http://www.d3sports.com RSS Feed for www.d3sports.com en-us D3sports.com RSS Software 1.1 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:15:01 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/03/7085/garcon-back-at-center-stage.html Pierre Garcon became the first Division III player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl since 1992 and finished with five catches for 66 yards, but in the end his Indianapolis Colts lost to the New Orleans Saints 31-17.

Garcon took center stage for the Colts in the playoffs, first when Haiti was struck with a devastating earthquake and second when he caught an AFC Championship Game-record 11 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Jets that propelled the Colts to the Super Bowl.

To Division III fans, this is nothing new. The most rabid of us knew Garcon when he was a freshman at Norwich, catching four touchdown passes against St. John Fisher in 2004. Or they got to know him when he transferred to Mount Union. Or perhaps when he went airborne in Stagg Bowl XXXIV, leaping over a UW-Whitewater defender into the end zone for a dramatic touchdown.

But if you're new to D3football.com and just learning about Pierre Garcon's Division III connections for the first time, here's some background reading as you get ready for Super Bowl XLIV:
• FAQ: What Division III players are in the NFL?
• How Garcon got to Mount Union
• Garcon studying for test at next level
• Studebaker, Garcon drafted

For more recent articles about Pierre Garcon and other Division III football players in professional football, check out our What We're Reading feed about D-III pros.

Garcon isn't Division III's only connection to Sunday's big game, however. Adam Zimmer, who played safety at Trinity (Texas), won a Super Bowl ring as an assistant coach for the Saints. Wabash alumnus Pete Metzelaars, perhaps the most recognizable Division III alumnus in the NFL after four Super Bowls as a tight end for the Buffalo Bills, is the assistant offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts. Metzelaars was the last Division III player to score in the Super Bowl, catching a touchdown pass from Jim Kelly in Super Bowl XXVI. Wabash has written a feature on his career. And former Baldwin-Wallace linebacker Tony Oden is an assistant defensive backs coach for the New Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:35:39 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/03/7085/garcon-back-at-center-stage.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/26/7062/top-moments-of-2009.html Around the Nation Year in Review
In the end, yes, the same two teams played for the national championship of Division III football in 2009, and the champion wears purple. (If you're one of those haters, perhaps you can find solace in the fact that it's a different shade of purple than the 10 other times Walnut and Bronze has been hoisted in Salem.)

But there were 1,240 other games played this past season. And 236 other teams that participated. Those stories -- the surprises, steps forward, steps backward and other memorable moments from 2009 -- take center stage in part two of Keith McMillan's Around the Nation Year in Review.

The final column of the 2009 season also takes a look back at some of the first things we and others attempted to do this season: predict what would happen. Keith breaks down the various preseason polls and rankings and also looks back at the predictions our band of experts put forth in Kickoff 2009. That and more in Around the Nation.

We also review the off-field high points of the season, or perhaps, the images captured on the field by those who observe it from the sidelines: our photographers. See their top picks as pics of the season.

One more thing: Congratulations to Bashbrother, who won the 2009 D3football.com Playoff Pick'em contest! Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:27:20 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/26/7062/top-moments-of-2009.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/11/27/6962/second-round-intrigue.html Will Coe continue its upset streak?

Will Mary Hardin-Baylor avenge its Stagg Bowl XXXII loss?

Will Wittenberg shut down another offense?

Will Delaware Valley pull off the season sweep?

Will Wesley continue its roll on offense?

Will Johns Hopkins end another team's unbeaten run?

And will anyone challenge Mount Union or UW-Whitewater this week?

Those are just some of the storylines for this week's second-round playoff action. Check out Saturday's schedule, including links to audio, video and live stats.

Playoff toolbox: Updated 2009 bracket | Pick 'em login | Team capsulesTriple Take | Playoff feature stories | Second-round scoreboardD3football.com will be broadcasting live from Wesley-Mississippi College and Thomas More-Johns Hopkins. Kickoff at noon local time for all games.

In St. Paul, Minn., it's the last remaining IIAC and MIAC teams squaring off, only it's the conference's runners-up, Coe at St. Thomas. Coe will be going without starting quarterback Brad Boyle, who separated his shoulder in last week's win at St. John's. A pair of rematches dot the schedule: the immediate rematch between Albright and Delaware Valley (feature) and the long-term rematch between Linfield and Mary Hardin-Baylor (feature).

