FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[washdupcard]

Football


Additions made to Cardinal Coaching Staff

North Central College head football coach John Thorne has announced a series of changes to the Cardinals' coaching staff, including the addition of several new coaches to the program.

Bill Wienke, the Cardinals' linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator, will return to the position of defensive coordinator, a post he held from 2004-2006.

"I'm really happy for him, and the returning players are, as well," Thorne said of Wienke, who has been on the coaching staff since Thorne arrived at the College in 2002.

Wienke's defensive unit ranked first in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin in four categories in 2006, including fewest rushing yards allowed (89.7 per game) and turnover margin (+21). The Cardinals also set a school record for fewest passing yards allowed in a game (0 vs. Augustana College).

"I'm elated," Wienke said. "This is a great place to work. It's a joy to work here with the coaches we have, and the players and their families are phenomenal. With the coaches we've got coming in here, there's just a lot of really good people to work with."

New to the Cardinals' defensive staff this season is Matt Foster, who will serve as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator. Foster, the head football coach at Wheaton North High School the past seven years, has also served as an assistant coach at the College of DuPage from 1992-1997, associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Central Connecticut State University from 1987-1991, and defensive coordinator at Salisbury State University (Md.) from 1984-1987.

He brings a track record of success to his position at the College, helping Salisbury State advance to the NCAA Division III national championship game, aiding Central Connecticut State to three straight winning seasons, making six National Junior College Athletic Assocation playoff appearances (including two trips to the national championship game) with DuPage, and leading Wheaton North to the state playoffs four times, twice advancing to the semifinals. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1983 and earned a master's degree from Salisbury State in 1986.

"The reason I'm here is Coach Thorne," said Foster, who played for Thorne at Wheaton Central High School (now Wheaton Warrenville South). "I was lucky to have him as my high school coach, and I feel very lucky to be a part of his staff here. He was very influential in my decision to pursue coaching, and he helped shape the kind of coach I decided I wanted to be. I'm excited about the opportunity to learn even more, and maybe I can give something back."

Also new to the defensive staff, though not new to North Central, is Eric Stuedemann '07, who will also help with the coaching of defensive backs. Stuedemann was a four-year starter at wide receiver for the Cardinals from 2003-2006, finishing as North Central's career record holder in receptions (175) while ranking second in receving yards (2,099) and third in touchdown catches (20). He was a First Team All-CCIW and All-North Region selection as a senior.

After earning his bachelor's degree from the College in 2007, Stuedemann joined the Cardinals' coaching staff, assisting with the coaching of tight ends. He earned his master of business administration degree, also from North Central, last spring.

"This is a great program," Stuedemann said. "That's a big reason why I came back and helped out last year, along with the relationships I've developed with the coaches. I learned a lot last year, and plan on learning a lot more this year as a defensive coach.

"It will be new at first, but I think it helps that I have experience at wide receiver, because I may pick up on opponents' tendencies a little differently than the players will."

"Any time you get the chance to hire former players, it's a great opportunity for everyone involved," Thorne mentioned. "Brad Spencer '04 joined our staff a few years ago, and he had just finished up his playing career, but he really worked hard and has done a terrific job. We think Eric will do the same thing."

Stuedemann is joined on the coaching staff this season by two other recent North Central graduates in Chuck Earnest '06 and Lenny Radtke '06. Earnest will assist Spencer with the coaching of wide receivers, while Radtke will aid Wienke in the mentoring of linebackers.

Earnest is one of just three players in North Central history to catch at least 100 passes and currently ranks third all-time at the College with 105 career receptions. He was a First Team All-CCIW selection as a senior in 2005, and ranks in the top 10 of every single-season and career receiving category in the Cardinals' record book.

"Our passing composite is very complex and extremely hard to learn," Thorne indicated. "For Brad to teach it by himself every year is a gigantic job. Due to the fact that we have such a large recruiting class this season, we're trying to back every coach up with an assistant, and that will be a huge boost for all of us.

"Chuck knows our composite, and knows the checks and how to adjust routes depending on coverage, so he will be able to help our receivers learn it a great deal faster."

Radtke is North Central's all-time leader in tackles in career (466) and a single season (152 as a senior in 2005), in addition to ranking in the top 10 in pass breakups and tackles for loss. He was a three-time First Team All-CCIW selection and a two-time All-American.

