2008 WIAC Football Headlines
UW-River Falls’ Witte Invited To Green Bay Packers Rookie Mini Camp
RELEASED: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
RIVER FALLS, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls center Scott Witte has been invited to the Green Bay Packers rookie mini camp that will be held April 30 - May 3.
Witte, a native of Cedarburg, Wis., was a four-year starter for the Falcons and claimed All-WIAC first team honors in 2008 after earning honorable mention status in 2006 and 2007.
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Eleven Capture D3football.com All-America Honors, UW-Whitewater’s Rindahl Named Defensive Player of the Year and Leipold Named Coach of the Year
RELEASED: Monday, December 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Eleven Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 D3football.com All-America Team. UW-Whitewater’s Jace Rindahl was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, while Lance Leipold secured Coach of the Year honors.
Rindahl was joined on the first team by teammate Mike Sherman (Sr., OL) and UW-Stevens Point’s Brad Vickroy (Sr., DL), while the Pointers’ Brad Kalsow (Sr., TE), the Warhawks’ Jeff Schebler (Jr., K) and UW-Stout’s Marcus Ball (Jr., DL) were second team selections.
UW-Whitewater’s Levell Coppage (Fr., RB) claimed third team recognition and UW-La Crosse’s Drew Kiefer (Sr., LB), UW-Stout’s Dustin Tervelt (Sr., OL) and the Warhawks’ Troney Shumpert (Jr., DB) and Anthony White (Jr., DL) were honorable mention choices.
This marked the second straight year that Leipold has claimed Coach of the Year honors, while Schebler was a first team pick a season ago and second team honoree in 2006.
Rindahl’s selection as the Defensive Player of the Year marks the second time in the last three years that an individual from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has claimed the honor. UW-Whitewater’s Ryan Kleppe secured the prize in 2006.
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UW-Whitewater’s Rindahl and Schebler Named To AP Little All-America Team
RELEASED: Monday, December 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Jace Rindahl and Jeff Schebler have been named to the 2008 Associated Press Little All-America Team. The team includes all players from NCAA Division II and III teams, as well as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Rindahl, a senior linebacker, was a first team choice, while Schebler, a junior kicker, secured second team recognition. Schebler was also a second team pick following the 2006 season.
Rindahl and Schebler were the only individuals from schools within the state of Wisconsin to be recognized on the team.
# # # # # Warhawks Fall Short In National Title Contest
RELEASED: Saturday, December 20, 2008
SALEM, Va.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater fell short in its attempt to defend its national championship with a 31-26 loss to Mount Union College (Ohio) in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on Dec. 20.
The Warhawks and Purple Raiders were meeting in the national championship game for the fourth straight season. Mount Union finished the year with a 15-0 record and claimed the 10th national crown in program history, while UW-Whitewater completed the 2008 campaign with a 13-2 mark.
UW-Whitewater was just the fourth team in NCAA Division III history to advance to four consecutive championship games, joining Augustana College (Ill.) (1982-86) and Mount Union (2000-03 and 2005-08).
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UW-Whitewater’s Rindahl Claims AFCA All-America Accolades
RELEASED: Thursday, December 18, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Jace Rindahl has been named to the 2008 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) NCAA Division III All-America First Team.
Rindahl, a senior linebacker from Cambridge, Wis., has registered a team-leading five interceptions this year and ranks second on the team with 98 tackles (51 solo). He has added 8.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery. Rindahl owns the school record with 60 career games played.
UW-Whitewater has had seven individuals combine to secure nine AFCA All-America honors and Rindahl’s selection marks the 18 consecutive season that the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has been represented on the AFCA All-America squad.
The AFCA honor is especially prestigious since it recognizes only a first team and is chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best – the coaches themselves.
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UW-Whitewater Secures Fourth Straight National Title Game Appearance
RELEASED: Saturday, December 13, 2008
BELTON, Texas--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater secured a fourth straight trip to the NCAA Division III national championship game with a 39-13 victory over University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) in a national semifinal contest played in Belton, Texas on Dec. 13.
The Warhawks (13-1), the defending NCAA Division III champion, will face Mount Union College (Ohio) (14-0) for the fourth consecutive season in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va., on Dec. 20. The game will be televised live by ESPN2 beginning at 11:00 a.m. (eastern).
Mount Union earned a spot in the title game with a 45-24 triumph over Wheaton College (Ill.).
