FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

any CCIW teams make the Lindys or Sporting News pre season top 25?  couldn't find it online.

Cards are ranked 14th and 15th
http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2010/6/2/MTEN_0602104918.aspx?path=football

Surprised not to see Wenger on a preseason list...Lindys and Sporting news must be REALLY keeping tabs on D3       In all seriousness though, I really enjoy reading all publications and look forward to D3football.coms preseason picks.  It is just preseason but I really enjoy it.

I would not expect to see Matt Wenger on a preseason AA list. I would be surprised if he shows up on D3.com's list as well. Not that he isn't worthy but when you miss a season with a knee injury its simply not clear whether you will come back as strong. If he is back to his old self he will be the player of the year. There is just too much uncertainty with a knee injury.

[CardinalAlum]

Hey, I made the pre season preview!!   

GREAT work, Usee!!   And i'm not saying that because of who you picked to win the conference!  I totally agree that Millikin could be a factor in the race this year.  If I had to pick a team that could fall a bit, it would be Augie, but you never know what could happen.  It will be interesting to see if Tassio is able to step in at QB and grab the job from the get go for the Cards.

[Gregory Sager]

Outstanding work, USee!

[matblake]

usee, good work as usual.  You got me hyped up for another great year of D3 action!  +k

[robertgoulet]

Great Analysis Usee,  +K   I think adding the frequent posters was a nice touch.

+K from me as well. Thanks for a great read Usee.

Really looking forward to the D3 football season.

In other news, I have heard rumors that the CCIW is thinking about adding Mount Union and either Ohio Northern or Capital. The conference is looking to expand it's footprint and get into the Ohio and Pennsylvania media markets to create some more revenue.

Word is that if this happens, the OAC will move to add Franklin and Hope.

Or none of this is true.

[ncc_fan]

Is it true that the CCIW had an opportunity to add Wabash & DePauw in the 1990s but chose not to expand?  I recall hearing rumors about this at the time, including a rumor that the expansion proposal received a majority of votes but not the necessary supermajority.  Or I may have a very active imagination.

Great Analysis Usee,  +K   I think adding the frequent posters was a nice touch.

+K from me as well. Thanks for a great read Usee.

Really looking forward to the D3 football season.

In other news, I have heard rumors that the CCIW is thinking about adding Mount Union and either Ohio Northern or Capital. The conference is looking to expand it's footprint and get into the Ohio and Pennsylvania media markets to create some more revenue.

Word is that if this happens, the OAC will move to add Franklin and Hope.

Or none of this is true.

[Pat Coleman]

I don't know about that but Wabash and DePauw were free agents at one point in the 90s. They left the ICAC (which became the HCAC) but Wabash joined the NCAC and DePauw joined the SCAC.

[lakeshore]

as recently as 2008 there was a CCIW athletic directors meeting directly related to that of expansion.  DePauw, St. Norberts and Monmouth (IL) had all inquired about joining the conference.  Not sure what the reasons were for not allowing them in.

[Mugsy]

Picture of Pete Ittersagen from Colts mini-camp.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=actionphotos_single&id=37941&player_id=641

[Gregory Sager]

Is it true that the CCIW had an opportunity to add Wabash & DePauw in the 1990s but chose not to expand?  I recall hearing rumors about this at the time, including a rumor that the expansion proposal received a majority of votes but not the necessary supermajority.  Or I may have a very active imagination.

as recently as 2008 there was a CCIW athletic directors meeting directly related to that of expansion.  DePauw, St. Norberts and Monmouth (IL) had all inquired about joining the conference.  Not sure what the reasons were for not allowing them in.

Numerous schools have contacted the CCIW and inquired about joining it at one time or another in recent years. From what I've been told by various people, that list includes Aurora, Benedictine, Carroll, DePauw, Rose-Hulman (which is an associate member of the CCIW for men's and women's swimming), and St. Norbert. I've also been told by administrators from more than one CCIW school that there really isn't much interest in expansion among the eight member schools. Eight members is an excellent number for scheduling purposes, and, beyond that, there's reluctance to bring in new members related to reasons ranging from being too far from the Chicagoland geographic base of the league (i.e., DePauw, St. Norbert) to being too close (i.e., Benedictine, which is four miles down the street from North Central) to dilution of control over league policy to the prospect of having to divide the league into two divisions in some sports (an idea that meets with resistance in certain quarters).

The most substantive reason that I can envision causing a possible change of heart is automatic qualifiers. Seven is the minimum threshold for automatic bids to D3 tournaments, and if that were to change it could lead the CCIW to expand. Right now, the only CCIW-sponsored sports that aren't automatically qualifying are wrestling (only four participating schools) and men's tennis (only six participating schools).