"Lenny was a tremendous team captain for us, and just an unbelievable player," Thorne said. "He will be a great resource for our linebackers to learn from on a day-to-day basis."

Thorne plans to announce more additions to the staff in the near future, and is still searching for an assistant offensive line coach and an assistant coach to work with kickers and punters. The Cardinals open the 2008 season Sept. 13 against Ohio Northern University.

It seems odd that Coach Foster would take this position with North Central in light of his obvious credentials and achievements.  To me, this screams of a future promise for a better position on the coaching staff as either D-Coord., or the eventual replacement for Thorne (now that Lester, the previous heir-apparant has moved on).

Anyone agree?  Disagree?  Taulk amongst yourselves.

[washdupcard]

We have Ohio Northern who is a better than average opponent.

I'll say. ONU is ranked in the top 20 in some (less than reputable) preseason polls. I would be surprised if they are not in the D3football top 20. They return 16 starters from a 7-3 (2nd place to Mt Union in the OAC) team and will be this years annual contender to give Mt Union a run in conference. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see ONU come to Naperville and win. That's as tough an opening game as any team will have. Unfortunately for ONU, they have to play Mt Union the next week.

On the ONU vs. NCC topic, the 2008 OAC Preview is posted here:

http://www.mtunionfootball.com/2008season/08oacpreview.htm


Thought the CCIW guys might be curious to see where we think ONU will finish in the OAC and how the opener vs. NCC will play out.

Knowing very little of Ohio Northern other than by reputation when Jamal Robertson played there...I'm curious to see how their power running game (as described in the preview) will matchup with NCC's still yet to be declared defensive system.  I'm assuming if NCC continues to run the 3-3-5, NCC could have some scheme/matchup problems with Ohio Northern's physical style.

[nccardboy]

Im glad to see Wienke get the nod for D-Coordinator as I think it was the best decision with a clean transition for the team.  I think the additions of Stuedemann, Earnest, and Radtke the coaches will have some quality young guys on the staff.

Football


Additions made to Cardinal Coaching Staff

North Central College head football coach John Thorne has announced a series of changes to the Cardinals' coaching staff, including the addition of several new coaches to the program.

Bill Wienke, the Cardinals' linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator, will return to the position of defensive coordinator, a post he held from 2004-2006.

"I'm really happy for him, and the returning players are, as well," Thorne said of Wienke, who has been on the coaching staff since Thorne arrived at the College in 2002.

Wienke's defensive unit ranked first in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin in four categories in 2006, including fewest rushing yards allowed (89.7 per game) and turnover margin (+21). The Cardinals also set a school record for fewest passing yards allowed in a game (0 vs. Augustana College).

"I'm elated," Wienke said. "This is a great place to work. It's a joy to work here with the coaches we have, and the players and their families are phenomenal. With the coaches we've got coming in here, there's just a lot of really good people to work with."

New to the Cardinals' defensive staff this season is Matt Foster, who will serve as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator. Foster, the head football coach at Wheaton North High School the past seven years, has also served as an assistant coach at the College of DuPage from 1992-1997, associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Central Connecticut State University from 1987-1991, and defensive coordinator at Salisbury State University (Md.) from 1984-1987.

He brings a track record of success to his position at the College, helping Salisbury State advance to the NCAA Division III national championship game, aiding Central Connecticut State to three straight winning seasons, making six National Junior College Athletic Assocation playoff appearances (including two trips to the national championship game) with DuPage, and leading Wheaton North to the state playoffs four times, twice advancing to the semifinals. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1983 and earned a master's degree from Salisbury State in 1986.

"The reason I'm here is Coach Thorne," said Foster, who played for Thorne at Wheaton Central High School (now Wheaton Warrenville South). "I was lucky to have him as my high school coach, and I feel very lucky to be a part of his staff here. He was very influential in my decision to pursue coaching, and he helped shape the kind of coach I decided I wanted to be. I'm excited about the opportunity to learn even more, and maybe I can give something back."

Also new to the defensive staff, though not new to North Central, is Eric Stuedemann '07, who will also help with the coaching of defensive backs. Stuedemann was a four-year starter at wide receiver for the Cardinals from 2003-2006, finishing as North Central's career record holder in receptions (175) while ranking second in receving yards (2,099) and third in touchdown catches (20). He was a First Team All-CCIW and All-North Region selection as a senior.

