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11 Aug 2001

Around the league

Aurora, IL (SLN) -- Michael Frain, owner of the league champion club "The Commish", finalized the buyout agreement reported to be in negotiations on Wednesday with his starting center, Claire Salz. Having lost his star player, Frain now goes on the search for a replacement to put him back on the title track again in 2001-02. "Truthfully, the team stands a decent chance as it is, and even though we lost [Salz], it's not going to hurt us as much as the analysts predict. We can fill her place in the roster, maybe not completely, but with some effectiveness." When asked about the separation, Frain said that "it was better to do it now and leave open the possibility that she may re-sign in the future, rather than keep her on for one or two more years and allow the relationship to irreversibly deteriorate. I'm not completely shutting the door but we're going to have to live without a major star such as her for a year, possibly more. We'll just have to see what happens once the season opens and the signing period starts." The lockdown on free-agent signings ends for the Collegiate Conference on August 24th. The HS Conference may commences FA signings on August 28th. All signings must be reported to the league office for final approval.

8 Aug 2001

Scouting the Conferences

The insider report, by Tim Brechlin (special to the ISL News Wire)

NEPY A DELAYED ENTRANT?

There were reports going into today that Team Nepy would be placing Paul Nepywoda, its player-coach-GM and central figure, on the disabled list due to prolonged illness. That proved to be the case today, as Nepywoda was placed on injured reserve, making him eligible for activation on 1 September. What does this mean for the conference? Potentially, this could throw a monkey wrench or ten into the way the conference was shaping up. Nepy was expected to continue its winning ways (and its dominance of the conference) this season. However, if Nepywoda is unable to perform, that makes the team ineligible to participate in all events until he is returned from IR....

BUILDING ONCE AGAIN

There is a new air of optimism coming from the training camp of The House (located in scenic Wautoma, WI), based on both the news from the Nepy camp as well as developments on its own end. As reported on the wire yesterday, team president and general manager Tim Brechlin tentatively agreed to begin negotiations with Talitha Davidson-Bell. Said one House insider, "This would be a hell of a signing. Talitha would bring significant knowledge of the systems and strategies of Nepy. Insider trading? All's fair in love and hockey."....

OUT OF TUNE?

The Commish, AKA the Piano Man, announced today its plans to negotiate a buyout of C Claire Salz's contract. This leaves the team in a bit of a lurch. According to one assistant at the team, "We could be in trouble. The commish has been unusually kept to himself in the last few days, and that's not a good sign." There is speculation that the buyout of Salz was fueled by budgetary constraints. Following the jump to the CC, the Commish went through a number of free-agent busts, which would place a strain on any team. League officials have not made any comment regarding contact to the League Central Fund (available to teams in need of financial injections), but there could be news in the coming days.

DECLAWING?

There are reports coming now that the prospective startup entry in the league (headed by the braintrust of Cat Tracey) is facing dissolution, caused by the inherent problems of intraconference management. More as it develops.

Downers Grove, IL (SLN) -- Accusations today by the former star of MattKr, Colleen O'Toole, cast a pall on the team's recent signing of Amy Hogan. Comments were unavailable from O'Toole, but Matt Krajniak, team captain, said that "all's fair in love and war. I don't feel this was underhanded in any respect." The team's manager-GM, Captain Buckles, said that "all negotiations were made in good faith and without any underhanded tactics involved." O'Toole disputes that claim, issuing a statement yesterday denouncing the signing. Krajniak and Buckles are writing off the accusations as "bitterness toward the team that cut her following her season-ending injury" and agree that it shouldn't be taken seriously, but league insiders report that officials are looking into the validity of the contract. What steps might be taken is unknown, but possible steps include a fine, suspension, or forfeiture of league-sanctioned matches.

In other news, Michael Frain announced today that due to relocation of the league office to Dubuque, IA, the ISL would officially change its name to the Illinois-Iowa Social League (IISL) beginning August 24th, the first official day of office operations.

6 Aug 2001

Team previews:

"Nepy"

Manager: Paul Nepywoda

00-01 Record: 2-1-0-1 (1st place, HSC)

Playoff finish: Lost in Conference Finals

01-02 Outlook:

After a weak finish in 2001, Nepy looks to rebound in the coming season. Having agreed to part ways with his key player, manager Paul Nepywoda is looking to rebuild over the signing period in time for the first HSC game on September 22nd. "I'm not worried yet, even though the free agent pool is thin this offseason, we still look good. We'll be competitive again, like we always are." After a regular season conference championship in 2001, look for Nepy to be challenging for a second straight crown in 2002.

