Nov. 1, 2000

Truman Entertains Washburn for Hall of Fame Game

The Game: Truman State University Bulldogs (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association/NCAA Division II) vs. Washburn State University Ichabods (MIAA/NCAA DII)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 4, 2000
Time: 1 p.m. (Central)
Location: Kirksville, Mo.
Facility (Cap.): Stokes Stadium (4,000/grass)
Events: Hall of Fame Game and Senior Day

Broadcast: KRES 104.7 FM, Moberly, Mo. Ken Kujawa, play-by-play, and Brad Boyer and Hank Janssen, commentary. The pregame show begins approximately 30 minutes before the game.

Team Line: Live KRES broadcast by calling 1-800-846-4700. Access Code: 6350

Truman: Saturday is Senior Day and the Hall of Fame game at Truman as the 5-4 Truman Bulldogs face-off with the 5-4 Washburn University Ichabods. However, the 'Bods are just 3-4 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association action and sitting in seventh place in the conference, while the 4-3 'Dogs are in a three-way tie for fourth in the league with a 4-3 mark.

A victory today for either team will mean a winning season, while a loss would leave the highly ranked Pittsburg State on the horizon for Truman and a tough Emporia State team on the agenda for Washburn in the final regular season games next weekend.

Howe's He Doing?

Junior quarterback Eric Howe (West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling) is just 59 yards from the 10th spot among MIAA single season passing leaders with 2,397 yards this year. If he continues to average 266.3 yards per game Saturday, Howe will be sitting in fifth by the end of the day. Last season, he posted the second-best year ever in the league with 2,966 yards passing. With 5,711 career passing yards, Howe is currently sitting in the 10th spot on the MIAA's all-time passing yards list, and could go as high as sixth by the end of the game this weekend.

Howe is now up to third on the Truman career list for passing yards with 5,711. He also moved into fourth-place on the Truman career total offense list with 5,610 yards. Howe will move into second all-time at Truman with 229 more yards, well below his 266.3 yards per game he is currently averaging.

Howe is first in MIAA passing yards (266.3 ypg) and total offense (257.4 ypg) and fifth in pass efficiency (135.2). He is 24th among NCAA Division II pass efficiency leaders and 10th in the nation in total offensive yards per game.

'Bits on Blakley

Sophomore Andrew Blakley (St. Joseph, Mo./Central) is now in sole possession of the the fifth spot on the Truman career receptions list with 116. Blakely's 10 catches for 107 yards against the Hornets last week also advanced his place on the all-time Truman career yardage list, where he ranks 12th with 1,369 yards. Blakley also helped put the 'Dogs on the board against ESU when he caught a 12-yard pass from Howe to score the team's first points of the day in the third quarter.

Blakley needs three catches against the Ichabods to move into a tie for fourth place with John Busby (1982-85) in Truman's career receptions category.

He had the fourth game of his career with 10 catches after grabbing as many for a total of 107 yards at Emporia last weekend. Blakley is fourth in MIAA receptions (5.00 rpg) this week and is fifth in receiving yards (62.7 ypg).

Calling On Collins

Junior wide receiver Kevin Collins (Davenport, Iowa/Assumption) is tied for sixth in league receptions (4.22 rpg) and is fifth in receiving yards (70.1 ypg). He is also moving up a few Bulldog career leaders lists. Collins' 1,656 career receiving yards is good for seventh all-time at Truman, while his 96 career receptions leaves him in the 11th spot among all-time Bulldog leaders. Collins added five catches for 115 yards against Emporia.

If Collins keeps up his averages, he can be expected to move up at least two spots on Truman career receiving yards list. He needs only three receiving yards to pass the current sixth-place career leader, Mike Berentes (1967-70). An additional 18 receiving yards would earn Collins the fifth spot on the all-time list.

Collins' two touchdown receptions against the Hornets creates a three-way tie for second in career receiving touchdowns at Truman with 19. The Truman record-holder for career receiving TDs is Lloyd Henry (1975-77) with 22.

Other Bulldogs in the MIAA/NCAA

Sophomore wide receiver Alfonso Pugh (Galesburg, Ill.) is second in league punt returns (18.0 ypr), third in kickoff returns (27.7 ypr), seventh in receptions (4.00 rpg), eighth in receiving yards (56.9 ypg), sixth in all-purpose yards (115.4 ypg) and ninth in scoring by touchdowns (5.3 ppg). Pugh is also ranked seventh in the nation in punt returns.

Junior Geoff Jensen (Grinnell, Iowa) is 10th in MIAA receiving yards per game (50.1 ypg) and ninth in receptions (3.50 rpg).

