Motor City Bowl Coverage...

As this game begins with a CMU pick taken inside the Purdue 20...my first thought cannot help but settle on the fact that WMU should be in this bowl game as MAC Champs.

If nothing else...it appears CMU has something WMU just doesen't have yet...a legitimate swagger that helps against big ten teams.

(I know, I know...Iowa, Iowa, Iowa.)

More to come...

Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins on 590 KZO Sports Tonight...

Sorry everyone for the delay on the posting...and thanks to WKZO for letting me post the audio from their interview.

http://www.zshare.net/delete.html?5708200-e240bea9993521e4af16a0564409665d

Broncos Get Set for Southern Illinois...

It's been a tough week or so with the loss to Northwestern as well as the road loss to IUPUI. I know IUPUI is picked to win their conference this season but there is something to be said about a loss to a team named IUPUI and it hurts for Bronco fans right now.

A win against perennial mid-major powerhouse Southern Illinois would do wonders for a Bronco team looking for a confidence booster.

The reality of the situation is that Steve Hawkins may need to start worrying about a WMU football problem: losing early to solid teams on the road causing a mental confidence issue throughout the season.

The Bronco football team came back to beat Iowa and Temple but too late to salvage the season.

Hawkins will have to guard against that strain in order to keep his team motivated towards a MAC Championship.

This team needs to be much more consistant and until that happens they will continue to lose on the road to tough teams.

With that said; Steve Hawkins is the guy to turn it around.

Coverage immediatly following the game on the Bronco Insider with Interviews, Analysis and discussion right here.

71-63 loss to IUPUI starts to raise some questions...

Is this Bronco Basketball team as good as everyone thought? Can a team that lost to IUPUI...two universities in one compete in the MAC?

It would appear so because of the outstanding shooting that IUPUI came out with as well as their 27 attempts from the free throw line, but Steve Hawkins has been talking all season about defense and this team has simply lacked it.

For spurts they can come close to shut down...then other times they fail.

Southern Illinois just turned into an even BIGGER game than the Broncos expected Tuesday.

Full coverage of Southern Illinois immediatly following the game right here on the Bronco Insider with interviews, stats and more coming Tuesday.

71-63 loss to IUPUI stars to raise some questions...

Is this Bronco Basketball team as good as everyone thought? Can a team that lost to IUPUI...two universities in one compete in the MAC?

It would appear so because of the outstanding shooting that IUPUI came out with as well as their 27 attempts from the free throw line, but Steve Hawkins has been talking all season about defense and this team has simply lacked it.

For spurts they can come close to shut down...then other times they fail.

Southern Illinois just turned into an even BIGGER game than the Broncos expected Tuesday.

Full coverage of Southern Illinois immediatly following the game right here on the Bronco Insider with interviews, stats and more coming Tuesday.

2007 Bronco Football Banquet...

The Western Michigan Bronco Football team held it's annual Football banquet Sunday December 9th inside the downtown Kalamazoo Radisson hotel.

The list of awards goes like this:

John Gill Award: Anthony Gephart

Mike Gary Award: Nick Saad

Community Service Award: James Blair

Outstanding Special Teams: Jim Laney

Outstanding Offensive Player: Brandon West

Outstanding Defensive Player: Anthony Gephart

Outstanding Team Player: Jamarko Simmons

A very eventful banquet filled with alot of promise from next season. These seniors had been through alot after going 1-10 in their first season at WMU.

Coach Bill Cubit it seemed couldn't thank them enough for their support and unwavered professionalism within the program.

He talked about how just under 30 guys had less than 2.0 averages when he took over and now 34 have over 3.0...which is really an incredibly statistic considering the amount of tutoring that was available then and still is now.

This banquet centered on the Seniors and what they have done for the program but it also looked forward to next season and getting the underclassman fired up for 2008.

If you were sitting in the banquet room at the Radisson you had to get a feeling that the players are expecting special things in 2008 and it began Sunday night with sending the Seniors off.

Should be a fun year in 2008 for Bronco fans.

Bronco Football Banquet Tonight...

Check in near 10 tonight for full coverage of the Bronco Football Banquet...right here on the Bronco Insider...

Broncos Fall To Northwestern 65-63...

It was one of those games that could have given WMU a solid win over a Big Ten opponent...but it wasn't to be.

Joe Reitz scored 20 in the loss in which the Broncos moved quick early but fell lax on defense while the Wildcats pummeled them with threes down the stretch.

Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins has said all along that their defense is what will kill them and thats what happened against Northwestern.

Up next the Broncos take on IUPUI Saturday on the road...again.

The Broncos could be in for a tough season.

Northwestern Comes To University Arena Saturday at 2pm...

In the late 90's and early double o's Michigan realized why it shouldn't play Western Michigan in basketball and has apparently continued with that philosophy the last 4 years refusing the play the Broncos.

After Saturday at what will most likely be a raucous University Arena the Northwestern Wildcats might employ the same ideas as the Wolverines.

Simply put...there are ideas that Big Ten schools go by and one of them happens to be; don't play teams that can beat you out of conference unless the team is ranked.

