MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Ralph Turner]

I wonder what the effect that the change in "in-region" games will be where we have "snow birds" going for spring training games in warm weather climates and benefitting from the "non in-regon" status.  Will Kean go to Chapman for a spring trip if the losses will count? 

I will bet that many of those baseball games will not occur.

[KnightSlappy]

Good thing going? Or indicating they have no choice.

Its both Dave, every MIAA schedule posted thus far except for Kalamazoo has an NAIA opponent on it.

Some of the Calvin people have put forward a third reason for playing at least one non-D3 opponent in particular (Grace Bible), which is that it is a beneficial and neighborly gesture aimed at fostering relations with a nearby Christian school.

Yes, Calvin's even gone so far as to throw a couple of wins their way in recent years. You know, because of neighborly reasons. 

[Gregory Sager]

Good thing going? Or indicating they have no choice.

Its both Dave, every MIAA schedule posted thus far except for Kalamazoo has an NAIA opponent on it.

Some of the Calvin people have put forward a third reason for playing at least one non-D3 opponent in particular (Grace Bible), which is that it is a beneficial and neighborly gesture aimed at fostering relations with a nearby Christian school.

Yes, Calvin's even gone so far as to throw a couple of wins their way in recent years. You know, because of neighborly reasons. 

It just goes to show how thoroughly Calvin lives out Christ's injunction in Mark 12:31.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

In-region is basically a university presidents-pushed issue. There is an effort to keep D3 regional for many reasons, primarily because of cost issues of traveling and trying to keep schools on somewhat of an even playing field (schools that can travel across the country versus those who don't have that kind of budget).

That being said, the regional side of things will take on some changes in the future. The first is the NCAA is making a whole-hearted effort to reallign the regions to make them a bit more balanced. The second is that in the future, all games will count as long as a school plays at least 70% (though, not sure if that is the exact number) of their games in-region (which most of those games will be counted thanks to conference schedules). I believe that later takes place in the '12-'13 season and the former is coming, but I was told the work went back to the drawing board due to some changes of direction from presidents (one of the things they wanted is that conferences all be in the same region - something I completely disagree with and has caused many of the problems; remember, conference games are already counted as regional games, so being in different regions isn't that big a deal).

Had the chance to chat with some people and get some more information:
- The "all games count" plan will go into affect for '13-'14. Basically all games teams play against Division III opponents will now count provided schools play 70% of their games in-region. For conferences like the ASC, this isn't a big deal since they play 20+ games in conference. For conferences like the NESCAC, this could be a slightly bigger factor since they only play one-game in region (though there are two smaller "groups" who play each other a second time). For schools in those conferences that want to play schools outside of their region, they have to still make sure they play the right number in-region or those out-of-region games will not count.

Furthermore, schools like Hope, Calvin, and others in the MIAA and others in the same boat will still not have games against NAIA or others count and could be dealing with problems reaching the 70% for any games they may play out of the region (like Hope vs. IWU... that may count for IWU but not for Hope). Last season for Hope, not counting the conference tournament, they played only .640 of their games in-region (1 D3 out-of-region and 8 non-D3 schools). If you count the conference tournament, that percentage is .720... that is close and would put a lot of trust in playing enough conference games to get them over the percentage.

- Regional realignment could be completed in time for the '13-'14 season as well. There are a lot of hoops to jump through, but it sounds like that could be the goal in mind. I did hear that the men's and women's committee chairs have discussed getting things a bit more on par with one another (i.e. the "Midwest" and "Central" regions being call the same thing), but remember that regional realignment is happening across the board in all sports, so some things may be cut and dry and others could use some massaging to get right... meaning we aren't going to get an absolute perfect fit for all sports and all genders.

[KnightSlappy]

Had the chance to chat with some people and get some more information:
- The "all games count" plan will go into affect for '13-'14. Basically all games teams play against Division III opponents will now count provided schools play 70% of their games in-region. For conferences like the ASC, this isn't a big deal since they play 20+ games in conference. For conferences like the NESCAC, this could be a slightly bigger factor since they only play one-game in region (though there are two smaller "groups" who play each other a second time). For schools in those conferences that want to play schools outside of their region, they have to still make sure they play the right number in-region or those out-of-region games will not count.

Furthermore, schools like Hope, Calvin, and others in the MIAA and others in the same boat will still not have games against NAIA or others count and could be dealing with problems reaching the 70% for any games they may play out of the region (like Hope vs. IWU... that may count for IWU but not for Hope). Last season for Hope, not counting the conference tournament, they played only .640 of their games in-region (1 D3 out-of-region and 8 non-D3 schools). If you count the conference tournament, that percentage is .720... that is close and would put a lot of trust in playing enough conference games to get them over the percentage.