After earning his bachelor's degree from the College in 2007, Stuedemann joined the Cardinals' coaching staff, assisting with the coaching of tight ends. He earned his master of business administration degree, also from North Central, last spring.

"This is a great program," Stuedemann said. "That's a big reason why I came back and helped out last year, along with the relationships I've developed with the coaches. I learned a lot last year, and plan on learning a lot more this year as a defensive coach.

"It will be new at first, but I think it helps that I have experience at wide receiver, because I may pick up on opponents' tendencies a little differently than the players will."

"Any time you get the chance to hire former players, it's a great opportunity for everyone involved," Thorne mentioned. "Brad Spencer '04 joined our staff a few years ago, and he had just finished up his playing career, but he really worked hard and has done a terrific job. We think Eric will do the same thing."

Stuedemann is joined on the coaching staff this season by two other recent North Central graduates in Chuck Earnest '06 and Lenny Radtke '06. Earnest will assist Spencer with the coaching of wide receivers, while Radtke will aid Wienke in the mentoring of linebackers.

Earnest is one of just three players in North Central history to catch at least 100 passes and currently ranks third all-time at the College with 105 career receptions. He was a First Team All-CCIW selection as a senior in 2005, and ranks in the top 10 of every single-season and career receiving category in the Cardinals' record book.

"Our passing composite is very complex and extremely hard to learn," Thorne indicated. "For Brad to teach it by himself every year is a gigantic job. Due to the fact that we have such a large recruiting class this season, we're trying to back every coach up with an assistant, and that will be a huge boost for all of us.

"Chuck knows our composite, and knows the checks and how to adjust routes depending on coverage, so he will be able to help our receivers learn it a great deal faster."

Radtke is North Central's all-time leader in tackles in career (466) and a single season (152 as a senior in 2005), in addition to ranking in the top 10 in pass breakups and tackles for loss. He was a three-time First Team All-CCIW selection and a two-time All-American.

"Lenny was a tremendous team captain for us, and just an unbelievable player," Thorne said. "He will be a great resource for our linebackers to learn from on a day-to-day basis."

Thorne plans to announce more additions to the staff in the near future, and is still searching for an assistant offensive line coach and an assistant coach to work with kickers and punters. The Cardinals open the 2008 season Sept. 13 against Ohio Northern University.

It seems odd that Coach Foster would take this position with North Central in light of his obvious credentials and achievements.  To me, this screams of a future promise for a better position on the coaching staff as either D-Coord., or the eventual replacement for Thorne (now that Lester, the previous heir-apparant has moved on).

Anyone agree?  Disagree?  Taulk amongst yourselves.

I could also see this in the future seeing as Lester was one of Thornes guys he brought in but well see.

[usee]

www.philadelphiaeagles.com

picture currently on the front page from practice today of Studebaker pass rushing a big dude. they hold a little better in the NFL.  seems to be doing well. he is one of 2 lb's that particpates in pass rush drills against the OLine.

[JUSTWATCH33]

I noticed that the board is a lot slow right now so I'm going to pose some questions. Will there be any big upsets in the CCIW and who if any team be the biggest surprise? (positive or negative)

[Comet 14]

I don't know about any surprises. But I would be surprised if Wheaton doesn't win the confrence outright. Here's why! I don't thinks Illinois Weslyan will have as good of a season as last year. They kind of snuck up on the rest of the league. North Central is dealing with some coachiong changes, they lost ( from what people on this board seem to think) a very good coach. I think that will cost them 1 win this year. Augie is completely changing there Offensive philosophy I don't see them competing for the crown this year. Elmhurst is adding a new Head Coach and will have some changes to there system. While I think the enthusiasm of the new hire gains a win I think the fact that some offensive and defensive philosophies will be different will cost a game so I see them at 6-4 or 7-3. Not good enough to contend. I think Carthage will be right in the middle of the pack with the loss of some key players due to personal reasons. Wheaton is the only team with enough talent to win that went through normal changes in personel due to graduation. Keep in mind this is only my opinion, WHICH I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN IT SUITS ME!!!

