WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[NCF]

I'd also like to add my condolences to you as well. I would agree with Hoosier Titan as far as making that decision. Take some time and do what's  best for you as well as your mom. Speaking from experience, for my mother-in-law,she was mostly depressed, but stayed in their home, and really never was the same. You were truly blessed to have your dad for so long. We buried our last parent three years ago and had to watch her literally waste away from cancer.

[RogK]

Mr Ypsi, sorry for your loss. Here's a little advice if she decides to live at home for a while: look into possible assisted living options anyway and contact the local public aid office to see what type of financial assistance could be available (depending on her finances, which are none of our business of course). There could be a waiting list for one thing or another. It could help you to know what she would or would not qualify for. Good luck sorting through all that stuff.
D-3 watcher and iwu70, what I heard (3rd or 4th hand information) in regard to Olivia and the WBCA all-america team was that there was a snafu involving the nomination deadline. My guess (based on observing her personality on the basketball court) is that Olivia doesn't feel too awful about it anyway.

[iwu70]

Chuck, really sorry to hear about your Dad.  My prayers and condolences to you, my friend.

My folks have been in "assisted living" for about a year now.  On that, just be sure if you go that route to be clear on what "assisted living" really means, as it often doesn't really work out like one expected.  My folks perhaps waited a bit too long to make the decision, as they wanted so badly to stay in their own home and keep all their independence and autonomy as long as possible.  Both are pretty frail now, esp. my Mom, and surely need assisted living help, if not more, quite soon.  Tough to see them so frail and in decline, but we've also been blessed to have them around so long and still clear-minded, just frail of body, not of spirit or mind.  Being in the world of the "old old" is surely a challenge, often difficult, but also a blessing. 

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss and grieving.

IWU70

[iwu70]

Sorry about the "snafu" for Olivia Lett and the other All-American process.  She does seem very cool about things, but incredibly competitive on the court! 

Hope everyone had a good Easter and Easter weekend break.

IWU70

[Hoosier Titan]

It's also my understanding that some deadline was missed so that Olivia was not nominated for the WBCA award.  Unfortunate, but she did get a lot of recognition.

It was really distracting that they chose a late timeout--I believe it was the 4-minute mark media timeout--during the IWU-St Thomas game to announce their team.  I know the WBCA wanted more visibility at the tournament, but surely it could have been done less intrusively.

It's certainly true that there won't be another Olivia Lett.  Other players just as wonderful in their own ways, perhaps, but she's been special.  Right up there with Larry Bird and Damon Bailey for all-around basketball smarts and execution (all right, I'm betraying my place of birth, but you already knew that from my name.) 

[dansand]

Mark Beinborn named new Augustana women's basketball coach. Here's the release:

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Mark Beinborn has been hired as the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana, it was announced today. Beinborn, who has been an assistant for the Vikings since 2008, will slide over one spot on the bench next year as he replaces Bobbi Endress, who resigned on February 27.

Endress ended a six-year stint as Augustana's head coach after the Vikings turned in an 11-14 record in 2011-12, the most wins by the Blue & Gold since a 15-9 campaign in 2003-04. Her overall record at Augustana was 37-113 in six seasons.

"I am extremely proud and happy to be the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana," said Beinborn. "This is a program where the ground work has been laid. The players are on board and I am thrilled with this opportunity to lead them. Augustana is a great school and we are looking forward to taking the next step."

Beinborn has been the junior varsity coach for the Vikings the last two years, compiling an 8-3 record in 2011-12 and a 7-5 mark in 2010-11. He reunited with Endress in June of 2008 after serving as her assistant at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin from 2004 until 2006. He was the assistant men's coach at Edgewood from 2006 through 2008 before taking the position at Augustana.

Augustana director of athletics Mike Zapolski had this to say about the Vikings' new head coach. "Working through the search progress, it became clear that our women's basketball program needed a strong personality at the top – someone who was decisive, genuine, passionate and willing to work hard to build relationships with a wide range of prospects."

Zapolski was impressed with Beinborn throughout the process and it was clear that he stood out amongst the candidates. "We had some strong, credible candidates involved in the on-campus interview process, and in the final analysis there was consensus that Mark's background and skill set was the best match. I look forward to working with Mark to build our women's basketball program into a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin contender."

Beinborn is a 1998 graduate of the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He will receive his Master of Arts in human services from Liberty University in May of 2012. He was a two-time all-conference performer in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic conference while playing at Dubuque, where he was a two-time team captain. While at Dubuque he twice won the "Student Leadership Award".

