Tony Palma

Greg Lane

Gustavus senior linebacker Tony Palma and junior kick returner Greg Lane have been honored as MIAC Players of the Week for their efforts in the Gusties thrilling 20-19 win over Concordia in Moorhead last Saturday.  Palma was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Week, while Lane was selected as the Special Teams Player of the Week.

Palma, a Lino Lakes, Minn. native who graduated from Centennial High School, registered 24 total tackles including two tackles for loss and forced a fumble to help the Gusties defeat the Cobbers. Palma’s 24 tackles (8 solo, 16 assisted) set a new Gustavus single game record for total tackles. The old mark was 21 set by Isaac Sieling against Concordia in 2004. Palma also became only the 14th player at Gustavus to record 100 tackles in a season as he finished with 46 solos and 62 assists for 108 tackles. In addition, Palma finished the season ranked first in the MIAC in tackles in conference games with 93 (11.6 tackles per game).

Lane, a Chaska, Minn. native who graduated from Chaska High School, returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown with 39 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Gusties stun Concordia 20-19. The Cobbers made a field goal with 54 seconds remaining to increase their lead to 19-13 and then on the ensuing kickoff Lane caught the ball at the Gustavus 14-yard line, broke one tackle and received several key blocks as he sprinted up the sidelines for the touchdown. Lane returned three kicks for 123 yards in the game. It was the second time he has returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his career. Lane finished third in the MIAC in kick

return average this season at 28.2 yards per return (13 returns for 366 yards).

The Gusties closed out their 2009 season in a four-way tie for fourth place in the MIAC with  mark of 3-5.

MIAC Release

It was a very challenging first half for the Gusties as the offense managed only 38 yards of total offense and only crossed the 50-yard line one time, while the Cobbers compiled 272 yards of total offense and controlled the ball for 21 of the 30 minutes in the first two quarters.  Concordia led 9-0 at the intermission.

Early in the third quarter, Gustavus linebacker Zach Lundquist recovered a Concordia fumble at the Cobber 16-yard line.  Four plays later, the Gusties scored on a 7-yard run by Jordan Becker.  Huepenbecker’s point after attempt was good and Gustavus trailed 9-7.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Gustavus fumbled on its own 12-yard line and the Cobbers picked up the fumble and ran in for the touchdown.  The extra point was good and Concordia led 16-7.

Midway through the fourth quarter, on a third-and-four from Gustavus 41-yard line, Jordan Becker broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run.  The extra point was blocked and the Gusties were back with three points at 16-13.

The Cobbers countered with a 14-play, 59-yard drive that consumed 7:28 and resulted in a Carl Hauser field goal that gave Concordia a 19-13 lead with 54 seconds left on the clock.  The Gustie defense came up big late in the drive limiting the Cobbers to a field goal after Concordia had a first-and-goal at the five-yard line.

On the ensuing kickoff, Greg Lane grabbed Carl Hauser’s kick at the 14-yard line and got around the corner on the Cobber kick coverage and picked up some key blocks on his way to an 86-yard return for the touchdown.  It is the second kick return for a touchdown in Lane’s career as he registered a 99-yard TD return against Carleton on Nov. 10, 2007.  It is also the second time a Gustie player has returned a kick for a touchdown this season as Joe Welch took a kick  87 yards for a touchdown against Carleton on Oct. 17.

Senior linebacker Tony Palma wrapped up his career in style as he set the school record for tackles in a game with 24.  Palma registered 8 solo tackles and 16 assisted tackles.  The previous mark was 21 held by Isaac Sieling, which he did twice in his career.  Palma also became only the 14th player at Gustavus to record 100 tackles in a season as he finished with 46 solos and 62 assists for 108 tackles.  In addition, Palma finished the season ranked first in the MIAC in tackles in conference games with 93 (11.6 tackles per game).

It was a fitting conclusion to a season that has seen Coach Pete Haugen’s squad play six games that were decided in the final minute of play.  The Gusties posted a mark of 4-2 in the six games defeating Hamline 30-24 in two overtimes, Pacific Lutheran 34-33 on a Elliot Herdina touchdown catch with 12 seconds left, Carleton 28-21 on a Herdina touchown catch with 14 seconds left and the Cobbers 20-19 with Lane’s return with 39 seconds remaining.

Gustavus completed the season in a four-way tie for fourth place in the MIAC standings with a mark of 3-5.

Box Score

T.J. Ridley

Senior football player T.J. Ridley has been named to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team for the second consecutive year.  Ridley, an Edina, Minn. native, who has been a four-year regular for the Gusties as a defensive back and special teams player, is a biology major with a 3.95 grade point average.  His name will now go on the ballot for the College Division Academic All-America Team and that team will be announced in early December.  Ridley was a Second Team CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America selection last season.

A four-year letterwinner as a defensive back for the Gustavus football team, Ridley missed the first game this season with an injured foot, but has played in every game since.  In addition to playing the free safety position on defense, Ridley is also a member of the kick and punt coverage teams.  In eight games this season, Ridley has compiled 13 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles for 24 total tackles. He has also recorded 2 pass breakups and forced a fumble.  In 34 career games, Ridley has compiled 44 solo tackles and 48 assisted tackles for 92 total tackles.  He has also intercepted two passes.

Earlier this fall, Ridley was selected as a semifinalist for the 2009 National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

In addition to competing on both the football and hockey teams, Ridley is also very active in other campus activities as he is a member of the Tau Psi Omega fraternity (Reds), Student Athlete Volunteer Educators (SAVE) and serves as a Biology Department teaching assistant.

Gustavian Weekly Story on T.J. Ridley

Christian Vanek registers one of his three quarterback sacks on the day.

The Gustavus football team suffered a 20-7 loss to St. Olaf on Senior Day at Lloyd Hollingsworth Field on Saturday afternoon.  Sophomore Eliott Herdina scored the lone Gustie touchdown on a 53-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.  St. Olaf running back Leon Clark had a big day as he carried 33 times for 201 yards and one touchdown.  Gustavus falls to 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the MIAC, while St. Olaf improves to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the MIAC.

