Central College athletics

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July 30, 2009

Returning talent boosts Dutch hopes

You’ll not hear coach Jeff McMartin complain about injuries to his Central College football team.

“It’s part of the game,” is his mantra.

Yet he can’t help but smile when he’s reminded of the return of some pivotal performers who were among a host of battered players sidelined a year ago. An already untested squad found some young replacements and scrapped its way to a 6-4 record. Now, those coming off the injured list will join 13 returning starters and 38 letterwinners as a suddenly veteran club enters 2009 hopeful of a return to its traditional role of Iowa Conference title contender. After winning or sharing three straight championships, Central’s shorthanded club slipped to a tie for fifth last year. Central has finished first or second a remarkable 26 times in the past 29 years, and is America’s second winningest team since 1975, with a lofty 280-61-1 record (.820). Central owns a record 29 league titles with 20 Division III playoff appearances.

Regardless, Central faces no more or less pressure than previous seasons, McMartin said.

“The players have some big goals in front of them every year,” said McMartin, who has piloted Central to three NCAA Division III playoff berths and a 43-12 record in his first five seasons. “They’ve become fairly conditioned to that. We just need to go one practice at a time and one day at a time and focus on getting better every day. The attitude in the off-season has been great.”

Last year’s occasional struggles should yield a payback. McMartin is spinning the injuries into a positive for 2009, noting the increased playing time last year’s replacements received.

“I’m excited about seeing who’s coming back,” McMartin said. “We have an opportunity to have a great (preseason) camp. We’ve got some guys who missed last year and add them to the guys who played and are a year stronger and a year more experienced. It gives us a great opportunity and a lot of flexibility.”

Even when things weren’t going well last year, McMartin saw progress.

“We grew a lot last year,” McMartin said. “There were a lot of challenges we had to deal with. But out of challenges comes opportunity. We need to take what we learned and apply it to 2009.”

Those lessons leave McMartin optimistic about what the Dutch can accomplish.

“We have experience at every position,” he said. “We’ve got guys that have played.

“We just want to work very hard and play Central football. That means eliminating mistakes and playing together as a team. The more we play together and for each other, the better we’re going to be.”

Quarterback

The biggest question of 2008 remains a question heading into 2009. There is plenty of talent at quarterback for the Dutch, but the question is which player will take the majority of the snaps.

Junior Zack Bandow (6-3, 205) was a starter much of last season, sharing time with junior Jarred Lackey (6-1, 210).

Bandow completed 86 of 190 passes (.453) for 1,141 yards and eight touchdowns with six interceptions.

“Zack grew a lot as the year went on,” McMartin said.

Another contender, sophomore Nate Snead (6-foot-2, 220 pounds), went down with a season-ending injury on his second series of the year after showing promise in the preseason.

Lackey, also a baseball standout, had moved to a defensive stinger position but returned to quarterback two weeks after Snead’s injury. He is likely headed to a different position again in an effort to ensure he gets on the field. As a quarterback last year, he connected on 43 of 94 throws (.457) for 482 yards with eight TDs and five interceptions. Lackey also rushed 82 times for 255 yards and five scores. He was named Central’s Claussen Award winner as the team’s most improved player.

He remains an option at quarterback if needed, but will likely move to either outside linebacker on defense or S-back on offense. In three games on defense last year, Lackey made 17 tackles with two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

“Jarred had an outstanding year,” McMartin said. “He’s a tremendous athlete with great versatility and he’s going to help us by playing wherever we need him most.

“Jarred’s a true team player and very unselfish. A lot of guys would struggle with getting moved like that. All of our quarterbacks have been tremendous. They’ll do whatever’s best for the team.”

Joining the competition with Bandow and Sneed is sophomore Brandon Estabrook (6-0, 185), who quarterbacked the junior varsity last year.

“It will definitely be a battle,” McMartin said. “Zack (Bandow) played well, Nate (Snead) looked good before he was injured and Brandon (Estabrook) really did some good things during the JV season.

“They’re all capable and they each have different strengths. We’ll go with the guy that can move the team, make plays and eliminate mistakes.”

