View from the Sky

Above is the only aerial shot of the old Baker Field, (32,000 seat, all-wooden stadium), I have ever seen. You can click on the image to enlarge.

I can't tell when the picture was taken, because even when I enlarge the photo, I can't really make out how old the cars parked along 218th Street are. 

I do think the picture predates 1955, because even though the text below it discusses the post-1955 addition to the western side of the Chrystie Field House, it does not appear to be in the picture above.  

The aerial shot comes from my 1970 Columbia media guide, (see below).

I'm still looking for any pictures of the old stadium that are out there. If you can email them here, I will post them with full credit. 

Getting back to the media guide cover, note that the illustration was one of many cartoon artist Charles McGill did for Columbia over the decades. His excellent work adorned many CU game programs and media guides. On several occasions, I've called on the athletic department to put together an exhibit of his works. 

Yes, they're that good. 

Going Camping

With week one opponent Fordham beginning its season on Aug. 29^th vs. Rhode Island and week two opponent Monmouth starting its season a day earlier than that on 8/28 at Montana State, I figure both of these schools MUST be starting training camp this week. But as of yet I see no official start times posted for either of those two schools.

It’s hard to get a real solid handle on what all the extra prep time will mean for Fordham and Monmouth when they take on Columbia in late September.

On the one hand, they’ll be a lot more game ready. On the other hand, the inevitable injuries will be there as will Columbia’s ability to really read their opponents while the Lions, (especially with a new starting QB), will be a major mystery.

The other factor is that both Fordham and Monmouth are playing REALLY tough opponents before they take on Columbia.

Fordham starts on 8/29 at home vs. URI, which is a relatively easy opponent. But then it’s at home vs. Villanova and then a road game at Temple. That’s a rough road.

Monmouth has to schlep on the 28^th to Montana State, a top FCS program that should beat the Hawks by… a lot. Then they have to go to Virginia to take on scrappy Liberty before hosting Patriot League power Lehigh in their home opener. The final Monmouth game before they come into Wien Stadium will be another tough contest at Holy Cross.

Columbia has a very tough schedule this season, but none of our games come close to being as challenging as road trips to Montana State and Temple.

Incidentally, Columbia’s training camp begins three weeks from today on August 20^th.