AND THE BEAT GOES ON

More details have emerged regarding the beating a CSU student received from football players Mike Orakpo, Nordly Capi and Colton Paulhus. They have been officially charged with disorderly conduct, and that includes the freshman who got his ass handed to him. The juiciest and most depressing part of the investigation shows the lengths to which the players lied to investigators in a feeble attempt to cover up their involvement in stomping a dude half their size. Let’s check out the lowlights.

First things first, it’s 2012 and the cops have some pretty advanced fact finding techniques. Have these guys not seen CSI Miami, Vegas, or NY? These shows are on all the time. Did they know Fort Collins just built a brand new crime lab? Anyways, bloody clothing was found at Orakpo and Capi’s house and in blood in Paulhus’ car. Text messages from Orakpo’s phone show him admitting his involvement and hoping teammates Aaron Davis and Nu’uvali Fa’apito don’t snitch. Well, they did man.

Orakpo and Capi initially claimed they were watching movies and didn’t know anything. (Fight Club?) They then recanted, stating they didn’t want to get in trouble. Orakpo is the same guy tweeting Bible verses about false accusations. I just checked my Twitter feed and “Matthews 5 Verse 11” was tweeted on Apr 9. Thanks for keeping it real man. It gets worse. Possible anabolic steroids and syringes were found in Orakpo and Paulhus’ homes. In addition marijuana, a bong and drug testing kit were found.

They have been charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor and I don’t know if that’s enough to boot them off the team, but it should be. In addition to beating the CRAP out of a fellow student, they lied to their coach and the public that had supported them. I know these guys are good players, but there’s no room for this type of behavior. Depending on Coach Mac’s limitations we’ll see what type of an example he makes out of the three. Do us a favor, boot them and give some other players the privilege of playing for CSU.

SPRINKLE IN A LITTLE MORE RAM PRIDE

A nice pump-up video has been released for the CSU Rams' 2012 senior class that is worthy of sharing. This was student produced and edited. It's a nice fair well tribute video for the graduating class. Enjoy.

As long as we're releasing things, you can now download Ram pride wallpaper for your computer desktop. Click on our Ram Pride page above and select your favorites. For now, there are three to choose from in these sizes: 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, and 1920x1440. We'll be adding more in the future.

RAM ROUND UP APRIL 25

Plenty of things going on this week in Ram sports.

BASKETBALL

First, Larry Eustachy proves he can recruit by picking up this 6'10" 210 pound sophomore JUCO transfer from Southern Idaho. Listed as a power forward, Gerson Santo is a "Brazilian bully" under the basket, and will add some size. Check out these highlights. Dominant.

In other basketball news, Rams will play Evansville in the first round of the Mountain West Missouri Valley Conference Challenge. This is the first meeting for these too and who knows, if the Rams are good enough, we might see the likes of Wichita State, Creighton, or even the Drake Bulldogs. Maybe they can redeem themselves from last years loss to Northern Iowa.

BASEBALL

This weekend, the CSU baseball team plays their final series of the season against Northern Colorado in Fort Collins. If you get a chance, go out and check them out. Here's a link to their schedule so you can see what times the games start. I also wanted to show you some highlights and commentary from one of their games against CU. CLICK HERE

FOOTBALL STADIUM

ugh... Dr. Frank answered and asked questions to a confused Fort Collins City Council about the building of an on-campus stadium. Why the confusion? I've got a way to get rid of all this skeptic talk and confusion. Just build the damn thing! Just turn Hughes Stadium into a Poudre School District stadium for football, track, lax and soccer games, then sub lease it out to the Bohemian Foundation so they can put on concerts and other events. I think someone told me that some old man had a city noise ordinance put in place after a Rolling Stones concert but I think that guy died. So, does that mean the ordinance is lifted? This topic is exhausted.

