September 7, 1998

ON THE LINE: UW-Stout is wanting to prove that their 56-13 shellacking at the hands of South Dakota State University was not indicative of what is to come for the season. The Blue Devils are coming off their best season in more than a decade. The Cougars will be opening their season.

LAST WEEK: Stout: South Dakota State struck early and struck often on their way to handing the Blue Devils a 56-13 pasting at Brookings, S.D., Stout's most lopsided loss since dropping a 45-2 decision to UW-River Falls in 1996. The Jackrabbits scored on their first three possessions before Stout got untracked with a four-play, 68-yard drive capped off by a 57-yard touchdown connection by Jesse Witcraft (Sr, New Lisbon) from Matt Bunyan (Sr, Janesville). South Dakota hit paydirt three more times before the Blue Devils returned to the board when Bunyan found tailback Shawn Lund (Jr, Ashland) for a seven yard touchdown pass. Stout totaled 314 yards, 141 by the run, 173 through the air. Bunyan was 17-for-30 for 169 yards with one interception and took one sack. Lund rushed for 46 yards, while newcomer Ross Moline (Fr, Genoa) had 37 yards on three carries. Witcraft had four receptions for 99 yards. Kevin McCulley (So, Fond du Lac) had plenty of opportunities to punt, and made the best of the sitution, pulling down several high snaps and averaging 40 yards per kick, including a booming 70-yarder. Place kicker Nolan Mosher (Jr, Janesville) set a school career record for points after touchdown, tallying his 54th career PAT. The Blue Devil defense gave up 517 yards, 272 on the ground, 245 in the air.

UM-Morris: The Cougars open their season with the Blue Devils. The Cougars return 32 letterwinners from last year's team, including eight starters on defense and three on offense. The Cougars lost all-NSIC first team quarterback Ryan Shea and running back Germaine McFarlane. The offensive line is a question mark, with four starters lost to graduation. The Cougars get a new look not only on the field, but in the coaching box with a new head coach, two new offensive coordinators and five new position coaches.

LAST YEAR: Stout plays in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and are affiliated with the NCAA Division III. After finishing seventh in 1996, the Blue Devils last season finished in a tie with UW-La Crosse for second with a 5-2 WIAC record, 6-4 over all. UM-Morris plays in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and is affiliated with the NCAA Division II. The Cougars finished last year at 3-7 overall and 1-5 in the NSIC, good for sixth.

THE SERIES: This is the first meeting between the two teams.

STOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH: (1997 Stats) QB Matt Bunyan (Sr, Janesville) 399-223-12, 3221 yds (322.1 yd/game), 33 TDs, ranked first nationally in total offense (321.6) in 1997; WR Jesse Witcraft (Sr, New Lisbon) 21 rec, 679 yds, 32.3 yd/rec, 8 TDs; FB Ryan Patt (Jr, North Fond du Lac) 526 yards, 129 carries, 4.1 yd/car; CB Corey Morning (Sr, Bloomer) 77 tackles, 51 solo, 3 pass broken up, 1 fumble recovery; PK Nolan Mosher (Jr, Janesville) 37-41 PAT (school season record), 5-7 FG, 52 pts; Blue Devils avg 435.0 total ypg, 105.5 rushing, 329.5 passing (4th nationally); gave up 351.2 total ypg, 198.3 rushing, 152.9 passing.

MORRIS PLAYERS TO WATCH: (1997 stats) OT Adam Johnson (Jr, Lewiston, Minn); Damien Hoffmann (So, Glenwood, Minn) 48 rec, 530 yds, 11 yd/rec, 6 TD; Brad Hilger (Jr, Luverne, Minn) 18 rec, 117 yds, 6.5 yd/rec, 1 TD; DL Jimmie Brown (Sr, Cleveland, Ohio); LB Troy McChristian (Sr, Arkansas City, Kan.); DL Reshard Saulter (Sr, Lakeworth, Fla.); Cougars avg 302.4 total ypg, 113.9 rushing, 189.8 passing; defensive stats not available.

OFFENSIVE LOOK: UM-Morris: 1-back Stout: multi-pro set which incorporates a West Coast style offense.

