Regarding Incoming Freshman:
Leaving your son at a place over 4,000 miles away from home with no established friendships was not an easy thing to do. Yet, having met with Coach Jennison and having talked to him several times over a span of year made me comfortable knowing that of all the far away places to go to school and play football, this was the place where our son’s transition would be the easiest. Coach Jennison’s care and concern for all freshmen (and freshmen parents) are some of the things that I have been so impressed with. He, his staff and players made our son feel part of the football family from his arrival. I have an older son who played Div. III football at another school and I am amazed at the difference in the level of dedication, attention to detail and the devotion Coach Jennison, and staff have shown to the members of the team. We as a family and more importantly have all been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of this larger Mac football family. Thank you, Coach Jennison, coaching staff, training staff and parents’ association for all you do. You’re the best!We are thrilled with the football program at Macalester! Our son is a First-Year, and it quickly became clear that the entire coaching staff was dedicated (as promised by Coach Jennison during our recruiting visit) to building something special: a football program that wove together athletics and academics with passion, discipline, and fun. In August, when arriving for pre-season camp, we had hardly pulled to a stop in front of the dorms when the offensive coaches strode up to greet us and help our son get settled and oriented. Within a week, our son was telling us how much he was learning from the coaches and trainers. And what a great group of young men! Our son felt like part of the team immediately, and the cohesiveness was obvious on and off the field! We think the football program at MAC has been a key and integral part of our son’s college experience so far, and coupled with the superlative academics, the urban location, and the diversity of the student body, it’s hard to imagine a better place to take life’s next steps! As an incoming freshman, the football team members and coaches were an ‘instant family’ for our son. He was very worried that practice and game time would have a negative impact on his academic performance but found that was not the case at all. Friends from the team became study partners and helped our son to manage his time. Coach Jennison is a great mentor and a positive role model for all of these young men. He truly cares about his team members as players and as students. As the parent of a Freshman, I am very pleased with the program and the commitment of the coaches to their players. The goal of becoming better is evident and I am pleased with Coach Jennison and his staff. Thanks to all coaches for what they have done this year! I have to say the leadership and commitment to the players the coaching staff showed before and throughout the season made it easy as a parent to leave my freshman son at Macalester. It was his decision to play football at college and I must say he made the right choice to play at MAC. It was great to see the football team have a winning season which speaks highly for the coaches, the players and the staff. As a parent of a freshman, I look forward to watching more football games and following the program over the next several years. Our son just completed his first season on the Macalester Football Team. He immediately felt welcomed by all of the team members and coaching staff when he arrived on campus in August. It is very apparent that head coach Tony Jennison and all of the football coaches maintain the highest of standards in looking out for all of the players as individuals, students, and athletes. They are truly committed to the success and personal growth of each player. We feel very grateful for our son to be surrounded by such outstanding student athletes, coaches, and administration. Two brief stories and a suggestion from a parent of a freshman player, 2014 season… My son suffered a mild concussion the first week of practice. A “set back” as my son put it. This was of course an understatement because he wanted to get going and prove what he could do. However, the coaches immediately pulled him out of practice, and he was put on a protocol to return. Before resuming contact drills he again had some symptoms that delayed his return, but no pressure was put on him by the coaching staff. He missed the scrimmage the week before the first game which was disappointing. But at all times it was very clear that the coaches and trainers put my son’s health above all other considerations. About a month into the fall semester, my wife and I were concerned that our son was feeling overwhelmed by his classes and was lonely. We e-mailed Coach Jennison and within an hour or so he called to discuss it with us. He then made a point of checking in with my son that very day and also talking to his upper class “buddy” on the team to check on him. Then later the coach checked back in with us. The coaches monitor freshmen academics on a weekly basis, but this prompt response by the coach to our concern really made us feel that our son was being looked after. My suggestion to a prospective MAC football parent is if your son has any interest in playing football at Macalester College, you make the trip and meet the coaching staff. If you do, your son will want to play football at MAC, and you will want him to. The coaches are welcoming and enthusiastic. They have interesting things to say about the team and about football. This is what a college football program should be. Regarding Family: The football program at MAC provides a solid foundation for my son to establish a family like support system. The guidance from all of the coaching staff emphasizing the educational importance of being at MAC, the desire to establish lifelong relationships and to bring out the passions of football are three things that I am truly impressed