FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[izzy stradlin]

WOW, EC over WC, 35-30.  Must be very tough to put up over 550 yards of total offense and still lose the game.  EC D must have been special at the end.

Big Big loss for WC, to say the least.  EC gets one of their big breakthrough wins.  Congrats to EC.

IWU70

Actually it was 596 yards of offense. 333 passing, 263 rushing.

Some big individual games:
Scottie Williams with 179 yards on 31 carries.
Mark Hiben 8 catches for 198 yards.
Charlie Velling 112  yards on 11 carries
Peter Jarrett 103 yards on 18 carries.

The Hiben kid is a freak.  How is he in Division III??

Legit D1 receiver.  Size, speed, hands, smarts (well that isn't needed for most D1).  Only a sophomore.  If he stays healthy, his numbers will be unreal.

Any rumors that d1 is belatedly discovering him?  Or any insights as to whether he would listen if they did?

Interesting, does anyone know of an example of a D1 program "stealing" a DIII player after they've started their DIII careers.  I only know of one, Owen Schmitt, a running back who played one year at UW-River Falls.  That wasn't really a case of a DI program discovering him late but rather Schmitt seeking them out.  During the summer Schmitt took his highlight video and drove across the country showing it to any DI coach who was willing to view it until he got to West Virginia University.  They offered him a walk on opportunity and he became a starter at fullback that year.  Drafted in the 5th round by the Seahawks he played there a couple of years, then signed with the Eagles and currently is on the roster of the Raiders.

Michael Ware started his career at Wheaton in 2003 and finished it as a significant contributor on the DLine of the 2007 Rose Bowl Illinois team. 

I don't think D1 programs can steal players though.  A player must initiate contact or declare he is leaving a program and willing to transfer. 

[AndOne]

WOW, EC over WC, 35-30.  Must be very tough to put up over 550 yards of total offense and still lose the game.  EC D must have been special at the end.

Big Big loss for WC, to say the least.  EC gets one of their big breakthrough wins.  Congrats to EC.

IWU70

Actually it was 596 yards of offense. 333 passing, 263 rushing.

Some big individual games:
Scottie Williams with 179 yards on 31 carries.
Mark Hiben 8 catches for 198 yards.
Charlie Velling 112  yards on 11 carries
Peter Jarrett 103 yards on 18 carries.

The Hiben kid is a freak.  How is he in Division III??

Legit D1 receiver.  Size, speed, hands, smarts (well that isn't needed for most D1).  Only a sophomore.  If he stays healthy, his numbers will be unreal.

Any rumors that d1 is belatedly discovering him?  Or any insights as to whether he would listen if they did?

Interesting, does anyone know of an example of a D1 program "stealing" a DIII player after they've started their DIII careers. I only know of one, Owen Schmitt, a running back who played one year at UW-River Falls.  That wasn't really a case of a DI program discovering him late but rather Schmitt seeking them out.  During the summer Schmitt took his highlight video and drove across the country showing it to any DI coach who was willing to view it until he got to West Virginia University.  They offered him a walk on opportunity and he became a starter at fullback that year.  Drafted in the 5th round by the Seahawks he played there a couple of years, then signed with the Eagles and currently is on the roster of the Raiders.

Michael Ware started his career at Wheaton in 2003 and finished it as a significant contributor on the DLine of the 2007 Rose Bowl Illinois team. 

I don't think D1 programs can steal players though.  A player must initiate contact or declare he is leaving a program and willing to transfer.

MR--While Izzy cites an example above, I would say that among all D3s, Wheaton would be one of the top few schools where I would think the odds against it happening would be the highest. Wheaton fans will correct me if I'm wrong, but I also sense that among all schools in ALL divisions, Wheaton would be one of the top schools where religious philosophy plays such a prominent role in a kid's decision to attend. Thats why I feel that it would be against very heavy odds that a Wheaton kid would even seriously consider such a transfer.

BADGER--The example you cite wouldn't really be a case of a D1 "discovering" a D3 standout as it appears he struck out to find a D1 on his own. Neither would it be a case of "stealing" for the same reason. As below, "stealing" would be viewed as a serious offense.