St. Olaf jumped out to a 10-0 lead by way of a 39-yard Josiah Powell  in the first quarter and a 34-yard touchdown run by Leon Clark in the second quarter.  Gustavus cut the lead to 10-7 when Elliott Herdina broke loose for a 53-yard touchown run followed by Tom Huepenbecker’s point after attempt.  The Oles led 10-7 at halftime.

The second half was dominated by the St. Olaf defense which limited the Gustavus offense to 90 yards and forced four Gustie turnovers.  The Oles extended their lead to 13-7 when Powell made a 38-yard field goal at 10:04 of the third period and closed out the scoring when quarterback Clay Garrett fired a 38-yard touchdown strike to Antonio Jennings at the 9:00 minute mark of the fourth quarter.

Gustavus drove deep into St. Olaf territory late in the fourth quarter and had a first-and-goal at the six-yard line, but the Oles stopped the Gusties on downs and ran the final 2:32 off the clock to claim the 20-7 victory.

Elliott Herdina dives into the end zone at the end of his 53-yard TD run in the second quarter.

The Gusties, who rushed for 111 yards in the game, were led by Elliott Herdina who carried four time for 51 yards and one touchdown.  The Oles, who rushed 42 times for 217 yards, were led by Leon Clark who rushed 33 times for 201 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, Gustavus was led by linebackers Tony Palma and Zach Lundquist who registered double digit tackles with 14 and 12, respectively.  Defensive end Christian Vanek registered six tackles including three quarterback sacks.  St. Olaf was led by linebacker Adam Concannon who registered eight tackles and forced a fumble.

The 17 seniors with Head Coach Pete Haugen

Seventeen seniors played their final home game at Hollingsworth Field on Saturday afternoon.  In spite of its relatively small size, this group set a great example for the program by its performance on the field and its work ethic during practice.  The Gustavus Athletics Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to this fine group of gentlemen for their leadership on and off the field for the past four years.  The seniors that played their final home game this afternoon included: Jordan Becker, Ben Brandt, Matt Knutson, T.J. Ridley, Joe Welch, Hamada Omar, Tony Palma, Mike May, David Randall, Kevin Geurink, Barry Koppen, Jack Breckner, Blake Noennig, Cameron Maurer, and Christian Vanek.  In addition to these 15 players, two seniors have been valuable members of the coaching staff this season.  They are Zach Johnson and Justin Helget. We salute this fine group as they bid farewell to the Golden Gustie football program.

Box Score

Photo Gallery

The 17 seniors on the Gustavus football team with Head Coach Pete Haugen

Welcome

Gustavus welcomes St. Olaf College to Lloyd Hollingsworth Field for a late-season MIAC match-up. The Gusties enter the game with a record of 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the MIAC after losing to Bethel 21-33 last Saturday in St. Peter.  St. Olaf enters with a record of 3-5 overall and 1-5 in the MIAC after a tight 17-14 loss to Concordia last Saturday in Northfield.  Both teams have dropped multiple one-possession games this season and will be looking to put together a late-season winning streak that would allow them to finish up with a .500 record.

As is tradition at Gustavus, the final home game of the season is designated as Senior Day and a special tribute is made to the individuals who have committed themselves to Gustavus football for the past four years.  This year, the Athletics Department, Coach Haugen and his staff, parents, and fans salute the 17 seniors who have represented the Gustavus football program with pride and class from 2006 to the present.  We thank them for their efforts and wish them the very best in the challenges ahead.

Watch and Listen – You can watch and listen to the Gustavus vs. St. Olaf game through the Gustavus Athletics website.  You can also keep track of the game by following live stats.

The Series

Gustavus and St. Olaf will be facing each other for the 57th time.  The Gusties have compiled a mark of 35-21-0 in the all-time series. The Gusties lost to St. Olaf 27-20 in a two-overtime thriller last year in Northfield.  Saturday’s will be first time the Oles have played on the new Hollingsworth Field.  St. Olaf’s last trip to St. Peter was in 2006 when the Oles knocked off the Gusties by a score of 41-13.

Meet the Head Coaches

Gustavus Head Coach Peter Haugen is in his first season at the helm of the Gusties after spending the past 15 seasons as the head coach at Minneapolis Washburn High School. Haugen has compiled a record of 3-5 in his first eight games directing the Gustavus football program. St. Olaf Head Coach Jerry Olszewski, who is in his second season with the Oles, has compiled a record of 9-9 overall. Olszewski, a graduate of UW-Stevens Point, coached at California Lutheran, UW-Stevens Point, and Minnesota State, Mankato before coming to St. Olaf.

Zach Lundquist celebrates a defensive stop with Jesse Newell.

Scouting the Gusties

Gustavus will wrap up its 2009 home schedule on Saturday against St. Olaf.  The Gusties will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak that began with a 28-21 loss to Augsburg and continued last week with a 33-21 loss to Bethel.  The team has played well for stretches in both games, however breakdowns both offensively and defensively have kept the team from claiming victories against the Auggies and Royals. Last week, Gustavus got a big break when Paul Stommes intercepted a Royal pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 14-14.  But, just when it looked like the Gusties were back in the game, the Royals turned two Gustavus turnovers into touchdowns in a span of seven minutes, and Bethel led 26-14.  The frustration continued in the fourth quarter as the Gusties had a field goal blocked and a pass intercepted that was returned 25 yards for a touchdown to make the score 33-14.  Jordan Becker led the offense with 13 carries for 57 yards and two touchdowns, while linebacker Tony Palma led the defense with 15 tackles.