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Seven Claim D3football.com All-West Region First Team Honors, UW-Stevens Point’s Vickroy Named Defensive Player of the Year
RELEASED: Thursday, December 11, 2008 MADISON, Wis.--Seven Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 D3football.com All-West Region First Team, including UW-Stevens Point’s Brad Vickroy who claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Joining Vickroy on the first team were UW-Eau Claire’s Craig Polifka (Sr., DB), UW-La Crosse’s Drew Kiefer (Sr., LB), UW-Stevens Point’s Brad Kalsow (Sr., TE), UW-Stout’s Marcus Ball (Jr., DL) and UW-Whitewater’s Levell Coppage (Fr., RB) and Jace Rindahl (Sr., LB).
Vickroy’s selection as the West Region Defensive Player of the Year marks the third straight season an individual from the WIAC has claimed the prize. UW-Whitewater’s Ryan Ogrizovich won the award last year, while the Warhawks’ Ryan Kleppe was the recipient in 2006.
D3football.com also announced an all-region second and third team for the 2008 season. Second team choices included: UW-Eau Claire’s Brad Puls (Sr., OL), UW-Stout’s Dustin Tervelt (Sr., OL) and UW-Whitewater’s Mike Sherman (Sr., OL), Jeff Schebler (Jr., K) and Troney Shumpert (Jr., DB).
Third team picks consisted of: UW-Eau Claire’s Dave Wicklund (Sr., DB), UW-La Crosse’s Jason Olejniczak (Sr., OL), UW-River Falls’ Scott Witte (Sr., OL) and Michael Zweifel (So., WR), UW-Stevens Point’s Brian Blum (Jr., DB) and Jared Jenkins (So., WR) and UW-Whitewater’s Anthony White (Jr., DL).
The West Region includes players representing the WIAC, Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Midwest Conference, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Northwest Conference and Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The teams, selected in balloting by West Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 154 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen.
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Warhawks Celebrate Win Over Wartburg
RELEASED: Saturday, December 6, 2008
WHITEWATER, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earned a 34-17 victory over Wartburg College (Iowa) in a NCAA Division III Football Championship Quarterfinal game held Dec. 6 at Perkins Stadium.
The Warhawks (12-1) will travel to University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) (12-1) for a national semifinal contest at noon on Dec. 13.
The Crusaders earned their semifinal appearance after rolling to a 63-7 triumph over Washington & Jefferson College (Pa.).
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UW-Whitewater Advances To NCAA Football Quarterfinals
RELEASED: Saturday, November 29, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2008 NCAA Division III Football Championship with a 30-27 triumph over Willamette University (Ore.) on Nov. 29 in Salem, Ore.
The Warhawks (11-1) will host Warburg College (Iowa) (10-2) in a quarterfinal contest on Dec. 6 at noon in Perkins Stadium.
The Knights earned a trip to the quarterfinals with a 30-28 win at Monmouth College (Ill.) and also eliminated UW- Stevens Point by a 26-21 margin in the first round.
# # # # # UW-Eau Claire’s Bielmeier Claims Academic All-America Football Recognition
RELEASED: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Paul Bielmeier has been named to the 2008 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division Football First 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), while being sponsored by ESPN The Magazine.
Bielmeier, a senior from Edgar, Wis., boasts a 3.93 grade point average and is majoring in kinesiology. He becomes the fourth football student-athlete from UW-Eau Claire to earn first team distinction, joining Mike Anderson (1974), Mike Zeihen (1980) and Mike Bestul (2001 and 2002).
Bielmeier is the first individual from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to earn first team accolades since UW-River Falls’ Jovin Kroll in 2006.
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Warhawks Win and Pointers Fall In NCAA Football First Round Games
RELEASED: Saturday, November 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater won its opening game in the 2008 NCAA Division III Football Championship, while UW-Stevens Point was eliminated in contests played Nov. 22.
UW-Whitewater began defense of its national championship with a 37-7 victory over St. John’s University (Minn.) at Perkins Stadium, while UW-Stevens Point dropped a 26-21 decision to Wartburg College (Iowa) at Community Stadium at Goerke Park.
The Warhawks (10-1) will travel to Willamette University (Ore.) (11-0) for a second round contest Nov. 29.
The Pointers finished the season with a 9-2 record and made the program’s fourth appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship. UW-Stevens Point also earned a share of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship with UW-Whitewater.
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UW-Stevens Point’s Vickroy Named Player of the Year, Miech Claims Coach of the Year Honor
RELEASED: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Brad Vickroy was voted the Player of the Year to headline the individuals selected to the 2008 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Football Team by the league coaches, while Pointer head coach John Miech was picked as the George Chryst Coach of the Year.
