Preseason NSIC Football Coaches Poll NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Favorite Overall Points BURNSVILLE, Minn

August 3, 2016 Preseason Release For Immediate Release www.northernsun.org #NSICFB Nick Kornder • Asst. Commissioner for Media Relations • 2999 County Road 42 West • Burnsville, MN 55306 • P: 651.288.4017 • [email protected]

Minnesota State University, Mankato Tabbed Preseason NSIC Football Coaches Poll NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Favorite Overall Points BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Minnesota State Univer- 1. Minnesota State (11)...... 216 sity, Mankato was selected by the league coaches 2. Augustana ...... 198 as the overall and south division preseason favor- 3. Minnesota Duluth (1)...... 194 ite in the NSIC for 2016. The Mavericks received 4. Sioux Falls (2)...... 192 11 first place votes and amassed 216 points, 18 5. Bemidji State ...... 153 points ahead of Augustana (198) and 22 points 6. Northern State (1)...... 143 ahead of Minnesota Duluth (194), which garnered a first place vote 7. Southwest Minnesota State (1) ...... 140 and was the coaches’ top choice in the north division. Sioux Falls was 8. Winona State ...... 139 picked fourth overall (192) and received two first place votes. Northern 9. St. Cloud State ...... 132 State and SMSU also received first place nods in the preseason poll. 10. MSU Moorhead...... 97 The NSIC football schedule will be broken into two divisions (north/ 11. Upper Iowa ...... 88 south). Each team will play 11 conference games that will count to- 12. Wayne State ...... 71 wards the NSIC Overall Championship as well as seven divisional 13. Concordia-St. Paul...... 52 games that will count towards the NSIC North/South Division Cham- 14. Minot State ...... 44 pionships. In all, three league champions will be awarded (Overall 15. University of Mary...... 40 Champion, North Division Champion, South Division Champion). Ties 16. Minnesota Crookston...... 21 will not be broken for overall or division champions. first place votes in ( )

Preseason NSIC Football Coaches Poll Preseason NSIC Football Coaches Poll

North Division Points South Division Points 1 Minnesota Duluth (6)...... 47 1. Minnesota State (6)...... 47 2. Bemidji State (1)...... 42 2. Augustana ...... 40 3. Northern State (1) ...... 35 Sioux Falls (1)...... 40 4. St. Cloud State...... 31 4. Southwest Minnesota State (1)...... 30 5. MSU Moorhead...... 28 5. Winona State...... 27 6. Minot State...... 19 6. Upper Iowa...... 18 7. University of Mary...... 12 7. Wayne State...... 14 8. Minnesota Crookston...... 10 8. Concordia-St. Paul...... 8 first place votes in ( ) first place votes in ( )

The NSIC is a 16-team, 18-sport, NCAA Division II Conference with teams located in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

• Augustana • Bemidji State • Concordia -St. Paul • University of Mary • Minnesota Crookston • Minnesota Duluth • Minnesota State University, Mankato • • MSU Moorhead • Minot State • Northern State • Sioux Falls • Southwest Minnesota State • St. Cloud State • Upper Iowa • Wayne State • Winona State • 2016 NSIC Preseason Players of the Year

#7 Jordan Hein (QB, 6-2, 220, Jr., Perham, Minn. / Perham HS) #97 Chad Stoterau (DL, 6-4, 285, Sr., Garretson, S.D. / Garretson HS) - 2015 All-NSIC First Team - 2015 All-NSIC First Team - Led all NSIC starting quarterbacks with four interceptions - Ranked in the top 10 in seven BSU all-time single-season categories - Started all 11 games for the Wolves - Set BSU single-season records for attempts, completed passes and total offense - Recorded 51 tackles, 25 unassisted and 26 assisted - Finished fifth in the NSIC in touchdown passes with 22 - Second on the team with 6.0 tackles for a total loss of 28 yards - Ranked sixth in the NSIC in total offense (270.6) and passing yards (218.8) - Rushed for 570 yards and eight TDs to rank second and first on BSU - Added 3.5 sacks for a total loss of 22 yards - Converted a career-high five passing touchdowns Oct. 17 at MSU Moorhead - Anchored the NSU defense which led the NSIC in red zone defense - Threw for 250+ yards in five games and 200+ yards in eight - Twenty-six touchdown passes shy of setting the BSU career record - Notched a season high nine tackles and two sacks versus BSU on Nov. 14

