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Docherty Signs Free Agent Contract With NFL's Chiefs

Bob DochertyUW-Oshkosh tight end Bob Docherty has signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL).

Docherty, a six-foot-six, 255-pound Oshkosh native, signed with the Chiefs following the completion of the NFL Draft on Sunday (April 30). He will attend the team's rookie orientation camp this weekend (May 4-7) before participating in several other mini-camps in May and June.

Docherty, who also received interest from the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins, played the 2003 and 2005 seasons at UW-Oshkosh after transferring from NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin.

This past year, Docherty received NCAA Division III All-West Region second team and All-WIAC first team honors after displaying excellent blocking skills and catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He caught five passes for 52 yards in the Titans' 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty participated in two all-star football contests following the 2005 campaign, the Aztec Bowl on Dec. 17 in Toluca, Mexico and the Hula Bowl on Jan. 21 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 2003, Docherty caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including seven for 62 yards and one score in UW-Oshkosh’s 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty played the 2001 and 2002 seasons at the University of Wisconsin.

In 2001, Docherty played in all 12 games for the Badgers, but didn’t catch a pass. He appeared in 12 of the Badgers’ 14 games in 2002, including the University of Wisconsin’s 31-28 victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown that season.

Docherty is a 2001 graduate of Oshkosh North High School, where he was a starter on the Spartans' 2000 football team that captured the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division I state championship.

Docherty is the first UW-Oshkosh football player to sign a professional contract since tight end Tony Church signed a free agent pact with the Tennessee Titans in 1998.

Kansas City compiled a 10-6 record during the 2005 season, finishing second to the Denver Broncos in the American Football Conference (AFC) West Division. The Chiefs, who hold their summer training camp at UW-River Falls, visit the Houston Texans on Aug. 12 for their preseason opener. Kansas City begins its regular season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10.

Docherty Named To Hula Bowl Squad

Bob DochertyUW-Oshkosh tight end Bob Docherty (Sr. • Oshkosh) has accepted an invitation by the American Football Coaches Association to play in the 60th Annual Hula Bowl All-Star Football Game on Jan. 21 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 6 p.m. (CST) contest will be televised from Aloha Stadium on ESPN2 and broadcast worldwide on the Westwood One/CBS Radio Network.

Docherty takes part in one of college football’s legendary all-star games as a member of the West team. University of Washington head football coach Tyrone Willingham will guide the West squad, while Auburn University (Ala.) head football coach Tommy Tuberville will lead the East team.

Docherty played the 2003 and 2005 seasons at UW-Oshkosh after transferring from NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin. This past year, Docherty received NCAA Division III All-West Region second team and All-WIAC first team honors after displaying excellent blocking skills and catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. In 2003, Docherty caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including seven for 62 yards and one score in UW-Oshkosh’s 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty played the 2001 and 2002 seasons at the University of Wisconsin. In 2001, he played in all 12 games for the Badgers, but didn’t catch a pass. Docherty appeared in 12 of the Badgers’ 14 games in 2002, including the University of Wisconsin’s 31-28 victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown that season.

Docherty is the first UW-Oshkosh football player to participate in the Hula Bowl, and only the second from the WIAC. Last year, UW-Whitewater defensive back Trey Bell was named to the East team.

Hula Bowl rosters are made up almost entirely of NCAA Division I players. This year, however, three NCAA Division III players will take part in the game, Docherty, quarterback Brett Elliott of Linfield College (Ore.) and defensive back Wes Hostetler of Ohio Northern University. Elliott and Hostetler will play for the East team.

Docherty will arrive in Honolulu on Jan. 16 and take part in a week of work and lots of fun. The East and West squads will practice daily and conduct drills in front of several National Football League scouts. Then there’s fun away from the field, a grand luau, surfing contest, luxurious meals and a chance to relax on the beach.

The Hula Bowl will be the second all-star game for Docherty in a five week period, as he also played in the Aztec Bowl on Dec. 17 in Toluca, Mexico. Docherty was named team captain of a NCAA Division III all-star squad that defeated the Mexican National Team in the Aztec Bowl, 53-15.

UW-Oshkosh posted a 7-3 record this past season, including a third place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The Titans’ overall record was their best since 1976.