with. We are fortunate to call the entire MAC Football Program FAMILY. We are so proud that our son is part of the MAC football program. We have seen tremendous growth in our son athletically, academically, and personally. The team is truly a family and we are convinced that his experiences and personal growth at MAC will make him a better person. The football coaches at Macalester have helped my son excel as a football player and as a young adult. The coaches stress the importance of relationships and teamwork. This is not only important on the football field but off. The football players see each other as true “brothers”, and I am thankful that the MAC football community has been able to provide support, and yes love, to him over the last four years. As I have gotten to know some of the other parents and players, it was clear that all agree that the football program is a family. The coaches head the family, the upperclassmen look after their younger teammates like siblings and everyone counts. Victories, losses, trials and joys are all shared equally. Being part of the Macalester football program gives my son a support structure that includes discipline, accountability, nurturing and a shared passion for the game. It is difficult to imagine what my son’s college experience would be like without the MAC football program. Macalester college offers a world class education with a focus on building a winning football team that has a chance to win conference championships and go the D3 tournament every year. The Macalester football coaching staff are outstanding and they are focused on developing outstanding young leaders. The connections and network that the Macalester coaches bring the players is outstanding. The Macalester football team is a tight knit group that is truly a family. Out of all teams I went and saw with my son this team never argued within itself. It was great! Grateful is the word that comes to mind when I think of how our son was guided and welcomed into the football community at MAC. Coach Mullenbach was in regular contact with our son, through the entire process, from recruiting, to admissions and beyond. Every single coach and staffer has made our son feel welcome and valued. I feel that the team of players, along with their coaches, is on to something special, that may start with football, but goes far beyond that. I know our son is building relationships of character, that will last a lifetime, on and off the playing field. I really AM grateful!! Every day! Regarding the Coaching Staff: In regards to the best interest of our child, we were always confident that the “right” decision would be made by the coach and coaching staff and also by the training staff. Because of the Macalester Football coaches and program, these young men are winners before they even step out on the football field. The coaches are teaching these players the game of football and the game of life. Their many learned skills will carry them all though their life. Thank you. The Macalester football program is important to us as parents because it is so beneficial for our son. The coaches instill a lifelong winning spirit predicated on strong positive principles that will guide them on and off the field. Lastly, the coaches instill a sense of healthy camaraderie and support characteristic of the ancient Scottish clans; with emphasis on positive relationships. These qualities aid them academically and socially. The football coaching staff at MAC has been a blessing for our son and our family. They have been like surrogate parents that are tough and have high standards, yet have great understanding and compassion. We believe they have created an environment where our son feels challenged, supported and valued in the college community. Because of this, our son is truly invested in and part of Macalester College as is our entire family. Playing football has been a great way for our son to begin his MAC career. The coaching staff cares about the players as individual students, athletes and young men. We have found Coach Jennison and his staff to be great representatives of MAC’s ethos of excellence and service. I am grateful that my son is surrounded by coaches that expect him to perform at the highest level he can achieve and at the same time create an atmosphere that allows him to take advantage of the incredible education he is getting from Macalester! Thanks, the time you spend molding my son into a man is very much appreciated. As parents of a Macalester football player, we are very pleased with the program and the coaching staff. The coaches are committed to excellence in both the classroom and the playing field. This makes Macalester a unique program in college athletics and one which best prepares our son for his future. We cannot imagine a better football program anywhere. In the wilderness – everyone needs guidance – a road map so to speak. When parents are assisting their son in selecting a college that fulfills both academic and football excellence; Coach Jennison and his staff show the proper path. Neither the academics or the athletics overwhelm the other. Instead both disciplines are brought together to develop boys into versatile men accustomed to success in all of their endeavors. Face the facts; how often do we as parents have the opportunity to help our sons make perfect choices? Macalester and Macalester football were the perfect choice for our son. I don’t know of many D3’s that can offer a full-time athletic trainer AND a certified Strength and Conditioning coach. The coaching staff handles their jobs as professionals who understand that athletics at a top-level academic school are secondary. They want your son to excel in the classroom by using the principles of hard work and persistence practiced on the field. Your son can be a part of a great institution that has found a balance with athletics. What is unique and very special about Macalester football team is the philosophy for coaching. The underlying belief is that the players are there to grow personally first, in a positive team culture where unity among the team is promoted and expected. In addition, the coaches care so much about the players and believe that if the players are happy then they will do better on the field. As a parent that was very comforting and for my son, because of that approach, he instantly had a big group of friends starting as a freshman and he is so happy at Macalester!! I couldn’t say enough positive things. Winning the conference was just an added bonus to me. |
