2005 Around the Great Lakes columns

November 17, 2005 One last look back The regular season is over for much of the Great Lakes Region. But for about one-sixth of the teams (six of 37), the season will continue this Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

November 9, 2005 Now'n again, words fail us The following nouns would not be associated with Week Ten of the 2005 season in the Great Lakes Region: balance, parity, competitiveness.

November 2, 2005 Those were the days One week after upsetting Mount Union on the Purple Raiders' home field, Ohio Northern is left with just "purple fingers" this week, after a loss to Capital that was followed today by personal tragedy, the death of assistant coach Ron Bendekovic. Our condolences to the Ohio Northern football family, as well as to those who knew him at Baldwin-Wallace, Marietta and Allegheny, previous Division III stops in his career.

October 25, 2005 Snapping streak 'a great honor' Where were you when you found out "The Streak" had ended? Some of the loyal readers may be been at the game. Others were probably on their way home from watching their favorite team. Those who elected to stay home from the dreary weather probably followed on D3football.com.

October 20, 2005 Read! Or my editor will shoot! Because of the big news that hit this week, I had to take an extra day to prepare this week's column. That big news, of course, is that there are plans in the works for Rocky VI.

October 12, 2005 Triple threats, shocking Scots The sixth week of action saw a handful of close calls, a few token blowouts and a surprise or two. In other words, it was a typical week in the region.

October 5, 2005 Thiel storms through It is safe to say that Week 4 was indeed, the calm before the storm. While the fourth week of the 2005 season produced very little in terms of compelling matchups or surprises, Week 5 turned out to be full of upsets, wild finishes and milestones.

September 27, 2005 The good news and the bad news The last seven days have been quite turbulent throughout the Great Lakes Region.

September 21, 2005 The ultimate experience Conference play began in the Ohio Athletic Conference and continued in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, North Coast Athletic Conference and Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams continued final preparations for league play.

September 14, 2005 Offenses hit the jackpot 39-44-46-48-56-69. Those aren’t the numbers I picked for Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing. Instead, those are the point totals of winning Great Lakes Region teams last Saturday.

September 6, 2005 Livin' it up in Week 1 The majority of the Great Lakes Region's teams opened the 2005 season in Week 1. For some, it was a week to remember. For others, it was "one" to forget.

August 30, 2005 Games to watch for 2005 Another year is set to commence throughout the Great Lakes Region. Last season provided numerous memories for fans throughout the area and there is no doubt that 2005 will be another exciting season in the MIAA, NCAC, OAC AND PAC.