Gagliardi Trophy: Click here to cast your ballot
Johns Hopkins had never thrown for 300 yards in back-to-back games before it finished its first-round upset of Hampden-Sydney with 303 through the air. Thomas More gave up 318 yards in last week's 49-39 win against DePauw.

Mount Union's defense is back on a roll, having allowed just 14 points over the past five games, while the offense has scored between 55 and 58 in each of those contests.

On Saturday we'll have our live game day blog, we'll be updating the scoreboard and you can follow @D3football on Twitter to get even more detail from the eight second-round games. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:34:59 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/11/27/6962/second-round-intrigue.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6856/fdu-s-one-man-army.html You don't have to look at FDU-Florham's statistics long to know the key to the Devils' offense. Heading into Saturday's game at Delaware Valley, quarterback Bill Winters accounted for 345 of the team's 420 yards per game -- 270 passing, 74 running and a catch for good measure.

The season-long leading rusher and leading passer, Winters still isn't a household name, despite leading the Devils to a win against Delaware Valley last season and nearly upsetting Alfred in Week 2, throwing for 240 yards and running for another 119.

While wins have been hard to come by, records have not for Winters. He has already broken the college's all-time records for completions and passing yards and has the touchdown record in sight. D3football.com's Gordon Mann caught up with Winters and his coach Rich Mosca after Saturday's game to talk about his development as a quarterback, their goals for the rest of the season and what Winters' legacy at FDU-Florham should be.

Hear more in a D3football.com Podcast. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:13:29 EDT http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6856/fdu-s-one-man-army.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6857/fdu-s-one-man-army.html You don't have to look at FDU-Florham's statistics long to know the key to the Devils' offense. Heading into Saturday's game at Delaware Valley, quarterback Bill Winters accounted for 345 of the team's 420 yards per game -- 270 passing, 74 running and a catch for good measure.

The season-long leading rusher and leading passer, Winters still isn't a household name, despite leading the Devils to a win against Delaware Valley last season and nearly upsetting Alfred in Week 2, throwing for 240 yards and running for another 119.

While wins have been hard to come by, records have not for Winters. He has already broken the college's all-time records for completions and passing yards and has the touchdown record in sight. D3football.com's Gordon Mann caught up with Winters and his coach Rich Mosca after Saturday's game to talk about his development as a quarterback, their goals for the rest of the season and what Winters' legacy at FDU-Florham should be.

Hear more in a D3football.com Podcast. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:13:47 EDT http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6857/fdu-s-one-man-army.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6858/fdu-s-one-man-army.html You don't have to look at FDU-Florham's statistics long to know the key to the Devils' offense. Heading into Saturday's game at Delaware Valley, quarterback Bill Winters accounted for 345 of the team's 420 yards per game -- 270 passing, 74 running and a catch for good measure.

The season-long leading rusher and leading passer, Winters still isn't a household name, despite leading the Devils to a win against Delaware Valley last season and nearly upsetting Alfred in Week 2, throwing for 240 yards and running for another 119.

While wins have been hard to come by, records have not for Winters. He has already broken the college's all-time records for completions and passing yards and has the touchdown record in sight. D3football.com's Gordon Mann caught up with Winters and his coach Rich Mosca after Saturday's game to talk about his development as a quarterback, their goals for the rest of the season and what Winters' legacy at FDU-Florham should be.

Hear more in a D3football.com Podcast.

Scroll down for more coverage from the week, including new Around the Region columns. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:14:32 EDT http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/10/14/6858/fdu-s-one-man-army.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/08/21/6766/daniels-back-on-the-field.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:37:46 EDT http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/08/21/6766/daniels-back-on-the-field.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/12/12/6202/semifinal-showdowns.html Kmic becomes NCAA's all-time leading rusher
We're headed for a Stagg Bowl featuring UW-Whitewater and Mount Union for the fourth year in a row.

