MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/High School or College 1 Xavier Spann DB 6-1 185 Sr. Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland 2 Steven Evans DB 5-9 155 So. Sunrise, Fla./Miramar 3 Deion Clayborne DB 6-0 190 Jr. Sioux City, Iowa/North 4 Connor Niles WR 5-11 195 Sr. Sioux City, Iowa/Heelan 5 AP Ponder RB 6-0 190 So. Omaha, Neb./Burke 7 Chase Nelson LB 6-1 205 Jr. Beatrice, Neb./Beatrice 8 Ricky Johnson DB 5-9 180 Jr. Gretna, Neb./Gretna 9 Jesse Faltys LB 6-0 210 Sr. Dodge, Neb./Howells-Dodge 10 Bo Els WR 5-10 175 Jr. Erie, Colo./Lincoln SW 11 Jared Myers JB 6-2 210 So. Colfax, Iowa/Colfax-Mingo 12 Addison Ross JB 6-4 240 Jr. Carroll, Iowa/Carroll 16 Trent Solsma QB 6-0 215 Sr. Dakota Dunes, S.D./Sioux City Heelan 17 Joe Dolincheck QB 6-1 210 Fr. Bellevue, Neb./West 18 Nicholas Schnitker WR 6-2 175 Jr. Neola, Iowa/Tri-Center 19 Klayton Nordeen DB 6-1 190 Jr. Alliance, Neb./Alliance 20 Ross Godfrey DB 5-10 165 Fr. Sioux City, Iowa/East 21 Ethan Stratman RB 6-0 200 Jr. Wahoo, Neb./Wahoo 22 Darnel “Bear” Davis WR 5-11 175 Fr. Omaha,Neb./Burke 24 Tyler Paulson WR 6-1 170 Fr. Council Bluffs, Iowa/Tri-Center (Neola) 27 Anthony Sims RB 5-11 175 So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Salisbury 28 Cooper Von Seggern LB 6-1 180 Fr. Wisner, Neb./Wisner-Pilger 31 Marcellus Gooden DB 5-9 160 Fr. San Bernadino, Calif./Aquinas 35 Sione Tuifua TE 6-3 225 Fr. Barrow, Ak./Barrow 36 Drew Bessey DB 6-0 170 Fr. Palmyra, Neb./Palmyra 37 Jared Amundson K 6-3 220 Sr. Sioux City, Iowa/East 38 Jacob Harvey RB 6-1 200 Jr. Kingsley, Iowa/Kingsley-Pierson 39 Joel Katzer LB 6-0 190 Jr. Wellsville, Ks./Baldwin 43 Zach Hulshof LB 6-2 200 Fr. Ireton, Iowa/West Sioux 44 Riley Rischling TE 6-4 240 Jr. Bennington, Neb./Bennington 45 Bryan Manzer TE 6-2 230 Fr. Osmond, Neb./Osmond 46 Tyler Wingert LB 6-1 190 So. Holstein, Iowa/Ridgeview 50 Zach Skibinski DL 6-4 250 Sr. Sioux City, Iowa/Heelan 52 Nicholas Loya OL 5-8 260 So. Fremont, Calif./John F. Kennedy 53 Anthony Ventura LB 6-1 210 So. San Jose, Calif./Saddleback C.C. 55 Chase Reis DL 6-1 245 Sr. Grand Island, Neb./Grand Island 56 Taylor Duncan OL 6-2 285 Jr. Lake View, Iowa/East Sac 57 Jacob Katzer LB 6-0 215 Jr. Wellsville, Ks./Wellsville 58 Garrit Shanle OL 6-2 265 Sr. Columbus, Neb./Scotus Central Catholic 59 Ethan Fahrendholz OL 6-1 260 Jr. Sioux City, Iowa/East 60 Hunter Behrens OL 6-2 280 So. Manning, Iowa/IKM 64 Alex Harrison OL 6-1 285 Sr. Winter Garden, Fla./North Florida Christian 65 Otto Ducasse OL 6-3 300 So. Anchorage, Ak./Bartlett 66 Nathan Nissen OL 6-1 290 So. Spencer, Iowa/Spencer 69 Jose DeAnda LS 6-0 225 Fr. Sioux City, Iowa/Iowa Central C.C. 70 Garrett Temme OL 6-6 280 Jr. Petersburg, Neb./Boone Central 76 Louis Gray OL 6-3 275 So. Hickman, Neb./Norris 80 Austin Johnson WR 6-0 180 Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D./Roosevelt 81 Reid Jurgensmeier WR 6-3 210 So. Wahoo, Neb./Bishop Neumann 89 Caleb Schweigart WR 5-10 170 Fr. Omaha, Neb./Westside 90 Niklas Gustav DL 6-3 240 So. Hamburg, Germany/Aquinas 93 Gage Grinnell DL 5-11 260 Jr. Grand Island, Neb./Grand Island 94 Seth Maitlen DL 6-2 240 So. Creston, Iowa/Creston 95 Spencer Wyant P 6-1 210 Sr. Sergeant Bluff, Iowa/Sergeant Bluff-Luton 96 Zack Keller DL 6-3 250 So. Wilber, Neb./Wilber-Clatonia 97 Dominick Barrett DL 6-2 270 So. Boys Town, Neb./Boys Town 98 David Rios DL 6-3 270 So. Sioux Falls, S.D./Lincoln 99 Alex Paulson DL 6-2 280 Jr. Buffalo Center, Iowa/North Iowa Head Coach: Steve Ryan Assistant Coaches: Casey Jacobsen, Defensive Coordinator Lucas Lueders, Offensive Coordinator Nathan Turner Defensive Coordinator Bryce Rusler, Special Teams Coordinator Dan Kelley, Offensive Line Bill Hoss, Defensive Backs Taylor James, Defensive Backs
A Message from President
College Information
Dear Mustang Fans,
Founded: .........................................................................................1894 Location: .....................................................................Sioux City, Iowa Enrollment: .................................................................................... 1,270 President: ......................................................................John Reynders Athletic Director: ................................................................. Tim Jager Faculty Athletics Representative: ............................... Susie Lubbers Ticket/Office Manager: .............................................. Cheryl Gamble Sports Information Director: ......................................... Mark Adkins Head Athletic Trainer: ...................................................Katy Burford Equipment Manager: ..................................................... Daniel Kelley Athletic Phone: ............................................................. (712) 274-5192 Athletic FAX: .................................................................(712) 274-5578 Sports Information Phone: .......................................... (712) 274-5127 Affiliation: .....................................................................................NAIA Conference: ........................................................ Great Plains Athletic Nickname: ..............................................................................Mustangs Colors: ........................................................................Maroon & White
Morningside College is an extraordinary institution, rich in tradition and influential in the lives of countless students since our founding in 1894. Hardworking, dedicated and ethical are just a few of the descriptions that capture the characteristics of young women and men who are, or have been, Morningsiders. The terrific success of our athletic teams over the years is because we believe those characteristics win on the field, but more importantly in life. I am extremely proud of our student-athletes and coaches and look forward to another exciting year of Mustang athletics! Go Mustangs!