It appears to me that, generally speaking, the people in charge of the CCIW's eight schools know a good thing when they see it and are reluctant to flout the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[Mr. Ypsi]

I don't know if there are any other sports where this isn't the case, but at least for football and basketball 8 is IMO the perfect conference size.  Doing a full round-robin in fball, and a full double-round-robin in bball still leaves an ideal balance between conference games and non-conference 'choices'.  Any odd number makes scheduling a pain (someone constantly has a bye or a non-con game in the midst of the conference season); six is not enough for an AQ, while ten means way too few non-con 'choices' if you do full round-robins (and anything short of a full round-robin guarantees 'unfairness', at least some years).

[FormerCard]

any CCIW teams make the Lindys or Sporting News pre season top 25?  couldn't find it online.

Cards are ranked 14th and 15th
http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2010/6/2/MTEN_0602104918.aspx?path=football

Surprised not to see Wenger on a preseason list...Lindys and Sporting news must be REALLY keeping tabs on D3       In all seriousness though, I really enjoy reading all publications and look forward to D3football.coms preseason picks.  It is just preseason but I really enjoy it.

I would not expect to see Matt Wenger on a preseason AA list. I would be surprised if he shows up on D3.com's list as well. Not that he isn't worthy but when you miss a season with a knee injury its simply not clear whether you will come back as strong. If he is back to his old self he will be the player of the year. There is just too much uncertainty with a knee injury.

I understand knee surgeries are always a question mark going into a new season, but I figured since Wenger was a 1st time PreSeason All American for D3football.com in 2009, he may get a nod again this year.  I guess time will tell. 

[ncc_fan]

Carroll has inquired about (re)joining the CCIW?

Is it true that the CCIW had an opportunity to add Wabash & DePauw in the 1990s but chose not to expand?  I recall hearing rumors about this at the time, including a rumor that the expansion proposal received a majority of votes but not the necessary supermajority.  Or I may have a very active imagination.

as recently as 2008 there was a CCIW athletic directors meeting directly related to that of expansion.  DePauw, St. Norberts and Monmouth (IL) had all inquired about joining the conference.  Not sure what the reasons were for not allowing them in.

Numerous schools have contacted the CCIW and inquired about joining it at one time or another in recent years. From what I've been told by various people, that list includes Aurora, Benedictine, Carroll, DePauw, Rose-Hulman (which is an associate member of the CCIW for men's and women's swimming), and St. Norbert...

[Red Reign]

This is based on what I know now. This doesn't include information on injured or non-returning starters nor does it include potential 5th year returners.

CCIW Predicted order of finish:
North Central
Wheaton
Augie
Millikin
IWU
Carthage
Elmhurst
North Park

North Central
Returning starters: 16: 6 off, 10 def
Key losses: Aaron Fanthorpe, QB; Jim Janacek, DL, Dominic Sulo, RB; Josh Delancy OT, Coach Weinke
Key returners: Matt Wenger, LB; Steve Hlavac, WR; Kyle Antos, OL; Derek Sulo, DB, Robert Champion, DL
Non Conference schedule: @Cornell (Iowa), @Olivet, UWEC
Key conference games: @Augie Oct 19, @Wheaton Nov 6
Outlook: The Cardinals should be the hands down favorite again in the CCIW. Despite losing stars Aaron Fanthorpe and Dominic Sulo they have built imposing depth in the younger ranks and return promising QB Spencer Stanek as well as a dangerous and experienced group of skill players. On Defense they return All American candidate Matt Wenger, All Conference players Robert Champion and Derek Sulo from injury to join Willie Hayes, Joe Schneiderbaur, Josh Mcleod, and 7 other returning starters giving them impressive depth in what should be a nationally ranked defense. The schedule is favorable for the Cardinals as the only long conference road trip is Rock Island. They face Millikin, Carthage, and IWU in Naperville. If they stay healthy and they become a dominant defensive team, I see a deep run into the playoffs for this team.
Prediction: 10-0, conference champs
Post Patterns Regulars: CardAlum, FormerCard, CardinalDad, Hornet, Cardinalfan, AndOne, New Tradition, Shark56, robertgoulet

