MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[devildog29]

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/02/19/usports/doc47bba5e7ec5c9733796687.txt

So far it's been a pretty good year for Titan athletic teams to be picked 7th in the preseason coaches poll.  It worked out pretty well for the football team.  Hopefully the basketball team can close out with a couple big wins as well.

[Fox 40]

Rodney: Your personal hope is of course matched by IWU fans. The Shirk Center compared to Augie's outdated mausoleum is a no-brainer. IWU hosting would provide twice the attendendace of a Rock Island crowd. Enough extra money (no passes for any fan) could be raised to give CCIW Commr. Chris Martin a bonus!

Article in QC paper today about upgrades coming to Carver Center @ Augustana:

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=375291

[AndOne]

Last night, the Naperville City Council unanimously approved final plans paving the way for construction of a new recreation center for North Central College. The rec center will contain 4 basketball courts, a fitness center, and a state of the art running track where the Cardinal indoor track team will hold its meets. Wrapped around the rec center will be a new residence hall with direct access into the center. The new complex will be environmentally friendly, and will feature a "green" roof, recycled materials, and a geothermal HVAC system.

Following completion of the new rec center (2 yrs?), Merner Fieldhouse and the infamous "hanger" will undergo extensive renovation. The existing track will be removed, and permanent theater style seating will be installed on the north side of the arena where the risers are currently positioned, and possibly on the south side behind the team benches. Upgraded bleacher seating will be be featured under the baskets at the east and west ends of the court. I would expect a new ceiling to be part of the renovation. There is also some discussion regrading the balcony which may be converted to new athletic offices with windows overlooking the arena. Much like many of the newer sports stadiums built in the last few years, the end result will be a "retro" look facility with modern conveniences not found in the current mausoleum. Overall, a very much first class facility.

[Naperick]

Last night, the Naperville City Council unanimously approved final plans paving the way for construction of a new recreation center for North Central College. The rec center will contain 4 basketball courts, a fitness center, and a state of the art running track where the Cardinal indoor track team will hold its meets. Wrapped around the rec center will be a new residence hall with direct access into the center. The new complex will be environmentally friendly, and will feature a "green" roof, recycled materials, and a geothermal HVAC system.

Following completion of the new rec center (2 yrs?), Merner Fieldhouse and the infamous "hanger" will undergo extensive renovation. The existing track will be removed, and permanent theater style seating will be installed on the north side of the arena where the risers are currently positioned, and possibly on the south side behind the team benches. Upgraded bleacher seating will be be featured under the baskets at the east and west ends of the court. I would expect a new ceiling to be part of the renovation. There is also some discussion regrading the balcony which may be converted to new athletic offices with windows overlooking the arena. Much like many of the newer sports stadiums built in the last few years, the end result will be a "retro" look facility with modern conveniences not found in the current mausoleum. Overall, a very much first class facility.

Great news for NCC!  Naperville has not always worked well with NCC in the past.  The Cardinals Track & Field program deserves a first class indoor facility and the upgrades to Merner Fieldhouse will be nice for basketball & volleyball.

[Mugsy]

New regional rankings are out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/dailydose/2008/02/20/ncaas-second-regional-rankings

Midwest
1. Washington U. 18-4 15-3
2. Augustana 18-5 17-5
3. Lawrence 18-2 16-2
4. Chicago 15-7 14-7
5. Illinois Wesleyan 15-8 14-6
6. Wheaton (Ill.) 17-6 13-6
7. Elmhurst 17-6 16-6
8. Carroll 14-6 13-6

[augiefan]

If the Augie fans outnumber the IWU fans tonight, it will be real progress. I've never understood the poor attendance at Augie home games given the good effort and fine record Augie teams have had in recent years. No road team has a better record at Carver than IWU's, and that includes a few blow out wins for the Titans.

If Augie wins tonight, it will take a team effort and a solid performance from Dain Swetalla. Wessels scoring is likely to be held down by Dwyer, so Augie's depth and defense have to rise to the occasion. Equalling their season long near 80% FT percentage will help too. Go Augie.

[Naperick]

Last night, the Naperville City Council unanimously approved final plans paving the way for construction of a new recreation center for North Central College. The rec center will contain 4 basketball courts, a fitness center, and a state of the art running track where the Cardinal indoor track team will hold its meets. Wrapped around the rec center will be a new residence hall with direct access into the center. The new complex will be environmentally friendly, and will feature a "green" roof, recycled materials, and a geothermal HVAC system.