Football Information Head Coach: ....................................................................... Steve Ryan Alma Mater: ................................................................Wheaton (1989) Record At School: ...................................................... 169-40, 16 Years Career Record: ........................................................... 169-40, 16 Years Office Phone: ................................................................ (712) 274-5283 Offensive Coordinator: .................................................Lucas Lueders Defensive Coordinator: ................. Casey Jacobsen, Nathan Turner 2017 Record: ..................................................................................... 13-1 Home Field:..................................................... Elwood Olsen Stadium Surface:.................................................................................... Fieldturf Capacity: ......................................................................................10,000 Press Box Phone:...........................................................(712) 223-1674
Photo credits: Nick Buth, Dr. Gene Knudsen
#MsideMustangs morningside.edu The Morningside College experience cultivates a passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
About Morningside College About Morningside College College
olleges had birth certificates, this is the information that City College Hall) and uld have appeared on the hypothetical document issued for the foundation for an ningside College almost 125 years ago. unfinished second building (today’s Lewis If colleges had birth certificates, this is the information that building (today’s Lewis If colleges had birth certificates, this is the information that for College Hall) and Hall). A record number would have appeared on the hypothetical document issued me: Morning Side College Hall).City A record number would have appeared the hypothetical document issued for the foundation for an of students, 196, enrolled Morningside College on almost 125 years ago. of students, 196, e: Dec. 5, 1894 College almost 125 years ago. Morningside unfinished for classes. second enrolled for classes. building (today’s Lewis Name: me: 5:30 p.m. Morning Side College Name: Morning Side College Hall). A record By contrast, thenumber 21st Date: Dec. 5, 1894 ce: Sioux City, Iowa By contrast, the 21st of students, 196, century Morningside Time: 5:305,p.m. Date: Dec. 1894 century Morningside enrolled for aclasses. College has total ents: the Rev. G. W. Carr andIowa a commission created Place: Sioux City, Time: 5:30 p.m. has a total enrollment of nearly 3,000 full- and part-time enrollment of nearly the Rev. G. W. Carr and aofcommission created by the College byParents: the Northwest Iowa Conference the Sioux City, Iowa By contrast, thepart21stcampus with 25 buildings. Undergraduate 3,000 fulland and a 69-acre Place: Episcopal Northwest Iowa Conference of the Methodist Episcopal students Methodist Church century Morningside Parents: the Rev. G. W. Carr and a commission created timeseek students and a experiential education in more than 65 Church students an active, College has a total enrollment of nearly full-also and offers part-time 69-acre campus with 25 buildings. Undergraduate students seek by the Northwest Iowa Conference of the majors and preprofessional programs. The3,000 college as an inauspicious birth. Thebirth. new college was the was successor students and a 69-acre campus with 25 buildings. Undergraduate It was an inauspicious The new college the successor an active, experiential education in more than 65 majors and Methodist Episcopal Church graduate degree programs in teaching and nursing. The majority UniversitytoofUniversity the Northwest, a short-lived institution launched students seek anprograms. active, experiential education in graduate more thandegree 65 of the Northwest, a short-lived institution launchedof coursework preprofessional The college also offers the Master of Arts in Teaching and theoffers Master ioux Cityin with great fanfare in 1890 that was bankrupt and majors andfor preprofessional programs. The college also Sioux with greatbirth. fanfare 1890college that was and It was anCity inauspicious Theinnew wasbankrupt the successor programs in teaching and nursing. The majority of coursework of Science in Nursing degrees in is teaching offered in a convenient online idated five years later. The Rev. W.Rev. was University graduate degreeofprograms nursing.ofThe majority liquidated fiveofyears later.G. The G. who W. Carr, who was University to University the Northwest, aCarr, short-lived institution launched for the Master Arts in Teaching and and the Master Science format. Morningside’s newest online degree program is an of for the Master of in Teaching andformat. the Master he Northwest’s last president, served Morningside College’s of Northwest’s as Morningside College’s in the Sioux City with last greatpresident, fanfareas inserved 1890 that was bankrupt and in coursework Nursing degrees is offered in Arts a convenient online major in organizational management that is of Science in Nursing is offered in a convenient online president. Itpresident. was Carr, with a group 14 other liquidated five years The Rev. G.of Carr, who first Italong waslater. Carr, along with aW.group of 14 was otherUniversityundergraduate Morningside’s newest degrees online degree program is an undergraduate format. Morningside’s newest online degree program is an designed for working adults who have some college credits and of the Northwest’s last president, served as Morningside College’s Methodistwho ministers, who filed Morningside of hodist ministers, filed Morningside College’sCollege’s articlesarticles of major in organizational management that is designed for working undergraduate major incollege organizational management that is their complete their bachelor’s degree. first president. It was along Recorder’s with a group of 14 other incorporation with theCarr, Woodbury County Recorder’s Office orporation with the Woodbury County Office at 5:30at 5:30want to adults who have some credits and want to complete designed working adults who have some college credits and Methodist ministers, who filed College’s articles of on Dec. 5, 1984. gaveMorningside the infantacollege a temporary bachelor’sfor degree. . on Dec.p.m. 5, 1984. They gaveThey the infant college temporary want to complete their bachelor’s degree. incorporation with the Woodbury County Recorder’s Office at 5:30 marks the 125th anniversary of its namefrom that came from City the Sioux Citywhere suburbUniversity where University As Morningside College me that came the Sioux suburb p.m. on Dec. 5, 1984. They gave the infant college a temporary As Morningside College marks the 125th anniversary of its of the Northwest had established its campus. Optimistically, the founding, we provide students an extraordinary, immersive he Northwest had established its campus. Optimistically, the As Morningside College marks an theextraordinary, 125th anniversary of its name thathoped cameafrom the Sioux City suburb where University founding, we provide students immersive founders wealthy patron would step forward to make experience that challenges them to explore their interests nders hoped a wealthy patron would step to make founding, wethat provide students an to extraordinary, immersive the Northwest had established its forward campus. Optimistically, the and ideas, experience challenges them explorebuild theirauthentic interests aofgenerous naming gift. On Sept. 11, 1895, Morningside College engage inchallenges a hands-on education, nerous naming gift. On Sept. 11, 1895, Morningside College experience that them to explore their interests founders hoped astarted wealthy wouldUniversity step forward to make and ideas, engage in a hands-on education, build authentic classes officially onpatron the former of the Northwest community, foster natural curiosity, and make an impact in the and ideas, engage in a hands-on education, build authentic ses officially started oncontained thegift. former University of thetoday Northwest a generous naming On Sept. 11, 1895, Morningside campus, which one building (known asCollege Charles world.community, foster natural curiosity, and make an impact in the community, foster natural curiosity, and make an impact in the mpus, which contained one building today as Charles classes officially started onfoundation the(known formerfor University of the second Northwest world. City College Hall) and the an unfinished campus, which contained one building (known today as Charles
John Reynders Reynders ohn Reynders John President resident President
John Reynders, the12th 12thPresident President n Reynders, the 12th President John Reynders, the of Morningside Morningside College, came orningside College, came to came of College, to to in 1999 ningsideMorningside inMorningside 1999 from in Allegheny 1999 fromfrom Allegheny Allegheny College inPennsylvania, Meadville, College inPennsylvania, Meadville, ege in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he wasfor Vice where he was Vice President re he was Vice President for President for Administrative Administrative Services and Treasurer. ministrative Services and Treasurer. Services and Treasurer.
world.
Tim Jager TimTim Jager Jager Athletic Director Athletic Director Athletic Director
Tim Jager became Morningside’s Tim became Morningside’s Tim Jager Jager became Morningside’s athletic director on 1, 2012, athletic director on 1,1, 2012, athletic directorAug. on Aug. Aug. 2012, following a highly successful career following aa highly successful career following highly successful career the wrestling coach. as theas college’s headhead wrestling coach. as the college’s college’s head wrestling coach. Morningside has GPAC AllMorningside has won the the GPAC AllMorningside has won won the GPAC AllSport Trophy four times in the last Sport Trophy four times in the last Sport Trophy four times in the last sixsix under Jager’s leadership and was six years under Jager’s leadership years years under Jager’s leadership and was named the GPAC Athletic Director named the GPAC Athletic namedand thewas GPAC Athletic Director of of the Year honor in 2016-17. Director of the Year honor in 2016-17. the Year honor in 2016-17.