"I think I knew I wanted to be a college head coach from the time I started playing basketball," said Beinborn. "I love working with kids and I believe in making it a family atmosphere.

[NCF]

Mark Beinborn named new Augustana women's basketball coach. Here's the release:

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Mark Beinborn has been hired as the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana, it was announced today. Beinborn, who has been an assistant for the Vikings since 2008, will slide over one spot on the bench next year as he replaces Bobbi Endress, who resigned on February 27.

Endress ended a six-year stint as Augustana's head coach after the Vikings turned in an 11-14 record in 2011-12, the most wins by the Blue & Gold since a 15-9 campaign in 2003-04. Her overall record at Augustana was 37-113 in six seasons.

"I am extremely proud and happy to be the new head women's basketball coach at Augustana," said Beinborn. "This is a program where the ground work has been laid. The players are on board and I am thrilled with this opportunity to lead them. Augustana is a great school and we are looking forward to taking the next step."

Beinborn has been the junior varsity coach for the Vikings the last two years, compiling an 8-3 record in 2011-12 and a 7-5 mark in 2010-11. He reunited with Endress in June of 2008 after serving as her assistant at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin from 2004 until 2006. He was the assistant men's coach at Edgewood from 2006 through 2008 before taking the position at Augustana.

Augustana director of athletics Mike Zapolski had this to say about the Vikings' new head coach. "Working through the search progress, it became clear that our women's basketball program needed a strong personality at the top – someone who was decisive, genuine, passionate and willing to work hard to build relationships with a wide range of prospects."

Zapolski was impressed with Beinborn throughout the process and it was clear that he stood out amongst the candidates. "We had some strong, credible candidates involved in the on-campus interview process, and in the final analysis there was consensus that Mark's background and skill set was the best match. I look forward to working with Mark to build our women's basketball program into a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin contender."

Beinborn is a 1998 graduate of the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He will receive his Master of Arts in human services from Liberty University in May of 2012. He was a two-time all-conference performer in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic conference while playing at Dubuque, where he was a two-time team captain. While at Dubuque he twice won the "Student Leadership Award".

"I think I knew I wanted to be a college head coach from the time I started playing basketball," said Beinborn. "I love working with kids and I believe in making it a family atmosphere.

Congrats to him! It is always great to see an assistant get the HC job after he/she has paid their dues in a program.

[RogK]

Congratulations to Coach Beinborn!
His familiarity with the CCIW should be helpful. He should already know what works and what doesn't. It'll be interesting to see what ideas he implements.
One thing Augie can't help but improve upon is their shot blocking; they blocked exactly 11 in 25 games this past season. That had to be the least in college basketball. For comparison, the CCIW individual leaders were 81 by Diana Jacklin, 54 by Maris Hovee, 42 by Sarah Peterson.
Augie will need to replace Natalie Runge's scoring, as well as that of other departing seniors. One player who might help is Amy Hicks. She had an excellent .587 2FG shooting pct (44/75 in 316 minutes). Her 3FG shooting was only 5/23, but she did well at FTs : .762 (16/21). Her 28 assists tied for 4th on the team.

[RogK]

News about a regular nonconference opponent of half (or more) of the CCIW:
U of Chicago coach Aaron Roussell is moving up to D1.
http://www.bucknellbison.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/041712aaa.html
Back-to-back 14-0 seasons in the UAA ain't bad.

[Roundball999]

News about a regular nonconference opponent of half (or more) of the CCIW:
U of Chicago coach Aaron Roussell is moving up to D1.
http://www.bucknellbison.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/041712aaa.html
Back-to-back 14-0 seasons in the UAA ain't bad.

Best wishes to him.  Bucknell program is in a bit of disarray, previous coach was run out on a rail by former players and alumni through a campaign to the AD and president.  That said, it's a fabulous school, beautiful setting (if you like rural, small town) and their facility is magnificent for small-time D1.  It'll take a little time, but for the right coach all the pieces are in place to build a really strong program.

[iwu70]

Yes, Bucknell a good school, lovely little town in rural PA., Lewisburg.  Good luck to Coach Roussell as he "moves up?" to DI.  Chicago seems a pretty good gig too. 

