2005 WIAC Football Headlines

League Ranked Sixth in Football Attendance During 2005 Season

RELEASED: Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Madison, Wis.--The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) ranked sixth among NCAA Division III football conferences in attendance during the 2005 season.

According to data released by the NCAA, the eight league schools had 104,456 spectators in 44 games for an average of 2,374 per contest. The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference led the 28 reporting NCAA Division III conferences with an average of 3,018 fans per game in 43 contests.

UW-Whitewater was the top school in the conference, finishing 13th among the 227 reporting institutions. The Warhawks totaled 25,896 spectators in eight home contests for an average mark of 3,574. UW-Eau Claire placed 21st with an average of 3,240, while UW-La Crosse finished 25th at 3,102 per game.

Additional conference finishes included: UW-Platteville 42nd (2,669), UW-Stout 64th (2,328), UW-Oshkosh 123rd (1,505), UW-Stevens Point 126th (1,494) and UW-River Falls 174th (961).

St. John's (Minn.) led the NCAA Division III in attendance for the third time in the last four years with an average of 7,925 in five home dates.

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Former Pointer Kriewaldt Helps Steelers to Super Bowl Title

RELEASED: Monday, February 6, 2006

Madison, Wis.--From the very first play of Super Bowl XL until the end, Sunday was a memorable day for former Clint Kriewaldt. The former Pointer standout made the game’s first tackle on the opening kickoff and then walked off the field as a world champion as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kriewaldt sprinted untouched down the field for a solo tackle of Seattle’s Josh Scobey at the Seahawks’ 18-yard line on the opening kickoff. He added an assisted tackle later in the first quarter on a Seattle punt return. A reserve linebacker, Kriewaldt took part on all of the Steelers’ special teams plays in Sunday’s 21-10 victory.

It marks the first time a former UW-Stevens Point athlete has been a member of a major American professional championship team. It also is the second straight year a former Pointer has won a major pro football title after quarterback Scott Krause was a member of the 2004 Toronto Argonauts’ Canadian Football League Grey Cup squad.

Kriewaldt played for the Pointers from 1995-98 and is the school’s all-time leading tackler with 416 during his career. He claimed the WIAC Player of the Year honor in 1998.

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Former Pointer Kriewaldt Prepares for First Super Bowl Appearance

RELEASED: Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Stevens Point, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be represented at Sunday’s Super Bowl in Detroit when former Pointer standout Clint Kriewaldt takes the field as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks.

Kriewaldt, who played for the Pointers as a four-time all-conference selection from 1995-98 and received WIAC Player of the Year honors in 1998, is in his seventh season in the National Football League. He actually began his career in Detroit, playing four seasons with the Lions before moving on to Pittsburgh, where he is in his third season.

It marks the second time UW-Stevens Point has been represented on a Super Bowl roster. Wide receiver Barry Rose was a member of the 1992 Buffalo Bills, but was not in uniform for the Super Bowl. Kriewaldt will be the only Division III player in this year’s Super Bowl. Jerheme Urban, a wide receiver from Trinity (Texas), played in five games this season for the Seahawks, but is not on the active playoff roster.

Wearing number 57 as a reserve linebacker who plays in nearly every special teams situation, Kriewaldt has appeared in every game this season and started two games at mid-season due to an injury to starter James Farrior. In his two starts, he made nine tackles in a loss at Baltimore and four in a win at Cleveland. Kriewaldt also had four tackles at Lambeau Field against Green Bay on Nov. 6.

This season, Kriewaldt has made a career-high 25 solo tackles along with six assisted tackles. He has played in all three postseason games this year and recorded a tackle in the wins over both Indianapolis and Denver. For his career, Kriewaldt has played in 95 games, making 143 total tackles, including 109 solo stops.

Kriewaldt is a Shiocton native and is UW-Stevens Point’s all-time leading tackler with 416 career tackles. He also was a running back for the Pointers in goalline situations and scored 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons. A sixth round draft choice of the Lions in 1999, Kriewaldt completed a degree in interior architecture from UW-Stevens Point in 2000.

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UW-Eau Claire's Hoffner Steps Down as Head Football Coach

RELEASED: Friday, January 27, 2006

Eau Claire, Wis.--After seven years as the UW-Eau Claire head football coach, Todd Hoffner is stepping down to accept a coaching position at the University of South Dakota, an NCAA Division II program.

Hoffner's resignation becomes effective February 10. He will take over as the offensive coordinator for Ed Meierkort’s Coyotes. Meierkort and Hoffner coached against each other when Meierkort was the head coach at conference rival UW-Stout.

Hoffner leaves Eau Claire tied for second with Ade Olson in all-time football coaching victories behind Hall of Fame coach Link Walker. He finished with a 42-28 (.600 winning percentage) overall record and a 29-20 mark in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition. The Blugolds were actually 40-20 over the last six seasons after they finished 2-8 in his first campaign, losing six games by four or fewer points.

During Hoffner’s career at Eau Claire, the Blugolds had six straight winning records in the WIAC, tieing for the conference title in 2001 and finishing second or tied for second in 2002, 2004 and 2005.

The Blugolds have been nationally ranked during each of the last five seasons, climbing as high as No. 6 in one poll. In 2001 and 2002, the Blugolds had back-to-back campaigns of 8-2. Hoffner had success against some good programs, beating UW-La Crosse in four of the last five seasons and St. John’s University in three of the last five.

Hoffner also took two Blugold teams overseas and won all four of his games in international competition.

The Blugolds had four consecutive WIAC Scholar-Athletes in Bob Schmidt, Mike Bestul, Austin Crow and Dave Maas. Bestul was a two-time first team Academic All-American.

Three Blugolds were selected to participate in the Aztec Bowl with safety Jay Hoyord going in 2001, tight end Brad Newton in 2002 and safety Brent Tieri in 2005.

Among the Hoffner players who earned All-American recognition were running back Darrell Souhrada, offensive tackle Bob Schmidt, strong safety Jay Hoyord, tight end Brad Newton, defensive end Austin Crow, offensive lineman Mike Bestul and safety Brent Tieri. During the Hoffner years, the Blugold records for career rushing, single season receptions, single season pass completions, single season pass completion percentage and field goals were established.

Hoffner was also involved in several football program improvements including the artificial turf that was installed at Carson Park, the football locker room renovation, the football office complex and a new video editing system.

Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon said of Hoffner, "We’re losing an outstanding coach who is leaving the program in great shape for his successor. We wish Todd, his wife Melodee and his children well as he takes a new direction in his career at the Division II level."

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UW-Whitewater's Beaver Top Rusher in College Football

RELEASED: Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sophomore running back was the leading rusher in college football - at any level - for the 2005 season.

Beaver, a native of Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra-Eagle H.S.), rushed for a NCAA Division III single-season record 2,420 yards during the 2005 campaign.

Beaver helped UW-Whitewater win the WIAC title and advance to the NCAA Division III national championship game. He also played a significant role in UW-Whitewater setting school records for yards rushing, touchdowns and points scored.

The other top rushers in each division of collegiate football follow:

NCAA Division I-A: DeAngelo Williams (University of Memphis)-1,964 yards NCAA Division I-AA: Nick Hartigan (Brown University)-1,727 yards NCAA Division II: Jamar Brittingham (Bloomsburg State)-2,260 yards National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics: Roger Butler (Tabor College)-1,828 yards National Junior College Athletic Association: Eric Ransom (Trinity Valley Community College)-1,531 yards

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Eight Claim Football Gazette All-America Honors; UW-Whitewater's Berezowitz Named Coach of the Year

RELEASED: Friday, January 13, 2006

Madison, Wis.--Eight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football players have been named to the 2005 Football Gazette NCAA Division III All-America Team. UW-Stout's Joe Seep and UW-Whitewater's Justin Beaver were named to the first team, while UW-La Crosse's Adam Dow and UW-Whitewater's Brady Ramseier and Robb Widuch were second team selections. UW-Stout's Evan Larsen and UW-Whitewater's Ryan Kleppe and Max Sakellaris were third team picks.

UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz was named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-1 record, the WIAC championship and a berth in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. The Warhawks set a school record for victories in a season and their road to the Stagg Bowl included victories over the schools that captured the 2003 (St. John's University) and 2004 (Linfield College) NCAA Division III championships. UW- Whitewater also became the first conference school since UW-Stout in 2000 to post an undefeated league record. Berezowitz also received the West Region Coach of the Year honor from Football Gazette.

Seep, a senior defensive back from Reedsburg, Wis., finished the season with a career-high five interceptions - tied for second in the WIAC - and completed his career with eight. He was in on 40 tackles, 26 of them solo, had a quarterback sack, three pass break-ups and recovered a fumble. Seep also received All-America honorable mention status as a kick returner and claimed the West Region Defensive Back of the Year honor. Beaver, a sophomore running back from Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra-Eagle H.S.), rushed for a NCAA Division III single-season record 2,420 yards this season. He set conference single-season records with 428 rushing attempts and 24 rushing touchdowns, while ranking second with 146 points scored. Beaver led the NCAA Division III with 172.9 rushing yards per contest and rushed for 200 or more yards three times. He scored multiple touchdowns in nine contests.

Dow, a senior center from Plover, Wis. (SPASH), helped UW-La Crosse rank second in the conference with 392.8 yards of offense per contest, including 137.2 rushing and 255.6 passing.

Ramseier, a sophomore guard from Jefferson, Wis. (Lutheran Preparatory H.S.), helped UW-Whitewater average 41.1 points, 271.9 passing yards and 219.2 rushing yards per contest during the 2005 campaign.

Widuch, a senior linebacker from Greenfield, Wis. (Whitnall H.S.), led the league with 137 tackles, including 77 solo efforts. He added 11.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Widuch's 22 tackles against UW-River Falls on November 12 were the third-highest total in the WIAC this season.

Larsen, a senior kicker from River Falls, Wis., converted 11-of-14 field goals and 30-of-31 extra point attempts. His 48-yard field goal against UW-Oshkosh on October 8 was the longest in the WIAC this season. Larsen's 63 points ranked second in the conference in scoring among kickers and fifth overall. He completed his career second on UW- Stout's all-time scoring list with 187 points.

Kleppe, a junior defensive tackle from Mount Horeb, Wis., ranked second in the conference with 19.5 tackles for loss, while placing third with six quarterback sacks in 2005. He added 75 tackles and one fumble recovery.

Sakellaris, a junior tackle from Oak Park, Ill. (River Forest H.S.), helped the Warhawks compile 41.1 points, 271.9 passing yards and 219.2 rushing yards per contest this year.

Nine individuals from the conference captured honorable mention honors to the All-America Team. Those receiving recognition included: UW-Eau Claire's Brent Tieri (defensive back), UW-La Crosse's Kent Anderson (offensive guard), UW-Oshkosh's Andy Moriarty (running back), Eric Stenbroten (linebacker) and Tom Roszak (punter), UW- Stevens Point's Dan Robinson (defensive end) and UW-Whitewater's Justin Jacobs (quarterback) and Jim Leszczynski (wide receiver).

This marks the 18th year Football Gazette, a recognized authority on small college football has selected an NCAA Division III All-America Team. A total of 112 individuals earned some form of Football Gazette All-America accolades.

Football Gazette also recognized an NCAA Division III All-West Region Team earlier this week and additional individuals receiving recognition were second team choice Gene Janke of UW-La Crosse.

Third team picks included UW-La Crosse's Steve Teeples, UW-Oshkosh's Bob Docherty and UW-River Falls' Nathan Anderson and Aaron Retzlaff, while UW-Eau Claire's Mitch Schaeuble, UW-Oshkosh's Ryan Neff and Joe Zander and UW-Stout's Jesse Wendt were honorable mention selections.

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UW-Whitewater's Berezowitz Named AFCA Coach of the Year

RELEASED: Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz has been named the 2005 NCAA Division III Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Berezowitz led UW-Whitewater to a 14-1 record, the WIAC championship and a berth in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. The Warhawks set a school record for victories in a season and their road to the Stagg Bowl included victories over the schools that captured the 2003 (St. John's University) and 2004 (Linfield College) NCAA Division III championships. UW-Whitewater also became the first conference school since UW-Stout in 2000 to post an undefeated league record. Berezowitz has compiled a 145-71-4 record (66.8 winning percentage) in his 21 seasons with the Warhawks and ranks third on the conference's all-time wins list. He has led UW-Whitewater to seven conference titles (2005, 1998, 1997, 1994, 1990, 1988, 1987).

Berezowitz joins former UW-La Crosse head coach Roger Harring as the only coaches from the WIAC to claim the national coaching honor from the AFCA. Harring secured the prize in 1995.