Vickroy, a senior defensive lineman, claimed first team recognition for the second straight season. He is second in the WIAC with 13.5 tackles for loss and fifth with 5.5 quarterback sacks. Vickroy has registered 49 tackles, including 28 solo, and forced a pair of fumbles, while recovering two fumbles. He has recorded at least one sack in five games, at least two tackles for loss in three contests and a season-high 11 tackles against UW-Eau Claire on Nov. 8.
UW-Stevens Point has had eight individuals combine to win 10 player of the year trophies with Vickroy being the third defensive player to secure the honor, joining Clint Kriewaldt in 1998 and Paul Schmitt in 2001. Repeat selections on the first team offense included UW-River Falls’ Michael Zweifel and UW-Whitewater’s Jeff Schebler.
Zweifel, a sophomore wide receiver, captured first team laurels for the second consecutive year after topping the conference with 79 receptions and 974 receiving yards. He reached double-figures in receptions in four games, including a season-high 16 against UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 4. Zweifel eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark in five contests with a season-best 162 against Northwestern College (Minn.) on Sept. 20. He holds the UW-River Falls career records with 176 receptions and 2,030 receiving yards.
A junior kicker, Schebler is a three-time first team selection and leads all WIAC kickers with 82 points scored, while converting 14-of-16 field goals and 40-of-45 extra-point attempts. He holds the three longest field goals in the conference this year at 47-, 46- and 45-yards. Schebler is the NCAA Division III all-time leader with 53 field goals and tops the WIAC all-time listing with 144 extra-point conversions.
UW-Platteville’s David Akey was the second individual on the first team defense to receive first team accolades multiple times in his career. A senior defensive lineman, he secured first team recognition for the second straight season after ranking third in the conference with 6.5 quarterback sacks and fourth with 12 tackles for loss. Akey also recorded 65 total tackles, including 36 solo stops. He is the first Pioneer since receiver Matt Kent in 2001-02 to earn back-to-back All-WIAC first team honors and the first defender to do so since linebacker Dan Fox in 1994-95.
Joining Zweifel and Schebler on the first team offense were: UW-Eau Claire’s Cory Sartorelli (Jr., RB), Dan Puls (Sr., OL) and Brent Schreiner (Jr., TE), UW-La Crosse’s Eric Donoval (Sr., Return Specialist) and Jason Olejniczak (Sr., OL), UW-River Falls’ Scott Witte (Sr., C), UW-Stevens Point’s Jared Beckwith (Jr., QB), Luke Frisch (Sr., Punter), Jared Jenkins (So., WR) and Brad Kalsow (Sr., All-Purpose), UW-Stout’s Dusty Tervelt (Sr., OL) and Craig Warminski (Fr., RB) and UW-Whitewater’s Levell Coppage (Fr., RB) and Mike Sherman (Sr., OL).
Individuals combining with Vickroy and Akey on first team defense included: UW-Eau Claire’s Tom Dohr (Sr., LB) and Craig Polifka (Sr., DB), UW-La Crosse’s Drew Kiefer (Sr., LB), UW-Stevens Point’s Bryan Blum (Jr., DB), Matt Lunder (So., DL) and Brandon Stremkowski (Jr., LB), UW-Stout’s Marcus Ball (Jr., DL) and Jake Pomputis (Sr., DB) and UW-Whitewater’s Jace Rindahl (Sr., LB), Troney Shumpert (Jr., DB) and Anthony White (Jr., DL).
Miech claimed the George Chryst Coach of the Year honor for the third time in his career after directing the Pointers to a share of their first WIAC championship since 2001. He also won the coaching prize following the 1998 and 2001 seasons. Miech is in his 21st year at UW-Stevens Point and owns a career record of 138-71-2. His 138 victories rank fourth on the WIAC all-time list.
An All-Sportsmanship Team was chosen for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. It included one member from each school as selected by that school.
