One last thing on this topic- I was taking a look at rosters for returners and I think it's also worth mentioning that Augie had a DI transfer that they lost a week or two before their first game. I don't know if it was injury or what, but her name is Gabi Hungerford. I found it in the augie media guide. You can bet that she would have made a difference.
Finally, I don't think it's up to any of us to criticize any coach too harshly. They aren't out there criticizing how we do our jobs. There's a good crop of young coaches in the league who I would have to bet are hitting the recruiting trail harder and working longer hours than those before them. I choose to support them so we'll just have to agree to disagree Old Pro.

You do realize that Augie doesn't cut right? There were no players in that program to begin with and she was hired late in the year- she inherited the first class. You do the best you can with what you've got. What you are seeing are the growing pains of a young program- freshmen and sophomores. Kasten, Runge, and Howard were all solid freshmen, with the return of Fox and the addition of the Gills kid and it looks like a couple legit pg's- they'll be fine. They were in a lot more games this year than in the past- but Chi said it-experience is key.
Rebuilding isn't easy- especially at a school that costs almost $40,000 a year- kind of limits the recruiting pool- but again- they're getting players that they weren't getting before this staff got there.There are no shortcuts in rebuilding.You haven't heard the statement that it takes 5 years to build? Not everyone believes it, but it's true more often than not.

I have to agree with "Chi" on this one. Endress took over a gutter program- as has Reese at North Park. Both have/had a mess to clean up. It was rumored at one point a year ago that North Park was inviting people to be on the team.
I was at the North Central game that Chi was referring to and had the chance to visit with a former Augie player/alum at halftime- nothing but genuine praise for the staff. Augie had an exceptionally young team this season going up against a typically senior dominated CCIW. They were probably the only team to have 3 freshmen on the floor consistently. The incoming class will be Augie's third class and typically the most important. I know that the kid from Coal City is one that Mia was after as well. Let's not forget that Endress is the one who brought All-American Scheele to Edgewood. She knows talent, but freshmen need time to develop. I don't think that Mia, Beth, or Lori took over programs in the condition that either of these were in. Trust me old pro- you don't keep people because of the economy- you cut people. These coaches have the support of their respective administrations and there is no doubt growth in those programs on many levels that we don't even think about.
Oh yeah- and I typically just read through the posts- I don't post all that often anymore, but I read in one of your previous posts that you're an Eastern Alum Old Pro- not an Augie Alum.

The Loras/Augie game was a good one. Definitely no "cake walk." This isn't the same Augie team as in the past. They've got a crop of young players who are doing a fine job. Look for them to grow and make a mark.

Loras played well, but I will say that they are going to need more of a post game than they have. Bava is solid, but you can't replace a player like Pucci. When Meyer plays against more experienced post players it's going to get tougher for her. The Hudson kid is a nice player. She'll be able to fill some of that void left by Pucci. While they may not have any seniors, they are fortunate to have some junior leadership.

Good luck to all teams this weekend!

Word is that Parra is in Australia this term and will be back in time for conference play. Not sure what the scoop is with Amber.
Augie over Aurora tonight at the Carver Center.

It's official per UW-Stout's website. Mark Knoll has been named the Spartan's new leader. Best of luck to him.

Truth of the matter is, there are very few schools that comply fully with Title IX. It's a sad, but true fact.
My question for you Old Pro is how close are you to the school? I'm curious because of your statement about poor financial aid packages. UD has never given the best packages, but after doing some research- UD is still one of the cheapest schools as they hover around that $26K spot. Loras is at about 30 and Coe, Cornell, and Simpson are more expensive in terms of IIAC schools. Not only is UD the cheapest before FA, but they also have the loosest admission policies in terms of ACT scores etc. I can't include Clarke in the mix because UD has never really truly competed for the same type of athlete and they are now NAIA- which in terms of money is a unique situation. Plus the fact that they don't have the "money-maker" football on campus plays a role as well. UW-Platteville is also in a league of it's own. There's not a large draw of WI kids to Iowa because they can attend a state school for so much less.
There are an awful lot of kids from Florida attending UD these days- for football mostly, but there's been a rise on the women's side- more so in track. Are you saying that FA packages are poor in general or they favor football?
In terms of a staff, Dana Harrold is full-time- which is something that many DIII schools still do not have. It was policy that they could have a GA as well, but perhaps that has changed. Robbie Sieverding was viewed as full-time men's assistant, while Bierman(I know he's gone now) was the GA.  It's been a plus they they gave softball to someone who could devote more time to it. It's been rare that you find a head coach without other coaching duties or teaching duties, but it was a good sign when they split the softball/basketball position. Perhaps more help in terms of a staff is on the way.

