The "What If" Thread that Had Legs

[Reginald Rutledge]

I remember the post like it was yesterday, the "What if" post that created a national league of college coaches!

Many of y'all don't know all the particulars and the BS I had to go through for it to become a national league. Back then, I could not even say "national" because it was not thought to be politically correct or it would offend some people. Let me tell you now, when you have experienced what I have in my days, you could care less about politics or any of those who think you're just doing things for publicity.

Before the what if was ever even put out there, I had to deal with the "are you with me?' angles. Some guys felt it was not in their best interest to play, whether it was reprisal or just did not like me. I have no idea.

But the seeds of this league was planted 17 years ago when I brought the rules to the DFW. I used the creation of the DFW League as a way to see what would and would not work. There, the 3.2 gram system was discovered and used for the first couple of years. I then brought in Road Warriors to test the notion of traveling the country. Thus, Frank Johnson, became the first of our kind. Frank had passion, willing to travel to be a part of a league that was something other than his normal method of play. He was just passionate about the game. Not only that, he saw the bigger picture and loved the hype. Other Road Warriors came, including Michael Robertson. Mike was a great champion and loved the hype. He saw what the game could be. In between that, I recruited 25 Road Warriors in the span of my 13 seasons in the DFW. We went from our standard of 3.2 grams to 4.0 grams. (Please note, the 4.0 gram system was not started because of the larger boards but because I wanted FF.Net players as well as anyone else's players to fit into playing. Often times, these players were excluded from some tournaments).

At the end of my time in the DFW, four very significant players were recruited -Kevin Boddie, Dru Sparks, Jim Davis and Norbert Revels. They brought a ton of enthusiasm, knowledge, and a willingness to learn other rulesets. Jim Davis gravitated to it quickly. He was a willing participant who was instrumental in the conception of the Big 10. He along with Norbert, Greg Hardmon, Treks1, and Ken Allen, got the interest in the Big 10 running strong. They protected the CBSMF and they were big time in its grwoth.

Another conference that played huge to the CBSMF was the PAC10. The seeds had been cultivated many years ago when I showed Vince Peatros and Al Clegg the rules. When Vince first experienced the rules, he was PO'ed about going 80 yards, having a holding call. But as he thought about it, he was enamored. Clegg came to Texas in the DFW's heyday along with Frank Johnson, and learned and played and loved the rules. He along with Vince took the rules back to LA with some hybridization and formed the LAEFL. That league grew into one of the finest leagues in the country. Out of it came Eric Robinson, who was a friend of mine and a loyal man who always reminds me that Rose and I was willing to give up a part of our room at a hotel so he could have a place to sleep. I knew in Eric, I could count on to get things rolling. He brought along Dave Campbell to create the Eric and Dave Tourney, which impacted so many out there. Eric and I discussed making the PAC10 special. He did the work and I provided support. Now, the PAC10 is one of our super conferences.

Many years ago, Mozeek read of message of my impending leaving of the chatboards. He called or wrote me and asked me to stick around. Mozeek and I are like joined at the hip - best of friends. But from that friendship came the formation of the BAM. Mozeek and I had been talking for some time and he was fascinated with my approach to the game. Thus, the BAM was formed. Joe Greco came aboard skeptically to the style of play but re-wrote the rules in a more concise fashion. Found out that Greco would be viewed as one of the most respected and greatest Ambassadors of the game. He plays with Michigan and will be an intigal part of the growth of the Big East.

Kevin Boddie and Dru Sparks went further East to establish the ACC. Reaching out to guys in that area was difficult but they continue to keep the fire.

Then there was Joel Pritchard, who is like a brother to me. He's another joined at my other hip. Everybody has a hard time seeing the family resemblance but I consider him my brother. He's white and I am black!!! Joel was important because he laid the groundwork down South.

Getting to hang out with JoeRam and Rafiyq and getting to know Dallcow4life has been a revelation. These guys love the game and want to be included in the mix. They bring a lot to the table. Now, its their time and we will definitely support them.

Can't forget about all the grassroot efforts of MantarayDre! This guy is a foot soldier extraodinaire! He does not have to win a single game. He just want to see people playing and having a good time. Dude is selfless! My thanks to this very good ambassador for all his work (especially with his latest work in the MAC)!

That post of "What If" drew so much fire in some corners. I had guys calling my home on a Sunday morning cussing me out! Some even said they would stop others from playing in the newly formed CBSMF. Some they did, and others did not listen to the nonsense!

That "What if" thread did have legs as guys got on, started hyping up the game and the league. Guys who had never played together or discussed the game with each other were now, communicating and making the best of a foreign and new ruleset to them. These guys felt the league was theirs - and it was!

I took so many slings and arrows but I am happy I did. This is what being on the frontline of the game is all about. Having an Ef company is not just going out and making figures, or making boards, or making stadiums, or even bases. A part of my EF company was the investment in people and a belief in my convictions for the overall good of the whole.

Now, the CBSMF is the biggest league in the country, fast approaching 100 member schools. It's because of the efforts of all those who hopped in at the start that has made it good for everybody. This season should be the best season yet as we will be going to Las Vegas for our national championship in August. We've got a chance to welcome in many new coaches into the league and get them up-to-date and rules and regulations and make their experience just as fun.

None of this would have happened if the "What If" thread would have not had legs. Thanks to all those who supported the efforts and all those that are yet to come.

Most importantly, thanks to all that gave the "What if" thread LEGS to grow into a league!
Reginald Rutledge
CBSMF Founder and the Tennessee Vols Coach