President Reynders has experience at ident Reynders has experience at President has experience all levels ofReynders higher education, having evels of higher education, having at allserved levels at of Allegheny higher education, also as Director and Dean of Enrollment served at Allegheny as Director Dean of Enrollment Jager Morningside’s having also at Allegheny as Director and Dean ofto Planning andserved Financial Aidand (1990-97); Special Assistant Jager compiled compiled aa 75-41-2 75-41-2 record record in in eight eight seasons seasons as Morningside’s Jager head compiled a 75-41-2 record in eight seasons asasMorningside’s ning andthe Financial Aid (1990-97); Special Assistant to Special Enrollment Planning and Financial Aid (1990-97); Provost and Associate Director of Athletics (1988-90); head wrestling wrestling coach coach after after he he started started up up the the college’s college’s varsity varsity coach after the he Mustangs started uptothe college’s varsity program. GPAC Provost and Associate Director ofPhysical Athletics (1988-90); Assistant to the Provost of and Associate DirectorInstructor of Athletics and Associate Professor Education, in(1988-head wrestling program. Jager Jager guided guided the Mustangs to GPAC championships championships in 2011 in 2011 andHe 2012. wasMustangs a three-time GPAC of Coach of the Year program. Jager guided to Coach GPAC championships 90); and Associate Professor ofBasketball Physical Education, Mathematics, Head Men’s Coach (1979-88). In Associate Professor ofand Physical Education, Instructor inInstructor and 2012. wasHe a the three-time GPAC the Year and was the and was the 2011 NAIA North Region Coach of the Year after in 2011 and 2012. He was a three-time GPAC Coach of the Year in Mathematics, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach (1979-88). In addition to hisMen’s teaching and administrative responsibilities, he hematics, and Head Basketball Coach (1979-88). In 2011 NAIA North Region Coach of the Year after he led Morningside he led Morningside to the NAIA North Region title. Jager was has been to active inadministrative higherand education organizations as he well as he has addition his teaching administrative responsibilities, and was theNAIA 2011 NAIA North Region Coach of the Year after tion to his teaching and responsibilities, to the North Region title. Jager was the NAIA’s 2011 recipient the NAIA’s 2011 recipient of theNorth Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence consulting for the George Dehne and Associates firm. been active in higher education organizations as well as consulting he led Morningside to the NAIA Region title. Jager of the Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award presented towas a coach been active in higher education organizations as well as Award2011 presented to a coach epitomizes the qualities and forthe theGeorge George Dehne Dehne and firm. the NAIA’s recipient of thewho Bob Bubb Coaching who epitomizes the qualities and characteristics of Excellence a role model ulting for andAssociates Associates firm. characteristics of a role model and mentor for developing studentPresident Reynders serves or has served on numerous not for Awardathletes. presented to developing a coach who epitomizes the and and mentor for student-athletes. Hequalities received He received the GPAC Coach of Character Awardthe in GPAC 2011 President Reynders serves or servedof onthe numerous not for of profit boards and currently is ahas member Iowa Association Coach of Character Award in 2011 and is past president of the NAIA characteristics of a role model and mentor for developing studentident Reynders serves orcurrently hasand served numerous and is past president of the NAIA Wrestling Coaches Association. profit boards and is a on member of the not Iowa Association Independent Colleges Universities (IAICU), thefor Iowa Collegeof Wrestling Coaches Association. Under Jager, the Mustangs received athletes. He received the GPAC Coach of Character Award in 2011 Under Jager, the Mustangs received the NAIA Buffalo Funds Five fit boardsFoundation, and currently is a member of the Iowa Association of Independentand Colleges andofUniversities IowaHe College Council Independent(IAICU), Collegesthe (CIC). is a the NAIA Buffaloofof Funds Five Star Champions of Character Award past president the NAIA Wrestling Association. Champions Character Award three Coaches times. pendentformer Colleges and (IAICU), the Iowa College Chair of Universities the NAIA of Council of Presidents. Foundation, and Council Independent Colleges (CIC). He is a and isStar three times. Under Jager, the Mustangs received the NAIA Buffalo Funds Five ndation, and Council ofthe Independent Colleges (CIC). He is a former Chair of NAIA Council of Presidents. He is the GPAC representative on the NAIA Athletic Director Star Champions of Character Award three times. Reynders holdsofMaster of Arts in Education and mer ChairPresident of the NAIA Council Presidents. He is the GPAC representative on the NAIA Athletic Director
Association’s Board of Directors. Jager serves on numerous PresidentofReynders holds Master of Arts in Education and He Bachelor Science in Mathematics degrees from Allegheny. Association’s hiring Board committees, of Directors. isJager serves on numerous Morningside part of Morningside’s He is the GPAC representative on the NAIA Athletic Director Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degrees from Allegheny. He and his wife, Robin, share their sons: Mathew, Chuck, and Jeremy. ident Reynders holds Master of Arts in Education and Morningside hiring committees, is part of Morningside’s Retention RetentionBoard Committee and Enrollment Management Team, and his wife, Robin, share their sons: Mathew, Chuck, and Jeremy.Association’s of Directors. Jager serves on numerous Committee andon Enrollment Management Team, andTask has Force served on helor of Science in Mathematics degrees from Allegheny. He and has served the Student Life and Enrollment Morningside hiring is part Morningside’s the Student Lifecommittees, and Enrollment Taskof Force Committees. his wife, Robin, share their sons: Mathew, Chuck, and Jeremy. Committees. Retention Committee and Enrollment Management Team, 3
and has served on the Student Life and Enrollment Task Force Committees.
Mustangs Coaching Staff Steve Ryan Head Coach Steve Ryan has guided the Mustangs to a 16940 record for a winning percentage of 80.8 in 16 seasons for the most football coaching victories and the highest victory rate in Morningside history. Ryan has led the Mustangs to 14 consecutive post-season appearances in the NAIA National Championship Series, where the team has advanced to at least the semifinals four times in the last six years. Ryan was named the 2012 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and American Football Monthly NAIA National Coach of the Year after he guided the Mustangs to their greatest season in school history. Morningside posted a 13-1 record and appeared in its first-ever national championship football game. The Mustangs finished the regular season undefeated at 10-0, won their second consecutive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) championship, and made their ninth consecutive post-season appearance in the NAIA Championship Series, where they lost 30-27 in overtime against Marian University in the 2012 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship on Dec. 13 in Rome, Ga. He led the Mustangs to Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) championships in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. His teams have advanced past the first round of the NAIA Championship Series 13 times in the last 15 years, including an appearance in the 2012 NAIA National Championship Game and semifinal berths in 2005, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. Ryan collected GPAC Coach of the Year honors in 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018. He received AFCA NAIA Region 4 Coach of the Year recognition in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and was the 2004 NAIA Football. net National Coach of the Year. Ryan’s Mustangs made their first appearance on the NAIA national stage in 2004 when they posted an 8-2 record, achieved a No. 12 national ranking, and secured their first-ever berth in the NAIA Championship Series. He guided Morningside to a 5-5 record in 2002 in his first season with the Mustangs to snap a streak of 15 consecutive losing seasons. The five wins were the college’s most victories since the 1985 campaign. Before coming to Morningside, Ryan was an assistant coach at Ottawa University and helped lead the Braves to a pair of NAIA Championship Series appearances.
Ryan is a 1989 graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, where he was a four-year letterwinner and a three-year starter as a linebacker. He received his master’s degree from NationalLouis University in 1997. Steve and his wife, Lisa, reside in Sioux City with their six children: Madison, Kali, Kelsi, Jenna, Gabrielle, and William.
Casey Jacobsen Co-Defensive Coordinator Casey Jacobsen, named Morningside’s co-defensive coordinator following the 2010 campaign, is the dean among the Mustangs’ assistant coaches with 14 years of service. He was the special teams coordinator from 2005-10 and has coached both the outside and inside linebackers during his tenure at Morningside. Jacobsen’s defensive units have consistently ranked among the nation’s finest. Morningside led the nation in scoring defense in the 2012 season with an average of only 13.2 points per game. The Mustangs held eight of their 14 opponents to single-digit scoring totals, including four shutouts. Aside from leading the nation in scoring defense, the Mustangs ranked second in the NAIA in rushing defense (66.9 yards per game), set a school-record with 34 quarterback sacks, and held their opposition to a miniscule average of 2.1 yards per rushing attempt. Before his promotion to defensive coordinator, Jacobsen’s special teams were routinely ranked in the top 10 nationally in numerous categories, including kickoff coverage and blocked kicks. His tutelage led to many school records being broken in the special teams categories of place kicking, kickoff returns, and punt returns. Jacobsen previously coached at Buena Vista University, where he was the Beavers’ defensive line coach during the 2003 season and an assistant offensive line coach during the 2002 campaign. He is a 2002 graduate of Buena Vista, where he was a threeyear letterwinner and a three-year starter as an offensive center. Casey and his wife, Heidi, reside in Sioux City with their five children: Hogan, Kelynn, Owen, Annabelle, and Margaret.
Nathan Turner Co-Defensive Coordinator
He was previously an assistant coach at St. Ambrose University and Sterling College.
Nathan Turner, named the Mustangs’ co-defensive coordinator following the 2010 season, has 11 years of coaching experience at Morningside. Turner has also served as the team’s defensive line coach and strength & conditioning coach.
Daniel Kelley Assistant Coach
Turner helped the Mustangs’ defense rank among the nation’s elite during the 2012 season. Morningside led the nation in scoring defense with an average of 13.2 points per game. The Mustangs held eight of their 14 opponents to single-digit scoring totals, including four shutouts. Aside from leading the nation in scoring defense, the Mustangs ranked second in rushing defense (66.9 yards per game), ninth in pass efficiency defense (98.6), and 16th in total defense
Kelley joins the Mustangs from Millikin University, where he was an assistant coach during the 2014-15 academic year. Kelley coached Millikin’s running backs and tight ends and was the team’s assistant strength coach. He was previously an assistant coach at Simpson College in 2013. Kelley coached the offensive line and ran the scout team defense at Simpson.