Mount Union punched its 12th ticket to Salem with a 45-24 semifinal victory against Wheaton (photo gallery). Defending champion UW-Whitewater, which finished second to the Purple Raiders in 2005 and 2006, defeated Mary Hardin-Baylor in the semifinals for the second year in a row, winning 39-13 in Belton, Texas.

Nate Kmic became the NCAA's all-time leading rusher in his final home game, carrying 29 times for 310 yards and three touchdowns to spark the Purple Raiders. Kmic's career rushing total of 7,986 yards surpasses the mark Danny Woodhead of Division II Chadron State set last season at 7,962 yards.

Vince Petruziello added nine receptions for 133 yards as Mount Union outgained Wheaton 657-346, including a 432-90 edge in rushing yards. Clantz Liggett had six tackles and a pair of sacks for the Purple Raiders defense.

UW-Whitewater outscored UMHB 27-3 in the second half, and got 106 rushing yards from Antwan Anderson to earn the right to defend their title. Quarterback Jeff Donovan completed 16 passes to eight receivers, with three touchdowns, and the defense held the Crusaders to 236 total yards.

Playoff toolbox: Bracket | Pick 'em | See Salem in style! | Playoff photos All-Region | Wheaton feature | Mount Union feature | Gagliardi finalistsDonovan looked strong on a day not conducive to putting the ball in the air. With a wind of more than 30 mph blowing out of the south end zone all day, kickoffs were an adventure, including the opening kickoff of the second half. It traveled minus-6 yards and was recovered by Mary Hardin-Baylor, though since it hadn't landed 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, it was given to Whitewater. The Warhawks were in the end zone one play later en route to a 20-point third quarter which blew the game open. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:39:38 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/12/12/6202/semifinal-showdowns.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/11/15/6125/selection-show-airing.html The Selection Show is airing on ESPNews right now. At approximately 3:20 when the show ends, we are allowed to post the bracket. Please don't overload the site by hitting refresh frequently. It's the best time of the year here at D3football.com! Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:31:34 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/11/15/6125/selection-show-airing.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/09/17/5994/a-brutal-two-weeks.html Around the Nation
Any schedule in the Ohio Athletic Conference faces multiple challenges, and nine teams must take on Mount Union on an annual basis. And since the conference is rather large, someone must face the Purple Raiders right out of the gate.

This year, that's Ohio Northern. And the Polar Bears just had a bit of a challenge themselves in this past week's opener. But, far from it being the (bad) luck of the draw, it was all part of the design for Dean Paul's squad.

Ohio Northern is the last team to beat Mount Union in the regular season, and they did it under extreme circumstances. Keith McMillan digs in in this week's Around the Nation.

Who has a surprising start? Keith details a handful of those on the good and not-so-good side through two weeks. Plus, Keith's First and Ten notes for Week 2 and Week 3, as well as a look at the bottom of his Top 25 ballot.

That and more in this week's Around the Nation. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:32:53 EDT http://www.d3football.com/notables/2008/09/17/5994/a-brutal-two-weeks.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/05/7088/springfield-to-move-to-liberty-league.html Springfield will join the Liberty League as an associate member in the sport of football beginning with the 2012 football season. The announcement was made today by Jim McLaughlin, Liberty League president and athletic director at Union.

"We're delighted to welcome Springfield College as an associate member in the sport of football into the Liberty League," said McLaughlin. "We look forward to the participation and contribution of Springfield College for many years to come and we're excited to be increasing our presence in the New England area."

Springfield has been a member of the Empire 8 since the breakup of the Freedom Football Conference. The Empire 8 will be able to retain its automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs because associate members Frostburg State and Salisbury will be joining the league before Springfield departs. Buffalo State joins the Empire 8 in 2012, leaving the Empire 8 with eight football members in Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:03:54 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/05/7088/springfield-to-move-to-liberty-league.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/03/7083/ittersagen-signs-with-argonauts.html Wheaton graduate Pete Ittersagen has signed a contract to join the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

Ittersagen signed as an undrafted free agent with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars last April. He was in the Jaguars' training camp and played in Jacksonville's four preseason games as he accumulated six total tackles, including four solo stops. He recorded an interception in the Jaguars' first preseason game against Miami. He also returned two punts in the preseason, with returns of 14 and 13 yards.

