WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #4: UW-PLATTEVILLE

UW-Platteville (1-6 WIAC, 3-7 overall)

The Platteville Pioneers will be looking for positives to build on as they come off a difficult end to their 2009 campaign. The Pioneers had a 3-2 record on the season and held a 23 to 14 lead at Eau Claire with less than three minutes to go in the third quarter. The Bluegolds struck on a 45 yard TD pass and went on to defeat the Pioneers 34-26. The Pioneers would not see another victory as they lost their next four games, two of them by only 3 points, finishing at 3-7 for the season.

The Pioneers welcome back 8 offensive starters in 2010. Sophomore QB Nick Anderson won the starting job as a freshman, but was hurt in the 5th game of the season and didn't play the rest of the year. Sophomore John Kelly also returns after playing in 6 games last year. Between Anderson and Kelly, they threw only 4 TD passes last year. Leading rushers Chad Roscoe and Brandon Hertrampf both return. However, they combined for only 512 yards rushing last year, so the Pioneers must find a way to establish a stronger rushing attack.

Defensively, the Pioneers gave up 28.1 points per game last year. They have been hit hard by graduation and their development of underclassmen will be tested on the defensive side this year. Defensive Backs Brian Snyder and Dave Daino, along with linebacker Jesse Lindemulder will be counted upon to lead the Pioneer's rebuilt defense.

With some close losses, in many ways last year was a year of what "could have been" for the Pioneers, which sounds strange for a team that won only one conference game last year. However, they have lost some key players and will have a challenge to improve on last year's record. Perhaps their best chance would be to open up the offense a bit, knowing their quarterbacks now have more experience under their belt. If history is any indication, the Pioneers will be competitive in most games and spring the upset on an unsuspecting foe or two.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #3: UW-STOUT

UW-Stout (5-2 WIAC, 8-2 Overall)

Clayt Birmingham takes over as the UW-S head coach after three years as the defensive coordinator at the school. Birmingham's defense ranked 2nd in the WIAC a year ago in both total defense and scoring defense. The Blue Devils will have to find replacements in the defensive line for two stalwarts, DE Marcus Ball (First Team All WIAC, 9 1/2 sacks), and 2nd Team All WIAC selection Greg Towner. The UW-S defense does return their top two tacklers from a year ago, linebackers Ryan Pearcy and Trevor Fiege. However, the secondary will have to adjust to losing three seniors that anchored the unit in 09.

Offensively, RB Craig Warminski (1057 yds, 9 TD) returns after being 3rd in WIAC rushing totals a year ago. The Blue Devils had the 2nd leading rushing attack in the WIAC and ran the ball over 66% of the time last year. Sr. RB Carlos Concepcion showed enough last year that he may be more involved in the offense in 2010. QB Ross Carey returns to guide the Blue Devils running oriented, low risk offense which ranked last in WIAC passing yardage at 130 per game, but also yielded only 5 interceptions all year. Carey's leading receiver, tight end Patrick Mengelkoch also returns.

It will be interesting to see if Offensive Coordinator Sean Hoolihan opens up the offense a bit with Carey now entering his junior year. Last year's defense gave up merely 16.1 ppg. This year, the offense may need to hit a higher gear, especially early in the season as the defense develops. UW-Stout was one of the most physical teams in the WIAC last year. With Birmingham taking over the reigns of the program, that isn't likely to change in 2010. UW-Stout has the makings of an upper echelon WIAC team again this year. If the offense can crank up the production a bit, a run at the title is within the realm of possibility.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #2: UW-EAU CLAIRE

UW-Eau Claire Bluegolds (4-3 WiAC, 6-4 Overall in 2009)

Last year, the Bluegolds finished strong winning 4 of their final 5 games to secure a winning record and 4th place in the WIAC. The Bluegolds lose the 2009 WIAC total offense leader, qb Kyle Paulson. Paulson led the WIAC in passing yardage, was second in passing efficiency, and threw 24 TD passes against only 8 interceptions. The Bluegolds also lose the 4th leading WIAC rusher Cory Sartorelli who rushed for 1,022 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago. UW-EC only ran 19 offensive plays all year (including non-conference games) that wasn't a run or pass by either Paulson or Sartorelli. In all, the Bluegolds lose 6 starters from the #2 ranked offensive unit in the WIAC. Receiver David Goodman, who caught 39 passes for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns last year will be back.