CONCLUSION TO SPRING BALL

Another Spring goes by for this CSU Ram football squad, and I'm feeling just about the same way I've felt about this team in past years. Yesterday left me confused and disoriented. At certain points of the game I was trying to figure what I was watching.

As expected, I felt the defenses had a strong showing. I'm pretty excited about our secondary and linebacking core. With the experience Shaq Bell and Momo Thomas have, I feel they can be some solid leaders for this defense. Having said that, I don't know if they looked strong because of miscues from the offense or they played tight d. It also seemed that the defensive line really stepped it up yesterday by putting pressure on all the quarterbacks but with a damaged o-line, even Miss Garrett from the Facts of Life could have gotten a couple hurry-ups. The defensive line is still a big question mark going into this fall and will have a lot of work to do to prepare for next season.

The offenses for me were not impressive. I did like the power and decision making Nwoke demostrated, and clearly is the front runner for a deep running group. I also liked the scrambling ability of Grayson and McPeek. The problem was the sailing of balls over wide receiver's heads, the amount of broken plays, and the turnovers. Some of that was due to the injured offensive line, but most of it was because receivers were running wrong routes. As far as the wide outs go, Marques Law did have himself a game but I saw a lot dropped balls. To paraphrase coach J-Mac, their all fixable errors. Please fix them before next fall.

The best thing I saw there was the amount of support. What a great crowd! The best in years. Plenty of people tailgating and drinking beers on a beautiful day.

Anyway, to give this team a grade going into the summer, I would have to give them a C+. I can tell there is a lot of promise to this team. It will take some more time for them to learn a new system and to gel under a new regime. What do you guys think? What's your grade?

GREEN & GOLD GAME CHAT

The final day of Spring practice is here. Who came to play? Who came to sit on their ass? Who's gonna make a play that puts someone on their ass? Now's the time to find out!

Thanks for joining our chat and sorry you couldn't make it to the 2012 Green and Gold Game.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

So, I don’t know about you guys, but we are getting pumped for Saturday’s Green and Gold game. Hopefully it’s just as interesting as the practice in Denver.

Last Friday night, Ramifications attended practice at Infinity Field, crashed a Ram Club party, hobnobbed with celebs, avoided conversations with morons and otherwise, made some observations.  Looking for a bathroom and possibly a beer, we stumbled into a Ram Club soiree as Cap’n Jack addressed his crew and spun a tale of mistaken identity. The former businessman explained, that while traveling the country and informing others of his Colorado State lineage, the response heard one time too many was, “Oh, the Buffaloes?!” The room fell silent and I almost lost my appetite to finish a delicious pulled pork slider. Almost.

Moving practice to Denver is the start of a great tradition, the AD explained. It allows CSU to connect with 50,000 Denver alumni. Even for someone like myself who tries to stay informed on everything Rams, watching a practice or scrimmage makes you feel connected to the team and what’s happening.  This is just one step in reinventing the Rams and their image nationwide. CU has the advantage of proximity and the Denver media. CSU needs to tap that keg. Infinity Field is a great venue and aside from the lack of actual seats, it rivals Hughes Cellblock, err, Stadium. They even had the jumpy castles for the kids.

Some highlights from last Friday:

• Pulled pork sliders and mango salsa. Thanks Ram Club.
• Watched a cheerleader take a digger.
• Watched a little kid take a digger.
•  Saw Kelly Lyell, Chris Dempsey and Renaud Notaro covering the event. Even Joel Dreessen made appearance. Where’s D-Mac and Al?
• Saw this guy. If you rock a CSU flag as a cape to an April practice in Glendale, then, you sir, are the #1 Ram fan. 

Should be a great 75 degree day for football. See you at 1:00.

RAM ROUNDUP LAST WEEK OF APRIL

Alright, let's see what kind of Ram news is circulating this week.