DEFENSIVE LOOK: UM-Morris: 4-4 Stout: 4-3

COACHES: Stout coach Ed Meierkort (19-32 career) begins his sixth year, while Morris' Ken Crandall begins his first year as head coach. Crandall was the Cougar's offensive coordinator the last two years and is also the Cougar's track coach.

STOUT COACH ED MEIERKORT SAYS: "This (the game with South Dakota) was a lesson in reality. South Dakota was what we expected them to be. They were in the mindset to not give us this game. This game was a lot closer that it looks, but people are bottom line people, and the bottom line is the score. This game will benefit us (throughout the season). We will not see this anywhere else this season. The kids liked the atmosphere of the game, the stadium, but it was humbling going home.

"I expect a highly competitive game (with UM-Morris), and if we don't, we are in for a load of hurt. This is their first game, and they will watch the tape and think we can't play a lick of football. They play a wide open offense and put a lot of earnest on their skills kids. Our guys are extremly excited to be back home. The kids want to play today. The South Dakota game leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We need to play. We want to get back on our horse. Frankly, we are concerned about anyone but ourselves. We need to take care of ourselves."

RADIO: WMEQ-AM, 880 radio, Menomonie, Jake Bostrom, Jay Fahl, Dick Lowery

September 5, 1998

BROOKINGS, S.D. - There would be no David defeating Goliath. That became very apparent after the South Dakota State and the UW-Stout football teams each had three cracks at the ball.

The Jackrabbits lived up to their nickname, scoring on each of their first three possessions, while the Blue Devils were forced to punt each time and never got beyond the South Dakota 40 yard line. South Dakota would go on to take a 56-13 victory Saturday, Sept. 5 at Brookings, S. D., in what was the two teams' opening game.

The Blue Devils did manage to show some life against the scholarshipped NCAA Division II Jackrabbits, putting together a four-play, 68-yard drive in the midway through the second quarter, capped off by Jesse Witcraft's (Sr, New Lisbon) 57-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Matt Bunyan (Sr, Janesville) to pull to within 21-6.

But South Dakota tacked on two more scores in the quarter, including a 19-yard touchdown pass with two seconds remaining in the half to take a 35-6 lead into the locker room. That touchdown was set up when Stout was driving, but Bunyan was picked off by Jason Melcher, who returned the ball to the Stout 43. Five plays later, quarterback Noel Bouche found his most productive target, Steve Heiden, for the touchdown reception.

South Dakota would score late in the third quarter, but Stout answered with their best looking sustained drive of the day, marching 79 yards in nine plays for paydirt. Bunyan found tailback Shawn Lund (Jr, Ashland) for a seven yard TD reception at 14:02 in the fourth to make it 42-13.

The Jackrabbits added two more scores to please the hometown crowd of 3,436.

The Blue Devils were held to 314 total yards, 141 on the ground, 173 in the air, while the Jackrabbits shredded the Stout defense for 517 yards, 272 rushing and 245 passing.

Bunyan threw for 169 yards, 99 of that to Witcraft, who pulled in four catches. Bunyan, a preseason All-America, attempted 30passes, completed 17 and had the one interception. Lund led Stout's ground game with 46 yards.

South Dakota's Bouche completed 12 of his 21 passes for 185 yards, and two of those went to Heiden for a total of 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Punter Kevin McCulley (So, Fond du Lac) had a good day kicking the ball, averaging 40 yards on eight kicks, including a 70-yard bomb.

Fellow kicker Nolan Mosher (Jr, Janesville) set a school career record for most points after touchdown, when he connected on the Blue Devils' second touchdown. His first attempt of the day was blocked. Mosher moved past John Olson and now has 54 career PATs.

The Blue Devils begin a four-game homestand Saturday, Sept. 12 when they face Minnesota-Morris at 7 p.m. at Nelson Field.

Soccer

September 11, 1998

MADISON - UW-Stout freshman Tricia Sykes (Fr, Cloquet, Minn) was named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Soccer Offensive Player of the Week for her play in three games from Aug. 30-Sept. 5.