"Zathros"

Manager: Sir Zathros, the alien of Gallifrey

00-01 Record: 1-3-1-1(2nd place, HSC)

Playoff finish: Lost in Conference Semifinals

01-02 Outlook:

Expectations were high at the beginning of last season, but due to some early-season setbacks, Zathros was never quite able to recover, stringing together a pair of point-games late in the season, but unable to do real damage during most of the season or in the playoffs. A loss to The House in the conference semifinals was highly unexpected, but forgivable due to the fact that The House caught fire in the playoffs (in more ways than one). With key moves in the 2001 signing period, look for Zathros to come out swinging in 2002.

"The House"

Manger: "The Gimp" Timothy Brechlin

00-01 Record: 0-8-0-3 (3rd place, HSC)

Playoff finish: Lost in ISL Cup Finals, 2-1

01-02 Outlook:

After an improbable run in the ISL Playoffs, The House looks to come out strong early in the 01-02 season. Despite an incredibly rough off-season, and a thin free agent market to work with, The House seems to have an ace in the hole...while details were not immediately available to release, it seems The House seems very confident in its ability to compete in the 01-02 season. 'It's not a matter of not wanting [to be competitive], it's a matter of not being sure I want to give up another loss because she didn't live up to potential.' With the off-season contract busts, caution is obviously in high supply, but insiders say that once the signing period begins in late August, there will be some surprises from The House. The HS Conference looks to be a three-team race come playoff time.

"BoboKr"

Manager:The Big Fluffy Panda

00-01 Record: 0-4-0-1 (4th place, HSC)

Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifnals

01-02 Outlook:

The perpetual whipping boy of the league, BoboKr will attempt to break its streak of losing seasons this year. While having difficulty signing free agents, BoboKr is trying to stock up on resolve and looks to break its two-year winless streak. Unfortunately, this team is realistically another year or two from being competitive, so this year should provide some much-needed experience to its players.

"The Commish"

Manager: "Piano Man" Michael Frain, Jr.

00-01 Record: 3-1-0-1 (1st place, CC)

Playoff finish: League champion

01-02 Outlook:

The Collegiate Conference, generally regarded as the stronger of the two league conferences, almost gave up that distinction last year, as The Commish came within 13 seconds of losing Game 3 to The House, the upstarts from the HS conference. Despite the turmoil within the organization and the reshuffling of its starting team, The Commish looks to compete for a third straight title in 01-02, with an all-star lineup sure to make its mark. It won't be easy, however, playing in a conference that is anybody's to win.

"MattKr"

Manager: Captain Buckles, leader of the not-so-free world

00-01 Record: 2-1-0-1 (3rd place, CC)

Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifinals

01-02 Outlook:

After a season that held so much promise went down in the finals days due to a career-ending injury, MattKr looks to rebound this season and put together another winning run. With free agent season looking thin for everyone, MattKr still looks to put together a team that is powerful enough to challenge The Commish, with whom he is a rival with. He is the main competitor to challenge The Commish for the conference crown and possibly the league title as well. The enigmatic team will show itself soon enough.

"Sparkle"

Manager: The sparkling tuba man

00-01 Record: 1-0-0-0 (4th place, CC)

Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifinals

01-02 Outlook:

Despite having an undefeated year, the lack of experience the team saw was its undoing in the playoffs. Looking to rebound, no moves have been made and the team looks to continue its winning ways in 2001, while playing in a few more games. The manager acknowledged that "when it came crunch time, the team was inexperienced and that will have to change for next year." Look for Sparkle to shine come opening day.

