First Test

Marist TE Anthony Calcagni is a big star

First impressions go a long way in this game.

How many of us gave Norries Wilson years worth of slack after that convincing 37-7 win over Fordham in his first game at Columbia's head coach in 2006?

I know I did.

But in retrospect, we know that the 2006 Fordham Rams were a very weak team and the real test for the Lions that year didn't come until week 3 when they hosted eventual Ivy champ Princeton. Columbia lost that game 19-6 and it wasn't really that close. 

Right now, new Head Coach Pete Mangurian and his staff are spending most of their time analyzing the 2012 opponents. And they're not going to be overconfident about the first school on that list. 

This September 15th, the Marist Red Foxes come in to Wien Stadium as Mangurian's first test and they certainly look superior to '06 Fordham squad.

Marist is certainly not going to be as tough a non-conference opponent as Lehigh in week four. But with a handful of top players and even a couple of preseason FCS All Americans, the Red Foxes are far cry from the lightly talented team the Lions mauled in 2007 for their only win that season. 

The bottom line is this: a win over Marist in week one would be an EXCELLENT achievement for Mangurian and the team. A loss would not be a disaster, and only a blowout loss would be reason for any kind of despair. 

The Marist game is followed by what look like the two easiest games of the year for Columbia back to back. Fordham and Princeton just don't look too menacing right now and the Lions really need to win both of those games if they want to be considered as contenders for the top half of the Ivies in 2012. 

We'll look more at the schedule later this summer, but I wanted to make some necessary points about the opening three game homestand as soon as possible. 

Remembering Bobby Ray

And there was sad news for the Columbia family yesterday.

I received this note from my friend Greg Abbruzzese '91 this morning:

Columbia Family-

I hope that all of the you well! I am writing to inform you of the unfortunate passing of a dear friend, classmate, and football alum; Bobby Ray (CC ’91). Some of you were aware of Bobby Ray's condition, ALS, and regretfully he lost his fight with that debilitating disease last night. Laurel and I were fortunate enough to visit Bobby and correspond with him through his family over the past few years. He was especially fond of his Columbia teammates, Sammy fraternity brothers, and friends that he made over the years. Everyone who knew Bobby had fond memories (and stories) to tell about him. I for one will miss him dearly. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who helped Bobby out financially, and in spirit, when he was in need; Durc Savini, Nabil Kassem, John Klosek, Javier Loya, Chris DellaPietra, John Alex, Chip Zinkle, and countless others. For that he and his family are forever grateful. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Will Knight (CC ’90) who would consistently spend Saturday nights with Bobby over the past few years. I know that especially meant a lot to the Ray family and shows us the character of our Columbia family.

At this point, I am unaware of any arrangements, but I will let you know once I hear anything.  Again, my many thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for Bobby.

It was almost four and a half years ago that we first learned about Bobby's diagnosis and the efforts to help him and his family. 

We all wanted a better outcome for Bobby, but I thank all the people who supported him.