Going Commando (BCT Original) 3 Part Series

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Football fans like myself who are chomping at the bit for fall kick-off need not suffer. The Cincinnati Commandos arena football team has arrived. This is exciting 8 on 8 football, with lots of speed and action. The league boasts six current teams, with more arriving next year. Unlike prior leagues, both this franchise and league are set up for long term success.

What's the best part for us UC fans? Many on the team are either former Bearcat players or other local products. You'll get a chance to see home town heroes such as Ben Mauk, Dustin Grutza, Dominick Goodman, Greg Moore, Khalil El-Amin, and more.

The Commando GM, Travis Johnson, was instrumental in bringing the Commandos to Cincinnati. With a background in football and soccer, not only will he run the team, but he's also the kicker. Having himself served in the military, the Commandos will also have charity and promotional nights for the benefit of military families.

During halftime and time outs, the crowd will be entertained by their cheerleaders, the Commando Cuties. Julie Raleigh, former Ben-Gal, will head the squad. The daughter of Sheriff Simon Leis said the Cuties posed for pictures in front of one of his 'borrowed' tanks.

Season tickets for six home games are 50.00, or 70.00 for the premium first two rows. There is free parking, one dollar beers, food specials, and a fifty dollar special for a family of four. The season opener is on March 13 at 7:30pm at the Cincinnati Gardens, and most games will occur on Saturday nights.
Home Games will be aired on 1160 radio, called by Jim Breech and Richard Skinner.

 

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Greg Moore and Khalil El-Amin sat down with BCT and discussed UC football, as well as being with their current team. One of Greg's favorite memories was the big win against Rutgers. He played under Coach Dantonio, and rememberd with fondness the bonding and family atmosphere around the locker room. The former coach had the Bearcats do player skits and held swim-offs at the pool.
Khalil stated that he enjoyed all the games that led up to their first Big East championship. Seeing the wave by a full crowd at Nippert was a highlight for him and his teammates.

They both have a desire to continue playing football, and look forward to exhibiting their skills in hope of reaching the next level. Moore has been to the Bengals mini-camp while El-Amin spent time with the Cardinals.
To a man, they both said one of the major draws for them coming here was the ability to play with so many other Bearcats. The camaraderie between the players is strong, and I immediately thought Band of Brothers.

In discussing former coaches, they both said Dantonio had a style that was much more open. More of a family style relationship with the players and an open door. You could go to the HC with a problem about your girlfriend. With Brian Kelly, it was more of a CEO style relationship. Like it the corporate world, you would go to your boss (position coach) with a problem, and not Kelly. His demeanor was more matter of fact rather than one of welcome.

 

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Dominick Goodman and Ben Mauk sat down with us and shared some thoughts on their time at UC. Goodman and Mauk, like most on the Commandos, continue to have NFL aspirations. Ben and Dominick hope to get some film out, and once again catch the eye of scouts.

Goodman strongly believes he has the ability to perform, but is being told speed is an issue. He is working hard to improve upon that, and appears in great shape. My personal thought is that he's the kind of guy you want catching the ball. Whether open or not, he consistently made the tough catch in crucial situations. He smiled when we discussed his ability to catch the ball, and then run over or through tacklers once he got going. With timing being an issue, it's fortunate that he has Mauk and Grutza (who is expected to join the team soon, as he is working on his masters) playing quarterback.

Dominick's favorite memory was the big win at Nippert against nationally ranked Rutgers. He talked about being a mentor to Armon Binns, currently at UC. Asked about the coaches, Goodman stated that he saw Dantonio as more defensive-minded, and Brian Kelly more focused offensively. He believes Dantonio is proud of UC's success, and of the foundation he helped provide.

Ben Mauk looked to be in great shape also. Like Goodman, Ben would like to see all home games played in front of a sold out Nippert. Although he acknowledges that upgrades would be nice.
Going from half-filled stadium to an overflow crowd is one of their proudest accomplishments. He is not surprised at the success UC had last year, and did say that Nippert was his favorite place to ever play in.