Sykes, a 5-foot, 3-inch forward, figured into all of the scoring in the Blue Devils, 3-0, season opening win against Hamline University, Tuesday, Sept. 1, in St. Paul, Minn., and has had a part in all of the Stout scoring so far this season.

Sykes chipped in two goals and added an assist against Hamline, then picked up her second assist of the season in the team's 3-1 loss to Carleton College Saturday, Sept. 5 in Northfield, Minn.

Sykes is the first Stout soccer player in the Blue Devils' four-year history to be named conference player of the week.

September 5, 1998

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - AlyssaHalverson (Sr, Rochester, Minn) scored her first goal of the season but the UW-Stout women's soccer could only hold the lead through the first half and were tumbled by Carleton College, 3-1, Saturday, Sept. 5 in Northfield, Minn.

The Carls' Margie Sollinger scored a hat trick in the second half to give the Carls (2-0) all they would need.

Halverson scored at the 37:20 mark in the first half and was assisted by Tricia Sykes (Fr, Cloquet, Minn), who had scored two goals and an assist in the Blue Devils' 3-0 opener earlier in the week.

The Carls outshot Stout, 22-3, and Blue Devil (1-2) goalkeeper Nikki Bezak (Jr, Coon Rapids, Minn) turned away 10 shots on goal.

The Blue Devils will open their home schedule Friday, Sept. 11 when they host Lawrence University at 4 p.m. at the River Heights field. Stout will open their conference schedule Sunday, Sept. 13 when they host UW-Oshkosh at 1 p.m.

September 4, 1998

NORTHFIELD, Minn - The UW-Stout soccer team could manage only four shots and gave up 17 shots as they were toppled by St. Olaf College, 1-0, at Northfield, Minn., Friday, Sept. 4.

The Ole's (1-1) Jeanie Hopper broke a 0-0 deadlock five minutes into the second half when she took a rebounded shot for the only score of the game.

Stout freshman Becky Howard (Fr, Wauwatosa) was the only Blue Devil (1-1) to get off a shot, launching Stout's only four shots, three of them on goal.

Stout goalkeeper Nikki Bezak (Jr, Coon Rapids, Minn) , playing her first game after a preseason injury, recorded 11 saves.

Stout stays in Northfield this weekend when they play Carleton College, Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. The Blue Devils open their home schedule Friday, Sept. 11 when they host Lawrence University at 4 p.m. at the River Heights field. Stout will open their conference schedule Sunday, Sept. 13 when they play host to UW-Oshkosh at 1 p.m.

September 1, 1998

BLAINE, MINN - Freshman Tricia Sykes (Fr, Cloquet, Minn) made an immediate impression on the UW-Stout soccer team as she scored two goals and added an assist in the Blue Devils 3-0 season opening win against Hamline University at the Blaine National Sports Center Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Sykes wasted no time when she took advantage of a scoring opportunity at the 4:20 mark, getting an assist from Jessica Unterweger (Jr, Nashotah). Sykes assisted Shannon Camp (So, Blaine, Minn) seconds before the end of the first half when Camp found the net at the 44:55 mark.

Sykes sizzled the net one more time late in the game, taking a pass from transfer Beth Bushman (So, Eagan, Minn) at 80:15.

The Blue Devil (1-0) defense was virtually flawless, allowing only four shots with Marni Grass (Jr, Waukesha) stopping all four attempts and getting her first complete game shutout since her freshman year. Grass is usually a midfielder, but was put into the net due to a preseason injury to Nikki Bezak (Jr, Coon Rapids, Minn) .

The Blue Devils return to action Friday, Sept. 4 when they travel to St. Olaf College for a 4 p.m. contest, then stay in Northfield, Minn., to face Carleton College, Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.

August 20, 1998

SOCCER SHOULD EXPERIENCE EXCITING YEAR

The Blue Devil soccer team has gone from winning four games in their inaugural 1995 season to evening their record to 9-9 last season. Now, the Blue Devils seek to push their record past the .500 and have the people to do it.

Midfielder Alyssa Halverson (Sr, Rochester, Minn) shattered just about every Blue Devil scoring record and returns to build on that. Jessica Unterweger (Jr, Nashotah) is a speedy competitor in the front line. Becca Carlson (Jr, Rosemount, Minn) made the switch from midfield to the front line to add more power.