#2 Trey Heid (QB, 6-2, 195, Sr., Lakeville, Minn. / North HS) #48 Marcus Gooden (LB, 6-0, 225, Sr., Belvidere, Ill. / Belvidere HS) - 2015 NSIC Offensive Player of the Year - Finished the 2015 season second on the team in tackles with 58 - Led the NSIC in total offense, averaging 338.6 yards per NSIC game - Ranked second in the NSIC in passing yards with 301.5 ypg - Tallied a season-high eight tackles in wins over UMD and UMC - Set the Augustana single season record with 3,493 passing yards - Recorded three interceptions, tied for second best in south division - Finished second in the NSIC tossing a career-high 29 touchdowns - Started in seven games last season, including final six games of the season - Led the NSIC and was second in nation with a 171.2 passer efficiency - Recorded at least five tackles in seven games last season. - Rushed for 408 yards and five touchdowns in NSIC play - Threw a season-high five touchdowns against Concordia-St. Paul - Returned an interception against Winona State 32 yards, which led to an - Led the nation averaging 10.18 yards per completion MSU touchdown on the next play - His 63 career touchdowns are 10 shy of the career record at Augie For Updated Info Visit: www.northernsun.org • Augustana • Bemidji State • Concordia -St. Paul • University of Mary • Minnesota Crookston • Minnesota Duluth • Minnesota State University, Mankato • • MSU Moorhead • Minot State • Northern State • Sioux Falls • Southwest Minnesota State • St. Cloud State • Upper Iowa • Wayne State • Winona State • 2016 NSIC Preseason Team Previews Augustana University Vikings Bemidji State University Beavers Last Year Returning Starters Letterwinners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 9-3, 9-2, 6-1 South 10 Off / 6 Def 28 Off / 28 Def t-2nd Overall 7-4, 6-1 North 11 Off / 8 Def 26 Off / 22 Def 6th Overall t-1st South t-1st North Team Preview Team Preview Augustana is coming off a 9-3 season in 2015, marking just the second Bemidji State completed the 2015 season in a tie for the NSIC North Divi- season in program history with nine or more wins. The Vikings made their sion Championship and sixth in the overall standings. The Beavers tied a fourth NCAA Playoff appearance in program history and earned a share of program record with six consecutive wins between Sept. 26-Oct. 31. BSU the NSIC South Division Championship with a 6-1 record in divisional play. snapped Northern State’s own six-game winning streak on Nov. 14 with a Augustana ended the season ranked in the top 25 of two national polls. 41-24 win to secure a share of the north division title. The entire Beavers’ The Vikings were ranked No. 24 in the AFCA Top 25 Poll and No. 20 in the starting offense, including six All-NSIC members, returns from a season final D2football.com poll. Augustana returns 10 starters from an offense that was the program’s most productive since 2006. Quarterback Jordan which set single season records for total offense (5,527 yards), passing Hein enters his junior season as NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the yards (3,603), points scored (494), and touchdowns (64) in 2016. Lead- Year, climbing his way up the all-time program charts in his first season as ing the offensive charge will be NSIC South Division Preseason Offensive the full-time starter. He finished with 30 total touchdowns, which ranks sec- Player of the Year Trey Heid. Heid was named the offensive player of the ond all-time in BSU’s single-season record book, and just four intercep- year in 2015 in the NSIC after throwing for a career-high 29 touchdowns tions for the fewest in the NSIC. Also returning is the NSIC Defensive New- and a single season record 3,493 yards. Heid’s top two targets, Charlie comer of the Year Gunner Olszewski at defensive back. The sophomore Hayes and Matt Heller, return in 2015. Hayes hauled in 73 passes for nabbed seven interceptions to rank second in the conference, including 1,127 yards and 12 touchdowns and Heller caught 53 passes for 1,089 tying a BSU single-game record with three against Minot State Oct. 31, yards and 10 scores. On the defensive side of the ball, Augustana returns and led the Beavers with 85 total tackles. Bemidji State will replace just six starters, including 2015 All-NSIC First Team selection Bryson Hamilton. three starters on defense that returns three All-NSIC members. The “Gang Augustana’s defense forced 23 turnovers last season, ranking fifth in the Green” defense finished third in the NSIC allowing 348.5 yards and 19.1 NSIC with 13 interceptions. The Vikings allowed just 146.8 rushing yards points per game. Head Coach Jeff Tesch enters his 21st season with the per game and finished the year with 24 sacks. Beavers after leading the team to its second division title in four seasons. Players to Watch Players to Watch #2 Trey Heid (QB, 6-2, 195, Sr., Lakeville, Minn. / North HS) #7 Jordan Hein (QB, 6-2, 220, Jr., Perham, Minn. / Perham HS) #94 Bryson Hamilton (DE, 6-4, 225, Sr., Clear Lake, Iowa / Clear Lake HS) #36 Gunner Olszewski (DB, 6-0, 170, So., Alvin, Texas / Alvin HS) First game First game Saturday, Sept. 3 vs. Northern State – 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Upper Iowa – 6 p.m.

