Aug. 28, 2000

Truman Football Team Hosts Northern Michigan In Season Opener

THE GAME: Truman State University Bulldogs (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association/NCAA Division II) vs. Northern Michigan University Wildcats (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference/NCAA DII)
DATE: Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000
TIME: 12 p.m. (CDT)
LOCATION: Kirksville, Mo.
FIELD (CAP.): Stokes Stadium (4,000)

BROADCAST: KRES 104.7, Moberly, Mo. Ken Kujawa, play-by-play, and Brad Boyer and Hank Janssen, commentary. The Pregame show begins approximately 30 minutes before the game. Coming soon - regionalradio.com - live KRES broadcasts on the web!

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

ON THE WEB: Information on Bulldog Athletics, including daily scores, can be found at www2.truman.edu/athletics.

TRUMAN: On Saturday, Truman begins a new century of football as the Northern Michigan Wildcats come to town.

The Bulldogs will pick up where they left off last year with a hefty assault through the airways which ranked seventh in all of NCAA Division II at 285.3 yards per game last year. Despite a disappointing 4-7 record and 4-5 mark in the MIAA in 1999, the 'Dogs posted the second-best campaign passing in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association history.

Junior Eric Howe (West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling) returns to lead the team under center. He passed for 2,966 yards, completing 241 of 458 passes and 19 touchdowns. The only better season in Truman or MIAA history was charted by Bulldog Chris Hegg in 1985 (3,741 yards) when Northern Michigan head coach Eric Holm served as quarterback and receiver coach.

Howe will have two of his favorite targets back in honorable mention all-MIAA wide receivers Andrew Blakley (St. Joseph, Mo./Central) and Kevin Collins (Davenport, Iowa/Assumption). Blakley was named MIAA freshman of the year after leading the team with 71 catches for 805 yards, tying for 19th in DII receptions. Collins was second among Bulldog receivers last year with 34 receptions for 700 yards, and is poised to climb the 'Dogs' career receiving yards list after racking up 1,025 in his first two seasons. He was named honorable mention all-conference after placing sixth in yards per game and eighth in catches per game in the league.

The Bulldogs leading rusher was lost to graduation, but will be replaced by sophomore tailback Mike Redding (Lake Zurich, Ill.) who was second among the team's ground-gainers last year with 100 carries for 307 yards.

Three starters return to the offensive line led by honorable mention all-league guard Josh Raaz (Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge), a senior.

Senior free safety John Naeve (Camanche, Iowa) was Truman's only first-team all-MIAA selection last year after leading the Bulldog defensive contingent with 104 tackles, and tying for a team-high with four interceptions.

Senior tackle Curt Cira (St. Louis/Vianney) will anchor the defensive line with help from two other returning regulars, senior ends Leo Smith (Monroe City, Mo.) and Jon Brooks (Moweaqua, Ill./Central A&M). Cira was an honorable mention all-MIAA choice also last year, tying for the team-high with three-and-a-half sacks in '99.

With no returning starters among the linebacking corps, Ware will depend on a group of individuals who saw significant playing time as reserves to assume the reigns for the Bulldogs.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN: The Wildcats posted a 6-4 overall record in '99 and tied for third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference with a 6-3 mark. They return 37 lettermen, including nine starters on offense and six on defense.

The 'Cats feature a balanced attack headed by honorable mention all-conference quarterback Bryan White who enters his third year running the offense. While the 'Cats lost their top receiver to graduation, they have several experienced players left in the stable, including Tony Ebeling who had 24 catches for 297 yards and four TDs.

First-team all-league running back James Randle also returns for his final season in the backfield. He gained 795 yards on the ground last year, along with eight touchdowns, and caught 25 pass receptions. Randle also led the team with 395 yards in kick-off returns.

Unfortunately, Randle broke his thumb last week and will be sidelined for a while. His replacement will be sophomore Terrell Goldsmith who was second among NMU's ground-gainers last year with 119 carries for 668 yards.