Ittersagen graduated from Wheaton in December 2008 with a degree in business and economics. His 60 career passes defended, is fifth all-time in Division III history in the category. Ittersagen's five career punt returns for a touchdown established a school record, as did his nine career touchdown returns (five punt, three interception and one kick).

He is the program's all-time leader in punt return yardage with 65 punts Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:39:53 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/03/7083/ittersagen-signs-with-argonauts.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/02/7080/widener-names-its-new-coach.html Widener announced that Isaac Collins, defensive coordinator for The Citadel has been named the university's 22nd football coach. Collins becomes the first African-American head football coach in Widener history, and only the fifth active one in NCAA Division III.

Collins joins Chapman's Bob Owens, Salisbury's Sherman Wood, DePauw's Robby Long and another offseason hire, Greenville's Ordell Walker, as the only African-American head football coaches in Division III out of nearly 240 programs, according to D3football.com research.

&&f-boxr&&Collins previously served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Delaware in 2005 and at Lehigh from 2000 to 2003. In addition, Collins participated in the National Football League Minority Fellowship Program, completing coaching internships for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 and the New York Giants in 1999.

“We were looking for a head coach whose values align with Widener's mission and who has the ability to lead our team to success on and off the Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:39:15 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/02/7080/widener-names-its-new-coach.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/02/7081/capital-coach-leaves-for-naia-school.html Jim Bickel has resigned as coach at Capital effective immediately after nine seasons on staff, two as head coach, to take the defensive coordinator position at NAIA Ohio Dominican. He was 12-8 in two seasons.

Athletic director Dawn Stewart announced Capital has started a national search for a new coach. "Jim is a good coach with a strong work ethic," Stewart said. "We appreciate his service to Capital as he has been an integral part of the success of this football program. We wish Jim well in his new role at Ohio Dominican."

"I truly enjoyed nine great years at Capital," said Bickel who was named head coach at Capital, in 2008 after spending the previous seven seasons as associate head coach/defensive coordinator under Jim Collins.

Bickel's impact on the Capital program has been a smart, aggressive defense that has produced a national defensive player of the year, four All-American Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:32:55 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/02/02/7081/capital-coach-leaves-for-naia-school.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/27/7066/award-winning-assistant-named-puget-sound-head-coach.html After a nationwide search yielded more than 130 applicants, Puget Sound has named Jeff Thomas football coach. The 2009 Division III AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year has served as the offensive coordinator for Redlands for the past three years before recently moving over to the defensive coordinator position.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be the next head football coach at the University of Puget Sound. I will bring an enthusiastic, well-disciplined approach to the football program," said Thomas. "I look forward to working hand in hand with our team as we develop the success on the field that our student-athletes already experience off of it."

Thomas has been a member of the Redlands staff since 2003 and the team has won two SCIAC titles. He has worked both sides of the ball serving as coach of the defensive backs and wide receivers as well as serving as special Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:08:26 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/27/7066/award-winning-assistant-named-puget-sound-head-coach.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/24/7058/garcon-puts-d-iii-back-in-super-bowl.html Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon caught 11 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown as Indianapolis defeated the New York Jets 30-17 on Sunday to reach Super Bowl XLIV.

Garcon, who was a two-time D3football.com first team All-American at receiver for Mount Union, gives Division III football a player in the Super Bowl for the second consecutive season. Former Trinity (Texas) receiver, Jerheme Urban, himself a D3football.com first-team All-American, played in Super Bowl XLIII for the Arizona Cardinals last season, catching a pass for 18 yards.

"It's all up to awesome work from the guys ahead of me, like Reggie (Wayne), Gonzo (Anthony Gonzalez), all the guys," Garcon said on CBS after the game, holding the flag of Haiti, where he has relatives. "They just tell me to stay motivated and keep it in there and just play hard, because that's all it about -- trying to do it for the Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:02:29 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/24/7058/garcon-puts-d-iii-back-in-super-bowl.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/20/7052/former-wartburg-player-loses-battle-with-lupus.html Nico Botembe, a recent Wartburg alumnus and member of the football team, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, as a result of lupus. Botembe played a key role on the defensive line for the Knights from 2006-08, earning first team all-Iowa Conference honors at the end of the 2007 season and helping lead Wartburg to the NCAA Division III national quarterfinals and an Iowa Conference championship in 2008.

