MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mr. Ypsi]

Rumor has it that Dennis Prikkel is going to forego a casket when he passes on to his final reward, and will instead be lowered into the ground wrapped in a large Charcoal Delights pita roll as a tribute to the excellence of the Charcoal Delights gyros plate.

If THAT image doesn't kill the business, ...!

[John Gleich]

Why would it count as two? It's the same gym, only with a different name, newer bleachers, and the court realigned from north-south to east-west.

Different viewing experience?  It would raise the count on my total D-III gyms...?  New name, new face, new place?

...Of course, if you go to a game at the crackerbox you have to make it a point to eat your pre- or post-game meal at Charcoal Delights (aka "the Pit"), next to the NPU parking lot on the opposite corner of Foster & Kedzie from the gym. It's the CCIW's unofficial eatery of choice -- it comes recommended by such worthies as Bosko Djurickovic, Bill Harris, Joe Hakes, and Bob Quillman. Rumor has it that Dennis Prikkel is going to forego a casket when he passes on to his final reward, and will instead be lowered into the ground wrapped in a large Charcoal Delights pita roll as a tribute to the excellence of the Charcoal Delights gyros plate.

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?



I'll have you know that this is difficult for me... UWSP is playing their biggest remaining regular season game and an opportunity to not only get revenge for their one loss but to take back sole possession of first place in the WIAC... and the last time I chose to go to a game vs. listening to Point online they lost (watched Wheaton/Platteville instead of listening to Point/St. Thomas)...  But who knows, I might be able to figure out how to listen to streaming audio on my new phone by next Wednesday.

[Gregory Sager]

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?

If a gyros is your thing, yes. Me, I usually opt for either the cheese steak special or the Italian beef special. They're best known for their hot dogs -- it's one of the classic Chicago dog joints.

All of us Parkers are regular habitues of Charcoal Delights -- Mr. B eats every pregame meal there before he keeps score -- so we each probably have our own favorites from the menu.

I'll have you know that this is difficult for me... UWSP is playing their biggest remaining regular season game and an opportunity to not only get revenge for their one loss but to take back sole possession of first place in the WIAC... and the last time I chose to go to a game vs. listening to Point online they lost (watched Wheaton/Platteville instead of listening to Point/St. Thomas)...  But who knows, I might be able to figure out how to listen to streaming audio on my new phone by next Wednesday.

Duly noted and understood. Nobody begrudges you your loyalty to the Pointers, PS!

[John Gleich]

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?

If a gyros is your thing, yes. Me, I usually opt for either the cheese steak special or the Italian beef special. They're best known for their hot dogs -- it's one of the classic Chicago dog joints.

All of us Parkers are regular habitues of Charcoal Delights -- Mr. B eats every pregame meal there before he keeps score -- so we each probably have our own favorites from the menu.

Hmm... so many good options...

I may have to try a few different things (he said with a big grin, noting that his wife was going to be out of the state and couldn't prevent him from getting 2 of everything).  Will it be open after the game too?

I'll have you know that this is difficult for me... UWSP is playing their biggest remaining regular season game and an opportunity to not only get revenge for their one loss but to take back sole possession of first place in the WIAC... and the last time I chose to go to a game vs. listening to Point online they lost (watched Wheaton/Platteville instead of listening to Point/St. Thomas)...  But who knows, I might be able to figure out how to listen to streaming audio on my new phone by next Wednesday.

Duly noted and understood. Nobody begrudges you your loyalty to the Pointers, PS!

Ya know, though... I might be thinking about it wrong.  Whitewater (and Platteville, for that matter, but I was watching them) both lost that night too...  Maybe I'll be o.k. if I can figure out how to watch one game, and still listen to the other...!

[Gregory Sager]

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?

If a gyros is your thing, yes. Me, I usually opt for either the cheese steak special or the Italian beef special. They're best known for their hot dogs -- it's one of the classic Chicago dog joints.

All of us Parkers are regular habitues of Charcoal Delights -- Mr. B eats every pregame meal there before he keeps score -- so we each probably have our own favorites from the menu.

Hmm... so many good options...

I may have to try a few different things (he said with a big grin, noting that his wife was going to be out of the state and couldn't prevent him from getting 2 of everything).  Will it be open after the game too?

Yup.

[Mr. Ypsi]

But if you DO order the gyros plate, be sure to check that Dennis is still alive.

[Titan Q]

Another IWU/Wheaton classic.  It's amazing how many great games the two teams have played in the last 15 years or so.  For those of us not able to be there, it's great to see the video of the final seconds. 

Special thanks to Titanhammer who went out of his way to help me follow the game during my drive from STL airport to Columbia last night.  He put his phone up to the WJBC broadcast so I could listen while driving home.  What a finish.

[Titan Q]

Home win = +0
Road win = +1
Home loss = -1
Road loss = +0

Carthage +2
Ill. Wesleyan +2
Augustana +1
North Park +1
Wheaton +0
Elmhurst -2
Millikin -2
North Central -2


Saturday
Augustana @ North Central
Millikin @ Carthage
Elmhurst @ Wheaton

Sunday
North Park @ Ill. Wesleyan

[mr_b]

If a gyros is your thing, yes. Me, I usually opt for either the cheese steak special or the Italian beef special. They're best known for their hot dogs -- it's one of the classic Chicago dog joints.

