CHARGER HOMECOMING 2009!!

 

Dear Charger Parents:

It's hard to believe that the Hillsdale Chargers have had 6 games already.  THIS WEEKEND IS HOMECOMING!!!  Are you ready to have fun?  The College has lots of fun planned for folks heading to the game Saturday.  See the attached brochure on Homecoming activities!  

THIS WEEK'S GAME BEGINS AT 2:30 p.m.  BECAUSE TAILGATING SPACE WILL BE SOMEWHAT LIMITED, THE PARENT TAILGATE WILL BEGIN AT 11:30 a.m.   Feel free to come even earlier than that.  The Tailgate will be in the grassy lot (next to where we usually tailgate) at the corner of College and Union.  This is going to be reserved for team families.  Since the space we have been given is smaller than what we usually use, COME EARLY IF YOU WANT A SPOT IN THE GRASSY LOT.  On the corner, we will have our parent's club tents set up.  Check underneath to see Kim Wiska for clothing order pick ups.

You can pick up car decals and roster lanyards ( each $5.00 ) from Vonnie Sandner.  You can find her underneath the tan colored canopy #28. 

WE ARE PLANNING ON TAILGATING AFTER THE GAME TOO!  EACH FAMILY CAN PLAN THEIR OWN MENU BUT THE IDEA IS TO HAVE THE PLAYERS JOIN US AFTER THE GAME FOR GOOD FOOD AND A POST GAME WRAP-UP!   THIS COULD BE A CELEBRATON TO REMEMBER!  ALL THE PLAYERS, FAMILIES AND THEIR FRIENDS ARE INVITED.

I'm bringing noisemakers!  Let's Rock the Stadium!!!  GO CHARGERS!!!!!

Mary

FYI... The game at Ferris is on Halloween.  Dust off your costumes!  

............................Advertising.......................Advertising........................Advertising..........................Advertising.............................................

The Hillsdale Country Club would like to invite all the Football Families to eat at the Country Club after the football games.  I know this is a little late in the season, but when the offer was extended, we didn't have any games to which it applied.  Reservations are encouraged so they can have staff available.  They will also take reservations the day of the game.  

Parents are reminded to check out www.sportsbypete.com for pics of the homecoming game and activities.

The following is a note Coach Otterbein received.  We are passing it along to you.  The plaques are actually pretty cool.  Check it out.

Hi Chargers!! My name is John Girgash. My son Jason  is a former Charger. I am and have been a assistant football coach at Bay Village High School outside of Cleveland, Ohio for the last ten years. I am starting a Plaque Memorabilia Business targeted to high school and college athletes, their parents and supporters of the Chargers. I was hoping you could give me a name to contact for a Parent's Club, or Mom's club or Booster Club. I think they would like to see what we can make for their athletes. Please visit our website at http://www.3dmemoryplaques.com to see our unique examples of how we can help your athletes preserve their sports memories. These are great for banquets, home, or to take with them in their college dorms. I would love to discuss with you the opportunities we can help you with. Please reply back to this email or call me at 440-835-5449. Here's an example of a plaque we could make for your Chargers.  Please look at our website to see  other examples.

 

Thank You,

John Girgash

The Chargers are Crashing the Findlay Homecoming!

Hi Charger Parents and Fans!!

The Charger team had a GREAT game last weekend.  Maybe our guys love playing in the misty rain.  It looks like they might get another chance to play in it this weekend.  If they like the rain, I'll like the rain.  This week we travel to Findlay.  THIS WILL BE ANOTHER HUGE GAME FOR THE CHARGERS!  Bring your noisemakers and be ready to cheer the guys to another victory. The game starts at 4:00pm so the tailgater will be at 2:00pm.  This is Findlay's homecoming so their campus will be busy.  We will try to get there a little earlier than 2pm. 

Tailgating for Hillsdale fans will take place in the parking lot east of the visitor's stand behind Donnell Middle School. The parking lot is really small so get there early.   The school (Donnell Middle School) address is:  

301 Baldwin Av.; 

Findlay, OH  45840

The parking lot is behind Donnell Middle School.