Following completion of the new rec center (2 yrs?), Merner Fieldhouse and the infamous "hanger" will undergo extensive renovation. The existing track will be removed, and permanent theater style seating will be installed on the north side of the arena where the risers are currently positioned, and possibly on the south side behind the team benches. Upgraded bleacher seating will be be featured under the baskets at the east and west ends of the court. I would expect a new ceiling to be part of the renovation. There is also some discussion regrading the balcony which may be converted to new athletic offices with windows overlooking the arena. Much like many of the newer sports stadiums built in the last few years, the end result will be a "retro" look facility with modern conveniences not found in the current mausoleum. Overall, a very much first class facility.

Below is the link from the 2/20/08 Naperville Sun.

www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/802839,6_1_NA20_CCMEET_S1.article

[mr_b]

Final from the Crackerbox: North Park 91, Carthage 72

[Mr. Ypsi]

The conference tourney is now all but set.  The winner of Wheaton-Elmhurst on Saturday will take on second-seed* IWU; the loser gets top-seed Augie.  All games, of course, in Rock Island.

*Unless I've missed something, IWU has clinched the #2 seed.  If they beat NPU, they have it outright.  If they lose and Wheaton wins, IWU swept Wheaton.  If they lose and Elmhurst wins, they split, both were swept by Augie, but IWU swept Wheaton while Elmhurst would have a split.

[ecdubb420]

North Park looked awesome.  Great time to see my first Viking victory in the crackerbox.  A big thank you from all the Elmhurst fans.
Must say, very excited to be heading to Rock Island for the tournament once again. 
Talking to some people at the EC game, Jared Hintzsche played the game of his life.  What a great way to cap off a career. 
Elmhurst now will finish over .500 in conference for the 4th season in a row, which by-the-way is the first time in school history. 
Steve D is a hell of a player, he has a great chance at becoming a 4-time 1st team player and a multiple time MOP.  That suspect outside shot doesn't look that pretty, but that catches up to the rest of his game, the kid could score 27-30ppg. 
Also great to see North Park's seniors play so well. I've always expected much more out a Jay Alexander and Gordon, but they played well tonight, though Mr. Williams was the story of the evening.  Sure he is incredibly streaky, but when he is on, watch out.

[mr_b]

It was Senior Night at North Park tonight.  A few posters wondered whether the Vikings would be up for this contest, as they had been eliminated from CCIW Tournament consideration while Carthage is still alive for a berth. In stark contrast to the OT nail-biter in Kenosha, North Park pulled away for a convincing victory.

I'd have to say it was one of the best start-to-finish games I've seen North Park play in quite some time: high energy, exciting plays, fighting for rebounds, limited turnovers.  It was a very fitting wrap-up for three outstanding seniors, Jason Gordon, Jay Alexander, and Ed Whitaker.  I had the privilege of having Jay and Ed as students in my classes, and I can say without hesitation that they are class people in the classroom as well as on and off court.  I didn't know Jason as a student but he is another exemplary team leader.  I wish them all the very best in their post-Viking careers.

[mr_b]

A few numbers from the game:

The Vikings led at the half, 45-37.  They shot 8 threes before the break and hit five more afterwards.  Nick Williams had another monster game with 24 points (5 threes), while Jason Gordon added 22 (3 threes).  Ed Whitaker started again and contributed 13 points (3 threes).  Jay Alexander also started and had 9 points but led the team in heart and tenacity.  His energy will surely be missed!  Antonio Stevens was the other Viking in double figures (15 points).

Steve Djurikovic led Carthage with 25.   He is going to be a force in the CCIW over the next few years with his smart play and shot selection.  Trey Bowens also had a big game for Carthage with 17 points.

[augiefan]

As predicted Brett Wessels was pretty much shut down tonight by Sean Dwyer with just 10 points. However, all five Augie starters were in double figures led by Dain Swetalla, who had his best game of the season. After a zero point performance on Saturday, Dain got 17 points and 8 boards tonight. Hard to believe the difference. Hopefully, this fine performance will restore his confidence as Augie heads to the tournament.

[usee]

sloppy game in decatur:

Raymond 25pts, 4 turnovers
wiele 21pts 8 rebounds
panner 8pts

wheaton w 16 turnovers and 27 rebounds

Ogunleye 20 pts 5 turnovers and 10 rebounds
Ott 11pts

millikin w 19 turnovers and 31 rebounds; 7-18 from 3pt arc

[voxelmhurst]

Yes....on behalf of the Elmhurst fans, thank you North Park!

I like to believe that Elmhurst was capable of getting the job done in Wheaton this Saturday, but...I am not complaning that we've clinched going into the tournament.

Really wanted to get out to RAF tonight but just couldn't.  I am very glad to hear that Jared had a great game on his own personal Senior Night. 

C'mon the Jays! We're going to Rock Island!