BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[The General Public]

I'm surprised historical doormat Wheaton is getting such respect so soon.  Coach Driggers must be viewed as superman!

I think a lot of IWU's season depends on whether or not Kulavic is back 100%.

I think you are giving Coach Driggers too much credit for the voting.  This Wheaton team lost two relief pitchers and a back up catcher.  Only one, Ed McCaskey, made a significant impact. Not to mention, they have a few players who transfered or coming off injury.

With a second place finish in the conference tournament, I think the Coach's voting has them right where they should be, maybe even a spot too low. 

Carthage is the clear cut favorite...regardless of who they lost.

[Ralph Turner]

I'm surprised historical doormat Wheaton is getting such respect so soon.  Coach Driggers must be viewed as superman!

I think a lot of IWU's season depends on whether or not Kulavic is back 100%.

I think you are giving Coach Driggers too much credit for the voting.  This Wheaton team lost two relief pitchers and a back up catcher.  Only one, Ed McCaskey, made a significant impact. Not to mention, they have a few players who transfered or coming off injury.

With a second place finish in the conference tournament, I think the Coach's voting has them right where they should be, maybe even a spot too low. 

Carthage is the clear cut favorite...regardless of who they lost.

Coach Driggers will turn the program around.

They will be a regional contender by his 5th season (2013).

[Mr. Ypsi]

I'm surprised historical doormat Wheaton is getting such respect so soon.  Coach Driggers must be viewed as superman!

I think a lot of IWU's season depends on whether or not Kulavic is back 100%.

I think you are giving Coach Driggers too much credit for the voting.  This Wheaton team lost two relief pitchers and a back up catcher.  Only one, Ed McCaskey, made a significant impact. Not to mention, they have a few players who transfered or coming off injury.

With a second place finish in the conference tournament, I think the Coach's voting has them right where they should be, maybe even a spot too low. 

Carthage is the clear cut favorite...regardless of who they lost.

Coach Driggers will turn the program around.

They will be a regional contender by his 5th season (2013).

I agree.

But the coach's vote seems to put them as a regional contender THIS year.  Wheaton only finished at 23-19, which I believe was their first winning season since dinosaurs ruled the earth!   They are obviously up and coming; I was just surprised that they were THAT far ahead of Augie, and nearly beat out IWU.  Several players had 'career years' - shouldn't we see if they were flukes or legit?

[The General Public]

In 2008, several players had career years, not so much last year.  In fact, many returners had worse years than the year before.

[Mr. Ypsi]

In 2008, several players had career years, not so much last year.  In fact, many returners had worse years than the year before.

You're right; I had a brain fart.

2008 was their break-through year.  2009 confirmed that it was not a fluke, but didn't really show any further progress.  2010 is the year to show they are now a legitimate competitor, as opposed to just the 'best of the rest'.  While I have enough respect for Coach Driggers to believe they likely WILL be a legitimate competitor, they haven't shown it to me on the field YET.

[The General Public]

In 2008, several players had career years, not so much last year.  In fact, many returners had worse years than the year before.

You're right; I had a brain fart.

2008 was their break-through year.  2009 confirmed that it was not a fluke, but didn't really show any further progress.  2010 is the year to show they are now a legitimate competitor, as opposed to just the 'best of the rest'.  While I have enough respect for Coach Driggers to believe they likely WILL be a legitimate competitor, they haven't shown it to me on the field YET.

Not trying to stir up too much trouble, and only this years games will truly confirm if Wheaton is as good as believed but, how does 4-1 last year against IWU not show you anything?

[Mr. Ypsi]

In 2008, several players had career years, not so much last year.  In fact, many returners had worse years than the year before.

You're right; I had a brain fart.

2008 was their break-through year.  2009 confirmed that it was not a fluke, but didn't really show any further progress.  2010 is the year to show they are now a legitimate competitor, as opposed to just the 'best of the rest'.  While I have enough respect for Coach Driggers to believe they likely WILL be a legitimate competitor, they haven't shown it to me on the field YET.

Not trying to stir up too much trouble, and only this years games will truly confirm if Wheaton is as good as believed but, how does 4-1 last year against IWU not show you anything?

You gotta understand perspective.  To me, that said more (bad) about IWU than it did (good) about Wheaton!

Wheaton's record overall or conference still didn't speak 'true contender' to me.  It spoke 'vastly better than their historical norm' and 'up and coming', but not necessarily (yet) a true contender.  I have little doubt they're coming, but not yet convinced they are there quite yet.

[BigPoppa]

Exactly Right. Huge losses during the off season. Look out for a few players, Namely, Will Hodges and Drew Roberts to pick up alot of the Offensive slack.They were a very young team last year, defensively they should be stronger this year.

Scott Danly is one year removed from, Tommy John, Surgery. He threw well last year. Look for him to be better this year.

Wildcards include Chris Krepline ( former all CCIW Pitcher ) and Trace Ruffie.

Is it me, or ar too many Carthage pitchers having Tommy John surgery? Krepline, Ruffie and Danly have all had it the last three years. It seems a bit high to me.

[BigPoppa]

As for Wheaton being a regional contender, the Central region is the weakest of the 8 regions and any contender in the CCIW is a contender in the region. The SLIAC, IIAC and MWC are just starting to come around as power conferences and still need a few years to produce multiple contenders (except for the MWC which has Beloit and St. Norbert in addition to Ripon).

[CCIWFAN6]

I have to say that the talent in the conference, especially on the mound, seems to be a little down this year.  I think just because of that you could see a surprise team like Wheaton pop up and take down the title. I can't remember a year in which there we so many question marks and wasn't a clear cut favorite to win the championship. Carthage would have to be that favorite based purely on last years results, but even their talent level seems down quite a bit in relation to past years.