 

A big thanks goes out to Vonnie Sandner, Nancy Petro, Sharon Meece, and Kathy Weatherhead for bringing post game treats for the players!  Yum!!! 

 Anyone who ordered a button from Vonnie on Saturday September 19th please confirm the order with her at   vonnurse@sbcglobal.net.   Clothing orders are not in yet.  We are anticipating they will be at our game next weekend. (Homecoming Oct. 11 vs. GVSU.)

FINDLAY GAME LODGING…for..SAT  Oct 3 (game 4pm)  

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE OF LATE GAME THIS RESERVATION IS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!

Country Inn & Suites     

901 Interstate Dr

Findlay, Ohio  45840

419-422-4200

Doubles $69/ Suites $79  ( With breakfast bar & Internet)

Indicate you are with “Hillsdale Parent group” for special rate…. by Sept. 17

GOOGLE….. ..Country Inn Findlay Ohio for directions from their site

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NORTHERN MICH GAME LODGING for Friday Oct 16 (game 1pm sat)

 

Since travel time is longer we have rooms held at two spots in the UP

If you would like to stop at MUNISING for the night (about one hour before Northern)

Days Inn  …..…RESERVE by OCT 1 

Hwy M-28

Munising 49862

Call   906-387-2493  by Oct 1

Special Rate “Hillsdale Parent Group”  $75  (With breakfast bar & Internet service)

GOOGLE…DAYS INN Munising Mi for site directions

Meet for fun at Dog Patch Bar & Grill 7pm (2 blocks from hotel)

 

MARQUETTE    RESERVE by OCT 2…

Holiday Inn

1951 US41

Marquette, Mi   49855

Call 906- 225-1351

Special Rate “Hillsdale Parent Group”  $92 (internet) hotel has restaurant

GOOGLE …  Holiday Inn Munising MI  for site directions

Meet for fun in the hotel lobby at 7pm

I wanted to congratulate ( a little late ) Coach Otterbein for getting his 100th win in the game against Indianapolis.  That is truly a noteworthy accomplishment.  Coach, you now have 101 wins and we are looking forward to getting 102 this weekend.  Keep the cigars coming!  

Have you all been checking out the Chargerblue.com website?  Andy Losik is probably the ultimate Charger fan and has bringing us up-do-date news and information about the team and league.  Congratulations also go out to Troy Weatherhead ( GLIAC offensive player of the week against Michigan Tech,)  Mark Petro ( GLIAC special teams player of the week against Indianapolis,) and Vinnie Panizzi ( GLIAC offensive player of the week against Ashland.)  These are all special accomplishments and we are so proud of our guys for all their hard work! ( Should we thank their parents too for raising boys that can throw, kick and run? I can only imagine how much stuff was broken in their (and all of your) homes.  Yikes! )

That's it for this week.  See you all this weekend.  No road trip is too long to support the Hillsdale Chargers!  Rain or shine, we will be in the stands making noise.  

Mary

Hillsdale Chargers Are Going To Ashland!

Hi Charger Parents!

The team had a great game against Indianapolis last Saturday night! Another game in the "win" column. The guys played tough and they denied the Greyhounds a single point. Smelling Coach Otterbein's celebratory cigar smoke out on the field is always a good thing!

This week the Chargers play at Ashland University at 1:00p.m. Ashland will be a tough opponent and all Charger support is needed. Bring your noise makers, relatives and loud friends! The tailgate will begin officially at 11:00a.m. but we all know that some of you will be there early and be all set up by then. If you have any questions, let me know.

Since the game is early in the day, lodging arrangements have been made for the night before. If you have not made arrangements and would like to do so, we are staying at........

ASHLAND UNIVERSITY LODGING – Friday Sept 25 (game Sat 1pm)
Holiday Inn Express Reserve by Sept 11 (Which obviously has passed by now)
1392 Enterprise Parkway
Ashland, Oh 44805
1-419-281-2900
No Smoking Doubles -$90 w/hot breakfast & internet
Indicate you are part of “Hillsdale Parent Group”
For directions..GOOGLE…Holiday Inn Ashland Oh
Meet for fun at Beer Goggles Bar & Grill at 7-7:30pm (Friday night)…ask front desk for info.