By winning the award, Berezowitz is also invited to be an assistant coach at the Hula Bowl All-Star Game on January 21 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The full-time assistant coaches at UW-Whitewater will each receive a $1,000 grant from the American Football Coaches Foundation that can be used to further their education or professional development.

The AFCA Coach of the Year winners are selected by a vote of the active AFCA members (coaches at four-year schools) in the Association's four divisions - Division I-A, Division I-AA, Division II and Division III. The AFCA has named a Coach of the Year since 1935. The AFCA Coach of the Year award is the oldest and most prestigious of all the Coach of the Year awards and is the only one chosen exclusively by the coaches themselves.

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UW-Oshkosh's Docherty Named to Hula Bowl Squad

RELEASED: Friday, December 23, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh tight end Bob Docherty has accepted an invitation by the American Football Coaches Association to play in the 60th Annual Hula Bowl All-Star Football Game on Jan. 21 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 6 p.m. (CST) contest will be televised from Aloha Stadium on ESPN2 and broadcast worldwide on the Westwood One/CBS Radio Network.

Docherty, a senior from Oshkosh, Wis. (North H.S.), takes part in one of college football's legendary all-star games as a member of the West team. University of Washington head football coach Tyrone Willingham will guide the West squad, while Auburn University (Ala.) head football coach Tommy Tuberville will lead the East team.

Docherty played the 2003 and 2005 seasons at UW-Oshkosh after transferring from NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin. This past year, Docherty received NCAA Division III All-West Region second team and All-WIAC first team honors after displaying excellent blocking skills and catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. In 2003, Docherty caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including seven for 62 yards and one score in UW-Oshkosh's 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty played the 2001 and 2002 seasons at the University of Wisconsin. In 2001, he played in all 12 games for the Badgers, but didn't catch a pass. Docherty appeared in 12 of the Badgers' 14 games in 2002, including the University of Wisconsin's 31-28 overtime victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown that season.

Docherty is the first UW-Oshkosh football player to participate in the Hula Bowl, and only the second from the WIAC. Last year, UW-Whitewater defensive back Trey Bell was named to the East team.

Hula Bowl rosters are made up almost entirely of NCAA Division I players. This year, however, three NCAA Division III players will take part in the game, Docherty, quarterback Brett Elliott of Linfield College (Ore.) and defensive back Wes Hostetler of Ohio Northern University. Elliott and Hostetler will play for the East team.

Docherty will arrive in Honolulu on Jan. 16 and take part in a week of work and lots of fun. The East and West squads will practice daily and conduct drills in front of several National Football League scouts. Then there's fun away from the field, a grand luau, surfing contest, luxurious meals and a chance to relax on the beach.

The Hula Bowl will be the second all-star game for Docherty in a five-week period, as he also played in the Aztec Bowl on Dec. 17 in Toluca, Mexico. Docherty was named team captain of a NCAA Division III all-star squad that defeated the Mexican National Team in the Aztec Bowl, 53-15. UW-Oshkosh posted a 7-3 record this past season, including a third-place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The Titans' overall record was their best since 1976.

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Nine Named to D3football.com All-America Team; UW-Whitewater's Berezowitz Claims Coach of the Year Honor

RELEASED: Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Madison, Wis.--Nine Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football players have been named to the 2005 D3football.com All-America Football Team, while UW-Whitewater's Bob Berezowitz claimed the Coach of the Year honor. UW-Whitewater's Justin Beaver, Brady Ramseier and Robb Widuch were named to the first team, while UW-Stout's Joe Seep was a second team selection and UW-Eau Claire's Brent Tieri, UW-Stout's Evan Larsen and UW-Whitewater's Ryan Kleppe and Max Sakellaris were third team picks. UW-Whitewater's Justin Jacobs secured honorable mention recognition.

UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz was named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year after guiding the Warhawks to a spot in the national championship game, a school record 14 victories, the WIAC championship and first undefeated conference mark for a league school since 2000. Berezowitz has compiled a 145-71-4 record in his 21 seasons at the helm of the Warhawks.

Beaver, a sophomore running back from Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra-Eagle H.S.), rushed for a NCAA Division III single-season record 2,420 yards this season. He set conference single-season records with 428 rushing attempts and 24 rushing touchdowns, while ranking second with 146 points scored. Beaver led the NCAA Division III with 172.9 rushing yards per contest and rushed for 200 or more yards three times. He scored multiple touchdowns in nine contests.

Sakellaris, a junior tackle from Oak Park, Ill. (River Forest H.S.), helped the Warhawks compile 41.1 points, 271.9 passing yards and 219.2 rushing yards per contest this year.

Tieri, a senior safety from Rockford, Minn., finished third in the conference with four interceptions and second on the team with 77 tackles, including 42 solo efforts, .5 tackles for loss and one blocked kick.

Jacobs, a junior quarterback from Sun Prairie, Wis., set single-season school records with 3,556 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 218 completions and 422 attempts. He passed for more than 300 yards in a game five times this year, including a season-best 316-yard performance against UW-Stevens Point on October 8. Jacobs tied a school record with five touchdown passes against UW-Oshkosh on October 29 and had four touchdown passes in three additional games. # # # # #

UW-Whitewater Falls to Mt. Union in Football National Championship Game

Salem, Va.--The greatest season in UW-Whitewater football history ended in Salem Civic Stadium with a 35-28 loss to Mount Union College (Ohio) in the NCAA Division III national championship, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on December 17.

UW-Whitewater got the first break of the game, when defensive back Vic Wipperfurth picked off a Mike Jorris pass, returning the ball 32 yards to the Mount Union 42-yard line. UW-Whitewater converted the opportunity, ending the five-play 42-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run by Justin Beaver, extending his school season record with his 24th touchdown, to give UW-Whitewater a 7-0 lead at 9:54.

It took Mount Union just over three minutes to even the score, covering 80 yards in four plays, the biggest coming on a Jorris to Pierre Garcon 63-yard scoring toss at 6:32.

The same duo gave Mount Union the lead at 5:03 in the second, this time with Jorris hooking up with Garcon for 12 yards, wrapping up eight plays that covered 58 yards.

The half ended 14-7 Mount Union, with UW-Whitewater's Beaver gaining 47 on nine carries, which is where he also ended the half, only with 15 carries.

In the third quarter the Warhawks moved down the field, advancing to the Mount Union three yard line. After no gain on third down, UW-Whitewater went for the touchdown on fourth down and the pass fell incomplete. Two plays later, freshman running back Nate Kmic took the ball 95 yards to open a 21-7 margin with 8:05 left in the third.

UW-Whitewater's offense moved the ball down the field on its next possession, but the drive ended when Mount Union picked off a Jacobs pass intended for Jim Leszczynski near the five yard line. The Purple Raiders turned that miscue into seven points, with Kmic going in from two yards out to increase the margin to 28-7.

UW-Whitewater came back at 12:22 on a Jacobs to Leszczynski 23-yard touchdown to cut the margin to 28-14.

Just four minutes later, UW-Whitewater continued its comeback, with Jacobs hitting tight end Pete Schmitt with a 15-yard scoring play to narrow Mt. Union's margin to 28-21 at the 8:37 mark.

Mount Union controlled the clock late in the fourth quarter behind the rushing of Kmic, who ended a long (71 yards), time consuming (5:39) drive. Kmic put a punctuation point on the drive with his third touchdown of the day, scoring from 15 yards out at 2:50 to make it 35-21 Purple Raiders.

It had to make UW-Whitewater head coach proud when his team came back yet again, with Justin Jacobs sneaking in from one yard out with two seconds left to make the final margin, after an on-side kick which Mount Union recovered, 35-28, Mount Union.

"I'm very proud of our football team, " UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz said. "They never quit, all the way to the end."

UW-Whitewater, which defeated the last two NCAA III championships (Linfield 2004, Saint John's 2003) among its four playoff wins on the way to the Stagg Bowl, couldn't make it three in a row. (Mount Union won the title in 2002). The Warhawks finish the 2005 season 14-1, establishing school records for victories (previous mark 10), touchdowns, points, first downs, total yards, pass completions, passing yards, rushing yards, interceptions, first downs rushing and first downs passing in the team categories.

Among individual mark sophomore running back Justin Beaver broke the NCAA III single season rushing record in the third quarter, going past the old mark of 2,385 Dante Brown of Marietta College (OH) set in 1996. Beaver ended the game with 125 yards rushing on 30 carries, giving him 2,420 yards in a season. Among many players joining the record procession were senior wide receiver Jim Leszczynski (season receptions), junior wideout Derek Stanley (season yards receiving, touchdowns receiving in a season), senior kicker Michael Chaulk (season PAT's made and attempted), returner Neil Mrkvicka (season and career punt returns, season return yards). UW-Whitewater's appearance in the national championship game was the first by a WIAC school since 1995 when UW-La Crosse claimed the national crown.

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United States All-Stars Defeat Mexican National Team

Toluca, Mexico--Ohio Northern defensive back Wes Hostetler scored three touchdowns and the United States defense and special teams rolled up 375 yards in interception, kickoff and punt returns as Team USA rolled to a record-setting 53-15 win against Mexico in the 2005 Aztec Bowl.

Hostetler alone accounted for 223 return yards as he scored on an 86-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, a 75- yard interception return in the third quarter and a 54-yard punt return in the third quarter to earn Team USA MVP honors.

With his performance on Saturday Hostetler tied the Team USA record for points scored (18) and set Team USA records for all-purpose yards (223), touchdowns scored, longest interception return and longest kickoff return.

"It could have been anyone else out there," Hostetler said. "The blocking was phenomenal. I just had to wait for a block and read my keys. I wish I could play with these guys all year long."

The United States defense and special teams accounted for 36 of Team USA's 53 points. In addition to Hostetler, Curry's Charlie Gibbs and North Central's Lenny Radtke scored on interception returns and Occidental's Mike Bryant blocked a punt for a safety in the first quarter. The 53 points are the most scored by Team USA in the nine- year series.

"Our kids just played superbly and our defense was outstanding," USA head coach Ron Schipper said after the game. "Obviously Hostetler is truly outstanding and just made great plays and we kept the crowd out of it."

Gibbs opened the scoring with his return of an errant Juan Zamora pass to put the USA up 7-0. Mexico answered that score with a five-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown run by Rene Molina. With five minutes to go in the first quarter Bryant broke free and blocked a Daniel Chavez punt attempt out of the end zone to up the score to 9-7. On the ensuing free kick, Hostetler scampered 86 yards down the USA sideline to give the Americans a 16-7 lead with 4:42 to go in the quarter.

Midway through the second quarter the U.S. upped its lead to 19-7 when Wheaton's Andrew Day converted on a 37- yard field goal. The score was set up by a 26-yard interception return by St. Thomas linebacker Andrew Ubbelohde, the lone USA interception that was not returned for a touchdown.

The United States offense did not reach the end zone until 24 seconds remained in the first half when Delaware Valley's Adam Knoblauch hit St. Norbert running back Casey Meehan with a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Team USA up 26-7 at halftime.

The United State offense was thwarted once again at the start of the second quarter when a pass from Wabash's Russ Harbaugh was intercepted at the Mexico two-yard line by Ricardo Tavera. Mexico's offense moved the ball out to midfield before Hostetler stepped in front of a Gilberto Escobedo pass at the 25-yard line and sprinted 75 yards for the score.

The Team USA defense held on Mexico's next possession and Hostetler returned the fourth down punt 54 yards into the end zone and the United States was out in front 40-7 midway through the third quarter.

Mexico found the end zone for the final time on the day 28 seconds into the fourth quarter when Escobedo hit Juan Corona with a 12-yard touchdown pass and then completed a two-point conversion pass to running back Rene Molina to cut the USA lead to 40-15.

The predominantly pro-Mexican crowd of 13,000 roared with approval and the score seemed to give Mexico new life. But the United States offense answered the Mexico score with a touchdown of its own as Bridgewater State's (Mass.) Brenden Kavey raced 69 yards for a touchdown to increase the Team USA lead to 47-15 with 13:19 remaining in what was a rapidly moving fourth quarter. Mexico moved to the USA 16-yard line on its next possession before the USA defense stiffened and stopped the home team on fourth down with 9:29 to go. The teams traded punts the rest of the quarter before North Central's Lenny Radtke ended the game with a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown as time ran out to make the final margin 53-15.

Hostetler's amazing individual performance complimented what was another strong defensive showing by the Americans in this series. The United States defense held Mexico to only 16 yards rushing on 19 carries and forced six Mexico turnovers, four of which led to 23 Team USA points.