INTERVIEW MASCOT CAM

Erin Udell from The Collegian graced us with a nice little piece on what goes on in the mind of Cam the mascot ram. (Click to read) We decided to take a step further and interview the REAL Cam the Ram. I think it went well.
RAMIFICATIONS: Thanks for taking the time today to speak to us. How did you get involved with Colorado State?
CAM:...
RAMIFICATIONS: So, did you just wonder from the mountains and were you captured by someone from the school?
CAM:...
RAMIFICATIONS: Lured in with some hay, or some half eaten carrots?
CAM:...
RAMIFICATIONS: Were you the one that peed on the basketball court this year?
CAM:...
RAMIFICATIONS: Hahaha! Good one! 'That's what she said' response always makes me laugh!

Interesting stuff!

STADIUM TALKIE

Earlier this week, supporters for the stadium gathered at McGraw to prove the point that building a new stadium will not only gain more athletic support, but will benefit academically as well. Members of the SOS, do me a kindness and please refrain from releasing any more Puff the Magic Stadium videos. (click here to view) I don't know though. It's got potential to go Rebecca Black.

Let's have both sides compromise and have this guy build us a Hughes Stadium out of Legos. 

Check this dude out. Paul Janssen built Ohio Stadium entirely out of Legos. (click here for more photos)

So awesome!

MOUNTAIN WEST USA CONFERENCE

NO MORE! We know this has been crumbling for a while but CBS is reporting that it's unlikely. I was really looking forward to those classic Green Wave vs Ram football games in New Orleans.

TEAM GEARED UP FOR GAME

Are you? I know I'm pretty pumped. Get out there Saturday and support your Rams! Game is at 1, party is at sunrise!

4.21.12 CSU SPORTS DAY

Pick your poison. Saturday, April 21 is a colossal day for Colorado State Ram sports. What's your sport of choice?

FOOTBALL

Spring game at Hughes Stadium  |  kickoff @ 1pm

Stadium supporters tailgate located south of the tunnel, west of the will call window.  Free  "be bold" shirts, games, music, beer, should be a good time.  |  Tailgate starting @ 10am

BASEBALL

CSU v CU Sky Sox Stadium in Colorado Springs  |  @ 1pm

LACROSSE

2012 Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Showdown CSU v CU  |  @ 6pm

SOFTBALL

CSU v Boise State in Fort Collins  | @ 1pm

TRACK AND FIELD

Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California  |  All day

WOMEN'S GOLF

Mountain West Championships Wigwam Resort Phoenix, AZ  |  All day

Show your Ram support where ever you are!

RAM PRIDE

Let a new era begin! With a fresh start to two major sporting components to CSU athletics, let's remember what makes you a Colorado State Ram. Join us on building a tradition.

WHAT'S YOUR RAM PRIDE?

• Ram Pride is when I show up to a football game and I'm high fiving a complete stranger.
• Ram Pride is what I wear everyday of my life!
• Ram Pride is rushing the court after a huge win.
• Ram Pride is jingling keys on “key” plays
• Ram Pride is rocking every shade of GREEN
• Ram Pride is stopping to pick up your Ram flag after your friend lowered the car window it was hanging on.
• Ram Pride is shouting “Dirty hip-pies!” at unsuspecting CU fans.
• Ram Pride is kicking a buffalo at every possible opportunity.
• Ram Pride is getting an angry look from your wife when you say that, "No I couldn't cheer for my son if he played sports at Wyo."
• Ram Pride is commenting with a name instead with anonymous.
• Ram Pride is supporting through the good and the bad.
• Ram Pride is not eating brown and yellow M&Ms together.
• Ram Pride is not claiming a national title on 5th and Goal.
• Ram Pride is getting in a fight with my wives in laws at a family Christmas about why CSU is a better school than CU and Wyoming. I have the misfortune of dealing with both when we all get together.
• Ram Pride is urinating on your CU neighbor's lawn every chance you get...and all of your friends, your kids, your cousins, your coworkers, your church members, people from your gym, everyone is welcome to do the same. 
• Ram Pride is rushing Folsom field and owning it for the next 10 years because CU is too scared to play at our house! 

