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Falcon Sports Archive |
Meet the Falcons
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Adam Bergdahl Due to an injury to senior Dan Toninato early in the 2001 season, Adam Bergdahl stepped into placekicking, punting and kickoff duties for the Falcons, and he performed well throughout the year. Bergdahl’s versatility makes him the go-to guy for all things kicking, and he has an exceptional work ethic. If you follow him through a day’s workout, you’ll find no difference between what he and a typical offensive or defensive player does. Bergdahl was 5-for-12 in field goals, 17-for-20 in PAT kicks, and averaged 33.6 yards per punt last season. |
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Dan Booth Coaches moved Dan Booth from halfback to wide receiver prior to the start of the 2001 season, and he gave the Falcons outstanding play, especially with his blocking ability. He was named offensive player of the week once last year, and this season he is expected to contribute in similar ways at wide receiver, with some added time at halfback also very probable. Booth is very committed to doing anything he can to contribute to the team, coaches said. |
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Matt Farmer Although he was involved in about every special teams unit last season, Matt Farmer had a limited role in the defense, backing up senior Matt Palas. This year he’ll continue to play extensively on special teams while competing for a starting position at outside linebacker with Jake Norby. Farmer has a great work ethic, a fearless attitude, and a nonstop motor, a combination coaches say can blow things up. Farmer was voted twice as Falcon special teams player of the week last year. Defensively, he had seven tackles. |
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Abe Garcia After starting a few games last season in place of injured senior Mike Hayward, Abe Garcia will now aspire to step into his shoes as a leader. Coaches saw Garcia really mature as a linebacker and student last year. Though not very big at 215 pounds, he makes up for that in speed, quickness, and an aggressive ability to hit. Without the tandem of Hayward and Jed Kennedy, Garcia has the chance to become a needed young emotional leader for the Falcons. He was voted the frosh defensive player of the year alongside Aaron Greisen last season, having accumulated 14.5 tackles and half a sack in 2001. He will compete with Jon Haughian for the starting spot. |
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Ben Gillett With the athleticism and quickness to fit the linebacker position, Ben Gillett lettered as a freshman but didn’t have a chance to prove himself on the field last season. Having increased his confidence through continually learning the ins and outs of his position, Gillett will need to continue to bolster confidence and aggressiveness this year in order to meet the challenges of the game field. |
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Aaron Greisen Two-sport athlete Aaron Greisen started one game and was a mainstay on the kick and punt return scene last season. Dedicated to watching film and researching the game in addition to hard work in the classroom and weight room, Greisen should split time with Kyle Hoegh as a starting outside linebacker. Greisen was voted the frosh defensive player of the year alongside Abe Garcia, and he was vital to the Falcon special teams in 2001, once named Falcon special teams player of the week. He returned 15 punts for 74 yards and a touchdown and returned 17 kicks for 274 yards. Defensively, he had 5.5 tackles, two for losses, and one sack. |
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Bryon Grossenbacher Last season Bryon Grossenbacher stepped into the void left by two powerful graduating halfbacks and earned a starting position. Complementing the trio of leading rushers (Taylor Hall, Dustin Vogelgesang and Rob Ohman), Grossenbacher finished 2001 with the backfield’s highest average per carry, 7.2 yards. On 23 carries, he gained 166 yards. In all likelihood, he’ll return as a 2002 starter at halfback. Coaches claim he’s the best blocking halfback as well as being a solid ballcarrier. They look forward to seeing Grossenbacher a year better. |
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Adam Halvorson Moving from strong safety to halfback prior to the start of the 2002 season, Adam Halvorson will have a better opportunity to contribute. With his speed, toughness and ability to block well, coaches say Halvorson is a better fit with the offense. He’ll join upperclassmen Bryon Grossenbacher and John Peterlik at the halfback position. |
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Jon Haughian Injuries to seniors Jed Kennedy and Mike Hayward allowed Jon Haughian the opportunity for a lot of linebacker repetitions in practice last year. This season he’ll challenge Abe Garcia for a starting role. With plenty of intelligence to understand the mental demands of the position, Houghian’s drive, both during the season and throughout the off-season, have put him in a position to see some playing time in 2002. He had three tackles, one for a loss, last season. |
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Nate
Hendrickson Nate Hendrickson moved from inside linebacker to defensive end at the start of 2001, and he overcame the growing pains of adjusting to a different stance to see playing time in every game by rotating in consistently. This year his experience, combined with a very competitive drive, intensity and speed, give him the opportunity to show what he can do and the potential to be a starter. Hendrickson was selected special teams player of the week once last year, and he contributed 10 tackles and a sack to the defensive effort. |
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Jason Hespen Injured for the majority of the 2001 season, Jason Hespen makes a move from cornerback to wide receiver this year. Hespen has great speed and acceleration as well as an unbelievable desire to play the game, but he has been hampered with injuries throughout his career. Coaches hope the move will help keep Hespen healthy in order to utilize his speed. Off the field, he has been an Iron Falcon (he never missed a single weight lifting or running workout) for three consecutive years. Hespen had five tackles in the single game before his injury. He also helped coach the Falcons throughout the remainder of the season and ran the scout team in practice. |