My understanding was that the 70% rule would be for championship eligibility. That is to say, all D3 games would count for everyone, but teams that fell below the 70% mark would not be eligible for selection (unless they had one of those fancy waivers).

[iwu70]

Very stretched out new format for the D3 national tourney this coming year, with 8 teams going to Salem for quarters and semis, then final in Atlanta on the D1 Final Four championship weekend.  Not sure if this will work out well or not.  Such a huge arena for the D3 finals, can't be too too cozy, with likely tons of empty seats.  Sure will change the pace, prep and nature of the post season national tourney run, travel for most D3 teams participating. 

Looking forward to football soon, and then the new basketball season upcoming.

Hazy lazy days of August now . . . campus about as quiet as it ever is during the early, late July, early August weeks.  Still painting dorm rooms, taking out dead ash trees, and moving offices and office furniture for the new array of faculty and staff for the new academic cycle. 

Love that 17 year old swimmer from Colorado, and that 16 year old swimmer from China.  Amazing performances . . .  ahhh, youth.  Looks like those "old" ladies Serena and Venus still have some gold left in them . . . and older man Federer too. 

IWU70

[NCF]

Very stretched out new format for the D3 national tourney this coming year, with 8 teams going to Salem for quarters and semis, then final in Atlanta on the D1 Final Four championship weekend.  Not sure if this will work out well or not.  Such a huge arena for the D3 finals, can't be too too cozy, with likely tons of empty seats.  Sure will change the pace, prep and nature of the post season national tourney run, travel for most D3 teams participating. 

Looking forward to football soon, and then the new basketball season upcoming.

Hazy lazy days of August now . . . campus about as quiet as it ever is during the early, late July, early August weeks.  Still painting dorm rooms, taking out dead ash trees, and moving offices and office furniture for the new array of faculty and staff for the new academic cycle. 

Love that 17 year old swimmer from Colorado, and that 16 year old swimmer from China.  Amazing performances . . .  ahhh, youth.  Looks like those "old" ladies Serena and Venus still have some gold left in them . . . and older man Federer too. 

IWU70

Nice to see you back on the boards IWU70. Swimming has been great, but can't wait until the track events start. Mens gymnastics-not so good. we'll see what the women do tonight.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Very stretched out new format for the D3 national tourney this coming year, with 8 teams going to Salem for quarters and semis, then final in Atlanta on the D1 Final Four championship weekend.  Not sure if this will work out well or not.  Such a huge arena for the D3 finals, can't be too too cozy, with likely tons of empty seats.  Sure will change the pace, prep and nature of the post season national tourney run, travel for most D3 teams participating. 

Just so you know... the DII and DIII championship games will not be played at the Georgia Dome... they will be played where the Atlanta Hawks play their games - right next door. So the arena will be a bit more "cozy" then the Dome. However, it will still bigger than the Salem Civic Center or any other place D3 teams tend to play (unless you are Transylvania playing at Rupp Arena).

Also, in case anyone missed the front page of D3hoops.com, here is a link to our story on the changes including a long chat with the new men's committee chair, Mike DeWitt of Ohio Wesleyan: www.d3hoops.com/notables/2012/07/2013-tournament-spread-out. The Hoopsville On Demand chat includes not only the changes to the tournament, but also major changes with the committee, how the regional rankings are voted on, criteria changes in the future, possibly realignment changes coming, etc. And to quote one tweet... not much coach-speak!

[NCF]

Very stretched out new format for the D3 national tourney this coming year, with 8 teams going to Salem for quarters and semis, then final in Atlanta on the D1 Final Four championship weekend.  Not sure if this will work out well or not.  Such a huge arena for the D3 finals, can't be too too cozy, with likely tons of empty seats.  Sure will change the pace, prep and nature of the post season national tourney run, travel for most D3 teams participating. 

Just so you know... the DII and DIII championship games will not be played at the Georgia Dome... they will be played where the Atlanta Hawks play their games - right next door. So the arena will be a bit more "cozy" then the Dome. However, it will still bigger than the Salem Civic Center or any other place D3 teams tend to play (unless you are Transylvania playing at Rupp Arena).