Marnie Grass (Jr, Waukesha) may have played herself out of a back-up role in the goal with her play in the midfield. Nikki Bezak (Jr, Coon Rapids, Minn) started all 18 games in the goal last year, and returns to assume her spot. Carrie Blaska (Sr, Ramsey, Minn) plays a pivotal role in the backfield. A key to the Blue Devils' success will the emergence of some first and second year players. Stout opens Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Hamline at 4 p.m.

Volleyball

August 20, 1998

UPPER CLASS TO LEAD VOLLEYBALL SQUAD

This could be the year for the Blue Devil volleyball squad. After losing only one senior from last year's much improved 17-14 team, the Blue Devils return with a solid group of heavy-hitters led by seniors Stacy Stoddard (Sr, St. Paul, Minn) and Monica Cyrus (Sr, Farmington, Minn.)

Both are first team all-conference picks and Stoddard is coming off a season where she broke the school's single season record in kills, laying down 444. Cyrus is a vocal player with a nose for the ball.

Jenny Kraczek (Jr, Blaine, Minn) will continue to quarterback the team from her setter spot where she ranked 11th nationally in assists with 11.90 per game. The Blue Devils open Tuesday, Sept. 8 at St. Catherine in St. Paul at 7 p.m.

Women's Cross Country

August 29, 1998

OLSEN, JACOBSON TIE IN INTRASQUAD CONTEST

It simply doesn't get any closer than this. In the UW-Stout women's cross country intrasquad meet, Katy Olsen (Sr, Rice Lake) and Katie Jacobson (Sr, Eau Claire) came in a dead heat to take the two mile event at the Menomonie High School course.

Olsen and Jacobson paced the field at 12 minutes, 17.1 seconds. Jen Wucherer (Jr, Edgar) came in third at 12:30.5 and Katie Kuffel (Jr, Minneapolis, Minn) was fourth at 12:34.01.

The Blue Devils get things going for real Saturday, Sept. 5 when they compete in the UW-River Falls Invitational.

Individual Results
1. Katy Olsen, Katie Jacobson 12:17.1; 3. Jen Wucherer 12:30.5; 4. Katie Kuffel 12:34.0; 5. Tanya Miller 13:08.6; 6. Heather Meyers 13:24; 7. Dana Piper 13:26; 8. Jaime Souza 13:32; 9. Robin White 13:36; 10. Amy Arndt 13:37; 11. Coryn Delaney 13:47; 12. Heidi Bedsted 14:43; 13. Liz Conner 14:48; 14. Joylyn Jans 15:03.10; 15. Ellen Everson 17:17.

August 28, 1998

KATIES LEAD WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

The Blue Devil women's cross country team turned a few heads in the conference last season with a third place finish, up dramatically from their previous finishes of seventh and eighth. The Blue Devils will again be led by returning All-Americans Katie Jacobson (Sr, Eau Claire) and Katy Olsen (Sr, Rice Lake). Jacobson placed sixth at the NCAA Division III Championships last fall and Olsen was 11th. Dana Piper (So, Viroqua), Katie Kuffell (Jr, Minneapolis, Minn) and Jen Wucherer (Jr, Edgar) will push to the top. The Blue Devils get the season underway Saturday, Sept. 5 at the UW-River Falls Invitational.

Men's Cross Country

August 29, 1998

JOHNSON PACES FIELD FOR MEN'S INTRASQUAD MEET

Josh Johson (So, Oregon) paced the field in the UW-Stout men's cross country, clocking a time of 22 minutes, 11 seconds at the Menomonie High School course.

Freshman Clint Latz (Fr, Lublin) came in second at 22:27 in the four-mile course. Todd Johnson (Sr, St. Charles, Ill) was third in 22:44.

The Blue Devils get the season going for real Saturday, Sept. 5 at the UW-River Falls Invitational.

