Non Preps - ECU to Host NCAA Regional

Honestly - I think its going to take something "special" to get him to leave. He's definitley proven, at least in my opinion from previous decisions, that its going to have to be another Head Job as opposed to a big time assitant job. And to be honest, I think he's proven himself at Elon and thats probably the right thought process. Is Wake the place? I think its 50/50, just depends on how he were to look at it. But then again, I'm sure they will have many of people to choose from so maybe it doesnt come down to his choice. If I was at Wake...I'd definitley be calling him though.

 

I've met him a few times and spent some social time with him. I'm very impressed. Kennedy is teh kind of coach you want as a mentor to your son.

As to Wake Forest, I think they have a tough road in recruiting there. It's 48K to go there. Say you get a 3rd of a ride. You still need to come up with 32k a year. I realize there is academic money but you have to be a really good student to get that. How does a Wake compete day in, day out with less expensive schools? Do you just recruit good baseball players who are also outstanding students and from wealthy families? That's a small pool to pick from.

Let's see, I need a 5 tool player with a 1350 SAT minimum, a 4.5 GPA and a family income over 150K.

 

I dunno...Duke, Vanderbilt and Stanford seem to be doing very well. Actually I like their former coach a lot. He missed out on some kids, either were drafted or chose another school that would have helped his program. Whoever becomes the next coach has a chance to be special. With the new stadium renovations to be completed by 2010-11, it will help in their recruiting. I'm a huge believer in this. A program reflects the work effort of the recruiters. The harder they work, the more success of the program. I think Brandon Hall at UNCC is a great example of a hard working recruiter...there are certainly others. But his efforts have paid off.



BTW, I've been told that Kennedy is staying home

 

Interesting article...

...on why UVa. got hosed by the selection committee. Says they caved in to pressure from ESPN and politics. Hmmmmm, makes since to me, sad but true.



http://www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/sp...rticle/uva_gets_short_end_of_the_stick/40644/

 

Elon baseball is on a completely different level than Wake Forest right now.

Elon is very good. They are in a position where they are going to be headed to the NCAA tournament (regionals) every year. Their good team can do very well in the SoCon. Wake Forest has major struggles in the ACC.

Glad to hear that Kennedy will be staying home, Braves.

 

Well, don't take that to the bank because I did not hear it from Kennedy. But the source is solid and what I was told is he loves being a Phoenix.

 

That's good to hear, Braves.

I attend Carolina but I keep up with the Elon baseball program pretty closely - my dad is an alum from there.

Big fan of Coach Kennedy, I hope he does indeed stick around.

 

I agree for the most part. The thing is, at Elon, you have to be "pefect" every year to make a regional. And what I define perfect as being is this...

1. They have to finish 1st, maybe 2nd in the league. And no matter what "league" you are in, finishing first is a chore.
2. Then do very well in the Tournament. Again, we all know how tournamnet play is.
3. They have to schedule ACC, SEC and other Strong RPI games midweek and 1-2 weekends. Its a season long Guantlet at Elons level.
4. And through this, you have to push 38-40+ wins. Anything less, and you are left out of the tourney. Hence, the SoCon is a 2 bid league every year, no matter what.

There is no room for error. All the while, doing it behind less than full allotment, and bottom third SoCon facilities, high price tag of school, and high academic standards.

I don't claim to know why Wake has struggled. I know they had some injuries this year. But I'd like to see what Kennedy could do with more resources. Are those reources better at Wake? Idk. But what i do know is, the ACC is going to get 7 teams in the Regional most years. And Wake has won in the past.

Specifically Greg Starbuck at Elon. I just feel inadequate when around this guy talking baseball. And thats not because he thinks he's good or is cocky. Its just the opposite. We are actually good friends. He just knows the game so well, and has such a clear approach to what he does. This guy doesn't get the praise he is due in my opinion. Its funny, I was talking with him the other day and I brought up a conversation about Chase Austin from back when Chase was a freshman...I asked Buck..."I remember you telling me that you thought Chase had a chance to put up "monster" numbers, did that mean 22 HRs?" He just laughed it off.

 

All good points Braves. Sometimes I wonder how any of these real expensive schools compete. From the outside looking in from someone not close to it just seems they are a disadvantage.

AS to Kennedy, I have NOT spoken with him on this topic and don't plan on it. I just know WF really likes him. And I have spoken with several WF staffers. Elon is a great place to be right now. School is spending a ton of money. Led by the Powell family and many others there are some big donors in the community.

 

The schools in this situation

like Vandy Duke Stanford etc that compete use their academic situation as a drawing card and specifically target very good players who also are very good students. The ones that do not succeed use their situation as an excuse for not being able to get the players needed to compete at a high level. Coach Mc at Duke is a prime example. He took over a program in complete shambles that constantly complained from within about not being on a level playing field with many of the other programs in the ACC. He embraced the "Duke" education and academic environment and has used it as a drawing card to bring in talent. Coach Stoltz at Stanford has been doing this for the Cardinal for years. As the recruiting guru of that school no one works any harder than he does to ID and go get the players that fit their situation.

Coach McNally , Snedeker and Boggs have decided to sell the Duke degree and a chance to play in the ACC. Instead of using it as an excuse on why they can not keep up with the rest of the league. It can be a drawing card and used to benefit your recruiting or it can be used as an excuse. Wake brought in some very talented freshman this year and a couple got hurt early. They lost several of their pitchers to injury as well. Bottom line was they were not getting the job done at the level they needed to get it done. Someone else will get the chance now. Good luck.

But if you have any doubts that it can be done or not its been going at at other top tier academic institutions for many years.