CONCORDIA University, St. Paul Golden Bears University of Mary Marauders Last Year Returning Starters Letterwinners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 1-10, 0-7 South 8 Off / 6 Def 21 Off / 16 Def t-13th Overall 1-10, 1-6 North 7 Off / 6 Def 20 Off / 20 Def t-12 Overall 8th South t-6th North Team Preview Team Preview Concordia embarks on a new (and old) era in 2016 with the return of 2003 While wins may have been a struggle to find last season for the Uni- NSIC Coach of the Year Shannon Currier to the CSP sidelines. Currier led versity of Mary, the year allowed the Marauders coaching staff to pro- the Golden Bears for four years from 2000-03 and is the only coach in provide valuable playing experience to its young roster. The Marauders gram history to produce four consecutive winning campaigns. He also led can count on 40 players with collegiate experience entering the 2016 Concordia to its first NSIC football championship in 2003 which led to the season, including 20 on each side of the ball. Led by 13 seniors, program’s first-ever postseason game, the first of three trips to the Mineral including FB Zach Podoll, the team also returns 12 juniors and 16 Water Bowl (2003, 2005, 2010). His 32-12 record at CSP places him eight sophomores. A two-year starter at tight end, Podoll switches to full- wins shy of the program record while his .727 winning percentage ranks first. back this season in a new-look offense for UMary. The All-NSIC North In year one in his return to the program, Currier has welcomed three new full performer caught 37 passes for 313 yards and a touchdown last year. time assistant coaches with Mike McElroy tabbed as defensive coordinator SR RB Zach Graves is a multi-purpose back that collected over 1,000 from the University of Minnesota. Offensive assistants are Jon Medlo (OL), a 2000 CSP graduate who had been on the Hamline staff and Houston Jones yards in all-purpose yardage, running for 341 yards, catching passes (WR) who joins the program from Dakota Wesleyan. The full time staff is for 348 and returning kicks for 340. JR WR Brennan Doan caught rounded out on the defensive side by retaining defensive line coach Joe a team-leading 42 passes for 377 yards. SO Nick Benshetler start- Lardinois. Between the lines, sophomore Alquawn Vickers has received pre- ed all season on the offensive line last year as a true freshman. SR season All-America recognition (Lindy’s) and was a third team All-America Landon Smith was a stalwart defensively for the Marauders in 2015. pick last year as a redshirt freshman (Don Hansen) when he was among the The defensive end from Stanley, N.D., was among the NSIC leaders nation’s top return specialists (11.0 PR, 25.6 KR, 2 TD) while also being a last season with 12 tackles for loss. SR LB Austin Bolton was second threat on offense (37-463, 3 TD). Sophomore Terrell Taylor anchors the of- on the team with 81 tackles and third with 6.0 tackles for loss. SR DB fensive line as a returning starting tackle while Bruce Russell adds impact as Danielle Whitaker posted four interceptions while JR CB Jacob Parker a returning skill player. On defense, Sam Johnson and Dominic Nabak bring had 13 pass breakups. Parker also had 44 tackles, including 3.0 for the right blend of experience and mentality to be leaders on McElroy’s unit. loss, and two interceptions. Players to Watch Players to Watch #5 Alquawn Vickers (WR/RS, 5-8, 168, So., Ft. Pierce, Fla. / Central HS) #22 Zach Podoll (FB, 6-3, 235, Sr., Velva, N.D. / Velva HS) #33 Sam Johnson (LB, 6-2, 218, Sr., Appleton, Wis. / Appleton East HS) #10 Jacob Parker (DB, 6-1, 190, Jr., Las Vegas, Nev. / Arbor View HS) First game First game Saturday, Sept. 3 vs. UMary - 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at Concordia-St. Paul - 6 p.m. For Updated Info Visit: www.northernsun.org • Augustana • Bemidji State • Concordia -St. Paul • University of Mary • Minnesota Crookston • Minnesota Duluth • Minnesota State University, Mankato • • MSU Moorhead • Minot State • Northern State • Sioux Falls • Southwest Minnesota State • St. Cloud State • Upper Iowa • Wayne State • Winona State • 2016 NSIC Preseason Team Previews University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Last Year Returning Starters Letterwinners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letterwinners Standings 1-10, 1-6 North 7 Off / 6 Def 15 Off / 20 Def t-13th Overall 9-3, 8-3, 6-1 North 10 Off / 5 Def 27 Off / 25 Def 4th Overall t-6th North t-1st North Team Preview Team Preview Minnesota Crookston will look to improve on a 1-10 season in 2015 A 9-3 season would be considered a rousing success for many collegiate pro- as they head into the 2016 campaign, their fourth under Head Coach grams, but that’s not the case for UMD. The Bulldogs posted that mark last Mike Fritze. The Golden Eagles return one of their most experienced fall and did manage to claim a share of their eighth consecutive NSIC North title along the way. They even ended the year with a 30-22 victory over Fort teams in recent years as they look to move up the standings in 2016. Hays State in the Mineral Water Bowl and were ranked 23rd in the final 2015 Minnesota Crookston returns seven starters on offense. The Golden d2football.com poll. Still, UMD failed to do something which it had done ev- Eagles are led by 2015 All-NSIC North Second Team pick Dre Person, ery year since 2008, secure a NCAA II playoff bid, and the Bulldogs are fully who rushed for over 750 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. determined that does not happen again in 2016. UMD, which is under the In addition, UMC returns Adam Connette at wide receiver and four direction of fourth-year head coach Curt Wiese, welcomes back 52 lettermen starters on the offensive line. Defensively, the Golden Eagles return from a year ago, including 10 starters on offense and five on defense. Head- lining the list of holdovers is senior quarterback Drew Bauer, who suffered a six starters from last season. Minnesota Crookston is spearheaded by season-ending injury last October but still wound up sporting the 11th best its secondary, led by Dion Wallisch, Jake Newman and Ali Alkhatib. In pass efficiency rating in the country (155.5). He’ll enter his final collegiate go- addition, the Golden Eagles return Bubba Cook, Jake Christopherson around having generated both the fourth most all-time total yards (8,086) and and Isaiah Armstrong on the line and Chuck Lofquist at the linebacker passing yards (5,640) in team history. Peter Bateman, a three-time All-NSIC spot. tackle, anchors an offensive line that didn’t lose a starter from 2015 while Beau Bofferding, who paced the 2015 Bulldogs in receptions (30) and all-purpose yards (1,025) and junior Nate Ricci (17 receptions) are expected to be among Players to Watch Bauer’s primary go-to guys. Senior inside linebacker Beau Bates, one of four #30 Dre Person (RB, 6-0 205, Sr., Detroit, Mich. / Detroit Central HS) returning 2015 All- NSIC first team picks (along with Bateman, Bofferding and #20 Dion Wallisch (DB, 5-11 185, So., Oakdale, Minn. / Tartan HS) defensive end Karl Finkel), reigned as UMD’s leading tackler last fall and will be a main cog in the Bulldog ball-stopping efforts again this season. First game Players to Watch Thursday, Sept. 1 at Winona State - 6 p.m. #9 Drew Bauer (QB, 6-2, 215, Sr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn. / Eagan HS) #43 Beau Bates (LB, 6-0, 230, Sr., Excelsior, Minn. / Minnetonka HS) First game Thursday, Sept. 1 at Southwest Minnesota State - 7 p.m.

Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 10-2, 10-1, 6-1 South 5 Off / 5 Def 19 Off / 18 Def 1st Overall 6-5, 3-4 North 7 Off / 7 Def 15 Off / 17 Def t-7th Overall t-1st South 5th North Team Preview Team Preview Minnesota State claimed its third NSIC Championship in the last four seasons MSU Moorhead finished 6-5 overall in 2015, marking the Dragons’ first winning as it went on to finish the 2015 season with a 10-2 overall record. The Maver- record since 2006. MSUM ended the 2015 season with two consecutive wins icks, who saw their 40-game NSIC winning streak end last season, made their to secure the winning record. MSUM opened the season at 3-0, marking the fourth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament where it fell to Emporia Dragons’ first 3-0 start since 1987. Included in that start was a thrilling 35-34 State 51-49 at Blakeslee Stadium. Despite seeing their conference winning win over Augustana, which qualified for the playoffs. The Dragons return two streak snapped last season, the Mavericks will carry a 22-game road winning quarterbacks with starting experience, senior Jake Hodge and junior Demetri- streak into the 2016 season, which dates back to week one of the 2012 season. us Carr. Hodge went down with a season-ending injury after Week 2 in 2015 The MSU offense will see a pair of wide receivers return who topped 500 re- with Carr taking over for the rest of the season. Senior Cory Ambrose and ju- ceiving yards a season ago in seniors Ty Dennis and Brent Esser. Dennis, who nior Damon Gibson return to anchor the receiving corps. Sophomore Herman garnered All-NSIC Second Team honors last year, led the Mavericks with 793 Gray is the top returner at running back. On the offensive line, senior Jack receiving yards and six touchdown catches, while Esser notched 523 receiving Bixler. junior Damien Crawford and sophomore Andrew Erickson provide the yards and five touchdown catches. On defense, the Mavericks return senior line- Dragons with an experienced nucleus. On defense MSUM also returns seven backer Marcus Gooden, who finished second on the team in tackles with 58 last starters, led by senior defensive lineman Ryan Dahleen and senior linebacker season. Gooden also hauled in three interceptions. Junior defensive end Evan Aaron Bohl. Junior defensive lineman Jake Busse was named to the All-NSIC Perrizo also returns for the Purple and Gold after finishing second on the team North Division Second Team while Gibson, junior linebacker Abe Roehrich in tackles for loss last season with nine. Perrizo, who also tallied 4.5 sacks last and sophomore Joe Rademacher were honorable mention selections in the season, recorded a team-high three fumble recoveries. Defensive back Jared north division. MSUM is entering its sixth season under the direction of Head Gillespie, who claimed All-NSIC First Team honors, returns for his senior season Coach Steve Laqua. after posting 24 tackles and an interception last season. Players to Watch Players to Watch #85 Ty Dennis (WR, 6-3, 220, Jr., Burlington, Wis. / Burlington HS) #9 Damon Gibson (WR, 6-4, 220, Jr., Beardsley, Minn./Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley HS) #48 Marcus Gooden (LB, 6-0, 225, Sr., Belvidere, Ill. / Belvidere HS) #95 Ryan Dahleen (DL, 6-2, 247, Sr., Palos Hills, Ill./Stagg HS) First game First game Thursday, Sept. 1 at Minot State – 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Wayne State - 6 p.m.