The Wildcats have some holes to fill in their 3-4 defensive scheme after losing five starters. Linebacker Shane Richardson is the top returner, finishing second on the team in tackles last year with 76.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN'S RETURNING STATISTICAL LEADERS

Rushing: James Randle, 151 rushes for 795 yards, 8 touchdowns

Passing: Bryan White, 137 of 230 for 1,645 yards, 7 interceptions, 14 TDs

Receptions: James Randle, 25 for 174 yards

Receiving Yards: James Randle, 25 for 174 yards

All-Purpose Yardage: James Randle, 25 for 174 yards

Total Offense: Bryan White, 1,567 yards

Field Goals: Andrew Coster, 6 of 13

Punt Returns: Jamone Mims, 13 for 207 yards

Kickoff Returns: James Randle, 15 for 395 yards

Interceptions: Jason Lawson and Jeff Ives, 2

Scoring: James Randle, 60 points, 10 TDs

Tackles: Shane Richardson, 76

1999 NORTHERN MICHIGAN SCORES

North Dakota, L 29-0; Ashland (Ohio), L 14-10; Saginaw Valley (Mich.), W 42-28; Ferris State (Mich.), L 45-27; Findlay (Ohio), W 32-7; Michigan Tech, W 31-7; Grand Valley State (Mich.), W 51-13; Indianapolis, W 19-7; Northwood (Mich.), L 41-30; Westminster (Pa.), W 33-27

TRUMAN-LAST YEAR: The 'Dogs finished the 1999 campaign with two straight losses to Washburn (Kan.) 52-18 and Pittsburg State (Kan.) 29-17.

SERIES RECORDS: The Bulldogs are 0-4 against Northern Michigan. The last meeting between the teams occurred in 1987 when both head coaches served as assistants to former Truman head coach Jack Ball. The NMU Wildcats won that meeting in Kirksville, 27-13.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET (Sept. 26, 1987): Nearly the whole first quarter dwindled by before either team got on the scoreboard. But the 'Dogs did manage to draw first blood with a 1:20 to go on a 39-yard field goal. The Wildcats struck back at 12:34 in the second stanza, scoring on a one-yard TD run. Ricky Ruff picked off an NMU pass with 3:04 left in the half only to see the 'Cats take a 7-3 lead at intermission after a missed 34-yard field goal by the 'Dogs' kicker.

The Wildcats would force Truman to punt on the first series in the third quarter and go on to take a 13-3 lead in the next possession, following an 8-yard touchdown run.

The heat was turned up in the fourth quarter, beginning with the Bulldogs' third field goal attempt of the day, a 29-yarder, which left the score at 13-6 in favor of the Northern Michigan. But NMU had the answer in the next drive, scoring on a 12-yard pass play.

Truman recovered a fumble on the Northern Michigan 21-yard line with 9:01 left to play and converted it into a touchdown two plays later, the 'Dogs only TD of the game.

But the Wildcats again scored in the next series with a 20-yard run, and would intercept the Truman quarterback on the next drive. The 'Dogs got the ball back with 1:37 left to play only to see the clock run out after four incomplete passes on the NMU 15-yard line.

COACHES RECORDS: Truman head coach John Ware is entering his sixth season at the helm and has a record of 30-24 (.556) in his first stint as a collegiate head coach. In MIAA action, his teams have posted a record of 30-15 (.667). Ware became head coach upon the departure of Eric Holm to Northern Michigan. Holm is 70-38 as a head coach and has posted a record of 33-19 over the past five seasons.

Ware and Holm are well acquainted, having coached together for nine years before Holm left in the spring of '95. They both began their collegiate coaching careers as assistants to former Bulldog head coach Jack Ball. In 1990, Holm assumed the role of head coach for the Bulldogs and guided the team to three of its five postseason appearances over the next five seasons. During that time, Ware served as assistant head coach and offensive line coach.

Holm was also an all-conference receiver for the 'Dogs, earning first-team honors in 1980. He ranks eighth all-time at Truman with 106 career receptions and is 13th with 1,246 yards receiving from 1977-80.

BULLDOGS IN NON-CONFERENCE GAMES AND SEASON OPENERS: The Bulldogs have not won a non-conference game since beating Minnesota State-Mankato 30-28 in the '94 season-opener, Holm's final season at the helm. However, five of the last nine pre-conference outings have been vs. NCAA Division I-AA teams.

TRUMAN INDIVIDUALS CLIMBING CAREER OR SINGLE SEASON LISTS: Saturday, Collins should begin to make head-way toward becoming one of Truman's all-time career receiving leaders. He needs 209 yards to enter the Bulldog career receiving yardage list at 14th.

Howe is already ninth among Truman career passing yards leaders with 3,314 over the last two years. He needs 749 yards to move into the eighth spot held by Steve Thompson with 4,063 (1991-94).