UW-Eau Claire's Brent Tieri led Team USA with eight tackles, while Radtke topped the squad with a team record- tying four tackles for loss and two sacks. UW-Stout's Joe Seep and Frostburg State's Kevin Culbert each forced a fumble to account for the other two Mexico turnovers. Seep finished the contest with five tackles.

UW-Oshkosh's Bob Docherty also participated in the contest.

Offensively, Team USA was held to 197 yards in total offense. Kavey was the leading rusher with 87 yards on seven carries, Bridgewater's (Va.) Marcus Washington carried nine times for 46 yards. Moravian's Kevin Lukich caught one pass for 34 yards while Washington had two catches for 29 yards. Knoblauch was the leading passer on the day, completing three of 10 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Gilberto Escobedo earned MVP honors for Mexico as he completed 17 of 21 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Roldan was Mexico's leading rusher with 14 yards on two carries. Roldan was also Mexico's leading receiver with eight catches for 65 yards. Defensively, Jorge Valdez led the way with six tackles including 2½ for a loss, both of which were sacks, and a forced fumble.

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UW-Stout's Seep and UW-Whitewater's Beaver Named to AFCA All-America First Team

RELEASED: Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stout's Joe Seep and UW-Whitewater's Justin Beaver have been named to the 2005 NCAA Division III American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America First Team.

For the second consecutive season, Seep led the conference in punt returns and ranked seventh nationally, averaging a school-record 16.0 yards per return, topping the mark of 15.2 set by Henry Waters in 1965. Seep averaged 13.3 yards per punt return over his career and returned two punts for touchdowns. He averaged 20.8 yards per kickoff return for his career.

Seep will compete this weekend in the Aztec Bowl as a member of a 46-member all-star team of NCAA Division III players that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2005 Aztec Bowl, Dec. 17, in Toluca, Mexico.

Seep is the 10th Blue Devil selected as an All-American since the 2000 season and the fourth selected as an AFCA All-American.

Beaver, a sophomore running back from Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra-Eagle H.S.), is a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy as the NCAA Division III Player of the Year and will look to help the Warhawks to the national championship this weekend in Salem, Virginia. He established conference single-season records with 398 rushing attempts, 2,295 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns, while ranking second with 140 points scored. Beaver leads the NCAA Division III with 176.5 rushing yards per contest and has rushed for 200 or more yards three times this season. He has scored multiple touchdowns in nine contests. Beaver is the sixth Warhawk in school history, and first since 2003, to claim All-America honors from the AFCA.

The AFCA selected 21 members to its all-america squad and only picked a first team.

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Six Claim D3football.com All-West Region First Team Honors; Berezowitz Named Coach of the Year

RELEASED: Friday, December 9, 2005

Madison, Wis.--Six Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football players have been named to the 2005 D3football.com All-West Region First Team. UW-Eau Claire's Brent Tieri, UW-Stout's Evan Larsen and Joe Seep and UW-Whitewater's Justin Beaver, Brady Ramseier and Robb Widuch all received recognition for their efforts during the 2005 season.

UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz was named the 2005 West Region Coach of the Year after guiding the Warhawks to a spot in this weekend's national semifinals, the WIAC championship and first undefeated conference mark for a league school since 2000. Berezowitz has compiled a 144-70-4 record in his 21 seasons at the helm of the Warhawks.

Larsen, a senior kicker from River Falls, Wis., converted 11-of-14 field goals and 30-of-31 extra point attempts. His 48-yard field goal against UW-Oshkosh on October 8 was the longest in the WIAC this season. Larsen's 63 points rank second in the conference in scoring among kickers and sixth overall. He completed his career second on UW- Stout's all-time scoring list with 187 points.

Seep, a senior defensive back from Reedsburg, Wis., recorded a career-high five interceptions - tied for second in the WIAC - and his career with eight. He was in on 40 tackles, 26 of them solo, had a quarterback sack and a fumble recovery. For the second consecutive season, Seep led the WIAC in punt returns, averaging a school-record 16.0 yards per return, topping the mark of 15.2 set by Henry Waters in 1965.

Beaver, a sophomore running back from Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra-Eagle H.S.), is a finalist for Gagliardi Trophy as the NCAA Division III Player of the Year. He leads the NCAA Division III with 175.8 rushing yards per contest and established league single-season records with 374 rushing attempts, 2,110 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. Beaver has rushed for 190 or more yards five times this year and has scored multiple touchdowns in eight contests.

Ramseier, a sophomore guard from Jefferson, Wis. (Luther Preparatory H.S.), has helped the Warhawks average 40.8 points, 222.0 rushing yards and 269.7 passing yards per contest this season.

Widuch, a senior linebacker from Greenfield, Wis. (Whitnall H.S.), has compiled a league-leading 116 tackles this season, including 66 solo efforts. He has added 10.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

D3football.com also named a second and third team for the 2005 season. League individuals claiming second team status included: UW-La Crosse's Kent Anderson and Adam Dow, UW-Oshkosh's Bob Docherty, Andy Moriarty and Tom Roszak, UW-Stout's Joe Seep (return specialist) and UW-Whitewater's Justin Jacobs, Jim Lesczcynski and Ryan Kleppe.

Third team choices included: UW-Eau Claire's Mitch Schaeuble and Derek Sikora, UW-Oshkosh's Eric Stenbroten, UW-River Falls' Aaron Retzlaff and UW-Stevens Point's Dan Robinson.

The D3football.com All-West Region Team was selected in balloting by West Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff. The 75-player team was chosen from 147 nominations by Division III member schools. The West Region includes individuals from the WIAC, Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Midwest Conference, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Northwest Conference and Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

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UW-Eau Claire's Basken Named to Academic All-America Football Team

RELEASED: Thursday, December 1, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Brandon Basken has been named to the 2005 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division Football Second Team.

The team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA players throughout the country and is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Basken, a senior offensive lineman from Manitowoc, Wis. (Lincoln H.S.), maintains a 3.90 grade point average and is majoring in mathematics. Basken was an all-WIAC second team choice in 2004.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.

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Fiedler Selected as WIAC Coordinator of Football Officials

RELEASED: Friday, November 11, 2005

Madison, Wis.--The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced today the selection of Tom Fielder as the conference's coordinator of football officials. Fiedler will officially assume the position at the conclusion of the 2005-06 academic year and succeeds longtime coordinator Don Page who announced his retirement earlier this fall.

Fiedler who serves as the principal at Eau Claire North High School has been a WIAC football official since 1982 during which time he has officiated over 150 WIAC football games. He is a member of a WIAC football crew that has been selected to officiate NCAA football playoff games in 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2004. In addition, Fiedler has been a WIAA football official for over 30 years and has officiated in five Wisconsin high school state championship games. Since 2002, Fiedler has also served as an official timer and video replay assistant for the Big Ten Conference.

"The WIAC is extremely fortunate to have someone of Tom's expertise and experience join our conference office staff as the coordinator of football officials. Tom's familiarity with the officiating crews in the WIAC and surrounding conferences as well as his extensive contacts with the high school and Division I officiating ranks should prove to be of great benefit to the conference", commented WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner.

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Three Selected to Participate in Aztec Bowl

RELEASED: Thursday, December 8, 2005

Madison, Wis.--Three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football players have been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association's Division III all-star team that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2005 Aztec Bowl on December 17 in Toluca, Mexico. UW-Eau Claire's Brent Tieri, UW-Oshkosh's Bob Docherty and UW-Stout's Joe Seep are three of 46 NCAA Division III seniors from around the country that will make up this year's team.

This year's game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. CST on December 17 at Estadio Chivo Cordoba in Toluca.

Tieri, a senior safety from Rockford, Minn., was an all-WIAC first team selection this season after finishing third in the conference with four interceptions and second on the team with 77 tackles, including 42 solo efforts, .5 tackles for loss and one blocked kick.

Tieri becomes the third Blugold to participate in the Aztec Bowl, joining Brad Newton (2002) and Jay Hoyord (2001).

Docherty, a senior tight end from Oshkosh, Wis. (North H.S.), was a unanimous selection to the all-WIAC first team this year after catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He caught a season-high five passes against UW-River Falls on October 1.

Docherty joins Jon May (1998) and the only Titans to participate in the Aztec Bowl.

Seep, a senior defensive back from Reedsburg, Wis., was a repeat selection to the all-WIAC first team after finishing the 2005 season with a career-high five interceptions - tied for second in the WIAC - and his career with eight. He was in on 40 tackles, 26 of them solo, had a quarterback sack and a fumble recovery. For the second consecutive season, Seep led the WIAC in punt returns, averaging a school-record 16.0 yards per return, topping the mark of 15.2 set by Henry Waters in 1965.

Seep joins former Blue Devils Luke Bundgaard (2003), Ben Knepper (2003), Jamie Spielman (2002) and Jeff Hazuga (2000) who have played in the Aztec Bowl since 2000.

The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico's college football season. The game has been played 34 times since 1947 with the last eight contests featuring the United States-Mexico match-up. The United States is 7-1 in the series and defeated Mexico, 23-3, in the 2004 game in Cancun.

Chitwood Sports Media of Jefferson, Texas will again provide a live webcast of the Aztec Bowl in 2005. Along with the game webcast on December 17, announcers Charlie Chitwood and Ned Fratangelo will provide 90-minute preview shows on December 14, 15 and 16. The preview shows will originate from the Team USA hotel and will begin each night at 6:30 p.m. CST.

The preview shows and game webcast can all be accessed via the AFCA's website at www.afca.com and via the Aztec Bowl website at www.aztecbowl.com. Postgame results will also be available at www.afca.com.

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UW-Whitewater Claims Spot in Football National Championship Game

Whitewater, Wis. --University of Wisconsin-Whitewater claimed a spot in the NCAA Division III Football National Championship game with a 58-6 victory over Wesley College (Del.) on December 10 at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (14-0) will face Mt. Union College (Ohio) (12-1) for the national title in Salem, Virginia on December 17 at 1 p.m. eastern. Mt. Union defeated Rowan University (N.J.), 19-7, in the other semifinal contest.

The national championship appearance for the Warhawks is the first for a WIAC school since UW-La Crosse claimed the national title in 1995.

After a misplayed kickoff return, Wesley began the game on their own one-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, just 11 seconds into the game, UW-Whitewater senior linebacker Robb Widuch tackled Kevin Nelson in the end zone for a safety. At 8:55 in the first quarter UW-Whitewater junior quarterback Justin Jacobs found junior tight end Pete Schmitt with a 13-yard scoring pass to make it 9-0 UW-Whitewater. Still in the first quarter, Warhawk defensive back Kyle Johnson picked off a Chris Warrick pass and returned it 18 yards for the score, making it 16-0 at the end of the first quarter. UW-Whitewater's defense has scored a touchdown in four straight games, and five of the last six.

Seven seconds into the second quarter Jacobs hit junior wideout Derek Stanley with a pass from 18 yards out to make it 23-0. On the eighth play of Wesley's ensuing possession, sophomore defensive end Ryan Ogrizovich intercepted Warrick's pass to give UW-Whitewater the ball at their own 31-yard line. Four plays later, again on a Jacobs to Stanley pass, this time for 47 yards, UW-Whitewater took a 30-0 lead with 10:39 left in the second quarter.

Senior defensive back Vic Wipperfurth ended Wesley's next possession with an interception, returning the ball to Wesley's 39-yard line. Three plays later Beaver ended the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run to make the score 37- 0 at halftime.

On UW-Whitewater's second possession of the second half, Justin Beaver ran it in from 51 yards out to up the lead to 44-0.

Wesley got the kickoff return to the UW-Whitewater 38-yard line by Marcus Lee, and nine plays later Warrick snuck in from one yard out to make the score 44-6. The extra point conversion failed on a mishandled snap.

UW-Whitewater came right back with a short pass from Jacobs to Stanley that turned into a 70-yard scoring play, making it 51-6 with 7:07 left in the third, which ended the scoring in the quarter.

Junior defensive back Steve Wegner ended Wesley's first drive of the fourth quarter with an interception, UW- Whitewater's season-high fourth of the game. The pick also added to the record set earlier in the game, giving UW- Whitewater a school record 28 interceptions (old, 25 in 1978).

UW-Whitewater closed out the scoring with a seven-play, 86-yard drive, ending with a Mike Askren to Lance Douglas 39-yard pass at 9:53 for the final margin of 58-6.

Beaver, the leading rusher in NCAA Division III, led the Warhawks with 185 yards on 24 carries, giving his 2,295 this season. Stanley caught three passes, all for touchdowns, totaling 135 yards.

Widuch totaled 10 tackles for the Warhawks, with defensive lineman Ryan Kleppe credited with three tackles for a loss and a quarterback sack.