For Updated Info Visit: www.northernsun.org • Augustana • Bemidji State • Concordia -St. Paul • University of Mary • Minnesota Crookston • Minnesota Duluth • Minnesota State University, Mankato • • MSU Moorhead • Minot State • Northern State • Sioux Falls • Southwest Minnesota State • St. Cloud State • Upper Iowa • Wayne State • Winona State • 2016 NSIC Preseason Team Previews Minot State University Beavers Northern State University Wolves Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 1-10, 1-6 North 8 Off / 7 Def 15 Off / 12 Def t-13th Overall 6-5, 6-1 North 10 Off / 8 Def 20 Off / 25 Def 9th Overall t-6th North T-1st North Team Preview Team Preview Minot State finished tied for 13th overall in the NSIC in 2015 and tied for Northern State opens the 2016 season after a co-NSIC North Division crown 6th in the NSIC North. The Beavers will be bolstered by two returning in 2015. NSU went 6-5 overall and 6-1 in North Division play after defeating starters who sat out in 2015 due to injury, senior quarterback Zac Cunha No. 18 Minnesota Duluth, 23-15, in late October. The win snapped a previous and junior defensive back Bryce Broome. Cunha played just three plays 26-game loss streak to the Bulldogs. The Wolves return a multitude of talent in the opener last season before an injury and will be back for a fifth sea- in All-Conference performers Conner Doherty, Tyler Robel, Channing Barber, son. He was 2-for-2 passing for 32 yards on that series and has thrown Chad Stoterau, Taylor Zemlicka, Joe Parsley, and Nick Murphy; as well as Don for 6,232 yards and 41 touchdowns in four years. Broome has 58 career Hansen All-Americans Doherty and Barber. Doherty was second on the team tackles and two career interceptions. MISU’s defensive unit returns its in 2015 with 514 yards receiving, tallying 41 catches and three touchdowns, top tackler from 2015 in senior linebacker Trevin Swensen. Swensen while averaging 12.5 yards per catch and 46.7 yards per game. Barber led the finished with 101 tackles with 6.5 for loss and a sack. MISU also returns team in 2015 with five interceptions and 74 return yards. He was third on the its top rusher for the past three seasons in senior Jarvis Mustipher. He team with 65 total tackles and added 2.5 tackles for a loss, 18 pass break-ups has 1,797 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. Minot State will and 23 pass deflections. NSU was second in the league in fourth down con- have some depth at quarterback this season as the injury to Cunha last versions and led the NSIC in red zone defense. Northern State seniors Conner season forced the Beavers to use multiple signal callers with senior Jose Doherty and Chad Stoterau was tabbed as the NSIC Players to Watch in 2016. Escobar throwing for 631 yards and six touchdowns and sophomore Doherty is a 3-year starter for the Wolves, as well as a 3-year All-NSIC First Isaiah Weed finishing with 346 yards and two scores. The Beavers also Team performer. Stoterau is a 2-year starter for NSU and a 2-year All-NSIC return all-conference punter senior Aaron La Deaux, who was second in First Team performer. Northern State opens the 2016 season on the road ver- the NSIC with a 40.6 punting average. MISU will look to continue to be sus Augustana, and will return home to face Southwest Minnesota State in the stingy in the pass game as the Beavers finished second in the NSIC in 2nd Annual Ag Bowl on September 10th. The match-up with the Mustangs will 2015, allowing just 182.8 yards passing. be featured on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN App. Players to Watch Players to Watch #16 Zac Cunha (QB, 6-3, 230, Sr., Rocklin, Calif. / Roseville HS) #85 Conner Doherty (TE, 6-3, 250, Sr., Brookings, S.D. / Brookings HS) #5 Trevin Swensen (LB, 6-0, 213, Sr., Shelley, Idaho / Shelley HS) #97 Chad Stoterau (DL, 6-4, 285, Sr., Garretson, S.D. / Garretson HS) First game First game Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Minnesota State - 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at Augustana - 1 p.m.

