FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Which is a shame, because I think Wheaton is the stronger team. They just had a bad quarter against Elmhurst and it might cost them.
As lucky as my Alma Mater has been they are heading towards a first round home game.  Who would have thought this would be discussed back in August?

Where to begin...

1. Just one bad quarter?  That's the excuse now?  First it was mysterious injuries (an assertion which i addressed in a prior post yet you declined to respond to), now it's "one bad quarter" - well, here is the breakdown: 1Q = EC 14, WC 7, 2Q = EC 7, WC 3, 3Q = EC 14, WC 14, 4Q EC 0, WC 6.  EC wins two quarters, ties one, and WC scores 30 seconds into the 4th and never again.  why do we continue this tired conversation?  Wheaton is a talented team, this fact is indisputable, but they did not get it done when it mattered...EC did.

2. Who'd of thought?  Most people in and around the program,and who have recognized the legitimate strides it has made, that's who.  Look, it's been a while, i get that, but as has been mentioned too many times already on this board by yours truly...the past does not define the present.  Prognasticating and internet posturing based on past perfromance is lazy and uninformed.  Your opinion on the Bluejays is well documented - in fact, you had them losing to Trine, NCC, Wheaton, and IWU - chalk picks.  I, and the folks close to the program, have held a strong and steady belief otherwise:

This from Kickoff 2012's Keith McMillan - Elmhurst: The only thing that makes me more giddy for a breakout season than 17 or more returning starters is continuity on the offensive line. The Bluejays have all but their left guard back to clear a path for Scottie Williams. Quarterback Joe Furco has nearly three seasons of starting experience, and nine starters are back in Elmhurst's 3-3-5 defense. Last year the perennial knocking-on-the-door team to break through was Centre. This year, with Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton and North Central all needing to break in mostly new defenses (none has more than three starters back), it's Elmhurst's turn.

And my posts:

on: July 12, 2012, 01:13:34 pm - Often labeled a sleeper pick over the past few seasons, the '12 version of the Jays are positioned to capture all that potential and really take a big step forward this year

on: September 10, 2012, 04:07:50 pm - Nobody's suggesting we hand out the rings in week 2, Jaybird, but steadfast support is not to be confused with blind optimism.  Are there challenges ahead?  Absolutely - i recognize (and more importantly, the players recognize) that there will always be challenges.  NCC will be a tremendous challenge under the lights at Benedetti.  Wheaton will be an incredible challenge at Langhorst.  But champions see challenges as opportunities to succeed.

There is alot of merit in an argument for EC, and a lot of good reasons to make that argument (which i have clearly been motivated to do). The 'Jays have a legitimate opportunity in 2012 to shift the balance of the conference with an experienced coaching staff, a talented veteran roster, and an explosive offense.   
This team is ready, this program is ready - history may tell a story of the past, but it does not define the reality of the present.  i'm all in on the 'Jays. 

on: September 19, 2012, 10:16:22 am - All that positive growth and potential has been building momentum and has been gaining financial, logistic, and administrative support for years.  The past can certainly influence, but certainly does not define the present, and yes, the 'Jays DO have to get it done ON the field if that potential is to transform into success.  But to write off these 'Jays as just some 2012 version of the status quo is to simply not recognize that they have outgrown your "diapers."

All that said, your scenario above with the "chalk" picks could possibly play out as you have predicted - NCC, WC, and IWU are certainly all high quality opponents and will each offer tremendous challenges to these 'Jays (heck - Carthage, Augie, and MU may be tough outs, as well).  That is a scenario, however, with which these players, these coaches, and these fans are no longer satisfied.  The raised expectations at EC are not manufactured holograms, they are indicative of a shift in philosophy, approach, and attitude within the program.

Of course, that all sounds great on a chat board, and on this we do agree - the players and coaches have to get it done on the field.  Where you and i differ, however, is that i believe they CAN and WILL get it done.

on: September 29, 2012, 09:34:14 pm - Certainly a disappointing effort tonight for EC, but there are 6 more on the schedule and 9 - 1 is the new goal.

on: October 15, 2012, 10:20:22 pm (in response to Mugsy's question in the wake of October 13th) - 1. Do you honestly believe Elmhurst has arrived if in the games against perceived top tier teams they have left up an average of 37 points and nearly 575 yards? - Yes.  Wins matter, not stats...and 9 gets you in to the dance.[/b]

3. You can stop cranking the negative k points anytime now, i don't even care anymore, cause i'm sub-30 at this point and i lose one every time you log on or post.

[HScoach]

^ somebody needs to get a job and move out of Mom's basement.  Way too much time on your hands to look all that stuff up.

[bluejay4ever]

Oh just throw ghost and I a couple positive karma points and we will release our research staff to go home to their families.

[Naperick]

If, and it will NOT be easy, the Bluejays beat IWU on Saturday, they should be in no matter what NCC and WC do.  But what amazes me is they have a decent chance of hosting a 1st round game. 

Strange year in the CCIW!
Strange year in D3 football!

[bluejay4ever]

No game is easy in this conference, ever!

[Naperick]

I read what Pat and Keith wrote earlier and thought maybe the CCIW had a chance to get all of the DuPage teams in.  After the regional rankings were posted, it does not look good even if all 3 win their games.  Getting two teams in looks difficult now.