ABOUT THE 'DOGS 2000 SCHEDULE

The 'Dogs' schedule is always tough, both non-conference and as a member of one of the premiere Division II football conferences. This is the first campaign in five years that Truman will not play a Division I-AA team as two DII opponents are scheduled to open the season. After the Northern Michigan encounter, the 'Dogs will then have to get by South Dakota of the North Central Conference, a team to which they have lost the last seven games.

Truman begins the MIAA schedule with Southwest Baptist. The Bulldogs will be looking to avenge last year's loss to SBU, the 'Dogs' first in seven years. Missouri-Rolla, winless last season, will precede the two-time NCAA Division II champion Northwest Missouri.

The remainder of the conference schedule is loaded with teams that have the potential to be DII contenders, beginning with Central Missouri to mark the half-way point in the season. CMSU is followed by Missouri Western, Missouri Southern, Emporia State, Washburn, and perhaps the biggest obstacle for Truman to get by, Pittsburg State.

With six home games on the agenda, including Northern Michigan, SBU and NWMS, the Bulldogs feel they have a slight advantage looking ahead.

This year, the Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs will resume its Division II sponsorship, pitting the highest finishers from the MIAA and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference which do not earn NCAA postseason bids.

'DOGS BY POSITION

Quarterbacks

There is little doubt, baring injury, that Howe will get the starting nod at signal-caller for the Bulldogs in 2000. Last year, a learning curve was evident with the new pass-attack as the 'Dogs averaged just less than 22.5 points a game to their opponents 29.5, and charted 17 interceptions, 11 of which occurred in the first half of the season.

Howe's accuracy and timing improved as the season progressed and during spring ball. All indications point to a good start off the block for Howe this year.

Junior Ryan Sullivan (Burnsville, Minn./Lakeville) saw time in three games as the No. 3 quarterback, completing four of 11 pass attempts for 88 yards, including a 62-yard aerial and two touchdowns. He will push for more time this year as the No. 2 man in lineup heading into the season. Sullivan sustained an injury last week that will likely keep out of the first game.

Incoming freshmen Jake Czeschin (Fulton, Mo.) looks to fill the No. 3 spot, while Austin Hills (Greentop, Mo./Kirksville) will likely redshirt.

Wide Receivers

The receiving corps is loaded with talent, beginning with Blakley in the slot and Collins at flanker, and followed by sophomores Alfonso Pugh (Galesburg, Ill.) and Geoff Jensen (Grinnell, Iowa) at split end. All four men have the potential to shine in an offense that features as many as five wideouts on the field at any time.

Blakley and Collins will resume their starting roles, while Pugh looks to be the starter at split end. However, Pugh will be pushed by Jensen who came on late in the 1999 campaign and had seven catches for 145 yards, the best average (20.7 ypr) on team. He is also slated as the No. 2 flanker. Pugh averaged 19.0 yards per catch in 10 games.

Newcomers Rob Rohrback (Wheaton, Ill/West Chicago), Victor Isidro (Desoto, Mo.), Colin Shaw (Naperville, Ill/North), James Jackson (St. Louis/DeSmet), Justin Johnson (Greentop, Mo./Kirksville) and Mike Pope (West Burlington, Iowa) will vie for playing time among the well-used receivers.

Running Backs

The running backs will be depended on to keep opposing teams honest in the pass-heavy offense, thus playing a crucial role in the Bulldogs' success this year. Redding is ready to take over the starting spot at tailback, and sophomore Carl Swenson (Marshalltown, Iowa) returns as the No. 1 fullback.

Redding will be pushed hard by a pair of redshirted freshmen Wyatt Pickering (Chillicothe, Mo.) and Brian Cosmano (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South). Both had excellent springs and show the potential to be threats at the position.

Senior Steve Wilson (Mexico, Mo.) has been a reserve fullback the last two seasons and will be counted on for his experience. Freshmen Marc Heinecke (Colorado Springs, Colo./Ari Force Prep Academy) could also see time at fullback, while newcomer Zac Toomey (Cumming, Iowa/Valley) will likely redshirt.

Offensive Line

With three starters back and the two remaining spots filled by individuals with plenty of time in under their belts, the offensive line should be solid from every standpoint. Raaz leads the group at left guard where he stood out last year as a junior. He will be looked to as the only senior leader in the offensive trenches.

Sophomore Nick Ruud (Moline, Ill.) returns as the starting center, along with junior Brian Sattler (West Burlington, Iowa/Burlington) at right guard. The trio's experience will be depended on for much-needed pass protection.