Sophomore Austin Lepper (Ames, Iowa/Gilbert) is fourth in MIAA punting (38.5 ypp), is seventh in scoring by kicks (4.6 ppg), tied for eighth in field goals per game (0.44), eighth in field goal percentage (44.4) and ninth in PAT kicking percentage (82.9).

Senior defensive back Toko Nguyen (Quincy, Ill./Notre Dame) and freshman defensive back Anthony Binion (Chicago/ Fenwick) are tied for seventh in the MIAA with two picks apiece.

The team-leader in tackles, sophomore linebacker Jake Willrich (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes) is among the MIAA's most prolific tacklers, coming in eighth this week with a total of 74 stops for the year.

Senior defensive tackle Curt Cira (St. Louis/Vianney) is tied for the lead in conference forced fumbles (3) and tied for ninth in sacks (3.5).

Bulldog Ground Attack

Sophomore tailback Mike Redding (Lake Zurich, Ill.) currently leads Truman in rushing with 89 carries for 492 yards, but is being pushed by freshman Wyatt Pickering (Chillicothe, Mo.) who has 84 rushes for 383 yards.

Washburn: Washburn is second in the league in total offense, averaging 425.8 yards per game, and third in scoring offense (31.6 ppg) and rushing offense (239.7 ypg). The Ichabods are led by senior quarterback Tyler Schuerman who ranks fourth in the MIAA in passing yards (191.1 ypg), pass efficiency rating (136.6), total offense (243.7 ypg) and scoring (7.3 ppg), as well as 10th in league rushing with 62.5 yards per game as an option back. Schuerman is ranked 22nd in the nation in pass efficiency and 16th in total offensive yards per game.

Junior fullback Brandon Rainer is fifth in conference rushing (71.7 ypg), and junior tight end Colon McNeal is fifth in MIAA receptions (4.44 rpg) and fourth in receiving yardage (78.7 ypg).

Last season, the Ichabods handed Truman a 52-18 loss in Topeka, snapping a nine-game win-streak for the 'Dogs.

Truman vs. Emporia-Oct. 28, 2000: The Bulldogs suffered a scoring drought in the Emporia State game last weekend, getting shut out in the first half. The 'Dogs allowed DeAngelo Evans a 63-yard TD soon after intermission, but managed to get on the board with 5:46 remaining in the third period after Howe hit Blakley with a 12-yard pass for the score.

However, Truman could not stop ESU as it drove 74 yards just four plays later and scored at 4:19 in the third on a 9-yard run. The 'Dogs mustered an 8-play, 82-yard drive before the period expired to inch closer at 34-14. The Hornets continued to roll through the fourth quarter, scoring three more times at 11:37, 7:01 and 6:13 on runs of 8, 17, and 12 yards, respectively. Collins caught a 52-yard pass from Howe at 10:02 in the fourth, but that was the conclusion of scoring for the Bulldogs that day.

Series Record: Truman leads 14-3
First Meeting: 1958 (Truman won, 26-13)
Last Meeting: 1999 (Washburn won, 52-18)
Last Truman Win: 1998 (38-28)
Last WU Win: 1999 (52-18)
Biggest Truman Win: 1962 (39-0)
Biggest WU Win: 1999 (52-18)

Ichabods' Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Tyler Schuerman, 147 for 563 yards, 11 TDs
Passing: Tyler Schuerman, 14 of 183 for 1,630 yards, 12 ints., 10 TDs, 136.57 efficiency
Receptions: Colon McNeal, 40 for 708 yards, 4 TDs
Receiving Yards: Colon McNeal, 40 for 708 yards, 4 TDs
All-Purpose Yardage: Colon McNeal, 717
Total Offense: Tyler Schuerman, 330 plays, 2,193 yards
Field Goals: Chad Todd, 7 of 12
Punt Returns: Patrick Hayes, 18/172 yds
Kickoff Returns: Patrick Hayes, 14 for 329 yards
Interceptions: Five Players have one
Scoring: Tyler Schuerman, 11 TDs, 66 pts
Tackles: Corey Phipps, 62

Coaches Records: Truman head coach John Ware is in his sixth season at the helm for the Bulldogs, and has a record of 35-28 (.556) in his first stint as a collegiate head coach. In MIAA action, his teams have posted a record of 34-18 (.654). Ware is 4-1 vs. Emporia. He enjoyed the first non-conference win of his career in the season opener, defeating Northern Michigan, 35-24.

Tony DeMeo is in his seventh season at the helm of the Ichabods. He is 28-44 (.389) at Washburn and 91-74-4 (.550) during 16 seasons as a college head coach.