IZZY--You are correct. If a D1 did attempt to steal a D3 kid, the NCAA would consider that action as tampering, which could result in severe penalties. As you also indicated, a kid wishing to transfer must initiate the contact with the 2nd school. The school he is interested in transferring to must submit a form to the original school which must be completed and returned as part of the transfer process. There is an example of the form on the NCAA web site. 
One of the requirements for a kid to be able to transfer is that he would have still been academically eligible should he have remained at his original school. 

[Mugsy]

Interesting, does anyone know of an example of a D1 program "stealing" a DIII player after they've started their DIII careers.  I only know of one, Owen Schmitt, a running back who played one year at UW-River Falls.  That wasn't really a case of a DI program discovering him late but rather Schmitt seeking them out.  During the summer Schmitt took his highlight video and drove across the country showing it to any DI coach who was willing to view it until he got to West Virginia University.  They offered him a walk on opportunity and he became a starter at fullback that year.  Drafted in the 5th round by the Seahawks he played there a couple of years, then signed with the Eagles and currently is on the roster of the Raiders.

I wouldn't call it stealing, but I recall a DT from Wheaton College who started as a freshman, then transferred and started his last two years for the Fighting Illini.  He had aspirations to play D1 from the start.

Scary thing is had he stayed at Wheaton, he would have started for at least one year next to Andy Studebaker.  Can you imagine the damage they would have inflicted?

I'll try to see if I can dig up his name as I'm blanking right now.

Edited after seeing all prior posts...
Ah... I see izzy beat me to the punch.  Michael Ware, that was the dude.

[badgerwarhawk]

My bad, I shouldn't have referred to it as "stealing" when I was really just looking for examples of DIII athletes transferring to DI programs.   Thanks for the info.

[Mugsy]

North Central up to #9
IWU up to #12
Not unexpectedly, Wheaton drops out of the top 25, but still receiving some votes.
Elmhurst receiving votes as well.

I'm mildly surprised that Bethel remains in top 25 after a miracle victory 2 weeks ago and then getting absolutely trounced this weekend.

[Mugsy]

Since 1999 (with exception to 1999 & 2002) this has been a "home advantage" series, with the home team winning.

Year	Home Team	Result
1999	IWU	22-20 Wheaton
2000	Wheaton	35-21 Wheaton
2001	IWU	31-13 IWU
2002	IWU	35-21 Wheaton
2003	Wheaton	26-17 Wheaton
2004	Wheaton	42-25 Wheaton
2005	IWU	23-14 IWU
2006	Wheaton	49-14 Wheaton
2007	IWU	18-14 IWU
2008	Wheaton	44-10 Wheaton
2009	IWU	20-17 IWU
2010	Wheaton	29-19 Wheaton
2011	IWU	24-19 IWU
2012	Wheaton	??

Not that you can transfer meaning from year to year, but it seems to skew to more of an advantage to Wheaton when they are home, where their average margin of victory is 19.8 points.  IWU average margin of victory at home is 7.8 points.

As it is right now I have a hard time seeing Wheaton winning by 20 points against IWU this year.  I haven't given enough thought yet as to how I feel this game will go, but much of it will be determine by whether or not Wheaton can avoid the turnovers that have plagued them this year. 

This year represents the best chance in awhile for IWU to end the "home advantage" trend.

[Mugsy]

IWU won in dominating style again. Sadly, their teammate and inspiration, Andrew Weishar, passed away on Friday. My condolensces to the IWU Sports family and to Andrew's family and friends. It's a tough thing to lose a close friend and teammate. I am sure his life and presence will serve as an inspiration to the team the rest of the way.

Thanks, Usee.  Here is some information about Andrew Weishar...

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/5170114-417/weishars-team-gang-tackles-cancer.html

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewweishar/journal

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/10/12/FB_1012123303.aspx

http://www.iwusports.com/news/2010/9/16/FB_0916101412.aspx?path=football

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/former-titan-weishar-succumbs-to-cancer-ahead-of-iwu-homecoming/article_588660d8-14d1-11e2-805c-0019bb2963f4.html


The Titans attended a prayer vigil for Andrew in Oak Forest last Saturday, on the way home from the North Park game.  Several of the seniors were by his side when he passed away a few days ago.

Pretty tragic for a 21-year old kid to die of colon cancer.

So hard to fathom.  My prayers go out to the family, friends and IWU teammates.