Coming to University Arena may be the biggest mistake Northwestern can make early in the season. A school that will not bring alot of fans to Kalamazoo and will be in a very hostile environment is in real danger of losing to the Broncos.

Bronco fans need to start wondering how good this Bronco team really is and if these younger players still need one more season to understand how to win on the road.

After what can only amount to a ridiculous amount of road games to begin the season the Broncos finally come home Saturday and it couldn't come at a better time.

After suffering through the road woes and coming home from the early season trips 4-4..the Broncos have to be incredibly happy.

Western Michigan Will Open Against Nebraska In 08...

After a game was originally scheduled for September 27th...the Broncos and Cornhuskers have now agreed on an August 30th season opener for both teams in Lincoln.

Broncos Lose To San Diego State 72-61...

From: WMUBRONCOS.COM:

David Kool scored 14 points and Derek Drews added 11 points off the bench, but San Diego State avenged last year's loss to Western Michigan in winning 72-61 in front of 7,122 at Cox Arena on Saturday night.

Derek Fracalossi hit a three-pointer with 12:41 to go in the second half to even the score at 42-all, but that would be the final points for 5:01 as the Aztecs (7-1) rattled off a 10-0 run to take control of the game. The Broncos (4-4) never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

The Aztecs jumped out to a 5-2 lead, but WMU scored seven straight on a pair of Martelle McLemore free throws, a Kool jumper and Michael Redell three-pointer to go up by four, 9-5.

The opening stages continued to go back and forth with five ties and six lead changes, but WMU maintained a four-point edge, 18-14, with 8:49 to go on a McLemore jumper. The Aztecs answered with a 7-0 lead to regain the lead for good, 21-18.

The Aztecs built their lead to seven, 30-23, with 2:09 to go and then again with 1:06 remaining, 32-25, but the Broncos ended the half with five straight on a McLemore layup and a Kool three-pointer with nine seconds to go in the half to pull within two, 32-30, at intermission.

Joe Reitz added 10 rebounds and a career-high three assists, while Shawntes Gary scored eight points.

The Broncos shot 35.7 percent (20-56), while SDSU converted on 51 percent of their attempts (26-51).

It Continues...Broncos lose 3-2 at Lawson...

Full write up on the future coming up...

Lack Of Swagger Surrounds Bronco Hockey...

I want to make this clear as I begin...this is not an attack on a coach, this is not an attack on a program...it's merely an observation that the Western Michigan hockey team is not living up to the standards born in the mid-80's and 90's Bronco Hockey teams.

It has often been said that the only true place WMU can compete on a national level in Varsity athletics is on the ice. Even as the Football and Basketball programs continue to get more exposure...the national championship statement reigns true today.

In an NCAA Sport in which Ferris State can win the CCHA and make it to the NCAA playoffs...the Broncos are falling terribly short. In College Hockey their is no mid-major, there is no mountain to climb to be noticed, and yet the Broncos still approach it that way.

It is often said that Michigan State has an inferiority complex with Michigan...Western Michigan may have one with itself. Why does the athletics department settle for mediocrity in "THE" sport that could bring them the most glory?

After a 4-0 loss to Ferris Friday night in Grand Rapids...shouldn't the University be asking itself...why are we allowing this to happen?

Build on the great resources you have...don't let them fall to the wayside.

Bring a swagger back to Lawson.

Tonight: Broncos VS Ferris State Bulldogs from Lawson at 7:35.

From The WMU Website...

http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=1329726

Broncos Head To San Diego...

Full breakdown and write up coming tonight around 8 to preview Saturday's game...

It's Tough To Win When You Shoot 36.5 Percent...

The 15 turnovers hurt, but it was the 19-52 that killed the Broncos Wednesday Night in Valparaiso. The Crusaders used a strong performance from Shawn Huff and his 19 points to secure the win over the Broncos.

The loss drops WMU to 4-3 on the season heading into a tough road game with San Diego State at 10 Saturday.

Broncos Stat Line:

A. Hershberger, F 15 1-2 0-2 2 2 0 3 2
D. Fracalossi, G-F 14 0-2 0-0 1 3 0 2 0
J. Reitz, C 29 4-6 8-8 3 5 0 5 16
D. Drews, G-F 20 2-7 0-0 0 2 0 2 4
S. Gary, G 24 2-11 2-2 1 4 1 2 7

BENCH MIN FGM-A FTM-A OFF REB AST PF PTS
S Laku 5 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
M. Redell, G 27 2-4 6-6 0 1 4 4 11
A. Ricks, G 11 1-6 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
D. Kool, G 30 3-7 3-4 0 2 1 0 11
D. Lawson, C 9 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 4 1
M. McLemore, G 11 4-6 1-5 1 2 0 2 10
A Wolf 5 0-0 1-2 0 1 1 0 1

Chance At 4 Straight Wins Falls Short To Valpo 77-65...

More to come...

Quick Hits From The Baseball Diamond Today...