2000 Bulldog Seniors Play Last Home Game: A starter at left defensive end in all nine games this season, Jon Brooks has registered 87 career tackles, including 10 tackles for losses. In the Bulldogs' 64-14 win over Southwest Baptist this year, he charted six tackles and a fumble recovery, and vs. Missouri Southern, Brooks had two tackles for losses and registered his fourth career sack. He was also honored by the Bulldog coaching staff with the team's Big Hit award this year.

In 1999, Brooks was named defensive lineman of the week by the coaches after charting six tackles, including two for losses and a sack vs. Southwest Baptist. He was the leading tackler on the defensive line with 41 stops on the year. In both 1997 and 1998, Brooks played in every game as a backup defensive end.

Curt Cira, a starter at defensive tackle, Cira was honored by the coaches five times this season as the team's defensive lineman of the week. He has 119 career tackles, including 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six passes defended and 24 tackles for losses.

This season, Cira registered two sacks at Missouri-Rolla and had 10 total tackles (five solo) vs. Missouri Western. In 1999, Cira was an honorable mention all-MIAA choice after starting every game at defensive tackle and tying for the team high with four sacks and eight tackles for losses. He was selected defensive lineman of the year by his teammates and was named to the MIAA commissioner's academic honor roll for the second straight year. As a sophomore, Cira was named defensive lineman of the week twice by the coaches and won the team's big hit award in the Washburn contest when he caused the quarterback to fumble. As a true freshman, Cira was third on the team with three sacks while playing in eight games.

John Naeve has been named the team's defensive back of the week three times this year, and has also received the squad's weekly special effort award. One of Naeve's best games this season was an 11-tackles effort, including one for a loss, in the Northwest Missouri contest.

Last year, Naeve was named a first-team all-conference defensive back after recording a team-high 104 tackles and four interceptions to go with a sack and a fumble recovery. He was a second-team GTE academic all-district selection. Naeve tied for fifth in the conference in interceptions and led the team and was 10th in the MIAA in kickoff returns. He blocked a punt in the '99 Northwest Missouri encounter which was recovered and returned for a TD. Naeve was chosen by his teammates as the team's defensive back of the year in 1999.

Naeve was a second-team all-MIAA performer in 1998 after charting 92 total tackles and a team-best four interceptions. He was named the coaches defensive back of the week twice, once after he recorded two interceptions in the Central Missouri game, returning one 45 yards for the team's only score. In 1997, Naeve started nine games at right safety, finishing fifth overall in total tackles.

He has 289 career tackles, 123 solo stops, 14 tackles for losses, three sacks, nine interceptions, 16 passes defended and four fumble recoveries. For his career, Naeve has also returned 31 kickoffs for 556 yards, and 13 punts for 258 yards.

Toko Nguyen seen action in 35 career games for the Bulldogs, charting 121 total tackles, 70 solos, one tackle for a loss, nine pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. He snagged both of his interceptions this season, and is currently tied for the team lead in picks. Nguyen had a career-high 11 stops vs. Division I-AA Illinois State last year, his first collegiate start. Nguyen is a two-time member of the MIAA commissioner's academic honor roll. In 1998, he earned the coaches' special effort award for recovering a fumble in the come-from-behind win at Emporia State. He was also named the team's defensive back of the week in the first game this year.

Ryan Okenfuss has been a reserve guard on the Bulldog offensive line for two seasons. He made the transition to the line after spending two seasons as a fullback. Okenfuss has played in 15 career games for the Bulldogs and earned defensive scout team player of the week honors as a redshirt in 1996.

Josh Raaz was one of six returning all-MIAA players this year, earning honorable mention status last year as an offensive guard. He has started every game this season, and was named the team's offensive lineman of the week for the Missouri Southern and Central Missouri games. Raaz made the transition to the offensive line from defensive tackle in 1998, playing in eight games as a backup that season.

Chris Sauer moved to tight end this year after spending the previous three seasons as a fullback. He has played in 28 career games, charting five catches for 63 yards, and one carry for three yards. He is a two-time member of the MIAA commissioner's academic honor roll. Sauer also has 15 tackles as a valuable member on special teams over the last few seasons. In 1997, he gained 125 yards on 16 carries in a junior varsity game against William Penn.

Joel Shumate has appeared in 33 games during the past four years, the last three as a part-time starter. He has 49 career tackles, six tackles for losses and two sacks. Shumate has also blocked two kicks, and earned coaches' player of the week honors four times during his tenure with the Bulldogs.

Leo Smith has been a three-year starter for the Bulldogs, registering 130 career tackles, 16 tackles for losses, 15 sacks, seven pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. This year, he was named the coaches' defensive lineman of the week once and earned the special effort award for the Southwest Baptist game. Smith is a two-time member of the MIAA commissioner's academic honor roll. Last year, he had two games with two sacks, and had 12 stops against Division 1-AA Southeast Missouri in 1998. Smith also earned the coach's special effort award as a freshman. He has served on the student-athlete advisory committee at Truman, as well as the captain's round table.

