FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Kovo]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

[NCF]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

But isn't that the whole point of bringing a dead program back to life? While cleaning some things out the other day, I found the manual my son received on his visit to NC. In it, Coach Thorne stated that while it was great to win conference championships, the focus was now on a new goal-A National Championship! The reason my son played for North Central was because he wanted a chance to win a National Championship. That's why people complain about not making deep play-off runs-they (and the coaches and players want more).. I don't think anyone would have seen that type of turn around 11 years ago.Thorne will always be remembered for creating the New Cardinal Tradition and he will be a tough act to follow when he decides to leave.

[Kovo]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

But isn't that the whole point of bringing a dead program back to life? While cleaning some things out the other day, I found the manual my son received on his visit to NC. In it, Coach Thorne stated that while it was great to win conference championships, the focus was now on a new goal-A National Championship! The reason my son played for North Central was because he wanted a chance to win a National Championship. That's why people complain about not making deep play-off runs-they (and the coaches and players want more).. I don't think anyone would have seen that type of turn around 11 years ago.Thorne will always be remembered for creating the New Cardinal Tradition and he will be a tough act to follow when he decides to leave.

NCF,

First, thank you for sending your son to North Central.  I hope that his experiences and education enrich his life and career.

And, yes that is the point!  I suffer and lament the tough losses as much as any alum, and dream of the chilly morning that I take an early stroll through Salem because I am too excited to sleep with the big Cardinal game that afternoon.  With that said, after the sting of the season ending wears off (generally 2-3 weeks), I once again appreciate the job that these players and coaches have done.  I hope that we can keep it going and someday make a championship run.  Of course with a new President (and maybe a new head coach in the not so distant future) taking control this month............we shall see.

[New Tradition]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

But isn't that the whole point of bringing a dead program back to life? While cleaning some things out the other day, I found the manual my son received on his visit to NC. In it, Coach Thorne stated that while it was great to win conference championships, the focus was now on a new goal-A National Championship! The reason my son played for North Central was because he wanted a chance to win a National Championship. That's why people complain about not making deep play-off runs-they (and the coaches and players want more).. I don't think anyone would have seen that type of turn around 11 years ago.Thorne will always be remembered for creating the New Cardinal Tradition and he will be a tough act to follow when he decides to leave.

[NCF]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

But isn't that the whole point of bringing a dead program back to life? While cleaning some things out the other day, I found the manual my son received on his visit to NC. In it, Coach Thorne stated that while it was great to win conference championships, the focus was now on a new goal-A National Championship! The reason my son played for North Central was because he wanted a chance to win a National Championship. That's why people complain about not making deep play-off runs-they (and the coaches and players want more).. I don't think anyone would have seen that type of turn around 11 years ago.Thorne will always be remembered for creating the New Cardinal Tradition and he will be a tough act to follow when he decides to leave.

After I posted that I laughed as well-hope you enjoyed it! And thanks for laying the foundation for all future Cardinals. If it wasn't for guys like you who bought into the "New Tradition", there wouldn't be one to build on. (but I really mean the first part-you guys had to lay the foundation or we would not be celebrating the 7th STRAIGHT title)

[NCF]

When Coach Thorne became head coach at North Central, he talked about coaching for 10 years. He's past that now. I think it's unlikely that Thorne would move up to FCS, giving the health issues of his wife.

Both Jeff Thorne and Ponx have been positioning themselves for becoming head coach "someday."

Nice little post season discussion.

Of course at 97 wins, do you think that there may be motivation to achieve the 100 win mark and cement his legacy as the greatest football coach in North Central history (by far)?  And, along those lines (for all of you Cardinals out there), isn't it time rename the facility John Thorne field at B-W Stadium?

For all of you new(er) to the red and white don't forget the fact that when he was considering the job, a number of people called him to talk him out it, since it was a graveyard of coaches, and everyone knew that you couldn't win in Naperville.  Now we complain about playoff losses, and how we should be going deeper in the tournament.

But isn't that the whole point of bringing a dead program back to life? While cleaning some things out the other day, I found the manual my son received on his visit to NC. In it, Coach Thorne stated that while it was great to win conference championships, the focus was now on a new goal-A National Championship! The reason my son played for North Central was because he wanted a chance to win a National Championship. That's why people complain about not making deep play-off runs-they (and the coaches and players want more).. I don't think anyone would have seen that type of turn around 11 years ago.Thorne will always be remembered for creating the New Cardinal Tradition and he will be a tough act to follow when he decides to leave.