UW-EC loses 7 starters from a defense that ranked next to last in scoring defense a year ago giving up an average of 32.2 points per game in WIAC action. The Bluegolds ranked 7th in rushing defense and 7th in passing defense in 09.

Eau Claire ranked in the top half of the WIAC with a 4-3 record in 09 largely on the skilled arm and feet of Paulson and the hard running of Sartorelli. The potency of the offense covered up many of the weaknesses in other areas of the team. However, against the top three teams in the league, the Bluegolds were 0-3 and outscored 122-62. Although the SID poll chooses UWEC to repeat their fourth place finish, that will require a tremendous team effort, shoring up areas of weakness, and replacing their two most potent weapons.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #1: UW-LACROSSE

UW-LaCrosse Eagles (2-5 WIAC, 5-5 Overall in 2009)

Starting quarterback Nick Anker, who engineered the 3rd ranked WIAC offense last year (29.9 ppg), returns along with four of his top 5 receivers. UW-L boasts the return of Travis Bordeau and Alex Maxinoski, the #2 and #3 receivers in the WIAC in 2009. The Eagles will have to replace 3 time letter winning running back Reid Oldenberg. Speedy jr. Lee Lauters, who ranked 8th in the WIAC in rushing is back and could be ready for a break out season. In all, the Eagles will have to find replacements for 5 starter on offense. Both the field goal kicker and punter are returning, as is the WIAC leading punt returner in Tyler O'Kane

Defensively, UW-L will have to replace 5 starters on their fifth ranked scoring defense. This unit is expected to be led by veteran defensive backs Derek Dreher and Dustin Drath, both of whom earned Honorable Mention All-WiAC honors a year ago, and Billy Niggeman who had three interceptions in 09.

The Eagles have the athletes and experience in key positions to break into the top half of the conference in 2010. However, to contend for the title, there needs to be dramatic improvement in both offensive and defensive line play. UW-L ranked second to last in sacking the QB last year and dead last in sacks allowed. In addition, the Eagles will have to finish drives with points. While they were second in the league in first downs a year ago, they ranked dead last in converting points in the red zone

5 Things to Look For in Harper College Scrimmage August 21

The 2010 UW-Whitewater football team completes it's first week of training camp with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon, August 21 at 3:00 PM at Perkins Stadium. The scrimmage will serve as a great opportunity for established starters to knock off some rust, for young players to begin to make a name for themselves, for position battles to begin to take shape, and for coaches to see how players respond to the first external competition of the season.

The following list are just five of MANY things that would be fun to look for during Saturday's scrimmage. Perfectly executed pass routes by Aaron Rusch, circus catches by Adam Brandes, head shaking moves from Levell Coppage, and so much more weren't even included.

But here are five things to pay attention to if you attend the scrimmage.

1. The crispness of blocking and tackling. The Warhawks have had only ONE DAY of practice in pads prior to this scrimmage. Although I have no doubt UW-W will dominate the lines of scrimmage, it's certainly possible there will be more sloppiness than is usually displayed during the regular season.

2. The chemistry between Matt Blanchard and his receivers. There are a number of talented quarterbacks in camp, but Blanchard is the current front-runner and his familiarity with the receiving corp adds to his edge. Zach Fry (Milton High School), a transfer from D2 Minnesota State Moorehead, Lee Brekke (Sun Prairie High School), a transfer from UW-LaCrosse, and Corey Knapp (St. Francis High School), who took some varsity snaps as a freshman last season, could also see some snaps.

3. The defensive backfield must replace 3 of 4 starters from last year's National Championship team. Senior Matt McCulloch (Janesville Parker) is the lone returning starter and will be counted on to provide leadership in the secondary. Former quarterback, junior Steve McCollom, juniors Jared Kiesow and Aaron Samplawski (both from Horicon High School), sophomore Ryan Wenkman (Wisconsin Dells), and junior Sam Overton (Milwaukee Riverside) are among those fighting for playing time.