2008 All-WIAC Football Team First Team Offense Name, School, Year, Position, Height, Weight, Hometown (High School) Brett Schreiner, Eau Claire, Junior, Tight End, 6-4, 239, Somerset Jared Beckwith, Stevens Point, Junior, Quarterback, 6-0, 205, Baraboo Levell Coppage, Whitewater, Freshman, Running Back, 5-8, 180, Oak Park, Ill. *Cory Sartorelli, Eau Claire, Junior, Running Back, 6-1, 197, Appleton (North) Craig Warminski, Stout, Freshman, Running Back, 5-10, 200, Stanley (Stanley-Boyd) Jared Jenkins, Stevens Point, Sophomore, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 194, Milwaukee (Rufus King) Michael Zweifel, River Falls, Sophomore, Wide Receiver, 6-1, 185, Whitewater Brad Kalsow, Stevens Point, Senior, All-Purpose Back, 6-4, 205, Huntley, Ill. Jason Olejniczak, La Crosse, Senior, Offensive Line, 5-10, 275, Germantown Dan Puls, Eau Claire, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-2, 281, Onalaska *Mike Sherman, Whitewater, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-0, 264, Oconomowoc (Kettle Moraine) Dusty Tervelt, Stout, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-5, 290, Boyd (Stanley-Boyd) *Scott Witte, River Falls, Senior, Center, 6-6, 333, Cedarburg *Luke Frisch, Stevens Point, Senior, Punter, 5-11, 189, Nekoosa *Jeff Schebler, Whitewater, Junior, Kicker, 6-0, 182, Davenport, Iowa (Assumption) Eric Donoval, La Crosse, Senior, Return Specialist, 6-0, 195, Sheboygan (South) *Unanimous selection Second Team Offense Nick Slupski, Whitewater, Senior, Tight End, 6-3, 240, Greenfield Jeff Donovan, Whitewater, Junior, Quarterback, 6-5, 187, Wauwatosa (East) Mike Genslinger, Platteville, Senior, Running Back, 5-11, 195, Naperville, Ill. (Neuqua Valley) Nick Grosso, Platteville, Senior, Wide Receiver, 5-9, 175, Naperville, Ill. (Neuqua Valley) Aaron Rusch, Whitewater, Sophomore, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 168, Hartford Chris Johnson, La Crosse, Senior, All-Purpose Back, 5-10, 225, Amery Andrew Gebel, La Crosse, Junior, Offensive Line, 5-11, 275, Oshkosh (West) Robert Gilbreath, Whitewater, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-2, 290, St. Francis Nate Newholm, Stout, Junior, Offensive Line, 6-5, 255, Burlington Tyler VandenWyngaard, Stevens Point, Junior, Offensive Line, 6-3, 225, Kaukauna Ben Hermus, Platteville, Senior, Center, 6-0, 245, Little Chute Craig Kolb, Eau Claire, Junior, Punter, 6-1, 215, Marshfield Ryan Graboski, Stevens Point, Senior, Kicker, 6-0, 172, Woodbury, Minn. Jeremy Roach, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Return Specialist, 6-1, 200, Deerfield
Honorable Mention Offense Pat Mengelkoch, Stout, Sophomore, Tight End, 6-4, 225, Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park) Storm Harmon, River Falls, Senior, Quarterback, 6-2, 200, Altoona Kyle Paulson, Eau Claire, Junior, Quarterback, 6-5, 219, Amery Eric Donoval, La Crosse, Senior, Running Back, 6-0, 195, Sheboygan (South) Aunton Terry, Platteville, Junior, Wide Receiver, 6-1, 216, Waukesha (North) Tyson Droessler, Platteville, Senior, All-Purpose, 5-10, 187, Cuba City Garth Coats, Whitewater, Junior, Center, 6-2, 282, Evansville Cody Weltzin, Stout, Junior, Center, 6-2, 275, Cadott Kyle Calhoun, Oshkosh, Freshman, Punter, 6-2, 230, Waukesha (Kettle Moraine) Paul Pridemore, Platteville, Sophomore, Return Specialist, 6-0, 180, Hartford (Hartford Union)
First Team Defense *David Akey, Platteville, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 235, Merrill *Marcus Ball, Stout, Junior, Defensive Line, 6-1, 220, Austin, Minn. Matt Lunder, Stevens Point, Sophomore, Defensive Line, 6-1, 225, Waunakee *Brad Vickroy, Stevens Point, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-0, 254, Wisconsin Rapids (Lincoln) Anthony White, Whitewater, Junior, Defensive Line, 6-0, 215, Milwaukee (Bay View) Tom Dohr, Eau Claire, Senior, Linebacker, 6-4, 233, Neenah Drew Kiefer, La Crosse, Senior, Linebacker, 6-0, 215, Abbotsford Jace Rindahl, Whitewater, Senior, Linebacker, 6-3, 230, Cambridge Brandon Stremkowski, Stevens Point, Junior, Linebacker, 6-0, 200, Stevens Point (SPASH) Bryan Blum, Stevens Point, Junior, Defensive Back, 6-1, 190, Baraboo Craig Polifka, Eau Claire, Senior, Defensive Back, 5-10, 179, Kewaunee Jake Pomputis, Stout, Senior, Defensive Back, 5-10, 195, Owen (Owen-Withee) Troney Shumpert, Whitewater, Junior, Defensive Back, 5-8, 165, Milwaukee (Bay View) *Unanimous selection