Lueders, a 2008 graduate of Sterling, holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose.
(297.4 yards per game). The Mustangs set a school-record with 34 quarterback sacks and held their opposition to a miniscule average of 2.1 yards per rushing attempt. He was previously the running backs coach and video coordinator at Eastern Oregon University. Turner graduated from Eastern Oregon in 2004. He was one of the Mountaineers’ team captains in 2003.
Lucas Lueders Offensive Coordinator
Daniel Kelley is in his third season with the Mustangs and serves as the team’s offensive line coach.
Kelley, a native of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, graduated from Simpson with a major in history. He was a two-year letterwinner for The Storm as an offensive lineman. Kelley earned honorable mention Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) recognition in 2011 when he started nine games at right guard for a Simpson team than ranked second in the IIAC in passing offense with an average of 264.2 yards per game. Kelley was an all-district football player and a wrestling state tournament qualifier during his prep career at Mount Pleasant Community High School.
Bryce Rusler Assistant Coach
Lucas Lueders, promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013, has been with the Mustangs for the past five seasons. He is also the Mustangs’ recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach. Lueders helped mastermind one of the most prolific offensive attacks in NAIA history over the past four seasons. The Mustangs were the highest scoring team in NAIA history during the 2015 campaign when they set national records with 825 points and a scoring average of 58.9 points per game. The Mustangs scored over 50 points in nine of their 12 contests, including six scoring performances of 75 points or more. That came following a 2014 season where the Mustangs set NAIA national records with averages of 662.2 yards total offense and 55.5 points per game. Morningside amassed over 700 yards total offense five times, including a NAIA national record 916 yards total offense in a 76-14 victory against Hastings. In his first season as offensive coordinator the Mustangs were the second highest scoring team in the nation with an average of 45.5 point per game.
College.
Bryce Rusler comes to Morningside from Southern Nazarene University (D2) where he served as the Offensive Skills Position Coach instructing the running backs, wide receivers, slot receivers and assisted with the quarterbacks for 2 seasons. Prior to that he spent two years as the Running Back, Wide Receiver and Assistant Quarterback Coach at Dordt
In college Rusler was a three-year starter at quarterback for Dordt College (NAIA). He was also an all-state wrestler and statequalifying power lifter in high school. Rusler earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 2014 and completed his master’s degree in educational leadership, both from Dordt College.
Mustangs Coaching Staff Jay Weakland Assistant Coach
Bill Hoss Assistant Coach
Jay Weakland rejoined the Mustangs’ coaching staff
Bill Hoss has rejoined the Mus-tangs’ coaching staff and will serve as the team’s running backs coach. Hoss also coached the Mustangs’ running backs during the 2014 campaign.
for the 2017 season. He was previously an assistant coach at Morningside from 1997 to 2000. Weakland, who is also a guidance counselor at Sioux City East High School, will coach the Mustangs’ tight ends and offensive tackles. He was the offensive line coach at East from 2010 to 2016. Earlier in his career, he was the head coach at Kingman High School in Arizona and an assistant coach at Durant High School in Iowa and Buena Vista University. Weakland graduated from Morningside in 1998 with a major in physical education teaching and earned a master’s degree in guidance & counseling from Buena Vista in 2010. He was a two-year starter in Morningside’s offensive line during his playing career. Weakland previously played two seasons at College of the Siskiyous. Weakland earned third-team all-state and first-team all-conference honors during his prep career at Gresham High School in Oregon.
Taylor James Assistant Coach Taylor James is in his second season with the Mustangs and serves as the defensive backs coach. He previously served as the running backs coach in 2017 season following a standout playing career for the Mustangs. James, a native of Akron, IA, graduated from Morningside in 2017 with a major in business administration. James collected 186 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups during his playing career. James was a three-year starting defensive back for the Mus-tangs. He served as a team captain and was a second-team All-GPAC performer as a senior when he was the Mustangs’ third leading tackler with 51 stops to go along with three interceptions and five pass breakups. He was the team’s fourth leading tackler with 70 tackles as a junior and ranked fifth on the team with 56 tackles as a junior and ranked fifth on the team with 56 tackles as a sophomore.
He was previously an assistant coach at South Sioux City High School, where he was the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Hoss served three stints on the coaching staff at perennial Iowa prep power Sioux City Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and was the Crusaders’ offensive coordinator during the 2015 campaign. He was an assistant at Bishop Heelan Catholic from 1989 to 2004 and again from 2007-2011. In between he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Briar Cliff University from 2005 to 2006. He has helped coach playoff teams in 23 of his 27 years in coaching, including Bishop Heelan Catholic’s 2008 Class 3A state championship team. Bill and his wife Susan have two daughters, Tiffany and Stacy.
DESTINATION DAYTONA SEMIFINALS Daytona Date – Overtime thriller sends Mustangs to championship game SIOUX CITY, IOWA – The number 329 will go down in Morningside College lore. Morningside College’s household passing combination of senior quarterback Trent Solsma and senior wide receiver Connor Niles had increased their career connection total to 328 to the joy and delight of Mustang fans near and far by the latter stages of the 3:00 p.m. hour Saturday, Dec. 1. So, head coach Steve Ryan and his staff went back to the option on an overtime possession in the 2018 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Championship Series semifinals. As time seemingly stopped and breaths were collectively drawn among 2000 fans packed into Elwood Olsen Stadium on a snowy afternoon, Solsma took the snap, looked right and then left and sent a spiral to the left corner of the west end zone. Niles turned away from a University of St. Francis of Indiana defender and grabbed it tightly with two hands as he stepped inside the pylon, breaking back-to-back seasons of heartbreak against their current opponent and cinching the program’s first national championship berth since 2012 in the wake of a 34-28 victory. “Honestly, I was fortunate to be able to be a part (of that play),” Niles, the game’s Offensive Player of the Game, remarked still holding on to the football as fans and friends high-fived and hugged their way to him and all of the Maroon-clad student-athletes and coaches gathered near midfield at game’s
conclusion. “Our defense made so many great stands in the second half. When they held (St. Francis) on their overtime try and the kick was missed, the defensive coordinator looked at us and said we need to go out and score now.” “You don’t get a lot of chances to try and do something three times … we talked about the fact we needed to cash in on this opportunity (against St. Francis),” he added. “I can’t ask for much more than this feeling.” “We felt we had something (with that play),” Ryan noted. “We just had to block their defensive line who had been making things difficult. Sophomore running back AP “AP” Ponder stepped up and created enough protection. Once that happened, Trent throwing to Connor was something obviously we were comfortable with.” The 25-yard touchdown wrapped up a heart-stopping afternoon of drama. The Mustangs, as has been a trademark throughout 2018, jumped out quickly. After junior wide receiver Bo Els narrowly missed taking the opening kickoff to the house, Solsma hit Niles down the left side for a 50-yard touchdown just 14 seconds in. Holding number eight-ranked Cougars on their opening attempt, Solsma and company went back to work and found the end zone again with a 30-yard six-point connection to senior wide receiver Addison Ross to make it 14-0. The two sides each added a touchdown later in the frame, with the Mustangs’ end zone appearance occurring on a 17-yard scamper by Ponder, for a 21-7 Mside lead at the end of 15 minutes. The visitors, looking to add to their back-to-back national championship status, buckled down from that point. Riding a potent arm of their own in quarterback Matt Crable, the University of St. Francis answered with a 21-7 run of its own over the final three periods of regulation. Crable threw for two more touchdowns for three on the day, while Solsma and Niles were the order for the Maroon score. Between those four touchdowns, both sides were turned away by stubborn defensive units which included junior defensive back Deion Clayborne and Morningside. “(Defensive coordinator Casey Jacobsen) kept telling us to just do our jobs knowing that our offense would get going again after the fast start,” Clayborne said. “We have one of the best
in the country, so our defense needed to keep getting them chances. “This is just a great feeling,” he added. “Being able to be a part of this especially for our seniors is awesome. They’ve been working their tails off, and it’s going to be great getting to go down to Florida with them and the rest of the team.” Solsma, recording a staggering 27th straight contest with two-or-more touchdown passes, finished the afternoon with 306 hard-fought yards, the four scores and 28 completions among 57 attempts and two interceptions. Niles hauled in 161 yards and the three pay dirt stops, and Ponder recorded his ninth 100-yard-plus effort in the last 10 weeks with 147 yards on 22 battering ram carries with one touchdown included. The defensive digits were just as impressive, turning over the Cougars twice on fumbles and registering three sacks. Junior linebacker Chase Nelson topped the chart with nine tackles,
a sack, a tackle for loss and one of the fumble recoveries. Clayborne picked up the other fumble recovery, and the Katzer connection of juniors Joel and Jacob joined junior defensive back Klayton Nordeen with eight tackles each.
