Monday, November 30, 2015

Linfield Football play-by-play 'voice' Bill Johnson, 71, dies 11/29/2015

=Click THIS LINK  for 9 seconds of audio: Bill Johnson doing Linfield football play-by-play in 2015 season. =


Story below from Linfield Sports Info 11/30/2015. Posted here:
http://www.linfield.edu/sports/release.html?id=6097&sport=gs

Photo with story by Wildcatville shows Linfield Football broadcasters (l-r) Dave Hansen, color commentator, and Bill Johnson, play-by-play, on 9/13/2013 in Abilene, Texas, before the Linfield at Hardin-Simmons University football game.

William “Bill” Johnson, the radio play-by-play voice of the Linfield College football program for the past seven seasons and for the University of Portland's men's basketball program for 23 years, died of heart failure Sunday, Nov. 29. He was 71.

Johnson's sports broadcasting career spanned six decades, beginning at Portland television station KATU in 1969. He spent time as sports director and news reporter at KXL radio, was general manager and operations director for the Oregon Radio News Network, and worked five years as director of communications for Peter Jacobsen Productions, which annually managed the Fred Meyer Challenge golf tournament.

In addition to Linfield, Johnson's football play-by-play experience included time with University of Oregon, Portland State University and at Lewis & Clark College. He served as the basketball play-by-play voice at various times throughout his career with the U of O, University of Portland, Linfield, Lewis & Clark and Sonoma State University.

Sadly, Johnson's most recent broadcasts came within days his death. He called his final University of Portland game on Nov. 24 and his last Linfield football game Nov. 28, a 38-22 NCAA playoff victory over Cortland State (N.Y.).

In 2009, Johnson filled in for Darrell Aune, calling the play-by-play of Linfield's 2004 national championship victory over Mary Hardin-Baylor. He also announced one season of Linfield basketball before migrating to central California where he worked as a radio station news director in Sonora.

With Linfield, Johnson became known throughout the McMinnville community as the athletic department's sponsorship marketing representative. He helped pioneer Linfield's multi-media marketing program, combining sponsorship elements of radio, print, video and electronic display advertising. He spent considerable time in the community cultivating relationships with McMinnville area businesses.

“Bill took our athletic marketing to a new level that provided us with much greater outreach to the McMinnville community, our alumni and fans,” said Linfield director of athletics Scott Carnahan '73. He became part of the Linfield family and his friendly personality and vision for our marketability enhanced our athletic department immensely."

“Bill was always very generous when it came to praising other people,” said his Linfield broadcast color analyst Dave Hansen. “I appreciated his positive point of view. He would often go out of his way to be effusive with praise for other people. He was a man of great faith.”

Johnson enjoyed getting to know coaches, student-athletes and fans of the Linfield program.

“Bill especially enjoyed interviewing players on the team,” said Hansen. “He never met a player didn't think highly about. That's the one element of the broadcast I think he probably enjoyed the most.”

Johnson connected with the business community on a personal level, also.

“Bill always knew how to put together a package that worked well for promoting our business,” said Tom McFadden, a 1980 Linfield graduate who runs an accounting firm in McMinnville. “Being associated with the Linfield athletic programs and having our company's advertisement in the weekly game program has given me great joy.”

At University of Portland, Johnson was voice of the Pilots men's basketball program for a total of 23 seasons starting in 1978. He hosted the weekly Portland Pilots Coaches Show on 910 AM (KMTT) and was behind the microphone during Portland's run to the 1996 NCAA Tournament.

“Bill was a very valued member of the Portland Pilots athletic family,” said Buzz Stroud, associate athletic director at UP and a 1971 Linfield alumnus. “He had a wonderful touch and special relationship with the students, coaches and administrators he interviewed, and worked with… I will miss him very much, not only as a colleague but a great friend.”

