MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Titan Q]

Just a note that in the morning, I leave from here in Rock Island to my new home in Columbia, Missouri.  My fiancee and I are excited to finally end this long distance deal so 3/2/08 is something we've been looking forward to.  State Farm is letting me do my current job from our Columbia office, which works out very well for us.  Our wedding is 10/11/08 in Palm Coast, Florida.

It was a busy 24 hours - drove back to Bloomington after the game last night, met the movers at my place at 7:00am, spent the day packing, drove back to Rock Island, and now ready to head to Columbia in the morning.

Our professional paths (Rosemary works for State Farm too)  will have us back in Bloomington within 9-18 months.  I'll most likely miss the next IWU basketball season, which will obviously be tough, but I'll keep IWUhoops.com going as best I can from afar and continue to participate here.  I just won't be close to things and have a lot of good scoop and analysis for you.

So, just a heads up that I'll be chiming in from away from CCIW land for the near future.

Maybe I can become a Westminster fan?

[Late nite]

They also gave you a look at their team for next season---They won't lose a thing at the 5 spot if Bertrand can give them 25-28 minutes a game---He plays alot like Gant and we all saw what type of senior season that he had when given the opportunity---Congratulations to the Vikes and Coach G and his staff

Augustana 71
IWU 60

http://www.augustana.edu/athletics/mbasketball/stats/2007-08/08mbb27.htm


Even with Dain Swetalla not playing, Augustana still just had too much size for the Titans.  All great teams have depth, and it is such a nice luxury when that depth is in the low post, which is exactly what Augie has.  Justin Betrand came off the bench and had a huge game - 13 pts and 11 rebounds (4-5 FG).  6-9 Dan Rukavina was serviceable in replacing 6-9 Swetalla in the starting lineup, finishing with 7 & 7.  With that size disparity, the Titans just have no consistent inside game vs Augustana, and that takes away the starting point of their offense. 

IWU competed hard and battled, as they always do.  I'm incredibly proud of this team and what they accomplished this year.  They are such as easy team to root for because the student-athletes are just all so hard-working and likeable.  It was a fun season of covering Titan basketball...and coming in, I thought it might be a real long one.

Finally, a mention of IWU head coach Ron Rose, who just did a fantastic job with his team this year.  Coach Rose went out and brought in some serious talent, blended it with the returning players, and developed this team as the season went on.  Their improvement from December to February was amazing.  IWU has a first class head coach in Ron Rose and he has a chance to do some great things at his alma mater.

Congrats to Augustana on the CCIW regular season and tournament title.  No question the Vikings are the best team in the league this year.  Good luck to Augie in the tournament - do us proud.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Late nite, yeah I joked on the up-dates board that Swetalla might have been "Pipped" by Bertrand tonight if he wasn't a senior!  But with Swetalla, Rukavina, and Rorer all graduating, their frontline might not be quite so intimidating next year.  At least, the rest of us can hope!

[Pat Coleman]

Just a note that in the morning, I leave from here in Rock Island to my new home in Columbia, Missouri.  My fiancee and I are excited to finally end this long distance deal so 3/2/08 is something we've been looking forward to.  State Farm is letting me do my current job from our Columbia office, which works out very well for us.  Our wedding is 10/11/08 in Palm Coast, Florida.

It was a busy 24 hours - drove back to Bloomington after the game last night, met the movers at my place at 7:00am, spent the day packing, drove back to Rock Island, and now ready to head to Columbia in the morning.

Our professional paths (Rosemary works for State Farm too)  will have us back in Bloomington within 9-18 months.  I'll most likely miss the next IWU basketball season, which will obviously be tough, but I'll keep IWUhoops.com going as best I can from afar and continue to participate here.  I just won't be close to things and have a lot of good scoop and analysis for you.

So, just a heads up that I'll be chiming in from away from CCIW land for the near future.

Maybe I can become a Westminster fan?

Wow.

Well, congrats!

(You still coming to Salem?)

[fcnews]

TQ - Westminster graduated all 5 starters. Could be a tough year in Fulton next year.

[petemcb]

TQ - Westminster graduated all 5 starters. Could be a tough year in Fulton next year.

Yeah, Q would know how unlikely it is to graduate a bunch of seniors, bring in a bunch of freshmen, and have any kind of season to get excited about

[mwunder]

One guy who impressed me off of Augie's bench was Justin Bertrand.  High energy, physical, athletic.

I called Mr. Bertrand after seeing him against Carthage earlier in the year.  Glad to see him come up big in the CCIW tourney championship game!

[iwu70]

Q, congrats and all best wishes for your new life and new love in Columbia.  Happy trails and return to B/N area as soon as you can.  I have very much enjoyed your website and also your good work on JBC this season.  Very important for those of us really far away, yes, on the Far Side.  So, many thanks and all good wishes to you and your fiance as you start a new chapter.  Hope to see you in Bloomington this summer when I'm back from Asia again.

I think the Titan season was very positive and we can look forward to some greater and more exciting times in the coming few years.   Coach Rose did do an excellent job with this young, untested team.  Think of how good they are going to be in the coming few seasons.   

Good luck to the Lady Titans in the tourney and also congrats and good luck to Augie as they move on to represent the CCIW in the DIII dance.  I hope both teams go far . .

All best.

[armywife]

Q, congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  Joy is contagious and yours comes out loud and clear as you talk about your bride. I'm really happy for you and will be praying for a smooth transition to Missouri.  I know that the IWU community is going to miss you a lot and will be looking forward to your return.

Congratulations to Augie on their win last night, I hope they do well in the tournament.  It seems that they have the height and depth to go far this year.  This team does not panic, and so many people can step up and have big games for them.  Hopefully, Swetalla's wrist injury is not serious and he can get back out there quickly.

Way to go Titans! I was amazed at the transition from the beginning of this year until now.  I don't think anyone would have predicted that they would be fighting for the conference championship as well as for the tournament championship this year.  Good coaching and good players, they will be a force next year.

UMHB won their conference and are playing for their tournament championship today. Maybe I'll get to see the Vikings and the Cru play each other yet.

[cardinalpride]

TQ,
You will be missed next year that's for sure.  Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

[cardinalpride]

Also, congrats to Augie for winning its 3rd consecutive conference title and 2nd straight CCIW tournament title!  Make it a successful run in the National tournament boys!!

[Late nite]

One guy who impressed me off of Augie's bench was Justin Bertrand.  High energy, physical, athletic.

I called Mr. Bertrand after seeing him against Carthage earlier in the year.  Glad to see him come up big in the CCIW tourney championship game!

Hate to one up you---But I will---I was calling for more Bertrand after the NIU scrimmage in November (page 770)---Sometimes, all it takes is a little opportunity

[cardinalfanrochelle]

Late nite,
              Hate to one up you but when Bert was at Sterling High School and the AYBT, I was telling people that he was an impact player and will have a good career in basketball, funny a basketball player playing tennis guess what he is Damn good at that also. Coach G has a Diamond on the bench , I wish he would bring him out more except against NCC

  Congrats Bert on your play this year and we are hope you get to play a few more games....

[Titan Q]

I saw Justin Bertrand play when he was in 1st Grade and I knew he'd be good.

[usee]

Top 5 new Titan Q handles now that he has relocated due to a woman;

5. Mizzou Q
4. Westminster Q
3. Titan hears a Q
2. IQ
1. Cindy Lou Q