Wheaton College:
Returning starters: 13: 5 off, 8 def
Key losses: Sean Norris, QB/P; Freddy Ellis, WR; Nick Theobald, DT; Brian Hollet, DB; Coach Walt Whitehead
Key returners: Rocky Gingg RB; Charlie Velling, RB; Brian McMullen, DB; Tyler Langs, DB; Jordan Langs, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Albion, UW Platteville, @Olivet
Key Conference games:@Elmhurst Oct 9; @Augie Oct 30; vs NCC Nov 6
Outlook: The Thunder faded down the stretch for the 2nd time in 3 seasons last year and Coach Mike Swider is hoping for a stronger finish. On offense they return two 1st team CCIW running backs in Gingg and Velling which should take the load off the much what will be a rookie QB. Jordan Roberts and Griffin Kuhn will likely battle it out at QB. Zeller, Antal, Watkins and McLain are a talented group of WR and will provide veteran presence for the young QB. Questions remain in the offensive line where Coach Geoff Dart (Mt Union all conference OL) takes over for retired OL coach Walt Whitehead in Joe Davis' up tempo attack. On defense the thunder return 12 players who played in every game as well as All CCIW Tyler Langs at corner who sat out 2009 with an injury. With a year of the 3-4 under their belt and depth in the defensive backfield as well as at LB, the Thunder defense should be fairly stout. If the OL can come together and open holes for the running game, Wheaton  should be deep enough to challenge North Central and an opportunity to secure at least a Pool C in the post season.
Prediction: 8-2 2nd place.
Post Patterns Regulars: Mugsy, USee, matblake, CCIWfan, Wheels81

Illinois Wesleyan University
Returning starters: 7: 3 off; 4 def
Key losses: Scalcucci, WR; Messina, WR; Ladd, QB; Boothe, OT; Flood, C; Pope, TE; Ammirati, DE; Nickolich, LB; Hunter, DB; Beauchamp, DB
Key returners:Max Brooks, DT; Ryan Jenkins, DE; Dan Rogers LB; PJ Cummings, db; Brien Rooney, QB; Dayton Burnett, WR; Eli Williams, RB
Non Conference schedule: @Hope, Alma, @Aurora
Key Conference games: @Wheaton Oct 2; @NCC Oct 23, @Augie Nov 13
Outlook: The Titans had a senior laden team in 09 and will pay for it in 2010. With just 7 returning starters they will count on a number of young players to step up and contribute in a stronger CCIW. Brien Rooney has proven he is ready to be an All CCIW performer and Eli Williams is an explosive runner. Dayton Burnett is a burner and will be counted on to stretch the defense along with Joey Driver. On defense IWU was decimated by graduation but the 4 returners are all 1st team CCIW players in Brooks DL, Jenkins DL, Rogers LB and Cummings DB. Ryan Gresko also played in every game at LB (he was the 4th LB when they played a 3-4 defense) and is a veteran who will easily step into a starting role at LB. Coach Norm Eash has had some success the past few years and if he and Mike Murray have capitalized on that in recruiting they may be able to reload. This year will be telling for Titan nation. Their schedule is much tougher with games on the road @Wheaton to open the conference, @NCC and @Augie.
Prediction: 7-3; 3rd place
Post Patterns Regulars: Mr Ypsi, Titan Q, titanfan, devildog29

Augustana College
Returning starters: 11: 6 off; 5 def
Key losses: Blaine Westemeyer, OT; Jake Parke, RB/WR; Eric Meyer, LB; Aaron Setchell, LB; Jeff Daisy, DT
Key returners: David Lee, QB; Robert Wood, RB; Alex Shroeder, DB; Brandon Holl, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Greenville, Central, IA, @Adrian, Mi
Key Conference games: vs NCC Oct 9, vs Wheaton Oct 30
Outlook: Augie did not perform up to their standards in 09. They have 11 starters back but only 1 of them was an all conference performer. They will have to rely on unproven underclassmen to step up in key producing roles if they want to keep pace with the top of the conference. They return all conference running back Robert Wood and 3 starting OL. David Lee is back at the helm after averaging 211 yds per game in total offense. Alex Schroeder and John Mago return to lead a defense that lead the league in turnover margin in 09. In their 4 losses they averaged 12.5 pts a game offensively, getting shutout once. They get NCC, Wheaton and IWU at home this year and if they find a consistent offense they will be dangerous.
Prediction: 6-4 4th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Viking Mike, Augie6, DanSand

Millikin University
Returning starters: 17:10 off, 7 def
Key losses:Hector Galvan, DE; Bobby Galichio, LB; Devi Greer, DB
Key returners: Luke Hockaday, QB; Will Roth, TE; Dion Wilson, RB; Brian Blombquist OL; Chase Gruening, DT; Josh Ingold, LB; Cody Acree, DB
Non Conference schedule:@Illinois College, Hope, Greenville
Key Conference games: v Augie Oct 2 (conference opener), @NCC Oct 16, v Wheaton Nov 13
Outlook: Millikin is returning virtually their entire offense and most of the key contributors to their defense from a 6-4 team. They had 7 all CCIW players in 2009 and 6 of them return led by 1st team running back Dion Wilson. With 4 of their OL returning Wilson should have plenty of running room and Luke Hockaday was a dangerous qb who will have a year under his belt. Defensively the Big Blue have to replace Hector Galvan and Bobby Galichio in the front seven but return all conference players Chase Grueining, DE, LB Josh Ingold and DB Cody Acree. Millikin will be a better team than they were last year at 6-4. If  Wilson runs wild, Hockaday becomes a consistent playmaker and their defense can stop the run Millkin could challenge for a high finish in the CCIW.
Prediction: 7-3 5th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Oldnuthin

