FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[oldnuthin]

I saw the preseason rankings posted on the WIAC board from 02.  Not sure where he got them, but I'm a bit worried to copy and paste them here for fear of reprisal against the messenger. 

?

[Mugsy]

Wheaton's 2011 recruiting class has been announced - largest recruiting class ever.  Haven't had the chance to fully digest it yet, but I've heard positive things.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2011/5/23/FB_0523112001.aspx?path=football

Of note:
1. Reece Butler had an ourstanding year as QB at Wheaton North.
2. Ugh... feeling old.  Some more familiar names as sons of guys I played football with appear - Tyler Benware (Rick Benware), Sam Cote (Keith Cote), Kai Libby (Dave Libby), Luke Thorson (Chad Thorson)
3. After several years of tall TE's from NCC driving the Wheaton D nuts,  Wheaton gets it's own 6' 8" TE.
4. In addition to the tall TE above, 2 other WR's at 6'5"
5. One serious "big dog" OL from NY, 6'6" 320lbs.

[AndOne]

Hard to imagine a better playing surface in the CCIW next season than at NCC.
Possibly one of the best in D3?

http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2011/6/2/FB_0602115910.aspx

[robertgoulet]

Hard to imagine a better playing surface in the CCIW next season than at NCC.
Possibly one of the best in D3?

http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2011/6/2/FB_0602115910.aspx

AO - saw this yesterday and thought the same thing. I generally like the natural grass when it's got 2 different shades of green on the field, but I'm a little skeptical on turf having that look. That being said, NCC will definitely have the most recognizable field in the CCIW. I think the only change I would make is removing the "North Central College" script under the "NC".

[lakeshore]

what CCIW teams have football only stadiums?  Seems like a lot of folks using the NCC field

per Wheaton's recruit list...I've mentioned before but always amazed at any D3 that can recruit that nationally.  Butler did have a fine season at Wheaton North really only being out-shined in one of the best HS conferences by QB Reilly O'Toole from Wheaton Warrenville who signed with Illinois. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoTAZJTo0LI

Also surprised to see Mark Hiben WR from Glenbard West as he was 1st team all state and had over 300 yards recieving vs. Lincolnway in the playoffs.  Big dominant receiver.  Thought he would go D1.  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/516278-college-football-recruiting-wr-mark-hiben-breaks-illinois-state-record

Sam Miller LB from Aurora Christian also 1st team all-state

[Stagg Again!!]

After looking at the NCC recruits here are a couple of thoughts, as well as who I feel the standouts in the class are:

A few NCC recruits were DuPage County All-Area 1st teamers: Caleb Bednarz (DB) WWS, Ryan Kent (RB) York, Will Sayer (ILB) Naperville Central

http://football.dailyherald.com/story/?id=417024

Standouts:

----DB/PR Caleb Bednarz from Wheaton-Warrenville South: Chicago Tribune All-State, DuPage County All-Area
http://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-sports-high-school-football-caleb-bednarz-html,0,2275849.htmlpage

----LB/WR Jordan Jurasevich from Crown Point (IN): All-Conference, IFCA All-State (Top 50), AP All-State (Honorable Mention)

----QB Max Matthews from St. Joe's (IN): HM AP All State 2010, Tribune All Area 2010, IFCA All State Senior Team 2010, All Diocese 2010, NIC 1st Team 2010, Most Valuable Back 2010
http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-05-02/sports/29497983_1_college-football-max-matthews-quarterback

----CB Brandon Salemi from St Xavier Univ (Glenbard North): 2-time Unanimous All DuPage Valley Conference, 2009 All-Area, and 2009 2nd Team IHSFCA All-State.

----LB Will Sayer from Naperville Central: 2-time All Dupage Valley Conference selection, Chicago Tribune All-State (Honorable Mention)


5 NW Indiana kids in the NCC class, which is something I can't recall seeing (I may not have been paying as much attention, I suppose). Also, it appears NCC's reach now extends to Alaska, as they have 1 Alaskan recruit incoming.

Excellent post robertgoulet.  I have spent quite a bit of time over the past couple of weeks researching the NCC 2011 Football Recruits (reading articles, watching YouTube and school video, etc.), and would add a couple of additional comments.  Not only did the list include the half-dozen Illinois and Indiana All-Staters that you pointed out, but it also included an incredible amount of quality size and speed.  If my research is accurate, the Cardinals landed an additional half-dozen or so All-Conference linemen and a couple of Conference Players-of-the-Year.  The most impressive part of the class though may the speed.  This class, including the transfers, is loaded with track kids who also excelled on the football field.  The speed and quickness difference between the Cardinals and many of the other of the teams they played last year was noticable.  I think this class will take the overall team speed to the next level, especially at the WR, LB, DB, and Return positions.  I also expect to see at least a couple of the 2011 Recruits starting and a good number of them pushing their way into the rotation this fall -- IMO.

[Stagg Again!!]

I saw the preseason rankings posted on the WIAC board from 02.  Not sure where he got them, but I'm a bit worried to copy and paste them here for fear of reprisal against the messenger.  

