RFC Summer Semester--North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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2011 Final Standings

Looking back: Wabash was one of just two teams from the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) to finish the 2011 season with an overall winning record.  The Little Giants finished unbeaten (6-0) in conference play en route to winning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to eventual national runner-up Mount Union in the quarterfinals. The only other NCAC team finish last season above .500 was Wittenberg, whose Tigers became the first team in D-III history to win 700 games en route to a second place finish (5-1) in conference play.

Looking ahead: DePauw University from Greencastle, Indiana officially joins the NCAC for the 2012 season.  That means future battles for the Monon Bell could be for more than just bragging rights. 



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

1. Wabash (12-1):  The Little Giants face a tremendous challenge in defending their NCAC title, as they open the 2012 season with back-to-back road games, against Hanover and Denison, respectively, before playing host to Allegheny in their home opener on September 22.  If that wasn't enough, they must also pay a visit to Wittenberg two weeks after that contest.

2. Wittenberg (8-2):  Going into the 2012 campaign, the Tigers all-time record stands at 707-349-32, for a winning percentage of .665.  If they want to win their 708th game of all-time, and beyond, they must overcome a stretch where they'll play three of their first four contests on the road.

3. Allegheny (5-5):  The Gators will begin their 11th season under head coach Mark Matlak. They'll try to finish at or above. 500 for the 30th time in 33 years this season.

4. Denison (5-5):  The Big Red won their final two games of 2011 to finish NCAC play at 4-2. Hopefully, the momentum from that fantastic finish will carry over into 2012.

5. Ohio Wesleyan (4-6):  The Battling Bishops also finished strong after a slow start last season, winning three straight games to end it after starting 1-6.  If they're to move up in the standings this season, they must do it under new head coach Tom Watts.

6. Wooster (4-6):  Mike Schmitz sits just four wins away from joining the 80-win club as the Scots head coach.  He has a career record of 76-46 heading into his 13th season.

7. Oberlin (3-7):  A 14-13 season-ending upset win over Allegheny was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Yeomen, who had lost six straight games prior to that victory.  It will be interesting to see if better times ahead for them in 2012.

8. DePauw (4-5):  After three straight winning seasons, including back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances, the Tigers struggled as an independent last season, finishing one game below .500.  They face a tremendous task in terms of being competitive in their first NCAC season.


9. Hiram (1-9):  The Terriers only win of 2011 came in their second game; a 16-13 victory over Kenyon.  They have nowhere to go but up in 2012. 


10. Kenyon (0-10):  The Lords will look to win their first game since October 17, 2009; a 21-9 triumph over Oberlin.  They hope to snap that 23-game skid under new head coach Chris Monfiletto.