Senior running back Kevin Nelson totaled 138 yards on 28 carries. Warrick was 12-28 for 83 yards, with wideout Marcus Lee catching four balls for 47 yards. Safety William Buck and defensive end Bryan Robinson had 10 tackles for the Wolverines.

UW-Whitewater's Jacobs threw for 188 yards in the game and moved in to first place in the school record book with 4,576 yards passing in his career (old, Ty Grovesteen, 4,436 1996-98). Derek Stanley tied the school mark for TD's receiving in a season, grabbing his 16th (Steve Tenhagen, 2001).

Neil Mrkvicka had a 73-yard punt return in the game, the second longest in the Warhawk record book, but it did not figure in the game's scoring.

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UW-Whitewater Upends Defending National Champion Linfield

McMinnville, Ore.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater upended defending national champion and top-ranked Linfield College (Ore.), 44-41, on December 3 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Football Tournament.

UW-Whitewater (13-0) will host Wesley College (Del.) in a national semifinal contest at Perkins Stadium on December 10 at noon.

Linfield (10-1) entered the contest riding a 23-game winning streak and emerged victorious in 50 of the last 52 contests. The Wildcats had also prevailed in 27 of their last 28 home games, including 18 straight. UW-Whitewater becomes the first WIAC school to reach the national semifinals since 1998 when UW-Eau Claire dropped a 22-19 decision to Rowan University (N.J.).

The Warhawks got a one-yard touchdown run from Justin Beaver with just 42 seconds remaining to cap a seven- play, 42-yard drive. Beaver, the leading rushing in NCAA Division III, carried the ball 34 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns in a game that featured 10 lead changes and 1,069 yards of total offense.

Beaver became the first player in conference history to top the 2,000-yard rushing mark. His 2,110 yards this season breaks the previous WIAC single-season mark of 1,942 set by UW-La Crosse's Andrew Mocadlo in 2003. His 21 touchdown runs this year broke the previous league record of 20 set by UW-Stevens Point's Jimmy Henderson in 1993.

The Warhawks drew first blood, marching 73 yards in 14 plays on their opening series. Mike Chaulk's 27-yard field goal put the visitors in front 3-0 with 8:58 left in the first quarter.

Linfield marched down the field and into the end zone on its first offensive possession as Elliott found Casey Allen in the left corner. Elliott completed 6 of 8 passes on the drive, which covered 66 yards.

UW-Whitewater answered with a 78-yard scoring march, capped by Beaver's 2-yard run with 3:14 left in the quarter. On the next possession, Elliott picked apart the UW-Whitewater defense with seven completions to the Warhawks 1. Mordechai Kotler gave Linfield the lead, slashing over from the left side two minutes into the second quarter. The extra point was blocked by Vic Wipperfurth, but Linfield led 13-10.

The Warhawks capitalized on a Linfield turnover when linebacker A.J. Raebel picked off Elliott at the Linfield 34- yard line and returned the ball for a UW-Whitewater touchdown. Chaulk's kick made it 17-13 in favor of the Warhawks.

The teams traded touchdowns as Allen caught his second TD pass of the half from the UW-Whitewater 3, giving the Wildcats a 20-17 advantage. Three plays later, Warhawks Derek Stanley made an acrobatic 61-yard touchdown catch from Justin Jacobs, racing untouched into the end zone.

Linfield cashed in a 3-yard TD pass to Brandon Hazenberg from Elliott with 1:14 left. But Jacobs fired 54-yard bomb to Stanley that ended at the Linfield one-yard line. Linfield took the momentum into the halftime locker after Hazenberg intercepted Jacobs in the end zone.

The Wildcats led 27-24, but trailed in total yards, 306-281. Elliott tossed three first-half touchdowns, completing 29- of-35 attempts, including 11 to Allen. Beaver totaled 79 yards rushing and Jacobs had 204 yards passing in the first half.

Early in the third quarter, Elliott was intercepted by Robb Widich at the Linfield 31-yard line. Four plays later, Jacobs fired a 16-yard touchdown to Jim Leszczynski. Chaulk's extra point was wide right and the Warhawks clung to a 30-27 lead.

Following a Linfield punt, Beaver capped a seven-play drive with a 26-yard TD run. Down by 10 for the first time all season, the Wildcats answered with a tiptoe catch in the end zone by Tyler Kaluza that made it 37-34.

Linfield faced a fourth-and-1 play at the UW-Whitewater 23-yard line when Elliott found Brad McKechnie over the middle, giving the Wildcats a 41-37 advantage.

The Warhawks faced fourth and 8 at the Linfield 26-yard line, but Jacobs was intercepted by Hazenberg at the 11- yard line.

With 5:20 remaining, tackle Ryan Ogrizovich rumbled 33 yards with an Elliott fumble to Linfield's four-yard line, but McKechnie caught Ogrizovich from behind, saving what would have been a sure touchdown. Hazenberg sacked Jacobs on second down for a loss of 6, then his third-down pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage. A fourth-down pass to Leszczynski was broken up by Chris Boock.

Linfield punted from its own end zone with 3:21 left and the Warhawks moved to the Wildcats' one-yard line. Beaver scooted in for the go-ahead touchdown with 42 seconds left, giving the Warhawks a 44-41 lead. Linfield got the ball back at its own 31-yard line, and Elliott completed four straight passes to Hazenberg, but a holding penalty spotted the ball at the 48-yard line and took the Wildcats out of Dailey's field goal range. With 3.4 seconds left, Elliott's hail mary down the right sideline fell incomplete.

Elliott passed for a school-record 528 yards, completing 47-of-66 (both school records) and five touchdowns. Hazenberg caught 14 passes for 171 yards, Allen had 13 receptions for 139, and McKechnie pulled in 10 passes for 145 yards. The Wildcats outgained the Warhawks in total yards, 551-518.

Jacobs completed 22-of-42 for 302 yards and two touchdowns, while Leszczynski caught nine passes for 100 yards and Stanley two passes for 115 yards. Leszczynski and Stanley became the first two receivers in school history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season - Leszczysnski at 1,071 and Stanley with 1,094. Jacobs became the school's single-season passing leader with 3,058 yards and 29 touchdown tosses.

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UW-Whitewater Defeats St. John’s to Advance to NCAA Quarterfinals

Whitewater, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater defeated St. John’s University (Minn.), 34-7, in a NCAA Division III Football Tournament Second Round contest on November 26 at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (12-0) advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals against defending national champion Linfield College (10-0) on December 3 in McMinnville, Ore. at 2:00 p.m. The quarterfinal appearance by the Warhawks is the deepest a WIAC school has advanced in the national tournament since 1998 when UW-Eau Claire also reached the quarterfinals and was upended by Rowan (N.J.).

St. John’s (11-1) was the first team to score in the second round contest after recovering a Warhawk fumble at the UW-Whitewater 24-yard line and, seven plays later, Alex Kofoed hit Mike Lofboom for a five-yard touchdown toss.

UW-Whitewater recovered a muffed punt by the Johnnies at the St. John’s 27-yard line and Justin Jacobs capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown dive to even the score at 7-7.

The Johnnies fumbled the ball again, this time ending a drive at the Warhawk 11-yard line. UW-Whitewater went down the field, with the key play a 55-yard Jacobs to Derek Stanley reception, and ending with an 18-yard touchdown by the same duo. After the Warhawk defense stopped St. John’s, UW-Whitewater went 51 yards in six plays for the score, the key play coming on a 31-yard Jacobs to Pete Schmitt pass, and closed out with a two-yard Jacobs to Jim Leszczynski touchdown toss for a 21-7 Warhawks advantage at halftime. That play gave Jacobs 27 touchdown passes on the year, tying the school record held by Bob Berezowitz.

Whitewater took the second half kickoff and went down the field, highlighted by a 47-yard Jacobs to Stanley reception that led to a Michael Chaulk field goal and gave UW-Whitewater a 24-7 lead. Chaulk provided the scoring again at 7:12 in the third with a 21-yard field goal, with Justin Beaver accounting for 59 of the yards in the drive with one run. UW-Whitewater closed out the scoring when Warhawk defensive back Derek Brown picked up a bad exchange between the Johnnie quarterback and running back and ran it in from 11 yards out to give the Warhawks a 34-7 lead.

UW-Whitewater's defense forced eight fumbles in the contest, recovering seven of them, and also picked off one St. John’s pass. The Johnnies were limited to 59 yards rushing on 26 carries.

UW-Whitewater's Beaver, the leading rusher in NCAA Division III, rushed for 168 yards on 34 carries. Jacobs completed just nine passes, but they accounted for 192 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Derek Brown added eight tackles to his fumble recovery and junior lineman Ryan Kleppe added five tackles, 2.5 for a loss, a quarterback sack and a fumble recovery.

St. John’s quarterback Alex Kofoed completed 22-of-43 for 270 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Linebacker Matt Hawn had 14 total tackles, including one for a loss. Lineman Damien Dumonceaux had 11 tackles, one for a loss and one quarterback sack.

# # # # # UW-Whitewater's Beaver Named Finalist for Gagliardi Trophy

RELEASED: Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sophomore running back Justin Beaver has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2005 Gagliardi Trophy as the NCAA Division III Football Player of the Year.

Beaver, a native of Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra Eagle H.S.), is joined as a finalist by Ross Dillavou (Defensive Lineman, Loras College); Damien Dumonceaux (Defensive Lineman, St. John's University); Brett Elliott (Quarterback, Linfield College); Russ Harbaugh (Quarterback, Wabash College); Dusty Kain (Wide Receiver, Simpson College); Adam Knoblauch (Quarterback, Delaware Valley College); Doug Phillips (Quarterback, John Carroll University); Joe Rizzo (Defensive Back, Washington University) and Mitch Tanney (Quarterback, Monmouth College).

The award, presented to the outstanding football player in Division III, honors excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award program is sponsored by Jostens, Inc. and conducted by the J-Club of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn. The award presentation will be held December 15 in Salem, Virginia.

This mark the fourth consecutive year that an individual from the WIAC has been a finalist for the award. UW-La Crosse's Scott Burnoski was a finalist last year, UW-Stevens Point's Scott Krause was a candidate in 2003 and UW- Stout's Jamie Spielman was a contender in 2002.

Beaver, an all-WIAC first team selection this year, has compiled a school record and league-leading 1,745 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on 306 carries this. His 174.5 rushing yards per contest lead the NCAA Division III, while his 174.5 all-purpose yards per game rank seventh.

Beaver has rushed for 100 or more yards in the 10 games he has participated in this year, including a season-high 273-yard performance at UW-La Crosse on October 15. The 273 rushing yards was the third-best performance in school history. Beaver has also registered two or more touchdowns in seven contests during the 2005 campaign.

Beaver carries a 3.62 grade point average and is majoring in physical education. He was named to the 2005 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Five College Division Football Second Team.

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UW-Whitewater Beats Central in NCAA Football First Round

Whitewater, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater beat Central (Iowa), 34-14, in a NCAA Division III Football First Round game on November 19 at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (11-0) advance to the second round for the first time in school history and will host St. John's (Minn.) on November 26 at noon. The Johnnies (11-0) were a 62-3 winner over Monmouth (Ill.) in Collegeville, Minn.

UW-Whitewater got on the scoreboard first with a four-yard touchdown pass from Justin Jacobs to Derek Stanley on the team's second possession of the game to take a 7-0 lead. The Warhawks broke the game open in the second quarter with 17 points. Following a blocked field goal by Vic Wipperfurth at the end of the first quarter, the Warhawks drove 96 yards for the game's second touchdown scored on a 15-yard run by Justin Beaver to make the score 14-0.

Just over three minutes later, the Warhawks drove down to Central's (9-2) seven-yard line setting up Mike Chaulk's 24-yard field goal to make the score 17-0.

The Warhawks went up 24-0 when Andy Murray intercepted a pass and returned it 80-yards for a touchdown. Central got on the board late in the first half on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Timothy Connell to Brad Ryals to make the score 24-7 at halftime. In the second half, the Warhawks scored the only points of the third quarter on a 43-yard field goal by Chaulk. Early in the fourth quarter, the Warhawks completed an 80-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Jacobs to Neil Mrvicka to make the score 34-7.

Central scored their final touchdown midway through the fourth quarter on a two-yard sneak by Connell to end the scoring at 34-14.

Beaver led the Warhawk offence with 32 carries for 191 yards and a touchdown. Jacobs completed 11-of-26 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns and also ran the ball five times for 31 yards. Murray had two interceptions in the game, including his 80-yard return for a touchdown.