These are submitted by fans just like you. Join us on building a tradition.

Tell us your idea for Ram Pride on our facebook page or use #rampride and hit us up on twitter, and we'll add them to our Ram Pride page on ramificationscsu.com.

CSU BASKETBALL READY TO HIRE LEADER

Larry Eustachy rollin in Moby

Southern Miss Head coach Larry Eustachy is set to become the next head coach of Colorado State's men's basketball team. The good news for Rams fans is that the basketball team returns a loaded roster full of sharpshooters. Another year of seasoning, combined with Eustachy’s coaching pedigree and I have to say, this is a pretty good hire for CSU.

Eustachy is scheduled to be introduced this afternoon, making his hiring official and putting an end to weeks of speculation, where various (and mediocre) coaching candidates were mentioned. Eustachy is best known for his accomplishments with Iowa State from 1998-2003. He was AP National Coach of the Year in 2000 after leading the Cyclones to the Elite Eight, 32 wins and consecutive Big 12 Conference titles. Eustachy’s coaching acumen isn’t in question, it’s his off the court behavior that landed him in hot water at ISU and his eventual resignation.

Yes, this story is over 10 years old, but if we are talking about a leader of young men then character comes into play. Long story short, Eustachy was photographed at a University of Missouri frat party, drinking and kissing several young co-eds, following a loss. Now this sounds like a successful party to me, and it’s not as if he was doing keg stands, driving drunk or beating the crap out of anyone (too soon for that joke?). He admitted he had a problem with alcohol, entered rehab and has kept his nose clean ever since. Everyone is entitled to a second chance.

While at Southern Miss from 2004-12, Eustachy took a team with an 11-17 record his first year to 25-9 and the Round of 32 in 2012. Following a disappointing 2008-09 season (15-17), Eustachy reportedly returned a $25,000 bonus because he felt he hadn’t earned it. Someone tell me the last time they heard of a player/coach doing something similar, please.

So Ram fans, what are your thoughts on the hire? Was it a smart move by Cap’n Jack to snag a coach that recently recorded his 400th career victory? Does this move reek of desperation?

Also, in line with Cap’n Jack and Coach Mac, we need a nickname for our new coach. Help us out people!

COACHING SEARCH CONTINUES

And the rumor mill continues to turn….

Depending on what you like to read; various news outlets are reporting that Cap'n Jack & Company have narrowed the list of basketball head coaching candidates to 5 or 6 guys (apparently down from the ridiculous 75 names the search committee generated. Sounds like $75k well spent….)

Amongst the most commonly mentioned names are Larry Eustachy (So. Mississippi), Marvin Menzies (New Mexico State), Randy Rahe (Weber State), Mike Dunlap (St. John's), Craig Neal (New Mexico) & Ernie Kent (Commentator, former Oregon coach),  but…..

According to NBCSports.com; Menzies interviewed last Friday, two days after members of CSU's search committee met with Eustachy. Meanwhile, CBSSports.com writer Jeff Goodman tweeted yesterday that Eustachy, Menzies & Rahe are the top 3 candidates with Dunlap still on the periphery.

Conspicuously absent are the internal candidates Craig Smith and Niko Medved.

In any event, a number of sources are reporting that Graham would like to announce the new head coach by the end of this week. (Surely announcing a big basketball hire can only help to lighten the rancid smell surrounding the football program this week).

Stay tuned…..

FIRST SCRIMMAGE IN THE BOOKS

What a beautiful day to take in a football "game"! Yesterday was the first time the public got to view this bold new era and... well. Overall I did not see very much improvement from last year, Granted, it was their first scrimmage under a new coach and it's still Spring but damn, that was... hmmm.

Our quarterback play needs to improve A LOT. I saw a lot of over and under thrown balls yet at the same time, our receivers had bricks for hands. Our offensive line looked paper thin and winded most of the day. It was brutal to watch.