Second Team Defense Jon Baldwin, Whitewater, Sophomore, Defensive Line, 6-3, 247, Spring Grove, Ill. (Richmond Burton) Charlie Dercks, Stevens Point, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 252, Little Chute Mitch Dougherty, La Crosse, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-4, 230, West Bend (East) Matt Ebner, Eau Claire, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-2, 261, Mindoro (Melrose-Mindoro) Scott Riha, Stout, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 295, Green Bay (Bay Port) Tim Stephenson, Platteville, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 234, Lanark, Ill. (Eastland) Kyle Supianoski, Whitewater, Junior, Linebacker, 6-0, 225, Tama, Iowa (South) James Taraboi, Oshkosh, Junior, Linebacker, 6-2, 215, Grafton (Cedarburg) Joe Tinucci, Platteville, Senior, Linebacker, 5-11, 243, Willowbrook, Ill. (Hinsdale Central) Andy Towner, Stout, Senior, Linebacker, 6-1, 230, Onalaska Ben Arata, River Falls, Junior, Defensive Back, 5-9, 176, Menomonee Falls Derek Dreher, La Crosse, Sophomore, Defensive Back, 6-2, 190, Verona Quincy Hudson, Platteville, Junior, Defensive Back, 5-9, 152, Milwaukee (Bay View) Dave Wicklund, Eau Claire, Senior, Defensive Back, 6-1, 206, Kewaskum Honorable Mention Defense Ryan Marty, La Crosse, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 270, Madison (Memorial) Brad Novacheck, River Falls, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-1, 245, Hillsboro Aaron Johnson, La Crosse, Junior, Linebacker, 6-0, 240, Wisconsin Dells John Jones, Stevens Point, Junior, Linebacker, 6-1, 235, Oregon Ryan Leis, Eau Claire, Junior, Linebacker, 6-3, 232, Alma Center (Lincoln) Tyler Florczak, Stevens Point, Senior, Defensive Back, 5-11, 195, Chetek Nate Heard, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Defensive Back, 6-0, 175, Milwaukee (Lutheran) Brock Stimson, Stout, Senior, Defensive Back, 6-0, 205, Lakeville, Minn. Paul Wick, Whitewater, Junior, Defensive Back, 5-10, 185, Franklin Matt Winney, La Crosse, Junior, Defensive Back, 6-2, 190, Green Bay (Preble)
All-Sportsmanship Team Matt Day, Eau Claire, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-2, 295, Austin, Minn. Matt Winney, La Crosse, Junior, Defensive Back, 6-2, 190, Green Bay (Preble) Matt Haass, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Tight End, 6-2, 240, Brownsville (Mayville) Dustin Moor, Platteville, Senior, Linebacker, 6-1, 234, Cuba City Jamie Bisch, River Falls, Senior, Defensive Back, 5-11, 180, Roberts (St. Croix Central) Brian Bailey, Stevens Point, Senior, Linebacker, 5-11, 219, New Lisbon Dan Lytle, Stout, Senior, Wide Receiver, 6-1, 200, Darien (Delevan-Darien) Mike Dufrane, Whitewater, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-4, 300, Hortonville
Player of the Year: Brad Vickroy of Stevens Point George Chryst Coach of the Year: John Miech of Stevens Point Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete: Jake Pomputis of Stout
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UW-Stout’s Pomputis Named Football Scholar-Athlete
RELEASED: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Jake Pomputis has been named the 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete.
Pomputis, a senior from Owen, Wis. (Owen-Withee), is carries a 3.46 grade point average and is majoring in graphic communication management. He is a three-time recipient of UW-Stout’s Chancellor’s Award and a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Pomputis has been recognized on UW-Stout’s Dean’s List every semester and received the Pagel Scholarship for academic excellence in graphic communication management.
He secured All-WIAC first team honors this season after claiming honorable mention recognition a year ago. Pomputis, a team captain, was named his team’s Most Improved Player in 2006 and Most Valuable Defensive Back in 2008.
Pomputis is a member of the Stout Typographical Society, has worked with the University's food drive efforts and volunteers with the UW-Stout Football in the Schools reading program at area elementary schools.
