MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[ExBBaller40]

I can understand everyone wanting video streaming of games like the big boys get regular TV exposure but is there a reason that Stevens Point continues to lead the league and is top five nationally in attendance every year for D-III?  Perhaps some of it is that you CAN'T sit at home and watch it, you have to show up.  I am well aware that winning brings in the fans but if it were a very cold, snowy night would you put 1422 people in the stands if they could sit home and watch?  Also, when you cut into your gate it in effect takes money from the program.  Technology is great but sometimes you have to consider more than just wanting to watch the game from other parts of the state.  It gives the locals an easy excuse to not show up.  Tickets are $6.00 and if they buy programs and consessions that all ads up!

True, but what about us here at the board or in other parts of the state, or Stevens Point Alumni that want to watch the game, yet can't get out to it because it's a killer drive or they have stuff at home to do. Point is always going to draw people to the game, especially one as big as this one is going to be meaning they will make the gate money anyway.

So why not allow those that can't get to the game because of those aforementioned reasons above to watch one of the top programs in the country?

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Or those of us who want to see them play but live in another part of the country

[02 Warhawk]

I can understand everyone wanting video streaming of games like the big boys get regular TV exposure but is there a reason that Stevens Point continues to lead the league and is top five nationally in attendance every year for D-III?  Perhaps some of it is that you CAN'T sit at home and watch it, you have to show up.  I am well aware that winning brings in the fans but if it were a very cold, snowy night would you put 1422 people in the stands if they could sit home and watch?  Also, when you cut into your gate it in effect takes money from the program.  Technology is great but sometimes you have to consider more than just wanting to watch the game from other parts of the state.  It gives the locals an easy excuse to not show up.  Tickets are $6.00 and if they buy programs and consessions that all ads up!

Yea, that's always one way to look at it. St. John's football doesn't provide a video feed either, and they always have the best attendance in DIII. Football juggernaut Mount Union doesn't provide a feed either. It's been said that Coach Kehres doesn't want to make scouting easy for their competition...so he doesn't air the games. I'm not sure how truth there is to that though.

I suppose televising games could create jobs and valuable experience within the Journalism and Media department. i.e. student announcers, cameraman, producers, sound technician, etc....

[ExBBaller40]

Or those of us who want to see them play but live in another part of the country

That's kind of what I was trying to go for, just didn't express it quite like you did Dave 

[thrunt01]

I can understand everyone wanting video streaming of games like the big boys get regular TV exposure but is there a reason that Stevens Point continues to lead the league and is top five nationally in attendance every year for D-III?  Perhaps some of it is that you CAN'T sit at home and watch it, you have to show up.  I am well aware that winning brings in the fans but if it were a very cold, snowy night would you put 1422 people in the stands if they could sit home and watch?  Also, when you cut into your gate it in effect takes money from the program.  Technology is great but sometimes you have to consider more than just wanting to watch the game from other parts of the state.  It gives the locals an easy excuse to not show up.  Tickets are $6.00 and if they buy programs and consessions that all ads up!

Yea, that's always one way to look at it. St. John's football doesn't provide a video feed either, and they always have the best attendance in DIII. Football juggernaut Mount Union doesn't provide a feed either. It's been said that Coach Kehres doesn't want to make scouting easy for their competition...so he doesn't air the games. I'm not sure how truth there is to that though.

I suppose televising games could create jobs and valuable experience within the Journalism and Media department. i.e. student announcers, cameraman, producers, sound technician, etc....

As a general rule, expanding the brand and making yourself visible is, in my opinion, one of the best things a D3 school can do. A video stream can help alumni still feel connected to campus and be more willing to kick back some cash when that call comes from the Alumni Association. I don't think a video stream is going to stop people in the area from going to the games, the atmosphere is great and that can't be captured on video.  UWW folks do you think that the UWW TV stream, which is one of the best out there, decreases attendance? I can't imagine that football specifically is really effected much by it but that is from an outside perspective.

[02 Warhawk]

I can understand everyone wanting video streaming of games like the big boys get regular TV exposure but is there a reason that Stevens Point continues to lead the league and is top five nationally in attendance every year for D-III?  Perhaps some of it is that you CAN'T sit at home and watch it, you have to show up.  I am well aware that winning brings in the fans but if it were a very cold, snowy night would you put 1422 people in the stands if they could sit home and watch?  Also, when you cut into your gate it in effect takes money from the program.  Technology is great but sometimes you have to consider more than just wanting to watch the game from other parts of the state.  It gives the locals an easy excuse to not show up.  Tickets are $6.00 and if they buy programs and consessions that all ads up!