I hope that you all have gotten your Charger Gear orders in. Time is drawing near! For those who have already received gear, wear it and show your school pride!

See you on Saturday. Pray for nice weather and no injuries!!!

Mary V.

P.S. Check out everything important to Charger Football at www.chargerblue.com.

P.S.S. There has been a photographer at the last 2 home games taking action shots. Yes, his lens is bigger than mine! (grumble) You can view his photos at www.sportsbypete.com and purchase photos of your son. He take pictures at ONLY home games.

P.S.S. If you ever see a photo I have taken at a game and would like a copy sent to you, no problem. I am happy to send one at no cost. I post at www.chargerbluespace.com. Anyone can post pictures at chargerbluespace. Your photos are welcome and appreciated

The Chargers and traveling to Northwood!

Dear Charger Parents,

I have to start this email by saying the parents, grand parents, relatives, friends and Hillsdale students came out in full force to support the Charger Football team!  What an awesome show of support.  I have to believe it makes a huge difference to the guys on the field.  So I start this by saying, "GREAT JOB CHARGER FANS!!!"  

Next on the list....WHAT A GAME!!  Our guys did a terrific job beating the Michigan Tech. Huskies.  It was an exciting game and we had more points on the board at the end of the game.  I love it!!! 

This Saturday we take on the Northwood Timberwolves at 12 Noon.  That means that once again we have a 10am tailgater. We will meet in the parking lot just south of the Bennett Sports Center.  I have included directions so you should have no problems.  AGAIN, we will have some folks firing up the grills, so feel free to use them! 

If you still need to make Friday night lodging arrangements......

 

Northwood University Lodging- Friday Sept 11

Best Western Valley Plaza Inn/Resort

5221 Bay City Road US

Midland, MI 48642

1-989-496270

Non-smoking doubles/$90.

Indicate you are with the “Hillsdale  Parent Group”.

www.valleyplazaresort.com for directions

Since this is a road trip for the team, WE NEED 4 VOLUNTEERS TO BRING TREATS FOR THE BUS ride home. You don't need to be Betty Crocker to volunteer for this job.  The players are usually ravenous and will eat just about anything after the game. Treats can be store  bought or home made.  Please email back to me if you are able to help out with this.  You will need to supply @3-4 dozen items.  Believe me, these things will be devoured. The boys really appreciate the goodies. 

Next week we play at home.  The following 2 weeks we will be on the road.  The following are the lodging arrangements that have been made.  Make your RSVP early.

ASHLAND UNIVERSITY LODGING – Friday Sept 25 (game Sat 1pm)

 

Holiday Inn Express     Reserve by Sept 11

1392 Enterprise Parkway Ashland, Oh   44805

1-419-281-2900

No Smoking Doubles -$90 w/hot breakfast & internet

Indicate you are part of “Hillsdale Parent Group”

For directions..GOOGLE…Holiday Inn Ashland Oh

Meet for fun at Beer Goggles Bar & Grill at 7-7:30pm…ask front desk for info

FINDLAY GAME LODGING…for..SAT  Oct 3 (game 4pm)   RESERVE by SEPT 17

 PLease NOTE: BECAUSE OF LATE GAME THIS RESERVATION IS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!

 Country Inn & Suites     

901 Interstate Dr

Findlay, Ohio  45840

419-422-4200

Doubles $69/ Stes $79  ( With breakfast bar & Internet)

Indicate you are with “Hillsdale Parent group” for special rate…. by sept 17

GOOGLE….. ..Country Inn Findlay Ohio for directions from their site

I think that is it for this week.  Get a good nights sleep Friday night and come to the game ready to MAKE SOME NOISE.  

Mary 

................................Directions to NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY

BY AIR

 

Tri-City Airport, serviced by United, Northwest, US Air Skyway and Continental Express is 18 miles from the campus. Limousine service is available at the airport. The airport has several car rental agencies.