Beaver ranks first all-time at UW-Whitewater for rushing yards in a season (1,745) and rushing touchdowns (18). Jacobs ranks first in school history in passing yards in a season (2,564) and completions (155). He ranks second in touchdown passes in a season with 25, two behind Bob Berezowitz who threw 27 touchdowns in 1966.

Connell was Central's leading rusher, carrying the ball 13 times for 48 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 13-of-27 passes for 163 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Ryals caught five passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. Andrew Lehn led Central's defense with 14 solo tackles.

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UW-La Crosse's Tennies Named Football Scholar-Athlete

RELEASED: Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Steve Tennies has been named the 2005 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete, it was announced recently by WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner. Tennies, a senior from West Bend, Wis. (West H.S.), is majoring in sports management with a minor in business administration and carries a 3.38 grade point average. He is a member of UW-La Crosse's Dean's List, a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and has been the recipient of a pair of academic scholarships.

Tennies was an all-WIAC first team selection in 2004 and a second team choice in 2003. He was a member of UW- La Crosse's conference championship squads from 2002-04. Tennies holds the school single-season record with 2,679 yards of total offense during the 2003 season, while ranking second on the school's career list with 43 touchdown passes and 347 completions.

Tennies is UW-La Crosse's Student Association President and has also served as Senator for the organization.

Also nominated for this year's scholar-athlete award were: UW-Eau Claire's Brandon Basken, Darin Krzyzanowski, Jesse Krzyzanowski, Andy Schneider and Brent Tieri, UW-La Crosse's David Jacobson, Mark Wilcox, UW-River Falls' O'Neal Hampton and UW-Whitewater's Michael Chaulk.

The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference from July, 1971 - July, 1993.

In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average, be in their last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years.

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UW-Whitewater's Jacobs Headlines All-WIAC Football Selections

RELEASED: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Justin Jacobs was selected the 2005 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Player of the Year to headline the all-WIAC Football Team, which was recently selected by the league coaches.

Jacobs, a junior quarterback, helped UW-Whitewater to an undefeated regular season, the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament. He was a unanimous selection to the first team after leading the league with 240.3 passing yards per game, 23 touchdown passes, 246.7 yards of total offense per contest and a 153.2 passing efficiency.

Jacobs had at least one touchdown pass in all 10 games this year and tied a school single-game record with five touchdown tosses against UW-Oshkosh on October 29. He had three performances of 300-yards passing, including a season-high 316-yard effort against UW-Stevens Point on October 8. Jacobs' 2,403 passing yards this season set a school single-season record, while his 23 touchdown passes rank second on the list, 144 completions fifth and 261 attempts sixth.

Jacobs becomes the sixth Warhawk to claim the league's player of the year award, joining Derrick LeVake (1997), Spencer Johnson (1994), Mike Miller (1984), Toby Ackerman (1972) and Al Equi (1968).

Jacobs is joined on the first team by a league-high eight individuals, including Justin Beaver, Jim Leszczynski, Brady Ramseier, Max Sakellaris, Derek Brown, Ryan Kleppe, A.J. Raebel and Robb Widuch.

Beaver, a sophomore running back, was a unanimous choice after leading the NCAA Division III with 173.7 rushing yards per game and ranking seventh with 173.7 all-purpose yards per contest. He leads the WIAC with 17 rushing touchdowns and in scoring with 104 points. Beaver ranks second on the school's single-season list with 17 rushing touchdowns and fourth with 1,563 rushing yards. His 273 rushing yards against UW-La Crosse on October 15 were the third-best mark in school history.

Leszczynski, a senior wide receiver, was a second team selection a year ago after securing honorable mention status in 2003. This season, he leads the conference with 92.7 receiving yards per game, while placing third with nine receiving touchdowns and fourth with 5.60 receptions per contest. Leszczynski established league-highs with 201 receiving yards, 12 receptions and three receiving touchdowns against UW-Platteville on October 22.

Ramseier, a sophomore offensive lineman and Sakellaris, a junior offensive lineman, helped the Warhawks lead the WIAC with 507.5 yards of total offense per game and rank second with 222.4 rushing yards per contest. Sakellaris was a unanimous selection and claimed first team status for the second straight year.

Brown, a senior defensive back, leads the conference with five interceptions and eight passes defended, while adding 45 tackles, one tackle for loss and two fumble recoveries.

Kleppe, a junior defensive lineman, was a unanimous selection after ranking fifth in the association with 11 tackles for loss. He has added 54 tackles, including three quarterback sacks. Kleppe was a second team choice during the 2004 campaign.

Raebel, a sophomore linebacker, places fourth in the WIAC with 13.5 tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks and fifth with 83 tackles. He has also registered two forced fumbles and one interception.

Widuch, a senior linebacker, was a unanimous choice after ranking fourth in the league with 94 tackles and sixth with four quarterback sacks. He also has 8.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. Widuch was a first team pick a year ago.

UW-Oshkosh compiled seven victories this season for just the fifth time in the 111-year history of the program and had six players secure first team recognition.

Bob Docherty, a senior tight end, was a unanimous selection after catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Ryan Neff, a junior defensive lineman, was a unanimous pick after placing second in the WIAC with seven quarterback sacks and third with 14 tackles for loss. He also was credited with 59 tackles and one forced fumble. Eric Stenbroten, a sophomore linebacker, leads the conference with 10 quarterback sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss. His 24.5 tackles for loss rank third in the NCAA Division III. Stenbroten also compiled 77 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one interception during the 2005 campaign.

Andy Moriarty, a sophomore running back, leads the league and ranks sixth in the NCAA Division III with 178.3 all-purpose yards per contest, while placing second in the WIAC and sixth nationally with 149.9 rushing yards per game. He rushed for a school-record 316 yards on a NCAA Division III-record 59 carries against UW-Eau Claire on November 5. Moriarty's 316 rushing yards were the seventh-highest total in league history.

Tom Roszak, a senior punter, secured first team status for the second consecutive year after leading the league with 41.0 yards per punt, including a conference-best blast of 75 yards against UW-La Crosse on November 12. He is the second person in WIAC history to own two punts of 75 yards or more. Roszak had a 76-yard punt against UW- Stevens Point last fall.

Joe Zander, a junior offensive lineman, helped the Titans average 188.5 rushing yards and 346.3 yards of total offense per game.

UW-Stout landed five individuals on the first team after the Blue Devils recorded their sixth consecutive winning season. Evan Larsen, a senior kicker, converted 11-of-14 field goals and 30-of-31 extra point attempts. His 48-yard field goal against UW-Oshkosh on October 8 was the longest in the WIAC this season. Larsen's 61 points rank second in the conference in scoring among kickers and sixth overall. He completed his career second on UW-Stout's all-time scoring list with 187 points.

Andy Reese, a sophomore running back, ranks third in the league with 131.1 all-purpose yards per contest and fourth with 108.8 rushing yards per game. He also added five rushing touchdowns.

Jesse Wendt, a junior wide receiver, leads the WIAC with 11 receiving touchdowns, while ranking second in scoring with 66 points, third with 6.00 receptions per contest and fifth with 78.0 receiving yards per game.

Travis Hoffmann, a junior defensive lineman, compiled 60 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks during the 2005 campaign.

Joe Seep, a senior defensive back, captured first team recognition for the second straight year after placing second in the league with five interceptions and adding 40 tackles, one quarterback sack and one fumble recovery. He also leads the WIAC in punt returns, averaging a school-record 16.0 yards per return.

UW-La Crosse's Kent Anderson, Adam Dow, Gene Janke and Steve Teeples received first team status after the Eagles recorded their 34th winning season in the last 36 years. Anderson - a senior offensive lineman - and a unanimous choice, and Dow, a senior center, helped the team rank second in the conference with 392.8 yards of total offense per contest and third with 26.4 points per game. Anderson was a second team choice in 2004.

Janke, a senior linebacker, leads the WIAC with 110 tackles and three fumble recoveries. He also ranks 12th nationally with 12.2 tackles per contest. Janke finished the season with six straight games of 10 or more tackles and seven total on the year.

Teeples, a junior defensive back, ranks second in the conference with four interceptions and seven passes defended, while also adding 30 tackles. He was a second team selection last season.

UW-Eau Claire's Derek Sikora, a senior all-purpose back, ranks third in the association with 11.2 yards per punt return and averaged 20.9 per kickoff return. He captured first team status last year as a defensive back and is a second team selection at the same position this season.

The Blugolds' Brent Tieri, a senior defensive back, ranks second in the league with four interceptions and was second on the squad with 77 tackles. He was a second team choice a year ago.

UW-River Falls' Nathan Anderson and Aaron Retzlaff were unanimous selections to the first team. Anderson, a sophomore fullback, ranks third in the WIAC with 126.5 rushing yards per game, fourth with 130.1 all-purpose yards per game and ninth with 126.5 yards of total offense per contest. He tied a school single-game record with 44 carries against UW-Eau Claire on October 8. Retzlaff, a senior defensive lineman, registered 36 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, one interception and one fumble recovery. He was also a first team pick a year ago.

UW-Stevens Point junior defensive lineman Dan Robinson ranks second in the conference with seven quarterback sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, while placing third with 95 tackles.

Named to the all-league second team offense were: UW-Eau Claire's Joe Gast (Sr., RB), Mike Hennessey (Sr., FB), Dan Karcz, (Jr., OL), Jesse Krzyzanowski (Sr., QB) and Mitch Schaeuble (So., P), UW-La Crosse's Ted Everson (So., WR) and Corey Geldernick (Jr., RB), UW-Oshkosh's Mike Basch (Sr., OL) and Joe Schmitz (So., C), UW- Platteville's Damian Droessler (Sr., All-Purp.) and Brian Gallick (Jr., WR), UW-Stevens Point's Cody Childs (Jr., RB) and Jon Vissers (Jr., OL), UW-Stout's Bill Bellingham (Jr., OL) and UW-Whitewater's Mike Chaulk (Sr., K) and Derek Stanley (Jr., WR).

Individuals receiving recognition on the second team defense included: UW-Eau Claire's Sam Cummings (So., LB), Nate Jahn (So., DL) and Derek Sikora (Sr., DB), UW-La Crosse's Jacob Buswell (So., DB) and Dreu Viola (Sr., DL), UW-Oshkosh's Robb Fett (Sr., DL) and Jason Manikowski (Jr., DB), UW-Platteville's Brandon Ehret (Sr., LB), UW-River Falls' Jeff Cassellius (Sr., DL), UW-Stevens Point's Brandon Czys (Jr., LB) and UW-Stout's Tony Fitts (Jr., DB), Luke Steffen (Jr., LB) and Stephen Schils (So., LB).

UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz was selected the George Chryst Coach of the Year for the fifth time in his career (2005, 1998, 1995, 1991, 1989) by the league coaches. He directed the Warhawks to the WIAC title and the fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. Berezowitz has compiled a 141-70-4 record in his 21 seasons with the Warhawks and ranks third on the league's all-time chart with 141 victories.