University of Sioux Falls Cougars Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 9-3, 9-2, 5-2 South 11 Off / 5 Def 24 Off / 24 Def t-2nd Overall 8-3, 4-3 South 7 Off / 6 Def 25 Off / 18 Def T-4th Overall 3rd South 4th South Team Preview Team Preview Sioux Falls has made two consecutive postseason appearances and will SMSU had one of its best seasons in school history in 2015 compiling a record go for a third in 2016. The Cougars will try for a 23rd consecutive winning of 8-3. The eight victories were the highest in school history at the Division II season, which is unmatched in NCAA DII and 5th best active streak across level and are tied for second most overall in program history SMSU returns all divisions. Led by Jed Stugart (53-16), USF has had nine or more win in junior starting quarterback Blake Gimbel, who garnered All-NSIC South hon- three of four season, at DII where USF is 35-11. It is an experienced squad orable mention honors a season ago during his first year as a starter. Gimbel set a school single-season record, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for that will be led on offense by the league’s only two-time Harlon Hill candidate 3,053 yards and 26 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Senior running back Luke Papilion, who is on the verge of cracking all of USF’s all-time passing Ashanti Payne is the team’s top returning rusher after amassing 771 yards marks. Arguably the NSIC’s top dual threat, Papilion led all NSIC QBs in and five touchdowns on 153 carries. He finished the season with four 100- rushing yards with 854, he threw for 3K and had a league-high 30 TD passes yard rushing games. SMSU returns its top seven receivers from last season, as he is a two-time total offense leader in the NSIC. The Cougars, which including junior wide receiver Nate Huot, who has earned All-NSIC South averaged 472.1 ypg, also return nearly their entire offensive front, led by All- honorable mention accolades last season. He led the Mustangs in receptions NSIC center Trevor Wescott and All-American Antonio Green. It is a group (63), yards (830) and touchdowns (nine) last season. Senior left tackle Grant that led the NSIC and DII in sacks allowed with five. The tight end corps is Greenfield—a 2016 preseason second team All-American—leads the offen- led by All-NSIC Nicholas Stanke with all-league HB Brady Rose and HM sive line having played in every game the past three years. He was named All- All-league WR Josh Angulo leading the receiving corps. On defense, USF, NSIC South first team and CCA All-Super Region 3 second team in 2015. On defense, SMSU returns its top two tacklers and the team’s leader in intercep- which led the league with 39 sacks and 20 int., returns HM All-league DE tions. Senior linebacker Tyler Flud earned All-NSIC South first team honors Westly Johnson, who was second in the NSIC with 11.5 sacks, and had 16 after registering a team-high 85 tackles and five sacks. Senior safety Caleb TFLs. Also back will be All-league DE Evan Gentry (5.5 sacks, has five sacks Leichtnam recorded a team-leading four interceptions and finished second on three straight years) with the secondary led by strong safety Josh Butler, who the team with 77 tackles. was All-NSIC and had the most tackles (104) by a USF player in D2 era. Players to Watch Players to Watch #15 Luke Papilion (QB, 6-5, 225, Sr., Denver, Colo. / Cherry Creek HS) #14 Blake Gimbel (QB, 6-4, 215, Jr., Marshalltown, Iowa / Marshalltown HS) #44 Westly Johnson (DE, 6-5, 225, Sr., Grand Rapids, Mich. / Grand Rapids HS) #27 Tyler Flud (LB, 6-0, 225, Sr., St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin Derham Hall HS) First game First game Thursday, Sept. 1 at St. Cloud State - 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Minnesota Duluth - 7 p.m.

For Updated Info Visit: www.northernsun.org • Augustana • Bemidji State • Concordia -St. Paul • University of Mary • Minnesota Crookston • Minnesota Duluth • Minnesota State University, Mankato • • MSU Moorhead • Minot State • Northern State • Sioux Falls • Southwest Minnesota State • St. Cloud State • Upper Iowa • Wayne State • Winona State • 2016 NSIC Preseason Team Previews St. Cloud State University Huskies Upper Iowa University Peacocks Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 6-5, 4-3 North 6 Off / 7 Def 10 Off / 19 Def t-7th Overall 6-5, 3-4 South 8 Off / 6 Def 47 Off / 14 Def t-7th Overall 4th North t-5th South Team Preview Team Preview St. Cloud State brings back several of its key offensive skill position play- Dimitri Morales (QB) returns for his second season with the Peacocks after suf- ers in quarterback Nate Meyer, wide receiver Jameson Parsons and run- fering a season-ending injury during Upper Iowa’s first-ever win over Winona ning back Jaden Huff for the 2016 season. Parsons is coming off a historic State. Morales was named the NSIC Player of the Week after the victory with season where he led the NSIC in receiving yards (1,272) and became 378 passing yards and three touchdowns, as well as 39 yards rushing and two just the fifth player in school history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a touchdowns. In his seven games, Morales threw for 2,244 yards (320.6 ypg) season. He already has received some preseason accolades and was and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 180 yards and 6 scores. Tate Thompson selected to Lindy’s First Team 2016 Division II Preseason All-American will return for his final season with UIU and anchor the defense from his safe- Team. Meyer became just the fifth player in school history to throw 20+ ty position. Thompson was third on the team in total tackles with 68 including touchdowns in a season with his 22 TD tosses last year. Huff ranked sec- 38 solo stops and recorded two interceptions. The Forest City, Iowa product ond in the conference with his 13 rushing scores. The team will rely heav- also returned 17 punts including a 44-yard touchdown return against Minne- ily on the trio while breaking in three new starters along the offensive line. The team also returns seven defensive starters led by the dynamic out- sota Crookston. The Peacocks also return four All-NSIC performers from last side linebacker duo of Brady Westart and Craig Szymanski. Westart led year’s squad in the form of seniors Jalen Chambers (2nd Team OL), Jalen Amis the team in tackles (79) and sacks (7.5), while placing second in tackles (Hon. Mention WR) and Trey MacTaggart (Hon. Mention WR), as well as junior for loss (10.5). Szymanski was the squad’s leader in tackles for loss (12) punter Nate Skare (2nd Team). The Peacocks finished their 2015 season with while totaling 65 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Huff, Westart, Meyer and Mitch a 6-5 overall record marking their third straight winning season. Upper Iowa’s Knutson have also taken on additional leadership responsibilities as the 3-1 record against the NSIC North Division included wins over Northern State, team captains this season. Head Coach Scott Underwood returns for his Minnesota Crookston and the University of Mary and a near-upset of then #25 ninth year leading the program. He has produced a winning record in each UMD. In the games against the South Division, the Peacocks picked up wins of his first eight seasons and has the second-most wins in school history over Concordia-St. Paul, Winona State and Wayne State. The Peacocks, who with his 64 victories. only had five winning seasons between 1966’s 8-2 campaign and 2013’s 6-5 run, wrapped up just their 37th winning season in their 121-year football history. Players to Watch Players to Watch #11 Jameson Parsons (WR, 6-2, 205, Sr., Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) #15 Dimitri Morales (QB, 6-2, 205, Jr., Altadena, Calif. / Rancho Cucamonga HS) #44 Craig Szymanski (LB, 6-3, 235, Jr., Farmington, Minn. / Rosemount HS) #25 Tate Thompson (DB, 6-2, 220, Jr., Forest City, Iowa/Forest City HS) First game First game Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Sioux Falls – 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at Bemidji State – 6 p.m.