[Viking Mike]

Does anyone have some knowledge as to what prompted Augustana to change their offensive scheme THIS year in Barnes ninth year at the helm???  There was talk of the change when Barnes first b/c head coach but with each successive winning season, it was likely hard to support the change.  Now after a disappointing 5-5 season, it makes sense to change things up a bit.  Can anyone explain why this scheme will benefit Augie?
Has it come down to attracting recruits with a more popular, exciting offense?  Or is it an offense that Barnes feels can elevate the Vikings back to national prominence?  Or was it just in reponse to last year's stellar playmaking ability of his returning quarterback, Podulka???
                                                                                               
While I am not opposed to the change, it will be strange to watch the Vikings this year.  No doubt there will be some struggles until the team gets used to it.  Hopefully Barnes has some playmakers in his arsenal this year to make the offense go!!!  Looking forward to some exciting football BUT also sad to see the wing-T go after some great years of championship football!!!

That being said... the biggest change that needs to occur for Augie's return to national glory HAS to be on the defensive side of the ball.  Here's hoping Barne's and his staff can upgrade the defense and shut down the offensive likes of North Central, Wheaton and Mount Union.   In our championship years, our defense was stellar and the offense was just very good. 

Here's wishing Coach Barnes and the Viking's a great 2008 season and many outstanding seasons to come.  GO VIKINGS!!!

[Pat Coleman]

May be a matter of eventually bringing in enough recruits to run the spread. I talked to him about it back in 2005 and he said he would run whatever scheme he has personnel for, whether it was spread, Wing-T or something in between.

[AndOne]

Does anyone have some knowledge as to what prompted Augustana to change their offensive scheme THIS year in Barnes ninth year at the helm???  There was talk of the change when Barnes first b/c head coach but with each successive winning season, it was likely hard to support the change.  Now after a disappointing 5-5 season, it makes sense to change things up a bit.  Can anyone explain why this scheme will benefit Augie?
Has it come down to attracting recruits with a more popular, exciting offense?  Or is it an offense that Barnes feels can elevate the Vikings back to national prominence?  Or was it just in reponse to last year's stellar playmaking ability of his returning quarterback, Podulka???
                                                                                               
While I am not opposed to the change, it will be strange to watch the Vikings this year.  No doubt there will be some struggles until the team gets used to it.  Hopefully Barnes has some playmakers in his arsenal this year to make the offense go!!!  Looking forward to some exciting football BUT also sad to see the wing-T go after some great years of championship football!!!

That being said... the biggest change that needs to occur for Augie's return to national glory HAS to be on the defensive side of the ball.  Here's hoping Barne's and his staff can upgrade the defense and shut down the offensive likes of North Central, Wheaton and Mount Union.   In our championship years, our defense was stellar and the offense was just very good. 

Here's wishing Coach Barnes and the Viking's a great 2008 season and many outstanding seasons to come.  GO VIKINGS!!!

Viking Mike-----

Perhaps you answered your own question!   
See the highlighted portion of your above post.

If thats not the reason, perhaps the coach is changing the system to fit the skill set of his current personnel in order to aid them in reaching their fullest potential? You can't bring in a whole new team immediately so change the system to fit the skills of the players you do have. One of the signs of a good coach.

[Gregory Sager]

Has it come down to attracting recruits with a more popular, exciting offense?  Or is it an offense that Barnes feels can elevate the Vikings back to national prominence?  Or was it just in reponse to last year's stellar playmaking ability of his returning quarterback, Podulka???

I think that Augustana waited to make the change until it got the blessing of Schmitty Torkelson.

[Carthage Fan]

Not sure I have seen this question posted but when are CCIW teams all reporting? 

Carthage reports August 21st

Also, I heard Brett Favre petitioned the NCAA to get a 5th year of eligibility!    

[JUSTWATCH33]

North Park reports Aug. 13th

[Mugsy]

D3Football.com Pre-Season Top 25 is out.

#15 North Central
#17 Wheaton

IWU and Carthage received some votes.

Of note, teams on the CCIW non-conference schedule:
#5 Bethel (plays at Wheaton on 9/13)
#16 Ohio Northern (plays at North Central on 9/13)

[HScoach]

ONU / NCC should be a good one.

Bethel has no business being ranked #5.  They were very senior dominated and their entire offense graduated with QB Ben Wetzell.  If Wheaton doesn't win by 14+ I'll be shocked.

[Pat Coleman]

Wow. Don't tell Logan Flannery that Ben Wetzell was the entire offense.