On the other hand, I thought our running backs had a strong showing. Nwoke looked as strong as ever and the rest of the ball carriers looked as if they had a little more speed than last year. Our defense looks wonderful! They flying all over the field and causing havoc for the offense. They will definitely carry this team in to the fall.

As far as practice differences from last year goes, it's like night and day. Everyone was moving. There was little standing around which seemed to be Fairchild's forte when he was here. It looked very military based and was very noticeable when the team started their scrimmage. I liked how when players were in the dog house, they were sent to walk the stands. At one point, I was watching at least ten players going up and down the bleachers like I was watching someone play Centipede. I just totally dated myself.

Anyway, I can't wait to see what they look like next week. Hopefully we'll see a vast improvement from yesterday.

THE LURE TO LINCOLN

I'm not a Husker fan by any means, and I realize dwelling on Tim Miles' departure does nothing for anyone, but I think it's worth looking into the lure of Nebraska. We were sent some interesting videos that we wanted to share. This first video shows the $100+ million expansion to the east side of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium that incorporates academics with state of the art MRI technology.

"Sad that 1/4th of their stadium is better than all of Hughes." - Ramifications fan

Great point but... with no pro-sports team with in 200 miles of Lincoln, where else are Husker fans going to dump their 401k's and life savings into. On the other hand, you're right though. $100 million apparently can go a long way when you involve careful planning and community support. I was talking to someone about this whole CSU stadium business yesterday and we both came to the conclusion that the opposition is completely two faced. They support CSU but yet they want to keep the athletic department in this time capsule that suspends them in the 1990's forever. And yet, they expect to see the school to become successful in athletics? I don't get it. Maybe they should skip building the stadium and the football team can play in the middle of the Jack Christiansen Memorial Track. Or better yet, play in the in the 70-yard indoor football that J-Mac disapproves of.

On the basketball side of things, check out what Nebraska U is constructing. It's no wonder why we couldn't keep Coach Miles. This basketball palace opens 2013 and before we know it, the state of Nebraska will have a BIG10 contender to be cheering for.

New coach, new stadium, and basically a whole new basketball program.

"It's amazing what's possible when a town supports it's schools athletic programs." - Ram fan.  Couldn't agree with you more. I guess all we can do is keep supporting CSU and spread some Ram Pride.

Thanks for sending in these videos reader. Those facilities look amazing.

TOURNAMENT BRACKET CHALLENGE CHAMPION CROWNED

It's been a long four weeks but we can finally crown the champion of the first ever Ramifications Tournament Bracket Challenge. The winner of the $50 gift certificate to be used at the online Rams Book Store is

STEVEN

aka Sredhirt

Congratulations! Your name will be now enshrined on the helmet awards page under Gold, of course. Thanks to everyone participated this year. Let's make next year even bigger!

As far as the NCAA championship goes, Kansas couldn't get anything going until five minutes left in the game. The Jayhawk push wasn't enough. Kentucky was busy having a reject fest and kept scoring while Kansas was getting caught with their shorts down. Not to mention the announcers on CBS were completely favoring Kentucky and Charles Barkley is such a douche. I would rather take the Careless Whisper Saxophone Loop 10 hour challenge than listen to Barkley's crappy halftime analogies.



I can only last about 5 minutes tops. Oh well. My bracket got blasted. Here's the list of the losers. Nice try people. Better luck next year.

