FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Brick]

Boy i remember that game...we were sitting on the sidelines down on one knee waiting for that kick to go through...and then it did...to bad when we faced Wheaton later in the season Clarky couldn't put another 50+ yarder through....He was a hell of a kicker, and I can tell you what Augie sure as hell misses him!

[dansand]

Clark was a terrific kicker, although I don't think he'd have made much of a difference in the outcome of the Mt. Union game  .

Last I knew Augie was in the running for one of the better kickers in Illinois. He's still hoping for a scholarship offer and has several walk-on offers from state schools, but at least the Vikes are in the running.

[matblake]

It doesn't take a brilliant coach to see the difference a good kicker can make.  Was that 2 seasons ago when Clark had like 2 game winners as time expired and a potential third against Wheaton?

One of my friends who went to school up in the MIAC said that they rarely had any field goal tries.  That was a few years ago so that could have changed.  It can be quite a challenge to not have a decent kicker.  Having the pressure to score each time via touchdown would limit a lot of things.

[formerd3db]

matblake:
You have a good point there.  Finding good kickers for all collegiate level teams is a difficult challenge as we've all seen at the DI level.  It is particularly even more challenging at DIII.  But you are right on in that a team needs to have a reliable kicker for those reasons in winning a game or not - i.e. at least a chance at doing so. 

[formerd3db]

jaybird:
See my reply to yours on the MIAA board.

[matblake]

formerd3, what's the status on Hope this year?  I always look forward to the Battles between the Dutch and the Crusaders/Thunder (although I haven't seen a live on since 1995).  Wheaton should be in competitive shape for the CCIW IMO.  North Central and Augustana should be the front runners, but any team can win in the CCIW as demonstrated by Wheaton's loss to IWU last year.  Even typing that makes the sting come back.....

[formerd3db]

matblake:
The Hope/Wheaton rivalry is indeed a good one.  I haven't had a chance to talk with some of the coaches of recent with regard to recruiting so can't really provide you with much detail as yet.  However, I will probably have the chance to do so in the near future and can provide you and colleagues with some insight then.  I do know that QB will be a ? mark since the 3 year starter has graduated and those behind him have little if any playing time (although some good candidates).  Also, not sure if our two year starter at RB is returning to school (I caught only brief rumor of such, but do not want to mis-report any incorrect info on that - will try to find out more detail later).  Anyway, the way I see it is NC, Augie, Wheaton as front runners; others like Carthage, Elmhurst, Millikin and perhaps IWU will be challengers.  It will also be interesting to see how NP does with their new coach and staff, although obviously as everyone else has posted, it will be a tough road for them.  Talk to you later.

[usee]

Its all good......keep spreadin the love to all D3 posters!

Lets Keep the Karma Koming

[CardinalAlum]

Its all good......keep spreadin the love to all D3 posters!

Lets Keep the Karma Koming

Ok, just no more Boy George songs!! 

[79jaybird]

I am anxiously waiting to see if there has been a "verdict" in the Tyke Spencer issue.  IMO, I hope he is able to play.  1 person is not going to make a difference in a team sport like football.
My football coach in high school used to say that Punting and kicking are the most important play(s) of the game.  Clark at Augie was almost automatic which is a great tool to have in the clutch segments of a game.  Think about how many close games ( at any level) have been decided by a punt, missed FG, made field goals, or miscues during special teams.

[CardinalAlum]

JB,

I haven't heard anything yet, but I will pass it along when I find out.

[79jaybird]

Thank you Cardinal Alum.  I feel the greater the amount of  talent, is just overall better for the Conference.

[zorbadagreek]

Its gettin boring around here. Hows this for conversation: Who are the top players on each team for next season?

Auggie- Guzman, Youngbauer
Wheaton- Bazacas, Chupp Bros., Andy Studabaker
NC- Kniss, Stuedemann
Carthage- Fox, Moore, Glassman
Millikin- Wallick, Goldstone, Beauchamp
IWU- Esch, Dunlop
Elmhurst- Kudyba, Kelly, Brady
NP- Watts, Decatur

[79jaybird]

For Elmhurst  defensively Ward Brady   along wtih Brian Keaton
Offensively, skilled players Kudyba, but their O-Line has some stronger players in Louie Rachmaciej
Big losses Todd Evans, Eric Luna, Andy Brogan. The "skilled" positions are going to be the major question mark for Elmhurst this year.

[Mugsy]

For Wheaton, you'd need to include Pete Ittersagen as well - 1st Team All-Conference as a freshmen.

Lukas Bazacas was a senior last year, so scratch him from the list.

Let me give this some thought as to who's coming back and who could make a serious impact for Wheaton.  I'll respond in a few days... real busy at the moment.