Through eight games, the Gustavus offensive unit is averaging 328.9 yards per game including 124.6 yards on the ground and 204.2 yards through the air.  The defense has been allowing 402.5 yards per game including 123.9 yards on the ground and 278.6 yards through the air.  Kendrick Hall leads the team in rushing at 66.4 yards per game and three touchdowns, while Elliott Herdina is the team’s top receiver with 40 catches for 486 yards and seven touchdowns.  Quarterback Jordan Becker has completed 121-of-238 passes for 1588 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.  Linebacker Tony Palma leads the team in tackles with 72, including 4.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 quarterback sacks.

Gustavus Roster

Gustavus Schedule

Gustavus Statistics

Scouting the Oles

St. Olaf dropped a 17-14 decision to Concordia last Saturday in Northfield. The Oles are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and the largest margin of defeat is eight points.  During that stretch, St. Olaf has lost to Carleton 17-13, Bethel 15-7, Saint John’s 10-3, and Concordia 17-14. Last week, The Oles out-gained the Cobbers on offense 283 yards to 243 yards, but seven penalties for 103 yards stopped several St. Olaf drives in Concordia territory and the result was another frustrating defeat.  Quarterback Clay Garrett led the Ole offense as he completed 19-of-37 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.  Garrett’s TD passes were to Carson Jones and Antonio Jennings.  Defensively, senior linebacker Adam Concannon led the team with nine tackles including one tackle for loss.

Through eight games, the St. Olaf offensive unit is averaging 337.6 yards per game including 133.6 yards on the ground and 204.0 yards through the air.  The defense has been allowing 242.6 yards per game including 83.4 yards on the ground and 159.2 yards through the air.  Leon Clark leads the team in rushing at 88.9 yards per game, while Antonio Jennings is the team’s top receiver with 40 catches for 545 yards.  Quarterback Clay Garrett has completed 56-of-109 passes for 514 yards and 3 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.  Linebacker Adam Concannon leads the team in tackles with 65, including 10 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 quarterback sack.

St. Olaf Roster

St. Olaf Schedule

St. Olaf Statistics

Gustie Game Notes

Senior Sendoff - Seventeen seniors will take part in their final home game as Golden Gusties on Saturday.  In spite of its relatively small size, this group has set a great example for the program by its performance on the field and its work ethic during practice.  The Gustavus Athletics Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to this fine group of gentlemen for their leadership on and off the field for the past four years.  The seniors playing their final game at Lloyd Hollingsworth Field today include: Jordan Becker, Ben Brandt, Matt Knutson, T.J. Ridley, Joe Welch, Hamada Omar, Tony Palma, Mike May, David Randall, Kevin Geurink, Barry Koppen, Jack Breckner, Blake Noennig, Cameron Maurer, and Christian Vanek.  In addition to these 15 players, two seniors have been valuable members of the coaching staff this season.  They are Zach Johnson and Justin Helget. We salute this fine group as they bid farewell to the Golden Gustie football program.

Omar, Welch Earn “Iron Man” Distinction – Senior defensive backs Hamada Omar and Joe Welch have played in all 38 games for the Gusties over the past four seasons and will likely complete their careers playing in all 40 games, which is something that has been accomplished by less than one percent of all of the players that have played in the Gustavus football program.  Two other seniors have played in a very high percentage of Gustavus games since the 2006 season including Tony Palma (38 games), and Matt Knutson (35 games).

Ninety-Five Years of Gustavus Football – The Gustavus football program is nearing the end of its 95th season. The first season the football team was recognized as a collegiate program was in 1902 and the Gusties, who were coached by Reverend Chouinard, posted a record of 1-0.  Football was later banned at Gustavus from 1904 to 1916, but was reinstated in 1917 and the College has supported a team every year since.  Gustavus has compiled an overall mark of 457-313-21 and a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference mark of 362-222-13.  The Gusties have won 22 conference titles since the MIAC began sponsoring football in 1920. Gustavus was a charter member of the MIAC.  The other charter members included Carleton, Hamline, Saint John’s, Macalester, St. Olaf, and St. Thomas.

The offensive line opens a big hole for Greg Ramaker.

Establishing the Running Game – Head Coach Peter Haugen and offensive coordinator Ryan Galindo started the season with the goal of establishing the run as the primary staple of the offensive unit.  The team struggled the first four games of the season rushing for an average of 98.2 yards per game, however in the second half of the season, the Gusties have made significant strides in the running game.  Over the past four games, Gustavus has rushed for an average of 153.0 yards per game and in addition, the Gusties have rushed for two touchdowns in each of the last two games.  During that stretch, Kendrick Hall leads the way with 42 carries for 215 yards, followed by Greg Ramaker with 35 carries for 136 yards, and Jordan Becker with 32 carries for 113 yards.

Running back Greg Ramaker breaks into the open for the Gusties.

The Gustavus football team had trouble holding on to the football in the second half and four costly turnovers led to 19 points for Bethel as the Gusties fell to the Royals 33-21 at Lloyd Hollingsworth Field in St. Peter on Saturday afternoon.  Quarterback Jordan Becker scored two rushing touchdowns, one on a 43-yard run in the first quarter and the other on a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter, to lead the Gusties.  Bethel fullback Dusty Wahl sparked the Royals with three rushing touchdowns.

Gustavus took an early lead when Becker ran the option around right end and broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run.  Tom Huepenbecker’s extra point made the score 7-0.

Joe Welch intercepts a pass in the Gustavus end zone early in the game.

Bethel countered with two touchdowns in the second quarter and led 14-7 at halftime.  Reid Velo hit Joel Quick with a 38-yard TD pass and Dusty Wahl bulled his way into the end zone from two yards out.  Matt Wetherell converted both point after attempts.

Early in the fourth quarter, Gustavus linebacker Paul Stommes intercepted a Reid Velo pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown and Huepenbecker’s extra point tied the score at 14-14.  Two series later, Bethel’s David Vavra intercepted a Jordan Becker pass and returned it 55 yards to the Gustavus 3-yard line.  Wahl broke through the Gustie line on the next play for a 3-yard TD run.  The point after was missed and Bethel led 20-14.

