities/481
10. Radford: https://radfordathletics.com/facilities/sherman-carter-memorial-stadium/118
11. W&M: https://tribeathletics.com/facilities/plumeri-park/4
12. VMI: https://vmikeydets.com/sports/2007/12/31/1357394.aspx
13. Dayton: https://daytonflyers.com/sports/2013/8/8/BB_0808130506.aspx
14. Fordham: https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2013/7/17/GEN_0717131810.aspx
15. Georgetown: https://guhoyas.com/sports/2021/11/12/facilities-baseball-html.aspx
16. GW: https://gwsports.com/sports/2018/7/23/facilities-gewa-basebl-facility-html.aspx
17. Davidson: https://davidsonwildcats.com/facilities/wilson-field/30
18. St Joe's: https://express.adobe.com/page/mXh678hXtAoYR/?path=baseball
19. Saint Louis: https://slubillikens.com/facilities/billiken-sports-center-baseball-/5
20. Mount St Marys: https://mountathletics.com/sports/2020/6/4/information-facilities.aspx
21. Coppin St: https://coppinstatesports.com/sports/2022/2/24/blandair-park.aspx
22. Longwood: https://longwoodlancers.com/sports/2006/9/8/lancerstadium.aspx
23. Richmond: https://richmondspiders.com/facilities/pitt-field/8
24. UMBC: https://umbcretrievers.com/sports/2021/9/8/alumni-field-photo-gallery.aspx?id=562
25-tie: Towson: https://towsontigers.com/sports/2014/7/14/schuerholzpark.aspx
25-tie: Mason
27: URI: https://gorhody.com/sports/2020/6/9/information-facilities-bill-beck-field.aspx
28. UMass: https://umassathletics.com/galleries/baseball/umass-baseball-facility-photos/4063
29. Norfolk St: https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/marty-l-miller-field-s2347/
30. St Bonaventure: https://gobonnies.com/sports/2021/8/12/inside-athletics-facilities-Fred-Handler-Park.aspx

 

[GMUgemini]

I bet this is pretty similar to our soccer facilities situation. It might be slightly better because the US mens national team used to train at Mason Stadium when they had a game in the area. It used to be one of the best fields in the DMV (stadium not so much, but the field was pristine).

 

[TweederGMU]

I've now compiled all 30 of the A10, Virginia, DC and Maryland baseball facilities. I figure we are recruiting against schools in the conference and region. I did find out Coppin plays in Columbia, MD and not at that old park. Didn't change their rankings. I have us tied for 25th out of 30. UMES gets ranked high because they play in a minor league ballpark. But since its UMES, I did have to put them behind College Park. Dayton would probably be in the top 10 if they had lights.


1 UVA: https://virginiasports.com/davenport-field-at-disharoon-park/
2 VT: https://hokiesports.com/facilities/english-field-at-atlantic-union-bank-park/1
3. Liberty: https://www.liberty.edu/flames/athletics-facilities/worthington-field-liberty-baseball-stadium/
4. vcu: https://vcuathletics.com/sports/2020/5/20/facilities-diamond.aspx
5. Maryland: https://umterps.com/sports/2018/6/18/bob-turtle-smith-stadium.aspx?path=athleticfacilities
6. UMES: https://www.milb.com/delmarva/ballpark/perduestadium
7. JMU: https://jmusports.com/facilities/eagle-field-at-veterans-memorial-park/14
8. ODU: https://odusports.com/facilities/bud-metheny-baseball-stadium/4
9. Navy: https://navysports.com/galleries/baseball/baseball-facilities/481
10. Radford: https://radfordathletics.com/facilities/sherman-carter-memorial-stadium/118
11. W&M: https://tribeathletics.com/facilities/plumeri-park/4
12. VMI: https://vmikeydets.com/sports/2007/12/31/1357394.aspx
13. Dayton: https://daytonflyers.com/sports/2013/8/8/BB_0808130506.aspx
14. Fordham: https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2013/7/17/GEN_0717131810.aspx
15. Georgetown: https://guhoyas.com/sports/2021/11/12/facilities-baseball-html.aspx
16. GW: https://gwsports.com/sports/2018/7/23/facilities-gewa-basebl-facility-html.aspx
17. Davidson: https://davidsonwildcats.com/facilities/wilson-field/30
18. St Joe's: https://express.adobe.com/page/mXh678hXtAoYR/?path=baseball
19. Saint Louis: https://slubillikens.com/facilities/billiken-sports-center-baseball-/5
20. Mount St Marys: https://mountathletics.com/sports/2020/6/4/information-facilities.aspx
21. Coppin St: https://coppinstatesports.com/sports/2022/2/24/blandair-park.aspx
22. Longwood: https://longwoodlancers.com/sports/2006/9/8/lancerstadium.aspx
23. Richmond: https://richmondspiders.com/facilities/pitt-field/8
24. UMBC: https://umbcretrievers.com/sports/2021/9/8/alumni-field-photo-gallery.aspx?id=562
25-tie: Towson: https://towsontigers.com/sports/2014/7/14/schuerholzpark.aspx
25-tie: Mason
27: URI: https://gorhody.com/sports/2020/6/9/information-facilities-bill-beck-field.aspx
28. UMass: https://umassathletics.com/galleries/baseball/umass-baseball-facility-photos/4063
29. Norfolk St: https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/marty-l-miller-field-s2347/
30. St Bonaventure: https://gobonnies.com/sports/2021/8/12/inside-athletics-facilities-Fred-Handler-Park.aspx