“Bill was a great radio play-by-play broadcaster but he was an even better person,” said UP director of athletics Scott Leykam. “He cared deeply about the University of Portland, but more importantly, he cared about people. He fostered relationships with players, coaches, staff members, and fans that went well beyond an interview or conversation. Bill always appreciated getting to know the student-athletes and often asked more about their lives off the court than what happened on the court. He will be greatly missed.”

“Linfield athletics has benefited from his association and friendship with all our staff and coaches. He will be tremendously missed,” said Carnahan. “He adopted us and his pride and love for our athletic department and in particular for Linfield football was always present. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Laurie, his family and friends.”

Johnson's passing will be recognized with matching pregame tributes and moments of silence Saturday before Linfield hosts Mary Hardin-Baylor in a football playoff game on Saturday at noon and when the University of Portland hosts Boise State later that day at 7 p.m. in the Chiles Center.

A memorial service is planned following the completion of the Linfield football season.



Sunday, November 29, 2015

Slideshow One: Cortland at Linfield Football 11/28/2015 (Rusty Rae photos)



Cortland at Linfield Football 11/28/2015
–Rusty Rae photos


YouTube music library: 'Breaking Forecast-Opus 1' by The Music Collective

Slideshow Two: Cortland at Linfield Football 11/28/2015 (Wildcatville photos)



Cortland at Linfield Football 11/28/2015 
–Wildcatville photos

Monday, November 23, 2015

2015 football Linf vs Whit, Rusty Rae photos



Whitworth at Linfield 11/21/2015 NCAAD3 football playoff game slideshow presented by Wildcatville … featuring photos by Rusty Rae. Slideshow runs about 6:22. Music from YouTube library: “Sueno De Bahia” - Don Carlos - Dance & Electronic. Photo of page from 11/22/2015 Spokane Spokesman-Review.


Thursday, November 19, 2015

11/19/2015 Ad Rutschman is 84, and still making a difference with Linfield football

By Nick Daschel for the Oregonian 11/19/2015

McMINNVILLE — Ad Rutschman lives in the same McMinnville ranch-style house he and wife Joan have owned since 1972. 















Though 84, the patriarch of Linfield football still mows the grass, and waits for leaves to drop from six fruit trees so he can get about the business of fall raking.

Rutschman says he's in good health, and stays in shape with four or five half-hour walks each week.

What also keeps the most successful coach in Linfield football history mentally and physically fit is something he's done for more than six decades. Three afternoons each week during the football season, Rutschman drives to Linfield's campus, meets with the Wildcats for practice and coaches the kickoff return team.

"I'm a strong believer that if you don't use it, you lose it. It keeps my mind active," said Rutschman, 183-48-3 over a 24-year career that includes NAIA national titles in 1982, 1984 and 1986.

Rutschman retired as Linfield's head coach in 1991, but he's never really walked away from football. He has served in various coaching capacities at many high schools during the past two decades, and in 2001, was talked into coaching the Wildcats' kickoff return by then-Linfield coach Jay Locey.

It's a task Rutschman immensely enjoys. For 20 minutes in the locker room and 15 minutes on the field, Rutschman is back in his element. Though Rutschman admits his energy level isn't what it once was, he still packs a coaching punch.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, for example, with rain coming down in sheets, there was Rutschman, seen sprinting 30 yards to correct something he observed in the kickoff return session.

"He's still got the fire in him," said sophomore linebacker Jason Farlow, a member of the kickoff return team. "He still wants every single kickoff return to run perfectly."

Farlow, who comes from Southern California, hadn't heard of Rutschman — a 1998 College Football Hall of Fame inductee — until arriving on campus two years ago.

Farlow has since learned about Rutschman's meaning to Linfield, and has come to immensely respect that he continues to give back to the Wildcats' football program.

"It's insane. His calves are ginormous. He's still out there, active," Farlow said. "He already gave so much to this place and he still wants us to be successful."

Rutschman's return to Linfield coaching came about when Locey wanted to add Rutschman's knowledge and style to the program.

