RFC Summer Semester--College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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2011 Final Standings

Looking back: The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) sent two representatives to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2011. North Central captured the automatic bid from the CCIW, with the Cardinals advancing to the second round before losing to Wabash in a heartbreaker, 29-28.  Meanwhile, Illinois Wesleyan advanced to the D-III dance as an at-large team, with the Titans being eliminated in the first round by Monmouth (Ill.), 33-27, in overtime.

Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if Illinois Wesleyan and North Central do battle for the CCIW crown in 2012.

2012 Predicted Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)

1. North Central (10-2):  The Cardinals hope to win at least a share of their seventh straight CCIW crown in 2012.  Head Coach John Thorne needs just two wins for 90th career win at North Central, as he has a career record of 88-24.  Additionally, he's 12 wins away from joining the 100-win club.  To accomplish the latter, the Cardinals must do something they've only once in program history: win at least 12 games in 2012.  A September 8 home game against NCAA playoff participant Redlands could provide some insight as to just how good a team they might be.

2. Illinois Wesleyan (9-2):  If there's any team in the CCIW that could dethrone the Cardinals, the Titans could be that team.  They'll look to earn their third playoff berth in four seasons.  If they hope to get there, though, they'll likely to have go on the road, and beat North Central on October 27.


3. Wheaton (8-2):  Both of the Thunder losses in 2011 came to Illinois Wesleyan and North Central. The road to the CCIW title in 2012 will likely have to go through one or both teams.

4. Elmhurst (6-4):  The Bluejays hope to improve on last year's 4-3 record in CCIW action last year. 


5. Millikin (4-6):  The Big Blue were one of three CCIW teams to finish 2-5 in conference play a year ago.


6. Carthage (5-5):  Just like in 2010, the Red Men started 2011 at 3-0, only to stumble down the stretch to finish 2-5 in conference play.  They must learn to win those critical conference contests if they're to be contender for the CCIW crown in 2012.


7. Augustana (Ill.)--(2-8):  After suffering their worst finish since 1956, the Vikings will try to begin the long climb back toward respectability in 2012.


8. North Park (3-7):  The Vikings from Chicago will look to win their first CCIW contest in a very long time, as they finished winless (0-7) in conference play after a 3-0 start.