On the second play of its next possession, Gustavus turned the ball over again this time it was a fumble on the Gustie 29-yard line.  The Royals scored six plays later as Wahl tallied his third TD of the day from two yards out.  Bethel’s try for a two-point conversion failed and the Royals led 26-14.

Gustavus drove deep into Bethel territory early in the fourth quarter, but the drive stalled at the Royal 25-yard line and Huepenbecker’s 42-yard field goal attempt was blocked.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Gusties trailing 26-14 and pinned deep in their own territory, the Royals iced the win when defensive back Tim Cornish intercepted a Jordan Becker pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.  Wetherell’s point after attempt was good and Bethel led 33-14.

The players run through a tunnel made by the football parents at the beginning of the second half.

The Gusties scored on its next drive as Becker ran in from seven yards out with 49 seconds left, but it was too little, too late as the Royals claimed the 33-21 victory.

The Royals ball control offense did its job holding on to the ball for 36:06 in the contest.  Bethel ran 70 plays for 332 yards including 118 on the ground and 214 in the air.  Logan Flannery carried 29 times for 102 yards, while Joel Quick made seven catches for 131 yards and one touchdown to lead the Royals. Gustavus ran 55 plays for 285 yards including 101 on the ground and 184 in the air. Jordan Becker rushed 13 times for 57 yards and two touchdowns, while Cody Sukalski made two catches for 91 yards to lead the Gusties.

Defensively, linebacker Tony Palma led Gustavus with 15 tackles, while Joe Welch contributed 11 tackles and intercepted a pass.  Defensive back Tim Cornish led Bethel with four tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Bethel,which improves to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the MIAC, will travel to St. Paul to face St. Thomas next Saturday, while Gustavus, which falls to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the MIAC, will host St. Olaf.

Box Score

Photo Gallery

Entry 12 – Friday, October 30
Game 3 – Time for a win
After two weeks of losing, a week off to regain focus, we are back in Florida and I am happy to say we had a solid week or practice.  Once again, mother nature has been less than cooperative, with record highs all week, but our bodies are well rested and we have been able to get through these long days.  This has been the first week where I have seen a true commitment from our team.  Extra players only meetings to discuss our problems and watch film, more dedication to perfection in practice etc.  It has been nice to see.  I wish we would have been this committed from day one, but as long as we are still in the championship race, I can deal with a better late than never mentality.  We play California again, who just beat us in our last game.  They are coming off a loss to Florida and need a win like we do.  Traveling from
the west coast to the east is never easy and playing a team off of a bye week that you just beat makes things even more difficult.  At the end of the day, we need to play better to win however, and I am certain we will.  Special teams and field position hurt us in that game and we have corrected that.  I’ve had my best week of practice and my body is coming around.  The rest really helped me over the bye week, as did my time spent in Minnesota.  Being out of competitive football for so long has really caught up to me.  I can honestly say it has taken me the last two months to get my body back acclimated to playing at my usual level, as well as to the point I feel comfortable with my surgerically repaired knee.  I am chomping at the bit to get out there.  Playing at Giants stadium is especially fun for me since I played for them 03-04 and it is technically a home game for us (although I am not sure how we’ll compete with game 2 of the World Series in NY!).
Enough writing, enough talking-it’s go time.  Tomorrow 7 Eastern on Versus- check out a vastly improved Sentinel team!

Pat Borzi’s Story About Ryan at Minnpost.com

Post game #2
Another tough loss.  Having only six games in your season, each game is imperative if you have visions of playing in the championship game. We have set ourselves back starting the season 0-2 but fortunate for us, Florida is the only team that is undeafeated, so that second spot is sitting there waiting for someone to take it.  The ball is still in our court, we control our destiny–that is all one can hope for.

Once again my main focus for the game was to be the special team ace.  A quality football team has players that know, accept and flourish in their roles.  My role, for the time being, is to be a special teams demon.  I feel confident with each snap that I am quickly becoming that for this team.  I had 20 snaps of special team play (5 offensive snaps) and felt really good for all but one of those.  I had two tackles and somewhat assisted in two others.  I was disappointed I didnt get to the punter for a punt block, however this team really does get the ball of quickly.  As a gunner, I made two tackles and
didn’t get blocked by the single press all night (unfortunately we punted a lot).  As for kickoff, I beat my guy both times, however was the backside of the play both times so I was not able to make a tackle.  Kickoff return had some ups and downs.   This is the most challenging special team of them all: drop back to the 30 yard line, wait for a full speed defender (usually 50 pounds heavier than me) to try to juke or run through you, while a wedge is running up your back.  The last kickoff return left a bad taste in my mouth because the guy I was supposed to block made a hit on our returner.  I’m not looking forward to hearing about that once we watch film.

This upcoming week we have a bye, followed by another test against California, this time at home.  It will be nice to get back to Minnesota, rest up and get focused on the second half of the season and getting some wins.  I’m planning on staying in California for two days, followed by Minnesota for four days before heading back to Florida for practice next Sat 10/24.
Best wishes to GAC vs. Augsburg and congrats on a second week of a clutch finish.

Entry – 11 – Friday, October 17
Game 1 – Post Game
Football is definitely a momentum sport.  Up 10-0 in the first half and the ball with a first down on the 1 yard line, seconds away from 17-0, we fumble the ball, they recover and march down the field and score.  Momentum switches, and they end up rolling over us 35-13.  We had them by the throat, about to crush their spirits and most likely take the game from them, only to turn the ball over.  Tough way to lose.  As for me, it was nice to get back on the gridiron for the first time in some time.  I played the whole game on all four special teams units, while limited work as a receiver.  I was in the game to in the first quarter as a WR but didn’t come flat enough on a slant route in the redzone.  The cornerback undercut it and got his hands on it, preventing a sure TD by me and almost getting an interception.  My coach was less than pleased about my route, so I got replaced the following series by a different WR.  Back to reality with pro sports! I learned from it however and feel more confident for the future games to come.  I am proud to say I did record the first ever tackle in NY Sentinels history on the opening kickoff.  That has to be on a trivia card someday right!?! :]  Next game Sat in San Francisco

Game 2 – Prep
This week has been a tough one for me and the team.  It is always a little harder coming off a loss to get motivated to push through 3 hour practices, especially in 100 degree heat.  On one hand, we want to get that taste out of our mouths, on the other hand, some players are questioning how good we actually are, compared to how good we thought we were.  I am recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in the second half of the game.  It looks terrible, but I can still practice and play on it, so I am not concerned.