QUARTERFINALS Ticket Punched – Morningside back to playoffs’ Final Four One more step. Sometimes the best thought process along a postseason trail is just that. Not taking anything for granted against a tough St. Xavier University of Illinois program that trekked to Elwood Olsen Stadium Saturday, Nov. 24, head coach Steve Ryan’s Morningside College Mustang team systematically produced another impressive scoreboard lighting display to the thrill of their home fans. The top-seeded and top-ranked Maroon churned out just south of 500 total yards (489) and opened the national quarterfinals’ match-up with 21 straight points in route to a 51-14 victory. Mside’s sixth appearance in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ semifinal round in the last seven years came with more reconfiguring of the already wellerased national record book in the case of senior quarterback Trent Solsma and senior wide receiver Connor Niles. Solsma’s aerial assault didn’t allow much opportunity for the visiting Cougars to stay in step, as he hit on 31 of 39 attempts for 374 yards and five touchdowns, helping him surpass former standout Austin Dodge of the University of Southern Oregon in career touchdown strikes (157-154). Niles was again a favorite selection to the tune of 13 catches for 181 yards and two scores. Along the way, his season receiving yardage total (2314) bypassed former national record holder Chris George of Glenville State University of West Virginia’s 2,221 of 1993. The record-breaking duo’s marks weren’t the only ones shining brightly. Sophomore running back AP “AP” Ponder reeled off his 10th 100-yard-plus effort, rushing 24 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Game honors. Morningside’s defense was also a big part of the equation, sacking St. Xavier quarterbacks five times and turning over the visitors once. Junior defensive back
Klayton Nordeen turned in nine tackles, three break-ups and an interception to be named Defensive Player of the Game, while junior linebackers Jacob Katzer and Chase Nelson made themselves familiar with the opposing offense, ending with 13 and 10 tackles, respectively.
FIRST ROUND Marching Onward – Balanced effort sends Mside to quarterfinals The roadmap to an opening round National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ playoff victory Saturday, Nov. 17, featured offensive and defensive stars aplenty. The nation’s top-ranked team didn’t disappoint its home crowd huddled together inside Elwood Olsen Stadium on a blustery November afternoon. The trail started on the arm of senior quarterback Trent Solsma. Resuming a stalwart collegiate career, he threaded the proverbial needle throughout the day, hitting on 28 of 38 attempts for 368 yards, marking the ninth time this season he’s been above 300 yards, to go along with four touchdown strikes. A well-earned Offensive Player of the Game honoree in the wake of a 49-20 victory over No. 16 seeded Rocky Mountain College of Montana, Solsma also used his feet to rush for another score, part of an afternoon in which he increased a remarkable streak to 26 consecutive games in which he’s connected on two-or-more touchdown passes.
All of those accolades enabled head coach Steve Ryan’s team to stampede out to a 21-0 lead after one period and not look back in route to a seventh straight opening round win and the program’s 20th all-time playoff victory. Mside’s defense ensured a quarterfinal round advancement, making it tough the entire 60 minutes on RMC’s offense.
The offensive story didn’t stop there, though. Senior wide receiver Connor Niles was again his classmate’s favorite target to the tune of three paydirt stops, 190 yards, good for his fourth successive triple-digit contest, and 13 catches and junior wide receiver Bo Els and sophomore wide receiver Reid Jurgensmeier kept the Battlin’ Bears defensive unit guessing Solsma’s passing patterns. Els grabbed six receptions for 81 yards and scored a touchdown, and Jurgensmeier received four passes for 75 yards. Sophomore running back AP Ponder and the Maroon ground game was rolling, too. Ponder scored twice and carried the ball 21 times for 131 yards for his eighth triple-figure yardage total.
Individual standouts were as numerous as on the offensive end. Junior linebacker Chase Nelson gaining Player of the Game honors to join Solsma, kept himself in the backfield of the visitors on several occasions with two forced fumbles, a thundering sack and a tackle and a half for losses to go with four quarterback passing hurries. Other top numbers came from senior defensive back Xavier Spann who garnered his sixth interception and fourth pick-off in the last six games; junior defensive back Deion Clayborne who led the tackle chart with nine; and junior linebacker Joel Katzer, senior linebacker Jesse Faltys and sophomore defensive lineman Niklas Gustav who added sacks to Nelson’s hit.
Post-Season Records and Results INDIVIDUAL RECORDS Yards Rushing – 311, Brandon Wegher vs. Missouri Valley, 11-29-14 Longest Run From Scrimmage – 79 yards, Brandon Wegher vs. Missouri Valley, 11-29-14 Rushing Attempts – 36, Mike McNulty vs. Dickinson St., 11-20-10 Rushing Touchdowns – 3, Joe Don Hunter vs. Lindenwood, 11- 29-08; Brandon Wegher vs. Missouri Valley, 11-29-14; Tyler Kavan vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15, vs. Southern Oregon, 12-5-15 & vs.Tabor, 11-19-16 Yards Passing – 501, Craig Fobbe vs. Evangel, 11-26-05 Longest Completion – 80 yards, Craig Fobbe vs. St. Ambrose, 11-1905 Pass Completions – 39, Ryan Kasdorf vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15 Pass Attempts – 61, Ryan Kasdorf vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15 Touchdown Passes – 7, Ian Gilworth vs. Baker, 11-22-08 Completion Percentage – 82.1 (23-28), Ian Gilworth vs. Baker, 11-2208 Yards Total Offense – 581, Ryan Kasdorf vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15 Pass Receptions – 14, Antuan Bloom vs. Carroll, 11-24-07 Pass Reception Yards – 287, Trae Johnson vs. St. Ambrose, 11-19-05 Longest Reception – 80 yards, Trae Johnson vs. St. Ambrose, 11-19-05 Reception Touchdowns – 4, Trae Johnson vs. St. Ambrose, 11-19-05 Touchdowns – 5, Tyler Kavan vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15 Points Scored – 30, Tyler Kavan vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15 Field Goals – 3, Jared Amundson vs. Tabor, 11-28-15 Longest Field Goal – 44 yards, C.J. Gradoville vs. Dickinson State, 11-20-10 PATs – 9, C.J. Gradoville vs. Baker, 11-22-08; Jared Amundson vs. Tabor, 11-19-16 Punting Average – 43.8, Jordan Sitzmann vs. Baker, 11-30-13 Longest Punt – 57 yards, Steven Watts vs. Saint Francis, 11-20-04 Punt Return Yards – 104, Beau Kildow vs. Missouri Valley, 11-21-09 Longest Punt Return – 84 yards, Beau Kildow vs. Missouri Valley, 11-21-09 Kickoff Return Yards – 130, Colby Henderson vs. Montana Tech, 11-17-12 Longest Kickoff Return – 90 yards, Colby Henderson vs. Montana Tech, 11-17-12 Interceptions – 2 five times, last by Ethan Stofferan vs. Tabor, 11-28-15 Interception Return Yards – 153, Chad Hustedt vs. Jamestown, 1117-07 Longest Interception Return – 99 yards, Chad Hustedt vs. Jamestown, 11-17-07 Pass break-ups – 4, Klayton Nordeen vs. St. Francis, 11/24/18 Quarterback Sacks – 3, Darrius McMullen vs. Ottawa, 11-22-14 Solo Tackles – 12, Ben Rickord vs. Southern Oregon, 11-24-12 Assisted Tackles – 13, Mike Winklepleck vs. Saint Francis, 11-20-04 Total Tackles – 18, Chad Hustedt vs. Saint Francis, 12-3-05