But the Dutch won’t hurry the decision.

“We’re going to give guys an opportunity to show what they can do,” McMartin said.

David Zachary Running back

Improving the running game is a point of emphasis for the Dutch. That obviously involves more than the running back, but it’s certainly a position that will receive attention. With a tradition of powerful running attacks, Central averaged just 111.4 yards a game on the ground last season.

“We’ve got to find ways to be more effective,” McMartin said. “There are a lot of things that go into that.”

Last year’s leading rusher, senior David Zachary (5-9, 200) gained 393 yards on 99 carries (4.0 per rush) with one touchdown. He’s poised for a breakout year, McMartin said.

“David did a nice job,” he said. “He’s become bigger and stronger and each year has improved. He’ll be a very effective player for us.”

McMartin also likes what he’s seen from a trio of small but speedy sophomores, Kyle Wood (5-10, 180), Kenny Harrington (5-6, 180) and Joe Langenberg (5-8, 185). Another sophomore, Ryan Nie (5-10, 200), has potential as well but was injured last season.

“They all did a nice job on the junior varsity and have a lot of ability,” McMartin said. “That’s another situation where they probably won’t all stay at running back. They are good enough athletes to help the program. We’ve got to find ways to use them.”

The S-back, Central’s hybrid fullback/tight end/wingback position is wide open. A player like Lackey could move from another position, McMartin said. Returning as backups from last season are senior Korey Van Wyk (5-9, 205) and sophomore Preston West (5-8, 230). Van Wyk has the most experience, albeit limited.

“Korey’s a great leader,” McMartin said.

Receiver

Even with the graduation of last season’s top two pass-catchers, McMartin thinks receiver can be an area of strength.

Brett Wilkin Senior Alex Dittmer (6-1, 220) had 12 catches for 161 yards.

“Alex has done a great job and is a great leader,” McMartin said.

Junior Kurtis Brondyke (6-3, 200) had 16 pass receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to being a two-time first-team all-Iowa Conference punter. He’s a two-time all-America honoree in track and field as well.

“Kurtis has played a lot for us and had some big catches last year,” McMartin said.

Junior Brett Wilkin (5-9, 170) made 10 catches for 71 yards with a score in his first season at Central after transferring while sophomore Mike Furlong (5-11, 180), also an all-conference baseball player, had six receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown. Another sophomore, Jeremy Snead (6-2, 220), gained some experience as well.

“They all played last year and did a great job in the off-season,” McMartin said. “All three have great hands and a good work ethic. They’re very competitive.”

Junior Michael O’Rourke (6-2, 200) also had a good off-season, McMartin said, while sophomore Clint Faust (5-10, 170) has displayed improvement. Junior Addison Patrick (5-9, 175) is hoping some injury struggles are behind him.

“If he stays healthy, he can contribute,” McMartin said.

Tight end

The Dutch get a huge lift with the return of junior Jordan Leuschen (6-5, 235). The Lankelma Award winner as Central’s outstanding underclassman in 2007, Leuschen missed the entire 2008 campaign with injury. He had 18 receptions for 255 yards and five touchdowns in 2007.

“Jordan’s looked great in the off-season,” McMartin said. “He’s back doing everything he was before. He could create some real match-up issues for opposing defenses. We’re obviously excited about having him back.”

Juniors Cody Thie (6-4, 215) and Steven Johnson (6-2, 205), who return after studying in Europe through Central Abroad in the spring, also have some experience. And McMartin likes the blocking ability junior Jason Crall (6-3, 235) brings.

Offensive line

McMartin thinks experience will help generate improvement up front.

“We’ve got at least five players who have started,” he said. “They’ve got good size, too.”

Senior Andy Kneib (5-11, 280) started at center and guard last season while senior Kyle Wnenk (6-1, 315) had a solid season at center in his first year at the position. Lee Schroeder (6-6, 305) is a junior but has been a regular for most of two seasons already at left and right tackle. Juniors Joey Shoemaker (6-3, 290) and A.J. Santon (6-1, 285) each have starting experience at tackle.