Docherty Helps USA Defeat Mexico In Aztec Bowl

Bob DochertyOhio Northern defensive back Wes Hostetler scored three touchdowns and the United States defense and special teams rolled up 375 yards in interception, kickoff and punt returns as Team USA rolled to a record-setting 53-15 win over Mexico in the 2005 Aztec Bowl.

Hostetler alone accounted for 223 return yards as he scored on an 86-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, a 75-yard interception return in the third quarter and a 54-yard punt return in the third quarter to earn Team USA MVP honors.

With his performance on Saturday Hostetler tied the Team USA record for points scored (18) and set Team USA records for all-purpose yards (223), touchdowns scored, longest interception return and longest kickoff return.

“It could have been anyone else out there,” Hostetler said. “The blocking was phenomenal. I just had to wait for a block and read my keys. I wish I could play with these guys all year long.”

The United States defense and special teams accounted for 36 of Team USA’s 53 points. In addition to Hostetler, Curry’s Charlie Gibbs and North Central’s Lenny Radtke scored on interception returns and Occidental’s Mike Bryant blocked a punt for a safety in the first quarter. The 53 points are the most scored by Team USA in the nine-year series.

“Our kids just played superbly and our defense was outstanding,” USA Head Coach Ron Schipper said after the game.

“Obviously Hostetler is truly outstanding and just made great plays and we kept the crowd out of it.”

Gibbs opened the scoring with his return of an errant Juan Zamora pass to put the USA up 7-0. Mexico answered that score with a five-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown run by Rene Molina. With five minutes to go in the first quarter Bryant broke free and blocked a Daniel Chavez punt attempt out of the end zone to up the score to 9-7. On the ensuing free kick, Hostetler scampered 86 yards down the USA sideline to give the Americans a 16-7 lead with 4:42 to go in the quarter.

Midway through the second quarter the U.S. upped its lead to 19-7 when Wheaton’s Andrew Day converted on a 37-yard field goal. The score was set up by a 26-yard interception return by St. Thomas linebacker Andrew Ubbelohde, the lone USA interception that was not returned for a touchdown.

The United States offense did not reach the end zone until 24 seconds remained in the first half when Delaware Valley’s Adam Knoblauch hit St. Norbert running back Casey Meehan with a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Team USA up 26-7 at halftime.

The United State offense was thwarted once again at the start of the second quarter when a pass from Wabash’s Russ Harbaugh was intercepted at the Mexico two-yard line by Ricardo Tavera. Mexico’s offense moved the ball out to midfield before Hostetler stepped in front of a Gilberto Escobedo pass at the 25-yard line and sprinted 75 yards for the score.

The Team USA defense held on Mexico’s next possession and Hostetler returned the fourth down punt 54 yards into the end zone and the United States was out in front 40-7 midway through the third quarter.

Mexico found the end zone for the final time on the day 28 seconds into the fourth quarter when Escobedo hit Juan Corona with a 12-yard touchdown pass and then completed a two-point conversion pass to running back Rene Molina to cut the USA lead to 40-15.

The predominantly pro-Mexican crowd of 13,000 roared with approval and the score seemed to give Mexico new life. But the United States offense answered the Mexico score with a touchdown of its own as Bridgewater State’s (Mass.) Brenden Kavey raced 69 yards for a touchdown to increase the Team USA lead to 47-15 with 13:19 remaining in what was a rapidly moving fourth quarter.

Mexico moved to the USA 16-yard line on its next possession before the USA defense stiffened and stopped the home team on fourth down with 9:29 to go. The teams traded punts the rest of the quarter before North Central’s Lenny Radtke ended the game with a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown as time ran out to make the final margin 53-15. Hostetler’s amazing individual performance complimented what was another strong defensive showing by the Americans in this series. The United States defense held Mexico to only 16 yards rushing on 19 carries and forced six Mexico turnovers, four of which led to 23 Team USA points.

Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Brent Tieri led Team USA with eight tackles while Radtke topped the squad with a team record-tying four tackles for loss and two sacks. Wisconsin-Stout’s Joe Seep and Frostburg State’s Kevin Culbert each forced a fumble to account for the other two Mexico turnovers.