Raaz will be relieved by either sophomore Tom Haddox (Washington, Mo.) or senior Ryan Okenfuss (Ste. Genevieve, Mo.), who could also play at center. Freshman Dan Lawellin (Joplin, Mo.) will serve as a reserve guard on the left side if he does not redshirt.

On the other side of center, redshirted freshman Craig Knoth (Cape Girardeau, Mo./Central) will spell Sattler, while true freshmen Joel Van Maaren (Kellogg, Iowa/Newton) and Jeremy Greer (Bolivar, Mo.) will also be used their if needed.

Redshirt freshmen Eric Donohoe (Clive, Iowa/Dowling) and Tom Osborn (Springfield, Ill/sacred Heart-Griffin) will also workout at center.

Junior Brandon Montgomery (St. Louis/SLUH) will serve as the left tackle, but will be pushed by junior transfer Mike Harris (Chandler, Ariz./Dobson) from Phoenix College. Montgomery earned one start last year, but gained valuable experience in 10 games as a reserve tackle, while Harris earned second-team all-conference honors at Phoenix. Redshirt freshman Eric Stewart (Moline, Ill.) could also help out at left tackle.

Sophomore Chris Burns (Moline, Ill.) is slated for the right tackle position after seeing action in six games a year ago and putting in an excellent spring. Junior Damon Motley (Independence, Mo./Fort Osage), who also saw action in six games in '99, and Beau Nelson (Muscatine, Iowa) another newcomer to the team, will back up Burns.

Tight Ends

Junior Jason Riney (Byron, Ill.) got the starting nod at tight end following a successful spring workout. He missed 1999 with an injury but maintained a strong work ethic which has propelled him into a starting role in preseason.

Junior Eric Ess (Edwardsville, Ill.) and senior Chris Sauer (Hannibal, Mo.) will also see time at tight end. Ess played in six games last year and Sauer is a seasoned special teams player and fullback who will make the transition to tight end in his final campaign.

Redshirt freshman Marc Bennett (Payson, Ariz.) and junior Brian Archibald (St. Louis/Lindbergh) should also see time at the position. Incoming freshmen Mark Boston (Roodhouse, Ill./Greenfield) and A.J. Weber (St. Charles, Mo./Duchesne) will likely redshirt.

Defensive Line

The D-line is loaded with experience in the likes of Brooks, Cira, sophomore Curtis Prusha (Marshalltown, Iowa) and Smith, the four starters heading into the fall. Brooks, on the left end, has not missed a game during his career and earned the starting role last year after spending two seasons as a valuable reserve. Smith has been the starter at right defensive end since his sophomore season. He made his mark as a true freshman, leading the team in sacks and should contend for all-conference honors in his final campaign.

Junior end Sterling Brown (Kansas City, Mo./Rockhurst) also returns after serving as a valuable reserve last season.

Junior Jim Marischen (St. Louis/Chaminade) will play behind Brooks to start the year, while redshirt freshman Joe Kummer (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell North) showed great potential in spring drills, finishing in the No. 2 right end slot. Redshirt freshman Justin Kelly (Dexter, Mo.) could also see time among the ends.

A slew of newcomers, Kenneth Atchison (O'Fallon, Mo./Ft. Zumwalt North), Randy Bain (Bolingbrook, Ill.), Matt O'Brien (Ewing, Mo./Highland), Aaron Speropoulos (DeSoto, Mo.), Adair Crowe (Hunnewell, Mo./Monroe City), Quinton O'Brien (Maryland Heights, Mo./Pattonville), Ben Runser (Taylor, Mo./Palmyra) and Nick West (Evanston, Ill./Whitney Young), will vie for playing time if not redshirted for the year.

Prusha came out of spring practice as the starting right tackle, replacing all-conference performer Ethan Owens. Prusha played in nine games behind Owens, charting double-digit tackles in his first season of action. However, senior Joel Shumate (Bloomfield, Iowa/Davis County) will press Prusha for the job after starting five games at tackle each of the past two seasons and seeing action in every game during that time.

Cira will be counted on again at the left tackle spot after earning all-MIAA recognition in '99. Sophomore Doug Knigge (Polk City, Iowa/North Polk) is slated as the No. 2 right tackle. He was a reserve in nine games in his first season.

Redshirt freshmen Dan Bredenkoetter (Florissant, Mo./DeSmet) and Chris Lanfranca (Kansas City, Mo./St. Pius X) will be looking to make their marks among the tackles, while incoming freshmen Ted Guisinger (Clive, Iowa/Dowling) and Drew Ramaker (Keokuk, Iowa) will most likely redshirt their first seasons as Bulldogs.