Also nominated for this year’s scholar-athlete award were: UW-Eau Claire’s Paul Bielmeier (Sr., Edgar, Wis.), Matt Ebner (Sr., Mindoro, Wis./Melrose-Mindoro), Paul Mirr (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis./Regis), Tyler Moy (Sr., Mondovi, Wis.) and Dan Puls (Sr., Onalaska, Wis.), UW-La Crosse’s Chris Johnson (Sr., Amery, Wis.) and Drew Kiefer (Sr., Abbotsford, Wis.), UW-Oshkosh’s Dieter Juedes (Sr., Sheboygan Falls, Wis.), UW-Platteville’s Morgan May (Sr., Elkhorn, Wis.), UW-River Falls’ Jamie Bisch (Sr., Roberts, Wis./St. Croix Central) and UW-Whitewater’s Mike Sherman (Sr., Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine).
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-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater Earn NCAA Football Bids
RELEASED: Sunday, November 16, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--For the third consecutive season, two teams will represent the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the NCAA Division III Football Championship.
UW-Stevens Point (9-1) received an automatic, while defending national champion UW-Whitewater (9-1) secured one of six at-large spots into the 32-team field. The remaining three berths were awarded to teams from non- qualifying conferences or independents.
The Pointers and Warhawks shared the WIAC title, but UW-Stevens Point secured the automatic bid due to their 17- 16 victory over UW-Whitewater Oct. 25.
UW-Stevens Point will host Wartburg College (Iowa) (8-2), while UW-Whitewater will host St. John’s University (Minn.) (8-2) in first round matchups that will be conducted Nov. 22.
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UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater Share Football Crown
RELEASED: Saturday, November 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater claimed victories in games played Nov. 15 to earn a share of the 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football championship.
The Pointers captured a 21-7 triumph over UW-La Crosse at Community Stadium at Goerke Park, while the Warhawks secured a 52-13 win over UW-Platteville at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater completed the conference slate with 6-1 records, but the Pointers will receive the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship due to its 17-16 victory over the Warhawks earlier this season.
This marks the first time since 2001 that the league crown has been split. The Pointers and UW-Eau Claire shared the title that year.
UW-Stevens Point’s WIAC title is the 14th in program history, while UW-Whitewater earned its fourth consecutive first-place trophy and 29th in school archives. The Warhawks are the first team since UW-River Falls (1984-87) to claim four consecutive WIAC championships. UW-Platteville and UW-La Crosse are the only other programs to win at least four straight titles with the Pioneers claiming four (1968-71) and the Eagles securing four (1939-42) and six (1949-54).
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Five Secure Academic All-District Football Status
RELEASED: Friday, November 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Five College Division Football Team. UW-Eau Claire’s Paul Bielmeier and Ben Shea were first team choices, while the Blugolds’ Matt Ebner and UW- Whitewater’s Matt Gifford and Mike Sherman were second team picks.
The team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Bielmeier, a senior from Edgar, Wis., and Shea, a junior from Manitowoc, Wis. (Lincoln), are both majoring in kinesiology and boast a 3.93 grade point average. Bielmeier claimed academic all-district status for the second straight year after receiving second team accolades last season.
Both individuals are eligible for the Academic All-America squad that will be announced Nov. 25.
Ebner, a senior from Mindoro, Wis. (Melrose-Mindoro), carries a 3.61 grade point average and is majoring in math education.
A junior from Waukesha, Wis. (West), Gifford is majoring in health, human performance and recreation and maintains a 3.99 grade point average. His 3.99 grade point average was the highest on the 23-member second team.
Sherman, a senior from Oconomowoc, Wis. (Kettle Moraine), maintains a 3.79 grade point average and is majoring in sociology.
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UW-River Falls’ O’Grady Claims 100th Career Win
RELEASED: Monday, October 6, 2008
RIVER FALLS, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls head coach John O’Grady claimed his 100th career victory in the Falcons 36-30 win over UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 4 at Ramer Field.
O’Grady is in his 20th season in charge of the Falcons and owns a 100-91-3 record, including a 71-63-3 mark in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) contests. He becomes the seventh coach in WIAC history to reach the 100-win milestone.
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Four Named Draddy Trophy Semifinalists
RELEASED: Thursday, October 2, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) student-athletes have been named semifinalists for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and candidates for the 2008 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Awards.
