BEARCAT FOOTBALL
T HE BEARCAT ADVANTAGE Change is the only constant in life. Although Bearcat Football has not changed it’s standard of excellence over the course of the past 20 years, it is something we deeply embrace. Without change, there can be no progress. While some forms of change are larger than others, in the long run it’s really about whether or not you embrace it that determines your future. And that’s what truly excites me about our program’s future. Our ability to embrace change is unparalleled and is one of the key factors that set us apart. Our standards will remain. We will continue to immerse ourselves in the process. We will continue to focus on the details, the little things that allow greatness to happen. On and off the field.
RICH WRIGHT HEAD COACH NORTHWEST ’96 FOUR-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION
Development TRAINING
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RECOVERY
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ACADEMIC
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FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT
Training Joe Quinlin is a NSCA and CSCCA certified, full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach who works directly with the football team on a daily basis. His training program has been tailored to provide specific results at specific points of the entire year. The Bearcat weight room features 6,000+ square feet of space in what some have lovingly come to call “the dungeon”. Ask any current or former Bearcat player and they will tell you the foundation of sustained success is created and found in Quinlin’s domain. A member of the 1998 and 1999 National Championship Bearcat Football teams, Quinlin is more than knowledgeable about what it takes to build championship caliber athletes. His impact is evident by way of the team’s success, as the Bearcats have amassed a 13419 record during Quinlin’s tenure.
DEVELOPMENT
RECOVERY Head Athletic Trainer, Kelly Quinlin (‘00), is a fully certified athletic trainer, is a member of the Athletic Trainer Advisory Committee and is the recipient of the 2008 NATA College and University Athletic Trainers’ Committee Above and Beyond Award. Kelly and Liz Hevern (Head Football Athletic Trainer), along with two additional full-time trainers and three graduate assistants, are the nuts and bolts that hold the team together. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the Bearcat athletic training staff is always on the forefront of athletic training practices to help athletes recover from and prevent injuries. The athletic training room was completely remodeled in 2010 to incorporate today’s latest recovery and rehab equipment, including a Hy-droWorx InstaFit Therapy Pool with integrated treadmill, a cold tub for athlete recovery, and specialized rehabilitation units that accelerate recovery time.
DEVELOPMENT
Academic Programing Boasting a 79% academic success rate over
in the classroom goes beyond the football
Northwest is a place for students who have
the past ten years (best in the MIAA), the
team, as the 400+ Northwest student-
a desire to be far from average.
Bearcat Football program is far above the
athletes are consistently exceeding the
national average of 54 percent. Success
national average. Which is fitting, as
DEVELOPMENT
In The classroom Success in the classroom can be partially attributed to Northwest’s nationally-renowned Student Athlete Success Program (SASP). The program’s mission is to provide an environment in which student-
“UNDERSTAND THAT BEING AVERAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. ONLY THROUGH HARD WORK AND SACRIFICE DO WE DEVELOP A CHAMPION’S MENTALITY. AS BEARCATS, WE STRIVE TOWARDS MEASURABLE SELFIMPROVEMENT EACH DAY. THIS I LEARNED FROM MY BEARCAT MENTORS, COACHES, PROFESSORS, TEAMMATES AND ALUMNI.”
athletes can maximize personal, social, and academic growth. Resources
DR. AL R. CADE JR.
available to student-athletes through the SASP include:
NORTHWEST ‘81 DEFENSIVE LINE ‘78-’81
ADVISING All academic advising is provided through the individual college and academic departments.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS SASP surveys professors of each student-athlete three times each trimester. The grade check has instructors comment on: the level of work the student is maintaining, attendance and attentiveness, and any need for tutorial support.
MENTORING Individualized mentoring sessions are provided by the SASP, with the goal of helping students avoid academic-related difficulties while developing opportunities for the improvement of skills.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION The SI program offers extracurricular peer tutoring groups for traditionally difficult classes. Led by students who have completed and earned high grades in the courses covered, SI’s provide three regularlyscheduled study review sessions each week.
TUTORING Free tutoring is available at the Talent Development Center, where students can find a tutor for almost all general education courses. Additionally, every effort will be made to find a tutor for an upperlevel (300/400) course if needed. Tutoring sessions incorporate universitylevel study skills strategies, targeted test-taking advice, and content review of general studies and foundation level courses in many majors. Tutoring sessions are designed to meet every individual student’s needs.