Linebackers

The linebackers may suffer growing pains as a completely new group of starters take the field. On the Weakside, Bryan Johnson (Byron, Ill.) got the nod after a good spring season. He was a reserve in all 11 games of the 1999 campaign. Redshirt freshman Derek Kent (Lucas, Iowa/Chariton) and junior Anthony Donnelly (Fayette, Mo.) will provide ample competition for the job.

Judd Leinhard (Louisiana, Mo.) finished second among the returners in total tackles with 73 as a redshirt freshman last year and started four games. He seems to have a lock on the Mike inside linebacking spot. He will be helped by redshirt freshmen Tameem Yehyawi (Keokuk, Iowa), who showed his potential in spring drills, as well as Justin Ream (DeSoto, Mo./St. Pius X).

Sophomore Jake Willrich (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes) will take over at strong inside linebacker after finishing sixth in total tackles, and third among the returners with 63 stops in '99. Sophomore Nick Weite (Ottumwa, Iowa) will push Willrich for the job, but will need to make the transition to linebacker after spending last year on the offensive line. Both men were also valuable special teams players.

Newcomers Andrew Cowherd (Boonville, Mo.), Matt Derry (Rockford, Ill/Boylan), Sean Morris (Carol Stream, Ill./West Chicago), Grant McCaulley (Moline, Ill.), Jacob Freeman (Center Point, Iowa/Center Point-Urbana), Mike Mowen (Rockton, Ill./Honenegah) and Dominick Scalise (Owensville, Mo.) will serve as the reserve corps at linebacker.

The strong safety spot will be filled by Adam Meyer (New Haven, Mo./St. Francis Borgia) who was a valuable backup to Naeve last year as a redshirt freshman. Meyer put in an excellent spring, edging ahead of junior Dominick Wright (Olathe, Kan./North) who is sitting in the No. 2 strong safety spot heading into the 2000 season. Wright could challenge Meyer for the starting assignment after spending the past two seasons as a backup DB.

Transfer Billy Bundy (Vancouver, Wa./Battle Ground) will also vie for time at strong safety. He sat out the '99 season at Clark College in Vancouver, Wa., after a successful high school career. Newcomers Ben Wilson (San Diego, Calif./Scripps Ranch) and Scott Smith (Lawrence, Kan./Free State) will practice their skills at strong safety.

Defensive Backs

Two returning starters and a game savvy replacement make up the defensive backs for the 'Dogs.

Naeve heads the group as the team's top returner. He is one of he fastest players on the team with the athletic ability needed at safety. Naeve moves over to free safety this year, and will be helped by junior Tayton Fain (St. Louis/SLUH) and sophomore Lance Dorsey (Hannibal, Mo.). Fain and Dorsey played in every game last year, serving the majority of the time on special teams.

The corners should have experience on their side as sophomore Justin Walter (Chillicothe, Mo.) returns to his starting role on the field side, while Toko Nguyen (Quincy, Ill./Notre Dame) is back at boundary corner after starting the first part of the '99 season there before an injury took him out of the mix for five mid-season games. Walter made an impact as a redshirt freshman in '99 tallying 47 total stops to finish among the team's top 10 tacklers and fourth among the returners. Nguyen has all the potential to be an excellent defensive back and will be looking to make his final season his best.

Walter will be spelled by sophomore Philip Lay (Rock Hill, Mo./Webster Groves) or redshirt freshman Matt Marble (Blue Springs, Mo.), while David Winslow, II (Bridgeton, Mo./Pattonville), is expected to redshirt.

Redshirt freshmen Anthony Binion (Chicago/Fenwick) and Shaun Lowery (Dolton, Ill./Thornridge) will relieve Nguyen, while incoming freshman Joshua Zillner (St. Joseph, Mo./Central) could be redshirted.

Kickers & Punters

Sophomore Austin Lepper (Ames, Iowa/Gilbert) took over punting duties as a true freshman last year and averaged 35.2 yards per kick. He returns to his role as punter, but will also assume the job of kicker after the loss of all-America Jeff Klee.

Redshirt freshman Luke Walczruski (St. Joseph, Ill./Univ., of Illinois Lab.) will serve as backup to Lepper, while walk-on Brad Wuelling (St. Charles, Mo./Duchesne) will vie for playing time.

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