Yea, that's always one way to look at it. St. John's football doesn't provide a video feed either, and they always have the best attendance in DIII. Football juggernaut Mount Union doesn't provide a feed either. It's been said that Coach Kehres doesn't want to make scouting easy for their competition...so he doesn't air the games. I'm not sure how truth there is to that though.

I suppose televising games could create jobs and valuable experience within the Journalism and Media department. i.e. student announcers, cameraman, producers, sound technician, etc....

As a general rule, expanding the brand and making yourself visible is, in my opinion, one of the best things a D3 school can do. A video stream can help alumni still feel connected to campus and be more willing to kick back some cash when that call comes from the Alumni Association. I don't think a video stream is going to stop people in the area from going to the games, the atmosphere is great and that can't be captured on video.  UWW folks do you think that the UWW TV stream, which is one of the best out there, decreases attendance? I can't imagine that football specifically is really effected much by it but that is from an outside perspective.

Considering where UWW's attendence ranks (especially in football), I would say it has very little negative effect on the attendence.

[tomt4525]

I can understand everyone wanting video streaming of games like the big boys get regular TV exposure but is there a reason that Stevens Point continues to lead the league and is top five nationally in attendance every year for D-III?  Perhaps some of it is that you CAN'T sit at home and watch it, you have to show up.  I am well aware that winning brings in the fans but if it were a very cold, snowy night would you put 1422 people in the stands if they could sit home and watch?  Also, when you cut into your gate it in effect takes money from the program.  Technology is great but sometimes you have to consider more than just wanting to watch the game from other parts of the state.  It gives the locals an easy excuse to not show up.  Tickets are $6.00 and if they buy programs and consessions that all ads up!

I understand exactly what you're saying and attendance is probably better without live streaming for Point's games. 

With that said, I have paid for online streams of Point's away games numerous times.  If Point would do the same and got the proceeds from people paying to watch online, it's just like buying tickets at the door except for not hearing me yelling in the stands.

[hoops2]

I understand that it's nice to be able to watch some of those games you can't get to and I'm not against having the streaming but I really think a school has to consider any possible loss of revenue at this level.  Even a thousand bucks a year lost because 10 people don't come to the games and stay home to watch them can make a difference.  Now, if you have to pay to watch, then that could be an additional revenue source that might have to be looked at.  I don't miss many games so I've never had to rely on the streaming but I'd be concerned if money started leaving the program. 

[02 Warhawk]

I think myself and Voice have mentioned it a few times already, but if anyone is interested in reading on how athletics came to be in the WIAC, I would highly recommend reading Ronald Smith's dissertation he wrote in 1969.

I was able to post the pdf links on the right side of my blog (after you scroll down a little bit), just incase anyone is interesting in reading it. I know...it's a football blog, but the story pertains to all WIAC athletics. Very interesting stuff with some good stories.

From Normal School to State University: A History of the Wisconsin State University Conference

[palum]

Platteville took an early lead at 9-4 but Darnell Harris's three-point basket put the WARHAWKS on top 12-11 with eleven minutes remaining.  Platteville would tie the game 14-14 three minutes later. Luke Knoble's layup regained the lead for the WARHAWKS and they would hold it for the remainder of the game.  The lead never exceeded six points and was four 30-26 when the half had ended.  Neither team shot well in the half WW: 37% P: 30% and free throws were essentially the difference as the WARHAWKS were 7-8 to Platteville's 4-9.  Knoble's 8 points led the WARHAWKS while Jim Stocki led the Pioneers with 9.  The WARHAWKS lead stay in single digits until KJ Evan's putback of an offensive rebound pushed it to double figures 49-39 with eleven minutes left.  After the lead had reached 15 points for the second time late in the game Platteville made an 8-0 run to close within seven 64-57.  However they could get no closer as Eric Bryson scored eight of his ten points over the last two and half minutes of the game keeping the lead comfortable. 

The WARHAWKS finished game shooting 47% from the floor including 7-13 on three-pointers.   Led by Knoble's 15 points all five WARHAWKS starters finished in double figures.  Quardell Young added 13 points while Harris and Alex Merg tossed in 11  and Bryson added 10 points.  Young had a team high 4 assists and a game high 3 steals while Harris rounded out a double-double with 10 rebounds.

Jake Manning led the Pioneers with a game high 16 points.  Manning also had a double-double with 10 rebounds. 

The WARHAWKS travel to Superior on Saturday.

I thought Platteville's size would play a bigger factor in the game but WW quickness was too much.  Platteville would play good D for 30 seconds only to have Quardell Young drive through for a layup.