DEVELOPMENT
The Next Level SINCE 1996 THE BEARCATS HAVE SENT 27 PLAYERS TO NFL CAMPS (18 SINCE 2004) AND BOAST THE HIGHEST NFL DRAFT PICK OF ANY MIAA SCHOOL
DAVE TOLLEFSON DL (2001-2003)
SETH WAND OL (1999-2003)
MATT LONGACRE DL (2009-14)
Originally picked up as an UFA by the
Drafted by the Houston Texans in 2003,
Picked up as an UFA by the St. Louis
Green Bay Packers, Dave found his NFL
Wand became a full-time starter in
Rams in 2015, Longacre finished his
home a couple years later with the New
his second season. Standing 6’ 7” and
rookie season ranked as the third best
York Giants. Working alongside a monster
weighing in at 300 pounds, Wand was a
player on active rosters who were drafted
crew of a D-Line, he was a key contributer
fierce protector on the front line for four
in the 4th Round or lower in the 2015
on the team that beat the previously
seasons with the Texans. He went on to
Draft. Currently with the LA Rams, you
undefeated Patriots in the 2007 Super
play for the Titans and Raiders, where
can watch Longacre wreck shop in the
Bowl, the first of two big rings for
he finished his playing career in 2011.
opponent’s backfield with the rest of the
Tollefson.
Mob Squad.
clayton wilson
josh baker
xavier omon
BRANDON DIXON
BRIAN DIXON
TOM PESTOCK
Drafted in the 6th round by the New York
Signed as an UFA by the New Orleans
Originally signed as an UFA by the Colts
Jets. Played the 2014 season with the
Saints, Brian was a regular contributor on
in 2009, Tom would play two seasons in
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then joined his
defense and special teams in his first two
the NFL for the Cardinals before finding
brother, Brian, on the Saints roster during
seasons as a pro, excelling as a gunner
his true calling in the wrestling ring. Rising
the 2015 season. Prior to the 2016 season
on the punt team. Brian played for the
through the ranks at a rapid pace, you
he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Arizona Cardinals during the 2016 season
can catch the reigning WWE United States
Brandon is currently making plays for the
and began the 2017 as a member of the
Champion throwing ‘bows and wreaking
New York Giants.
Jacksonville Jaguars.
havoc on WWE Smackdown.
DB (2012-13)
DB (2012-13)
OL (2004-2008)
culture FORCE
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FAMILY
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TRADITION
Culture
The Force For two-decades the Bearcat Football program has demonstrated excellence. Opponents have revamped their stadiums, added facilities, and built bigger weight rooms. Despite the competition’s added “extras,” the Bearcats remain the leader of the pack. What’s responsible for the sustained level of excellence? It’s not any one person. And it’s not something you can physically touch or see. It’s something more. The Force. It’s an innate desire to achieve the highest level of success. The burning desire to be the best. Dedication to the process and hard work. Doing all the little things on a daily basis that 99% of people will never see. That’s what the Bearcat Football culture is all about. It was born years ago by teams that had a sense they could build something special. Ever since that time in the mid-nineties, an unwritten code has been instilled in each new Bearcat. That code is one of a brotherhood stronger than any other. A commitment to do everything possible to help each other climb the mountain. Settling for nothing. Always striving for better.
Culture
Tradition Bearcat Football tradition is about honoring those that put on the green and white before you. Those that paved the way and laid the groundwork for the winningest college football program since 2000. While there are several specific acts of tradition that take place, the basis of each is rooted in the winning tradition at Northwest.
Culture
Family It’s pretty simple. There is nothing more important than family. And that’s exactly what the Bearcat Football team is...a family whose bond is stronger than any challenge that awaits. For the Bearcat Football team, family isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of life. Words mean nothing unless actions back it up. And at Northwest you can certainly find the actions to back it up. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on in tough times, or a brother to call on when you need somewhere to eat Thanksgiving dinner. At Northwest you will always have a family member by your side.
WHAT SOLD ME ON NORTHWEST WAS THE WAY THAT THE PLAYERS AND THE STUDENT BODY BELIEVED. THEY WERE ALL IN. THAT SPOKE VOLUMES TO ME. THE OTHER SCHOOLS I VISITED SOMETIMES HAD MORE FLASH, BUT NOT ONE OF THEM HAD MORE SUBSTANCE. TONY “TIGER” MILES NORTHWEST ‘OO WR ‘96-’00 TWO-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION
This is home CAMPUS
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GAME DAY
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STADIUM
campus & community MARYVILLE, MISSOURI. SMALL TOWN. BIG FAMILY. It’s probably best summed up by former
The annual team city cleanup, helping senior
coach Scott Bostwick. He said that when he
citizens in need with home improvements, and
was recruited to coach here he was shown
visiting the local elementary schools for lunch
around town by a booster. Knowing Scott was
or to read a few books are just a few of the
coming from a metropolitan area and seeing
ways that the Bearcat Football team pitches
an uneasy look on Scott’s face, the booster
in and gives back to the Marvyille community.
turned to Bostwick and said, “Scott, just give it a chance. This place is special. It’ll grow on you.”