Current coach Joseph Smith said it took a bit of arm twisting and time to convince Rutschman he was wanted, but once Rutschman began coaching the kickoff return team, he was all in.

"I want him with us so our young players get to meet him and be around someone of his wisdom and know the person of Coach Rutschman. I want them to get a sense of his intensity and humor. He's really fun to play for," said Smith, a Linfield defensive back from 1989-92.

"You can tell when someone has that 'it' factor, and he does."
 

The current Wildcats get a mellower version of Rutschman.

"It's insane. His calves are ginormous. He's still out there, active.

"He doesn't yell like 30 years ago, when I was playing for him, but he holds guys accountable and expects great effort," Smith said.

Rutschman spends the early part of the week scouting the opponent's kickoff team by watching Hudl, an online website where teams and players store game video. That can be an ordeal in itself, as Rutschman says "my computer skills are zero." He still longs for the day when games were watched on 16-millimeter film.

On this particular Tuesday, Rutschman met with the kickoff return squad about 20 minutes before practice, to go over the game plan and things he believes need improving.

Rutschman carries a yellow legal pad with detailed notes, using multi-colored pens. The pre-practice meetings are a team effort.

"He doesn't know the tech stuff. It's pretty funny sometimes. We're watching Hudl, and he'll say, can you get this to go? Or stop that there, hold it there. He doesn't know how to use all the remotes," Farlow said.

Rutschman attends practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for the time he's needed, and when Linfield plays at home, meets with the team Saturday morning to help reinforce the game plan.

During the game, though, Rutschman knows his place. He's not a coach, just a fan, who sits below the press box at Maxwell Field.

"I try to be a spectator and not a coach, except I'm thinking about things, different plays and adjustments," said Rutschman, "but I'm not very serious about it."

It's been 24 years since Rutschman ran Linfield's program, and yet it continues to thrive at a high level.

Since Rutschman left in 1991, coaches Ed Langsdorf, Locey and Smith are a combined 207-44-1.

Make no mistake: Rutschman is happy about the scoreboard results. But what makes him most proud is that Linfield football continues a tradition of developing relationships and turning out future success stories. If you have any question that Rutschman remains mentally sharp, just get him talking about education.

"If it's done right, I think I've had the best classroom going for what I call success skills. I will argue that with anybody at the university," Rutschman said.

"I hope every one of our kids believes they're a better person for being a part of our program." As for his part-time coaching career, at 84, Rutschman is year-to-year. But he has no plans to step away any time soon.

Asked if he'll keep coaching until they put him six feet under, Rutschman laughs. 


"I hope doing this," he says, "prevents that."

………

See Oregonian story (text above) and photos at this URL link:

http://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/index.ssf/2015/11/ad_rutschman_is_84_and_still_m.html#incart_river_home

See the photo posted (from 1982 season) here and others by Wildcatville at this URL link:

http://wildcatville.blogspot.com/2010/05/photographs-from-wildcatville-archives.html


...........


Two photos by Wildcatville. One from 1982, Linfield Football Coach Ad Rutschman with Wildcat player Mike McAllister after Linfield beat William Jewell (Mo.) 33-15 at McMinnville High School’s Wortman Stadium for the NAIA Division II national football championship. Game was held Sat., Dec. 11, 1982. Other photo from 2015, sitting in Linfield’s Memorial Stadium before a Linfield football game on Sat., Nov. 21, 2015, Ad Rutschman holds an Oregonian Nov. 21, 2015, sports section which includes an article about him headlined “A Hall of Famer, but still a coach.” Article written by freelancer Nick Daschel. Headline for online version of article reads, “Ad Rutschman is 84, and still making a difference with Linfield football.” 