Bronco Baseball Announces 2008-2009 Recruiting Class:

The Broncos signed Casey Hall, (Grass Lake) Michael Frigo, (Lockport, IL) Jack Scanlon, (Jenison) Casey Webber, (Tinsley Park IL) Sam Weinberg, (St. Charles IL) and Dave Brelinski (Clarkston, MI, KVCC)

Casey Hall: (6-4, 175 Lbs) Perfect 10-0 season in 2007 at Grass Lake in 75.2 innings pitched and a 1.02 ERA. Chosen as a pre-season Under Armour All-American heading into Senior year.

For more statistical information head to: http://www.wmubroncos.com

Watch The Broncos Take On Valpo Free Tonight...

Catch the game tonight free at:

http://www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv/live.aspx?ScheduleID=695

It will ask you to register...but the registration is free. Then it should stream the game live.

Great stuff from the Horizon.

WMU VS VALPARAISO TONIGHT...

Tonight the Western Michigan Broncos head to Valpo to take on the 4-1 Crusaders at the ARC in Indiana. Last season the Broncos beat the Crusaders in the Bracket Buster game 89-80 in overtime at University Arena.

The moment that most college basketball fans remember Valpo for is what is referred to as "The Shot" in Valpo basketball circles. Bryce Drew's first round NCAA Tournament winning 3-pointer over 4th seed Mississippi in the 1998 NCAA Tourney.

Tonight however...is far from the team that set up that perfect shot from Drew.

While Homer Drew remains the coach of the Crusaders they aren't nearly as physically gifted as they were in terms of their league back in 1998.

This week Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins said this team will "not run you out of the building, but they are very skilled" unlike the Oregon's, Pacific's and Davidson's that the Broncos have played this season Valpo relies on it's shooting more heaviy than anyone.

BREAKDOWN

WMU:

The Broncos will need to continue to improve on the defensive end while working to free up Derek Drews, Shawntes Gary and David Kool on the outside via hard work inside from Joe Reitz.

Kool struggled with getting open against such a strong Davidson team that keyed heavily on stopping him. Throughout the season that is going to be the case...so as long as Kool continues to understand that...teammates like Drews, Gary and Redell will be forced to get involved and hit shots.

There should be no concern about the importance of these gifted shooters on the outside with the exception of Redell who has struggled at times to find a rhythm with his shot.

POSSIBLE BIG MOMENT:

Andre Ricks wasn't a big factor in the Davidson win but is a solid player for the Broncos. Expect for him to break out using his speed to push the tempo. Over-Under of 15 Points...I take the 15 tonight for Ricks.

VALPARAISO

Valpo will be looking for revenge after the overtime loss last season...this is another gifted shooting team that plays solid defense.

But for the Broncos this week most of what the players talked about was the ability to play championship basketball at the end of the season.

Shawntes Gary told me this week he is only concerned with championship basketball and that is certainly an indication of maturity.

Keep a hand in the face of Valpo's shooters and keep their half-court sets slow and the Broncos should run this game.

PREDICTION

WMU 74 VALPO 69 Broncos Pick Up The Road Victory.

Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins on AM 590 WKZO Sports Tonight...

This is the Coach Hawkins interview from Tuesday Night that I recorded after Bill Cubit's.

Bronco Head Football Coach Bill Cubit On 590 WKZO AM Sports Tonight...

This show interviewed Coach Cubit all season. Sports Tonight also talked with Steve Hawkins and I recorded that as well.

According to the host...Steve Hawkins will be on every Tuesday at 6:15 on 590 KZO in Kalamazoo.

10 All-MAC Football Selections For The Broncos...

James Blair (Detroit, Mich./Pershing HS) 1st Team All-MAC.

Jamarko Simmons (Flint, Mich./Central HS) 1st Team All-MAC.

Londen Fryar (Jobbstown, N.J./Holy Cross HS) 1st Team All-MAC.

Brandon West (Brunswick, Ga./Camden County HS) 2nd Team All-MAC.

Zach Davidson (Racine, Wis./Washington Park HS) 2nd Team All-MAC.

Louis Delmas (North Miami Beach, Fla./North Miami Beach HS)

Boston McCornell (Macon, Ga./Georgia Military College)

Robbie Krutilla (Summit, Ill./Mount Carmel HS)

Branden Ledbetter (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas HS)

Re-creation Of The Oh-So-Important RPI Ratings...Notice Michigan State...

30 North Texas
31 Oregon
32 North Carolina St.
33 Arizona St.
34 MD Baltimore County
35 Montana
36 Butler
37 Notre Dame
38 Cleveland St.
39 Connecticut
40 Marshall
41 Bucknell
42 Marquette
43 Louisville
44 Pittsburgh
45 Rhode Island
46 Drexel
47 Gonzaga
48 St. Louis
49 Southern California
50 Tennessee
51 Duquesne
52 Western Kentucky
53 Western Michigan
54 North Carolina
55 Creighton
56 Monmouth
57 Kansas
58 Washington St.
59 Wisconsin
60 Wake Forest
61 Michigan St.