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE Wildcats Winona State University Warriors Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings Last Year Returning Starters Letter winners Standings 4-7, 1-6 South 7 Off / 6 Def 30 Off / 23 Def 12th Overall 5-6, 3-4 South 9 Off / 6 Def 36 Off / 18 Def 11th Overall 7th South t-6th South Team Preview Team Preview Wayne State is looking to stay healthy entering the 2016 season. The Wild- Winona State returns a lot on offense in 2016 after setting a new school re- cats went through three quarterbacks and battled numerous injuries through- cord in passing offense last fall. Quarterback Jack Nelson is back, last season out the second half of last season, resulting in a 4-7 record after starting the he threw for 3,419 yards and 26 touchdowns. Nelson is the school’s all-time year 3-1. Seven starters return on offense led by junior quarterback Zach leader in passing yards with 8,977 yards. Another year like 2015 could move Osborn, who broke his thumb on his throwing hand in the second game last Nelson into the top-10 all-time in NCAA Division II history. Nelson lost a couple year at Minnesota Duluth after throwing for 5,440 yards in his first two years targets to throw to on the edge but he will have the added help of a more in a Wildcat uniform. WSC returns its top wide receiver in junior Marcel experienced offensive line and running back core. The fourth leading rusher in Dunson, who hauled in 45 catches for 544 yards and six TD’s. The Wildcats the league Paul Preston is also back, giving Winona State some balance on need to replace 1,000 yard rusher Ryan Ludlow (graduated) from last sea- offense. Preston finished the year with 897 yards, accounting for 66% of the son, who ranked third in the NSIC with 1,039 yards and seven TD’s. Senior team’s rushing offense. right tackle Shane Finley, a 2015 All-NSIC South Division First Team selec- Defensively the Warriors lost five starters but do have a majority of their tion, returns to anchor the Wildcat offensive line. On defense, the Wildcats line-backing core and safeties back. Last year Winona State forced 13 INT’s return six starters but lost their top two tacklers (Jon Davis and Nate Kroupa) and ten fumbles defensively. The defense also added 74 tackles-for-loss and to graduation. Sophomore defensive end Logan Weinandt had a strong 25 sacks (fifth in the NSIC). The 2016 defense will look to get opponents off second half last season and ranked third on the team in tackles for loss and the field on third down at a higher rate. sixth in total tackles. The top returning tackler is junior linebacker DeWayne Place kicker Carter McCauley was 18-22 last season and led the team with Scott, who had 47 tackles and 7.0 tackles. The Wayne State secondary 91 points scored. He finished fourth in the NSIC in scoring with 8.3 points per returns three starters, led by sophomore cornerback Jamaal Conway-Smith, game. tied for fourth last season in the NSIC in passes defended with 15 to go with a team-high three interceptions. Players to Watch Players to Watch #10 Zach Osborn (QB, 6-0, 185, Jr., Harlan, Iowa / Harlan HS) #19 Jack Nelson (QB, 6-4, 225, Sr., Byron, Minn. / Byron HS) #95 Logan Weinandt (DE, 6-5, 255, So., Wynot, Neb. / Hartington Cedar Catholic HS) #44 Jarrett Wood (OLB, 6-3, 245, Sr., Vernon Hills, Ill. / Vernon Hills HS) First game First game Thursday, September 1 at MSU Moorhead – 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Minnesota Crookston – 6 p.m.