All of us Parkers are regular habitues of Charcoal Delights -- Mr. B eats every pregame meal there before he keeps score -- so we each probably have our own favorites from the menu.

The hot dogs are very tasty -- but so are the grilled chicken sandwiches.  Ask about the daily specials, too.

[CCIWchamps]

Would you North Parkers say that NPU is playing good basketball... or are they just playing better than the teams they're playing (who aren't playing very well)?

I'm trying to decide if I should head down to Foster and Kedzie to see a game or not!

Point - You should go to Foster and Kedzie just so you can say you've had the experience if you've not already. 

I don't mind all of these posts, but it's amazing how 4 conference wins has turned the NPU gym into the fabled mecca of basketball in just under 2 weeks! 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Would you North Parkers say that NPU is playing good basketball... or are they just playing better than the teams they're playing (who aren't playing very well)?

I'm trying to decide if I should head down to Foster and Kedzie to see a game or not!

Point - You should go to Foster and Kedzie just so you can say you've had the experience if you've not already. 

I don't mind all of these posts, but it's amazing how 4 conference wins has turned the NPU gym into the fabled mecca of basketball in just under 2 weeks! 

The crackerbox has always held a special place in the hearts of CCIW Chat posters.

[Viking Blue]

Why would it count as two? It's the same gym, only with a different name, newer bleachers, and the court realigned from north-south to east-west.

Different viewing experience?  It would raise the count on my total D-III gyms...?  New name, new face, new place?

...Of course, if you go to a game at the crackerbox you have to make it a point to eat your pre- or post-game meal at Charcoal Delights (aka "the Pit"), next to the NPU parking lot on the opposite corner of Foster & Kedzie from the gym. It's the CCIW's unofficial eatery of choice -- it comes recommended by such worthies as Bosko Djurickovic, Bill Harris, Joe Hakes, and Bob Quillman. Rumor has it that Dennis Prikkel is going to forego a casket when he passes on to his final reward, and will instead be lowered into the ground wrapped in a large Charcoal Delights pita roll as a tribute to the excellence of the Charcoal Delights gyros plate.

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?



I'll have you know that this is difficult for me... UWSP is playing their biggest remaining regular season game and an opportunity to not only get revenge for their one loss but to take back sole possession of first place in the WIAC... and the last time I chose to go to a game vs. listening to Point online they lost (watched Wheaton/Platteville instead of listening to Point/St. Thomas)...  But who knows, I might be able to figure out how to listen to streaming audio on my new phone by next Wednesday.

I highly recommend the Chicken Delight.  A favorite of the North Park student body.

[Viking Blue]

Would you North Parkers say that NPU is playing good basketball... or are they just playing better than the teams they're playing (who aren't playing very well)?

I'm trying to decide if I should head down to Foster and Kedzie to see a game or not!

Point - You should go to Foster and Kedzie just so you can say you've had the experience if you've not already. 

I don't mind all of these posts, but it's amazing how 4 conference wins has turned the NPU gym into the fabled mecca of basketball in just under 2 weeks! 

Those national championship banners add an awful lot of character.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Would you North Parkers say that NPU is playing good basketball... or are they just playing better than the teams they're playing (who aren't playing very well)?

I'm trying to decide if I should head down to Foster and Kedzie to see a game or not!

Point - You should go to Foster and Kedzie just so you can say you've had the experience if you've not already. 

I don't mind all of these posts, but it's amazing how 4 conference wins has turned the NPU gym into the fabled mecca of basketball in just under 2 weeks! 

Those national championship banners add an awful lot of character.

I'd imagine that helps, but is not totally necessary.  I thought the place was special back before they went on the rampage (don't recall for sure when I was there, but suspect it was 1968 and 1969).!

[Dennis_Prikkel]

Why would it count as two? It's the same gym, only with a different name, newer bleachers, and the court realigned from north-south to east-west.

Different viewing experience?  It would raise the count on my total D-III gyms...?  New name, new face, new place?

...Of course, if you go to a game at the crackerbox you have to make it a point to eat your pre- or post-game meal at Charcoal Delights (aka "the Pit"), next to the NPU parking lot on the opposite corner of Foster & Kedzie from the gym. It's the CCIW's unofficial eatery of choice -- it comes recommended by such worthies as Bosko Djurickovic, Bill Harris, Joe Hakes, and Bob Quillman. Rumor has it that Dennis Prikkel is going to forego a casket when he passes on to his final reward, and will instead be lowered into the ground wrapped in a large Charcoal Delights pita roll as a tribute to the excellence of the Charcoal Delights gyros plate.

I recalled such a place being discussed many times but I couldn't remember the name.  I noticed it on Google Maps when I looked at directions (it was closer than I thought... I don't know the North Side very well and I assumed I'd have to get on the Kennedy), and I saw it.

Is the gyros the recommended cuisine?



I'll have you know that this is difficult for me... UWSP is playing their biggest remaining regular season game and an opportunity to not only get revenge for their one loss but to take back sole possession of first place in the WIAC... and the last time I chose to go to a game vs. listening to Point online they lost (watched Wheaton/Platteville instead of listening to Point/St. Thomas)...  But who knows, I might be able to figure out how to listen to streaming audio on my new phone by next Wednesday.

I highly recommend the Chicken Delight.  A favorite of the North Park student body.

well - ive never had a gyros plate - so it would have to be a grilled cheese deluxe