I feel confident about this game.  Not only is the team more prepared and focused, but I have that one game under my belt and I know I can and will be more effective in each phase of the game I am a part of.  Extra motivation is provided by the fact that we have the following week off due to it being our ‘BYE’ week.  I get to go back to Minnesota and spend some much needed time with my family and friends, as well as rest and relax.  That, in addition to our first road trip (despite the 6 hour flight!) should be more than enough to provide the spark we need to play at a high level.  I am ready to go.  It is looking like I will be playing all the special teams again, as well as mixing in a little more WR this week.  I am prepared to play anything and everything.  Over preparation makes the games seem like extended practices.  Taking the thinking out of the game, allows a person to play fast.  My game is speed.  Bring it on Redwoods.

Best wishes to my Gusties this week.  Congratulations to the team for a big homecoming win last week vs. one of my former
coaches, Jud Keim and the PLU Lutes.

Also congrats to MPLS Washburn for yet another conference title.  Now on to capture the twin city title!

Entry 10 – Friday, October 9
GAME TIME
After a month of practice, it is finally ready to play. For me, this will be my first significant gamesince NFL Europe in 2007. Preseason games are obviously important for someone like me, but they dont count in the standings. Starting tomorrow, these games count, and we have one goal in mind: UFL Championship Nov 27 in Las Vegas.

It has been a brutal week physically. Take into account only having four or five receivers on days, coupled with 95 degree heat (111 degree heat index!!!) and my body is ready to relax. I have today to relax, as well as tomorrow morning and afternoon before I need to step it up a few notches and get my mind right. I will be starting on KO as the L5, KOR as the LT, PR as the LE (rush guy) and gunner on punt team. In addition to this, I will be rotating as a starting Wide receiver in the game with two other players. I am very excited and blessed for this opportunity. With this, however, comes a ton of responsibility. I recognize the table being set for me to succeed and do my job, it’s up to me to fulfill the expectations of myself and the coaches. Ultimately, though, I play for an audience of One, so with faith, I can rest assured I will be taken good care of. Florida will be a good test for us. They have a number of NFL veterans on their team, and have let us know the past month how good they feel they are. We will let our pads do the talking.

Gustie homecoming this weekend vs. PLU. Should be a nice win for the great homecoming crowd. Go Gusties!!

Thanks again for all the support out there! Tune in Saturday at 6pm on HDNet to watch our game!!! If you do not have that channel, you can easily watch online as well at www.ufl-football.com.

Entry 9 – Friday, Oct 2
Officially a Sentinel
I’m happy to report that we have finally finished our last day of “training camp” and after meetings tonight, we finally get a day off after 18 straight days of football. In that time we have been in pads all but one day. It has been an intense camp, but for a professional fanchise, that lacks the ideals of an off-season program and mini-camps, I can somewhat understand why we have been going as hard as we have been. Take into account the fact that we have a first year head coach looking to get the long overdue respect in the pro football ranks, and one can understand that much more. We are down to six total wide receivers, with five of us on the active 50-man roster, and one on the two-man practice squad. Practice with only six wide receivers makes practice non stop movement. Given how hard we have been on our bodies the last three weeks, this makes practice that much more challenging. Once again though, each day before practice, I remind myself what the alternative to all this would be. How thankful I need to remain, and how blessed I am to be in this position.

Tomorrow and Monday we have days off, with Sunday being a shorter practice and Tuesday starting a game week. I am looking forward to getting away from football for awhile (besides the MN vs GB Monday night game of course!), seeing a movie, spending time with teammates and friends down here and maybe getting a fun amusement park day in.

A special thanks to Tim Kennedy who has set this blog up for me and always been a supporter of my football life, as well as my favorite football coach of all time, Tom Brown, whom I got a chance to speak with today for encouragement. Best wishes to the Gusties this weekend, as well as my Washburn Millers tonight against Mpls. North. Come on now Gusties, you gotta bounce back after last week!

Tommy Valentini quote board material, “If you ain’t here for business, you got no business being here!” Remember that. – RH #7

Entry 8
Wednesday, Sept 30
After six failed training camps, a new ACL, a supposed lost step, age against me, and self proclaimed worst training camp of all time, I have finally made the opening day roster. I am thrilled!

We had a meeting this evening and coach Cottrell had me stand in front of the team to start the meeting and spoke about how long I have been trying to make it and praised my perseverance. That really felt good to be recognized. It proves that what I have been doing all these years has not gone unnoticed and that hard work does pay off! Things I definitely learned from my football coaches at Gustavus as well as my track coach!

Thanks to everyone who has been following and supporting my career! I will do my best to represent Gustavus, Minneapolis as well as myself well. If God wants you to be somewhere, He’ll make it happen!
Stay tuned for another entry soon….we have our first game Oct 10 on HDNet 6pm

Entry 7
Tuesday, Sept 29
Tomorrow is the highly anticipated cut down day. We have had two practices this week and there have beena number of highs and lows. I am quite disappointed with my consistency thus far. I will make a great play or twoand follow it up with a drop. The number of drops I have had this camp far exceed any camp I have been associated with.

I am not quite sure why this is the case. We brought in another WR today. He is one of our offensive coordinators guys from the Cleveland Browns. Anytime guys get brought in, especially this late in camp, you realize they are being given the job and not having to compete like everyone else. It sucks for guys that have been busting their tail each and every day trying to make a name for themselves. At the end of the day, yes, this is a business, but it still stings and doesn’t seem fair a lot of the time.