TEAM RECORDS
Yards Rushing – 396 vs. Ottawa, 11-22-14; vs. Missouri Valley, 11-29-14 Rushing Touchdowns – 5 vs. Tabor, 11-19-16 Yards Passing – 514 vs. Evangel, 11-26-05 Touchdown Passes – 7 vs. Baker, 11-22-08 Yards Total Offense – 712 vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-15
Interceptions – 5 vs. St. Ambrose, 11-19-05 Quarterback Sacks – 9 vs. Saint Xavier, 11-25-17
ALL-TIME NAIA POST-SEASON RESULTS 2004 First Round – Saint Francis (IN) 53, Morningside 3
2005 First Round – Morningside 58, St. Ambrose 7 Quarterfinals – Morningside 54, Evangel 21 Semifinals – Saint Francis (IN) 42, Morningside 14
2006 First Round – Morningside 38, St. Ambrose 31 (2 OT) Quarterfinals – Sioux Falls 37, Morningside 7
2007 First Round – Morningside 45, Jamestown 14 Quarterfinals – Carroll 27, Morningside 16
2008 First Round – Morningside 65, Baker 27 Quarterfinals – Lindenwood 34, Morningside 31
2009 First Round – Morningside 24, Missouri Valley 6 Quarterfinals – Sioux Falls 49, Morningside 21
2010 First Round – Morningside 38, Dickinson State 17 Quarterfinals – MidAmerica Nazarene 34, Morningside 10
2011 First Round – St. Francis (IL) 21, Morningside 17
2012 First Round – Morningside 40, Montana Tech 35 Quarterfinals – Morningside 47, Southern Oregon 44 (OT) Semifinals – Morningside 47, Saint Xavier 19 Championship – Marian 30, Morningside 27 (OT)
2013 First Round – Morningside 40, Rocky Mountain 21 Quarterfinals – Morningside 36, Baker 28 Semifinals – Grand View 35, Morningside 0
2014 First Round – Morningside 42, Ottawa 21 Quarterfinals – Morningside 56, Missouri Valley 28 Semifinals – Marian 41, Morningside 21
2015 First Round – Morningside 75, Saint Xavier 69 (4 OT) Quarterfinals – Morningside 51, Tabor 6 Semifinals – Southern Oregon 30, Morningside 27
2016 First Round – Morningside 65, Tabor 17 Quarterfinals – Saint Francis 42, Morningside 35
2017 First Round – Morningside 63, Sterling 7 Quarterfinals – Morningside 52, Saint Xavier 7 Semifinals – Saint Francis 43, Morningside 36
2018 First Round – Morningside 49, Rocky Mountain 20 Quarterfinals – Morningside 52, St. Xavier (Ill.) 14 Semifinals – Morningside 34, St. Francis (Ind.) 28 (OT)
All-Time Statistical Leaders RUSHING
PASS RECEIVING
SINGLE SEASON RUSHING LEADERS 1. 2,610, Brandon Wegher, 2014 2. 2,160, Bubba Jenkins, 2017 3. 1,624, Jake Peterson, 2009 4. 1,549, AP Ponder, 2018 5. 1,353, Tyler Kavan, 2016 6. 1,325, Dave Bigler, 1971 7. 1,313, Tyler Kavan, 2015 8. 1,284, Connie Callahan, 1949 9. 1,229, Joel Rogers, 1995 10. 1,205, Brandon Wegher, 2013
SINGLE SEASON RECEPTION LEADERS 1. 146, Connor Niles, 2018 2. 96, Connor Niles, 2018 3. 93, Antuan Bloom, 2007 4. 88, Joel McCabe, 2012 5. 86, Todd Smith, 1988 6. 83, Connor Niles, 2015 7. 81, Trae Johnson, 2005 8. 80, Beau Kildow, 2009 9. 79, Kyle Ortegren, 2004 10. 75, Kyle Schuck, 2013
CAREER LEADERS 1. 3,815, Brandon Wegher, 2013-14 2. 3,421, Tyler Kavan, 2013-16 3. 2,877, Dave Bigler, 1969-71 4. 2,234, Jake Peterson, 2008-09 5. 2,160, Bubba Jenkins, 2017 6. 2,147, AP Ponder, 20177. 1,872, Tyler Childress, 2005-08 8. 1,743, Fred Jones, 2011-12 9. 1,695, Joel Rogers, 1994-95 10. 1,574, Connie Callahan, 1946-49
CAREER RECEPTION LEADERS 1. 360, Connor Niles, 20142. 219, Kyle Ortegren, 2002-05 3. 212, Beau Kildow, 2006-09 4. 201, Mitch Allner, 1996-99 5. 193, Joel McCabe, 2010-13 6. 173, Kyle Schuck, 2010-13 7. 170, Cody Jaminet, 2003-06 8. 161, Cory Wirth, 2002-05 9. 151, Jerry Steffen, 1981-84 10. 140, Damon Mothershead, 2003-06
PASSING
PASS RECEIVING
SINGLE SEASON LEADERS 1. 5,097, Trent Solsma, 2018 2. 4,885, Craig Fobbe, 2005 3. 4,406, Trent Solsma, 2017 4. 3,953, Ryan Kasdorf, 2015 5. 3,844, Joel Nixon, 2012 6. 3,644, Ryan Kasdorf, 2014 7. 3,623, Ian Gilworth, 2007 8. 3,335, Ryan Kasdorf, 2013 9. 3,298, Trent Solsma, 2016 10. 3,130, Ian Gilworth, 2008
SINGLE SEASON YARDAGE LEADERS 1. 2,475, Connor Niles, 2018 2. 1,910, Trae Johnson, 2005 3. 1,538, Connor Niles, 2015 4. 1,449, Connor Niles, 2017 5. 1,419, Kyle Schuck, 2013 6. 1,383, Beau Kildow, 2009 7. 1,284, Joel McCabe, 2012 8. 1,245, Devin Thomas, 2014 9. 1,231, Antuan Bloom, 2007 10. 1,141, Kyle Ortegren, 2003
CAREER LEADERS 1. 13,739, Trent Solsma, 2015-2018 2. 11,623, Craig Fobbe, 2002-05 3. 10,932, Ryan Kasdorf, 2013-15 4. 6,753, Ian Gilworth, 2007-08 5. 6,315, Jim Gibson, 1982-85 6. 5,101, Tim Richard, 2006-09 7. 4,139, J.J. White, 1997-2000 8. 3,844, Joel Nixon, 2012 9. 3,644, Don Zeleznak, 1966-68 10. 3,154, Greg Mieras, 1975-78
CAREER YARDAGE LEADERS 1. 6,175, Connor Niles, 2014-2018 2. 3,277, Beau Kildow, 2006-09 3. 3,008, Kyle Schuck, 2010-13 4. 2,976, Kyle Ortegren, 2002-05 5. 2,937, Mitch Allner, 1996-99 6. 2,508, Joel McCabe, 2010-13 7. 2,328, Jason Vander Kooi, 2013-16 8. 2,258, Tanner Ver Steeg, 2014-17 9. 2,198, Cody Jaminet, 2003-06 10. 2,060, Damon Mothershead, 2003-06
Connie Callahan
Craig Fobbe
Beau Kildow
School Records MORNINGSIDE INDIVIDUAL RECORDS RUSHING YARDS Game - 327, Brandon Wegher vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 10-18-2014 Season - 2,610, Brandon Wegher, 2014 Career - 3,815, Brandon Wegher, 2013-14 RUSHING ATTEMPTS Game - 43, Mike McNulty vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 9-11-2010 Season - 350, Bubba Jenkins, 2017 Career - 587, Dave Bigler, 1969-71 PASSING YARDS Game - 528, Trent Solsma vs Tabor College, 9-2-2017; Tied vs Midland University, 10-6-2018 Season - 5097, Trent Solsma, 2018 Career - 13,739, Trent Solsma, 2015-18 PASS COMPLETIONS Game - 39, Ryan Kasdorf vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-2015 Season: 365, Trent Solsma, 2018 Career: 947, Trent Solsma, 2015-18 TOUCHDOWN PASSES Game - 7, Ian Gilworth vs. Hastings, 10-11-2008 & vs. Baker, 11-22-2008; Ryan Kasdorf vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 10-17-2015 & vs. Doane, 11-14-2015 Season - 68, Trent Solsma, 2018 Career - 161, Trent Solsma, 2015-18 PASS RECEPTIONS Game - 16, Gary Pettit vs. South Dakota, 1968; Kyle Ortegren vs. Doane, 10-18-2003 Season - 146, Connor Niles, 2018 Career - 360, Connor Niles, 2014-2018 PASS RECEPTION YARDS
Game - 307, Connor Niles vs Midland University, 10-6-2018 Season - 2475, Connor Niles, 2018 Career - 6175, Connor Niles, 2014-2018
TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
Game - 4, Steve Schroeder vs. Missouri Western, 1970; Dan McClannahan vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 1971; Trae Johnson vs. St. Ambrose, 11-19-2005; Antuan Bloom vs. Dana, 10-20-2007; Kyle Schuck vs. Dordt, 10-27- 2012; Kyle Schuck vs. Briar Cliff, 10-262013; Connor Niles vs Midland, 10-6-2018; Connor Niles vs Doane, 10-13-2018 Season - 31, Connor Niles, 2018 Career - 70, Connor Niles, 2014-2018