As a senior, Botembe had 35 tackles, 19 solo, including 11 tackles for loss and six sacks as Wartburg went 10-3.

"Nico was a kind, thoughtful, and fun-loving guy of huge stature," recalled Wartburg coach Rick Willis. "He was a gentle giant who was respected and loved by his teammates and classmates alike, certainly as popular a player as we have had in our program with everyone. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched."

According to the Waterloo Cedar Falls Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:01:27 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/20/7052/former-wartburg-player-loses-battle-with-lupus.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/19/7049/austin-college-coach-steps-down.html After four seasons at the helm of the Austin football team, coach Ronnie Gage will be stepping down from that position after accepting the same position at Barbers Hill ISD in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Gage will also serve as Barbers Hill's athletics director.

Gage was 17-22, 9-17 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

"My time at Austin College has been an enjoyable experience," said Gage. "I have met many people through the experience and have made many friends. The people I have worked with and worked under are first class. I will miss the players and I know the program is headed in the right direction. Their commitment and effort are commended. Austin College is a first-class institution, and I know the high standards of success will always be a draw."

Gage came to Austin prior to the 2006 campaign, and the 'Roos led the SCAC in rushing each of the four Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:46:16 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/19/7049/austin-college-coach-steps-down.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/17/7044/anderson-gets-another-year-for-whitworth.html Whitworth's request for a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA for All-American running back Adam Anderson has been approved, according to Northwest Conference commissioner Matt Newman. Anderson will now have another year of eligibility and can play for the Pirates in 2010.

"We are excited that Adam has been granted another year of eligibility," said Whitworth coach John Tully. "Having his leadership, work ethic and ability back for this coming season greatly enhances our team's chances to make another run at the league championship and participate in the national playoffs."

Anderson played in only one full game in 2009. He suffered a severe ankle sprain on the opening kickoff of Whitworth's second game of the season, against La Verne. He attempted to return in the fifth game of the year, at Willamette, but re-sprained the ankle in the first quarter and missed the remainder of the season.

Anderson, a two-time NWC Offensive Player Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:50:01 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/17/7044/anderson-gets-another-year-for-whitworth.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/12/7036/kehres-named-afca-president.html Mount Union coach Larry Kehres will lead the American Football Coaches Association in 2010 as president of the organization.

Kehres, who moves up from first vice-president of the Association, succeeds outgoing president Dick Tomey of San Jose State. Kehres was elected president by members attending the Association's 2010 convention this week in Orlando.

"Serving on the board has been a great honor," Kehres said. "Moving into the presidency is an even greater honor and responsibility. I'm going to do the best that I can to live up to what it has become under the men who preceeded me."

In addition to Kehres, 2010 AFCA officers include first vice-president Rob Ash of Montana State; second vice-president Tim Murphy of Harvard and third vice-president Rich Rodriguez of Michigan.

Also serving on the Board in 2010: Mike Welch, Ithaca; Jim Tressel, Ohio State; Mack Brown, University of Texas; Lee Owens, Ashland; Jim Grobe, Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:20:57 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/12/7036/kehres-named-afca-president.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/10/7035/wabash-sophomore-dies-after-surgery.html Wabash sophomore Josh Linthicum, died Monday, Jan. 4, as a result of complications from surgery at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati.

Linthicum, 19, was a history major with hopes of attending law school after graduating from Wabash. He also worked in the Wabash athletics training room.

"The entire Wabash community is saddened by this tragic news, and our thoughts and prayers are with Josh's family," said Wabash president Patrick White. "Josh was an extremely likable guy, who was full of spirit and had a zest for life. I know that he loved attending Wabash and being a part of the Wabash football team.

"He will be missed by all of us at the college."

A member of the Wabash football team, Linthicum played in four games this season on the offensive line for the Little Giants.