Regarding the Overall Experience:
My son has been a member of the football team for the past four seasons. Prior to applying to Macalester, he visited many colleges in the North, Midwest, South, and East at various levels of football classification, including Division 1 Ivy League and Patriot League programs. His visit to Macalester was his last visit. Upon meeting the coaches, he decided that Macalester College was where he wanted to be and Macalester College football was the best football program for him. The past four football seasons have affirmed his decision. I concur wholeheartedly. Coach Jennison and his staff epitomize what college football coaches should be. Their primary interest is the best interests of the student athletes entrusted to them while a close second is development of a competitive football program built the right way in all respects. We are grateful to Coach Jennison and staff for the opportunity and guidance which they have provided. They are truly the best. Macalester Football provided my son with a wonderful mechanism to engage at MAC in a meaningful way from day one. Through football, my son established deep, lasting friendships with other players and became part of an instant community within MAC which helped his transition to college. He also received important mentoring from the wonderful football coaching staff that helped him develop as a player, an engaged student and a responsible citizen. I have no doubt that Macalester Football was key to his growth these past four years and helped shape him into the wonderful young adult he is today. What I like about Mac football is the family atmosphere combined with a quality football program while getting a world class education. It’s really fun to be part of. I would like to thank Coach Jennison and the entire Macalester coaching staff for making the past 4 years such a wonderful part of my son’s college experience. My son has great respect for the coaches, his teammates and the entire athletic staff. I know he wanted to thank you himself at the football banquet and even though he was unable to get the words out, I think his emotions said it all. Thank you for making the past 4 years an incredible ride for my son and our family! First, we would like to thank everyone associated with the Macalester Football Program for their contributions to a fantastic program! Foremost, we extend our appreciation to the Coaches who lead our young men. We hold the program in very high regard and have enjoyed supporting the team. We are also pleased with the positive impact on our son, who has had an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person while being part of a program that has had to build from just about ground level. Thank you Coach Tony for not only coaching, but for looking out for the well-being and moral fiber of the players. This first season for our son has been one of development rather than game experience. As a mom I have listened and watched. What I value most about MAC football is knowing that our son is part of a program that has high expectations on and off the field, that conveys genuine positive regard for each player and that emphasizes excellence in mind, body and spirit. To meet these high standards the depth of resources available for the players’ health and welfare is tremendous. The Macalester football program has allowed and encouraged academic, personal, and physical growth of our young adults under the guidance of sincere and qualified staff whom we trust. The level of sincere care about the success of our son – not just on the football field – but in every dimension is very self-evident. You won’t find this at most schools that field a football team! We believe that our son’s involvement in the football program has added to the positive Macalester experience in many ways. Some of his best friends at school are football team members, and they rely on each other for support and enjoy each other’s friendship throughout the year. The coaching staff has been outstanding in cultivating an environment of respect toward others and respect toward self. We know that our son’s best interests are always of concern to the coaches. We have appreciated their willingness to be flexible with conflicts with classes, understanding that academics at Macalester take priority. We have been most impressed by the entire football operation at Macalester, and are delighted that our son is part of it. I want to complement MAC FB not on the score of a game but on the character of these young men playing. After a game my son introduced a bunch of them to me. To a man, each and every one of them gave off a sense of genuine warmth and friendship. They were poised, well-spoken yet relaxed, easy to be with. That’s what I appreciate most about MAC FB and what I wanted to make sure was heard from me. It’s exceptional. On my drive back to Chicago after the game. That’s what I was thinking about, rather than who scored, who made a great defensive play or what the margin of victory was. When our sons joined the Macalester Football team we realized that we had hit the trifecta of college athletic experiences; they are getting the ultimate in academic excellence, the personal and college community benefits of being part of a team as well as building an extraordinary relationship with a remarkable, dedicated coaching staff that supports them in all endeavors: academic, athletic and personal. We could not be happier that our sons chose Macalester. We are so happy to have our son be a part of