FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[formerd3db]

LGHistorian:
You forgot to mention any factor that the University of Indianapolis might have in recruting even though they are DII  There still would be a few recruits that might be a consideration for both their DII program and the local/regional DIII programs. 

[smedindy]

I don't think U of I is a factor now in recruiting. I don't think they'll go after the same kids that Marian will. I think Marian will definitely compete more against the Indiana D-3 schools for kids, much like they do in hoops.

We know about their AD. It will be interesting to see who they hire as a coach.

Sure, the first year may be rough. But look how well Huntingdon did in year three. If Marian can get on the hors that quickly, especially if they get some of the Catholic schools behind them, then you've got trouble in River City for many of the Indiana D-3 schools.

[BashBacker#16]

Smeds - you are way off when you said, "I don't think U of I is a factor now in recruiting."  They have landed some guys the last couple of years that we definitely wanted.  Sometimes, no matter the circumstances, it comes down to money $$$ - even if a kid wants to be at Bash.  The days of going after "D3" kids are pretty much over...  When CC (or one of his staff) go to a high school, do you think they say, "I'd like to see your D3 players please?"

Justin Russell, Jeff HS - WR
Zach Dennis, Speedway - OL
Dustin Denton, Brownsburg - FS
Danny Goff, Zionsville - DE
Lynn Panko, Avon - LB
Tim Dury, Chatard - OL

[smedindy]

The main thrust is that Marian is going to make it a lot harder now to recruit in Indianapolis and the area.

[LGHistorian]

 When referring to Huntingdon you must remember they are in an area where they are the only D3 school for miles and miles. Marian is located right in the middle of an area where there are plenty of choices for football for those who are not D1 talent.  It might take a highly respected name coach to start things from the get go. Is there a Steve Alford of football in Indiana?

[BashBacker#16]

I disagree.  They will be another option but it will be awhile before really good players are choosing Marian College football?  NAIA, brand new program, etc.  Time will tell.

[formerd3db]

Yes, it will be interesting to see how Marian approaches all that; and even perhaps if they want to remain NAIA or switch to NCAA DIII in the future.  It is great that they are starting a program, even if NAIA.  Remember, though, that many of the Indiana, Michigan and Ohio small colleges were NAIA at one time (way back and including many of the current DII's).  However, with the current NCAA "structured and regulated entry system" into DIII, it might be awhile before they could become NCAA IF they ever desired to make the change. 
Yet, as I mentioned, at least they will have a football program now and that is good.  I still think they will have enough available players in the Indiananpolis and outlying regions to recruit student-athletes from.

BTW, you mention available coaches; how about Kit Cartwright?!  He's now available  

[formerd3db]

Other questions while we're on "related" subjects:

1) Any idea or opinion as to if Indiana Weslyan will/would ever start a football program? 

2) Also, what about Huntingdon College?

3) Why does Taylor University still remain NAIA?  With other similar colleges in their region switching to NCAA in the past 20 years or so, not sure why they don't want to.  Potential logical addition to the HCAC I would think. 

What are your general thoughts anyone?

[smedindy]

I think Marian is staying NAIA. The press release stated that they will use the maximum 24 scholarships.

Taylor pulled out of the ICAC (the precursor to the HCAC) because they didn't want to lose their basketball scholarships. I think there's enough bad blood still when they pulled out that the remaining HCAC members want nothing to do with them.

I don't think Indiana Wesleyan nor Huntington will start football.

There is one familiar name that is good friends with the current AD at Marian. I don't know if he's interested, but you never know.

[LGHistorian]

FD3DB-
Taylor at one time was a member of the ICAC (before it became HCAC). It was during this time that the conference was a mix of NCAA and NAIA. Anderson, Franklin and Hanover were still in the NAIA. The conference realized it must commit to one affiliation and that turned out to be NCAA.
Taylor opted out because of its strong history in the NAIA and because some of Taylor's staff/administration were members of the NAIA hierarchy. That's the official story, anyway.
I would think Marian would also stay in the NAIA. Although the basketball program is not as dominant as it once was it has a strong history in the NAIA. Both Taylor and Marian have had success in basketball and solid representation in post-season tournaments in the not so distant past.

[formerd3db]

Smeds and LGHistorian:

Thanks for the follow-up.  What you both mention makes sense.  I do remember [somewhat] the ICAC days, although didn't know some of the "particulars" with regard to the politics as you mentioned.  I also knew someone who played BB for Taylor back in the early '70's who was quite a good guard as I recall (haven't seen him in years and I was just a kid back then ).  Without having the exact info available to me right now, I thought the teams he played on were pretty good.  Anyway, thanks again and best wishes for wonderful holidays for you both (and all my other friends on the NCAC board).