[BigPoppa]

I have to say that the talent in the conference, especially on the mound, seems to be a little down this year.  I think just because of that you could see a surprise team like Wheaton pop up and take down the title. I can't remember a year in which there we so many question marks and wasn't a clear cut favorite to win the championship. Carthage would have to be that favorite based purely on last years results, but even their talent level seems down quite a bit in relation to past years.

Agreed. It will certainly be a fun season to watch in the CCIW. A 14-6 record could win the title.

[upandin]

As for Wheaton being a regional contender, the Central region is the weakest of the 8 regions and any contender in the CCIW is a contender in the region. The SLIAC, IIAC and MWC are just starting to come around as power conferences and still need a few years to produce multiple contenders (except for the MWC which has Beloit and St. Norbert in addition to Ripon).

The CCIW is top heavy with 3 teams.  Everyone knows that.  Carthage, Ill Wesleyan, and Augustana are the only teams with an above average recent history.  Wheaton has had 2 good seasons and is trying to prove they can join the party.  Those teams rack up wins VS the poo at the bottom on the conference. The other teams.....  North Park, North Central, Millikin, Elmhurst........Pitiful at best.   None of these teams have had a winning season since 04.  And before 08, I'm not sure when Wheaton last had a winning season. 

The IIAC has had multiple contenders for years. 
IIAC Regional appearances in the past 10 years:  Wartburg, Luther, Coe, and Simpson. 
CCIW Regional appearances in the past 10 years: Carthage, Ill Wesleyan, and Augustana
IIAC vs CCIW (Head to Head) in the regional competition in past 10 years IIAC 6  CCIW 7
IIAC World Series Appearances: Wartburg 2
CCIW World Series Appearances: Carthage 3, ILL Wesleyan 1

Judging by these numbers I can see why people think the CCIW "dominates" all other conferences in the Central Region. 
( Sarcasm!! )

[mr_b]

The CCIW is top heavy with 3 teams.  Everyone knows that.  Carthage, Ill Wesleyan, and Augustana are the only teams with an above average recent history.  Wheaton has had 2 good seasons and is trying to prove they can join the party.  Those teams rack up wins VS the poo at the bottom on the conference. The other teams.....  North Park, North Central, Millikin, Elmhurst........Pitiful at best.   None of these teams have had a winning season since 04.  And before 08, I'm not sure when Wheaton last had a winning season. 

Judging by these numbers I can see why people think the CCIW "dominates" all other conferences in the Central Region.  ( Sarcasm!! )

Great bulletin board material, there.

[The General Public]

Exactly Right. Huge losses during the off season. Look out for a few players, Namely, Will Hodges and Drew Roberts to pick up alot of the Offensive slack.They were a very young team last year, defensively they should be stronger this year.

Scott Danly is one year removed from, Tommy John, Surgery. He threw well last year. Look for him to be better this year.

Wildcards include Chris Krepline ( former all CCIW Pitcher ) and Trace Ruffie.

Is it me, or ar too many Carthage pitchers having Tommy John surgery? Krepline, Ruffie and Danly have all had it the last three years. It seems a bit high to me.

That does seem a bit much. I have noticed higher pitch counts from Carthage pitchers which may be one reason (also the colder weather), however, 3 pitchers needing surgery is no where near the arm trouble that Wheaton pitchers acquired over the Bobby Elder era.  I have heard from a player that from the years 2006-2009 only one pitcher played out their career and did not have significant arm trouble. Multiple cases of Tommy John (3), shoulder surgeries (3), or necessary extended rest (too many to count) was needed. From the stories I have heard, there should have been laws against the pitching  routines at Wheaton during his time.

This (his ability to manage arms), along with his recruiting ability, is the main reason Coach Driggers puts Wheaton in a much better position to succeed.

[BigPoppa]

The CCIW is top heavy with 3 teams.  Everyone knows that.  Carthage, Ill Wesleyan, and Augustana are the only teams with an above average recent history.  Wheaton has had 2 good seasons and is trying to prove they can join the party.  Those teams rack up wins VS the poo at the bottom on the conference. The other teams.....  North Park, North Central, Millikin, Elmhurst........Pitiful at best.   None of these teams have had a winning season since 04.  And before 08, I'm not sure when Wheaton last had a winning season.  

The IIAC has had multiple contenders for years.  
IIAC Regional appearances in the past 10 years:  Wartburg, Luther, Coe, and Simpson.  
CCIW Regional appearances in the past 10 years: Carthage, Ill Wesleyan, and Augustana
IIAC vs CCIW (Head to Head) in the regional competition in past 10 years IIAC 6  CCIW 7
IIAC World Series Appearances: Wartburg 2
CCIW World Series Appearances: Carthage 3, ILL Wesleyan 1

Judging by these numbers I can see why people think the CCIW "dominates" all other conferences in the Central Region.  
( Sarcasm!! )

When I spoke of multiple teams copntending, I was speaking of more than one in a season. Every conference, regardless of strength, is given one team into the NCAA regional every season. The fact that the IIAC has 4 teams and the CCIW has 3 no relavence.

The CCIW has has 3 seasons since 2000 with multiple bids including 2007 when they had 3 teams get in. The IIAC and SLIAC have had none.  The MWC has done it twice with two bids in 2003 and 2009.

Since 2000:
CCIW: 14 NCAA bids
IIAC: 10 NCAA bids
MWC: 12 NCAA bids
SLIAC: 10 NCAA bids