I truly have no clue whether or not I am going to be kept on the team or not. The thing I have going for me is my special teams play which has been good thus far. I am still a starter on all four units, but I have learned all too often (11 times I’ve been cut) that
things can change quickly. There is nothing more I can do at this point. They have made their decision about me. I know I have at least one coach in my corner fighting to keep me (Pete Rodriguez, special teams). I rest peacefully knowing that my faith is what guides me. If this door is to close, another one will sure to be opened to me.

Sorry to see the rough loss by the Gusties last week. Hope they can rebound. It doesn’t get much easier with the Tommies this week, but I know we will give them all we have.

Stay tuned….tomorrow my football career either ends, or I make the team out of a training camp for the first time ever!

Entry 6
Scrimmage
I can honestly say I have never been this sore after a game or scrimmage in my life. Everything hurts. My whole body is swollen. It will be interesting to watch how film goes for we all know that it truly is never as good or bad as you think. I feel as though
I played quite well in both phases of the game. I would have blocked a punt (wing called for holding after taking me to the ground once I beat him with an up and under move) split a double team on kickoff coverage and knocked both guys (250+ might I add) down, and made a great block on kickoff return. On offense, I caught our first TD of the season on an improvisation. The defense jumped off sides, so I just put my hand up and ran deep-Quinn Gray, our starting QB saw it and lofted a thirty-yard score past the corner that I had beaten off the line. Great way to start the season. I had a number of balls thrown my way in the game, but only had two catches. I did have one drop, which is eating at me. I have dropped a few too many balls this camp which is quite uncharacteristic of me. Take the good with the bad I suppose and continue to try to improve and remain consistent and unflapable. Day off today, 9-25 and back at it tomorrow.

Quick shout out to my Gusties who play St. Johns tomorrow! Best wishes guys….that is the one and only team I never beat during my four years at Gustavus. WIN

Entry 5
A Day of Rest
After six straight days in pads (pads from day one of practice) we finally got a day off of physical contact. My body is holding strong, but the sun and weather can be as draining as hitting each and every day. We have a scrimmage this week against the Florida Tuskers. It should be a great opportunity to showcase my talents. I will be starting on all four special teams, as well as the Z receiver. Get the oxygen ready! We have had seven WR’s in camp and just added an eighth, Koren Robinson. Koren and I played together in Minnesota, so it is always nice to have a familiar face within your group. Business is business however, and at the end of the day, I need to worry about me and the things that I can control. I try to remind myself everyday that there are two ways I can approach the day; this is a practice, or this is an opportunity. As long as I continue to play like every day is an opportunity to get better, be out there realizing that I could be at home wishing I was still playing, the rest will take care of itself.

Entry 4
Orlando week one
Not only has it been a long time since I have played versus a live defense, but this heat makes a coward of us all. That 95 degree heat and intense humidity just suck the life out of you and your mind is one of the first things to go. It’s been an adjustment, to say
the least. Wes Chandler, my former WR coach with the Vikings in 2005 is our offensive coordinator, so the transition is quite easy in terms of learning the offense. I think I have played for eleven different offensive coordinators in the NFL, so I am well prepared for most offenses, especially one in which I have a history. I’m getting a ton of opportunities on special teams, as well as with the offense to be a playmaker and potentially start. Special teams has always been my favorite part about football and I am relishing in that role as a starter on all four phases. My familiarity with the offense has put me atop the depth chart as a WR and I am still a work in progress on that end. Great play here, dropped ball there-not exactly the consistency they or I am looking for. It is only week one though. It will get better.

Entry 3
Jacksonville
Got the opportunity to meet some of my teammates, take my physical, and get the low down on how the league is set up and how camp is to be run. Seems like a vast range of paths guys took to get here: arena, canada, straight from college, NFL veterans, guys who have been out of football for 2+ years. The four teams in this league really focused on getting guys they knew, which is great for me since I have played for so many coaches. No two-a-day practices we find out….music to my ears. Off to Orlando to start.

Entry 2
So begins the journey
I decided to drive down to Florida so I have a way of getting around the few months I am there. My brother agreed to drive with me and we stopped in Murrayville, Ga to visit our dad on the way down. It was great to see family on the cusp of training camp. Not a whole lot to do in Murrayville (100 miles north of Atlanta) but we made the best of it. I got a chance to horseback ride for the first time. Not sure my contract would allow for that, but I remained unscathed! The fun and family time over, it is time to get on with the rest of the drive and begin. No one really likes training camp, or looks forward to it. I’m just relieved I am getting another opportunity.

Entry 1
Here We Go Again!
I’ve decided to give football one last shot. This new league, the United Football League, seems to be doing everything they can to have success from here on out and I am excited to be a part of it. I have been signed to the NY Sentinels team, coached by Ted Cottrell, who I had as a coach when I was with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2004-05. We first are to report to Jacksonville, Fl for physicals, then on to Orlando for training camp. Despite being a NY team, we will be living in Orlando throughout the season to cut down on costs, give us someone to practice against (Florida Tusker team) and provide good weather.

I’m looking forward to getting down there again because I used to train in Florida for months on end with speed specialist Tom Shaw. It will be great to see some familiar faces.

The Gustie defense will attempt to shut down the Royal running game on Saturday.

Welcome
Gustavus welcomes Bethel University to Lloyd Hollingsworth Field for a late-season MIAC match-up. The Gusties enter the game with a record of 3-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAC after losing to Augsburg 21-28 in Minneapolis last Saturday.  Bethel, which had a bye last Saturday, enters the game with a record of 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the MIAC.

Gustavus will be trying to play the spoiler against a Bethel squad that is still in the hunt for the MIAC title.  Much like Gustavus, the Royals have played their share of thrillers this season as three of their games have been decided on the final play of the game (a win and two losses). You can expect both teams to try to establish the run, with lots of hard hitting in the trenches.

Watch and Listen – You can watch and listen to the Gustavus vs. Bethel game through the Gustavus Athletics website.  You can also keep track of the game by following live stats.