Anthony Gebhart Earns National Football Foundation Award

From Media Relations Director Mat Kanan:

Anthony Gebhart was recently named Division I Scholar Athlete of the Year and recipient of the John S. Pingel Award by the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame. Gebhart, an economics major with a 3.83 GPA, will be honored this month at a banquet and will receive a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship towards graduate school.

Gebhart, who was recently named First Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District, will be honored at the Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team Banquet, which will take place on at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Deerborn Inn. There he will receive a plaque and will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship towards the graduate school of his choice.

Shawntes Gary Pre-Valpo Practice Tuesday...

Shawntes Gary on renewed focus for the 2007-2008 season and becoming a championship caliber team.

E-Mail Us: Broncoinsider@gmail.com

David Kool Pre-Valpo Interview Tuesday...

David Kool on his selective shooting and leadership qualities against Davidson. As well as non-conference wins and how difficult it was to defend Stephen Curry. He also discusses how Valpo can hurt them Wednesday.

Joe Reitz Pre-Valpo Practice Tuesday At UA...

At practice Tuesday morning Bronco Center Joe Reitz spoke about early season non-conference wins as well as breaking down Valpo and how they can become a championship defensive team like the 2004 MAC Championship Bronco Basketball team.

E-Mail: Broncoinsider@gmail.com

Midmajortop25.com Rankings...

1. Butler (28) 6-0 772 3
2. Gonzaga (2) 5-1 734 1
3. Southern Illinois (1) 3-1 705 2
4. George Mason 5-1 676 5
5. St. Mary's 5-0 634 9
6. Western Kentucky 5-1 619 6
7. Creighton 3-0 502 8
8. Davidson 2-2 583 4
9. Missouri State 4-1 525 11
10. Holy Cross 4-0 451 13
11. VCU 3-2 428 10
12. Drexel 5-1 395 14
13. Akron 3-1 314 17
14. Cal State Fullerton 3-0 302 20
15. Miami 3-1 292 18
16. Sam Houston State 4-0 285 21
17. Bradley 4-2 262 15
18. UC Santa Barbara 5-1 228 22
19. New Orleans 3-0 227 23
20. Winthrop 3-2 200 7
21. Old Dominion 3-3 169 12
22. Northern Iowa 4-1 119 19
23. Belmont 4-2 90 NR
24. Texas-Arlington 4-0 79 NR
25. North Carolina A&T 4-2 72 NR


OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Western Michigan 60, Ohio University 54, UNC Greensboro 41, Georgia Southern 25, Kent State 25, Santa Clara 24, Appalachian State 19, Cleveland State 16, Montana 16, Valparaiso 16, Austin Peay 15, Siena 14, Bucknell 13, South Alabama 13, Wright State 13, Illinois State 11, Niagara 11, Gardner-Webb 10, North Texas 10, Albany 8, Cornell 7, Arkansas-Little Rock 6, Morgan State 6, Cal State Northridge 5, UNC Asheville 4, Colgate 2, Brown 1, Central Arkansas 1, Loyola Maryland 1, Pacific 1.

West Virginia Is One Win From The National Championship...

Of course it's tough to look back on a loss...but what the Broncos saw early on coupled with the number 1 team in the country Missouri will cause Bill Cubit's phone to be ringing off the hook nationally to be discussing the two teams.

The Broncos are the only team to play both Missouri and West Virginia and if they make it to the title game...exposure, exposure, exposure for Western Michigan.

Tony Scheffler Is Making A Name For Himself...

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d804835d8

Coming Tuesday Afternoon...

Pre-Valpo Interviews from Bronco practice Tuesday Morning. Full interviews and access as well as audio from Bill Cubit and Steve Hawkins coming Tuesday night.

Stay tuned and remember...if you come across any Bronco articles or would like to post an article on the site...just drop me a line at Broncoinsider@gmail.com.

WINNING BREEDS LOSS OF…WELL…WINNING…

Although the 2007 season did not turn out the way that every Bronco fan and most of the Bronco pundits (myself included) thought it would…it did show how strong of a hold Bill Cubit has on his football team.

With blowout losses to the top 2 teams in the country as well as last second losses to Akron, Ball State and embarrassing losses to Eastern Michigan as well as a referee filled controversy against Central Michigan, many teams would have simply folded.

Not this team. Not a Bill Cubit led team. Say what you want about the Broncos not being able to fight through 3 tough teams to begin the season and say what you will about those key losses…Bill Cubit held his team together.

Aside from Jamarko Simmons sideline tirade which had more to do with a single play than an entire season, this football team was a team throughout. Looking forward to their next win…as opposed to their next disappointment.

These beginning paragraphs feature things that have been written, said and exposed before…I understand that…what has not been written is that all the things that happened this season coupled with a possible MAC Championship 2008 could be what leads the big fishes into Kalamazoo to seek out the services of Bronco Head Coach Bill Cubit.

Take a quick look if you will at some of the things that Michigan State last season and now Michigan is looking for in their head coaches. Honesty, integrity, graduation, victories and an understanding of the history of whatever program they came from as well as the one they are about to take over.

Would Michigan consider Bill Cubit as Head Coach? I’m still unsure…what they do owe themselves is certainly the chance to at least speak with someone of Bill’s caliber. At least give him the opportunity to state where he would take that program.