"Black Rose"

Manager: The Black Rose

00-01 Record: 2-2-0-1 (2nd place, ISSL Collegiate Conference)

Playoff finish: Lost in ISSL Championship, 3-2

01-02 Outlook:

Due to the relocation of the league office, The Eastern Edge will no longer be in the ISL. To replace them, Black Rose joins the ISL in 2001. A strong competitor, it is yet to be seen how competitive Black Rose will be in the ISL. The ISSL is slightly weaker in terms of talent and competition, but for years Black Rose has been a competitive team in the ISSL, so look for Black Rose to make a name for themselves in the ISL.e u

5 Aug 2001

Aurora, IL (SLN) -- Commissioner Frain returned Saturday evening from a two week hiatus in New York to meet with members of the Rochester and New York City councils, discussing viability of expansion into the Rochester and NYC areas. While no immediate progress was expected, groundwork was laid for possible expansion into upstate New York within the next five years, and possibly also expanding into metro NYC within the next ten years. No timetable has been established as most of the discussion was very informal and not binding in any respect. When asked about the state of his team for the upcoming season, Frain remarked that he "expected to be very competitive and we are very much looking to be in the running for another championship." When asked about his key player, he noted that "progress is being made, and I fully expect to field the same team he assembled at the trading deadline last year. However, should we be thrown a curve, I do have a backup plan in place." Frain declined to elaborate further, however, leading to widespread speculation among ISL insiders as to exactly what his "backup" plan is.

ISL Cup Recap:

12 May 2001

Charleston, IL (SLN) -- In a scene reminiscient of the OVC women's soccer championship, The House, 0-8-0-3 over the past season, nearly pulled the shocker of the year, taking The Commish to triple overtime in game three of the ISL Cup before succumbing 2-1. Inspired play by The House and possibly some let down from the Collegiate Conference championship by The Commish allowed The House to win game 2 and if not for spectacular play with the extra attacker in the final minutes of game 3, it would have been a spectacle of an upset. However, a controversial goal allowed by the referees won the game for The Commish, which has now won two straight championships and made three straight appearances in the title game. The House, which relies on an aggressive defense, gave a defensive clinic during the tournament, allowing more than two goals only once (in game 2 of the ISL Cup, ironically, which The House won 4-3). Spectacular goaltending and key plays by the defensemen allowed The House to keep offenses at bay for most of the playoffs. However, showing that they can win the shoot-outs as well, the offense scored 4 goals in a span of 8 minutes to defeat The Commish 4-3 in game 2. Next year looks to be a break-out season for The House, and Michael Frain, player-coach-GM for The Commish, acknowledges that "The House will be a force to be reckoned with next year" and that "[The House] proved exactly what the most important part of the year is-the playoffs." Free agent signings and trades may commence beginning June 1st.