Other veterans include senior Todd Stoel (6-0, 275), senior Caleb Bonjour (6-1, 275) and junior Bill Pester (6-2, 260), who was injured last season.

“They’re all very good and have gotten bigger and stronger in the off-season,” McMartin said.

Several sophomores will be seeking spots on the playing field including Garret Albers (6-0, 245), Adam Dubois (6-0, 275), Nate Rouse (6-0, 300), Colton Smith (5-9, 245), Casey Tanner (6-0, 275), Brandon Wagner (6-2, 270) and Nathan Wolff (6-4, 265).

“They’re all very capable football players,” McMartin said.

Defensive line

There’s plenty of depth on the defensive line, although junior Aaron Steenhoek (6-2, 225) is the lone returning starter inside. Steenhoek made 20 tackles, including seven unassisted stops with 4.5 sacks.

But also back is sophomore Shane Wong (6-1, 240), a starter last year at stinger. He’s now listed as a defensive end in the reconfigured Dutch defense. Wong received honorable mention all-Iowa Conference honors after leading the league in quarterback sacks with 13 and tying for 11th in Division III. He was Central’s third leading tackler with 64 and the Dutch leader in solo tackles with 41.

Juniors Russell Whitney (6-0, 200) and Austin Hill (6-5, 260) and senior Jon McWilliams (6-1, 240) saw regular playing time. Whitney made 21 tackles with four sacks while Hill and McWilliams each made six tackles. Also back are senior Stephen Cain (5-5, 195), juniors Kevin Haupt (6-3, 220), Trevor Hixon (5-5,225), Sean Rea (5-8, 250) and Ted Dirkx (6-3, 230) and sophomores Brady Hill (6-2, 240), Phillip Miller (5-10, 235) and David Young (6-2, 230).

“The defensive line has a lot of experience,” McMartin said. “We played a lot of people last year and rotated quite a few guys. Jon McWilliams is coming off a season when he played with a broken arm, so getting him 100 percent will help. Aaron Steenhoek saw a lot of good minutes and Austin Hill played some. Russell Whitney did a great job with the pass rush and Shane Wong obviously had a great year.

“We just need to make sure that those guys continue to improve.”

Linebacker

Central regains the services of senior middle linebacker Zach Van Arkel (5-11, 220) who made 26 tackles with two sacks despite being slowed by injury much of the season and missing several games.

“It will be nice to get him out there without a cast on,” McMartin said. “He’s a great leader.”

Also back is junior strongside linebacker Greg Best (6-2, 235), the team’s second-leading tackler, who made 66 stops, 32 of which were unassisted, along with five sacks.

Junior Cole Henderson (6-0, 220) will be one of the leaders at weakside linebacker. He made 16 tackles last season.

Other linebacker candidates include junior Seth Kassis (5-10, 220) and sophomores Holden Blythe (6-2, 235), Matt Daniels (5-9, 215), Michael Lamos (5-9, 190), Cory Nikkel (6-2, 215), Ryan Steinkamp (5-11, 230), Patrick Kelley (5-10, 225) and Ben Hedrick (5-10, 200).

Lackey could land at linebacker as well.

“Linebacker is an area with a lot of opportunity,” McMartin said. “We graduated three seniors. We did play a number of different guys but there will be some great competition.”

Defensive back

Central gets two more key performers off the injury list in the secondary. Junior cornerback Cody Baethke (5-10, 185) missed nearly all of 2008 while senior Kevin Good (5-9, 180) was out for a good chunk of it but managed 22 tackles and two pass breakups.

Senior Corben Schueler (6-2, 215) returns as a strong safety after starting as a stinger last season. He was Central’s fourth leading tackler with 63, including 33 solo tackles with three interceptions and three breakups.

Sophomore Ryan Schmidt (5-10, 180) stepped into a starting spot at free safety as a rookie. He made 45 tackles with three interceptions and one breakup. Schmidt was named the team’s most valuable freshman.

