Meet the Falcons
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Ryan Abbott Ryan Abbott gives the Falcons some needed depth in the offensive line. He is a young player who is learning the game better each day. He has worked hard during his time at UWRF and he's getting himself closer into a position where he can play, according to the Falcon coaches. He has the skills to perform well if he gets into the line up. |
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Andy Acosta Andy Acosta has worked extremely hard in the off-season
to position himself to contribute to the Falcons with play on the special
teams. He will also compete for playing time as an outside safety. He
is an unselfish and dedicated team player.
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Gerardo Aguirre When Gerardo Aguirre was able to get into games, he played
very well. He carried the ball 15 times and gained 73 yards. He averaged
nearly five yards per carry. Aguirre also caught one pass for 22 yards.
He has quickness and speed that is a key ingredient for any halfback.
He was injured last year and didn't get much playing time. The coaching
staff thinks he will help the team with his speed and is one of a handful
of backs who could see extensive playing time this year.
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Chris Ammann Chris Ammann has been moved from the linebacker position to tight end for the Falcons in 2003. The move will give the Falcons more depth at the important tight end spot. The coaches believe he will compete for playing time, and will be a regular in the team's two tight end formation. |
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Chris Anderson Chris Anderson has very good quickness at the wide receiver
position. He caught one pass last year and it went for a 21-yard touchdown
against Concordia-St. Paul. He was also a key member of the Falcon special
teams last year as the holder for field goals and extra points. Although
not a big player, his quickness will help him play in games.
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Steve Arcand Steve Arcand will play a new position for the Falcons in
2003. He will play inside linebacker after playing defensive back. The
coaching staff is impressed with his athletic abilities. He has gotten
bigger and that, combined with his speed and quickness, makes his a solid
player. He has not had a lot of playing time due to learning a new position
and injuries. He will compete for playing time at the Max linebacker spot.
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Adam Bergdahl Adam Bergdahl will handle all of the Falcon kicking duties
again this season. Last year he averaged 35.9 yards per punt and had 18
downed inside the opponents' 20. He did not have a punt blocked. He was
2-8 on field goals hitting from 24 yards (against St. Ambrose) and 27
yards (against La Crosse). He scored on 18-23 extra point attempts. He
has the experience to make good decisions and the skills to perform well
in big situations. He was named the WIAC Player of the Week for his game
against St. Ambrose and was the special team's Player of the Week two
other times.
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Dan Booth Dan Booth is a gritty player who has become a better player
in each year he's been with the team. He is very experienced and is in
his fifth year. The coaches know he will play in every game and do well.
He has also played some at wide receiver in his career. Last year he rushed
for 45 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He is also a member of
the Falcons track & field team.
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Jeff Cassellius Jeff Cassellius had a solid first year of action for the
Falcons in 2003. The defensive end finished with three tackles. His big
frame and speed help make him a solid end. He improved throughout the
season and proved that he was quick at learning the game. He plays with
a lot of energy and fire. He scored the team’s only touchdown at
Chadron State when he recovered a fumble and returned it 11 yards. He
also forced a fumble.
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Nate Cook Nate Cook is a player who will be looking to earn a starting spot at either tackle for guard for the 2003 Falcons. In his third year with the team, the Falcon coaches are excited about the steps he's made in the program. The coaches are convinced that he will become a solid lineman in his career. |
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Nick Enerson Nick Enerson has been moved from tight end to tackle in
the Falcon offensive line. The Falcon coaches believe the move will be
a better position for him. He will challenge others for a starting spot
and more playing time in 2002.
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Matt Farmer Matt Farmer has been a steady player in the Falcon lineup
for the past two seasons. In 2002 he had 15 solo and eight assisted tackles.
He had one tackle for loss and he broke up one pass. He is a solid playmaker
who will compete for the starting position this year. He has a nose for
the ball and is a great player on special teams. He is a strong hitter
and is quick and explosive. Farmer was twice named the team's special
teams Player of the Week and was named the WIAC Player of the Week for
his game against Eau Claire.
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Neal Folta Neal Folta enters the season as the only experienced fullback in the 2002 depth charts. He learn the position last year and he's eager to continue the learning process and play. The Falcon coaches know he will contribute to the team in 2002. He is also a member of the Falcons track & field team. |
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Ben Gillett Ben Gillett had a strong 2002 season and ended the season
as the starting Max linebacker. He is a tall and fast player and improved
himself during off-season in the weight room. He finished with 17 solo
and 29 total tackles last year. He had two tackles for loss and two sacks.
He intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble. He
has worked hard to become an aggressive linebacker who is one of the best
hitters on the team.
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Josh Graham Josh Graham is a talented, young defensive end who played
in several games last year. He finished with four solo and nine total
tackles. He has worked in the off-season to become a stronger, bigger
player. He is an outstanding student in the class room. His size and intelligence
makes him a skilled player. He is a very solid player against the run.
He should see action this year in most games as a third defensive end.
