State-of-the-Art Bleachers for Memorial Field End Zones

Curious about those bleachers that are supposed to stretch across both end zones at Memorial Field? They aren't going to be the rickety old green plank jobs are they?

No, they are not. If you live in the area, drive by Leverone Field House and you'll see four sets of the spanking new, towable aluminum bleachers folded up in the facility's parking lot. To see what the portable bleachers look like in action (if your computer will allow) click on the manufacturer's web page here. According to the company, each set of bleachers can be set up by one person in 10 minutes. I didn't measure them, but Dartmouth has two longer sets that look like this and two shorter sets. It will be interesting to see how they look. Buddy Teevens had hopes of having the set behind south end zone in place before the new track was put down, which could happen next week.

Today's Columbia Spectator takes on the issue of attendance for a struggling football team. The writer concludes: "So, in answer to the chicken/egg question, having a winning program has to start with getting fans at games, even if that means watching a team that may not post a winning record for another few years."

Columbia coach Norries Wilson is doing is part to build up support, talking with an alumni group in football-rich Bergen County according to this story in the Bergen Record. The story includes this:

"Wilson makes no guarantees on how quickly Columbia can reverse its losing culture, but is sure it can be done. "I think we can be in good shape a lot sooner than people think," he said.

Matt Dougherty of The Sports Network picks Colgate-conqueror UMass to upset I-A Navy this weekend. If he's right, it will put a new spin on the loss suffered by Dartmouth's opening-day opponent. Dougherty also predicts Northwestern 45, UNH 24, and Northeastern to top Holy Cross.