2005 All-WIAC Football Team

First Team Offense *Bob Docherty, Sr., Oshkosh, Tight End, 6-6, 255, Oshkosh (North) Andy Reese, So., Stout, Running Back, 5-9, 185, Lodi Brady Ramseier, So., Whitewater, Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 289, Jefferson (Luther Preparatory) *Nathan Anderson, So., River Falls, Fullback, 5-10, 220, Marinette *Max Sakellaris, Jr., Whitewater Offensive Lineman, 6-2, 285, Oak Park, Ill. (River Forest) Jim Leszczynski, Sr., Whitewater, Wide Receiver, 5-11, 200, Franklin Joe Zander, Jr., Oshkosh, Offensive Lineman, 6-1, 295, Columbus Jesse Wendt, Jr., Stout, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 220, New Auburn (Chetek) Adam Dow, Sr., La Crosse, Center, 6-0, 300, Plover (SPASH) Tom Roszak, Sr., Oshkosh, Punter, 6-4, 200, Greenfield *Justin Jacobs, Jr., Whitewater, Quarterback, 6-1, 186, Sun Prairie Evan Larsen, Sr., Stout, Kicker, 6-0, 180, River Falls *Justin Beaver, So., Whitewater, Running Back, 5-8, 196, Palmyra (Palmyra Eagle) Derek Sikora, Sr., Eau Claire, All-Purpose Back, 5-8, 180, Neillsville Andy Moriarty, So., Oshkosh, Running Back, 6-1, 210, Mequon (Homestead) *Unanimous Selection

Second Team Offense Mike Basch, Sr., Oshkosh, Offensive Lineman, 5-11, 290, Menomonee Falls Corey Geldernick, Jr., La Crosse, Running Back, 5-11, 205, Chili (Marshfield) Bill Bellingham, Jr., Stout, Offensive Lineman, 6-3, 290, Faribault, Minn. Mike Hennessey, Sr., Eau Claire, Fullback, 6-0, 235, Somerset Dan Karcz, Jr., Eau Claire, Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 270, Pulaski Ted Everson, So., La Crosse, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 185, Rib Lake Jon Vissers, Jr., Stevens Point, Offensive Lineman, 6-3, 280, Schofield (D.C. Everest) Brian Gallick, Jr., Platteville, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 205, Gilman Joe Schmitz, So., Oshkosh, Center, 6-2, 300, Menomonee Falls Derek Stanley, Jr., Whitewater, Wide Receiver, 5-11, 175, Madison (Verona) Jesse Krzyzanowski, Sr., Eau Claire, Quarterback, 6-1, 200, Thorp Mitch Schaeuble, So., Eau Claire, Punter, 6-0, 180, Wrightstown Cody Childs, Jr., Stevens Point, Running Back, 5-10, 220, Poynette Mike Chaulk, Sr., Whitewater, Kicker, 5-11, 179, Elkhorn (St. Xavier, Ohio) Joe Gast, Sr., Eau Claire, Running Back, 5-9, 210, Waconia, Minn. Damian Droessler, Sr., Platteville, All-Purpose Back, 6-1, 215, Cuba City Honorable Mention Offense Corey Darmody, So., Platteville, Center, 6-2, 245, Allenton (Kewaskum) John Schumann, Jr., La Crosse, Quarterback, 6-1, 190, Hastings, Minn. Jacob Nantell, Jr., Stevens Point, Center, 6-3, 275, Stevens Point (SPASH) Darin Krzyzanowski, Sr., Eau Claire, Wide Receiver, 6-0, 190, Thorp Drew Rekuski, Jr., Eau Claire, Center, 6-1, 280, St. Anthony, Minn. Ryan Prochnow, Sr., Stevens Point, Punter, 5-11, 206, Green Bay (Preble) Nate Cook, Sr., River Falls, Offensive Lineman, 6-4, 274, Rice Lake Mitch Schaeuble, So., Eau Claire, Kicker, 6-0, 180, Wrightstown Robert Gill, Sr., Stout, Offensive Lineman, 6-3, 290, Milwaukee (North Division) Andy Schneider, Sr., Eau Claire, Kicker, 5-9, 175, Green Bay (Ashwaubenon) Tony Lorino, Sr., Whitewater, Offensive Lineman, 6-2, 295, Franklin (Waukesha Memorial) Dan Hall, So., La Crosse, All-Purpose Back, 5-10, 200, Valders

First Team Defense Travis Hoffmann, Jr., Stout, Defensive Lineman, 6-1, 240, Schofield (D.C. Everest) Eric Stenbroten, So., Oshkosh, Linebacker, 5-11, 225, Monticello *Ryan Kleppe, Jr., Whitewater, Defensive Lineman, 6-0, 270, Mount Horeb *Robb Widuch, Sr., Whitewater, Linebacker, 6-3, 230, Greenfield (Whitnall) *Ryan Neff, Jr., Oshkosh, Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 245, Merrill Derek Brown, Sr., Whitewater, Defensive Back, 6-0, 203, Fort Atkinson *Aaron Retzlaff, Sr., River Falls, Defensive Lineman, 6-1, 300, Shawano Joe Seep, Sr., Stout, Defensive Back, 5-11, 195, Reedsburg Dan Robinson, Jr., Stevens Point, Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 230, Florence Steve Teeples, Jr., La Crosse, Defensive Back, 6-0, 160, Black River Falls Gene Janke, Sr., La Crosse, Linebacker, 6-0, 240, Black River Falls Brent Tieri, Sr., Eau Claire, Defensive Back, 6-1, 195, Rockford, Minn. A.J. Raebel, So., Whitewater, Linebacker, 6-5, 218, Cary, Ill. (Cary Grove) *Unanimous Selection

Second Team Defense Jeff Cassellius, Sr., River Falls, Defensive Lineman, 6-5, 220, Glenwood City Luke Steffen, Jr., Stout, Linebacker, 6-2, 230, Greenwood Rob Fett, Sr., Oshkosh, Defensive Lineman, 6-5, 250, Appleton (East) Stephen Schils, So., Stout, Linebacker, 6-1, 220, Green Bay (Ashwaubenon) Nate Jahn, So., Eau Claire, Defensive Lineman, 6-1, 250, Alma Center (Lincoln) Jacob Buswell, So., La Crosse, Defensive Back, 5-10, 180, Tomah Dreu Viola, Sr., La Crosse, Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 275, Pleasant Prairie (Kenosha St. Joseph) Tony Fitts, Jr., Stout, Defensive Back, 6-1, 200, Kewaskum Sam Cummings, So., Eau Claire, Linebacker, 6-0, 220, Rochester, Minn. (John Marshall) Jason Manikowski, Jr., Oshkosh, Defensive Back, 6-2, 210, Cudahy Brandon Czys, Jr., Stevens Point, Linebacker, 6-2, 225, Mauston Derek Sikora, Sr., Eau Claire, Defensive Back, 5-8, 180, Neillsville Brandon Ehret, Sr., Platteville, Linebacker, 6-1, 215, Clinton

Honorable Mention Defense Mike Arendt, Jr., Oshkosh, Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 275, Port Washington J.J. Chaudoir, Sr., Stevens Point, Defensive Back, 5-10, 200, Green Bay (Preble) Jake Malzahn, Sr., Oshkosh, Linebacker, 5-11, 225, Kenosha (Tremper) Jared Flesch, Sr., Stevens Point, Defensive Back, 6-1, 215, Pulaski Adam Neitzel, So., La Crosse, Linebacker, 6-0, 210, Waukesha (Wisconsin Lutheran) Kyle Johnson, Sr., Whitewater, Defensive Back, 5-11, 195, Sussex (Hamilton) Collin Price, Sr., Whitewater, Linebacker, 6-1, 222, Tomah Matt Jordan, Jr., River Falls, Defensive Back, 5-8, 170, Thorp Dan Rogney, Jr., Eau Claire, Linebacker, 6-2, 220, Auburndale Rob Weinstein, Jr., Stout, Defensive Back, 6-0, 190, Racine (Horlick) Mike Bach, Sr., Platteville, Defensive Back, 5-11, 190, Port Washington

Player of the Year: Justin Jacobs of Whitewater Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete: Steve Tennies of La Crosse George Chryst Coach of the Year: Bob Berezowitz of Whitewater # # # # #

UW-Whitewater to Host Central in NCAA Football First Round Contest

RELEASED: Sunday, November 13, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host Central (Iowa) in a NCAA Division III Tournament Football First Round game at Perkins Stadium on November 19 at noon.

UW-Whitewater (10-0) claimed the WIAC championship and earned the league's automatic bid into the 32-team national tournament. Central (9-1) claimed a share of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and received one of seven at-large bids into the championship field.

UW-Whitewater is making the fourth NCAA tournament appearance in school history and first since 1997. The Warhawks also appeared in the tournament during the 1988 and 1990 seasons.

Central is appearing in its 17th NCAA tournament and first since 2001.

The winner of the UW-Whitewater/Central matchup will face the winner of St. John's (Minn.)/Monmouth (Ill.) game in a second round contest on November 26.

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Six Named To Academic All-District Football Team

RELEASED: Thursday, November 10, 2005

Madison, Wis.--Six Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2005 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Five College Division Football Team. UW-Eau Claire's Brandon Basken and Brent Tieri were named to the first team, while UW-Eau Claire's Darin Krzyzanowski, UW-La Crosse's Ted Everson and UW-Whitewater's Justin Beaver and Ryan Kleppe were second team choices.

The team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA players from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Basken, a senior offensive lineman from Manitowoc, Wis. (Lincoln H.S.), secured first team accolades for the second consecutive season. He maintains a 3.90 grade point average and is majoring in mathematics. Basken was an all-WIAC second team choice in 2004.

Tieri, a senior defensive back from Rockford, Minn., was an academic all-district second team choice a year ago. He is majoring in kinesiology and carries a 3.66 grade point average. Tieri was an all-WIAC second team selection last year and currently leads the team with four interception and ranks third with 66 tackles.

Basken and Tieri are eligible for the Academic All-America Team, which will be announced on December 1.

Everson, a sophomore wide receiver from Rib Lake, Wis., is majoring in history and pre-law and sustains a 3.73 grade point average. He ranks second in the WIAC with 87.9 receiving yards per game and second on the team with 30 receptions.

Krzyzanowski, a senior wide receiver from Thorp, Wis., maintains a 3.63 grade point average while majoring in kinesiology. He placed second in the conference with 6.00 receptions per game and ninth with 47.7 receiving yards per contest.

Beaver, a sophomore running back from Palmyra, Wis. (Palmyra Eagle H.S.), boasts a 3.62 grade point average and is majoring in physical education. He leads the NCAA Division III with 177.2 rushing yards per contest and ranks fourth with 12.3 points per contest. Beaver also leads the league with 16 rushing touchdowns and is second with 177.2 all-purpose yards. Kleppe, a junior defensive lineman from Mt. Horeb, Wis., is majoring in physical education and carries a 3.85 grade point average. He ranks second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and places third with three sacks and fourth with 48 tackles. Kleppe was an all-WIAC second team selection last year.

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UW-Whitewater Claims Football Title

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater claimed the 2005 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football title with a 32-10 victory over UW-Stout at Don & Nona Williams Stadium in Menomonie on November 5.

The conference title for the Warhawks is the first since 1998 and the 26th in school history (2005, 1998, 1997, 1994, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1984, 1980, 1978, 1975, 1974, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1962, 1960, 1959, 1950, 1941, 1940, 1937, 1932, 1922, 1914, 1913).

UW-Whitewater also secured the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament. It will mark the Warhawks' first trip to the postseason tournament since 1997.

Although UW-Stout limited UW-Whitewater (ranked No. 1 offensively and No. 2 defensively in the WIAC entering the game) to 342 net offensive (207 below its season average), UW-Stout (ranked No. 1 defensively and No. 2 offensively in the WIAC entering the game) simply couldn't effectively counter Warhawk running back Justin Beaver.

Beaver amassed 207 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries to up his WIAC-leading rushing total to 1,418 yards and help the Warhawks remain unbeaten, at 9-0 overall and 6-0 in league action.

UW-Stout - which totaled 163 offensive yards (181.8 below its season average), 72 in the second half - jumped out to a 10-0 first-half lead but left the door open for Beaver to run through.

The Blue Devils wasted little time in drawing first blood, as Blue Devil safety Rob Weinstein picked off an errant Justin Jacobs pass on UW-Whitewater's fourth play from scimmage in the game. Six plays later - with 3 minutes, 58 seconds elapsed - UW-Stout kicker Evan Larsen booted a 40-yard field goal to give the Blue Devils a 3-0 edge and up his career points total to 178, which brought him to a second-place tie with Scott Frederickson (1986-89) on the program's all-time scoring list.

With 4:51 to go in the first quarter, Jesse Wendt outjumped a pair of Warhawk defenders to catch a scoring strike from Tanner Kattre to put UW-Stout up, 9-0. The connection increased Wendt's team-leading TD reception total to nine and represented Kattre's third TD pass of the year.

Subsequently, Larsen booted the PAT to give Stout a 10-0 advantage and take over sole possession of the No. 2 spot on the Blue Devils' all-time scoring list.

UW-Stout securely possessed the momentum at that point but with 9:05 remaining before intermission, UW- Whitewater embarked on a game-changing drive. Marching 59 yards in 10 plays and using up 4:48, the Warhawks drew to within 10-7 thanks to a 16-yards scoring pass to a wide-open Pete Schmitt with 4:17 to go in the second frame.

Up 10-7 at the half, UW-Stout still possessed an incredible opportunity to bump off the No. 2-ranked team in Division III. It didn't take long, however, for Beaver and the Warhawks to steal that momentum away for good.

On the third-quarter's opening possession, UW-Whitewater's Kyle Johnson picked off a Kattre pass and returned it 35 yards deep into Blue Devil territory.

UW-Whitewater capitalized, using a Beaver-fueled drive to go up, 13-10. Beaver, who carried the pigskin four times on the five-play possession, capped a 27-yard drive with a two-yard scoring plunge just over three minutes into the second half. Beaver added a 10-yard TD scamper late in the third quarter for a 19-10 UW-Whitewater lead, then played an absolutely huge role in a 17-play, 80-yard fourth quarter drive that erased 8:25 from the game clock, put the Warhawks up 25-10 and essentially took all of the wind out of the home team's sails.