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Aaron Greisen Aaron Greisen is a veteran player who has the skill and
experience to compete for a starting position in the secondary. He has
improved his skills with hard work and being competitive. The coaching
staff expects a great year out of the junior who had 19 solo and 26 total
tackles in 2002. He had two tackles for loss. His playing experience makes
him a valuable player.
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Adam Halvorson Adam Halvorson played fullback last year for the Falcons,
but will be moved to the halfback spot in 2003. The Falcon coaching staff
knows he is one of the top blockers on the team. He carried the ball 37
times for 108 yards in 2002. He Falcon coaches hope to utilize his blocking
skills and other talents better at halfback in 2003.
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Jon Haughian Jon Haughian will help the Falcons as an inside linebacker.
His intelligence and hard work will help him get even more playing time
than he had in 2002. He has worked hard in the off-season to improve his
size. He finished with two solo and three total tackles in 2002.
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Nate Hendrickson Nate Hendrickson will be one of the team's defensive leaders
in 2003. He can lead by his play on the field and verbally. Despite playing
with an injury last year he still had a great season finishing with 23
solo tackles and 47 total stops, fourth on the team. He is an outstanding
pass rusher and also plays the run well. The Falcon coaches know he is
a very intense player who is strives to be his best. He had 10 tackles
for loss last year, including four sacks. He broke up two passes, recovered
two fumbles and forced one fumble. He was named the team's defensive Player
of the Week once.
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Kyle Hoegh Kyle Hoegh has developed into a top player and will be the
team's starting free safety in 2003. He is a great student in the classroom
and on the field. His abilities to make calls in the secondary make him
a perfect player for the free safety spot. As a linebacker last year he
finished third on the team in tackles with 37 solo and 63 total stops.
He had three tackles for loss and one sack. He intercepted two passes,
broke up two other passes and forced two fumbles. Hoegh is a natural leader
who has big play capabilities, according to Falcon coaches. He was named
the team's defensive Player of the Week three times in 2002.
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Jeff Horton Jeff Horton turned himself into one of the top players in
the WIAC by leading the league in sacks with 11. He has worked hard to
make himself known as a pass rusher. He needs to improve his skills at
playing the run. His size helps him beat opposing linemen. He is an intelligent
player. He finished the 2002 season 21 solo and 34 total tackles. He had
17 tackles for loss, three pass break ups, a forced fumble and a quarterback
hurry. Horton was named to the second All-WIAC team and was once named
the team's defensive Player of the Week.
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Jeremy Hotz Jeremy Hotz is one of the top returning offensive linemen on the team. He is a versatile player who has played nearly every position in the line. He will play guard this year and the coaching staff believes he will be one of the starters at that spot. The coaches believe he has a lot of ability and they expect him to step up his game and be a major contributor in the offensive line. |
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Roman Johnson Roman Johnson is the fastest player on the team and one
of the fastest in the WIAC. He uses his speed and quickness in his cover
responsibilities as a corner and in returning punts and kick offs. He
is an intelligent player who is poised in all situations. The playmaker
finished with 30 solo and 42 total tackles in 2002. He led the team with
four interceptions and return one fumble 42 yards. He forced one fumble
and led the team with four pass breakups. He is a great cover corner and
does an outstanding job in bump and run situations. He led the Falcons
averaging 17.6 yards per kick off return and seven yards per punt return
last year. He was named to the second All-WIAC team last year as an all-purpose
back. He was named the team's special teams Player of the Week once.
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Dave Kapping Dave Kapping is a young defensive lineman who despite not
getting a lot of playing time works hard in every game and practice. He
is a committed player who has worked hard in the off-season to become
bigger and stronger. The coaching staff knows he does what ever he has
to do to help the team in practices and games.
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Weesayma Kennedy Weesayma Kennedy returns as the team's wide receiver where
he uses all of his skills as an exciting weapon. He has excellent speed
which makes him an impact player. The coaches believe he should play a
bigger role because he learned to run better as a member of the Falcon
track team last year. He turned in to one of the top sprinters in the
WIAC during the track season placing third in the indoor 200-meter race.
Last year he caught four passes for 108 yards and one touchdown. He scored
on a 68-yard pass play against Stevens Point. He runs disciplined routs
and has improved his pass catching skills and according to the Falcon
coaches he will be a scoring threat this year.
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Andy Koltelnicki Andy Kotelnicki will be one of the top offensive linemen in the WIAC in 2003. He is a talented player who can play several spots in the offensive line. He started at center last year. He is a valuable player because he can fill several spots in the line. The coaching staff knows he will play a lot somewhere in the line. |
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Jake Knapmiller Jake Knapmiller returns to the 2003 Falcons as the starter at tight end. After last year, when he gained experience, he will be looked upon to be one of the team's top players in the offensive line. He has worked to become bigger and stronger and that would pay off for him during the season. He had a solid year last year and the coaching staff knows he will be improved. |
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Brad Malpert Brad Malpert returns as the team's long snapper, one of the most important positions on the team. Malpert missed part of last season with an injured knee but he has worked hard to come back healthy in 2003. The coaching staff knows his job is to snap the ball and he will have the chance to work on that all year. He was named the team's special teams Player of the Week once. |
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Neil Mantor Neil Mantor has started at corner for the past three seasons
and enters his senior year with some outstanding accomplishments. Last
year he finished with nine solo and 14 total tackles. He made several
big players for the Falcons last year - he intercepted two passes, forced
a fumble, recovered a fumble and returned it 43 yards and broke up a pass.