 

To the NU Campus from the airport...

Ø  Leaving airport grounds, turn right (north) onto Garfield Road.

Ø  Go approximately 4 miles and turn left (west) onto US-10.

Ø  Go northwest on US- 10 approximately 11 miles to the Eastman Road exit. Go left (south) on Eastman Road approximately I mile to Saginaw Road.

Ø  Turn right (west) on Saginaw Road approximately 2 miles to Northwood Street.

Ø  Turn left (south) on Northwood Street & follow the winding road into campus.

Ø  Bennett Sports Center is the first building on the right.

 

BY CAR FROM DETROIT (approximately 135 miles)

Ø  Follow I-75 (north) beyond Saginaw to the US- I0 intersection. Go west on US- I0 to the third Midland exit (Eastman Road).

Ø  Go left (south) on Eastman Road approximately I mile to Saginaw Road.

Ø  Turn right (west) on Saginaw Road approximately 2 miles to Northwood Street.

Ø  Turn left (south) on Northwood Street & follow the winding road into campus.

Ø  Bennett Sports Center is the first building on the right.

 

BY CAR FROM LANSING (approximately 90 miles)

Ø  Follow US-127 (north) to St. Louis exit. In St. Louis meet M-46.

Ø  Turn right (east) on M-46. Proceed east beyond Breckenridge (6 miles) to Meridian Road intersection.

Ø  Turn left (north) onto Meridian Road. Go about 14 miles to M-20.

Ø  Go right (east) on M-20 about 7 miles to Main Street of Midland (traffic light).

Ø  Turn left on Main Street; go approximately 1½ miles to Cook Road.

Ø  Turn left (south) on Cook Road; the campus entrance is about 100 yards beyond the turn.

 

BY CAR FROM GAYLORD (approximately 125 miles)

Ø  Follow I-75 (south) beyond Grayling to US-27 (south).

Ø  Go south on US-27 to US-10 Midland exit.

Ø  Follow US-10 for about 30 miles to Midland exit (Eastman Road).

Ø  At end of exit ramp TURN left on Wackerly Road.

Ø  Go right at the light (south) on Eastman Road approximately 1 mile to Saginaw Road.

Ø  Turn right (west) on Saginaw Road approximately 2 miles to Northwood Street.

Ø  Turn left (south) on Northwood Street & follow the winding road into campus.

Ø  Bennett Sports Center is the first building on the right.

 

BY CAR FROM GRAND RAPIDS (approximately 125 miles)

Ø  Follow US-131 expressway (north) to M-46 East.

Ø  Go east on M-46. Proceed east beyond Breckenridge (6 miles) to Meridian Road intersection.

Ø  Turn left (north) onto Meridian Road. Go about 14 miles to M-20.

Ø  Go right (east) on M-20 about 7 miles to Main Street of Midland (traffic light).

Ø  Turn left on Main Street; go approximately 1½ miles to Cook Road.

Ø  Turn left (south) on Cook Road; the campus entrance is about 100 yards beyond the turn.

 

Northwood University Athletic Department

4000 Whiting Drive

Midland, Michigan 48640

989-837-4381

 

 

  

St. Joe's Friday Night Fun!

Hi All,
For any of you planning on staying Friday night in Rensselaer In., we will be meeting for dinner, drinks, fun - at....

Ricos Grill
1400 St. Gaspar Dr.
Rensselaer IN.

Anytime is a good time although Jim and I probably won't get there until 7:30 ish. If you know for sure that you will be going, let me know so I can make sure that Ricos is ready for some Charger Fun!

Thanks.
Mary

Charger Football Opening at St. Joe's - Important Tailgating Info!

Hello Charger Parents!!