Steve Wilson has a career total of 29 carries for 82 yards as a fullback since walking on the team in 1996. He has scored nine touchdowns in 26 career games, six coming this season. Wilson is a two-time member of the MIAA commissioner's academic honor roll. He had a career high with six carries in the Missouri-Rolla game this year, and has two career games scoring two TDs. Wilson sat out during the 1997 season.

Hall of Fame Game: On Saturday, five former Truman student-athletes will be inducted into the Truman Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2000 inductees will be recognized and introduced during halftime of the football game. Since 1983, the year the Truman Athletics Hall of Fame began, 177 persons have been enshrined. This year, the following athletes will be inducted:

Tamara Billerbeck was a three-sports athlete, earning all-conference recognition in softball, basketball and volleyball. As a pitcher, Billerbeck is still second at Truman in career earned run average (0.85) and strikeouts (392) after posting a career record of 34-18. Billerbeck was a utility player and still holds school marks for single season (171) and career (380) assists, as well as the single game mark for innings pitched (16). She was a first-team all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association selection four times, the only Bulldog to ever accomplish that feat, and was the conference MVP her final year. Billerbeck was an all-Midwest region pick as a junior and senior, and earned third-team all-America honors following her senior campaign.

The Reinbeck, Iowa, native is currently employed by E-WorldTrain in Des Moines, Iowa, as a multi-media digital designer.

Darrell Buffington, a native of Hannibal, Mo., started at offensive guard from 1975-78. He played an important role in the Bulldogs' conference championship season of 1976. Buffington won first-team all-MIAA recognition that year, as well as in his final two years.

He was named honorable mention Associated Press Little All-America, while paving the way for running back Mike Harris, the Division II rushing leader in 1978. During Buffington's first three seasons, he was also a driving force for running back Steve Powell, who ranks fourth in career rushing at Truman. He was named to Truman's All-Century Football Team this fall.

Buffington moved to Milwaukee, Wis., this past summer where he is the foreman on the tension tie cables crew for Danny's Construction Co., on the Miller Park Project, the new stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jim Burchett earned first-team all-MIAA honors in his final three seasons, and was a unanimous choice by the conference coaches as a senior. He also earned honorable mention Associated Press Little All-America honors as a junior and senior. The Don Hansen Football Gazette named Burchett to its third All-America team during his senior season as well.

He also served as the team's long snapper. In his final two campaigns, Burchett was the starting center for another of the 2000 inductees, all-time passing leader Jeff Frost. His senior season as a captain, the team shared the MIAA title.

Burchett was also recently named to the Bulldogs' All-Century football team. He currently resides in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, and is attending Baylor College of Dentistry where he will complete his D.D.S. in June.

Jeff Frost would go on to become Truman's career passing leader with 6,529 yards, still the fourth-best total ever in the MIAA. In 1988, he led the Bulldogs to their most recent MIAA championship, and would take the team to the NCAA Division II playoffs his senior year in 1990. Frost earned first-team all-conference recognition his final season and was selected as the conference offensive MVP.

He threw for 2,122 yards in 1988, 1,990 yards in '89 and 2,295 yards his final season. Frost set Bulldog career records for passing yardage (6,529), total offense (6,504 yards), touchdowns passing (50), passes completed (484), passes attempted (1,022), and offensive plays (1,163), marks which all still stand today. His 6,504 yards of total offense is currently the sixth-best mark in league history. He was one of five quarterbacks to be named to Truman's All-Century football team.

He is currently working on his Ph.D. in criminal justice/criminology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was recently assigned to the Forensic Services Division of the United States Secret Service and to the protection detail for presidential candidate, George. W. Bush.

Mike Duffy qualified for the Division II national tournament all four seasons. Duffy earned all-America status his junior and senior years, placing eighth in '79 and sixth in '80 at nationals. He won three consecutive individual MIAA titles, taking the 142-pound championship match in 1978 and the 150-pound matches the next two seasons.

Duffy was named team MVP twice, and still owns the best career record at 93-20-1, charting 20-plus win seasons in 1977-78 and 1978-79 with 20-7 and 25-5 marks, respectively. He is one of six Bulldogs to ever post at least 30 victories in a season, going 30-3-1 during the 1979-80 campaign. His 150 career takedowns tops the 'Dogs' career list as do his records of 14 consecutive dual wins and eight major decisions.

He is currently a missionary in the Netherlands for the Christar Missions Organization.

Current MIAA Standings

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