He is a quick, smart player who works hard in all situations. Mantor has
the abilities to study the game like a coach.
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Josh Meyer Josh Meyer was a starter at defensive tackle for the Falcons
last year and turned in some outstanding performances. He finished with
13 solo and 32 total tackles. He had six tackles for loss including one
sack. He continued to learn the game and improve throughout the season.
The coaching staff knows he gets to the ball with great speed - he is
one of quickest players on the team. He was named the team's defensive
Player of the Week once.
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Nate Mueller Nate Mueller had a great year at inside linebacker for the
Falcons in 2002 and he will be one of the top players for the team this
fall. He finished the 2002 season with 18 solo and 42 total tackles. He
had five tackles for loss and one sack. He recovered one fumble and forced
a fumble. He will be one of the team's defensive leaders in 2003.
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Jake Norby Jake Norby is a veteran player who will compete for the
starting position in the secondary in 2002. His experience will play a
key role for the Falcon defense. His versatility makes him a valuable
member of the squad. He has started at corner in past seasons. He missed
all of the 2001 season with a knee injury but returned in great for last
year when he 27 solo and 39 total tackles. Norby had four tackles for
loss and one sack. He broke up four passes, forced a fumble and blocked
one kick. The coaches say he is a leader who works hard and is also a
great student.
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Allan Nutt Alan Nutt is a young, third year offensive tackle for the Falcons. He hasn't played much yet, but he has the basic skills and tools to become a solid player in the offensive line. He has good size and the coaching staff believes he will play more this year. If he continues to get bigger and stronger he will play even more in the future. |
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Lewis Parish Lewis Parish had a great rookie season last year and was
a starter at one of the corner positions. He finished fourth on the team
in tackles with 31 solo and 45 total stops. He led the team with three
fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles. He intercepted two passes, broke
up two passes and blocked one kick. He has great quickness and plays with
confidence. He has the skills to make big plays and also helps with his
outstanding play on special teams. According to the Falcon coaches he
has great vision and instincts. He was named the WIAC defensive Player
of the Week for his game against La Crosse last year and was also named
the team's special teams Player of the Week once. He is also a member
of the Falcons track & field team.
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John Peterlik John Peterlik returns as the leading rusher in the WIAC.
Last year he finished with 1,114 rushing yards. He led the WIAC in yards
per carry (5.9), rushing touchdowns (11) and in all-purpose yards (1,454).
He led the Falcons with 11 receptions for 166 yards and one touchdown.
The coaching staff knows that he is a tremendous leader and student. With
two years to play, he could become one of the top rushers in Falcon football
history. He was named to the first All-WIAC team last year and was the
team's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. He was named
the team's offensive Player of the Week three times.
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Tom Pulford Tom Pulford returns as the team's top quarterback. The Falcon
coaches expected him to be starting signal caller when the season starts.
He carried the ball 39 times for 83 yards past year and scored once. He
completed 7-18 passes for 96 yards. He is a tremendous leader and he will
have competition from others, according to the Falcon coaches. He was
named the team's offensive Player of the Week once.
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Aaron Retzlaff Aaron Retzlaff was moved from the offensive line to the
defensive front and he found a comfortable home at defensive tackle last
year. He finished with six solo and 13 total tackles. He had four tackles
for loss, including one sack. He has great energy on the field and uses
it to make big plays. He learned the game under fire and performed well
throughout the season. The coaching staff says he is a one of the top
run stoppers on the team and eh will push the starters. He also filled
in last year as the team's long snapper. Retzlaff was twice named the
team's special teams Player of the Week.
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Nic Rue Nic Rue started his career with the Falcons as an inside
linebacker but has found a home at defensive tackle where he returns as
a starter. He had 17 solo and 41 total tackles last year. He had eight
tackles for loss, including two sacks. An outstanding leader, battles
hard in every situation and gets the job done. Rue is a leader on field
both with his actions and verbally. The coaches know he is a tough player
who has worked hard in the off-season. He was twice named the team's defensive
Player of the Week in 2002.
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Greg Spahn Greg Spahn is another veteran returning to the Falcon offensive line. He doesn't have great size but he has worked his way into the lineup through hard work. He will be a player who will see even more playing time in 2003. The Falcon coaching staff knows that he is a very good leader. |
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Corey Strinmoen Corey Strinmoen is in his third year with the Falcons as a wide receiver. The coaching staff knows he is very disciplined and he runs great routes. Strinemoen has good speed and is a great team player. He has the talents to step into the line up and perform well. |
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Nels Thoreson Nels Thoreson enters the 2003 season as the team’s
back up quarterback. In his two years with the team he has improved and
has proven to be a bright and tough competitor. The only thing he lacks
is experience in game action. The coaching staff knows he could be a positive
factor during the season.
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