NCF,

First, thank you for sending your son to North Central.  I hope that his experiences and education enrich his life and career.

And, yes that is the point!  I suffer and lament the tough losses as much as any alum, and dream of the chilly morning that I take an early stroll through Salem because I am too excited to sleep with the big Cardinal game that afternoon.  With that said, after the sting of the season ending wears off (generally 2-3 weeks), I once again appreciate the job that these players and coaches have done.  I hope that we can keep it going and someday make a championship run.  Of course with a new President (and maybe a new head coach in the not so distant future) taking control this month............we shall see.

You are welcome- but I did not push him one way or the other. He was impressed with the coaches (while we came to talk football, Coach Carius asked to talk to him as well), the players he met, the campus, the whole experience. He is disappointed in how the season ended but enjoyed every minute of the experience. He would like to give back and coach at NC while he is student teaching.

[AndOne]

And, yes that is the point!  I suffer and lament the tough losses as much as any alum, and dream of the chilly morning that I take an early stroll through Salem because I am too excited to sleep with the big Cardinal game that afternoon.  With that said, after the sting of the season ending wears off (generally 2-3 weeks), I once again appreciate the job that these players and coaches have done.  I hope that we can keep it going and someday make a championship run.  Of course with a new President (and maybe a new head coach in the not so distant future) taking control this month............we shall see.

I think the new NCC President will champion athletics as President Wilde did. I have already seen him at a volleyball
match and a football game. I'd bet he'll be seen at a Cardinal basketball game or more pretty soon.
However, don't look for any major improvements to the "hangar" in the near future unless some benefactor donates a chunk of money specifically designated for the building. The next bucket full of dinero NC amasses will likely be earmarked for a science center. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Isn't the 'airplane hangar' on the "National Historical Sites" registry by now?!

[CardinalAlum]

Isn't the 'airplane hangar' on the "National Historical Sites" registry by now?!

Yes, right before your name!   

[CardinalAlum]

Congrats to Wheaton grad and a former coaching buddy of mine, Steve Ryan, who has his Morningside College team in the NAIA National Championship game!

[Mugsy]

Congrats to Wheaton grad and a former coaching buddy of mine, Steve Ryan, who has his Morningside College team in the NAIA National Championship game!

I second this!  Steve has done an outstanding job with the Morningside program.  Steve was from the same class as I and was the OLB on the other side.

http://morningside.edu/mustangs/football/fbnews.htm#ryan

[Kovo]

Congrats to Wheaton grad and a former coaching buddy of mine, Steve Ryan, who has his Morningside College team in the NAIA National Championship game!

I second this!  Steve has done an outstanding job with the Morningside program.  Steve was from the same class as I and was the OLB on the other side.

http://morningside.edu/mustangs/football/fbnews.htm#ryan

Which means that we played against each other (if '85 was your freshman year), unfortunately WC took home the Bell that year!  Congrats to one of your guys and Morningside.

[79jaybird]

1985 I was in kindergarten and my most vivid memory of 1985 was dressing up in Jim McMahon's jersey on "dress up as your favorite Bears day" a day after the super bowl win.   

[Mugsy]

Congrats to Wheaton grad and a former coaching buddy of mine, Steve Ryan, who has his Morningside College team in the NAIA National Championship game!

I second this!  Steve has done an outstanding job with the Morningside program.  Steve was from the same class as I and was the OLB on the other side.

http://morningside.edu/mustangs/football/fbnews.htm#ryan

Which means that we played against each other (if '85 was your freshman year), unfortunately WC took home the Bell that year!  Congrats to one of your guys and Morningside.

Yup, 85' was my freshman year.  I saw the field on all special teams and in garbage time as a freshman, which means I would have likely played the last couple of minutes of 4th quarter against NCC in 85'.   

The intersection of years we played and link to Steve Ryan are part of the reason CardinalAlum & I can give each other grief.

[Mugsy]

1985 I was in kindergarten and my most vivid memory of 1985 was dressing up in Jim McMahon's jersey on "dress up as your favorite Bears day" a day after the super bowl win.   

Was about to call you a youngster, but not quite so much anymore.