This week former Michigan Heisman Winner Charles Woodson spoke about the importance of changing it up at Michigan…becoming innovative…understanding the importance of a fast paced scoring offense…check, check, and of course check.

At WMU as O-Coordinator and then at Stanford Cubit was considered one of the more innovative guys offensively in those regions.

Since coming to WMU he has been able to either recruit or turn others recruits into fantastic offensive players despite size, strength or natural talent. Talk to Greg Jennings or Tony Scheffler and ask them about the impact although short lived Bill Cubit had on their careers.

Ask Jamarko Simmons or Brandon Ledbetter or even Tim Hiller why they are developing into such offensive threats…its Bill Cubit…along with their ability to work.

For reasons unbeknownst to me…CMU is the one the bigger schools look to for coaching staffs. Mike Debord went from Michigan to CMU back to Michigan when he failed. Brian Kelly went from Grand Valley State to CMU to Cincinnati and so on and so on.

Why is it…that Central is covered more heavily in the East side papers than the Broncos? Either way it’s about the same distance from the cities.

Look, im not advocating that Bill Cubit leave WMU, because to be honest…what he has done with the situation that he came into…having replaced the man that he coached under with a President who didn’t care much about football is nothing short of remarkable. I’m simply saying…a day will come when the big schools come calling…will Michigan be one?

Older, But Interesting Article I Came Across...

From USA TODAY:

GETTING INSIDE

Western Michigan was on the cusp of being a solid basketball team last season, but it just couldn't get past being mediocre.


The Broncos were among the better Mid-American Conference teams on offense. They ranked second in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (.384), and third in scoring (71.5) and free throws (.721).


But there was one problem that held Western Michigan back. It didn't take care of the ball. The Broncos averaged 15.4 turnovers per game, and had a minus turnover margin.


Improving in that area of the game has become their focus going into practice for the 2007-08 season.


"Our offense was feast or famine at times last year," coach Steve Hawkins told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette. "We would score, we would get to the free-throw line, we would hit a 3, or we'd turn it over. Too many times when we turned it over, it allowed immediate fast-break opportunities for them going the other way."


Most of what the Broncos did on offense last season went through center Joe Reitz, one of the top players in the MAC. Hawkins wants to see more balance on offense this season, especially when Western Michigan runs its half-court offense.


"We were very predictable when we had to show patience; everybody knew what we were going to do," Hawkins said.


NOTES, QUOTES

STRENGTHS: Western Michigan could be the most balanced offensive team in the Mid-American Conference West. The Broncos can go inside with C Joe Reitz, and they have good outside scoring threats in guards David Kool and Derek Drews.


WEAKNESSES: The Broncos must work on their ball-handling and ball movement. They committed 15.4 turnovers per game last season, a number exceeded by only four other MAC schools.


LAST YEAR: 16-16 overall, 9-7 in MAC.


HEAD COACH: Steve Hawkins (career 213-162); fifth year at Western Michigan (76-51).


QUOTE TO NOTE: "Our offense was feast or famine at times last year. We would score, we would get to the free-throw line, we would hit a 3, or we'd turn it over." — WMU coach Steve Hawkins on the inconsistency of the offense last year.


STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: The only new player is freshman guard/forward Juston Hairston. He's an athletic performer from whom much is expected, but there are so many returning players that the Broncos have the luxury of being patient with Hairston and letting him grow into the system.


KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: Western Michigan should find out about two weeks before MAC play starts how much progress it has made in the non-conference season. The Broncos play host to perennially strong Southern Illinois of the Missouri Valley Conference on Dec. 18. The Broncos open the season Nov. 10-12 in a tournament in Eugene, Ore., and they will take on Oregon in the final game.


PROGRAM DIRECTION: The Broncos soared after Steve Hawkins took over as coach in 2003-04. He led them to a 25-5 record his first season, and they were 20-13 the next year. Western Michigan has fallen back the past two years with a 30-33 record.


PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Michael Redell, SG David Kool, G Shawntes Gary, PF Derek Fracalossi, C Joe Reitz.


ROSTER REPORT: F Jon Workman had ankle surgery during the summer and was sidelined much of the summer. He's working out, but he isn't 100-percent going into the start of fall practice.


—Several other players had surgeries that sidelined them for a month during the summer. Reitz had an appendectomy, F Dan Hess had a shoulder problem, G Shawntes Gary had a bad hand, and F Derek Drews had back problems.


—G Donald Cloutier transferred this year to Division II Indianapolis.

Broncos sail through the bad into a possible great 2008...

In what was his final game as a Bronco Senior running back Mark Bonds has seen it all as a back at WMU. From in favor to out of favor several times to starring as a tandem with Brandon West to back into the doghouse.

But through all of it he remained the back with the most experience. The gritty back that gets you 30 carries in the most crucial situations and at times shows the true impact that he can have on games that mean the most.

In 2006 he rushed for 1000 yards...in 2007 he fell on and off the map after being benched for the International Bowl. So in his final game at Waldo Stadium...his final game period Mark Bonds rushed for a gritty 105 yards on 24 carries to send himself off in style to the rest of his life.