Offensively, Team USA was held to 197 yards in total offense. Kavey was the leading rusher with 87 yards on seven carries, Bridgewater’s (Va.) Marcus Washington carried nine times for 46 yards. Moravian’s Kevin Lukich caught one pass for 34 yards while Washington had two catches for 29 yards. Knoblauch was the leading passer on the day, completing three of 10 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Gilberto Escobedo earned MVP honors for Mexico as he completed 17 of 21 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Roldan was Mexico’s leading rusher with 14 yards on two carries. Roldan was also Mexico’s leading receiver with eight catches for 65 yards. Defensively, Jorge Valdez led the way with six tackles including 2.5 for a loss, both of which were sacks, and a forced fumble.

Docherty Selected Team Captain For Aztec Bowl

Bob DochertyUW-Oshkosh tight end Bob Docherty, Wabash University (Ind.) quarterback Russ Harbaugh, Mary Hardin-Baylor University (Texas) defensive tackle Elex Reed and University of St. Thomas (Minn.) linebacker Andrew Ubbelohde have been selected as captains for a NCAA Division III All-Star team that will represent the United States against Mexico in the 2005 Aztec Bowl on Saturday (Dec. 17) in Toluca, Mexico.

The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico's college football season. The Aztec Bowl has been played 34 times since 1947, with the last eight contests involving a NCAA Division III All-Star contingent from the United States and the Mexican National Team. This year's game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. (CST) at Toluca’s Estadio Chivo Cordova.

“I was pretty shocked when Coach Schipper told me I was selected as one of the captains,” said Docherty. “I never thought about the possibility and now I just feel really proud to be called a captain of this group of guys. It’s a tremendous honor. I’ve had more fun with these guys than any other group I’ve ever met. I’m very proud to be here."

Docherty played the 2003 and 2005 seasons at UW-Oshkosh after transferring from NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin. This past year, Docherty received NCAA Division III All-West Region second team and All-WIAC first team honors after displaying excellent blocking skills and catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. In 2003, Docherty caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including seven for 62 yards and one score in UW-Oshkosh’s 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty played the 2001 and 2002 seasons at the University of Wisconsin. In 2001, he played in all 12 games for the Badgers, but didn’t catch a pass. Docherty appeared in 12 of the Badgers’ 14 games in 2002, including the University of Wisconsin’s 31-28 victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown that season.

Chitwood Sports Media of Jefferson, Texas will again provide a live webcast of the 2005 Aztec Bowl. Along with the game webcast on Dec. 17, announcers Charlie Chitwood and Ned Fratangelo will provide 90-minute preview shows on Dec. 14, 15 and 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. (CST).

The preview shows and game webcast can all be accessed via the Aztec Bowl website at www.aztecbowl.com. Postgame results will also be available at www.afca.com.

UW-Oshkosh posted a 7-3 record this past season, including a third-place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The Titans’ overall record was their best since 1976.

Docherty To Play In Aztec Bowl

Bob DochertyUW-Oshkosh tight end Bob Docherty (Sr. • Oshkosh) has been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association's NCAA Division III All-Star team that will represent the United States against Mexico in the 2005 Aztec Bowl on Dec. 17 in Toluca, Mexico.

The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico's college football season. The Aztec Bowl has been played 34 times since 1947, with the last eight contests involving a NCAA Division III All-Star contingent from the United States and the Mexican National Team. The NCAA Division III All-Stars have won seven of their eight games against Mexico, including last year’s 23-3 contest in Cancun. This year's game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. (CST) at Toluca’s Estadio Chivo Cordova.

Docherty is one of 46 NCAA Division III players who will represent the United States in this year’s game. Also chosen from the WIAC were defensive backs Joe Seep from UW-Stout and Brent Tieri from UW-Eau Claire. Former Central College (Iowa) head football coach Ron Schipper will guide the team for the ninth consecutive year.

Docherty becomes the second UW-Oshkosh football player to participate in the Aztec Bowl. Wide receiver Jon May represented the Titans in the game in 1998 and helped the United States to a 40-13 victory.

Docherty played the 2003 and 2005 seasons at UW-Oshkosh after transferring from NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin. This past year, Docherty received NCAA Division III All-West Region second team and All-WIAC first team honors after displaying excellent blocking skills and catching 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. In 2003, Docherty caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including seven for 62 yards and one score in UW-Oshkosh’s 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls.