Carthage College
Returning starters: 5 off; 7 def
Key losses: Nick Merchut, WR; Jeff Koeneman, WR; Alex Annes, DL;
Key returners: Evan Jones, QB; Terrence Clark, OL; Mike Koeneman, WR; Tyler Funk, K; Brett Hogen, DL; TJ Jordan; DL
Non Conference schedule: Franklin, @Lakeland, @Concordia (Wisc)
Key Conference games: @NCC to open the conference; Augie Oct 16; @Wheaton Oct. 23
Outlook: The return of superstar QB Evan Jones as well as All American Kicker Tyler Funk will make the Carthage offense a scoring threat everytime they cross the 50 yd line. If Jake Smith can help add a running attack to this potent offense, the Redmen will be dangerous in 2010. Offensive line has Terrance Clark (1st Team All CCIW) but has to replace 3 other starters. In addition to 7 defensive starters the Redmen get a healthy Brett Hogen and TJ Jordan to bolster a deep and experienced LB core where they have 6 players coming back with significant experience. They are undersized on defense but that's how they roll. Expect a pressure attack as usual from this scrappy defense. Road games to open the season @NCC and then back to back v. Augie and  @Wheaton make for a tough conference slate.
Prediction: 4-6 6th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Carthage Fan, Tailgater, SonofTailgater,

Elmhurst College:
Returning starters: 14: 6 off; 8 def;
Key losses: Blake Veldhuis WR, Lex Cisler, TE; Joe Stumpfoll, DT; Matt Robbins, DT; Kurt Nitschke, DE
Key returners: Randy Wright, LB; Jon Janus, DB; Brandon Jones, LB; Scottie Williams, RB, Nick Herrera, RB
Non Conference schedule:@Loras, @Olivet, University of Chicago
Key Conference Games: Wheaton, Oct 9; @IWU Oct 16; vs. NCC, Oct 30,
Outlook: The Bluejays are a wildcard in the conference race this year. They return 14 starters including virtually their entire 2 deep at LB and DB. Holes on the defensive line and at WR will be key for them. Freshman Joe Furco will need to grow up quickly but having 4 starters back on the OL will help. Scottie Williams is an explosive RB and Randy Wright (lead conf in tackles) and Brandon Jones lead arguably the best LB group in the conference. Jon Janus, Dane Paul and Jamall Lane will allow Head Coach Tim Lester to apply steady pressure to opposing offenses. The schedule is friendly as Elmhurst gets Wheaton, NCC and Augie at home but back to back road trips to Bloomington and Decatur loom as a roadblock in the middle of the conference schedule. If their QB grows up and they can find some solid DL replacements, Elmhurst will challenge every week behind what could be one of the better defenses in the league.
Prediction:4-6; 7th place
Post Patterns Regulars: 79Jaybird


North Park University
Returning starters: 17: 8 off, 9 def
Key losses: Shelby Wood, QB; Joe Cullotta, DB; Ramon Lacey, LB
Key returners: Rakim Jones, RB; Sam Cochiaro, WR; Michael Lee, RS/RB; Nick Pantaleo, DB; Rod Ojong, LB
Non Conference schedule: Aurora, Benedictine, MacMurray
Key Conference games: v Elmhurst Oct 2, @Carthage Oct 30
Outlook: The big questions North Park faces is how many players will return and how improved are they? Their success (or lack of) will depend on how many of the 17 returning starters end up playing quality time. In addition, Scott Pehthel has to add new players to this mix, particularly on the OL and DL in order to continue to make progress. If NPU can retain their starters and add some new ones to the mix they should continue to make progress and I think they have a chance to notch their first conference victory in many seasons.
Prediction: 3-7 8th place
Post Patterns regulars: Gregory Sager, Lakeshore, Dennis Prikkel

Well done! I enjoyed the insight.

[Mugsy]

Like many I was impressed by the compilation of team information leading into the 2010 season from USee.  It'll be interesting to read what other opinions, insights, corrections, additions are provided the the weeks to come from various posters.  After all... it isn't too long from when players will be reporting for 1st practices.

Thus far I haven't had enough time to respond in any form - not that I have too much to add yet.