Individual Results
1. Josh Johnson 22:11; 2. Clint Latz 22:27; 3. Todd Johnson 22:44; 4. Eric Hanson 22:49; 5. Josh Webb 22:51; 6. Ethan Webinger 23:01; 7. Jamie Block 23:19; 8. Alex Alexander 23:28; 9. Aaron Haas 23:40; 10. Jason Donovan 23:40; 11. Bryan Ott 24:14; 12. Chris Emerson 24:28; 13. Joshua Peters 24:32; 14. Jason Kirch 24:35; 15. Chad Pallansch (Alumni) 24:43; 16. Corey White 24:54; 17. Tim King 24:56; 18. Chris Heinbuch 25:22; 19. Bryan Walhovd 25:30; 20. Mike Western 25:36; 22. Mike Schumann 25:39; 22. Jeff Jenson (Alumni) 25:44; 23. Larry Webinger (Alumni) 25:54; 24. Joe Anderson (Alumni) 26:08; 25. Ben Marcado 26:19; 26. Kevin Wojchik (Alumni) 26:44; 28. Ben Vezetti 26:49; 28. Chris Bedsted 26:50; 29. Brad Chartrand (Alumni) 27:33; 30. Matt Roeber (Alumni) 29:23

August 28, 1998

MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM TO BE YOUNG

Mike Schumann (Sr, Schaumburg, Ill) will assume the leadership role for a very young men's cross country squad. Schumann is one of only three seniors on a squad that will feature a predominately sophomore and freshmen squad. Ryan Hill (Sr, Chetek) and Eric Hanson (Jr, Winona, Minn) will play a key role for the Blue Devils as the young team develops. Josh Johnson (So, Oregon) established himself last season as one of the top freshmen in the league. The Blue Devils get the season underway Saturday, Sept. 5 at the UW-River Falls Invitational.

Women's Tennis

September 5, 1998

LA CROSSE - UW-Stout's No. 1 doubles team of Lauren Mader (Jr, Neenah) and Ann Jackson (So, Eau Claire) were the only Blue Devil team to notch a win at the UW-LaCrosse Women's Doubles Invitational Saturday, Sept. 5.

Mader and Jackson needed three sets to down St. Norbert's Kristin Lindbloom and Carrie Zeman, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, in the first round, but then fell to Sarah Stepnes and Jennie Movrich, 6-2, 6-1, in the next round. Stout's pair then fell, 6-3, 6-3, to Jancee Zeitler and Brittany Moser of UW-Oshkosh in the third place match.

No team scores were kept. Stout will be off until Wednesday, Sept. 16 when they travel to UW-River Falls for a non-conference match-up.

UW-Stout results
No. 1 doubles: Lauren Mader/Ann Jackson (Stout) def. Kristin Lindbloom/Carrie Zeman, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4; Sarah Stepnes/Jennie Movrich (La Crosse) def. Mader/Jackson, 6-2-, 6-1; Jancee Zeitler//Brittany Moser (Oshkosh) def. Mader/Jackson, 6-3, 6-3; No. 2 doubles: Tarah Martin/Jenny Bacher (Whitewater)def. Lauren Johnson/Sara Hesli, 6-2, 6-3; Sarah Wittman/Shioben Fackelman (St. Norbert) def. Johnson/Hesli, 6-1, 6-2; No. 3 doubles: Joanna Stutz/Angie Gamble (Wheaton)def. Sarah Lundquist/Cecily Marx, 6-1, 6-1; Amy West/Amy Kleinschmidt (Oshkosh) def. Lundquist/Marx, 6-1, 6-1; No. 4 doubles: Rhonda Rozek/Laura Reinbold (Carthage) def. Carrie Pasko/Dana Rozmanoski, 6-0, 6-1; Lisa Krist/Jenni Sauer (Whitewater) def. Pasko/Rozmenski, 6-0, 6-2.

August 28, 1998

First year coach Craig Monson will have to look at the dreaded word - rebuilding. The Blue Devils lost three players to graduation, which translates to nearly half of last year's squad. Leading the way for the Blue Devils will be Lauren Mader (Jr, Neenah), who returns as one-half of the WIAC No. 1 doubles champion team. Mader also finished second at No. 2 singles. Ann Jackson (Jr, Eau Claire) returns as the only other letterwinner. Stout will open their season Saturday, Sept. 5 at the UW-La Crosse Doubles Invitational.

Updated: September 7, 1998