UW-Eau Claire’s Paul Bielmeier (Sr., Edgar, Wis.), UW-La Crosse’s Chris Johnson (Sr., Amery, Wis.), UW- Oshkosh’s Dieter Juedes (Sr., Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) and UW-Whitewater’s Michael Sherman (Sr., Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine H.S.) represent four of the 37 nominees from NCAA Division III and 164 national contestants.
Bielmeier boasts a 3.93 grade point average, while majoring in kinesiology - physical education teaching. Johnson is a bio-medicine major and chemistry minor with a 3.62 grade point average, while Juedes carries a 3.82 grade point average and is majoring in physical education. Sherman is majoring in sociology and maintains a 3.80 grade point average.
One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
This year's semifinalists maintain a 3.56 average GPA and 67 players have earned all-conference recognition on the field, while 102 have served as team captains. Nominees hail from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.
The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 9 at the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.
Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to credit a player for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The Draddy, first awarded in 1990, adds to the program's mystique, having previously honored two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Heisman winner.
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Defending National Champion Picked To Win Fourth Straight Football Title
RELEASED: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the defending NCAA Division III champion, is the preseason favorite to win the 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football title, according to the league’s sports information directors.
Last season’s national crown marked the third for a WIAC program after UW-La Crosse claimed first-place trophies in 1992 and 1995. It also represented the third straight Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl appearance for UW-Whitewater.
The Warhawks, ranked No. 2 nationally by D3football.com and Lindy’s and No. 3 according to USA Today, received seven first-place votes in the league poll and could become the first team since UW-River Falls (1984-87) to claim four consecutive WIAC championships. UW-Platteville and UW-La Crosse are the only other programs to win at least four straight titles with the Pioneers claiming four (1968-71) and the Eagles securing four (1939-42) and six (1949-54).
UW-Whitewater enters the 2008 campaign riding a 21-game winning streak in WIAC contests with the league mark of 29 (including one tie) set by UW-La Crosse from 1949-54. The Warhawks have also won 26 consecutive games at Perkins Stadium - the longest home winning streak in league chronicles.
Junior kicker Jeff Schebler leads this year’s returnees and ranks second on the conference’s all-time list with 39 field goals made.
UW-Whitewater must replace a group of 24 seniors, including running back Justin Beaver who won the 2007 Gagliardi Trophy, WIAC Player of the Year and finished as the league’s all-time leading rusher with 6,584 yards.
UW-Eau Claire, ranked No. 12 by Lindy’s, No. 14 by D3football.com and No. 15 by USA Today, secured the remaining first-place tally and is expected to finish second in the eight-team league derby. The Blugolds have won nine conference titles with the most recent in 2001 and are coming off the program’s second NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. UW-Eau Claire rated as the sixth most improved program in NCAA Division III and the 13th most improved in all of college football after increasing its record from 3-7 in 2006 to 9-3 in 2007.
UW-La Crosse will play its four home games this year at Winona State University (Minn.) due to the construction of the Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex and is scheduled to return home contests back to campus in 2009. The Eagles led the conference in passing offense and total offense last season with senior quarterback Griffin Moe topping the WIAC in passing offense and efficiency, while ranking second in total offense. UW-La Crosse has finished .500 or better in 36 of the last 38 seasons. UW-Stevens Point started the 2007 campaign with six straight victories - extending its winning streak to 10 games from the end of 2006 - but dropped its final four contests after suffering injuries to top offensive weapons. Sophomore quarterback Jake Swank started all 10 games a year ago and completed at least 50.0 percent of his passes in six contests. The Pointers play four of their first five games at home in 2008. Head coach John Miech begins his 21st season with the program and is the longest tenured coach in the league, while ranking fourth on the WIAC all-time list with 129 wins.
UW-Oshkosh begins its 114th season without a returning All-WIAC performer and must replace 10 starters on offense, seven on defense and starting placekicker and punter of a year ago. The Titans are seeking their fourth straight top-four finish in the league standings and enter the 2008 campaign with a three-game winning streak. UW- Oshkosh had 28 seniors last season, including running back Andy Moriarty who concluded his career as the WIAC’s second all-time leading rusher with 4,496 yards.
UW-River Falls sophomore wide receiver Michael Zweifel set a NCAA Division III single-season record for receptions by a freshman with 97 a year ago and matched a WIAC single-game mark of 18 catches against UW-La Crosse on Nov. 3, 2007. He also established a school single-season record of 1,056 receiving yards. Head coach John O’Grady needs just two victories to reach 100 in his career and become the seventh coach in conference history to reach the milestone.