I am thrilled to be writing to you again as we prepare for a great Charger Football season.  For all you freshmen parents, I would like to welcome you to the Charger family.  As new members of the family, I would like to invite you all to become involved in the fun and comraderie that is about to take place this football season.  Hillsdale might be a small school ( albeit a great small school,) but we are big when it comes to supporting our boys on the football field.  Each week, I will send out an email letting you know where our games are being played, kick off time, and where to join in the pre-game tailgater fun.  This email will be far the longest email of the year since I have to much to cover.  I promise future emails will be much shorter J J

This year we have some great parents who have volunteered to coordinate the Parents  Group. They are as follows:

Home Tailgating and Hotels for away games :     Julie and Bob Panizzi

Away Tailgating and Football Banner:    Jim Veldheer

Charger Gear Clothing:    Kim Wiska

Player picture pins & Roster Lanyards:    Vonnie Sandner

Flag tape and assembly in the stadium:    Andy Weatherhead

Of course this group will only be successful with the enthusiastic support from all of you parents/grandparents and fans.  This usually isn’t a problem, because we know how to have FUN!!  I would also like to thank Lenny Stover from the Charger Grid Iron Club for loaning us their tent for us to meet under at the home games.  Also, thanks to Anita Gordon, Coach Otterbein’s right hand gal for all the help she gives us through out the season.

IMPORTANT TAILGATING INFORMATION

Pre-game tailgating usually gets started 2 hours before kick off.  Believe it or not, some parents like to get started even earlier.  Who doesn’t enjoy a fun party?    At home tailgaters we will have a large tent set up in the gravel parking lot just west of the sports complex / Roche Center.  It is a pretty big tent, so any newcomers should be able to spot it quite easily. 

PLEASE BRING A DISH TO PASS.  WE WILL SHARE THESE UNDER THE TENT.   THIS IS ONLY FOR HOME GAMES.  Actually, if you want to share a dish with the group at away games, I certainly won’t stop you.  Yum! 

At all the tailgaters we will have some world reknown chefs running the grills.  Okay, not really but WE DO NEED TO HAVE SOME GRILL MASTER VOLUNTEERS!!!  This could possibly be the most important job of the day, even more important than  jobs performed on the field.  Seriously, If I could have 3-5 folks who love to stand around the grill, sip on a beer at talk football while they watch a burger cook, I would love to hear from them. 

 

So, in addition to bringing a dish to pass, parents are invited to throw something on one of the grills!  BYOD – Bring your own drinks (adult beverages definitely allowed.)

EACH WEEK, I will send out an email giving the latest information regarding the upcoming game/tailgate.  I WILL ALSO POST THESE EMAILS ON chargerblue.com. Chargerblue.com is a website run by Andy Losik, a charger football alum.  Andy gives up to date information regarding the team, players, and the league.  He has a link to chargerbluespace, at which you can download game/tailgate photos to share with the group. 

CHARGER GEAR:  Have you been asking yourself lately about you Charger wardrobe?  Is it looking a little worn, or maybe you just want to add a few fashionable items to your closet.  Kim Wiska is just the lady to help you with that.   Order forms will  be available at the game to fill out.  EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET THEIR CHARGER BLUE ON!

PINS AND ROSTER LANYARDS:  Vonnie Sandner has volunteered again to make the lovely pins with the face picture of your favorite Charger player.  She will be taking orders for those at the St. Joe’s Game.  

DECALS:  We will be selling Hillsdale Football decals under the tent at the first home game.  We might have a few for sale at the St. Joe’s game too.  See Jim Veldheer.  I think the cost is @ $5.00.

 

TAILGATER AND HOTEL INFORMATION FOR THE ST. JOE’S GAME!

The following arrangements have been secured for the Charger families that need overnight lodging before the game.  Thanks Julie Panizzi for finding this for us!   Make your RSVP ASAP!

 

St. Joseph Game Lodging   (12pm noon game)

Holiday Inn Express

4788 Nesbitt     

Rensselaer, IN  47978

1-219-866-7111

$70/Parent Rate for St. Joe’s & guests (us)

Rooms are no smoking w/2 queens

Free breakfast bar and internet service

Room rates will be honored if you call and say “Hillsdale Parent Group”

Conf # 64090870….(rate will be honored even if rooms were released just mention St. Joe’s/group)

Directions from website…….Google    holiday inn express rensselaer in (this will take you to the website)

 

THE ST. JOE’S TAILGATE WILL BEGIN AT 10a.m.  Directions to the campus are:

Driving Directions to Saint Joseph’s College
Saint Joseph’s College is located on Highway 231 South, just off of Interstate 65.

