There are a lot of reasons for Northwestern fans to celebrate the start of 2007. Our athletic programs are improving steadily and in most sports, we’re staying competitive in the Big Ten. Wildcat athletes are reeling in conference and national titles across the board. Here’s my list of resolutions for the upcoming year of Northwestern athletics for every NU fan:
1. Temper your expectations for men’s basketball – that 10-3 record is pretty misleading.
Freshman Kevin Coble has started to emerge as the go-to scorer the team desperately needs. But Coble and the rest of this young squad hasn’t faced real competition on the road yet. The ‘Cats have shown flashes of greatness in games against Utah and Northwestern State. Far too often, however, players have looked lost on the court. The ‘Cats suffer from serious issues with rebounding, passing, and athleticism in general. And Big Ten teams will exploit all these weaknesses time after time once conference play kicks off on Jan. 3 against Penn State. Pencil the team in for another four to five wins and, sadly, another narrow post-season miss.
2. For God’s sake, pay attention to women’s lacrosse.
They haven’t lost a home game since 2004. They return nine starters, including senior Kristen Kjellman, who won the Tewaaraton Trophy as the nation’s top women’s lacrosse player. And they’re going for their third straight NCAA title. Just remember March 9 – that’s when the team plays its first home game.
3. Clear your plans for Winter Break 2007 now – football’s going bowling!
Quarterback C.J. Bacher will have another year of time running the spread offense under his belt, and coach Pat Fitzgerald will only become a better game manager with more experience. Home games against Northeastern, Nevada, Duke, Indiana as well as games at Eastern Michigan, Purdue and Illinois make reaching a bowl game quite possible. (Check out the 2007 schedule here.) And oh yeah, that guy Tyrell is still around. The early prediction: seven to eight wins and a spot in a late December bowl game.
4. Start. Wearing. Purple.
I don’t care if you really wanted to get into an Ivy or if you grew up rooting for another school. Displaying rival colors at Northwestern games is unacceptable. Show some support for the ‘Cats and attend a few games. They’re free!
Have a great 2007 and of course, GO CATS!