[USee]

If all 3 win NCC and Elmhurst are locks.  Elmhurst will host and NCC will travel.  Irony of ironies.

[K-Mack]

+k for quoting me ... twice on this page!

But seriously, I was a little surprised at where CCIW teams fell in the rankings. Then again, 9-1 is usually golden in Pool C and 8-2 is out.

[Mugsy]

This week reminds me of why I love D3 sports, especially football!  The insanity of results from this year, the debate, the "what-if's"...  Yes, there are still flaws, but I would take the D3 playoff system over the bogus BCS ANYDAY!!!!

[Titan Q]

IWU article...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/titans-could-help-determine-cciw-winner-playoff-spot/article_f0290116-2953-11e2-934a-001a4bcf887a.html


Just an incredible amount of injuries to key players:

Injuries pile up: Strong safety Stephen McGinnis, the team's leading tackler with 55, is nursing a hip injury and is questionable along with defensive tackle Andrew Biggerstaff (ankle/hip).

Sophomore linebacker Connor Klein tried to play last week with a bum shoulder, but had to be taken out. Klein is now awaiting surgery and won't play Saturday. Linebacker J.J. Marren (ankle) is definitely out for the second straight week, while tackle Bert Blodgett (ankle) is doubtful.

Eash doesn't expect junior tailback T.J. Stinde (shoulder) to play, either. Offensive tackle Matt Siegert (foot) is questionable.


And obviously add starting QB Rob Gallik, who was having a great year.  This is just not the same IWU team as the one that played well for 6 games.

[Mugsy]

 "Tale of the Tape" - Wheaton vs. North Park

Records:
   Wheaton:       7-2, 5-1
   North Park:     1-8, 0-6

Stats from CCIW games only.

Statistical Category	Wheaton	North Park	Comment
Offense Scoring	37.2	9.0
Defense Scoring	20.5	39.3
Off Pass Efficiency	161.8	72.8
Off Pass Completion %	67.5	40.5
Off Pass YPG	348.7	61.3
Off Pass TD's	19	2
Off INT's	6	6
Def Pass Efficiency	116.0	173.3
Def Pass Completion %	52.5	67.7
Def Pass YPG	193.0	216.0
Pass TD's Allowed	8	12
Def INT's	5	4
Kick Return Ave	21.7	18.3
Punt Return Ave	5.9	5.3
Punting Net	34.4	28.5	Wheaton 12 punts, NPU 34
Turnover Margin	+2	-8
Off Rush YPG	170.0	193.3
Off Yards Per Carry	4.4	4.0
Off Rush TD's	8	4
Def Rush YPG	134.3	248.3
Def Yards Per Carry	3.9	6.7
Def Rush TD's Allowed	8	18
Total Offense	518.7	254.7
Total Defense	327.3	464.3
Sacks By	12	1
Sacks Allowed	20	16	Wheaton: 240 pass attempts, NPU: 79
1st Downs	157	95
1st Downs Allowed	103	129
Penalty YPG	65.0	43.8
Red Zone Offense	70.0	57.1	Wheaton 15 TDs, 7 FG's : NPU 6 TDs, 2 FG's
Red Zone Defense	70.0	80.6
Off 3rd Down Conv %	56.2	37.6
Opp 3rd Down Conv %	28.2	56.5
Field Goals	7 of 10	2 of 4
PAT's	28 of 28	6 of 6
Time of Pos	33:23	32:04

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Long Post, but definitely worth a read.  This first appeared in a 1999 college student newspaper.  My Dad had sent me this a while back, while i was playing, and i have always kept it close.  I hope you all find it as impactful and as truthful as i have over the years....

Why We Play Division III Athletics   
   
It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making SportsCenter. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.

We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know.

We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent.

We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor.

We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO.

It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand.

Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us.

You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first.

We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions.

When we miss a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same.

We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students.

It's about pride—in ourselves, in our school.

It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves.

We will forever be what few can claim...college athletes.  

[NCF]

Long Post, but definitely worth a read.  This first appeared in a 1999 college student newspaper.  My Dad had sent me this a while back, while i was playing, and i have always kept it close.  I hope you all find it as impactful and as truthful as i have over the years....

Why We Play Division III Athletics   
   
It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making SportsCenter. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.

We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know.

We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent.

We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor.

We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO.

It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand.

Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us.

You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first.

We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions.

When we miss a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same.

We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students.

It's about pride—in ourselves, in our school.

It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves.

We will forever be what few can claim...college athletes.

This is a great article-thanks for sharing! +K and big win on Saturday, please

[New Tradition]

Long Post, but definitely worth a read.  This first appeared in a 1999 college student newspaper.  My Dad had sent me this a while back, while i was playing, and i have always kept it close.  I hope you all find it as impactful and as truthful as i have over the years....

Why We Play Division III Athletics   
   
It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making SportsCenter. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.

We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know.

We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent.

We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor.

We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO.

It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand.

Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us.

You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first.

We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions.

When we miss a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same.

We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students.

It's about pride—in ourselves, in our school.

It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves.

We will forever be what few can claim...college athletes.

Got a little misty eyed reading that one...

[79jaybird]

we used to say on the radio that you choose division III for the name on the front of the jersey and love of the sport,  not the name on that back of the jersey.