RFC Summer Semester: Midwest Conference (MWC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: Four teams won at least eight games overall in 2012.  When the dust finally settled, however, it was St. Norbert that won the Midwest Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs.  The Green Knights outlasted Lake Forest, 20-10, to advance to postseason play. They were eliminated in the first round by eventual national runner-up, St. Thomas, 48-17.  

By the way, both St. Norbert and Lake Forest finished 8-1 in MWC play to share the conference crown, while Illinois College and Carroll (Wis.) were not far behind at 7-2.

Looking ahead: Expect the Midwest Conference race to turn into another toss-up going into 2013.


Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. St. Norbert (8-3):  The Green Knights look to advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the ninth time in 14 years under veteran head coach Jim Purtill.

2. Illinois College (8-2):  The Blueboys only losses of last season came to Carroll (Wis.) and league co-champion Lake Forest.  

3. Lake Forest (8-2):  Fresh off of their first conference co-championship since 2002, the Foresters will shoot for their first-ever outright MWC title in 2013.  Ironically, they lost both the season opener, and season finale, while winning eight straight games in between.

4. Carroll (Wis.)--(8-2):  The Pioneers won five straight games to finish in a two-way tie for third place in the MWC at 7-2 last season.  The faithful in Waukesha hope that season-ending flourish will carry over into this season.

5. Ripon (5-5):  The Red Hawks will face five teams that finished the 2012 season with winning records.  They'll take on four of those teams within the first four weeks of the 2013 season. Ouch!

6. Monmouth (Ill.)--(5-5):  The Scots will be tested right out of the gate to open the 2013 season, as they play host to D-III playoff participant Coe College on September 7.

7. Cornell (Iowa)--(4-6):  OK, do the math.  The Rams were a combined 12 points away from going 6-4 overall, as opposed to 4-6, in 2012.  Learning how to win those close games could prove to be the key to winning 2013 season. 

8. Grinnell (2-8):  The Pioneers face an uphill battle after a dismal 2012 season.

9. Lawrence (2-8):  The Vikings start a new era under new head coach Mike Barthelmess. 

10. Knox (2-8):  The Prairie Fire also have a new head coach in Damon Tomeo.

11. Beloit (0-10):  Winless Buccaneers also face a rough road ahead in 2013.

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