"Josh always stopped by my office when he was headed to work in the training room just Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:14:21 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/10/7035/wabash-sophomore-dies-after-surgery.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/08/7031/empire-8-adds-buff-state-to-affiliate-list.html Buffalo State will join Empire 8 football starting in 2012 as affiliate members. The Bengals will join Alfred, affiliate Frostburg State, Hartwick, Ithaca, affiliates Salisbury and Springfield, St. John Fisher and Utica. Frostburg State and Salisbury were previously announced as joining as affiliates in 2011.

Buffalo State went 2-8 this past season. The former East Region power has had just one four-win season since 2000.

"Speaking for the Empire 8 and all of our members, we are indeed pleased to have Buffalo State join us as conference affiliate in football," said Thomas Meier, president of the Empire 8 and of Elmira College. Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano added, "We are very excited to begin this partnership with Buffalo State. They are a fine academic institution with a rich and storied football history that will add to the quality of the football conference. For many years, college football fans Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:59:33 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/08/7031/empire-8-adds-buff-state-to-affiliate-list.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/06/7028/widener-coach-steps-down.html Widener announced that David Wood has resigned his duties as head football and golf coach due to medical reasons and to spend more time with his family.

In Wood's seven years as head football coach, he amassed a 41-32 record. The Pride won the Middle Atlantic Conference championship in 2007 and Eastern College Athletic Conference bowl games in 2005 and 2006. Wood served as an assistant coach from 1991-1995 and again from 1997-2002. Wood has also served as head golf coach for 10 years.

A 1991 graduate of Widener, Wood was a two-time All-MAC player, receiving citations as a Division III All-American and Academic All-District player as a senior.

"I want to thank Dave Wood for his years of dedicated service to Widener University and the football team," athletics director Jack Shafer said. "Dave has worked very hard to maintain a high level of competitiveness on the field and we appreciate his Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:19:03 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2010/01/06/7028/widener-coach-steps-down.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/23/7018/olivet-hires-coach-of-high-school-state-champs.html President Donald L. Tuski has announced the appointment of Rich Hulkow as head football coach at Olivet. Hulkow recently led Marshall High School to its second Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 state championship and was named the 2009 Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Year.

Hulkow replaces Dominic Livedoti, who had a 39-54-3 record in 10 years and two stints at head coach, including 1-19 over the past two seasons and 18 consecutive losses. Hulkow will assume head coaching duties for the Comets in January.

"Olivet College is excited to have such an accomplished coach heading up our football program," said Tuski. "Hulkow brings experience and tremendous success, and we are looking forward to our first game next fall."

Hulkow, who has coached at Marshall High since 1984, posted a 210-84 record with 11 league titles, five state semifinal appearances, three championship finals appearances and two MHSAA championships. He Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:35:53 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/23/7018/olivet-hires-coach-of-high-school-state-champs.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/23/7019/otterbein-coordinator-takes-hiram-job.html Hiram officials appointed Randy Moore, 50, as football coach. Moore comes to Hiram from Otterbein, where he served as defensive coordinator for the past seven years. He replaces Bob Wolfe, who was 3-27 at Hiram and retired at the end of the season.

“Randy is a seasoned and successful coach with extensive experience at the NCAA Div. III level,” said athletic director Tom Mulligan. “He is a relentless recruiter and an excellent tactician who has spent the majority of his 27-year coaching career representing selective liberal arts institutions. He is a good fit for Hiram. We're excited to be able to attract a coach with his experience and energy.”

At Otterbein, Moore was part of the staff which led the 2008 and 2009 teams to 17 victories and the institution's first berth in the NCAA playoffs. Prior to joining the staff at Otterbein, Moore served as defensive coordinator at Hope, head coach Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:23:57 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/23/7019/otterbein-coordinator-takes-hiram-job.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/19/7016/defense-key-for-warhawks.html By Keith McMillan
D3football.com

SALEM -- Levell Coppage took a handoff, bounced outside, darted 31 yards to the pylon and turned Division III on its head once again.

Mount Union's stirring comeback from a 28-14 halftime deficit to tie Stagg Bowl XXXVII until Coppage's clinching score with 1:17 left nearly ended with the Purple Raiders' 11th national championship in 13 trips to Salem, and fourth in five games here against UW-Whitewater. Instead, the Warhawks finished what they started, and their 38-28 win was their second in three seasons under D3football.com Coach of the Year Lance Leipold.