[AndOne]

I happened to be scanning through Wheatons future schedules and noticed that the Wheaton North Central games were scheduled at 2 years at NCC 2011-12 then two years at Wheaton 2013-14 then two years back to NCC 2015-16.  Then they last schedule shows back at Wheaton 2017 and I would guess probably in 2018 to even things up.  I am not a big fan of this. Has this happened in the CCIW before?  Do other Wheaton fans or NCC fans like this format.  I can tell you it seems like forever when you are playing away and losing.  I suppose if your winning not so much.    
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/23/fbfschedule.aspx?path=football

What could possibly be the reasoning behind such a strange scheduling arrangement? I can't imagine either of the schools would be in favor of anything like this. Without an explanation as to why, I'm hesitant to believe this isn't a misprint. If so, it wouldn't be the first time we've seen an incorrect future schedule. Its happened before in basketball scheduling.

I'm going to try to get some clarification on this. Hasta manana.

[NCF]

I happened to be scanning through Wheatons future schedules and noticed that the Wheaton North Central games were scheduled at 2 years at NCC 2011-12 then two years at Wheaton 2013-14 then two years back to NCC 2015-16.  Then they last schedule shows back at Wheaton 2017 and I would guess probably in 2018 to even things up.  I am not a big fan of this. Has this happened in the CCIW before?  Do other Wheaton fans or NCC fans like this format.  I can tell you it seems like forever when you are playing away and losing.  I suppose if your winning not so much.    
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/23/fbfschedule.aspx?path=football

What could possibly be the reasoning behind such a strange scheduling arrangement? I can't imagine either of the schools would be in favor of anything like this. Without an explanation as to why, I'm hesitant to believe this isn't a misprint. If so, it wouldn't be the first time we've seen an incorrect future schedule. Its happened before in basketball scheduling.

I'm going to try to get some clarification on this. Hasta manana.

In the past four seasons (including this one) NC has 3 games at Augie, Carthage and Millikin. We have Wheaton and North Park at home 3 times. The only two teams we have alternated home/away with are Elmhurst and IWU.

[USee]

Normally I would have seen this weekends tilt between Wheaton and IWU a pickem game but with what the Thunder has produced in close games this year I am going with IWU -3. 

[NCF]

I've got to think Wheaton comes out strong-they are still fighting for the AQ. Should be a battle.

[79jaybird]

Quote from: 79jaybird on October 13, 2012, 05:51:24 pm

It prevents the "Kool Aid" fair weather (clueless) EC fans from jumping on board just b/c their team came up with an unlikely win.  I am happy for my Alma Mater, but realize that it is just 1 win in the big season.

Actually this was not pointed at any of the current posters on this board BJ4Ever.  In year's past, Elmhurst gets a big W or gets some votes in the Top25 and then the EC cheerleaders start making "out of nowhere" posts. Then when the season is over, or reality takes place in terms of 6-4, we never hear from them again. 

YOU are a frequent poster, so this message was not intended for you.

As for my loyalty,  yes, I am still a Bluejay at heart, I still go to games once and awhile, and both Professor(wife) and I are still actively involved in the college in many forms.  I don't think you want to go there, questioning where my loyalty is.  You WON'T win that battle.  However, I am a realistic, don't drink the blue kool-aid because that kool-aid has since spoiled, and just take it game-by-game. 

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Just an incredible game at Langhorst Saturday afternoon.  Despite the grey and the gloom, no amount of rain or wind could have dampened the buzz around this BIG game.  Generations of EC players and families filled the stands, lined the sidelines, and flooded the campus with Bluejay Pride.  This one will not soon be forgotten by the EC faithful and could very well serve as the signature victory this program needed to get to the next level in a season so full of promise, on Homecoming weekend.  So proud of my alma mater.

The retro-active devaluation of Wheaton seems a bit of a backhanded swipe at the 'Jays - this was a top 20 team in the NATION with one of the most explosive offenses and a top 5 defense in the country and suddenly...there just not that good?  Well, maybe that is the case, maybe not - i guess we'll find out as the CCIW season unfolds.  I can tell you this much, however, Bluejay Nation will be rooting for the Thunder the rest of the way - certainly to lift the value of this win in the bigger picture for the 'Jays and to knock the Fighting Norms off the top of the ladder.  Not sure how to feel about the Bell Game - we'll have to see where the season shakes out before i pick a side - whatever works in EC's favor. The 'Jays will still have to keep winning - with a tough test in Decatur and the Greenies still down thw road, there are certainly some challenges ahead - but thanks to Saturday's victory, EC still controls their own destiny at this point - win out and Coach Lester and the staff will be getting a phone call on Selection Sunday.