Just my thoughts. I wish the best for UD and for Huffman in whatever challenge he takes on next.

Right now there are just 50-some applicants for the UD job (from an reliable on campus source). I know of a couple people that have applied, but it is still too early to mention names. I don't want to jinx anyone as I firmly believe that one of them would be an excellent choice Hopefully they will move quickly to try and save some recruits or get some in depending on the status of the recruiting class. It's so tough this time of year to get new kids interested.

    Congrats to TJ!

He "resigned." He has had 5 years to turn the program around and I suppose that UD finally decided to give someone else a chance. Playing the School of Blind 7 times a year doesn't prepare a team for the tough conference schedule. They haven't improved. As an IIAC school, they should have a number of good candidates. The campus has grown- continues to do so as a new athletic facility is in the works- and other programs are having success- must be some support from the administration. Although, I just remembered that they went with the easy hire for softball and hired someone who had absolutely no fastpitch experience- one of their assistant baseball coaches. I guess this one's up in the air.

With Dye returning and a hopefully a couple post recruits, I think IWU could have another impressive season next year. I'm sure that Solari will be returning (anyone know for sure?) and with that comes rebounds. I did see her play a couple of games in high school, but I too was quite impressed with the statistics that I saw on her for those first couple of games. She'll be a force if she comes back at 100%.

Does anyone have any recruiting news from around the conference? In terms of DIII it may still be a couple weeks early as I know many kids are waiting for their financial aid packages and $$$ is always a factor.

Greg- where are those Massey rankings posted? I'm curious as to where the WIAC and the IIAC sit  on it.

Wow, I didn't see that one coming. Sue Hanson is another standout person in the NAC. It has had to have been a difficult job at Alverno in terms of athletics. I can't imagine trying to recruit to an all female school.

Any word on what her future plans are?

strikingviking, there's a lot of criticsm coming from a poster who seems to be lacking some information regarding D3 athletics.

North Central's roster was rather thin this season- many players left and many were dismissed from the team. Many coaches are willing to take risks to make the necessary changes in there programs. I think she's one of them and with a solid recruiting class, they'll improve.

Augie used to be one of the best teams. Do you realize that it's been 5-6 years since they've had a winning conference season? That's not the current coach's fault. Did you know that the majority of her kids were not going to return this season? Did you know that none of the kids on this squad are her's? Give her a recruiting class or two. You can't put the blame for what the previous coach didn't do on her. As far as experience goes, she's already taken a team to the NCAA tournament- one that was a below .500 team when she took over. Not all coaches can say they've been there. It'll take time, but no one is going from worst to first in this league.

I agree with Mr. Ypsi. The CCIW women are moving in the right direction. We've got dedicated coaches at all schools and they are working very hard to improve their squads. I give them credit. It's a time consuming occupation and you really have to love what you do to put up with all the headaches that come with it at times.

strikingviking- you obviously aren't too familiar with Lakeland women's basketball.
Sheboygan is a tough draw, but there will be plenty of applicants. I'm sure in house applications will be thrown in, but I'm sure that Jane will hire a female for the position. If that's the case, Teri Johnson comes to mind, who is an alum and is the current head coach at MacMurray in Jacksonville, IL. One might look at Casey Thousand- current Carthage assistant. The way to experience is to be given a chance. Both of those individuals know the school well and that's a major selling point with Lakeland- both also went through Arvan's program and I'm sure have taken many of her philosophys with them.

April's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. I think that everyone in the conference knows the history of Lakeland basketball and the tremendous job  that she has done in her tenure as coach. One might remember all the players that have gone through her program and how successful they've been. Who could forget Julia who came to play basketball , Jill Dewayne, Casey Thousand, and countless others. April is well respected in the profession.

I've been reading WLCALUM83's posts for the past 8 months and he's a WLC fan   I think he stated his personal memories of a great rivalry with his team. No harm in that.

April has been a fantastic coach and whoever Jane hires will have some very big shoes to fill. It's very sad to think that we won't see Coach Arvan on the sideline next season. She's the classiest coach in the league and her teams have been a blast to watch over the years.

Best of luck to her in her new/expanded duties.