FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Carroll has inquired about (re)joining the CCIW?

Yes, both Carroll and St. Norbert have expressed interest in joining the CCIW. Rumors have been swirling around the future of the MWC for some time, based upon internal philosophical disagreements vis-a-vis that league's self-imposed restrictions upon scheduling and off-campus recruiting; geographical distance (it's a long, long way from DePere, WI to Grinnell, IA or Jacksonville, IL); and the possibility of adding other highly selective midwestern institutions (some of whom are former MWC members, such as Carleton, Coe, and Cornell) to the fold.

Carroll announced its move from the CCIW to the MWC in 1989, and completed the move after the 1991-92 season. That was two presidents ago in terms of Carroll's administration. I thought it would be interesting to go back and find the public statement that the school made upon declaring its switch in affiliation. This is what was printed in the NCAA News article about the switch back in '89:

"The change to the Midwest Conference is being made for both philosophical and practical reasons," said Richard Watkins, faculty athletics representative. "It aligns Carroll with some very fine liberal arts colleges that share our athletics philosophy and that devote a similar amount of resources to their athletics programs. Practically, it will allow Carroll to compete against schools of comparable size that are really our natural rivals in Wisconsin."

In essence, it was a decision by Carroll's administration to abdicate from the CCIW's arms race with regard to athletics budgets and facilities, as well as an attempt to reduce travel costs. Back in the late '80s and early '90s, the MWC was a two-division league, and the idea was that a move to the MWC North Division would mean that Carroll's various sports teams would mostly be traveling to the not-too-distant Wisconsin towns of Beloit, Ripon, Appleton, and DePere rather than to the downstate Illinois towns of Rock Island, Bloomington, and Decatur.

Now, however, the Carroll administration has apparently grown more ambitious in terms of competition, and is willing to contemplate jettisoning the recruiting and scheduling restrictions and the lower athletics budgets of the MWC in favor of the more high-stakes CCIW. Also, the MWC has long since abandoned the two-divisions setup in favor of a unitary alignment, which means that a move that was designed to facilitate less travel for Carroll sports teams has instead led to more travel. Carroll has essentially substituted Grinnell, Illinois College, Knox, and Monmouth for Augustana, Illinois Wesleyan, and Millikin in terms of long trips. That's not a good trade for Carroll in terms of charter bus fees or school-van gas costs.

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).

Well said, Chuck. You've succinctly stated the prevailing mindset of CCIW administrators and coaches.

[Titan Q]

An article on Kraig Ladd's athletic accomplishments at IWU...

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/146303633

[Titan Q]

Usee, great job on the preview.

[79jaybird]

FYI and congrats to LB Randy Wright who is getting looked at by some NFL scouts and appears as though he might get a chance to follow the paths of Studebaker and Ittersagen.  Hope he can stay healthy and have a successful year.

I have mixed feelings on whether or not to change the CCIW landscape.   I would have arguments for both sides. 

[FormerCard]

When do the Preseason All-American teams and previews come out?   I could search for a while, but this is much more efficient.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Thanks USEE for the analysis.  I logged on to find out what type of team Carthage is expected to be in 2010 (Franklin opens on the road at Carthage labor day weekend). Great information. I appreciate your taking the time to prepare.

[CardinalAlum]

Thanks USEE for the analysis.  I logged on to find out what type of team Carthage is expected to be in 2010 (Franklin opens on the road at Carthage labor day weekend). Great information. I appreciate your taking the time to prepare.

Wow, good luck to Carthage trying to stop the Mike Leonard offensive show!!  Coach Leonard is one incredible football coach and an even better person!!

[lakeshore]

happy Indy Day to all...about a month and half till camps start!

[lakeshore]

Who are the CCIW pre-season scrimmages?

I think I know a few...

NCC vs. Harper
IWU vs. Benedictine
Wheaton vs. Wabash
Augie ?
NPU ?
Carthage ?
Elmhurst ?
Millikin ?

[usee]

D3.com's preseason All-American list is out:

Matt Wenger-2nd team
Tyler Funk-1st team

these are the only CCIW players mentioned.

http://www.d3football.com/tow/10/preallamericans.htm

[washdupcard]

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

Two things stand out to me from this preview.

#1 Usee has waaaaay too much free time.  What a tremendous analysis (no sarcasm intended).

#2 I know I disappear for long stretches, but I'm hurt at not being mentioned as an NCC regular.  And to think we've had so many wonderful "discussions" over the last decade.

[Pat Coleman]

It's your fourth post since September.

[washdupcard]

Pat, lets not let facts get in the way of an irrational point   

[CardinalAlum]

It's your fourth post since September.

HAHA!!      No more questions, your Honor!!

[CardinalAlum]

Pat, lets not let facts get in the way of an irrational point   

+K for the follow up!!