Much of the analysis on the message board prior to this post sums up the feel of the contest, and i would echo most of the sentiments, but i would also add this...while Wheaton dominated much of the box score and put up Tecmo Bowl numbers in the second half, the only numbers that really matter, in the end, are the ones on the scoreboard - 35 to 30 Final.  'Jays O-Line was dominant against a top line defense, Scottie was relentless (running into 9 man boxes all day), the D was opportunistic and the secondary held their own - and no, Wheaton did not simply fumble the football away or throw a bad interception, the EC secondary flat out took the ball away, ripping the ball out of the receiver's hands on the fumble and smacking Roberts on a backside blitz to force an errand throw on the pick six.  Roberts could have had another big turnover right before the half as well - frantically flipping the ball forward as his protection broke down right into the lap of an unexpecting EC d-lineman on their own side of the 50.  As for the 4th down stop - maybe when we look back at this season, if the 'Jays can run the table, we will identify that as the play that defined the season.

It's a Great Day to be a Jay!!!!!

[Mugsy]

Just an incredible game at Langhorst Saturday afternoon.  Despite the grey and the gloom, no amount of rain or wind could have dampened the buzz around this BIG game.  Generations of EC players and families filled the stands, lined the sidelines, and flooded the campus with Bluejay Pride.  This one will not soon be forgotten by the EC faithful and could very well serve as the signature victory this program needed to get to the next level in a season so full of promise, on Homecoming weekend.  So proud of my alma mater.

The retro-active devaluation of Wheaton seems a bit of a backhanded swipe at the 'Jays - this was a top 20 team in the NATION with one of the most explosive offenses and a top 5 defense in the country and suddenly...there just not that good?  Well, maybe that is the case, maybe not - i guess we'll find out as the CCIW season unfolds.  I can tell you this much, however, Bluejay Nation will be rooting for the Thunder the rest of the way - certainly to lift the value of this win in the bigger picture for the 'Jays and to knock the Fighting Norms off the top of the ladder.  Not sure how to feel about the Bell Game - we'll have to see where the season shakes out before i pick a side - whatever works in EC's favor. The 'Jays will still have to keep winning - with a tough test in Decatur and the Greenies still down thw road, there are certainly some challenges ahead - but thanks to Saturday's victory, EC still controls their own destiny at this point - win out and Coach Lester and the staff will be getting a phone call on Selection Sunday.

Much of the analysis on the message board prior to this post sums up the feel of the contest, and i would echo most of the sentiments, but i would also add this...while Wheaton dominated much of the box score and put up Tecmo Bowl numbers in the second half, the only numbers that really matter, in the end, are the ones on the scoreboard - 35 to 30 Final.  'Jays O-Line was dominant against a top line defense, Scottie was relentless (running into 9 man boxes all day), the D was opportunistic and the secondary held their own - and no, Wheaton did not simply fumble the football away or throw a bad interception, the EC secondary flat out took the ball away, ripping the ball out of the receiver's hands on the fumble and smacking Roberts on a backside blitz to force an errand throw on the pick six.  Roberts could have had another big turnover right before the half as well - frantically flipping the ball forward as his protection broke down right into the lap of an unexpecting EC d-lineman on their own side of the 50.  As for the 4th down stop - maybe when we look back at this season, if the 'Jays can run the table, we will identify that as the play that defined the season.

It's a Great Day to be a Jay!!!!!

Kool-Aid!

[79jaybird]

Exactly Mugsy with a lot of sugar mixed in.

Folks- This Wheaton team, while good is NOT  the Stalwart Wheaton squads we have seen recently. This is/was a nice win for Elmhurst.  Happy for the Jays, however reality is this is just a nice win in conference play that puts them up 2-1 in the conference.  Calling it the biggest win in college history etc.  is going a little extreme at this point. 

I am starting to give Elmhurst a little deeper look.  Right now they are 1-1 in the games that "matter/make statements" this year.  I agree with the Top 25 pollsters, that it is still premature to put them as a Top 25 team in the nation.