0-2 start

Well not the start the Titans were hoping for. Losing on the road to the #1 team in the nation in a very close game - a game, quite frankly IWU should have won - is no biggie. But losing any home game in the league is - especially to a North Central team that, while good, probably won't end up in the league's top 2 when things shake up.

I received a text from a former Titan immediately after the game that simply said, "outplayed and outhustled." I think everyone can live with outplayed - that happens. It's hard to swallow outhustled though, if that indeed was the case. And since I wasn't there I can't really comment, but I heard the same sentiment from a few others at the game as well.

The last time IWU had a team this young was 2003-04, when Adam Dauksas, Keelan Amelianovich & Co. were sophs and Zach Freeman was a freshman. I remember people having similar observations about that team after early losses in the league - that they lacked intensity for stretches. I think what happens is that a young team just doesn't comprehend how hard you have to play on every single possession, and how much you have to value every possession, in CCIW play. The intensity level has to be on 10 (out of 10) at all times and there has to be a sense of urgency throughout the game. Some of that can only be learned by experience I think, and via learning the consequences the hard way unfortunately (ie losing games).

That 2003-04 team started 2-2...and then never lost again in CCIW play, finishing 12-2. I'm not saying this team is similar to that one (it is a different group), but rather that you never know when a young team is going to figure it out.

This is a very talented group of kids, Titan fans. We knew we were in for a roller coaster ride with them this season. We've seen the down, but I promise, we're going to enjoy some ups as well. The great thing about the CCIW is that there is always another great test just a few days away. Wednesday the Titans travel to Kenosha, WI to take on one of the best players in Division III (sophomore Steve Djurickovic) and a Carthage squad that just beat Augie. It will be sink or swim for the Titans.

Stay positive.