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Kyle Hoegh Kyle Hoegh tasted a little playing time as a true freshman last season, having earned his spot behind Luke Miska at safety. An excellent student with great athleticism, Hoegh should start at outside linebacker, splitting time with Aaron Greisen and moving over to free safety occasionally. Hoegh’s talents extend all over the defensive backfield, including blitzing, deep coverage and drop coverage. He had 3.5 tackles in 2001. |
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Jeff Horton Jeff Horton adds an excitement and energy that nearly parallels Nate Hendrickson on the opposite side of the defensive line, giving the front line of Falcon D-Ends an explosive volatility. Geared to play full speed at all times, Horton will work to add confidence against the run to his already solid pass rush skills. His maturity after the 2001 season calms coaches’ fears of marking down debut starters at this position for the upcoming campaign. Horton had 7.5 tackles and a sack last season. |
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Preston Horton Early last season, Preston Horton moved from halfback to fullback, and he gave the position a speed it has not seen in a long time. This season, with the departure of Rob Ohman, Shawn Powell and Terrance Galbreath, the fullback spot is in need. Horton is a speedy back who can help the Falcons there, and yet that same speed may provide him some time at halfback as well. He rushed four times for 25 yards in 2001. |
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Jeremy Hotz One of the bigger offensive linemen on the Falcon roster, Jeremy Hotz spread his talents between guard and tackle last season and started at times. As he enters the 2002 campaign, coaches expect him to step in and play a lot. |
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Shaun Izdepski Beginning his third season as a Falcon starter, Shaun Izdepski has become one of the top pulling guards in the WIAC. In 2001, he was voted the team’s best blocker, and his talent and experience define him as a team leader. Coaches expect Izdepski to play at an All-Conference level for his final season at UWRF. |
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Thor Johnson Along with Shaun Izdepski, senior guard Thor Johnson anchors the Falcon offensive line with his outstanding base and drive blocking. Agile enough to pull and trap well, Johnson is ready to be a full-time starter for the Falcons in 2002. |
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Weesayma Kennedy Reminiscent of the not-too-distant days of Craig Boen (95-96), Weesayma Kennedy gives the Falcons the potential for a deep threat. Having greatly improved his ability to catch since 2001, coaches expect big contributions from Kennedy this season, both as a blocking wide receiver and as a deep threat. |
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Jacob Knapmiller Second-year starter Jacob Knapmiller fits the mold of many Falcon tight ends of the past. He’s big, he’s strong, he can move, and he’s got great hands. In addition, this season the Falcons anticipate using him for more than just blocking. Knapmiller should help open up the Falcon passing game in big ways. |
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Andy Kotelnicki Andy Kotelnicki saw the starting center spot open up after an injury took Greg Spahn out of the lineup last season. Now, Kotelnicki will be engaging in some very intense competition to fend off Spahn from returning as the starter, and coaches have a lot of confidence in Kotelnicki to play well at the position. |
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Jason Laube Overcoming neck problems for the past two years, Jason Laube has developed a work ethic that is envied. One of 14 Iron Falcons (he never missed a single weight lifting or running workout), Laube’s relentless work ethic is a model for the entire squad. This season he should see time on special teams while backing up the duo of Kyle Hoegh and Aaron Greisen. |
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Brad Malpert An outstanding long snapper, Brad Malpert was recruited to offer his talent exclusively, and he did so last season as a freshman. He is a vital component to the Falcon team, and as specialized as the position has become, Malpert’s availability to work extensively with the punter or holder and kicker is very important. His role takes a lot of stress away from the coaching staff. He was once selected as special teams player of the week in 2001. |
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Neil Mantor A starter for close to every game last season, Neil Mantor became one of the top cornerbacks in the WIAC during the last half of the season, coaches said. In addition to his great vision and love for bump-and-run coverage, Mantor will have to combine leadership with his playmaking in order to anchor an extremely young cornerbacking corps. Mantor played as a true freshman two years ago and was a Falcon defensive player of the week once last year. He finished the season with 16.5 tackles, 13 of those unassisted, and three interceptions. |
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Josh Meyer Ranking among the strongest and quickest on the defensive line, Josh Meyer is a probable starter for tackle this season. He took as many as 10 snaps per game last year and is a tireless worker. With the ability to be a real playmaker and needing just a little more consistency, coaches think Meyer is an unknown young guy to keep an eye on. He had three tackles in 2001. |