Nice awards tonight at IWU, the Tommies, a la Espy's.  Olivia Lett wins "clutch play of the year" and "record setting performances of the year."  Well deserved, no doubt.  Men's OT win @ Hope wins "Best Game of the Year."  And, to my delight, "Breakthrough Player of the Year" at IWU goes to Michelle Bilek of the national championship women's basketball team.  Congrats to all the winners -- check them out on the IWU sports website. 

Zimmer, Hasselbring and Lett to "Order of Titans," and life-time free entrance into all IWU home athletic events.   A good reward for all the hard work and dedication to top notch DIII sports at IWU.  Full list of the "Order of Titans" there on the IWU sports webpage, too. 

IWU women's softball just tearing through their schedule, now 27-4, with another DH, two wins today.  They are pounding on everyone!   Really fun to watch, with excellent hitting, great speed and base-running, smart softball, and great pitching, perhaps even enough for a national title this year or next.  Molly McCready is the real deal, and the Titans have several other excellent pitchers.  Congrats to Molly McCready on CCIW Softball Player of the Week, this week.  She's like 12-2 with a 0.69 ERA, striking out like 12/nine innings.  Nasty. 

Outdoor CCIW Track and Field Championships coming up at IWU in a few weekends, too.  Final exams and Graduation first. 

Enjoy the Springtime.

IWU70

[iwu70]

Kean got hit pretty hard, as well they should, IMHO.  Sure took the NCAA a long long time to do the investigation, study and announce the outcomes, penalties. 

IWU70

[Mr. Ypsi]

Chuck, really sorry to hear about your Dad.  My prayers and condolences to you, my friend.

My folks have been in "assisted living" for about a year now.  On that, just be sure if you go that route to be clear on what "assisted living" really means, as it often doesn't really work out like one expected.  My folks perhaps waited a bit too long to make the decision, as they wanted so badly to stay in their own home and keep all their independence and autonomy as long as possible.  Both are pretty frail now, esp. my Mom, and surely need assisted living help, if not more, quite soon.  Tough to see them so frail and in decline, but we've also been blessed to have them around so long and still clear-minded, just frail of body, not of spirit or mind.  Being in the world of the "old old" is surely a challenge, often difficult, but also a blessing. 

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss and grieving.

IWU70

I'm finally back home after helping mom tie up all the inevitable loose ends.  Mom is soon moving to a place which runs all the way from independent, but assisted, living to contracted nursing care without having to move out of the apartment.  (Even when fully 'independent', they check on the residents well-being at least three times a day.)  My wife's Aunt Flo very reluctantly moved into a place in the Detroit suburbs which seems very similar - turns out, she absolutely loves it there, so I'm very hopeful.

Thanks for everyone's concern - where she is moving is where she and dad had already decided to move when the time came (alas, she has to do it alone, but the location was already carefully selected).  And don't worry about her finances.  We had to talk her out of a studio apartment (she HATES spending money 'unnecessarily') with two arguments: first, the furniture he made that she insists on taking (among his many other talents was carpentry - he built the house they lived in and made most of the absolutely fabulous furniture in it) simply wouldn't fit in a studio apartment; second, don't fret the extra money - the investments he left are bringing money in faster than you know how to spend it!

[iwu70]

Ypsi, glad to see you back.  And, glad to hear your Mom's new situation looks good and hope she adjusts to it well.  It will take some time.  A blessing that she has the cherished items and the resources to enjoy a good and secure retirement living there.

On the IWU recruiting front, a nice transfer pickup for the Titans, reported in the Pgraph today.  Emily Beoletto who was at Loras is moving to IWU.  She was on the Central Catholic 2A State Championship team in 2010 and is a 5'8" guard, with strong press/defensive skills.  Seems a very nice pickup and a good addition to the "run and jump" with good length, strong conditioning and athleticism.  She has three years of eligibility remaining so coming in as a sophomore, in basketball terms. 

Stay tuned for more recruiting news -- both men and women.

Finals on now here, so only a few baseball and softball games about.   Titan baseball struggling.  Titan softball dominating.

CCIW Outdoor Track and Field championships at IWU in the coming weekends. 

IWU70

[RogK]

Speaking of IWU's defense, among the non-seniors this past season, here are their steals leaders : Colleen McMahon 49, Lexi Baltes 43, Melissa Gardner 38. At the top of the list of non-seniors elsewhere in the CCIW : Sarah Peterson and Olya Cholewick, 55 each.
I'm too lazy to figure out any steals-per-minute stats.