BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[REDMENFAN]

Do I think you cheer for your favorite team (profession sports) "harder" in the playoffs than the regular season?  I wouldn't say you cheer more, but there is obviously a lot more at stake and the intensity and tension as far as in the crowd and fans viewing from around the country, yes I would say it is a completely different atmosphere than a regular season game, even if that game is a rivalry.  Is Boston/New York instense at Fenway in May, of course.  If they were playing in October, I feel it it would be even more electric knowing that its the playoffs and if you don't win this series you're going home.  Also, I stated that taking your child to a playoff game, whether it be baseball, basketball, football etc., that opportunity may not come around for another 10-20 years, if ever. There's something special about a father taking his son/daughter to a playoff game, and if you pass up on the opportunity and it doesn't happen again until that child is 30, that's a lifelong memory that you passed up on

[BigPoppa]

I am still waiting to attend a Brewers playoff game.... I have no idea of how long it will be but you can bet that I will be there when it happens... even if I have to travel cross-country to do it.

[BigPoppa]

Any body have any insights into the CCIW? How is Fall Ball going? Who is expected to be at the top this spring? Any big-time recruits and/or transfers?

How will Elmhurst respond to the new coaching? Can North Park stay hot this season or was it a fluke last year?

Give me something to keep warm with while the temperature drops (for you,  not me... it is sunny and 72 every day here).

[REDMENFAN]

BP, Carthage should be solid again, and have a lot more depth this year with some new guys, especially in the middle infield.  Something new I heard about a week ago. There were a number of scouts who came to a practice to watch the guys, and Carthage had 3 pitchers (their top 3 as of right now) all throw in the upper 80's and touching 90.  The team stayed inside and pitchers threw live to hitters. Not bad for fall ball.  Carthage will have solid pitching again this year as they have had the past few years, and their hitting should improve this year as well with most of their starters returning.  I believe Warren Even is their only senior they lost as far as position players go.

[BigPoppa]

Thanks for the info... any other news about the CCIW out there? Where are the Elmhurst guys? North Park? Augustana(I think will be loaded)? Hit me with the info, fellas.

[Gregory Sager]

I don't have many specifics about NPU, Poppa. Sorry. Perhaps Mr. B has more info about the new Vikings than me. I do know that Luke Johnson is happy with his new recruits. He brought in some much-needed arms (including a couple of juco guys, I think) and a highly-sought catcher from Clemente High here in the city, which fills a serious need behind the plate. The Park only loses two seniors from last season's team, #3 starter Brett Cooper and catcher Oscar Ibarra.

The feeling on campus is that the Vikings got a toehold in the first division of the CCIW last season, nothing more. They beat everyone below them pretty regularly, but couldn't manage even a single victory against Augustana, Carthage, or Illinois Wesleyan. Johnson's goal this year is to consolidate NPU's position as a top four team by playing better against the three powers that have dominated the league in recent seasons.

[BigPoppa]

Sounds like a solid plan of attack. I think bringing NPU back into the mix in the CCIW will only make the league stronger. Luke Johnson did an amazing job with that group last season and I am certain that his first full year of recruiting will be even more productive.

[BigPoppa]

Any new updates on the CCIW? Last year we had quite a few reports from the CCIW already...

How is Elmhurst doing with their new coach?

Is IWU going to live up to the expectations this year?

Can NPU repeat its "Cinderella Season" of last year?

Is this the season that Carthage does NOT make the CCIW tourney?

Can Augustana make a run at the CCIW title this season?

Is Wheaton ever going to break into the top half of the CCIW?

Will North Central ever recover from the departure of Coach Ed Mathey?

Can Millikn string together a FEW good seasons?


Which team has the best shot to make a dent on the national scene this season?

[CardinalAlum]

Will North Central ever recover from the departure of Coach Ed Mathey?

Not any time soon! 

[BigPoppa]

Will North Central ever recover from the departure of Coach Ed Mathey?

Not any time soon! 

What's the news at NCC? Anything to talk about with the program this year?

[REDMENFAN]

Well, I would say NCC has the nicest place to play at in the conference, along with Augie's new facility. All the goose greese in Carthage's outfield can get pretty annoying!!

[CardinalAlum]

Anything to talk about with the program this year?

There hasn't been in recent years, why start now! 

Seriously, nothing much that I have heard, but I have not been in touch with the program since Mathey left.

[BigPoppa]

Anything to talk about with the program this year?

There hasn't been in recent years, why start now! 

Seriously, nothing much that I have heard, but I have not been in touch with the program since Mathey left.

I have heard some rumors that NCC Baseball got in bit of trouble for hazing this fall. Can anyone confirm that and, if so, what is the penalty?

[CardinalAlum]

Anything to talk about with the program this year?

There hasn't been in recent years, why start now! 

Seriously, nothing much that I have heard, but I have not been in touch with the program since Mathey left.

I have heard some rumors that NCC Baseball got in bit of trouble for hazing this fall. Can anyone confirm that and, if so, what is the penalty?

Here ya go!
http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=230556
 

[RedmenFB44]

REDMENFAN is the MAN!

Looking forward to another great year of CCIW baseball.