Docherty played the 2001 and 2002 seasons at the University of Wisconsin. In 2001, he played in all 12 games for the Badgers, but didn’t catch a pass. Docherty appeared in 12 of the Badgers’ 14 games in 2002, including the University of Wisconsin’s 31-28 victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown that season.

Chitwood Sports Media of Jefferson, Texas will again provide a live webcast of the 2005 Aztec Bowl. Along with the game webcast on Dec. 17, announcers Charlie Chitwood and Ned Fratangelo will provide 90-minute preview shows on Dec. 14, 15 and 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. (CST).

The preview shows and game webcast can all be accessed via the Aztec Bowl website at www.aztecbowl.com. Postgame results will also be available at www.afca.com.

UW-Oshkosh posted a 7-3 record this past season, including a third-place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The Titans’ overall record was their best since 1976.

All-WIAC Team Includes 12 Titans

Mike Arendt Mike Basch Bob Docherty Rob Fett
Jacob Malzahn Andy Moriarty Jason Manikowski Ryan Neff
Tom Roszak Joe Schmitz Eric Stenbroten Joe Zander

UW-Oshkosh was rewarded for its best season since 1976 by having 12 selections on the 2005 All-WIAC football team. The 81-player squad was chosen by the league’s nine head football coaches.

Leading UW-Oshkosh’s honorees were a pair of unanimous first team picks, tight end Bob Docherty (Sr. • Oshkosh) and defensive end Ryan Neff (Jr. • Merrill).

Docherty, who played the 2003 and 2005 seasons with the Titans after transferring from the University of Wisconsin, caught 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns this past year. He totaled five pass receptions for 52 yards during UW-Oshkosh’s 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls. Docherty’s excellent blocking skills helped UW-Oshkosh average 188.5 yards per game rushing, the fourth-highest mark in the WIAC.

Neff, who has started 28 games for the Titans the past three seasons, totaled 58 tackles this past year, including 13 for a loss and six quarterback sacks. He ranked second in the WIAC in quarterback sacks and fifth in tackles for a loss. Neff counted 13 tackles during UW-Oshkosh’s 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls and nine during the Titans’ 24-18 overtime win over UW-Eau Claire. His outstanding play helped the Titans hold opponents to just 111.9 yards per game rushing, the second-best mark in the WIAC.

Other first team selections from UW-Oshkosh were running back Andy Moriarty (So. • Mequon), punter Tom Roszak (Sr. • Greenfield), linebacker Eric Stenbroten (So. • Monticello) and offensive guard Joe Zander (Jr. • Columbus).

Moriarty played in nine of the Titans’ 10 games this past year and still rushed for a school-record 1,349 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moriarty, who also caught a team-leading 25 passes for 256 yards, led the WIAC by averaging 178.3 all-purpose yards per game. He also ranked second in the league by averaging 149.9 rushing yards per game and fourth in scoring by averaging 6.9 points per contest. Moriarty rushed for over 121 yards in six games, including a NCAA Division III-record 59 times for a school-record 316 yards during UW-Oshkosh’s 24-18 overtime win over UW-Eau Claire. He also rushed 36 times for 245 yards in UW-Oshkosh’s 30-28 win over UW-Platteville.

Roszak, who has been the Titans’ starting punter the past 30 games, averaged 41 yards per punt this past year to lead the WIAC. The two-time All-WIAC first team selection also placed 15 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and 15 others go for a touchback. Roszak’s 75-yard punt during UW-Oshkosh’s 33-18 loss to UW-La Crosse made him one of only two players in WIAC history to own two punts of 75 yards or longer.

Stenbroten compiled 76 tackles this past year, including 23.5 for a loss and nine quarterback sacks to lead the WIAC in both categories. He also recovered two fumbles and intercepted one pass. Stenbroten totaled 15 tackles during UW-Oshkosh’s 36-7 loss to UW-Whitewater and 13 tackles during UW-Oshkosh’s 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls.

Zander, who has started 18 games for the Titans the past three seasons, anchored an offensive line that helped UW-Oshkosh average 346.3 yards and 24.5 points per game. The Titans ranked fourth in the league in rushing offense and fifth in total offense.