[tomt4525]

Platteville took an early lead at 9-4 but Darnell Harris's three-point basket put the WARHAWKS on top 12-11 with eleven minutes remaining.  Platteville would tie the game 14-14 three minutes later. Luke Knoble's layup regained the lead for the WARHAWKS and they would hold it for the remainder of the game.  The lead never exceeded six points and was four 30-26 when the half had ended.  Neither team shot well in the half WW: 37% P: 30% and free throws were essentially the difference as the WARHAWKS were 7-8 to Platteville's 4-9.  Knoble's 8 points led the WARHAWKS while Jim Stocki led the Pioneers with 9.  The WARHAWKS lead stay in single digits until KJ Evan's putback of an offensive rebound pushed it to double figures 49-39 with eleven minutes left.  After the lead had reached 15 points for the second time late in the game Platteville made an 8-0 run to close within seven 64-57.  However they could get no closer as Eric Bryson scored eight of his ten points over the last two and half minutes of the game keeping the lead comfortable. 

The WARHAWKS finished game shooting 47% from the floor including 7-13 on three-pointers.   Led by Knoble's 15 points all five WARHAWKS starters finished in double figures.  Quardell Young added 13 points while Harris and Alex Merg tossed in 11  and Bryson added 10 points.  Young had a team high 4 assists and a game high 3 steals while Harris rounded out a double-double with 10 rebounds.

Jake Manning led the Pioneers with a game high 16 points.  Manning also had a double-double with 10 rebounds. 

The WARHAWKS travel to Superior on Saturday.

I thought Platteville's size would play a bigger factor in the game but WW quickness was too much.  Platteville would play good D for 30 seconds only to have Quardell Young drive through for a layup.

Young has done that to pretty much everyone trying to guard him this year...his first step and athletic ability is rare at the D3 level.  If he improves his outside shot, there may be no way to guard him.

[fredfalcon]

cubs--no idea why TP did not play. Probably sick.

[John Gleich]

I'm cross-posting this from the Posters Poll board where I originally posted it... because it's probably more appropriate here.

...

One final thought.... Like I said, I like St. Thomas for the top spot this week. But, something happened in the UST/UWSP game that is still rubbing me the wrong way.  Let me explain.

First, take a look at the Box Score.

St Thomas led by as many as 6, twice in the first half, Point led by as many as 4, and led at half time 27-26. It SHOULD have been by at least 4... SP had a 4 point lead and the ball and turned it over with :02 left in the half and Zach Reideman for UST picked up the loose ball and tossed it 3/4 of the length of the court... and it spashed in. This turned the momentum of the game... UWSP had been on a 12-2 run, turning a 6 point deficit into a 4 point lead... but instead it was just a one point lead.

But though that rubbed me the wrong way a little bit, that's not even what I'm talking about.

UST, with the momentum, took the lead early in the second half and extended it to 11 with 11:00 left in the game. Point then chipped away and chipped away... until, with 1:44 left, Clayton Heuer scored and was fouled, hitting the freebie, and cutting the lead to 3, at 62-59. Stevens Point got a stop and a Heuer bucket with :57 cut the lead to 1, at 62-61.

Now the next play in the box score is what really sticks in my craw...

00:39  UWSP  FOUL by Heuer,Clayton (4)

In the 0:18 between when Clayton scored and Clayton (apparently) fouled Will DeBerg (an almost 90% free throw shooter), Stevens Point almost got a steal, but the ball went out of bounds.

BEFORE THE BALL WAS EVEN INBOUNDED a foul was called, because DeBerg effectively flopped. He "got caught up" in the defenders, 35 feet away from where the ball was being inbounded in near half court by the scorer's table and drew a foul call.

He proceeded to knock down two FT's, bringing the lead back to 3. Point missed on the other end when Tillema (who was playing, despite being injured, and who may have ultimately made the injury worse) took a quick, though shot that missed... and Point was forced to foul again.

So, though SP still had chances after that point, it effectively ended the game because UST hit their free throws. I just thought it was an incredibly cheap way for a very tough, hardnosed game to end. It was crafty, I'll give you that, but it left a really bad taste in my mouth, even now, several weeks later.

I hadn't talked about it up until this point because, and I'm not kidding here, my hard drive crashed right after the game ended. I was frustrated enough as it was that I didn't go back and post about it later from my other computer and I was trying to fix the one that broke for the rest of the evening.

Darn you Will DeBerg, your shenanigans broke my computer!