UW-Stout had six of 10 games a year ago decided by three points or less and won three of those. The Blue Devils were second in the WIAC in rushing defense at 112.0 yards per game. Junior kicker Kyle Martin made all 24 of his extra point attempts and ranked second in the conference with 19 punts inside the 20-yard line.
UW-Platteville scored 30 or more points in four straight games in 2007, the longest streak since 1969, and held leads in seven of the 10 contests. The Pioneers rushed for 1,645 yards during the 2007 campaign, the most in head coach Mike Emendorfer’s nine seasons, and highest total since gaining 1,970 yards in 1998.
2008 Team Vitals
UW-Eau Claire Head Coach: Todd Glaser; 6th season (3rd at UW-Eau Claire); 25-27 (overall) / 12-10 (UWEC) Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 13/10 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 20/7 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 10/7 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 8/5 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Returning All-WIAC: Dave Wicklund, Sr., DB (2007-First); Tom Dohr, Sr., LB (2007-Second); Craig Polifka, Sr., Return Spec. (2007-Second); Cory Sartorelli, Jr., RB (2007-Honorable); Nate Jahn, Sr., LB (2005-Second)
UW-La Crosse Head Coach: Larry Terry; 15th season (9th at UW-La Crosse); 79-58-1 (overall) / 54-29 (UWL) Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 18/12 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 20/9 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 3/0 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 4/7 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 10/1 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 3/0 Returning All-WIAC: Griffin Moe, Sr., QB (2007-Second); Joe Troia, Sr., DE (2007-Second); Eric Donoval, Sr., RB (2007-Honorable); Drew Kiefer, Sr., LB (2007-Honorable); Jason Olejniczak, Sr., OL (2006-Second)
UW-Oshkosh Head Coach: Pat Cerroni; 2nd season at UWO; 7-3 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 11/17 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 18/18 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 0/2 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 1/10 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 4/7 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 0/2 Returning All-WIAC: None UW-Platteville Head Coach: Mike Emendorfer; 10th season at UWP; 30-59 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 15/14 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 20/11 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 5/6 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 5/6 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Returning All-WIAC: Mike Genslinger, Sr., RB (2006-First, 2007-First); David Akey, Sr., DL (2007-First)
UW-River Falls Head Coach: John O’Grady; 20th season at UWRF; 98-89-3 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 24/16 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 29/17 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 0/4 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 6/5 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 2/9 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 4/0 Returning All-WIAC: Michael Zweifel, So., WR (2007-First); Ryan Hansen, Jr., TE (2007-Second); Scott Witte, Sr., OL (2006-Honorable, 2007-Honorable)
UW-Stevens Point Head Coach: John Miech; 21st season at UWSP; 129-70-2 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 33/11 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 34/20 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 2/0 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 6/5 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 5/6 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 2/0 Returning All-WIAC: Mike Ferron, Jr., RB (2007-Second); Brad Vickroy, Sr., DL (2007-First); Ryan Graboski, Sr., K (2007-Second); Luke Frisch, Sr., P (2006-Second, 2007-Second)
UW-Stout Head Coach: Duey Naatz; 2nd season at UWS; 4-6 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 14/11 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 23/7 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 5/8 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 8/4 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Returning All-WIAC: Scott Riha, Jr., DL (2007-Second); Kyle Seiler, Sr., LB (2007-Honorable); Jake Pomputis, Sr., DB (2007-Honorable)
UW-Whitewater Head Coach: Lance Leipold; 2nd season at UWW; 14-1 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Offense: 34/13 Letterwinners Returning/Lost on Defense: 37/14 Letterwinners Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Starters Returning/Lost on Offense: 4/7 Starters Returning/Lost on Defense: 4/8 Starters Returning/Lost at Kicker: 1/1 Returning All-WIAC: Jeff Schebler, Jr., K (2006-First, 2007-First); Jace Rindahl, Sr., LB (2007-Honorable); Mike Sherman, Sr., OL (2007-Honorable)
2008 Preseason Predictions (Voted on by WIAC Sports Information Directors) 2007 Record 1. UW-Whitewater (7) 7-0, 14-1 2. UW-Eau Claire (1) 5-2, 9-3 3. UW-La Crosse 3-4, 5-4 4. UW-Stevens Point 3-4, 6-4 5. UW-Oshkosh 4-3, 7-3 6. UW-River Falls 2-5, 3-7 7. UW-Stout 3-4, 4-6 8. UW-Platteville 1-6, 2-8
( )--First-place votes
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