2  Chaos Theory
3  zwilbern
4  Caleb #1
5  If you ain't 1st you're last
6  pilotram
7  JORGE's
8  Picking with my Heart
9  GoRams
10  ramkitty
11  Suck on this CU
12  D-Train<
13  Where's the love?
14  brians Long Shots
15  The Fighting Weasels
16  rammies34
17  I like Eik!
18  Dancing Baby!
19  SBD
20  BLEED GREEN
21  zmtbman
22  CU SUCKS!
23  Mike Herder
24  My balls are bigger than Cam's
25  Conqueror
26  Got to Try...
27  Bracketology Professor 401
28  Rack-A-Ram
29  Bleeds Green and Gold
30  Susan's Winner
31  G's Super Fluff CSU Bracket
32  APP yeah you know me
33  Maximus Decimus Meridius
34  TJC
35  Mike's Bracket
36  Sweet Charlies
37  Babaganoush
38  New Mexico Ram
39  Jackov
40  CU still sucks
41  FCTODD
42  Minnesota Ram Fan
43  Anthony G.
44  Bust'm Up
45  ramfan24
46  Cobbs Rams
47  ENGAG3D
48  REDZONE
49  Crushin it CSU
50  I Wish I were a CSU RAM!
51  Guessing
52  for threeeeeeeeeee
53  TWE 2
54  SoCalRam
55  Trying to win this
56  FoCo FoSHo
57  Green and Bold!
57  FTMFW!
57  Tim Miles You're My Hero!
57  zozza8
57  ATLRAM

RAM IN BIG SKY COUNTRY | MONTANA GRIZZLIES

In case you missed it, I had the chance to visit Sanford Stadium, home of the Georgia Bulldogs back in February, and now with the help of a devoted Ramifications fan, I present to you Washington-Grizzly Stadium. A couple of weeks ago, this Ram fan emailed us some great photos of Montana University's stadium and surrounding facilities, just so we can get some more ideas as we plan to build a new home for the CSU Rams. They were so interesting that we had to share them with the rest of our fan base and to continue our series of Rams visiting stadiums around the country.

First, a little history. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is located in Missoula, Montana, which I've heard it's the tops, and holds 25,203 screaming Grizzly fans. It's been expanded three times since it's inception with a capacity of 12,500 in 1986. For only being a little over 25 years old, that's pretty impressive that they've expanded so quickly. I guess a couple of National Championships can do that for your program. The Grizzlies are 169-21 when playing here and sellouts are not uncommon, unlike a another team that I will purposely fail to mention. The stadium is not only used for football games, it is also utilized for concerts and big events.

The grounds around the stadium look like a perfect set up for grill'n up your favorite dog, slamming some beers or cocktail, which ever you prefer, and maybe tossing around a football with your buddies. The location looks cool too. Right by a river and nestled in a mountain setting. He actually took this picture on a hike you can take on a near by mountain. You could watch a game from some free nose bleeds through a telescope.

I really hope when we build our new stadium, I hope they factor in the fan experience because it seems all these stadiums have a reoccurring theme, a walking timeline of the program's history. Now, this Hall of Champions looks like it is in the basketball arena but still, it's always open to the public and it show cases the rich history of MU. We need something like this to always remind fans where we've been, though due to the resent history, I think they would have to hang frames without photographs and participation ribbons. It keeps the school's pride alive!

Here are some nice features as you walk through the Hall of Champions.

I can totally see a Ram enclosed in glass here. Maybe a ram ramming a grizzly bear with a button you can push that makes explosion sounds to add a zing. It's just an idea.

Or, we could take the old mascot uniform and enshrine the piece of crap in a glass case like they do in this example. I'm serious, that old ram mascot sucked. This Grizzly one is actually pretty cool though. He's just lounging!






I know we have no national championships, but this would be pretty cool to have someday.

I found this last picture pretty interesting. It is a photo of a game program from 1953 when Montana University played Colorado A&M. Showing some Aggie love!

I looked up the history of this game and our Aggies lost 32-31 when they were in the old Skyline conference. That year, the Aggies were 4-5 and Montana wasn't much better putting up a 3-5 mark. From the looks of the score, it was probably a pretty exciting game.

If you have any photos of stadiums you've visited, or, of some place where football is basically God, send them to us with a little commentary about where you've been. We'd love to see them and who knows, your photos might be part of our series posts.

Thanks again for your photos! Go Rams.