Also contributing in his first year was sophomore Jake Petersen (5-9, 200), who played cornerback but may play strong safety. He made 32 tackles with an interception and two breakups.

Others at strong safety include former stingers Colton Steeve (6-0, 190), a senior, and junior Justin Chambers (5-11, 190), along with sophomore Jackson Leuschen (6-2, 210).

Joining Schmidt at free safety are junior Jason Ohlfest (6-1, 190), sophomore Brady Wilson (6-1, 215), a converted quarterback, and junior Tyler Alexander (5-10, 180), back from a two-year layoff because of injury.

Cornerbacks Baethke and Good will compete with senior Brock Seeman (5-11, 175), junior Joel Mudd (5-11, 195) and sophomores Adam Petz (6-0, 180) and Joey Toale (5-8, 180).

“We ended up playing a lot of young players,” McMartin said. “At times, we had three freshmen out there. And even though Corben Schueler was a junior last year, it was his first year on defense. But each week they got better. With Kevin Good and Cody Baethke back now, we’ll have a lot of good competition and a lot of experience.”

The Dutch defense yielded 322.5 yards per game. That number needs to come down for the Dutch to be successful, McMartin said.

“Our defense has to improve and it will improve,” he said. “We’re going to find 11 guys who will pursue the football and are hungry to make plays. For us to have a great season, we have to play great defense.”

Special teams

Kurtis Brondyke Brondyke remains a weapon as the team’s punter. He averaged 40.6 yards a boot and pinned opponents inside their 20-yard-line 17 times. Brondyke had 16 punts sail more than 50 yards.

“Kurtis does a great job,” McMartin said. “I’d like to see continued improvement.”

Backing up Brondyke is senior Blake Warrick (5-10, 205).

Junior Jake Viggers (5-10, 155) has been a clutch performer as a placekicker in his first two seasons, delivering three game-winning kicks. He nailed 8 of 11 field goal tries last year and was 7-of-8 inside 40 yards.

But Viggers will also attempt to take over kickoff duties as junior Jason Goulden is sidelined for medical reasons and will serve as a student coach.

“Jake’s obviously played a big role,” McMartin said. “Now he’ll have to step up as the kickoff guy as well.”

Wilkin has the most return experience. He averaged 8.4 yards on 16 punt returns and 26.7 yards on nine kick returns. Zachary returned five kicks an average of 24.0 yards.

Baethke, a former high school running back, briefly handled some return chores last year before being injured and could contribute there again.

The freshmen

McMartin and his staff appear to have put together strong back-to-back recruiting classes. More than 50 new players are on this year’s roster, many who received significant high school accolades.

“I thought we had a really good year recruiting,” he said. “We’ve got some really good talent and I’m excited to see where they can go. It’s a matter of developing them, getting them stronger and faster and then putting the pieces together.

“Talent is important but ultimately what matters is how well they play together as a team. We want to make sure—and I think we have with this class—that we have guys with great character who want to work hard and want to be good teammates.”

The schedule

Central plays host to a first-ever meeting with Wis.-Stevens Point in the home season opener Sept. 12 as the Pointers make a one-time appearance on the Dutch schedule. The Iowa Conference schedule kicks off the following week and McMartin expects a wide-open race.

“There are a lot of good teams out there,” he said. “There are a lot of teams that feel really good about their chances going into the season. Every team played well at times last year.”

With a host of veterans back, many important decisions need to be made in the preseason.

“It’s important as a staff to focus on getting people in the right positions early,” McMartin said. “We’ve got some critical decisions this year.”

But the strategies that have allowed the Dutch to go 49 years without a losing season don’t change.

“Coach (Ron) Schipper always said that football is a game of mistakes,” McMartin said. “He said the team that makes the fewest mistakes is going to win. I couldn’t agree more.

“We have to really work hard to eliminate mistakes and to make plays when we have the opportunity. I think we have a chance to improve in both areas. We have to work hard as coaches to make that happen and to put people in a position to have success. We have to focus on getting better each day and each week. That’s really important. We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. Just live in the moment.”

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