FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

Here are a few commits to NCC for 2012:

Eric Knaperek, OG, Lincoln-Way North
Richard Zirngibl, QB/DB , Buffalo Grove
Noel Gaspari, QB, Batavia
Josh Beveridge, DT, Crystal Lake South


Don't know too much about them. Anyone have any info?

Gaspari led his team to a perfect regular season finish (12-1 overall), and the state semi finals. This past season he threw for over 3,100 yards and 30 TDs with only 7 interceptions. In his final game he completed 28 of 45 passes for 371 yards, and 3 TDs.
Besides North Central, he also considered Dayton, Drake, and Butler as well as fellow CCIW schools Carthage and Augie.

[lakeshore]

WC recruits posted...some impressive local players

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/5/8/FB_0508122740.aspx

[New Tradition]

I can't find any documentation, but I've heard rumors that Kyle Fiedorowicz has been invited to the New Orleans Saints mini-camp.

[NCF]

I can't find any documentation, but I've heard rumors that Kyle Fiedorowicz has been invited to the New Orleans Saints mini-camp.

The story is on the NCC athletics site.

[NCF]

For NC alumni: Al Benedetti, huge North Central benefactor, passed away last week. Story on the college webpage.

[USee]

I have been hearing that Charlie Velling, a 1st team all CCIW running back for Wheaton in 2009, has returned to the team. This could be a big boost for a team that ran the ball poorly this past year, averaging just 3.8 YPC and 1268 yds. In 2009, Velling, while splitting time with Rocky Gingg, ran 133 times for 678 yds and 6 tds with a 5.1 YPC average. Wheaton's offense should be very potent with the return of Velling, Meador/Roberts, and Mark Hiben.

[Titan Q]

On IWU's recruiting class...


http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/iwu-football-expecting-big-things-from-freshmen/article_26c8d9ca-9a4e-11e1-921b-0019bb2963f4.html

http://wjbc.com/2012-titan-football-recruits-bring-depth-experience/

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/lexington-s-kelley-to-join-cousin-stinde-on-iwu-s/article_02cc2230-9a5c-11e1-867c-0019bb2963f4.html


Sounds like Naperville Central's Zach Borta (DE) is the big recruit in the class.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-sports-high-school-football-zach-borta,0,6770241.htmlpage  (video)

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/9035145-401/2011-sun-times-all-area-football-team.html?print=true

http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/sports/9080752-419/naperville-sun-all-area-football-team.html

http://edgytim.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1297708

[Titan Q]

Chris Bisaillon (IWU '93) was named to the College Football Hall of Fame, Divisional Class...

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/5/22/FB_0522124114.aspx

[Naperick]

Chris Bisaillon (IWU '93) was named to the College Football Hall of Fame, Divisional Class...

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/5/22/FB_0522124114.aspx

Well deserved honor!  He also had a great career at Herscher High.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Chris Bisaillon (IWU '93) was named to the College Football Hall of Fame, Divisional Class...

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/5/22/FB_0522124114.aspx

Q, thanks for the link.  Since he was way after my time at IWU (but well before d3football.com), I knew absolutely nothing about him except for lines in the record book.  Sounds like a helluva player and a helluva guy.

[matblake]

Chris Bisaillon (IWU '93) was named to the College Football Hall of Fame, Divisional Class...

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/5/22/FB_0522124114.aspx

Q, thanks for the link.  Since he was way after my time at IWU (but well before d3football.com), I knew absolutely nothing about him except for lines in the record book.  Sounds like a helluva player and a helluva guy.

He was a great player.  You couldn't ever stop him completely, he was eventually going to get an important reception against you. 

On a separate note, how about that neck roll on the Quincy player in the pic in the article linked? 

[matblake]

Ittersagen heads North.

[shepherd]

WC recruits posted...some impressive local players

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/5/8/FB_0508122740.aspx

Not only local but some great out of state talent.  With a couple of the recruits who may be dual sports helping the baseball team out.  Some more exceptional WR talent to add to last years recruiting and a very good RB in Danny Puknaitis.  Puknaitis' running style is suited for D3.  Although he may be good enough as a freshman I hope they let him get used to the physical play of D3 and the CCIW. 

On another note I believe it will be huge for Wheaton if Charlie Velling comes back.  This would be a big boost to the running game.

Lastly do others agree that Illinois Wesleyan has taken a step up in the division in the past few years.  For me the question is how big is that step going to be with the improved recruiting and facilities.

[badgerwarhawk]

I'm curious what "running style" is suited for D3?  I asuume that the slow couldn't find a hole that a tank could drive through style doesn't fit very well. 

[Mugsy]

Interesting article on Mark Hiben. 

I'm not sure how accurate the "only 5 freshman have ever started for Coach Swider in 27 years" comment is.  My freshman year was Coach Swider's first as D-Coordinator and in that year we had at least 3 freshman starting (Steve Holland, David Lauber, Ron Miller). 

It is however very rare.  I could see only 5 freshman starters since he took over the head coaching position.

http://wheaton.patch.com/articles/the-catch-that-changed-everything-for-wheaton-college-wide-receiver-mark-hiben