9/10 Augustana at UMary 1 p.m. 10/20 Southwest Minnesota State at Minnesota State 6 p.m. 9/10 Concordia-St. Paul at Minnesota Crookston 1 p.m. 10/22 Concordia-St. Paul at Sioux Falls 12 p.m. 9/10 St. Cloud State at Upper Iowa 1:05 p.m. 10/22 MSU Moorhead at UMary 1 p.m. 9/10 Minot State at Wayne State 6 p.m. 10/22 Minnesota Crookston at Minot State 1 p.m. 9/10 Bemidji State at Minnesota State 6 p.m. 10/22 Winona State at Wayne State 1 p.m. 9/10 MSU Moorhead at Sioux Falls 6 p.m. 10/22 St. Cloud State at Northern State 1 p.m. 9/10 Southwest Minnesota State at Northern State 6 p.m. 10/22 Bemidji State at Minnesota Duluth 1:05 p.m. 9/10 Winona State at Minnesota Duluth 6:05 p.m. 10/22 Augustana at Upper Iowa 3:05 p.m.

9/17 Northern State at Winona State 1 p.m. 10/29 Winona State at Augustana 1 p.m. 9/17 Minnesota Crookston at Augustana 1 p.m. 10/29 Concordia-St. Paul at Southwest Minnesota State 1 p.m. 9/17 UMary at Southwest Minnesota State 1 p.m. 10/29 Minot State at MSU Moorhead 1 p.m. 9/17 Upper Iowa at MSU Moorhead 2 p.m. 10/29 Sioux Falls at Minnesota State 1 p.m. 9/17 Sioux Falls at Minot State 3 p.m. 10/29 Northern State at UMary 1 p.m. 9/17 Minnesota State at St. Cloud State 3 p.m. 10/29 Bemidji State at St. Cloud State 1 p.m. 9/17 Minnesota Duluth at Concordia-St. Paul 6 p.m. 10/29 Wayne State at Upper Iowa 1 p.m. 9/17 Wayne State at Bemidji State 6 p.m. 10/29 Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota Crookston 1 p.m.

9/24 St. Cloud State at Wayne State 1 p.m. 11/5 Upper Iowa at Sioux Falls 12 p.m. 9/24 Winona State at UMary 1 p.m. 11/5 Augustana at Concordia-St. Paul 12 p.m. 9/24 Southwest Minnesota State at Minnesota Crookston 1 p.m. 11/5 Minnesota State at Wayne State 1 p.m. 9/24 Concordia-St. Paul at Northern State 1 p.m. 11/5 MSU Moorhead at Bemidji State 1 p.m. 9/24 MSU Moorhead at Minnesota State 1 p.m. 11/5 Southwest Minnesota State at Winona State 1 p.m. 9/24 Minot State at Upper Iowa 3:05 p.m. 11/5 St. Cloud State at Minot State 1 p.m. 9/24 Bemidji State at Sioux Falls 6 p.m. 11/5 Minnesota Crookston at Northern State 1 p.m. 9/24 Augustana at Minnesota Duluth 6:05 p.m. 11/5 UMary at Minnesota Duluth 1:05 p.m.

10/1 Wayne State at Concordia-St. Paul 12 p.m. 11/12 Wayne State at Sioux Falls 12 p.m. 10/1 Minnesota State at Winona State 1 p.m. 11/12 Concordia-St. Paul at Winona State 12 p.m. 10/1 Bemidji State at UMary 1 p.m. 11/12 Upper Iowa at Minnesota State 12 p.m. 10/1 Sioux Falls at Augustana 1 p.m. 11/12 Augustana at Southwest Minnesota State 1 p.m. 10/1 MSU Moorhead at Minnesota Duluth 1:05 p.m. 11/12 Northern State at MSU Moorhead 1 p.m. 10/1 St. Cloud State at Minnesota Crookston 2 p.m. 11/12 UMary at Minot State 1 p.m. 10/1 Minot State at Northern State 2:30 p.m. 11/12 Minnesota Duluth at St. Cloud State 1 p.m. 10/1 Upper Iowa at Southwest Minnesota State 6 p.m. 11/12 Minnesota Crookston at Bemidji State 1 p.m.

10/8 Augustana at Wayne State 1 p.m. Postseason Schedule 10/8 Northern State at Bemidji State 1 p.m. 11/19 NCAA Playoff 1st Round 10/8 UMary at St. Cloud State 1 p.m. 11/26 NCAA Playoff 2nd Round 10/8 Minnesota Duluth at Minot State 1 p.m. 12/03 51st Mineral Water Bowl 10/8 Concordia-St. Paul at Minnesota State 2 p.m. 12/03 Super Region Championship 10/8 Winona State at Upper Iowa 2 p.m. 12/10 NCAA Semifinals 10/8 Southwest Minnesota State at Sioux Falls 6 p.m. 12/17 NCAA Championship 10/8 Minnesota Crookston at MSU Moorhead 6 p.m.

* All times and date subject to change