[oldguy]

Well, it sucks that the season is over.  If nothing else, the NCAC was very interesting this year.  From Allegheny and Witt having rough years to Kenyon finishing second in the league standings.  Quite an eventful season. 

I really have no idea about next season, but here is my predicted NCAC finish.

Witt (yes I'm biased)
Wabash (reload well)
Allegheny (Better this past season than record indicates)
OWU (Wing-t equals 4th place at best)
Wooster (Must prove it can reload without a Sutton-like player)
Kenyon (I don't think they can sneak up on everyone again)
Denison (Getting better)
Oberlin (Getting better)
Earlham (Who cares?)
Hiram (Who cares?)

These predictions are my gut choices and have no statistical or research basis.

[aueagle]

To the guys on the NCAC board, Ric and the crew at D3,  " Merry Christmas." Thanks for making '05 a great year.

[BashBacker#16]

I know some have made some comments on the season Harbaugh had this year.  Now that the year is over and the post season awards have been coming in, it is absolutely amazing the year #3 had for the Little Giants.  Some (I won't mention any names ?? ( ) -  wondered if he would be the starter!  What were the odds?  Who would have predicted that he would be a Gagliardi finalist, a 2nd team All American (behind a guy named Elliot!), O MVP of the NCAC, team MVP, play in the Aztec Bowl...  It is mind boggling and a testament to hard work, determination, and a commitment to make the most of his opportunity.  What a GREAT story!  Sorry for the "lovefest" but needed to say that.

Another comment, I am still surprised that Chris Creighton (my opinion) does not get more "praise" for what he has done to the Wabash football program.  Specifically from certain alums that just don't get it - although that number is shrinking rapidly.  44-10 at Wabash (77-16 overall/83% winning percentage) - 2 NCAC championships, 2 undefeated regular seasons, and a 3-2 NCAA playoff record.  Coach C is a class act, has a class program, can flat out coach, a great recruiter, a talented speaker, and is the real deal.

Oldguy -
Can you do the same with a Witt snapshot; here is a quick & dirty on the 2006 Little Giants...Re-load?!
D-line = return Lange & Shaffer in the middle - scary, DEs will assume more PT in rotation (Gardiner, Anderson, Gangloff, Fry - all saw PT)...
LBs = Mr. Pynenberg, Deig & Knez along with some talented young LBs...deep
DBs = all return

OL = return 3 very good ones:  Millikan & Hilts at OTs and Certain (beast) led in pancakes - 2 spots to fill at C and G
TEs = Nelson & Shirack both return
WRs = FREAKY!!!  Russell, Walker, Green, Banach, Guererro (4 x 100 relay team)
QB = Huff's turn with 2 years of eligibility left
RB = a healthy Don Juan Brown

Punters/kickers return.

This is also the year for another trip for the team in the Spring - they head to Panama for a game in May.

[wally_wabash]

Is the NCAC going to let us use footballs in our game in Panama in the spring?   

I agree with your assessment for '06.  I think Wabash is probably the most well-equipped team for a repeat NCAC title in since the '01-'02 Witt teams.  I think the question marks for Wabash in '06 will be:

- LB.  Pynenberg is back and will be a super stud (for two more years NCAC...have fun with that).  But after Adi, Wabash needs to replace three seniors.  The talent is there with Deig, Griesl, and Keffer, but experience could be a factor.  These guys have all seen significant field time though, so I think Wabash will be fine at LB.  I'm not sure the LG's will get 4 first-team LBs again next year, but I think Wabash will have the best LBs in the conference. 

- RB. RB is a question because DJB has been fragile.  If DJB can stay healthy, we'll be in good shape.  If not, we'll need to find lightning in a bottle from an underclassman. 

- QB.  Huff has experience, but it's not fair to expect him to do what Russ did in '05.  The question is how much production can Wabash afford to lose from the quarterback position.  Huff will be aided greatly by the receivers on the team.  Nobody in the NCAC is even close to Wabash in the wide receiver department. 

I think we're solid everywhere else.  Secondary is the easy griping point with Wabash, but as you said, everybody comes back.  I'll be interested to see if Peterman and Banach can challenge for a corner spot next year.  Either way, you have to believe that Wabash will get better there. 

Wabash is in good shape.  I don't think the team is losing as much talent from '05 as we did from the '02 team....I'm not expecting quite as much dropoff as we saw in '03.