Good, bad, doghouse or whatever...he went out with a bang.

WMU 16 Temple 3:

When looking at this Temple team the Broncos came into this game with an understanding that a loss here would take away the importance of their win at Iowa. Wednesday Tim Hiller said they were very guarded against a letdown after Coach Cubit immediatly threw the Iowa game into the past and told them nothing mattered unless they beat Temple.

Several important things came out of this win and the most important is the amount of passes completed to what will be a dynamic Tight end combination Brandon Ledbetter and Anthony Middleton.

This win not only sends the Broncos into 2008...it shoots them like a missle into next year. There will be some...what if...questions about 2007...but what really matters now is the fact that most of the crucials are back in 2008 and it should be the season the Broncos win the MAC and finally beat Central.

BOX SCORE:

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=273282711&confId=15

No Letdown Today...Broncos dispose of Temple 16-3

More Shortly...

Temple Comes To Waldo Saturday...

This season for the Western Michigan football team has certainly been one of disappointment, but for the most part the Iowa win took care of a lot of frustration for the average Bronco fan.

A day in the life of a MAC football fan can be fixed with a single moment. Your team could easily lose all 11 up until Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan State or any other BCS school and if your squad pulls an upset the rest of the season means nothing. With that said...The WMU Broncos have a team that could do some special things next season in the MAC and beyond.

I spoke with Tim Hiller last week and he told me that the pressure of the MAC Championship predictions didn't bother them that much this season but certainly gives them one year with a bulls eye on their backs to understand what that can be like.

As the Temple game approaches at 2 Saturday it is easy to simply continue on with this season and call it a failure...it's the good that came out of this season that makes next season a whole lot easier to look forward too.

Anthony Middleton came out of the woodwork to set up a strong Tight End tandem between him and Brandon Ledbetter. Brandon West became the explosive yet consistent back that can eat up yards all over the field. Tim Hiller though up and down at times found himself late in the season and showed some levels of maturity that a second year player doesn’t have all that often. (Everyone seems to forget this is only his second full season as an on-field Bronco)

From there you look at the defense and under Bill Miller they struggled, but it seemed...especially against Iowa that they were finally starting to understand the schemes and gel correctly.

The bad is certainly there...but it's the good that comes through out of a tough season that will set these Broncos up for a true run at a Mid-American Conference title next season...even if it is a season too late.

BWMU-TEMPLE SATURDAY AT 2 FROM WALDO.

Bronco Head Coach Steve Hawkins Post-Game Davidson Press Conference...

Bronco Head Coach Stve Hawkins after his team defeated Davidson Wednesday night...

Joe Reitz Post-Game Press Conference...

Joe Reitz Postgame Press-Conference following Davidson...

Derek Drews Davidson Post-Game...

Derek Drews Post-Game Press Conference After Davidson...

David Kool's Post-Game Press Conference...

This is David Kool's Full Post-Game Press Conference after the Davidson win 11-21-07.

Broncos beat Davidson 83-76 At UA...

Derek Drews scored 18 and the Broncos sank 21 3-pointers en route to the win over 25th ranked Davidson.

More to follow...

25-Davidson Invades University Arena Tonight...

Tied with North Carolina with under 5 to go Davidson began their march towards the top 25. Although they lost the game by 5 Davidson solidified themselves as one of the better teams in the entire Mid-Major section of college basketball.

Last season Davidson beat WMU 71-64 in North Carolina and according to David Kool the Broncos know exactly what to expect from a Davidson team that is mostly the same.

The hype is all over this Bronco team but whether or not they live up to it, will certainly begin Wednesday against the Wildcats. Beat a ranked team the first time a ranked team comes into your building and heads will start turning.

DAVIDSON BREAK DOWN:

Stephen Curry leads a dangerous Wildcat team into University Arena averaging 25.5 points-per-game this season with 5.5 rebounds. He is a dangerous scorer that can dribble and shoot from anywhere.

Curry has a torn ligament in his left wrist that is limiting his ability to dribble and shoot effectively. In order to win the Broncos need to lay off the double teams because of the injury and focus on the three men that can hurt them the most as opposed to the 1 man who can.

With a spread out focus on Curry, Jason Richards and his 13 PPG, and Andrew Lovedale and his 9.5 PPG the Broncos will have more of an oppurtunity to keep them in a half-court game instead of utilizing their speed and agility.

WMU BREAK DOWN:

The Broncos are coming off 2 straight wins and a solid performance at Oregon that has everyone talking. In order for this team to make the type of waves they are looking for in the NCAA tournament and MAC tournament David Kool, Derek Drews, and Andre Ricks need to hit shots from the outside that will be open after double and triple teams hit Joe Reitz in the middle.

Bronco Head Coach Steve Hawkins says this team has a ways to go on defense to be considered with the 2004 NCAA tournament team...Davidson is as good a time as any to show how much some of the younger players have grown.

Work the inside out and run when available and the Broncos will have alot of good to talk about after the game.

DAVIDSON-WMU PREDICTION:

WMU 71 Davidson 68.