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS
EXTRA POINTS
Game - 13, Jerry Johnson vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 1916 Season - 97, Jared Amundson, 2018 Career - 318, Jared Amundson, 2015-2018
FIELD GOALS
Game - 5, Jorge Diaz vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 1991 Season - 21, C.J. Gradoville, 2010 Career - 53, C.J. Gradoville, 2007-10 Longest Field Goal - 53 yards, Mark Paulsen vs. Mexico Nuevo Leon, 1980
PUNTING
Longest Punt - 81 yards, Mike Borrall vs. North Dakota, 10-9-1999
INTERCEPTIONS
Game - 3, Dwight Sann vs. South Dakota State, 1969; Mark Brosamle vs. Au-gustana, 1971; Bill Mathers vs. South Dakota State, 1971; Brian Drew vs. Dako-ta Wesleyan, 11-1-2003; Chris Kuehl vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 9-30-2006; Ryan Oetken vs. Hastings, 10-28-2006; Mike Buckley vs. Northwestern, 11-3-2007; Ryan Oetken vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 9-6-08; Darius Hicks vs. Concordia, 11-2-13 Season - 11, Colby Henderson, 2011, Xavier Spann vs. Concordia, 11-11-17 Career - 22, Ryan Oetken, 2005-08
MORNINGSIDE TEAM RECORDS RUSHING YARDS
Game - 475 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 10-18-2014 Season - 4,613, 2014
RUSHING ATTEMPTS
Game - 76 vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1976 Season - 705, 2014
RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Season - 61, 2014
PASSING YARDS
Game - 606 vs Tabor, 9-2-2017; vs Midland, 10-6-2018 Season - 5361, 2018
PASS COMPLETIONS
Game - 39 vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-2015 Season - 313, 2005
PASS ATTEMPTS
Game - 61 vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-2015 Season - 538, 2018
TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Game - 8 vs. Hastings, 10-11-08; vs. Hastings, 10-11-2014 Season - 70, 2018
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS
Game - 581, Ryan Kasdorf vs. Saint Xavier, 11-21-2015 Season - 5040, Trent Solsma, 2018 Career - 13,828, Trent Solsma, 2015-2018
Game - 916 vs. Hastings, 10-11-2014 Season - 8,609, 2014
POINTS SCORED
Game - 116 vs. Buena Vista, 1909 Season - 825, 2015
Game - 43, Jerry Johnson vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 1916 Season - 260, Brandon Wegher, 2014 Career - 405, Jared Amundson, 2018
TOUCHDOWNS
Game - 6, Jerry Johnson vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1917 Season - 43, Brandon Wegher, 2014 Career - 72, Connor Niles, 2014-2018
POINTS
INTERCEPTIONS
Game - 5 seven times, last time vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 9-6-08 Season - 31, 2007
2012 NAIA National Championship Game Russell Athletic-NAIA National Championship Dec. 13, 2012 at Rome, GA Marian 30, Morningside 27 OT Mike Josifovski kicked a 26-yard field goal to lift fifth-ranked Marian University to a 30-27 overtime victory against No. 3 Morningside in the 2012 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship held in Rome, Ga. Marian finished with a 12-1 record to win a national championship in only its sixth season of football. Morningside bowed out at 13-1 while making it’s first-ever appearance in a national championship football game. Josifovski, who had kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime tied at 27-27, was also the hero in the Knights’ 20-17 upset victory against No. 1 Missouri Valley College in the NAIA Championship Series Semifinals when he kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired. Morningside used some late game heroics of its own when Joel Nixon tossed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Schuck with 1:04 left in regulation time to bring the Mustangs back from a 24-20 deficit to go up 27-24. Morningside finished with 384 yards total offense compared to 349 yards for Marian and also had a 34:29 to 25:31 advantage in time of possession. However, the Mustangs lost the turnover battle 3-1 as two interceptions and a lost fumble led to three of the Knights’ scores. Adam Wiese passed for 233 yards and a touchdown, Tevin Lake rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns, and Nathan Jones caught five passes for 99 yards and a touchdown to lead the Marian offense. Fred Jones rushed for a season’s high 118 yards and two touchdowns, Joel Nixon completed 22 of 39 pass attempts for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and Joel McCabe (eight catches for 60 yards) and Kyle Schuck (four catches for 74 yards) each had touchdown receptions for the Mustangs. Marian rallied from a 20-10 deficit in the fourth quarter and it was a turnover that got the Knights started. The Mustangs appeared on the verge of putting the game away when they drove to the Knights’ four-yard line before Ryan Hartnett intercepted a pass in the end zone. “We needed to stick it in the end zone on that drive,” said Morningside head coach Steve Ryan. “We had a chance to put it away and just didn’t get it done, and they (Marian) got some life from that.”
Kyle Schuck made a dramatic fourth quarter catch in a crowd of Marian defenders. Photo/Willis Glassgow, WG Sports After Hartnett’s fourth quarter interception, the Knights marched 88 yards in 11 plays to close within 20-17 on a four-yard touchdown run by Lake with 7:33 left in the game. Marian got the ball back on its own 28-yard line with 6:02 left in the game and took the lead on a 61-yard touchdown bomb from Wiese to Jones with 2:46 remaining. The Mustangs weren’t finished, though, and marched 67 yards in eight plays for a go-ahead score when Nixon flipped a sevenyard touchdown pass to Schuck with 1:04 left in the game. The Mustangs’ season was on the brink earlier in the drive when they faced a fourth-and-15 from their own 44-yard line. Nixon, under heavy pressure, threw the ball up for grabs and Schuck pulled the ball away from a crowd of Marian defenders for a dramatic 35-yard completion that put the ball on the Knights’ 21-yard line. Marian was penalized for pass interference on the next play to set up the Nixon to Schuck touchdown pass. “I just let the ball go,” Nixon said of his fourth down heave to Schuck. “I’ve always felt that it’s a high percentage pass anytime I throw the ball to Kyle.” “I just saw the ball leave Joel’s hand and knew I had to come down with it somehow,” Schuck said.
“We made some great plays at the end of the game and I thought we were going to do it, but it just didn’t happen,” Ryan said. “We had a very special year just in the way the team came together and improved every week.”
The seven-yard touchdown pass from Nixon to Schuck gave Morningside a 27-24 lead with just 1:04 left in the game, but the Knights had one more rally in them and drove 51 yards in 11 plays to send the game into overtime on Josifovski’s 35-yard field goal as time expired.
The Mustangs’ 13 victories were a school record and the team won its second consecutive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) championship.
After Morningside failed to score on its overtime possession, Marian ran Lake four times for 16 yards to set up Josifovski’s game-winning field goal.
