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-----Original Message-----
From: Larry  <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:57:14 -0500
Subject: Re: Rensselaer info (3/21)...


Gang...

I was trying to give some cogent thought to head coach
options and I gotta tell ya, there's a guy up in Lake Placid coaching the
Northwood prep team that has every requirement that you can think of, Mark
Morris. First, his teams win and improve as the season goes along. Most
importantly, the teams he coaches PEAK at playoff time, at least that was
the MO during his most successful years at Clarkson. And don't worry, he
doesn't care any more for Clarkson than the most ardent Clarkson hater. For
recruiting, success breeds success.  He has demonstrated the ability to
recruit student athletes (I'll let the bulk of you argue over Clarkson's
academic rep compared to the 'Tute) and more importantly, IMPROVE them in
their development as players to the next level. There's a pretty long list
of current NHL'ers and ex-NHL'ers that were coached by Morris. And for
consistency of effort, teams cannot play 100% all the time but Morris has
demonstrated the ability to gain as much out of a player most of the time.
And from a personal side that has observed Morris over an entire season (my
son plays for him at Northwood), there is no finer a person that cares for
his players and institution while commanding their utmost respect. Mark
Morris would be a fine choice despite the overblown incident that led to his
'wrongful dismissal' (he did win the court case vs. Clarkson's
administration) but to be honest, I really don't give that any credence at
all as far as Morris' character and integrity. And if RPI wants to get back
on track quickly, Morris is the right choice over an 'on the job' learner
from the assistant ranks or an ex-NHLer who played the game so well but has
no real experience behind the bench. Quite frankly, we need those ex-NHLer's
 raising money for the program to allow RPI to compete and recruit with the
big boys, not just the ECACHL competitors.

Hey...it's America and that's my $.02

Still crazy in section 17...Larry