FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wally_wabash]

Have spring practices started up yet?  If so, any word on how they're going around the league...in particular, is anybody stepping up to fill some holes that are being opened by graduation? 

[BashBacker#16]

Wally,

Bash started a couple of weeks ago (with footballs this year  ) - they looked very good and have good numbers.  The O-line will be the biggest we have ever had, I thought their size stood out, the WRs stood out and look awesome as expected.  Remember this name at Outside Linebacker - Matt Craft - scary Sophomore that will have to step in with the loss of Selby & Foster.

The Little Giants just landed a big recruit too that was very high on the list - a running back.  Let's hope more commitments come through.

Has the Springfield paper had the article on Witt's class yet?  When they do, will someone post that?

[wally_wabash]

No surprise on the WRs.  Wabash has the best group of receivers in the conference by a pretty decent margin.  A few of those guys are blistering the track this spring as well (Bart Banach and Mike Russell have the second and third best 100m times in the NCAC this season as wall as the top two times in the 200m). 

LB will be an intesting spot to watch.  A lot of gaps to replace, but Wabash has a lot of people ready to step in...Dieg, Roomes, Kraft, Greisel, Gardiner.  No shortage of LBs on Wabash's roster.

Good to hear about the RB recruit.  RB is the spot where Wabash probably doesn't have anybody that really stands out.  They could definitely use a stud there. 

[OWUZOO]

Hello NCAC Fans!

Been an observer for several years and think it's time that I chime in with some opinions; although I must admit to having just a Fan's appreciation for the sport of college football......I've noticed some very intelligent X's & O's people on here and they're giving me a much better understanding of the game so keep up the good work. As you've guessed, I'm a Delaware, OH area resident and OWU fan for many years.  The OWU ZOO comes from the name of the 80's fan base that followed the National Champion Mens basketball, of which I'm still very proud of.  Over the years I've had an opportunity to visit almost every stadium and arena in the league and witnessed the extreme pride and tradition each of you possess and because of that, I've gained a respect for all of the members.  I have two initial questions.  Last year the buzz was over Spring practice finally being allowed but without a football.  Did that change for 2006?  Also, from you OWU insiders, how does the team stack up for next year.  Did we receive any transfers or new players that are at Spring practice that will make an impact next season.  I know the O and D both lost alot with the upcoming graduation of Sir Lewis and Cisco C.   

[aueagle]

Welcome OWUZOO!! Great to have you on-board. As far as I know, the Bishops are using a ball this spring. For the 2006 edition of Battling Bishop football, we should be solid on "D" with safety SHERMAN, corner THOME & WHEELER covering deep/ D-end CASE & tackle RITTMEYER on the line/LB's SCHWED, MEYER, ELLIS and D3-NCAC fan favorite JR rounding it out. OWU is always tough on "D" and this fall will be no different. On the other side of the ball the O-line and halfback RICE are back. With SIR LOUIE gone, the Bishops need help at QB & the other skill positions. I have no info on transfers or incoming frosh to report. Glad to have another RED & BLACK fan. Maybe KCREDS can highlite any frosh/transfer movement. GO BISHOPS

[kcreds]

I also want to welcome another Bishop fan to the board, OWUZOO! We need all the support we can get to keep up with the Wabash and Wooster fans. I think we hold our own against the other schools.

I am indeed optimistic about the upcoming season. I have not heard a lot of talk about transfers or freshman coming in. I do know I like who OWU has coming back, especially on defense. OWU has talent at key defensive positions. Owen Case is my preseason pick for defensive player of the year. I also like the skill players on offense that are returning, the RB, WR, and TE positions are solid. Sir Louis missed some games last year and the backup QB played very well.  My concern, possibly based on ignorance and not fact, is the O and D line between the tackles.

Jr. is more focused now then I have ever seen him and my hope, of course, is that he will be able to contribute this coming season on defense. Goooooo Bishops!

[OWUZOO]

Thanks for the welcome. 

Living in the land of "Buckeyes" I think it's refreshing to see such great support for the sport at it's purest level.  I have a good friend in the Delaware area that played for Allegheny in the 70's and I've seen him turn down great OSU tickets because he was attending an OWU game out of preference.  Like I said in my first posting, I'm more a fan of the game then a technician of the X's and O's but I do get kick out of "The Battle of The Postings" that you experts wage.  So keep up the spirited debates with the big W's and I'll probably play the part of the peanut gallery.  Also, I do know it's official...OWU is installing a new artificial surface football field this summer and will also renovate the track surface.....both will be ready for the 2006 season.  What a HUGE improvement to Selby.

Go Bishops!!

[wally_wabash]

Selby doesn't need much help.  Along with the Papp in Wooster, Selby is atop my list of favorite road NCAC stadiums to visit.  Actually, those two are toward the top of any D-III stadium that I've been to (away from Crawfordsville, of course!). 

[kcreds]

Wally I agree with you. Selby Stadium is rich in tradition and was a selling point for Jr.. I was totally impressed by Wooster, not so much the stadium but the atmosphere. The food and band were awesome. I told my family when OWU plays at Wooster in 2007, everyone is going and I got a big family.

I am also looking forward to going to the stadiums I did not go to last year. I am expecting a good time in Crawfordsville!

[BashBacker#16]

Kcreds - any recruiting scoop from the Bishops?  Anyone else around the league???

This time of year is interesting to see who wins and who loses when the player makes the final decision.  Bash lost an alum's son to Elmhurst (explain that one?), we beat Hope on a solid MI recruit, etc.  Pat & Crew are doing a nice job on their recruiting piece in the Daily Dose - very cool. 

[Pat Coleman]

Thanks.

Our news searches don't hit everyone, though, we know that. If there are Wabash recruits in the local papers, flag me.

[Duster72]

Ever since I heard that Spud Dick is going to DPU, my shirt ideas keep getting funnier.  I think of a couple every day.  In retrospect, I don't think I would have wanted to give DPU that kind of ammunition against us.

[aueagle]

Bishop baseball rips Wabash on Saturday 14-3 & 14-6. OWU clinches NCAC West. The 5th crown in the last 7 years. Since we can't beat the Men of Wabash on the gridiron, we'll beat them on the diamond!! GO BISHOPS

[wally_wabash]

Congratulations to OWU baseball....if only their football team could score as many points as their baseball team does.   

Zing! 

[kcreds]

Good one Wally.....a comment like that is typical of you facing defeat.

Goooooo Bishops!