UW-Whitewater's victory meant it has alternated national championships the past four seasons with Mount Union, cementing the Warhawks' spot as The Machine's equal. And there are Division III fans who claim to be bored seeing the same two teams face off in Salem year after year, there was nary a negative thought to be uttered as Saturday's Stagg Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:02:04 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/19/7016/defense-key-for-warhawks.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7013/whatever-it-takes.html By Matt Florjancic, D3sports.com

It is not often that Mount Union looks vulnerable, but that was the case through the first three quarters of their 24-7 national semifinal win over Wesley last Saturday afternoon.

The Purple Raiders, the reigning and defending national champions, lost quarterback Kurt Rocco to an injury after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Wesley's strong safety Aaron Benson late in the first quarter. True freshman Neal Seaman came into the game, but went just three-of-nine passing the football, so Coach Larry Kehres made a change.

Kehres went with All-American wide receiver Cecil Shorts at quarterback, the position he played at Collinwood High School in Cleveland, and as a backup for the Purple Raiders earlier in his career.

“Cecil was a quarterback when he came to Mount Union,” said Kehres. “He hasn't practiced a lot of quarterback lately. That's probably a mistake by us, but he's a veteran and I felt that Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:18:12 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7013/whatever-it-takes.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7014/mount-s-perfect-weapon.html Two years ago, Cecil Shorts was a backup quarterback for Mount Union and occasional wide receiver. And this year, while the Purple Raiders toyed with him at quarterback in the preseason, his snaps have been almost exclusively in the Wildcat.

But, when Kurt Rocco went down in the semifinals against Wesley and freshman Neal Seaman had little success, Shorts was called on for more than the occasional snap. And he responded 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Mount Union advanced to Stagg Bowl XXXVII.

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There won't be a decision made on Rocco's status until late Friday and we won't know who will start until Saturday's kickoff. But Shorts will be on the field regardless, doing whatever Mount Union needs on offense. More in a Road to Salem feature by Matt Florjancic.

The Stagg Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:27:15 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7014/mount-s-perfect-weapon.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7015/snow-kidding-it-s-stagg-time-.html It took a full season and 60 minutes of Stagg Bowl action but we finally have an answer to the question whether Mount Union or UW-Whitewater is the best in Division III football in 2009. Levell Coppage's 31-yard touchdown broke a 28-28 tie and gave UW-Whitewater the national championship by an eventual final of 38-28.

With the win, the Warhawks re-affirmed that there is a double dynasty atop Division III football, Keith McMillan writes.

UW-Whitewater scored on all four of its first half possessions and converted all nine of its third down conversions to build a 28-14 lead at the break. Warhawks quarterback Jeff Donovan threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone.

Mount Union came out of the locker room and stopped UW-Whitewater on its first possession, swinging momentum in its favor. Purple Raiders quarterback Kurt Rocco threw for one touchdown and Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:21:24 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7015/snow-kidding-it-s-stagg-time-.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7020/vallery-shorts-take-home-top-honors.html Wittenberg defensive end Eddie Vallery was named the D3football.com Defensive Player of the Year and Mount Union wide receiver Cecil Shorts was named the D3football.com Offensive Player of the Year in the site's annual awards. Lance Leipold, coach of UW-Whitewater, was named D3football.com Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.

We named the full D3football.com All-American team in the pregame show for Stagg Bowl XXXVII, but reserved the final decision on the top awards until after the game. And while the Stagg Bowl provided a great deal of guidance for our Coach of the Year decision, it didn't help our Offensive Player of the Year call or have much impact on the Defensive Player of the Year. It sparked a detailed discussion on the postgame show, captured in the Around the Nation Podcast. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:17:32 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/18/7020/vallery-shorts-take-home-top-honors.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7007/familiar-sights.html By Ryan Tipps, D3sports.com

SALEM -- Seating arrangements? Check.

Airport information? Check.

In-region transportation? Check.

With five straight Stagg Bowl appearances, the administrators at Mount Union and UW-Whitewater know the drill in Salem, and that makes the job of Carey Harveycutter that much easier.