Amazing list and very spot on. My .02

UR - I used to go to baseball camp there every summer for 6-7 years in middle and high school so played on that field a bunch. The dugouts and bleachers are/were pretty bad, even 20 years ago. Plus the parking lot in centerfield is distracting while hitting and can be noisy if you play the outfield. lol. Would rank GMU ahead of UR by a spot.

vcu - I played at the Diamond back in high school as they used to host high school championship games there 20 years ago. Someone who still lives in Richmond can confirm if they still do or not, or if it is just vcu and the Squirrels playing there. 20 years ago the Diamond was a lot nicer and in better shape, pretty cool experience and nice field to play on nonetheless. But that stadium now is a dump.... needs a serious renovation and help MAY be on the way - https://www.wric.com/news/local-new...nd-stadium-renovations-demolition-still-eyed/

ODU - They invested a lot in to their stadium mainly do to a very rich baseball alum dropping a fat donation down back 10-12 years ago. A few of us on here made friends with him when we were still in the CAA and would go down to old dirty for games every year back then. He would always meet us at the bar across the street and the CAA tourney and buy us drinks and stuff and talk baseball and basketball - awesome guy. Apprentely he got rich off his idea for the blue card for American Express - that was his big idea years ago and then spread the wealth to a hefty donation for the baseball team. I'd move ODU up to 3rd or 4th just based off the uniqueness of what they offer on the concourse and seating areas and overall layout. Looks cool to sit in the hospitality areas down 1st base and outfield and enjoy a drink.

GW - I've played at Barcroft for baseball and softball games. Nice field, however, the dugouts are cramped and the bleachers are annoying....small backstop so they are right up on you when batting and you can usually hear people's conversations lol. Sucks for GW that they don't have a field on campus and have to come to Arlington.

 

[GMUgemini]

NCAA just eliminated OT in the regular season, sudden death (golden boot) in elimination matches. Mason has lost a lot of games in OT over the last several years. This will be interesting.

 

[GMUgemini]

Rich Costanzo is the new mens soccer coach. Former Penn State and Maryland defender. Also played 5 seasons in the USL (one indoor with the Baltimore Blast), was current an assistant at Pitt. He’s 36.

 

[bravesfan]

Rich Costanzo is the new mens basketball coach. Former Penn State and Maryland defender. Also played 5 seasons in the USL (one indoor with the Baltimore Blast), was current an assistant at Pitt. He’s 36.

Sh*t. What happened to CKE?

 

[GMUgemini]

Sh*t. What happened to CKE?

Whoops. Meant soccer! I’ll edit lol

 

[Quentin Daniels]

Mr. Moderator, please suspend the first person who makes a Seinfeld reference thinking that they’re being clever.

 

[Pablo]

Rich Costanzo is the new mens soccer coach. Former Penn State and Maryland defender. Also played 5 seasons in the USL (one indoor with the Baltimore Blast), was current an assistant at Pitt. He’s 36.

Now, all Mason needs is a new soccer stadium!

George Mason Names Rich Costanzo Men's Soccer Head Coach - George Mason University Athletics

FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Brad Edwards announced Friday that Rich Costanzo has been named the Patriots' 11th

gomason.com

"Costanzo played at Penn State (2004-2005), where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 and was also selected Freshman All-America by Soccer America and TopDrawerSoccer. He transferred to the University of Maryland (2006-2008), and as a senior, he captained the 2008 squad to the NCAA Division I National Championship and ACC Championship."

"Jay Vidovich, Head Coach University of Pittsburgh Men's Soccer

'Winning is a part of Rich's DNA. Rich has a great soccer IQ, he understands the culture of a winning team, and will do a tremendous job mentoring, teaching, and motivating his players. I look forward to seeing George Mason Soccer return to successful ways. We will greatly miss Rich at Pitt. He has been such a key factor in the growth and success of our Pitt Soccer program.'

Sasho Cirovski, Head Coach University of Maryland Men's Soccer

'George Mason could not have hired a better coach or person in Rich Costanzo. As a player, he was a fierce competitor and tremendous leader. Rich's positive influence in the locker room and on the field was instrumental in Maryland winning the 2008 National Championship. As a coach, he has learned from many wonderful mentors – but his strength of character and instincts will allow him to develop his own style and philosophy that will excite and inspire his players. Rich is a tireless worker, loyal and extremely driven. He is the right person at the right time to re-energize the Mason soccer program. I am excited and proud to watch Rich lead the Mason men's soccer program.'

Russell Payne, Head Coach Northwestern University Men's Soccer

'During his time as student-athlete at the University of Maryland, Richie was the most trusted, respected, and supportive teammate in the program. He has exemplified those same positive character qualities now as coach, educator and mentor to young student-athletes. George Mason has made the best investment towards its future.'"