Mauk's favorite memory was playing quarterback when the stadium was full. As far as his health goes, Ben said that he is healthy, and his arm never felt better.
When asked about the coaches, he said that Dantonio's plan was to build the program up. Which he believes he did. He likened Butch Jones to Dantonio in the sense of the family atmosphere both attempt at having. Ben said Kelly was focused on "winning now", more of a CEO style coach, and did think that he will find success at ND (even though he's not a fan of the Irish).

Mauk, commenting on the appeal process he endured, thought that his case was solid. Obviously, he would not have gone through that ordeal unless there was reason for optimism. He pointed out similiarities with another case, and believes that the NCAA has a propensity for not giving UC a fair shake at all times.

Mauk also pointed out what is often overlooked. He said that a close loss to West Virginia kept the Bearcats from winning three BE championships. When asked about his best attributes, Ben said that he never gave up on a play. His ability to escape pressure and make something from nothing helped UC a lot with that attitude. Never giving up is one thing that doesn't enter the mind of either Ben Mauk or Dominick Goodman these days, and I don't think we've heard the last of them by any means.

 

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Thanks to all of the Commandos who helped with their time.

Thanks also to Lumberjack who helped interview the players and Julie Raleigh.

 

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Dominick Goodman and Ben Mauk sat down with us and shared some thoughts on their time at UC. Goodman and Mauk, like most on the Commandos, continue to have NFL aspirations. Ben and Dominick hope to get some film out, and once again catch the eye of scouts.

Goodman strongly believes he has the ability to perform, but is being told speed is an issue. He is working hard to improve upon that, and appears in great shape. My personal thought is that he's the kind of guy you want catching the ball. Whether open or not, he consistently made the tough catch in crucial situations. He smiled when we discussed his ability to catch the ball, and then run over or through tacklers once he got going. With timing being an issue, it's fortunate that he has Mauk and Grutza (who is expected to join the team soon, as he is working on his masters) playing quarterback.

Dominick's favorite memory was the big win at Nippert against nationally ranked Rutgers. He talked about being a mentor to Armon Binns, currently at UC. Asked about the coaches, Goodman stated that he saw Dantonio as more defensive-minded, and Brian Kelly more focused offensively. He believes Dantonio is proud of UC's success, and of the foundation he helped provide.

Ben Mauk looked to be in great shape also. Like Goodman, Ben would like to see all home games played in front of a sold out Nippert. Although he acknowledges that upgrades would be nice.
Going from half-filled stadium to an overflow crowd is one of their proudest accomplishments. He is not surprised at the success UC had last year, and did say that Nippert was his favorite place to ever play in.

Mauk's favorite memory was playing quarterback when the stadium was full. As far as his health goes, Ben said that he is healthy, and his arm never felt better.
When asked about the coaches, he said that Dantonio's plan was to build the program up. Which he believes he did. He likened Butch Jones to Dantonio in the sense of the family atmosphere both attempt at having. Ben said Kelly was focused on "winning now", more of a CEO style coach, and did think that he will find success at ND (even though he's not a fan of the Irish).

Mauk, commenting on the appeal process he endured, thought that his case was solid. Obviously, he would not have gone through that ordeal unless there was reason for optimism. He pointed out similiarities with another case, and believes that the NCAA has a propensity for not giving UC a fair shake at all times.

Mauk also pointed out what is often overlooked. He said that a close loss to West Virginia kept the Bearcats from winning three BE championships. When asked about his best attributes, Ben said that he never gave up on a play. His ability to escape pressure and make something from nothing helped UC a lot with that attitude. Never giving up is one thing that doesn't enter the mind of either Ben Mauk or Dominick Goodman these days, and I don't think we've heard the last of them by any means.

Great read.

We should mention this to Lance. Maybe he or Mo would put this on their blog. I think a lot of UC fans would enjoy this.