	Crusade: 2001 \| home Social League News Wire \| Social League Scores and Schedules \| Social League Standings and Statistics \| League Business Social League News Wire 11 Aug 2001 Around the league Aurora, IL (SLN) -- Michael Frain, owner of the league champion club "The Commish", finalized the buyout agreement reported to be in negotiations on Wednesday with his starting center, Claire Salz. Having lost his star player, Frain now goes on the search for a replacement to put him back on the title track again in 2001-02. "Truthfully, the team stands a decent chance as it is, and even though we lost [Salz], it's not going to hurt us as much as the analysts predict. We can fill her place in the roster, maybe not completely, but with some effectiveness." When asked about the separation, Frain said that "it was better to do it now and leave open the possibility that she may re-sign in the future, rather than keep her on for one or two more years and allow the relationship to irreversibly deteriorate. I'm not completely shutting the door but we're going to have to live without a major star such as her for a year, possibly more. We'll just have to see what happens once the season opens and the signing period starts." The lockdown on free-agent signings ends for the Collegiate Conference on August 24th. The HS Conference may commences FA signings on August 28th. All signings must be reported to the league office for final approval. 8 Aug 2001 Scouting the Conferences The insider report, by Tim Brechlin (special to the ISL News Wire) NEPY A DELAYED ENTRANT? There were reports going into today that Team Nepy would be placing Paul Nepywoda, its player-coach-GM and central figure, on the disabled list due to prolonged illness. That proved to be the case today, as Nepywoda was placed on injured reserve, making him eligible for activation on 1 September. What does this mean for the conference? Potentially, this could throw a monkey wrench or ten into the way the conference was shaping up. Nepy was expected to continue its winning ways (and its dominance of the conference) this season. However, if Nepywoda is unable to perform, that makes the team ineligible to participate in all events until he is returned from IR.... BUILDING ONCE AGAIN There is a new air of optimism coming from the training camp of The House (located in scenic Wautoma, WI), based on both the news from the Nepy camp as well as developments on its own end. As reported on the wire yesterday, team president and general manager Tim Brechlin tentatively agreed to begin negotiations with Talitha Davidson-Bell. Said one House insider, "This would be a hell of a signing. Talitha would bring significant knowledge of the systems and strategies of Nepy. Insider trading? All's fair in love and hockey.".... OUT OF TUNE? The Commish, AKA the Piano Man, announced today its plans to negotiate a buyout of C Claire Salz's contract. This leaves the team in a bit of a lurch. According to one assistant at the team, "We could be in trouble. The commish has been unusually kept to himself in the last few days, and that's not a good sign." There is speculation that the buyout of Salz was fueled by budgetary constraints. Following the jump to the CC, the Commish went through a number of free-agent busts, which would place a strain on any team. League officials have not made any comment regarding contact to the League Central Fund (available to teams in need of financial injections), but there could be news in the coming days. DECLAWING? There are reports coming now that the prospective startup entry in the league (headed by the braintrust of Cat Tracey) is facing dissolution, caused by the inherent problems of intraconference management. More as it develops. -- Downers Grove, IL (SLN) -- Accusations today by the former star of MattKr, Colleen O'Toole, cast a pall on the team's recent signing of Amy Hogan. Comments were unavailable from O'Toole, but Matt Krajniak, team captain, said that "all's fair in love and war. I don't feel this was underhanded in any respect." The team's manager-GM, Captain Buckles, said that "all negotiations were made in good faith and without any underhanded tactics involved." O'Toole disputes that claim, issuing a statement yesterday denouncing the signing. Krajniak and Buckles are writing off the accusations as "bitterness toward the team that cut her following her season-ending injury" and agree that it shouldn't be taken seriously, but league insiders report that officials are looking into the validity of the contract. What steps might be taken is unknown, but possible steps include a fine, suspension, or forfeiture of league-sanctioned matches. In other news, Michael Frain announced today that due to relocation of the league office to Dubuque, IA, the ISL would officially change its name to the Illinois-Iowa Social League (IISL) beginning August 24th, the first official day of office operations. 6 Aug 2001 Team previews: "Nepy" Manager: Paul Nepywoda 00-01 Record: 2-1-0-1 (1st place, HSC) Playoff finish: Lost in Conference Finals 01-02 Outlook: After a weak finish in 2001, Nepy looks to rebound in the coming season. Having agreed to part ways with his key player, manager Paul Nepywoda is looking to rebuild over the signing period in time for the first HSC game on September 22nd. "I'm not worried yet, even though the free agent pool is thin this offseason, we still look good. We'll be competitive again, like we always are." After a regular season conference championship in 2001, look for Nepy to be challenging for a second straight crown in 2002. "Zathros" Manager: Sir Zathros, the alien of Gallifrey 00-01 Record: 1-3-1-1(2nd place, HSC) Playoff finish: Lost in Conference Semifinals 01-02 Outlook: Expectations were high at the beginning of last season, but due to some early-season setbacks, Zathros was never quite able to recover, stringing together a pair of point-games late in the season, but unable to do real damage during most of the season or in the playoffs. A loss to The House in the conference semifinals was highly unexpected, but forgivable due to the fact that The House caught fire in the playoffs (in more ways than one). With key moves in the 2001 signing period, look for Zathros to come out swinging in 2002. "The House" Manger: "The Gimp" Timothy Brechlin 00-01 Record: 0-8-0-3 (3rd place, HSC) Playoff finish: Lost in ISL Cup Finals, 2-1 01-02 Outlook: After an improbable run in the ISL Playoffs, The House looks to come out strong early in the 01-02 season. Despite an incredibly rough off-season, and a thin free agent market to work with, The House seems to have an ace in the hole...while details were not immediately available to release, it seems The House seems very confident in its ability to compete in the 01-02 season. 