Located about an hour north of Kansas City, Maryville is home to 12,000 fulltime residents. At the heart of the community lies the
It’s that sentiment that you’ll find if you ask
Northwest Missouri State University. With a
nearly anyone in the community “What do you
student body of 6,600+, the town swells with
like about Maryville?” Hard to put into words.
activity when class is in session.
The community is special indeed and that’s
At Northwest, every day is about fulfilling
why the team takes strides to do it’s share in
potential. The mission is to provide
supporting and leading efforts to care for the
opportunities where you can get excited about
town they call home.
your future.
Once a bearcat always a bearcat
This is home
“WHEN I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AT THE END OF THE 2009 SEASON, THE COACHING STAFF, PLAYERS, TRAINERS AND FANS HERE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE SUPPORTIVE OF ME AND MY FAMILY. I FOUND OUT THAT PEOPLE WILL At Northwest, 95% of our students
In between the hustle and bustle of class,
BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR YOU
gain profession-based experience by
studying and organizational activities,
HERE.”
working with facutly and researchers,
students can enjoy Starbucks in library, one
or participating in internships or service
of several food chain eateries in the Union,
learning.
or the brand new Foster Fitness Center - a
Members of the student body come from near and far to attend Northwest, representing 44 states in the U.S. and 30 countries from around the world. A traditional student body, with the average age of 20, most students live on or within a short walk of campus. The average ACT score of incoming freshmen is 22 and 79% of incoming freshmen rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class. When students get to campus, they’re more than likely involved in one of more than 150 student organizations. And they’re good at what they do. Since 2009, Northwest has won nineteen national titles in academic and athletic competition.
nearly 20,000 sq. ft. open-floor space that features different areas for cardio, weightlifting, aerobics, yoga spin classes and free fitness courses. Oh, and during the spring make sure to take a walk through campus to admire the state’s arboretum. It’s quite picturesque.
JOEL OSBORN WR COACH/PASSING GAME COOR. NORTHWEST ‘08, ‘10 QUARTERBACK ‘05-’08
This is home
Bearcat Stadium RECORD ATTENDANCE (CAPACITY 6,500)
11,002 vs. PITT ST. | OCT 18 | 2014 10,805 vs.MO WEST | OCT 2 | 2010 10,102 vs. MO WEST | NOV 10 | 2012
This is home
President’s Spotlight
The 10th President in University history, Dr. John Jasinski, is an avid supporter of Bearcat athletics. The enthusiasm he shows while cheering on Bearcat student-athletes is contagious. He knows it’s about more than just the games though. “Educating and providing the resources for our students to be successful leaders in the future is why we do what we do at Northwest. Combine that with the opportunity to provide some of those students, who happen to be athletes, a stage to further enhance their critical decsion making skills...it’s a special thing. And to see our studentathletes succeed at the highest level, well that’s really icing on the cake.”
This is home
Game day From tailgates to tearing down goalposts, nothing beats the game day atmosphere and camaraderie found at Northwest Missouri State University. Tailgate with friends, get your picture with Bobby Bearcat, and join the Bearcat Marching Band, Bearcat Cheerleaders and BearcatSteppers at College Park for the build-up to kickoff before heading to the the game. Ask anyone that’s been to a game in Maryville and we bet you’ll hear something along the lines of, “Those fans are some of the best in the country at any level. That place gets rockin’ when they get goin’ and they don’t stop.” BOOM!!! There’s a Bearcat touchdown and the Phi Sig cannon that rocks the stadium from across the street after every score. The ‘Cats are rollin’ once again. Saturdays in the ‘Ville...doesn’t get much better.
The team OFFENSE
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DEFENSE
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ACCOLADES
The Team
Defense The new Blackshirts A lofty claim? Probably. But that’s the reality
Some wonder whether it’s attributed to
for a Bearcat defense that has led the nation
individual talent. Others ask if it’s due to the
in overall defense in back-to-back- to-back
schemes mocked up in the film room.
seasons.
The truth is...it’s a mentality. A collective
They are truly the new Blackshirts in every
mindset that stems from the players as much
sense of the phrase.
as the coaches. An attitude of “on Saturdays
Run stuffing and QB sacking up front. Ballhawking in the back. The defense is
we will impose our will on the opposing offense.”
dominant. Period. They impose their will on
Play fast and loose. That’s the motto. And they
every single opponent that dares to step on
have some fun doing it.
the same playing surface.