Sunday, November 15, 2015

Slideshows: Linfield Football at PLU 11/14/2015

Linfield won game, 38-10, played in Puyallup, Wash. This slideshow features photos by Rusty Rae:


This bonus slideshow features photos by John Schindelar, Chuck Humble and PLU LuteVision:

Sunday, November 08, 2015

Thursday, November 05, 2015

Are you an Oregonian? Put Linfield Wildcat plates on your vehicle









Story from Linfield Alumni posted in November 2015. URL link:

Linfield License Plate Program

These plates will be available beginning November 4, 2015

In you want information about the Linfield license plate program email: alumni@linfield.edu

Q. Why would I want to purchase a Linfield Wildcat license plate?

A. Purchasing a Linfield license plate is a great way to show your Wildcat pride. You will be easily recognized as a Linfield fan, and both alumni and prospective students will see the plate and think of Linfield. Also, a portion of the fees will come back to Linfield and will be used for student scholarships and alumni programming.

Q. If I purchase Linfield Wildcat plates, do the special plate fees benefit Linfield?

A. Yes. After the state has been paid administrative fees for each set the remainder of the fee will benefit Linfield alumni programming.

Q. Can I purchase a Linfield Wildcat license plate for all of my vehicles?

A. Yes. DMV will issue plates to any vehicle registered in your name. Plates are available for registered passenger vehicles, and light duty pickups.

Q. Will the Linfield Wildcat plate(s) be given out upon initial purchase?

A. No. Plates will be mailed from Oregon DMV headquarters.

Q. How much do the new Linfield Wildcat plates cost?

A. The original cost to purchase a set of Linfield Wildcat plates is a $32.00 surcharge plus any applicable registration fees, $5 at registration if changing plates at renewal, $10 if changing plates in between registration renewal. When the vehicle registration becomes due, you will need to pay an additional $32.00 surcharge to keep the Linfield Wildcat plate on your vehicle even if you have not had the plate for a full year. To determine the total cost due, contact Oregon DMV at (503) 945-5000.

Q. When will I know what Linfield Wildcat plate configuration I will be issued?

A. Once you have paid for your new plates, you will receive a temporary registration card in the mail with your new plate. Group plate configurations are four alpha characters randomly and sequentially assigned by DMV.

Q. Can I personalize my Linfield Wildcat special license plate?

A. No, custom configurations are not available for group plates.

Q. Do I need anything special to purchase this plate?

A. Complete and submit an Application for Registration or Replacement Plates and/or Stickers (Form 735-268) to DMV with the appropriate fees ($32 surcharge, $10 between-renewal or $5 at-renewal replacement fee, and any registration fees due). Application can be mailed to DMV at:

DMV Vehicle Mail
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314

You may also take your application and fees to a DMV office. Offices only accept checks, money orders, or cash at this time.

Q. Can I purchase a new plate even if my vehicle is not due to be renewed until months after the plate becomes available?

A. Yes. You can purchase a new plate at any point during your registration period.

Q. Can I buy a Linfield Wildcat plate as a gift for someone else?

A. No, not unless you and the recipient are both registered owners of the vehicle that will bear these plates.

Q. What happens to the special plates when I sell my vehicle?

A. If you sell your vehicle and purchase a new vehicle, you may pay a $6 transfer fee and transfer the plates to your new vehicle. If you choose not to keep your Linfield plates, you may leave them on the vehicle and the new vehicle owner will take possession of those plates with the purchase of the vehicle.

Wildcat football serving tray



Serving tray sold at McMinnville Presbyterian Church Harvest Sale 11/5/2015

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

On ‘Jeopardy’ in 2016 (recorded August, initially aired Nov. 2, 2016), professor Chuck and host Alex don’t mention Linfield. In Las Vegas and Honolulu all-star football games in 2006, Brett doesn’t have Cats on his hat (Wildcat decals on Linfield white football helmet).











 

 

Saw Jeopardy TV game show aired 11/4/2016. Linfield math professor Chuck Dunn and game show host Alex Trebek didn't mention Linfield.

One Linfielder who watched the program said, “Not even a mention of LINFIELD. A math teacher from Oregon could be Malheur."