Beaver totaled 57 yards on 15 carries for the drive, which was capped by a 1-yard TD plunge courtesy of Travis Reuland.

UW-Whitewater's defense iced the Warhawks' WIAC title cake when Derek Brown intercepted a pass by UW- Stout's Keldric Stokes and tip-toed down the Blue Devil sideline for a 70-yard TD return.

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Former UW-Oshkosh Assistant Coach Named Head Coach Of NFL Europe Team

RELEASED: Tuesday, November 8, 2005

Oshkosh, Wis.--Darryl Sims, who served as an assistant coach with the UW-Oshkosh football team during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, has been named the new head football coach of the Cologne Centurions in NFL Europe.

Sims, who succeeds Peter Vaas as head coach, has spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach with the Amsterdam Admirals. Sims was the Centurions' defensive coordinator the past two years and helped the team to a victory in World Bowl XII against the Berlin Thunder in June.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to become head coach of the Centurions," said Sims. "The franchise has made great progress in its first two years and I'm looking forward to the challenge of bringing success on the field."

Sims, a former standout at the University of Wisconsin, was the 21st player selected in the 1985 NFL Draft when chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After playing 32 games at defensive end for the Steelers, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1987 and retired as a player in 1991 after playing in 26 games for the team.

For the last five years, Sims has worked with the UW-Oshkosh Foundation. As assistant director of the Foundation’s capital campaign, Sims has focused on raising awareness, opportunity and revenue for the Oshkosh Sports Complex.

The $5.7-million upgrade of the former Titan Stadium into the Oshkosh Sports Complex has included a new football field and an Olympic-quality track and field facility. The improvements have been made entirely with private donations, through a unique partnership involving UW-Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Area School District and Unified Catholic Schools of Oshkosh.

The project is about half complete. The remodeling and expansion of locker rooms, a courtyard and other work still must be completed, and fundraising continues.

Sims said he will remain involved with the Oshkosh Sports Complex project and the UW-Oshkosh Foundation, offering assistance while he prepares for the upcoming NFL Europe season.

“We wish him great success in his new head coaching position,” said UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard H. Wells. “Darryl’s been an invaluable contributor to the Oshkosh Sports Complex project and to UW-Oshkosh.”

Sims completed his bachelor’s degree in speech communication at UW-Oshkosh in 2003 and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2005, while coaching with the Amsterdam Admirals.

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UW-Eau Claire vs. UW-Whitewater Football Game to be Streamed to a National Audience

RELEASED: Thursday, September 29, 2005 Madison, Wis.--The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced today that an agreement has been reached with Penn Atlantic, LLC to internet stream this Saturday's (October 1) football game between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Whitewater. With the technical assistance provided by Penn Atlantic, fans of both the participating institutions, the WIAC and college football in general will be able to view this game free of charge over the internet.

The game to be played at UW-Whitewater is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and fans will be able to get access information through the WIAC web site (www.uwsa.edu/wiac/) or the athletics department web sites of either UW- Eau Claire (www.uwec.edu/Athletics/) or UW-Whitewater (www.uww.edu/athletics/) on Friday, September 30. It should be noted that interested viewers will need to have either DSL or cable modem capabilities to access the game.

"The WIAC is extremely excited about the opportunity to broadcast this game live over the internet across the entire country", commented WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner. He added that this trial broadcast is possibly the first step toward the conference reaching an agreement with Penn Atlantic to stream dozens of WIAC regular-season and postseason events in a number of sports beginning with the 2006-07 academic year.

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Page to Retire as Supervisor of Football Officials

RELEASED: Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Madison, Wis.--The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced the retirement of Don Page as the WIAC Supervisor of Football Officials effective at the conclusion of the 2005-06 academic year. Page, who also serves as the conference's supervisor of men's basketball officials, assumed the football position shortly after his retirement as the athletics directors at UW-River Falls in 1992.

Page's association with the WIAC covers a span of 50 years during which time he served as the head men's basketball, baseball and tennis coach at UW-River Falls, 22 years as the university's athletics director, and the past 14 years in his supervisory role with the conference. He has been inducted into a number of sports halls of fame including those of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association and the Madison Sports Hall of Fame.

"I can think of no other individual who has contributed more to the WIAC, for as long, or in so many different capacities than Don Page," commented WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner. "The WIAC owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Don for all he has done for UW-River Falls, the WIAC and intercollegiate athletics during the past half century. Although he will be relinquishing his duties as the supervisor of football officials, I anticipate that the conference will continue to take advantage of Don's incredible wealth of knowledge and experience for many years to come", added Karner.

Karner indicated that the process of finding a replacement will begin immediately in hopes that a new supervisor can be named prior to the conclusion of the 2005 football season.

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UW-Whitewater's Borland Named Collegiate Assistant Coach of the Year

RELEASED: Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater defensive coordinator Brian Borland has been named Collegiate Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2004 season by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.

Borland led the Warhawk defense to the number one ranking in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in scoring allowed (14.7), total yards allowed (308.0), rushing yards allowed (123.0), and combined with the offense for the best turnover margin (+1.60).

UW-Whitewater finished the 2004 season 7-3 overall, and tied for second place in the WIAC with a 5-2 mark. Whitewater was ranked twenty-fifth among all National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III teams in the final poll of the season conducted by D3football.com, released December 21. UW-Whitewater was also ranked twenty-ninth in the final poll released by Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Borland has been the Warhawks' defensive coordinator since 2002, following eight seasons coaching Whitewater's defensive backs.

This is the second time that Borland's coaching expertise has been recognized by his peers. In 2000 Borland led the Whitewater women's track and field team to a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He received NCAA DIII national coach of the year honors for his successful season. (Note: Borland, also an instructor in UW-W's Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Coaching Department, relinquished his track and field duties when he became defensive coordinator.)

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UW-La Crosse's Harring and UW-Stevens Point's Baumgartner Named To College Football Hall of Fame

RELEASED: Friday, April 22, 2005

Morristown, N.J.--Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse head coach Roger Harring and UW-Stevens Point quarterback Kirk Baumgartner have been named to the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame for the Divisional Class.

Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF), announced the Divisional Hall of Fame Class for 2005, which includes players and coaches from NCAA Divisions I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

"We are pleased to announce the 10th College Football Hall of Fame Divisional Class since the election process expanded in 1996 to include players from all divisions," said Hanson. "The legacy and accomplishments of these remarkable individuals will be celebrated at Enshrinement Festivities at the Hall in South Bend this August."

Harring and Baumgartner are two of six individuals in this year's class, which will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Ceremonies at the Hall, August 12-13, in South Bend, Indiana. Frosty Westering (Parsons College; Lea College; Pacific Lutheran University) joins Harring as a coach to be inducted this season. Mike Barber (Marshall, W.V.), Leo Lewis (Lincoln, Mo.) and Willie Totten (Mississippi Valley State) join Baumgartner as players in this year's College Football Hall of Fame. Harring is the first coach from a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference school to be enshired, while Baumgartner is the second player, joining Marty Below, who played at UW-Oshkosh from 1918-23.

Harring posted a 261-75-7 record in 31 years during his tenure at UW-La Crosse, which ranks 12th in the history of college football at any level and fourth among NCAA Division III coaches. The Eagles won three national championships under Harring. UW-La Crosse won the NAIA II title in 1985 and won its first NCAA III football national championship in 1992 to become the first school in college football to win an NAIA II title and an NCAA III title. The program added another NCAA III Championship in 1995. In addition, the Eagles made 14 playoff appearances during Harring's career, compiling an overall record of 23-11, including 13-5 in NCAA III post-season play.

A native of Green Bay, Wis., Harring has received numerous awards and honors during his career. In 1992 and 1995 he was chosen as the national Chevrolet Division III Coach of the Year. In 1995, he also received the Division III Coach of the Year honor from his peers in the American Football Coaches Association.

He was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics District Hall of Fame in 1989, the same year he was enshrined into the UW-La Crosse Wall of Fame. In 1998, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches' Association Hall of Fame. And in 1999, Harring was enshrined into the Wisconsin Rapids High School Hall of Fame.

Baumgartner played quarterback at UW-Stevens Point from 1986-89 and rewrote the national, conference and school record books while guiding the Pointers to three playoff appearances. The school's only three-time First Team NAIA All-America selection, Baumgartner currently ranks as the NAIA's all-time career passing yards leader with 14,847 yards. A two-time NAIA National Player of the Year, he owns three of the top seven greatest single-season passing performances in NAIA history.

With 122 career-touchdown passes, Baumgartner ranks in the top five, among all divisions of play, in college football history. A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was twice named conference Player of the Year.

Drafted in the ninth round of the 1990 National Football League Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Baumgartner was inducted into the UW-Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

In order for a player to be eligible for College Football Hall of Fame consideration, they must have received First Team All-America status by a selector that is recognized by the NCAA; played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years, but no fewer than 10 years ago; and be currently retired from playing on the professional level. Coaches become eligible three years after retirement provided he was a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.

In both cases, a nominee's post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.

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UW-La Crosse Predicted To Win Football Title

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the three-time defending conference champion, is expected to claim the 2005 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football title, according to the league's sports information directors.

The Eagles, who have claimed a league-best 33 conference championships, will look to become the first school in conference history to win four consecutive undisputed crowns and would become the first school to win four straight titles since UW-La Crosse's six-year string from 1949-54 (they shared titles in 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1953).

UW-La Crosse received seven first-place votes in the conference poll and is ranked No. 9 nationally by D3football.com and No. 15 by Street & Smith's.

UW-Whitewater, ranked No. 21 by D3football.com, is picked to finish second in the league race, while UW-Stevens Point received the remaining first-place vote in the league predictions and is pegged to place third in the eight-team conference derby. The Pointers are ranked No. 14 by Lindy's.

Following is a preview of each WIAC football team, and its 2004 overall and conference record in parenthesis.

UW-Eau Claire (7-3, 4-3)

Coming off a 2004 season in which the Blugolds registered their fifth straight winning record in conference play and climbed as high as sixth in the national rankings, UW-Eau Claire and seventh-year head coach Todd Hoffner will aim for its first conference title since 2001.

UW-Eau Claire's offense returns many of the key contributors from last year's squad, but will face question marks at the quarterback position after losing starter Nels Fredrickson. The backfield remains in tact as senior Joe Gast returns as the team's primary tailback. Gast was an all-WIAC second team selection last season after finishing third in the conference with 915 yards and 10 total touchdowns. Paving the way for the tailbacks will be senior fullback Mike Hennessey and sophomore fullback Josh Holforty.

The wide receiving core will once again be a threat in the WIAC, as senior Matt Evensen and sophomore Tony Hull return after excellent seasons. Evensen received all-WIAC first team status after finishing third in the league with five touchdown receptions, sixth with 563 receiving yards and seventh with 48 receptions. Hull finished the year with 45 receptions, 612 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Brandon Basken will anchor the offensive line after earning all-WIAC second team honors last year. Also returning are senior Dennis Peterson, juniors Dan Karcz and Drew Rekuski and sophomores Marc Davis, Marc Moonen, Chris Shiroda and Brandon Zemke.

The Blugold defense remains largely in tact and is led by senior cornerback Derek Sikora and senior safety Brent Tieri. Sikora claimed all-WIAC first team honors after registering 80 tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 2004. Tieri was an all-WIAC second team pick after accumulating 45 tackles and two interceptions.

Also returning on defense are senior lineman Peter Leadholm (13 tackles), senior linebackers Johnny Klicka (41 tackles), Andrew Jones (36 tackles) and Anthony Pizzo (27 tackles), junior cornerback Brent Weber (53 tackles, two interceptions), junior linebacker Dan Rogney (49 tackles), junior safety Ryan Schulz (41 tackles) and sophomore lineman Nate Jahn (40 tackles).

UW-La Crosse (7-4, 5-2)

UW-La Crosse returns 39 letterwinners and 10 starters as the Eagles aim for their fourth consecutive WIAC title. UW-La Crosse advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the second straight year in 2004. Sixth-year head coach Larry Terry, the WIAC Coach of the Year for the last three seasons, welcomes back five offensive and five defensive starters in 2005.

Senior quarterback Steve Tennies returns after earning all-WIAC first team honors in 2004 and second team accolades in 2003. He finished 139-of-253 for 2,032 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions a year ago. Tennies is tied for third in school history with 38 career touchdown passes, while ranking fourth with 574 career attempts and fifth with 316 career completions and 4,563 yards. Junior tailback Corey Geldernick earned all-WIAC second team honors last season after rushing 190 times for 959 yards (third in the WIAC) and eight touchdowns.