'It's not a matter of not wanting [to be competitive], it's a matter of not being sure I want to give up another loss because she didn't live up to potential.' With the off-season contract busts, caution is obviously in high supply, but insiders say that once the signing period begins in late August, there will be some surprises from The House. The HS Conference looks to be a three-team race come playoff time. "BoboKr" Manager:The Big Fluffy Panda 00-01 Record: 0-4-0-1 (4th place, HSC) Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifnals 01-02 Outlook: The perpetual whipping boy of the league, BoboKr will attempt to break its streak of losing seasons this year. While having difficulty signing free agents, BoboKr is trying to stock up on resolve and looks to break its two-year winless streak. Unfortunately, this team is realistically another year or two from being competitive, so this year should provide some much-needed experience to its players. "The Commish" Manager: "Piano Man" Michael Frain, Jr. 00-01 Record: 3-1-0-1 (1st place, CC) Playoff finish: League champion 01-02 Outlook: The Collegiate Conference, generally regarded as the stronger of the two league conferences, almost gave up that distinction last year, as The Commish came within 13 seconds of losing Game 3 to The House, the upstarts from the HS conference. Despite the turmoil within the organization and the reshuffling of its starting team, The Commish looks to compete for a third straight title in 01-02, with an all-star lineup sure to make its mark. It won't be easy, however, playing in a conference that is anybody's to win. "MattKr" Manager: Captain Buckles, leader of the not-so-free world 00-01 Record: 2-1-0-1 (3rd place, CC) Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifinals 01-02 Outlook: After a season that held so much promise went down in the finals days due to a career-ending injury, MattKr looks to rebound this season and put together another winning run. With free agent season looking thin for everyone, MattKr still looks to put together a team that is powerful enough to challenge The Commish, with whom he is a rival with. He is the main competitor to challenge The Commish for the conference crown and possibly the league title as well. The enigmatic team will show itself soon enough. "Sparkle" Manager: The sparkling tuba man 00-01 Record: 1-0-0-0 (4th place, CC) Playoff finish: Lost in conference semifinals 01-02 Outlook: Despite having an undefeated year, the lack of experience the team saw was its undoing in the playoffs. Looking to rebound, no moves have been made and the team looks to continue its winning ways in 2001, while playing in a few more games. The manager acknowledged that "when it came crunch time, the team was inexperienced and that will have to change for next year." Look for Sparkle to shine come opening day. "Black Rose" Manager: The Black Rose 00-01 Record: 2-2-0-1 (2nd place, ISSL Collegiate Conference) Playoff finish: Lost in ISSL Championship, 3-2 01-02 Outlook: Due to the relocation of the league office, The Eastern Edge will no longer be in the ISL. To replace them, Black Rose joins the ISL in 2001. A strong competitor, it is yet to be seen how competitive Black Rose will be in the ISL. The ISSL is slightly weaker in terms of talent and competition, but for years Black Rose has been a competitive team in the ISSL, so look for Black Rose to make a name for themselves in the ISL.e u 5 Aug 2001 Aurora, IL (SLN) -- Commissioner Frain returned Saturday evening from a two week hiatus in New York to meet with members of the Rochester and New York City councils, discussing viability of expansion into the Rochester and NYC areas. While no immediate progress was expected, groundwork was laid for possible expansion into upstate New York within the next five years, and possibly also expanding into metro NYC within the next ten years. No timetable has been established as most of the discussion was very informal and not binding in any respect. When asked about the state of his team for the upcoming season, Frain remarked that he "expected to be very competitive and we are very much looking to be in the running for another championship." When asked about his key player, he noted that "progress is being made, and I fully expect to field the same team he assembled at the trading deadline last year. However, should we be thrown a curve, I do have a backup plan in place." Frain declined to elaborate further, however, leading to widespread speculation among ISL insiders as to exactly what his "backup" plan is. ISL Cup Recap: 12 May 2001 Charleston, IL (SLN) -- In a scene reminiscient of the OVC women's soccer championship, The House, 0-8-0-3 over the past season, nearly pulled the shocker of the year, taking The Commish to triple overtime in game three of the ISL Cup before succumbing 2-1. Inspired play by The House and possibly some let down from the Collegiate Conference championship by The Commish allowed The House to win game 2 and if not for spectacular play with the extra attacker in the final minutes of game 3, it would have been a spectacle of an upset. However, a controversial goal allowed by the referees won the game for The Commish, which has now won two straight championships and made three straight appearances in the title game. The House, which relies on an aggressive defense, gave a defensive clinic during the tournament, allowing more than two goals only once (in game 2 of the ISL Cup, ironically, which The House won 4-3). Spectacular goaltending and key plays by the defensemen allowed The House to keep offenses at bay for most of the playoffs. However, showing that they can win the shoot-outs as well, the offense scored 4 goals in a span of 8 minutes to defeat The Commish 4-3 in game 2. Next year looks to be a break-out season for The House, and Michael Frain, player-coach-GM for The Commish, acknowledges that "The House will be a force to be reckoned with next year" and that "[The House] proved exactly what the most important part of the year is-the playoffs." Free agent signings and trades may commence beginning June 1st.