JOHN THORNTON, JARED EMERICK
NAMED “COACH OF THE YEAR”; JASON AND KATRINA STUCKI OF MADISON LIONZ PICK UP
RMFL’S SECOND
“GM OF THE YEAR” HONOR FOR NEAR PERFECT SEASON
RMFL – The first ever “Coach of the Year” award for the Rocky Mountain Football League just had to go to a couple of men who epitomize teamwork; John Thornton and Jared Emerick of the Muddogs who helped to turn what could have been a disasterous season into a perfect season… a championship season. By vote of the RMFL Managing Board, Thornton and Emerick just edged out Dave Stireman of the Ogden Rhino Raiders for the title. Also receiving votes were Mike Morgan of the Great Falls Gladiators, Jim Greene of the Bear River Valley Rockets and Rick Hilder of the Madison Lionz.
As immediately as John Thornton knew he was nominated, as he was officially listed as the teams “Head Coach” he came forward and wanted to make sure any award he may receive also included Emerick as a coaching team that shared the responsibilities… and shared in the victories. The Muddogs went from a 3-5 season in 2005 to an undefeated Championship season in 2006 with most of the same players. Thornton and Emerick stepped forward this season and helped not only with the game management, but instilling a strong sense of team unity and pride in the Muddogs who defeated the Vipers for the title a few weeks ago.
The following is how the final voting was tallied:
John
Thornton and Jared Emerick, Muddogs
– 7
Dave
Stireman,
Mike
Morgan,
Jim
Greene,
Rick Hilder, Madison Lionz – 1
GM OF THE YEAR
Although Jason Stucki is officially listed as the “owner” of the Madison Lionz, running a top notch organization year after year is truly a team effort.
It has never been more of the case as it has been with the Stucki’s and the Madison Lionz of Rexburg… and together, they have been named “General Manager of the Year” in 2006 by the Rocky Mountain Football League.
Scoring 49 of a possible 50 of the Commissioner’s GM rankings, with only not getting a full 10 points for their highly interactive web site, the Stucki’s and the Lionz barely edged out Brad Thurber and the Great Falls Gladiators and Ed Cerise of the Utah Wolverines.
“I really hope that our GM’s take this seriously,” Commissioner Neumeier stated, “everyone should want to do their best at anything they do and I think that this ranking is a fairly good system for evaluating the GM’s that really put in the extra effort to do the job required and put a good product on the field.”
GM’s are evaluated most for “Home Game Presentation”, which includes condition and facilities of the field they line up (including locker rooms and facilities for visitors), game programs, halftime presentations, national anthem, uniform presentation of the team, etc. Also included are statistic and game reporting (GM’s were marked off if they were ever late, 1 point deduction and at least two were deducted if they ever drew a fine for late stats). Also web site presentation (which includes information and readability as well as links) and League Communications.
“League communications are about attending and being active at the meetings AS WELL AS quick responses and input on e-mail referendums, Commissioner Neumeier explained. “We have too many GM’s that either NEVER respond to the referendums or just do it when it is too late anyway. We talk about it at the winter meeting, but we need GM’s to check e-mail regularly and take a position on the issues.”
The Stucki’s finished second in 2005 behind Snake River’s Jessica King, who had a solid first season for the Sabercats keeping up administrative duties, putting a good product on the field, meeting all deadlines, particularly stat deadlines and always responding to league issues.
“I
just thought it would be nice to really recognize the GM’s that are really
getting it done for their team… and the league by taking care of the
administrative tasks that are so important, but often overlooked by the more
disorganized teams. Jason and Katrina Stucki really go the extra mile in just about everything
they do and you can tell by the success of the franchise that it pays off.”
|
Team |
Home Game
Presentation, Programs @ Facilities |
Game Reporting &
Stats |
Participation:
Meetings & Correspondence |
Web Site - Design,
layout & updates |
Total |
|
|
20 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
49 |
|
|
18 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
48 |
|
Wolverines |
20 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
48 |
|
|
19 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
46 |
|
|
17 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
46 |
|
Morgan |
18 |
9 |
10 |
8 |
45 |
|
Bitterroot Blaze |
17 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
45 |
|
Glacier |
16 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
44 |
|
|
19 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
44 |
|
|
18 |
8 |
10 |
8 |
44 |
|
|
16 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
41 |
|
Vipers |
15 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
41 |
|
|
14 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
40 |
|
|
19 |
6 |
6 |
9 |
40 |
|
|
16 |
7 |
9 |
8 |
40 |
|
Muddogs |
15 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
39 |
|
|
15 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
38 |
|
|
16 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
36 |
|
|
17 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
35 |
|
|
14 |
8 |
4 |
8 |
34 |
|
|
16 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
29 |
|
|
10 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
22 |