UW-La Crosse returns three starters to its offensive line, including senior center Adam Dow and senior guards Kent Anderson (all-WIAC second team in 2004) and Dave Jacobson. Junior Randy Gyllin, a transfer from the University of Wisconsin, leads the list of individuals expected to battle for playing time along the line. The Eagles look to replace receiver Scott Burnoski, who was named the 2004 WIAC Player of the Year. Junior Eric Kettenhofen returns after finishing with 15 catches for 394 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Three starters return to the defensive line in 2005 in senior tackles Chinenye Diei (18 tackles) and Dreu Viola (55 tackles) as well as junior end Jeff Nondorf (41 tackles). The Eagles need to replace all three starting linebackers from the end of the 2004 season, but senior Gene Janke returns after starting in 2003 (42 tackles). Senior Josh Hamre is also back at linebacker after starting early last season before missing the final six games with an injury.

Senior safety Kenneth Halvorson, an all-WIAC first team selection in 2004, returns in 2005 to lead the UW-La Crosse secondary. He also earned all-West Region first team honors a year ago, finishing fourth on the team with 79 tackles and leading the conference with four fumble recoveries. Junior cornerback Steve Teeples was an all-WIAC second team choice in 2004, leading the conference with seven interceptions and 18 passes defended.

UW-La Crosse has to replace all-conference kicker and punter Jedediah Jensen. Freshman Ryan Corneiller is the front-runner to handle the placekicking duties, while the punting job will be battled out during pre-season camp.

UW-Oshkosh (5-5, 2-5)

With 44 returning letterwinners, including 15 starters, sixth-year head coach Phil Meyer believes that he has the ingredients to guide the Titans to their first six-plus win season since 1976.

UW-Oshkosh enters its 111th intercollegiate season with eight starters back on defense and seven on offense. The Titans also inherit both kicking specialists from a 2004 squad that produced the school's first non-losing football season since 1995.

UW-Oshkosh returns 10 seniors to its 2005 team, including offensive guard Mike Basch who has started 27 games, cornerback Nick Kilton who has started 23, linebacker Jacob Malzahn who has started 20, defensive end Rob Fett who has started 16 and running back Andrew Stern who has started 15. Offensive starters back for the Titans are Basch, tackle Shawn Dahlke, tight end Ben Grows, wide receiver Chad LaLuzerne, Stern, wide receiver Steve Stoltz and guard Joe Zander.

Defensive starters returning for UW-Oshkosh are Fett, tackle Jason Hartwig, Kilton, Malzahn, free safety Jason Manikowski, end Ryan Neff, cornerback Ryan Radtke and strong safety Scott Salvinski. Neff was an all-WIAC second team selection a year ago.

UW-Oshkosh welcomes back its entire kicking game from last season with the return of placekicker Lucas Raschke and punter Tom Roszak. Both players received all-WIAC first team accolades in 2004, with Raschke also gaining NCAA Division III All-America third team accolades from Football Gazette after belting a WIAC record 19 field goals. The return game is led by Kilton, who gained all-WIAC second team mention last season after averaging 23.5 yards per kickoff return.

UW-Platteville (6-4, 3-4)

UW-Platteville looks to build upon its first winning season since 1992, as the Pioneers welcome 39 letterwinners back for the 2005 season. In 2004, the Pioneers beat top-20 teams Augustana (Ill.), UW-Whitewater and UW-Eau Claire, as well as NCAA I-AA Drake (Iowa) along the way. UW-Platteville finished 32nd in the final Football Gazette poll.

Under Mike Emendorfer, the 2004 WIAC co-Coach of the Year, the Pioneers have been known for their explosive offense, and his seventh year should continue that way.

Quarterback Brent Nelson, an all-WIAC honorable mention pick, returns after throwing for 2,583 yards and 15 touchdowns. Among his targets are all-WIAC second team selection Brian Gallick (64-651, 5 TDs), Derek Hoff (38- 435), Mike Lauritsen (19-289, 1 TD), Joe Danielson (3-51, 1 TD) and Craig Patterson (3-43). In the backfield are Damian Droessler, who scored seven touchdowns last year, and Mike Haynes, who ran for 102 yards in the season- ending 23-13 win over UW-Stout. The big question mark comes on the offensive line, where all five starters were seniors in 2004.

Defensively, the Pioneers benefit from the return of captain Kent Brown, who was granted a medical hardship year after being lost in the second game. The hard-hitting safety had 16 tackles and a touchdown reception in the first two wins. He is joined in an experienced backfield by Ryan Glynn (64 tackles), Julius Davis (59 tackles, 2 interceptions), Mike Bach (49 tackles) and Hans Christiansen (25 tackles). Brandon Ehret, who earned all-WIAC honorable mention honors after making 71 tackles and five sacks, leads the linebackers, while noseguard Kevin Porter (19 tackles, 2 sacks) returns as a starting defensive lineman. The Pioneers dropped their scoring average last fall by 6.5 points and their yards allowed by 74 per game under first-year coordinator Tom Watts.

Receiver John Heck filled in for injured kicker Jason Borchardt in the 2004 season and made 20-of-26 extra point attempts and two-of-two field goals, including the game-winner against Augustana (Ill.). Borchardt was four-of-five in field goals in 2003. Punter Dan Lilla, an all-WIAC second team selection in 2003, looks to be fully recovered from a knee injury that hampered him last year. He has a 36.9 career average.

UW-River Falls (3-7, 3-4)

Head coach John O'Grady believes the Falcons will be in the thick of the battle for the WIAC title. With experienced players back in all phases of the game, O'Grady, who is in his 17th season with the Falcons, knows his team can contend against the other strong WIAC programs.

The Falcons return experienced players at key offensive positions, which give O'Grady a reason for optimism. Dave Affeldt and Andy Kolstad return at quarterback after Affeldt was third on the team with 349 rushing yards in 2004, while Kolstad rushed for 114 yards. Nathan Anderson is back at fullback after placing second on the squad with 876 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

The offensive line returns Nathan Cook, Dave Kapping, Andy Marx, Jordan Miller and Nathan Tenut. The Falcons made improvements in their defensive play last year using a different scheme. In 2004, the Falcons allowed only two touchdown passes covering more than 25 yards compared to 10 the previous year. The defense also forced 19 turnovers a year ago compared to 12 in 2003.

Defensive lineman Aaron Retzlaff, an all-WIAC first team selection in 2004, leads the returnees on defense. He had 36 tackles, including five tackles for loss a year ago. Also back are linebackers Ryan Agrimson (31 tackles) and Dan Buker (48 tackles), cornerbacks Shane Hanson (17 tackles) and Matt Jordan (52 tackles, two interceptions), free safety O'Neal Hampton (55 tackles), strong safety Bruce Baillargeon (27 tackles) and end Jeff Cassellius (26 tackles).

Jovin Kroll returns at punter after averaging 32.9 yards per kick in 2004, while Spasimir Bodurski is back to handle the placekicking duties. Bodurski converted 19-of-20 extra-point attempts and six-of-10 field goal attempts last year.

UW-Stevens Point (6-4, 4-3)

With 10 returning starters and experienced players at nearly every position, there's reason for UW-Stevens Point head coach John Miech to be optimistic about the upcoming season. However, the Pointers will need to be ready from the outset with games against national power Hardin-Simmons (Texas) and defending national champion Linfield (Ore.) to open the season.

Much of the optimism lies in junior quarterback Brett Borchart, who ranked fourth in the NCAA Division III in total offense last year, while throwing for 2,746 yards and 22 touchdowns. Who will catch his passes is a big question, but the Pointers have plenty of candidates to replace graduated seniors who caught 68 percent of Borchart's throws a year ago. Junior Cody Childs was an all-WIAC first team running back last year and is joined by Cory Flisakowski, who missed last season with an injury and was an all-WIAC first team performer in 2002. The offensive line lost three starters, but will be built around senior Tom Wallace and junior Jon Vissers.

On defense, the Pointers need to replace their entire defensive line, but juniors Jake Nantell and Mike Hayes both saw extensive playing time the past two years. At linebacker, the Pointers have several players who have seen starts during their careers, including senior Kyle Korinek, junior Ben Zimmerman and sophomore Joe Parks. The secondary is nearly intact from last year with seniors LaRon Ragsdale and Chase Kostichka back at cornerback and seniors Jared Flesch and J.J. Chaudoir returning at safety.

The special teams features senior punter Ryan Prochow, who ranked 28th in Division III with an average of 38.6 yards per punt last year. Rotating placekickers Dan Heldmann and John Ryan also return.

The season will have extra meaning as well, since the team plans to dedicate the year to the memory of former Pointer defensive back John Mattek, who played from 1999-2002 and was killed in Iraq in June.

UW-Stout (5-4, 3-4)

From the outside looking in, it appears as if UW-Stout is loaded with question marks. But from the inside looking out, second-year head coach Todd Strop dismisses the thought. On the surface, the Blue Devils have question marks at quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receivers, defensive line and linebacker. Depth is what Strop and his staff will be counting on for answers. With the exception of the offensive line and the defensive backfield, new faces will abound for the Blue Devils - but the new faces have seen plenty of action in serious back-up roles.

Attention will be focused at quarterback where UW-Stout lost four-year starter and All-American Nick Ohman. Four players are expected to vie for the vacated spot, including senior Keldric Stokes, a transfer from now-closed Si Tanka University, sophomores Tanner Kattre and Ryan Stanton and freshman Ryan Cross.

Junior Ryan Englebert returns at tailback after averaging 4.7 yards per carry and ranking second on the team with 103 attempts and 485 rushing yards in 2004. Big playmakers juniors Jesse Wendt and John Henry Freeman lead the receiving corp. Wendt hauled in a team-high 29 passes and five touchdowns a year ago, while Freeman averaged 17.3 yards per catch. The only questions in the offensive line will be who starts and who starts where. The offensive line returns eight players who have started at one time or another, including senior Jay Runk, an all-WIAC second team choice in 2004.

Defensively, junior Travis Hoffmann (34 tackles) and junior Zach Seraphine (22 tackles) anchor the line, while sophomore Steve Schils (32 tackles) and junior Luke Steffen (25 tackles) return to linebacker spots.

Senior Joe Seep (26 tackles) and junior Tony Fitts (27 tackles, three interceptions) return at cornerback, a key spot in the Blue Devil defense. Sophomore Wendell Eskridge (18 tackles) saw plenty of time at the corner and is moving to strong safety.

UW-Whitewater (7-3, 4-3)

On the one hand, UW-Whitewater head coach Bob Berezowitz has eight starters, including all five linemen and both quarterbacks that split the job last year, back for 2005. On the other hand, Berezowitz lost three of four defensive linemen and three of four defensive backs from a unit that lead the WIAC in total defense, turnover margin and points allowed a year ago. Berezowitz enters his 21st season at the helm of the Warhawks and ranks third on the conference's all-time list with 131 career victories.

All-WIAC first team selection Max Sakalleris heads an experienced offensive line group. Also returning on the line are Brett Allen, Joe Cuta, Andy Knapp and Brady Ramseier. This group combined to allow just 10 sacks and produced the league's leading rusher last year. Unfortunately, that person, tailback Colin Burns (282 attempts, 1422 yards, five touchdowns), decided not to return to school. Sophomore Justin Beaver, who averaged 6.8 per carry as Burns' backup, will likely assume a starting role.

Junior Justin Jacobs (90-of-186, 1133 yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions) saw most of the playing time last year at quarterback. Senior Mike Askren, who played in seven games last year and nine as a sophomore, gives the Warhawks a solid insurance plan. Senior Jim Leszczynski leads the wide receivers after earning all-WIAC second team status in 2004. He netted 38 receptions for 543 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Even with the losses on defense, the situation isn't as grim as it first appears. Fortunately, all three linebackers return, including sophomore Robb Widduch, who earned all-WIAC first team honors in 2004 after leading the Warhawks with 82 tackles. Also back are senior Collin Price (67 tackles) and sophomore A.J. Raebel (46 tackles).

The lone lineman returning, junior end Ryan Kleppe, claimed all-WIAC second team honors after ranking second on the team with 70 tackles and registering 10 tackles for loss. Cornerback Kyle Johnson is the lone returner in the backfield after accumulating 22 tackles last year.

Nick Croak, an all-WIAC first team selection in 2004, is back at punter. He averaged 39.8 yards per kick and downed 26 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Michael Chaulk returns at placekicker after hitting 14-of-22 field goal attempts with a long of 41 yards.

2005 Preseason Predictions (Voted on by WIAC Sports Information Directors)

1. La Crosse (7) 2. Whitewater 3. Stevens Point (1) 4. Eau Claire 5. Stout 6. Platteville 7. Oshkosh 8. River Falls

( )--First-Place Votes

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