Also, in case anyone missed the front page of D3hoops.com, here is a link to our story on the changes including a long chat with the new men's committee chair, Mike DeWitt of Ohio Wesleyan: www.d3hoops.com/notables/2012/07/2013-tournament-spread-out. The Hoopsville On Demand chat includes not only the changes to the tournament, but also major changes with the committee, how the regional rankings are voted on, criteria changes in the future, possibly realignment changes coming, etc. And to quote one tweet... not much coach-speak!

It's going to be an exciting basketball season for all divisions!

[AndOne]

Very stretched out new format for the D3 national tourney this coming year, with 8 teams going to Salem for quarters and semis, then final in Atlanta on the D1 Final Four championship weekend.  Not sure if this will work out well or not.  Such a huge arena for the D3 finals, can't be too too cozy, with likely tons of empty seats.  Sure will change the pace, prep and nature of the post season national tourney run, travel for most D3 teams participating. 

Just so you know... the DII and DIII championship games will not be played at the Georgia Dome... they will be played where the Atlanta Hawks play their games - right next door. So the arena will be a bit more "cozy" then the Dome. However, it will still bigger than the Salem Civic Center or any other place D3 teams tend to play (unless you are Transylvania playing at Rupp Arena).

Yes, Philips Arena.

Here are some facts/figures

Seating Capacity: Basketball 18,729; Concerts 21,000
Private Suites: 92
Party/Rental Suites: 9
Club Seats: 1866
Public Restrooms: 26
Food Outlets: 23
Restaurants/Clubs: 4
Retail Outlets: 12
Opening Date: September 1999
Total Parking Spaces: 4,345

For basketball, the 400 level is usually curtained off making the arena a little more "cozy," but certainly not intimate.
Philips Arena is right in the downtown area, and quite convenient and easy to get to. Its actually a stop on the Atlanta subway system or MARTA. Five Points is the downtown station which is the intersection of the north/south and east/west routes. Philips is the 1st stop west of Five Points on the Blue Line. 

[newCCIWfan]

Not sure if anyone saw this but former Millikin Basketball Player Lance Brooks competing in the Olympics. Not sure if he's the only CCIW Olympian ... but someone everyone can be pulling for!

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8186447

[D-3 watcher]

With 8 teams going to Salem, that arena could be jumping again. Having been lucky enough to attend 5 finals there, the excitement seems to have slowed down. A lot has to do with what teams make it or sure, but I think it might be getting stale for the locals as well. Even IWU fans, which there are many, do not travel out there as well as say the first two, back in the mid 90's. It's a great place for the final 4, and I hope after this year they go back to the old format. I would like to see it move to say Chicago, or Indy, I think the Midwest would support it big time.

[NCF]

Not sure if anyone saw this but former Millikin Basketball Player Lance Brooks competing in the Olympics. Not sure if he's the only CCIW Olympian ... but someone everyone can be pulling for!

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8186447

He is the only cciw athlete, but there are other former D3 athletes competing.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

With 8 teams going to Salem, that arena could be jumping again. Having been lucky enough to attend 5 finals there, the excitement seems to have slowed down. A lot has to do with what teams make it or sure, but I think it might be getting stale for the locals as well. Even IWU fans, which there are many, do not travel out there as well as say the first two, back in the mid 90's. It's a great place for the final 4, and I hope after this year they go back to the old format. I would like to see it move to say Chicago, or Indy, I think the Midwest would support it big time.

The format will move back to the traditional D3 format in the future... unless something monumental changes and that will then mean huge changes to the D3 calendar... thus reasons I doubt a change will happen.

As for a move to Chicago or Indy... doubt it will ever go to a big city where it will be just swallowed up by ... well ... the big city. Could it move to another location similar to Salem, sure... but the NCAA has been pleased with Salem and no one else that I am aware of has ever put up a bid that even compares to Salem... when that happens, don't be surprised if the NCAA decides to reward that effort - though Salem has a LOT going for them.

[Gregory Sager]

One of the big complaints about the final being moved to Atlanta this year, among several other complaints, is that it will be swallowed up and become a media afterthought. Well, as D-Mac said, that's exactly what would happen every year if the D3 Final Four was held in a big city such as Chicago or Naptown.

The ideal solution would be for a smaller city, perhaps one a little further east that has good interstate highway and airport access (i.e., Akron or Toledo or Erie or Canton) to step up and put in a bid to host. Everyone always talks about what a great job Salem does every year, and I'm not disputing that, but the basic problem of location still remains. Salem, VA is simply not very well situated geographically with regard to D3, which is overwhelmingly oriented towards the northeast and the midwest in terms of where member schools are located.