The prof won. So, perhaps in next Jeopardy episode the prof or Alex will mention Linfield?!

Do you recall when Brett Elliott played QB in two 2006 post-season all-star football games in Jan 2006(Las Vegas, Honolulu) wearing white helmet, no Wildcat decals.

==TV GAME SHOW==

Linfield College math professor competed on 'Jeopardy'


Chuck Dunn, a math professor at Linfield College since 2002, was a contestant on the “Jeopardy” TV game show. He taped appearances in Culver City, Calif., in Aug. 2016. He won his first competition, which aired 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, aired in Portland on KATU-TV. Source: Oregonian Nov. 3, 2016
…………………

==FOOTBALL== 

…East all-stars run all over West squad

LAS VEGAS--Boger's first score came on a 40-yard interception return off a pass from Brett Elliott, a Utah transfer from Division III Linfield. Boger also scored on a 24-yard fumble return late in the fourth quarter. Source Associated Press Jan. 15, 2006. 
 


...Defense dominates in Hula Bowl



HONOLULU--A quick 10-yard TD pass from Linfield's Brett Elliott to Marshall gave the East a 10-7 lead and capped a five-play, 76-yard drive. Source: Associated Press Jan. 22, 2006 

Some online posts from January 2006 regarding the Jan. 14, 2006, Las Vegas Bowl (officially the Las Vegas All-American Classic) and the Hula Bowl (Jan. 21, 2006) in Honolulu:

--“Brett did not wear helmet decals because he traded his at the Las Vegas Bowl, and then assumed he could stick on a bunch of the new decals he had for the Hula. Then he found out ESPN was not allowing that practice (if indeed they are the ones that mandated it, because it was prevalent in the Shrine game) and was stuck with the all-white helmet.”

--Brett didn't wear the Wildcat Decal at the Las Vegas Bowl either, what's with that? I tried to call Beancounter to find out if that was the case because he Tivo'd the game, but he was at the BB Game (surely you can give a few decals to some kids, but you can also have ones for yourself for the game, I don't think we're that cheap are we?)....I just got off the phone with TuxGuy and he and I both couldn't figure out why Brett was not wearing the Linfield Decal on his helmet? It looked to us that every other player on the roster was sporting their team logo/helmet and were proud of the fact and that by wearing their helmet gave respect and pride to the college they went to? We don't understand.... Both of us were somewhat mystified and somewhat bummed as to why Brett was not wearing the Linfield Decal on the helmet?...what gives!   :-\ 

--I double checked a picture of Elliott from the Las Vegas All-American game and it appears that he DID NOT have the Wildcats logo on his helmet. The shot is from the back and to the side, but I didn't see the 'cat. I really don't believe there's anything sinister about the missing logo. Although it would have been nice to have it on.

Of the 4 QBs in the Hula Bowl, Brett played the best. The commentators didn't do their homework concerning Linfield. I heard one of them say "...Linfield runs a lot of screens. The scouts here want to know if Elliott can throw the ball downfield. Their not concerned with short (16 yard) passes." Also, the slap to our #8 was not appreciated. When the WR from Central Florida caught a pass from Elliott the announcers commented that Brett didn't have a receiver like him to throw to at Linfield. 

--Why no stickers on Elliott’s helmet? You would think he would want to show off his Linfield Roots.

--He gave his out to teammates during the L-V all american game and flew stright out to Hawaii for the Hula Bowl. Don’t think he had extra declas. Would have been nice to see the decal but not the end of the world. He played well and that’s what counts the most!

--i was however disappointed to see the all white helmet of elliott. can someone please spring for some extra stickers when you send your kids to the hula bowl.

--Gotta hand it to the Hula Bowl graphic people. They had the LINFIELD WILDCAT logo plain as day there on Brett's profile in Wildcat11's video clips.

P.S. One Linfielder’s hazy recollection is reading a story or posting which said Brett gave the Wildcat helmet decals to a kid (apparently in Las Vegas) who asked for them.