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Luke Miska The only senior on defense, Luke Miska and his wealth of experience will run the show on his side of the ball. Like a defensive quarterback, Miska’s understanding of everything that goes on within the defense will be key in 2002. Despite his size (5’9”), Miska is one of the strongest and most explosive guys on the team, and his knack at blitzing should enhance the Falcon pressure game. Miska backed up Brian Katlack as a freshman and started a few games as a sophomore. He was a defensive player of the week last season and led the team in tackles with 56 (35 unassisted and 42 assisted). He also had two interceptions. |
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Nate Mueller Taking lessons from inside linebacker Mike Hayward over the course of last season, Nate Mueller has the stature and now opportunity to step up and put that experience to use. Mueller is big and physical, and he fits the mold of a team player. He had 15 tackles, three for losses, and half a sack in 2001. |
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Jake Norby Having missed the 2001 season due to injury, Jake Norby returns to the Falcon roster looking to contribute. Fully recovered, he is the Falcons’ best coverage player and a proven leader. He is big, very aggressive, and enjoys contact. Despite his injury, Norby attended every practice last season and traveled to every away game. He played as a true freshman three years ago, and in 2000, he had 28 tackles and an interception in the Falcon secondary. |
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John Peterlik An outstanding young running halfback following in the footsteps of Taylor Hall, Nick Scribner and Michael Grant, John Peterlik will look to improve his blocking skills from 2001 and take up a starting position next to Bryon Grossenbacher in the 2002 backfield. Last season he had the opportunity to learn directly from Hall, and he saw playing time in every game, finishing the year with 28 carries for 173 yards. Peterlik was voted frosh offensive player of the year and led the team in kick return yards, gaining 351 yards on 15 returns. |
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Jon Pieper Through hard work and versatility over the course of his freshman season, Jon Pieper has defined himself in coaches’ eyes as the epitome of a team player. He improved in the mental requirements of his position last year and is the kind of player who’ll do whatever it takes to help the team regardless of whether it gets him on the playing field or not. He was awarded co-defensive scout team player of the year honors last season with Dave Kapping. |
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Tom Pulford Tom Pulford spent 2001 on the sideline calling in plays, but he hasn’t gotten comfortable there. His two appearances, yielding seven rushes for 52 yards, have given him a taste of the action, and he’s done the rest in the classroom. Pulford is a cerebral quarterback who has aspired to master the complexities of the option offense. In 2002, he will be Dustin Vogelgesang’s main competition and may win the starting job. If so, he’ll probably call most of the plays himself. |
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Brad Roy Brad Roy was hampered in 2001 by a shoulder injury, but he’s worked hard to rehabilitate it. Roy has shown commitment through his work ethic and improvement over his college career, and now entering his final season with the Falcons, coaches are expecting him to be a starter and a leader. |
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Nic Rue Nic Rue worked himself into the regular rotation of defensive tackles last year in his sophomore season and has become a classic Division III story of overcoming adversity: the six-foot, 230-pound tackle came in from high school as an inside linebacker, missed his first two-a-day practices with mono, changed over to tackle, and last spring underwent a major knee surgery. Rue made huge strides last season, proving himself as an intelligent player who can make plays, and he enters 2002 expectantly healthy, a probable starter, and a leader by example. He had 12.5 tackles in 2001. |
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Korwin Schmidt Having been bounced from the defensive line to tight end and now to offensive tackle, 2002 offers Korwin Schmidt some stability. He is very strong and moves extremely well, and coaches expect him to not only compete for a starting job, but also to establish himself as one of the team’s top players. |
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Justin Schuh Though he hasn’t had the chance to get the amount of game snaps that others at his position have, Justin Schuh is a committed and hard-working practice player who has future playing time waiting for him. Coaches say the fact that he’s an undersized tackle is overshadowed by the heart he plays with. The 2002 season may well offer him some playing time; he is one of only three returning letterwinners at tackle. |
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Greg Spahn Returning from a knee sprain injury last season, Greg Spahn will have to compete vigorously in the preseason to regain the starting center spot from Andy Kotelnicki. Spahn worked through the injury over the off-season, and coaches hope to see him back healthy, saying that he’ll contribute to the Falcon 2002 season one way or another. |
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Corey Strinmoen A part-time starter at wide receiver over the course of the 2001 season, Corey Strinmoen played quite a bit at times. He didn’t catch a pass last season but has proven his catching ability in practice. This season, with the transfer of wide-out Scott Kusilek, Strinmoen should see a lot of playing time. |
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Dustin Vogelgesang Dustin Vogelgesang, like nearly every quarterback at UWRF, underwent an education under fire during last season, and it wasn’t easy. But Vogelgesang led by example, finding the end zone more often than any other Falcon and finishing 2001 as the team’s second-leading rusher. He had eight rushing touchdowns on 479 yards and 143 carries. Through the air, Vogelgesang was 17-for-55 with two touchdowns, 430 yards and just one interception. However, he also endured nagging injuries throughout the year, making his physical condition the biggest question mark for 2002. He’ll have competition from junior Tom Pulford to win the starting job back. |