I never cease to be surprised by the Lindy's pre-season polls.  I must admit that Wenger (DPOY), Antos, Hlavac, and Sulo had great years last year and phenomenal careers for the Cardinals, but the team returns an incredible amount of talent and depth.  Approximately eight starters on defense (and almost all of the rotation), nine starters on offense, and virtually all of the special teams standouts are back from the #3 team in the county.  On top of that, there were a number of youngsters pushing for playing time at the end of the season last year, and a few transfers and freshmen from this year should make this squad quite a bit deeper than last year's.  Sure, there will be questions going into the fall at QB, MLB, RG, and SS, but I expect those questions to be answered quite quickly.  Look for D3football to have NCC ranked higher than #17.  And, if you doubt it, call the folks in Whitewater (including Coach Leipold) and ask them if they think that there will be 16 teams in the country better than NCC.

[Stagg Again!!]

I know that the Cardinal fans travel fairly well.  How many members of the Caravan are planning on making the trip to Redlands?  Looks like USC v. Minnesota mid-day and NCC v. Redlands in the evening should be possible. 

[emma17]

Stagg, good info. I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment.  If UMHB and Wesley are ranked ahead of NCC by D III I will be disappointed. IMO both of those teams are 8 and 9 rank deserving- not 3-7.

[79jaybird]

Like the new Stadium's design. ala Wheaton's.

See Elmhurst goofed again back in 2001 (I believe) when they first put in the Astroplay surface they could have easily installed Endzones with color. I though navy blue background with white block Lettering ELMHURST  50 YD LINE PERCHED BLUEJAY BLUEJAYS would have been sharp.

[New Tradition]

Like the new Stadium's design. ala Wheaton's.

See Elmhurst goofed again back in 2001 (I believe) when they first put in the Astroplay surface they could have easily installed Endzones with color. I though navy blue background with white block Lettering ELMHURST  50 YD LINE PERCHED BLUEJAY BLUEJAYS would have been sharp.

JBird,
Elmhurst got their field in 2002.  I remember going to see a game (actually Elmhurst vs. NCC) when Krohn was recruiting me in 2001 and I couldn't believe the terrible condition of the field.  Albeit, it was the last game of the season (and one heck of a game with some 4th quarter heroics required by NCC to pull it out) but I think i missed half of it in the giant dust cloud from the lack of grass.

[79jaybird]

What really prompted EC to get new turf was what I dubbed on the air "The Monsoon Game" Homecoming Weekend vs. IWU where the Titans won (I think) 9-6 on a final drive that spoiled our HC.  You could literally start sliding at the 20 and make it to the other 20. 

[Mugsy]

Wheaton has updated the future schedules page to include their non-conference opponents for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/23/fbfschedule.aspx?path=football

Of immediate interest, it is the first time I can ever recall in 25 years that Wheaton has had a bye week in the schedule (I could be wrong).

In 2012 Wheaton has a bye week on 9/22 and in 2013 the bye week is 9/28.

The non-conference foes for 2012 and 2013 are:
1. Benedictine University    [8-3 in 2010, won the NATHC conference title]
2. Albion College    [5-5 in 2010, Wheaton won in 2010 by score of 17-6]
3. Luther College   [5-5 in 2010]

Wheaton continues it's series against Albion, in which Wheaton holds the series record advantage at 5-2.  Wheaton plays Benedictine for the 1st time since 1985 and Wheaton holds a 2-1 series record.  Wheaton has never played Luther before (at least according to the history section of the website).

[CardinalAlum]

Wheaton has updated the future schedules page to include their non-conference opponents for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/23/fbfschedule.aspx?path=football

Of immediate interest, it is the first time I can ever recall in 25 years that Wheaton has had a bye week in the schedule (I could be wrong).

In 2012 Wheaton has a bye week on 9/22 and in 2013 the bye week is 9/28.

The non-conference foes for 2012 and 2013 are:
1. Benedictine University    [8-3 in 2010, won the NATHC conference title]
2. Albion College    [5-5 in 2010, Wheaton won in 2010 by score of 17-6]
3. Luther College   [5-5 in 2010]

Wheaton continues it's series against Albion, in which Wheaton holds the series record advantage at 5-2.  Wheaton plays Benedictine for the 1st time since 1985 and Wheaton holds a 2-1 series record.  Wheaton has never played Luther before (at least according to the history section of the website).

Benedectine gives them TWO bye weeks!!   

[Mugsy]

Wheaton has updated the future schedules page to include their non-conference opponents for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/23/fbfschedule.aspx?path=football

Of immediate interest, it is the first time I can ever recall in 25 years that Wheaton has had a bye week in the schedule (I could be wrong).

In 2012 Wheaton has a bye week on 9/22 and in 2013 the bye week is 9/28.

The non-conference foes for 2012 and 2013 are:
1. Benedictine University    [8-3 in 2010, won the NATHC conference title]
2. Albion College    [5-5 in 2010, Wheaton won in 2010 by score of 17-6]
3. Luther College   [5-5 in 2010]

Wheaton continues it's series against Albion, in which Wheaton holds the series record advantage at 5-2.  Wheaton plays Benedictine for the 1st time since 1985 and Wheaton holds a 2-1 series record.  Wheaton has never played Luther before (at least according to the history section of the website).

Benedectine gives them TWO bye weeks!!   

Now you've done it.  All the NATHC folks will be in a twist.