2008-09 Captains

As voted by the team, IWU's '08-09 season captains are...

Brett Chamernik (Sr) and Sean Dwyer (Jr).

Great choices.

Titan Player Journals

There are now 4 student-athletes participating in the 2008-09 Titan Player Journals, including new addition Doug Sexauer...and I'm working on recruiting a few more. Check 'em out on IWUHoops.com!

Practice season heats up

It sounds like things are really heating up in the practice season. Some miscellaneous notes I've gathered from speaking with people in the loop lately...

* The Titans did not play particularly well in the scrimmage vs St. Francis Sunday. No surprise there as it was just 6 practices in, but nonetheless the squad didn't meet their own expectations. A bright spot, I've heard, was Edmond O'Callaghan who "had one of his best days as a Titan" according to one source.

* Everyone I talk to (Coach Rose, Coach Stein, Coach Jones, the players) raves on freshman Eluid Gonzalez. "He's going to be really good" is the typical statement. What incredible depth IWU has at the point-guard spot. And think, just two seasons ago in 2006-07 (Zach Freeman's senior year) the Titans couldn't find a single PG. Funny how quickly things change.

* Freshman Jordan Zimmer also continues to settle in and impress. Don't be surprised if the Delavan native ends up a major factor in the varsity picture this year. This kid is smart, works hards, and just knows how to play.

* Ryan Connolly (6-9/290) is a big dude by all accounts...really big.


Just a few odds and ends I've picked up lately. Check back in regularly now...we're getting to the good stuff.

- BQ

First scrimmage Sunday, 10/26

The Titans will take on NAIA St. Francis (Joliet) Sunday, October 26 at 3:00pm in Bloomington. The contest is one of two allowed "scrimmages" each NCAA Division III team can play. Per rule, there will be three 20 minute periods with the scoreboard resetting at the start of each.

I'll try to post as much information afterwards as I can gather.

IWU ranked #18 by D3hoops.com

A lot has happened since I last blogged, Titans fans. On October 11 Rosemary and I were married in beautiful Palm Coast, Florida. And then we spent an incredible week in Grand Cayman. Everything worked out great and it was an amazing two weeks.

And now basketball seasons kicks off with some exciting news. The young Titans are ranked #18 in the D3hoops.com preseason Top 25 poll, released today. I guess there won't be any sneaking up on people this year, huh? Good for Ron Rose, his staff, and his extremely talented players. Time to go out and prove 'em right now boys.

Two more recent notes...

* Brett Chamernik will miss at least 4 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. Chamernik was a huge part of IWU's success last year so this is significant...hopefully he can get back by the opener. The silver lining is that this opens the door of opportunity for someone. Duncan Lawson, Eric McCullough, Edmond O'Callaghan, Ryan Connolly, John Koschnitzy, etc - make the most of your chance!

* And some very disappointing news. Andrew Gilmore's knees just will not cooperate...he's had to step down as a player and will serve as a student coach this season. Gilly is a great kid and a very, very hard worker...he had a chance to be an outstanding Titan. I hope all Titan fans appreciate everything he went through just to have a chance to play last year and this. I'm glad he will be on the bench this season.

It is starting to feel like basketball season. Go Titans!

Player Journals

Thanks to the initiative demonstrated by sophomore Sean Johnson, the "Titan Player Journals" are back on IWUHoops.com. Sean recently e-mailed and asked if we could get that going again as a way the players can connect with the fans...I was thrilled to oblige. Sean's first entry is here...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/

Sean Dwyer will be participating and I hope to find 3-4 other student-athletes as well. Enjoy throughout the season!