4. Former Wisconsin Badger Booker Stanley could well see his first live action since 2005. The 5'9" 215 pound tailback gained over 1200 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns for the Badgers from 2003 to 2005. Stanley's role on the team is yet to be defined. First team All-American junior Levell Coppage and senior Antwan Anderson have formed the best running back tandem in the nation the past two years. Sophomore Lavell Hewlitt is among other backs that could get some carries on Saturday.

5. Linebacker Lane Olson. Attend the scrimmage Saturday. Then you'll know why he's on the list and why no explanation is necessary.

CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION ABOUT MORE THAN FOOTBALL

Joy, pride, and, dare I say, love, filled the Hamilton Center on the UW-Whitewater campus Sunday night. The spirit of the 2009 National Championship Football Banquet went beyond trophies and plaques. Far beyond. The smiles, the laughs, and the fist bumps were all expected and befitting in celebration of a truly dominant National Championship football team. However, hugs ruled the night and spoke to something deeper than on-the-field success of the 2009 football team. Much deeper.

Oh, the 2009 UW-Whitewater football team was good - check that - the 2009 UW-Whitewater team was great! When a team goes 15-0, outscores it's opponents by an average more than 32 points a game, and wins the NCAA Division III National Championship, there are a lot of awards to hand out. When that same football team sports 24 student athletes with a fall semester grade point average exceeding 3.4, it is a team that is easy to embrace and fun to celebrate. But the celebration on Sunday night ran deep into intangibles that surpassed even classroom performance.

Coach Lance Leipold spoke often about the Warhawk Family. Those in attendance can attest that the Warhawk Family is alive, well, and very, very real.

The atmosphere Sunday night parallels other gatherings surrounding UW-W football. From Back to the 60's, to other alumni events, to weekly Quarterback Club meetings, to Warhawk Golf Outings, people getting together in the name of Warhawk football is special.

Certainly a part of that "special" is the success of the football team. It's easy to smile when a program wins over 70% of its games over a 53 year period. It's easy to laugh when a program knows only 2 coaches from 1956 through 2006 and then hands it off to one of its own and the new coach begins his career with a record of 42-3 in his first 3 seasons. It's easy to fist bump when a program topples mighty Mount Union 2 times in 3 years, winning its first two National Championships in school history.

But Warhawk Football is about more than smiles, laughs, and fist bumps (Although they will always be a sweet part of the ride). Warhawk football is about the hugs. Warhawk football is about the deep relationships that form in, through, and around the program.

Warhawk football is about Coach Leipold paying tribute to former assistant coaches who left this world way too quickly and about a program that named awards after them.

Warhawk football is about a current team who genuinely love each other and who have undoubtedly formed lifetime friendships through their experience.

Warhawk football is about parents making 850 mile road trips to watch their kids play and the friendships that form with other parents as a result.

Warhawk football is about players standing and applauding each others' accomplishments without a hint of "What about me?" attitude.

A specific and personal story may best describe what Warhawk football is all about. Jeff Donavon, the starting quarterback won the Team MVP award on a decisive vote by his teammates. He also was a team captain and won the WIAC Player of the Year award. In his years at UW-Whitewater, Donovan formed a relationship with 89 year old former UW-W Coach Forrest Perkins. Donovan was told that Perkins thought the world of him and would love to have coached him. Donovan responded with a convincing, "I love that man." That's Warhawk football.

Perkins hasn't coached at UW-W for 25 years. At some schools, Perkins would have simply been a name on the entrance of the stadium to Donovan. But not at Whitewater. And Jeff, the Warhawk family loves you. And the Warhawk family loves every single player and family involved in the UW-Whitewater program. And we always will. You see, you aren't a Warhawk for four years. You are a Warhawk for life. And THAT is largely what was celebrated on Sunday night.

There will be a lot of smiles, laughs, and knuckle bumps around Warhawk football in coming years. But win, lose, or draw it will be the hugs that forever trademark the Warhawk family.