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relentless pursuit //////////////////////////////
DOMINANT IN EVERY PHASE In 2018, the Bearcat defense ranked No. 1 in the MIAA in total defense, sacks, TFLs, scoring defense, rushing defense, red zone defense and third-down conversion defense. The Bearcat defense has been dominant for years and the performance in 2017 was mindboggling. Northwest did not allow a rushing touchdown in the entire 2017 season. Yes, that’s correct, THE ENTIRE SEASON. Northwest has recorded seven shutouts under the direction of head coach Rich Wright. The Bearcats posted five shutouts in 2017 and added two more in 2018. They are more than a force to be reckoned with … they are downright vicious.
NO FLUKE
No. 1 scoring defense in 2015, 2016 and
over the past eight seasons. Lots of talent.
The domination displayed on the defensive
2017.
High expectations. Just a bunch of ‘Cats that are all about that life.
side of the ball is no one-hit wonder. For a four-year stretch Northwest ranked No. 1
It’s not uncommon to see a box score
in the nation in total defense in 2014, 2015,
where the Bearcats allowed negative
2016 and 2017. Northwest’s run defense
yards rushing. Those type of results get
was ranked No. 1 or No. 2 each year from
noticed. The defensive unit has sent four
2014-2017. Northwest also featured the
players to the National Football League
The Team
offense Guns Up It’s certainly not a one-sided attack for the Bearcats. No, a balanced attack is what makes the wheels churn. Through the air and on the ground, the Bearcats know that success is determined by unselfish play, doing your 1/11th and controlling possession. When those three things happen, the scoreboard lights up. The Bearcats have a long tradition of high profile athletes at the skill positions, but any one of those players, former or current, will tell you it all starts up front with the O-Line. The hog-mollies up front set the tone for the offense and their success protecting the quarterback and opening up run lanes is what drives the offense to ever higher levels.
////////////////////////////// The team
Offensive Firepower SCORING
In 2018, Northwest featured the No. 1 scoring offense in the MIAA at 36.6 points per game. Northwest rushed for 33
It truly is a culmination of individual efforts and responsibilities that makes up a high-octane attack that is the Bearcat offense.
touchdowns and passed for 26 touchdowns in 2018. Northwest also scores when it counts – in the postseason. Northwest is averaging 36.4 points per game in its last six playoff appearances – that’s a total of 16 postseason games.
THROUGH THE AIR Quarterback U? Some might say that about Northwest. Having a long and storied history of elite-level quarterbacks is part of what has made Northwest consistently successful. In 2018, freshman Braden Wright stepped into that spotlight and topranked freshman quarterback in the nation when it came to points responsible for (210). While a strong leader on offense is always an essential part to the puzzle, there has to be a strong supporting cast catching the ball. Wide receivers come from all over the country to torch the turf at Northwest.
ON THE GROUND We mentioned that it takes a balanced attack, right? While the QB position is high-profile at Northwest, the running back spot is not for the faint of heart. It’s a premier position that featured those that are hard-nosed and have play-making ability. Typically a role where sharing carries is a requirement, running back at Northwest are unselfish and are put in situations that play to their strengths.
The Team
Awards & Accolades On the field and off, the Bearcats succeed at a high-level in anything they put their minds to. While team accomplishments are what everyone strives for (one in particular), there are host of players that have been recognized for their individual contributions on the playing field. In the classroom, the Bearcats hold themselves to the highest standards, just like they do when they strap it up for a game. The following provides an overview of the highest awards, accolades and recognition bestowed on some of the greats to put on the green and white.
WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY Often referred to as the “Academic Heisman”, the award is given to the nation’s top scholar-athlete and provides a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Past winners include LB John Edmonds (2003) and QB Trevor Adams (2013).
TREVOR ADAMS
DII NAT’L SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Honoring the top scholar-athlete at the Division II level, the award is highly competitive and among the highest honors an athlete can achieve. Previous Bearcats to claim the award include DB Myles Burnsides (2009 & 2010) and QB Trevor Adams (2012 & 2013).
MYLES BURNSIDES
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS It’s not easy to get on the Academic All-America list. The Bearcats do a pretty good job of filling it up though, placing 17 players on the list, including 16 since 2003. In 2016, Kyle Zimmerman (QB) took home the top honor – Academic All-American of the Year – something no Bearcat had ever done. KYLE ZIMMERMAN
“A BEARCAT WILL DEDICATE HIMSELF TO A TEAM BEFORE HIMSELF. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORTHWEST AND OTHER PROGRAMS.”