The Series
Gustavus and Bethel will be facing each other for the 31st time.  The Gusties have compiled a mark of 16-14-0 in the all-time series. The Gusties defeated Bethel 17-10 last year in a thriller in Arden Hills. Tony Palma intercepted a Royal pass on the Gustavus goal line with 40 seconds to play to preserve the Gustie victory.  This will be first time the Royals have played on the new Hollingsworth Field as the last two Gustavus/Bethel contests have been played in Arden Hills.

Meet the Head Coaches
Gustavus Head Coach Peter Haugen is in his first season at the helm of the Gusties after spending the past 15 seasons as the head coach at Minneapolis Washburn High School. Haugen has compiled a record of 3-4 in his first seven games directing the Gustavus football program. Bethel Head Coach Steve Johnson has compiled a 142-71-1 overall record in 21 seasons directing the Royal football program. Johnson is a 1979 graduate of Bethel.  He coached at St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota, and Montana State before taking the head coaching position at Bethel.

Kendrick Hall rushed for a career best 155 yards and two touchdowns last week against Augsburg.

About Today’s Game
Scouting the Gusties
The first day of practice this season, head coach Peter Haugen told his squad that its primary goal should be to get better every day throughout the season and the rest would take care of itself.  Ten weeks later, Haugen is still urging his squad to focus on getting better and even though there have been some bumps along the way, he is pleased with attitude and effort his squad brings to practice each and every day.  Haugen’s Gusties battled Augsburg for 60 minutes last week and dominated play in the second half, but the Auggies orchestrated a last minute drive and scored in the final seconds to slip by the Gusties 28-21. Gustavus rushed 43 times for a season-high 232 yards and two touchdowns against the Auggies and controlled the ball for 21 of the 30 minutes in the second half. Defensively, Joe Welch and Zach Lundquist each recorded seven tackles, while Mike Mohs intercepted a pass and returned it 46 yards deep into Augsburg territory.

Through seven games, the Gustavus offensive unit is averaging 335.1 yards per game including 128.1 yards on the ground and 207.1 yards through the air.  The defense has been allowing 412.6 yards per game including 124.7 yards on the ground and 287.9 yards through the air.  Kendrick Hall leads the team in rushing at 76.5 yards per game and three touchdowns, while Elliott Herdina is the team’s top receiver with 38 catches for 475 yards and seven touchdowns.  Quarterback Jordan Becker has completed 112-of-214 passes for 1404 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven interceptions.  Linebacker Zach Lundquist leads the team in tackles with 58, including 4.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 quarterback sacks.

Gustavus Roster Gustavus Schedule Gustavus Statistics

Scouting the Royals
Bethel comes to Gustavus looking to stay in the hunt for the MIAC title with a record of 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the MIAC.  The Royals are currently tied with St. Thomas for second place in the conference standings one game behind Saint John’s.  The Johnnies have the upper hand in the race for the title having defeated both the Royals and Tommies in dramatic fashion earlier this season.  The Royals used a 40-yard field goal as time expired to defeat Hamline 20-17 in Arden Hills two weeks ago.  Bethel has been winning games with defense this season as the Royals lead the MIAC in scoring defense allowing only 11.4 points per game, while ranking second in total defense allowing 259.6 yards per game.  The Royal defense has allowed its opponents to score only six offensive touchdowns in its five conference games.  Offensively, Bethel prefers to run the football and control the clock.  The Royals rank second in the MIAC in rushing offense with an average of 199.4 yards per game.

Through seven games, the Bethel offensive unit is averaging 378.6 yards per game including 189.3 yards on the ground and 189.3 yards through the air.  The defense has been allowing 258.6 yards per game including 84.1 yards on the ground and 174.4 yards through the air.  Logan Flannery leads the team in rushing at 109.1 yards per game, while Joel Quick is the team’s top receiver with 29 catches for 564 yards.  Quarterback Josh Aakre has completed 72-of-124 passes for 980 yards and 10 touchdowns with two interceptions.  Linebacker Ross Peterson leads the team in tackles with 48, including 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 quarterback sacks.

Bethel Roster Bethel Schedule Bethel Roster

Gustavus Game Notes
Home Sweet Home Is Theme for 2010 Gustavus Football Schedule – The Gustavus football team will play six home games again next year including three home games to open the season.  The Gusties will host Wartburg College on Sept. 11, followed by Northwestern College of Roseville on Sept. 19 and St. Olaf (Homecoming) on Sept. 25.  Gustavus will travel to Concordia on Oct. 2 and then return home to face Hamline on Oct. 9.  It’s back on the road for the next two games with a contest at Bethel on Oct. 16 and then at Saint John’s on Oct. 23.  The Gusties will wrap up the season with a home game against St. Thomas on Oct. 30, followed by a road game at Augsburg on Nov. 6, and then the finale at home against Carleton on Nov. 13.

When In Doubt – Punt! – Gustavus senior punter Matt Knutson recorded his 150th career punt last Saturday against Augsburg.  Knutson, who has been the Gusties primary punter for the past three seasons, ranks third all-time in career punts behind Geoff Hansen (196, 1991-94) and Greg Laszewski (164, 1978-81).  He has compiled 4,967 yards punting, which ranks second all-time behind Hansen with 6,827.  He will likely become the second punter in the program’s history to compile 5,000 punting yards today against the Royals.

Offensive tackle Chris Martinez has been a key part of the offensive line's improved play.