As I mentioned, I never really got to post a recap after the UWSP/UST game because my hard drive on my laptop literally crashed about 2 minutes after the game was over... I didn't even get to hear Coach Semling in the post-game radio broadcast.


Everything above is incredibly nuanced and subtle. I doubt many, or even any others noticed it. But it really makes me want to play St. Thomas again!

[tomt4525]

I'm cross-posting this from the Posters Poll board where I originally posted it... because it's probably more appropriate here.

...

One final thought.... Like I said, I like St. Thomas for the top spot this week. But, something happened in the UST/UWSP game that is still rubbing me the wrong way.  Let me explain.

First, take a look at the Box Score.

St Thomas led by as many as 6, twice in the first half, Point led by as many as 4, and led at half time 27-26. It SHOULD have been by at least 4... SP had a 4 point lead and the ball and turned it over with :02 left in the half and Zach Reideman for UST picked up the loose ball and tossed it 3/4 of the length of the court... and it spashed in. This turned the momentum of the game... UWSP had been on a 12-2 run, turning a 6 point deficit into a 4 point lead... but instead it was just a one point lead.

But though that rubbed me the wrong way a little bit, that's not even what I'm talking about.

UST, with the momentum, took the lead early in the second half and extended it to 11 with 11:00 left in the game. Point then chipped away and chipped away... until, with 1:44 left, Clayton Heuer scored and was fouled, hitting the freebie, and cutting the lead to 3, at 62-59. Stevens Point got a stop and a Heuer bucket with :57 cut the lead to 1, at 62-61.

Now the next play in the box score is what really sticks in my craw...

00:39  UWSP  FOUL by Heuer,Clayton (4)

In the 0:18 between when Clayton scored and Clayton (apparently) fouled Will DeBerg (an almost 90% free throw shooter), Stevens Point almost got a steal, but the ball went out of bounds.

BEFORE THE BALL WAS EVEN INBOUNDED a foul was called, because DeBerg effectively flopped. He "got caught up" in the defenders, 35 feet away from where the ball was being inbounded in near half court by the scorer's table and drew a foul call.

He proceeded to knock down two FT's, bringing the lead back to 3. Point missed on the other end when Tillema (who was playing, despite being injured, and who may have ultimately made the injury worse) took a quick, though shot that missed... and Point was forced to foul again.

So, though SP still had chances after that point, it effectively ended the game because UST hit their free throws. I just thought it was an incredibly cheap way for a very tough, hardnosed game to end. It was crafty, I'll give you that, but it left a really bad taste in my mouth, even now, several weeks later.

I hadn't talked about it up until this point because, and I'm not kidding here, my hard drive crashed right after the game ended. I was frustrated enough as it was that I didn't go back and post about it later from my other computer and I was trying to fix the one that broke for the rest of the evening.

Darn you Will DeBerg, your shenanigans broke my computer!

As I mentioned, I never really got to post a recap after the UWSP/UST game because my hard drive on my laptop literally crashed about 2 minutes after the game was over... I didn't even get to hear Coach Semling in the post-game radio broadcast.


Everything above is incredibly nuanced and subtle. I doubt many, or even any others noticed it. But it really makes me want to play St. Thomas again!

I was in the crowd for this game watching.  I didn't see the Heuer foul when it happened and can't really post my thoughts because of that fact.  I will say that there was some hometown calls, which I guess I should expect.  Heuer got mugged going for offensive rebounds numerous times with nothing coming of it.  Then on the opposite end, Point got called quite a few times for rebounding fouls.  I'm going off memory so I can't be as specific as I'd like to be in this instance.  It was obvious to me that St Thomas was allowed to be more physical than Point was able to.  I'd love for them to matchup again with a healthy Tillema on a neutral floor in the playoffs.

I'm sure this comes off as sour grapes, which there probably is some involved...but I'll give a little credit to St Thomas as well...I didn't expect it going into the game but Noah Kaiser was a difficult matchup for Point.  He's about 6'5" and a lot quicker than you'd expect.  He's a good athlete too so he was able to get to the hoop and score over people multiple times.  I'm really liking Point's lineup with some more size this year but I think they really miss Forsythe.  Seeing him play as a freshman he was the defensive stopper of the future, definitely a Nick Krull type.  Point needed a guy 6'5"-6'6" to matchup with him.  I hope he comes back 100 percent for next year.

[John Gleich]

FYI Pointer fans (or WIAC fans in general):

http://athletics.uwsp.edu/splash.aspx?id=splash_76

UWSP is selling their old bench chairs. As of about 3:00 this afternoon the middle one (the oldest style) was already sold out. I honestly don't know how many will be left tomorrow afternoon!