College Combined Team Statistics (as of Dec 07, 2018) Morningside CollegeMorningside Combined Team Statistics (as of Dec. 7, 2018) ALL Games All games DATE 08/25/2018 09/08/2018 09/15/2018 09/22/2018 09/29/2018 10/06/2018 10/13/2018 10/20/2018 10/27/2018 11/03/2018 11/10/2018 11/17/2018 11/24/2018 12/01/2018 ## 17 10 38 4 5 27 16 21
RUSHING J Dolincheck B Els J Harvey C Niles A Ponder A Sims T Solsma E Stratman Totals Opponents
## 17 12 16
PASSING J Dolincheck A Ross T Solsma Totals Opponents
## 22 10 80 81 6 11 4 5 44 12 18 89 27 21 35
OPPONENT William Penn at Truman at Dakota Wesleyan Briar Cliff (Iowa) at Hastings at Midland University Doane at Northwestern (Iowa) Concordia (Neb.) Dordt at Jamestown Rocky Mountain St. Xavier St. Francis (IN) GP 9 14 10 14 14 13 14 13 14 14 GP 9 14 14 14 14
SCORING J Amundson B Els N Gustav J Harvey A Johnson R Jurgensmeier J Myers C Niles K Nordeen T Paulson A Ponder D Rios R Rischling A Ross A Sims T Solsma E Stratman S Tuifua Totals Opponents
SCORE BY QUARTERS Morningside College Opponents ## 57 39 19 7 90
DEFENSIVE LEADERS J Katzer J Katzer K Nordeen C Nelson N Gustav Totals Opponents
GAIN 0 16 160 6 1602 632 137 415 2968 1865
EFFIC 125.5 410.8 199.7 195.5 83.2
RECEIVING B Davis B Els A Johnson R Jurgensmeier D Martinez J Myers C Niles A Ponder R Rischling A Ross N Schnitker C Schweigart A Sims E Stratman S Tuifua Totals Opponents
## FIELD GOALS 37 J Amundson ## 37 10 90 38 80 81 11 4 19 24 5 98 44 12 27 16 21 35
ATT 3 2 28 1 289 96 55 85 572 495
LOSS 14 0 3 0 53 11 194 9 328 486
COMP-ATT-INT 21-34-2 1-1-0 366-504-6 388-539-8 176-431-17 GP 7 14 11 13 6 14 14 14 13 14 11 8 13 13 9 14 14
FG PCT 4-5 80.0 TD 0 9 0 3 3 12 4 32 1 0 25 1 1 6 5 2 1 1 106 27
SCORE W, 49-21 W, 35-17 W, 66-13 W, 56-0 W, 65-0 W, 77-21 W, 69-1 W, 42-34 W, 49-0 W, 63-21 W, 49-13 W, 49-20 W, 51-14 W, 34-28
FG 4-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-5 5-7 1 252 59
NO. 13 67 9 52 5 20 146 26 6 32 1 3 2 3 3 388 176
01-19 0-0
YDS 73 807 159 774 94 222 2475 174 100 408 2 47 7 3 18 5363 2147 20-29 2-2
KICK 97-98 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 98-100 24-27 2 230 51 GP 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
NET -14 16 157 6 1549 621 -57 406 2640 1379
AVG -4.7 8.0 5.6 6.0 5.4 6.5 -1.0 4.8 4.6 2.8
ATT. 1100 1543 1238 1300 0 1200 1500 0 1000 600 0 750 800 2000
TD LG 0 0 0 14 3 52 1 6 22 74 5 74 2 26 1 44 34 74 13 52
PCT 61.8 100.0 72.6 72.0 40.8
YRD 227 37 5099 5363 2147
TD 2 0 68 70 11
LG 51 37 83 83 62
AVG 5.6 12.0 17.7 14.9 18.8 11.1 17.0 6.7 16.7 12.8 2.0 15.7 3.5 1.0 6.0 13.8 12.2
TD 0 9 3 12 0 4 31 3 1 6 0 0 0 0 1 70 11
LG 28 66 75 53 45 24 83 38 23 33 2 25 5 5 8 83 62
AVG/G 10.4 57.6 14.5 59.5 15.7 15.9 176.8 12.4 7.7 29.1 0.2 5.9 0.5 0.2 2.0 383.1 153.4 LG BLK 34 1
30-39 1-1
40-49 0-1
50-99 0-0
PAT RUSH RCV 0-0 0 0-0 1 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 1 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-1 0 1-1 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 1-2 2 0-0 1
PASS 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-3 0-0 0-0 2-3 1-1
DXP 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
3 171 59 UA 62 57 46 51 24 507 619
AVG/G -1.6 1.1 15.7 0.4 110.6 47.8 -4.1 31.2 188.6 98.5
4 95 34 A 47 43 39 33 42 428 468
OT 6 0
TACKLES TOT 109.0 100.0 85.0 84.0 66.0 935.0 1087.0
AVG/G 25.2 2.6 364.2 383.1 153.4
SAF 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
PTS 109 56 0 18 18 74 24 192 0 1 150 6 6 36 30 14 6 6 754 203
RECORD: ALL GAMES CONFERENCE NON-CONFERENCE
OVERALL 14-0 9-0 5-0
TEAM STATISTICS FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty RUSHING YARDAGE Rushing Attempts Average Per Rush Average Per Game TDs Rushing PASSING YARDAGE Comp-Att-Int Average Per Pass Average Per Catch Average Per Game TDs Passing TOTAL OFFENCE Average Per Play Average Per Game KICK RETURN PUNT RETURN INT RETURN FUMBLES-LOST PENALTIES-Yards PUNTS-AVG TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 3RD-DOWN Conversions 4TH-DOWN Conversions ## 3 2 39 19 1 ## 12 16 95 ## 10 39 4 98 47
PUNT RETURNS B Els J Katzer C Niles D Rios R Swanson Totals Opponents
## 22 10 9 38 6 11 4 44 18 34
KICK RETURNS B Davis B Els J Faltys J Harvey D Martinez J Myers C Niles R Rischling N Schnitker M Yeager Totals Opponents
NO. 4 2 3 2 6 NO. 2 2 43
AWAY 6-0 5-0 1-0
MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE 416 150 244 22 2640 572 4.6 188.6 34 5363 388-539-8 9.9 13.8 383.1 70 8003 7.2 571.6 31-595 20-150 17-155 14-6 87-773 47-41.3 32:20 99/197 22/39
INTERCEPTIONS D Clayborne S Evans J Katzer K Nordeen X Spann PUNTING A Ross T Solsma S Wyant
HOME 8-0 4-0 4-0
YDS 70 61 1810
AVG 35.0 30.5 42.1
LG 38 38 67
YDS 96 0 0 32 27 TB 0 0 6
NO. 3 1 14 1 1 20 13 NO. 2 7 4 2 4 1 6 1 2 2 31 98
FC 1 0 13
YDS -9 17 107 24 11 150 29 YDS 36 135 46 53 101 8 163 4 18 31 595 1826
NEUTRAL 0-0 0-0 0-0 OPP 212 83 101 28 1379 495 2.8 98.5 13 2147 176-431-17 5.0 12.2 153.4 11 3526 3.8 251.9 98-1826 13-29 8-101 22-13 58-549 95-37.0 28:17 60/211 13/39
AVG 24.0 0.0 0.0 16.0 4.5 IN20 0 1 19
TD 0 0 0 1 0 50+ 0 0 10
LG 96 0 0 32 27 BLK 0 0 0
AVG -3.0 17.0 7.6 24.0 11.0 7.5 2.2
TD 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
LG 0 0 21 10 11 21 10
AVG 18.0 19.3 11.5 26.5 25.3 8.0 27.2 4.0 9.0 15.5 19.2 18.6
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
LG 20 29 13 33 34 8 43 4 9 16 43 90
TOTAL 754 203 TFL/YDS 12.0-56 15.5-60 1.5-3 15.0-73 12.0-56 110-486 78-280
SACKS NO-YDS 4.5-38 2.5-24 0.0-0 7.0-51 7.0-47 39-293 24-185
PASS DEFENSE INT-YDS BRUP 0-0 3 3-0 6 2-32 17 0-0 6 0-0 1 17-155 59 8-101 48
QBH 9 3 0 6 4 36 6
FUMBLES RCV-YDS 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-0 1-0 13-0 6-0
FF 0 0 0 5 2 15 7
BLKD KICK 0 1 0 0 0 3 1
SAF 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Morningside Mustangs 2018 Schedule/Scores Aug. 25...............Morningside 49, William Penn 21 Sept. 8.................Morningside 35, Truman St. 17 Sept. 15..............Morningside 66, Dakota Wesleyan 13 Sept. 22..............Morningside 56, Briar Cliff 0 Sept. 29..............Morningside 65, Hastings 0 Oct. 6...................Morningside 77, Midland 21 Oct. 13.................Morningside 69, Doane 7 Oct. 20.................Morningside 42, Northwestern 34 Oct. 27.................Morningside 49, Concordia 0 Nov. 3..................Morningside 63, Doane 21 Nov. 10................Morningside 49, Jamestown 13 Nov. 17................Morningside 49, Rocky Mountain 20 Nov. 24................Morningside 51, St. Xavier (Ill.) 14 Dec. 1..................Morningside 34, St. Francis (Ind.) 28 - OT