Harveycutter is director of facilities at the Salem Civic Center, which has hosted 58 NCAA championships, including Division III title games in football, basketball and softball. He and the Salem staff have grown comfortable working with UW-W athletic director Paul Plinske and MUC's Paul Hesse, who is assistant to athletic director Larry Kehres.

The fact that the administrators have been consistent for so many years streamlines the process in the days leading up to Saturday.

"The part that really is easier is when we're at the two semifinals and I go meet with Paul Plinske to go over the tickets, I don't have to explain everything," Harveycutter said. "The first time we Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:36:34 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7007/familiar-sights.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7008/all-purple-no-problem.html Purple Bowl V might be repetitive to some, namely anyone not a fan of Mount Union and UW-Whitewater. We get that. We might not feel the same but we get where you're coming from.

One good thing, though, is it makes the whole Stagg Bowl process run much more smoothly.

Getting two teams into Salem on a few days' notice, setting them up with local transportation and all sorts of logistical issues are old hat for both Mount Union and UW-Whitewater.

This is where the Road to Salem gets literal. More in a Road to Salem feature by Ryan Tipps.

The Stagg Bowl isn't the only game going on this weekend, however. A D-III all-star team is in Mexico getting ready for the Tazon de Estrellas, the bowl of stars game in Mexico. Follow along all week as the U.S. team posts about their experiences on the Daily Dose.

Playoff toolbox: 2009 bracket Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:54:08 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7008/all-purple-no-problem.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7009/warhawks-look-to-learn-from--08-breakdown.html By Bill Huber for D3sports.com

It took just seven snaps on offense for Mount Union to put a death grip on last year's Stagg Bowl victory over Whitewater.

The Raiders' first drive ended with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Greg Micheli to Cecil Shorts. Their second drive ended with a 41-yard Micheli-to-Shorts strike.

Just like that, Shorts had caught three passes for 109 yards and Mount Union led 14-0.

"I finally watched the game for the first time the other day," Warhawks senior safety Paul Wick said. "Looking at it, I was like, 'What the heck was I doing?' I was doing things I hadn't done all year. You know, coming up on the play fakes. I seriously thought I was playing like a freshman in high school let alone as a junior in college. I think definitely nerves was a bit of a factor, guys thinking that maybe they needed to do more Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:35:18 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7009/warhawks-look-to-learn-from--08-breakdown.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7010/won-t-be-fooled-again-.html At least, not by Cecil Shorts' speed. Cornerbacks have to have a short memory, although surely nobody at UW-Whitewater has forgotten Mount Union's first two TDs in last year's Stagg Bowl.

Those came as the Purple Raiders wide receiver somehow got behind the Warhawks secondary twice, pulled in long passes and sprinted to the end zone. UW-Whitewater adjusted and kept Mount Union in check for most of the rest of the game, but it was too late.

This year, the Warhawks know better what Shorts is capable of. The secondary knows it has to prepare for its biggest challenge of the season, even if it's unknown whether Shorts will play receiver or quarterback. Or both.

Keeping the Mount Union offense in check, in a Road to Salem feature by Bill Huber.

Plus, check back for more playoff coverage all week on D3football.com, including a feature on Mount Union, more blog posts, a new Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:24:46 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/16/7010/won-t-be-fooled-again-.html http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/15/7003/gagliardi-goes-to-a-lineman.html For the first time in the 16-year history of the Gagliardi Trophy, the award has been given to an offensive lineman.

On Tuesday, Augustana tackle Blaine Westemeyer will be named winner of the award, which is given to the top Division III football student-athlete and takes on-field performance, academics and community service into account. Fourteen of the previous 15 winners have played either quarterback, running back or wide receiver, with the sole exception being Wesley safety Rocky Meyers in 2004.

The award is named after St. John's coach John Gagliardi, the winningest coach in NCAA football history.

A four-year starter at offensive tackle, Westemeyer was a big reason why the Vikings consistently ranked in the top 10 in Division III in rushing offense during his first three years. This year Augustana threw the ball quite a bit more and Westemeyer was a big factor as sophomore quarterback David Lee erased Ken Anderson, former Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:53:57 EST http://www.d3football.com/notables/2009/12/15/7003/gagliardi-goes-to-a-lineman.html