It will come down to the wire.

11-20-07 Joe Reitz Interview Pre-Davidson...

Segments of our interview with WMU Bronco big man Joe Reitz pre-Davidson Tuesday.

11-20-07 Andre Ricks Interview Pre-Davidson

Segments of our interview with Andre Ricks pre-Davidson Tuesday.

11-20-07 Derek Drews Interview Pre-Davidson Tuesday...

Segments of Derek Drews interview with us pre-Davidson.

Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins Pre-Davidson

Segments taken from our interview with Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins Pre-Davidson Tuesday.

11-20-07 David Kool Interview Pre-Davidson

The interview is segments of our interview with David at practice Tuesday.

Bronco Quarterback Tim Hiller Named Scholar Athlete...

Hiller has a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Business and Marketing and even with all the criticism and hard times this season he has been able to maintain his academic prowess.

As a coach it has to be such a different feeling to never worry about a certain players academics.

Hiller threw for 367 Yards in the Broncos 29-18 win over Iowa Saturday At Iowa.

Coming Tonight: WMU-Davidson Preview...

The game tips at 7 tommorow but all your coverage is right here on The Bronco Insider. Check out the full audio report from Bronco practice tonight right here on your source for Bronco information broncoinsider.com!

11-20-07 Bill Cubit Press Conference

11-18-07 MAC West Basketball Standings

Current:

TEAM CON OVR

Western Michigan 0-0 - 3-2
Eastern Michigan 0-0 - 1-2
Toledo 0-0 - 1-2
Ball State 0-0 - 0-2
Central Michigan 0-0 - 0-3
N Illinois 0-0 - 0-4

Reitz deserves an NCAA birth in senior season...

This season is shaping up differently for the Western Michigan Bronco basketball team. Last season every time the Broncos got close to some consistency their young ways began to get to them.

Heading down to Detroit and beating the Titans for the first time in Detroit since 1974 says something about what a team is accomplishing. Of course we are currently 5 games into the basketball season and there is a very long way to go, but breaking streaks...especially streaks that run 33 years long says something about the future of this team in the MAC season as well as overall.

Obviously the goal of this season is to win the MAC and to get to the NCAA's but after all the hard work that Joe Reitz has put into this team over the past 3 seasons he deserves to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

He deserves a chance at what he was promised when he came to WMU. Spurning offers to play college football to play at Western it is obvious in his play that he enjoys every second of playing at Western...but he came in on the heels of Mike Williams and Ben Reed's 2004 NCAA appearance.

He saw the Broncos enormous overtime Bracket Buster victory over College of Charleston live on ESPN2 that sent the Broncos students into a frenzy and helped to create "The Zoo" Student Section.

Many players, coaches and trainers have contributed to the construction of this program...but Joe Reitz is certainly one of the more special talents that have ever roamed the center position.

With talents like David Kool, Donald Lawson, Derek Drews and Michael Redell among others Joe Reitz and the Broncos have the talent to make an NCAA run...whether or not they will remains to be seen...but one thing that is certain? Reitz deserves the opportunity to step on the floor a seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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MAC-WEST Player of the week all around...

Joining Brandon West and Tim Hiller on the football side Joe Reitz was named MAC-West Player of the week after averaging 19 points and 5.5 rebounds last week. The Broncos sit at 3-2 on the season.

25th ranked Davidson comes to University Arena Wednesday for an early season test for the Broncos. Full preview coming Tuesday evening.

Broncos Tim Hiller and Brandon West named MAC-West Players of the Week

It has been a struggle for guys like Tim Hiller and Brandon West all season for the Broncos. These two came into the season with high hopes but failed to gain the consistency that was expected at an early age.

For Hiller pressure was all over him from the start because of his freshman season...but let's not forget that he this is only his second full season. Brandon West is a true sophomore and especially at Running Back it takes some time to get assimilated to the ways of Division 1 football.

I have said all along that the media chose the Broncos to win the MAC one season too soon. Let's face it...this team is young and too much was expected of them early on.

It is the success of the squad late that is most telling of what can and most likely will happen next season. A 28-19 shocking win over Iowa in Iowa as well as the opportunity to win their final two games if they beat Temple Saturday at 2 from Waldo.

Either way...winning the MAC is a huge accomplishment...they certainly came short this season...but next season is already in their sites...there is no doubt the Broncos may have finally found their consistency.

E-mail the site: broncoinsider@gmail.com

BRONCOS BEAT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT 60-59...

They were 0-8 at Calihan Hall in Detroit but the Broncos went down to Detroit and came back from a 12-point deficit in the first half to grab the victory.

The win gives the Broncos a 3-2 record heading into 25th ranked Davidson at University Arena Wednesday Night.

BRONCO BASKETBALL HEADS TO LOYOLA FRIDAY

At 1-2 the Broncos come into the game much more experienced than than the Loyola Ramblers. The Broncos have faced off against Pacific, Pepperdine and number 11 Oregon while Loyola played Leymoyne and Eastern Illinois en route to a perfect 2-0 record.