                  From the north, take exit 215. Turn left onto Highway 114 (east) 3.5 miles to College Avenue. Turn right onto College Avenue and proceed approximately 1 mile south. You will see the Chapel’s “Twin Towers” on your right.

From the south, take exit 205. Turn right onto Highway 231 (north) approximately 10 miles to campus.

 

  The Hillsdale tailgate group will join in the parking lot behind the Rec Center (#27,

28 on map)

 

For those who like to plan ahead, the following is information on Lodging for the Northwood game.

Northwood University Lodging- Friday Sept 11

Best Western Valley Plaza Inn/Resort

5221 Bay City Road US

Midland, MI 48642

1-989-496270

Non-smoking doubles/$90.

Indicate you are with the “Hillsdale Parent Group”.

www.valleyplazaresort.com for directions

 

Wow, I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with information.  I also hope I haven’t forgotten anything.  It’s highly likely that I have.  If you have any questions, feel free to email back and ask! 

GO CHARGER FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!

Mary Veldheer

 

 

 

 

 

Chargers Head to Tiffin

Hi Charger Parents,

What a GREAT win over Ferris last Saturday!
Chargers have their final game of the season this Saturday at Tiffin. Game time is 1:00 p.m.

http://www.tiffin.edu/about/directions/map/CampusColorMap1.pdf will get you to Tiffin Ohio from N, S, E or W but the stadium is not on campus.

The stadium is Frost-Kalnow Stadium and it is at 300 South Monroe St., Tiffin Ohio 44883. This website will get you there http://www.tiffin.k12.oh.us/tcs/Directions/MapToStadium.pdf. From Hillsdale to the stadium it would be http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Hillsdale+&1s=MI&1pn=Hillsdale+College&2c=Tiffin+&2s=OH&2a=300+South+Monroe+St#a/maps/l:Hillsdale+College:33+E+College+St:Hillsdale:MI:49242:US:41.93139:-84.633433:address:/l::300+S+Monroe+St:Tiffin:OH:44883-2959:US:41.10803:-83.177159:address:Seneca+County/m::6:41.519706:-83.898394:0:::::/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

We will tailgate on the South side of the stadium just past the ticket booth. Look for the Hillsdale Blue! The tailgate will begin at 10:30-10:45.

Paul Korte needs 4 volunteers for treats! Please email Paul at pkorte2@comcast.net if you are able to volunteer or you have told Paul you can do it!


THE CHARGER FOOTBALL BANQUET WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 1:00. SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS ARE TO MEET IN THE FIELD HOUSE AT NOON FOR PICTURES. If you have not already done so, you can still sign up for the banquet by emailing or calling Anita Gordan at (517) 607-3133 anita.gordon@hillsdale.edu if you have any questions. The cost is $20.00 per person and remember that you do not need to pay for your son.

I would also like to give a great big THANKS to.......
Paul and Patty Korte for all their work getting us maps and hotels for all of our away games. Paul also coordinated our own "operation bus treat" campaign!
Rick and Theresa Hesselink for cordinating our tailgaters.
Vonnie Sandner for making sure we all have pins/buttons displaying our favorite Charger.
Kim Wiska for coordinating our Charger spirit wear for the season.
Paul File for being our team grill master.
Andy Losik for keeping us informed on the Chargerblue web site.

The Kortes, Hesselinks and Files are all graduating this year. We are looking for volunteers to fill their shoes. Please email me or any of the above mentioned parents to inquire about getting involved in these activities. When broken down, the jobs all require just a small amount of time to complete. I am hoping that Kim and Vonnie will stay on as coordinators of the clothing and buttons! I'm not too proud to beg! Please stay!!!!

See you Saturday in Tiffin! Come ready (and dressed for cold rain) and make some serious Charger Noise!!!!

Mary