NICK INZERELLO NORTHWEST ‘ 97 WIDE RECEIVER ‘94- ’97 SR DIRECTOR | DEVELOPMENT | USA FOOTBALL
KEN B. JONES AWARD Awarded to the the MIAA’s most outstanding scholarathlete, nominees are judged on athletic and academic accomplishments, as well as campus/community service. Previous Bearcats to claim the award include FB Tucker Woolsey (2001 & 2002), QB Josh Lamberson (2005-2006), DB Myles Burnsides (2009 & 2010), WR Jake Soy (2010 & 2011) and QB Trevor Adams (2012 & 2013). JAKE SOY
DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE YEAR Voted by coaches and media as the nation’s top player at the NCAA Division II level, the award is pretty self explanatory. It’s only for the best. Previous winners include RB Xavier Omon (2007), DB Myles Burnsides (2008), DB Ryan Jones (2010), DL Matt Longacre (2014), and K Simon Mathiesen (2015).
SIMON MATHIESEN AFCA ALL-AMERICANS A difficult list to make, this is for the cream of the crop. Only one team for offense and defense is named each year. If you make it, you are legit. Northwest has put 20 players on the list since XAVIER OMON
1996, including Austen Eskew in 2018. AP LITTLE ALL-AMERICANS Not a participation trophy by any stretch of the imagination, the AP Little All-American list includes players from non- FBS schools. Since the award’s inception, Northwest has placed 50 players on the list, 45 one of those honors coming since 1996.
CHAD KILGORE
MIAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR The best in the conference. That’s what Northwest is and that’s the type of player we like to put on the field. 15 players in total have captured the award wearing the green and white. Of those 15 award winners, 13 have been named the MIAA’s best since 2000.
MATT LONGACRE
PROGRAM OF THE DECADE Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2018. Northwest is 107-16 for an .870 winning percentage since 2010. The Bearcats have been ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Div. II Top 25 poll 38 times since the start of the 2010 season.
6
N ational Championships
The Most National Championships of any ncaa division ii Football program
The Mission
National Championships THE BEARCATS HAVE PLAYED IN 10 OF THE LAST 20 NATIONAL TITLE GAMES Six rings. The most national
game was billed as a bout of the top two
The defense and special teams created
championships of any NCAA Division II
DII football programs. Historically, both
havoc in the second half, allowing only 22
football program.
teams are the cream of the crop.
yards rushing for the game and recording
The most recent championship victory
It took both teams most of the first
for the Bearcats featured one of the
quarter to figure out how to maneuver in
Mid-way through the third quarter the
most epic environments ever for a
the conditions. But just before halftime
momentum had shifted almost completely
championship football game.
the Bearcats found their flow on offense
in favor of the Bearcats and they would
and punched it in from seven yards out.
refuse to let it go.
A winter storm rained snow from the skies for a matchup against the secondranked North Alabama Lions. The 2016
A 7-3 lead at the break wasn’t ideal, but the dawgs were hungry.
a safety on a muffed punt.
A pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter put the cap on the ‘Cats quest to go back-to-back as they took out the Lions by a final score of 29-3. And that was that. A perfect two season run. Thirty wins. Zero losses. More than deserving, the senior class ended their collective Bearcat career an astonishing 53-2 overall. The group collected more championship rings (3) than they had total losses in their careers at Northwest (2). There’s only one word to describe those types of numbers... dominant.
Previous titles came in 1998, 1999,
games, emerging on the wrong side
2009, 2013 and 2015. (If you’re
of the scoreboard in each. The team
counting, that’s 6 titles in 19 years.)
never gave up on their goals, beating
Just one season prior, the Bearcats achieved the same feat. Going
Grand Valley State in its fifth straight title game appearance.
15-0 and winning the national
In ‘99 the ‘Cats played a marathon
championship handily over #2 West
of a football game. Often mentioned
Sheperd, 34-7.
by sports pundits as one of the best
The ‘13 title closed out the previous host venue for the championship game in Muscle Shoals and was an
college football games of all-time, it would take 4 OTs for the Bearcats to secure their second straight title.
opportunity to honor the memory
Finally, there was the 1998 National
of former head coach and defensive
Championship...the first title...where
coordinator Scott Bostwick with the
it all began. Few would’ve thought
team sporting a red “FAMILY” on the
the green gang from the corner of
back of their jerseys. A nod to the
Missouri would go on to become one
signature red hat Bostwick wore for
of the premier programs in all of
every game.
college football.
The ‘09 title was the one that broke the infamous streak. One that saw the Bearcats go to four straight title
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFO PLEASE CONTACT: BRANDON CLAYTON DB COACH/RECRUITING COORD. BRCLAYT@NWMISSOURI.EDU | 660.562.1627 | TWITTER: @NWCOACHBC