The CCIW race should look familiar but the region has a new look with a new conference. Here's a glance at the Central region in Division III baseball for 2007.

Carthage (34-9 in 2006, 19-2 conference): Even in a rebuilding year, Carthage still managed to win the tough CCIW. Carthage returns their entire lineup this year including center fielder Boe Baitinger (.379, 10 2B, 28 SB). They add two former players (Chris Sadjak and Jose Alba) who missed most of the 2006 campaign due to injury. Coach Augie Schmidt said that with most of the lineup returning, Carthage should be very good this year. The Red Men are poised to make it back to the Championship since their last appearance in 2002.

Augustana (31-10, 15-6): The Vikings return a solid core of players from a very competitive 2006 CCIW team that finished second in the conference. Senior pitcher Kevin Kuntz was a second team All-Central Region selection and sophomore designated hitter Don Hansen was a third team pick.

Aurora (34-14, 14-1): The Spartans should be the top contender in the newly formed Northern Athletics Conference. The NATHC combines the Lake Michigan Conference and Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference. Aurora, with players like Ryan Fair 912 SV, 1.40 ERA) and Ryan Lasacco (.344, 13 2B, 44 RBI), should run away with this league, but Edgewood, Marian and Lakeland could all apply pressure on them. The newly formed conference will be able to earn only Pool B bids for the first two season but will qualify for automatic bids starting in 2009.

Wartburg (27-15, 11-5): A perennial favorite in this conference with 10 straight titles; expect the Knights to be in the playoffs again when it is all said and done.

Illinois Wesleyan (28-14, 14-7): Always a solid program, IWU could contend for the CCIW title along with Augustana and Carthage. This should be a three-horse race, like last year.

Webster (26-18, 14-7): A program that played in the NCAA playoffs last year, the Gorloks should improve this season. Seniors Scott Aeschleman and Will Myers will lead the Gorlok staff. The Gorlok infield graduated last year's shortstop; however, the team will look to senior Adam York, reigning conference player of the year to take over at shortstop.

Other teams to watch: Coe (23-17, 10-6) and Washington U. (34-7).