Hold On To Your Seats – Last week’s wild finish at Augsburg was just another in a long line of thrilling conclusions to Gustavus football games over the past two seasons.  Since the first game of the 2008 season, 12 of the Gusties last 17contests have been decided by a touchdown or less and 11 of those 12 have been decided in the final minute of play or overtime.  Just this season alone, Gustavus has had five of its seven games decided by a touchdown or less, with all five coming down to the final minute of play.  Three weeks ago, the Gusties scored with 12 seconds left to beat Pacific Lutheran 34-33, while two weeks ago, the Gusties scored with 14 seconds left to beat Carleton 28-21, and last Saturday, Augsburg scored with 46 seconds left to beat the Gusties 28-21.  This week’s opponent Bethel defeated Hamline last Saturday (20-17) on a field goal as time expired, and the Royals have also lost two games (Saint John’s 14-16 and Wheaton 26-29) in the final seconds of play. So sit back and get ready for what could likely be another thriller between two long-time MIAC rivals!

Tops In Tackles – The Gusties have four players ranked in the top 15 in tackles in league play, which is more than any other program in the MIAC.  Zach Lundquist leads the way as he is ranked third with 44 total tackles and an average of 8.8 tackles per game.  Tony Palma is sixth with 42 (8.4 per game), followed by Joe Welch, who is 11th with 37 (7.4 per game), and Paul Stommes, who is 14th with 29 (7.2 per game).

Statistically, the two teams posted nearly identical numbers with Augsburg compiling 410 yards on 76 plays and Gustavus totalling 392 yards on 72 plays.
The Auggies registered 20 first down compared to 19 for the Gusties. Augsburg, however held a distinct advantage in red zone scoring as the Auggies got into the end zone in all four of its trips into the red zone, while Gustavus was only able to score on two of its four opportunities. The Gusties were stopped on downs once at the Augsburg 12 and once at the Augsburg 24 and missed a field goal from the Augsburg 9-yard line in the game.

Gustavus did have a lot of success running the football as the Gusties rushed 43 times for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Kendrick Hall led the way with with 21 carries for 155 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown was a 77-yard run in the first quarter. Gustavus held a significant advantage in time of possession as the Gusties controlled the ball for 34:41 compared to 25:19 for the Auggies. Gustavus dominated play in the third quarter holding on to the ball for 12:43, while Augsburg had the ball for only 2:17.

Gustavus will host Bethel University next Saturday at 1:00 pm, while Augsburg will travel to St. Paul to face St. Thomas at 1:00 pm.

Box Score

Saturday’s conference matchup between Gustavus and Augsburg pits two teams that got off to slow starts, but have played very well in recent weeks. The Gusties got off to a 1-3 start to the season, but have evened their record with back-to-back wins over Pacific Lutheran University (34-33) and Carleton (28-21). The Auggies also got off to a 1-3 start and then rallied to even their mark at 3-3 with a 31-28 win over Augsburg and a 27-20 overtime win over Concordia.

Jordan Becker has thrown eight touchdown passes in the last two games for the Gusties.

You can listen to the game on KNUJ Radio (860 AM) out of New Ulm, Minnesota or on the internet through the Gustavus website. You can also watch a live video webcast and access live statistics through the Augsburg website.

There is a parking advisory for fans wishing to attend game which will take place at Augsburg’s Edor Nelson Field. You can access information on places to park at this link.

Augsburg Series Info – This will be the 68th meeting all-time with Augsburg. The Gusties lead the series with a mark of 54-13-0. Last year, Gustavus beat Augsburg 34-31 at Lloyd Hollingsworth Field.

Gustie Game Notes
Becker making a move in the record books - Even though Jordan Becker has only been the Gusties starting quarterback in his junior and senior seasons, the Blue Earth Area native had quickly solidified his place in the Gustie record books. Becker currently ranks eighth all-time at Gustavus in career completions (262), eighth in career TD passes (29), and ninth in career yards passing (3,157) and it is likely that he will end his career in the top five of each of those categories.

Welch MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week - Joe Welch (Sr., Hastings, Minn.) has been named MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts as a kick returner in the Gusties 28-21 win over Carleton last Saturday. Welch (Hastings, Minn.) made several game-changing plays against Carleton including an 87-yard kick return for a touchdown to help the Gusties edge the Knights on Saturday. On the day, Welch returned three kicks for 145 yards and one touchdown including the 87-yard return, a 45-yard return, and a 13-yard yard return. Welch’s 45-yard return in the second quarter gave Gustavus the ball at the Carleton 39-yard line and led to a touchdown five plays later. In the third quarter with Gustavus trailing 21-6, Welch’s 87-yard TD return sparked the Gusties to 21 straight points and a thrilling 28-21 come-from-behind victory. Welch’s TD return was the third longest in school history. He has made 14 returns this season for 321 yards with an average of 22.9 yards per return. His 87-yard return is the longest in the MIAC this season as well as the only kick returned for a touchdown in MIAC play.

Too Close for Comfort - The Gustavus football team has won three and
lost one of the four games it has played this season that was decided in the final 30 seconds of the contest. The Gusties just missed defeating Coe when Jordan Becker’s pass was intercepted in the end zone with 30 seconds left, which led to a 27-24 loss. In the second week, Gustavus defeated Hamline in two overtimes, when Kendrick Hall dashed 24 yards for a touchdown to give the Gusties a 30-24 victory. Against Pacific Lutheran, Becker hit Elliott Herdina with a 1-yard TD pass with 12 seconds left to give the Gusties a 34-33 victory, and last week, Becker found Herdina in the end zone again with 14 seconds left to allow the Gusties to defeat Carleton 28-21. The last time the Gusties had four games in a season decided by seven points or less and the winning score was in the final minute of play was 1987 when the Gustavus went 10-0 and won the MIAC title.

Herdina Making Early Mark in Receiving Record Book – Sophomore Elliott Herdina (Blooming Prairie, Minn.), who has made seven TD catches this season and 12 TD catches in his 16 games at Gustavus already ranks eighth all-time in career touchdown catches in the history of the Golden Gustie football program. Herdina has made at least one TD catch in 10 of his 16 games at Gustavus including five of his six games this season. Herdina’s early career stats include 74 catches for 760 yards (10.2 yards per catch) and 12 TD’s. He has also rushed 74 times for 370 yards and two touchdowns.

Augsburg game notes

College Sporting News Review of Last Week’s MIAC games