5 INGREDIENTS OF A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

In reflecting back on the amazing season that was 2009 UW-Whitewater Warhawk football, I have been contemplating some of the various elements that went into the National Championship season. There are so many things that have to come together for a team to accomplish as much as UW-W did in 2009. So the list I've formed is not all of the ingredients of the championship recipe. And the list is NOT in order of importance. There are too many interrelated factors to begin dicing and splicing and putting them in an order. Here goes:

1. TALENT

The talent on this football team was phenomenal. There was not one game this year in which the opponent appeared more talented than UW-W. And the talent spread much deeper and wider than Jeff Donovan, Level Coppage, and the other headliners. The Hawks' talent spread throughout every position group and through the depth of the roster. The talented roster allowed UW-W to survive some early season injuries, especially to the linebacker position. The breadth of the talent allowed UW-W to be a very balanced football team both offensively and defensively. The depth of the roster is exemplified by talented players like QB Matt Blanchard, RB's Antwan Anderson and CJ Miller, WR's Adam Brandes, Corey Robinson, and David Leaf, LB's Josh Williams, Greg Arnold, and Tim Depies, and DB Jeremy Deibert. These guys along with others I've not mentioned could form the nucleus of a very formidable Division 3 team and none of them were starters on offense or defense for the 2009 Warhawks. But they added valuable depth and made great contributions on special teams.

2. LEADERSHIP

From the coaching staff to the senior leaders, those who had a responsibility to lead, lead exceptionally well. Coach Lance Leipold, the D3Football Coach of the Year, set the pace with a day by day focused approach culminating with UW-Whitewater's second National Championship in his three years as Head Coach. To his credit, Leipold gives Offensive Coordinator Jim Zebrowski and Defensive Coordinator Brian Borland great latitude and voice in game planning. Both coordinators took full advantage as they instilled an aggressive personality into their respective units. Zebrowski utilized his talent with creative schemes, personnel groupings, and play calling. Borland's unit played sound fundamental football with an emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage, sound tackling, and hard hitting. It should be pointed out that a team does not win a National Championship without tremendous senior leadership. From the beginning of the second semester of the 2008-2009 school year, the Senior class took the mantle of leadership and led the way in preparation from the off-season workouts all the way through the Stagg Bowl victory.

3. TEAM FIRST MENTALITY

The chemistry on this football team was something special. The guys really liked each other, they played hard for each other, and they watched each others' backs. There was a noticeable absence of prima donnas and players from the various position groups genuinely rooted for the players who happened to be in the game to succeed. There was a unity on this football team that allowed the whole to become even greater than the very talented parts. When the post season challenges presented themselves, there was a tangible calmness and confidence that propelled the Warhawks to finish strong in each of the last three playoff games, leading to their championship.

4. STRONG OFFENSIVE LINE PLAY

The dominance up front propelled a Warhawk offense that was explosive, consistent, and dominant. Led by sophomore First Team All-American and First Team All-WIAC left guard Matt Weber, junior First Team All-WIAC left tackle Robbie Ustruck, and senior center First Team All-WIAC Garth Coats, the offensive line arguably won the battle at the line of scrimmage in all 15 contests in 2009. UWW averaged 489.6 yards per game in total offense. Only once were the Warhawks held under 400 yards of total offense, when they gained 397 yards against Wittenberg, who had the #1 ranked defense in the nation, allowing only 172.67 yards per game. The offensive line paved the way for Levell Coppage to lead the nation in rushing with 2107 yards and 35 TD's. As a team, UW-W rushed for a mind boggling 54 TD's. They also were a solid wall of protection for the 3rd rated passer in the nation, Jeff Donovan. As a team, UW-W QB's dropped back to pass 405 times. Amazingly they were only sacked 9 times. The dominance by UW-W's offensive line unleashed the talented skill players to do their thing in an offense that averaged 42.5 points per game.

5. TEAM DEFENSE

The Warhawk defense was a hard hitting, assignment sure, opportunistic defense. The strength of the defense was in shutting down the run. The Hawks gave up only 2.5 yards per carry and 79.1 yards per game on the ground. In addition, the UW-W defense gave up only 6 rushing TD's all year while their offense was piling up 54 TD's on the ground. The Warhawks ranked 4th in the nation in scoring defense, giving up a mere 10.4 points per game. In the Stagg Bowl, the hard hitting Warhawks forced defending national champion Mount Union to fumble 5 times, recovering 3 of them.

These are just 5 of the ingredients that went into the Warhawks second national championship in the last three years. 2009 was a year to remember in the annals of UW-Whitewater football and many people contributed. Congratulations to everyone involved with the best NCAA Division 3 football team in the land in 2009.