The game is the 91st meeting between Western Michigan and Loyola as Loyola holds a 54-36 edge in the series.

Coming off a hard fought loss to the number 11 ranked team in the country the Broncos should come out with alot of confidence that they can compete with anyone.

Although they finished 1-2 in Eugene they were able to prove that they may just be what everyone picked them to be this season. Joe Reitz and David Kool turned up the heat in games 2 and 3 in Oregon and Andre Ricks and Derek Drews seem to be more comfortable in their own skin.

This is certainly a team to keep it's eye on for a MAC Championship this season as well as a possible 2nd round run into the NCAA tournament.

The style that the Broncos play on defense as well as the ability to hit the three from anywhere with David Kool, Derek Drews and Andre Ricks allows them to come back from any deficit along with playing with anyone in the country.

The defense in 2004 may have been more tenacious than this one will be but the offense was centered around Mike Williams and Ben Reed and this is one has the ability to shift to at least 4 players.

That simple fact should be enough to keep the Broncos in every game this season as well as winning most of their games.

As a Bronco fan you would have to be excited about the current state of this team and with Steve Hawkins recruiting class it only gets better from here.

BREAKDOWN:

For Loyola:

The Ramblers feature five players averaging double figures in scoring so far this season.

Junior J.R. Blount leads the pack with 18 points a game followed by Ross Forman with 14, Leon Young with 13, Tracy Robinson with 10 and Sophomore Andy Polka with 10.

In order to secure the win on the road the Broncos are going to have to play stronag against all of them. It is never easy to defend that many talented scorers on one team but in order to do it the Broncos may have to incorporate their strong running game to capitalize on a team that takes alot of jump shots.

For WMU:

The Broncos will need to rely on some of their speed in Andre Ricks, Donald Lawson and Mark Mclemore to hustle down the court for quick scores against Loyola.

As will be the case for most of the season WMU needs David Kool to take the reigns as the Broncos top scorer. Many of the Broncos could play on a bunch of teams throughout the country but it is Kool who provides the Big Ten scoring for a MAC team.

As Kool controls the offense as well as his scoring the Broncos will go. How far...depends on how much support the Broncos get from their deep bench.

BRONCO WOMEN'S BASKETBALL INKS 3 FOR 2008

WMU Bronco Head Coach Ron Stewart signed Miame and Robin Giden of Broadview High School in Illinois and Jazzmyn Harvey of Walther Lutheran HS of Bellwood, Illinois for the 2008 season.

Through the years Coach Ron Stewart has been able to field some of the best women's teams in the MAC and this years class hailing entirely from the Chicago area proves WMU basketball is expanding it's recruiting further and further from Michigan.

Of course recruiting inside the state of Michigan is very important but the ability to bring in quality talent to pad your base of local recruits is essential to the mission statement of winning championships on a collegiate level.

Miame Giden: 5-11 wing is ranked 74 overall nationally. (Averaged 16.3 Points, and 7.5 rebounds per game last season.)

Robin Giden: 6 Foot. (10.5 Points and 8.3 Rebounds.)

Jazzmyn Harvey: 5-8 Guard. (All-State Second Team)

WMU FOOTBALL HEADS TO IOWA

This week the Western Michigan Broncos head to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes. Considering how well this season was supposed to go (MAC WEST Title, MAC Title, Bowl Game) the Iowa game could salvage what has been a difficult season for the Broncos.

Iowa comes into the game 6-5 on the season only hoping to assure themselves a spot in a lower level bowl game, while the Broncos have an oppurtunity to win their final two games against a Big Ten foe and MAC newcomer Temple.

Most Bronco fans are going to operate under the assumption that Iowa is too much for the Broncos to handle but let's face it this team has dealt with adversity all season long why should it end here?

Why should WMU fold after going through so much?

The three BCS Conference losses to West Virginia, Indiana and Missouri to begin the season. The last second Akron punt return for a touch or even Jamarko Simmons being tossed from the Central Michigan game.

At this point the Broncos are in search of building an identity for next season...why can't it at Iowa?

Nothing to lose...Tons to gain.

2008 WMU BASKETBALL SIGNS 4 TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

The four include:

Mike Douglas (G, Detroit Finney)

Douglas averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds during his Junior season at Detroit Finney.

Demetrius Ward (G, Detroit Pershing)

Ward averaged 13 points, 6 assists and 3 steals per game last season at Detroit Pershing.

Flenard Whitfield (F, Detroit Martin Luther King)

Whitfield averaged 17 points, and 7 rebounds per game last season at MLK.

Muhammed Conteh (Bloomington, Indiana/ Providence School, Florida)

Averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds during his Junior season in Florida.

This class obviously weighs heavily in the favor of Detroit players which has boded well for the Broncos in the past. Detroit product Mike Williams led the Broncos to the 2004 MAC Championship as well as a birth in the NCAA Tournament and current Bronco Andre Ricks is improving into a bigger and badder threat every single day.

Bronco Head Coach Steve Hawkins is no doubt recruiting solid talent that is making WMU Basketball into a possible perennial powerhouse in the MAC and among Mid-Majors.