this wonderful football program. From the teammates, to the position coach, to the coordinator, to the head coach, this is a top flight program. The teammates are truly a family that works together and supports each other 100%. The coaches are not only great football coaches, but great men who care about our sons on and off the field. There is nowhere else I’d rather entrust my son, than Macalester College. Strong academics and strong athletics. Dedicated coaching staff and dedicated athletes. Winning attitudes and a winning record. Become a member of our team. Become a member of our family. Like many fathers of college bound ballplayers, my own football career spanned high school and college. I had the good fortune to be part of championship teams at each level. As an adult, I’ve coached youth and high school football for much of my adult life. In all my experience, I have never witnessed a more competent, competitive, or caring program than what our young men have at Macalester College. The tone is set from the top, in the person of Coach Tony Jennison, and echoes across all his staff. The Fighting Scot emphasis is on dedication, determination, collaboration, and persistence. Wins and losses emerge naturally, and increasingly frequently, from this philosophy. As a father, I’ve been blessed to have two sons playing together for The Fighting Scots over the last three years. There is no man, no collegiate staff, no gathering of teammates to whom I’d rather have entrusted the minds, bodies, and spirits of my sons for their collegiate athletic careers. The caliber of football they’ve experienced and the depth of the bonds they’ve forged with their brothers on the field and in the classroom is second to none. Each of my sons has been supported in developing his own, personal “360 Degree Self,” as I like to call it. Macalester football players are supported in developing as members of the team, members of the Macalester community, and members of the greater local and global communities. A Fighting Scot ballplayer is given multiple opportunities to develop and contribute all of his gifts and talents in as many ways as possible. Whether making plays or making sandwiches, whether building their legs and chests or building low-income housing, our guys learn how valuable and rewarding it is to be a part of a greater whole; that through the willingness to put “self” second to a greater cause, we invariably become more. Two scenarios come specifically to mind. I live some distance away, and can only make it out once or twice per season. On each of my first visits, I dined with my sons and their teammates at Cafe Mac. During more than one of these meals, I was surrounded by 200 to 260 pound athletes helping each other with multi-variable calculus, organic chemistry and Latin. As filled with pride and joy as I am each time our guys take the field, I left these meals with an equally deep-running satisfaction and reassurance that my sons, that all of our sons, are in exactly the right place. I hope some of these have a phrase or two that might help the cause. I love Macalester football as much as I love my own alma mater’s program, perhaps even more. Best to all. And thank you, again, for all you do for our young men. Coach Jennison stated to me when he was recruiting my son that his goals with the players were to create outstanding young men that would become good husbands and fathers, academically strong young men that would go out and change the world, and athletically strong football players that would make a team. He has provided such a wonderful opportunity for my son to grow in all these areas. I will always remember seeing my freshman son amidst his sweaty, smiling, enthusiastic teammates, finger in the air, singing the Scots Fight Song after their first victory of the season. Back then the song was new and they were singing from words on a scroll. After 4 years and many victories, he’ll never forget the words. And I will never tire of seeing them sing it! Macalester has provided my son with amazing opportunities – in the classroom and on the football field. He’s part of a team of young men who are extremely intelligent and preparing to make an impact on the world in their field of study, but still want to enjoy the fun of football on Saturday afternoons. My son came to Macalester to get a great education and play football and has enjoyed every minute of it. He couldn’t have asked for a more perfect college experience. I was impressed when I walked through the locker room to find GPAs posted – not only do they recognize skill on the field, but in the classroom as well. I can’t say enough good things about the coaches and the team. From the moment my son was recruited to play for Macalester, we have felt the coaches to be authentic and positive in their attitude toward the young men, their academics and their abilities. My son said he never felt like a first year student – that from the first day on campus (recruiting) to Report Day and on into the season, he was included and supported and treated with respect (as was I). I suppose part of it is because of the low numbers the football team is allowed for admission. It’s easier to know 22 new names than 100…regardless, the attempt to know and treat each young man individually is very heartening for a parent. It’s how I want my son to treat others. We were lucky enough to be able to take our son and his roommate, and six other teammates for dinner this fall. Each young man was delightful, polite, fun, respectful, and inclusive in their own way. This kind of attitude comes from the top – when you are treated with respect and expectations are high – most people with treat others with respect and meet those expectations. I wish I had more than a cliché to say…because it’s not a cliché program. The football coaching staff, the players, and the administration are working together to build a program that will raise a generation of incredible human beings. It’s so much more than football. I’d be happy to go on and on and on! |