Second team accolades went to UW-Oshkosh offensive guard Mike Basch (Sr. • Menomonee Falls), defensive end Rob Fett (Sr. • Appleton), cornerback Jason Manikowski (Jr. • Cudahy) and center Joe Schmitz (So. • Menomonee Falls).

Basch and Schmitz joined Zander as an integral part of the Titans’ offensive line. Basch concluded his four-year career with 36 starting assignments, while Schmitz has totaled 22 during the past two-plus seasons. Schmitz received a medical hardship after appearing in only three games during the 2004 season.

Manikowski, who has started all 30 games for UW-Oshkosh the past three seasons, compiled a team-leading 82 tackles this past year. He also intercepted three passes. Manikowski totaled 13 tackles and one pass interception in UW-Oshkosh’s 27-13 win over Albion College (Mich.) and 11 tackles in the Titans’ 36-7 loss to UW-Whitewater.

Fett, who made 25 starts for the Titans during his four-year career, compiled 49 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks, this past season. He recorded 11 tackles in UW-Oshkosh’s 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls and eight tackles, including two quarterback sacks, in the Titans’ 36-7 loss to UW-Whitewater.

UW-Oshkosh players receiving honorable mention recognition were defensive tackle Mike Arendt (Sr. • Port Washington) and linebacker Jacob Malzahn (Sr. • Kenosha).

Arendt, who made 21 career starts for UW-Oshkosh, tallied 30 tackles, including one quarterback, this past season. He compiled nine tackles in UW-Oshkosh's 24-18 overtime win over UW-Eau Claire and six tackles in the Titans' 34-27 win over UW-Stout.

Malzahn played in all 40 games for the Titans the past four seasons, including 30 as a starter. This past year, Malzahn compiled 38 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss. He also intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. Malzahn counted six tackles in UW-Oshkosh's 31-29 win over William Penn University (Iowa) and 36-7 loss to UW-Whitewater.

UW-Oshkosh posted a 7-3 record this past season, including a third-place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The seven-win season was only the fifth in the 111-year history of the UW-Oshkosh football program.

Titans Finish Season With 7-3 Record

Nick Kilton Andy Moriarty Joe Patek Eric Stenbroten

The UW-Oshkosh football team ended one of its most successful seasons with a 33-18 loss to UW-La Crosse on Saturday (Nov 12) in La Crosse.

UW-Oshkosh finished the year with a 7-3 record, including a third-place 4-3 mark in the WIAC. The Titans’ seven-win season is just the fifth in the 111-year history of the UW-Oshkosh football program. UW-Oshkosh’s third-place WIAC finish is its best since a first-place 6-2 mark in 1976.

UW-La Crosse, which clinched its 34th winning season in 36 years with the victory, concluded the 2005 campaign with a 7-3 record. The Eagles posted a 4-3 WIAC record to tie UW-Oshkosh for third place in the league standings.

The Titans took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter as Andy Moriarty scored on a four-yard run with 8:42 remaining. The Eagles made it 7-6 as Steve Tennies hit Dustin Esser with a one-yard touchdown pass with 13:56 left in second quarter. The extra-point was missed.

UW-Oshkosh took a 15-6 lead with 9:40 left in the first half as Moriarty scored on a seven-yard run and Mike Budziszewski scoring on a two-point run conversion after a bad snap from center. The Titans took a 18-6 halftime lead as Joshua Troutman hit a 30-yard field goal with :22 left in the second quarter.

UW-L cut the lead to 18-12 on Mark Wilcox's four-yard run with 9:47 left in the third period. The Eagles' two-point conversion failed. John Schumann and Ted Everson connected for a pair of third quarter touchdowns to give UW-L a 26-18 lead. They scored on a 22-yard pass with 8:37 left in the period to make it 18-18 and Schumann then ran in the two-point conversion to give UW-L its first lead of the day at 20-18. Schumann and Everson scored again on a 19 yard pass with 3:52 remaining to make it 26-18.

Wilcox finished the scoring on a one-yard run with 7:41 left in the game to make the final score 33-18.

UW-L finished with 333 yards of offense, including 114 rushing and 219 passing. The Eagles had 249 yards of offense and 15 first downs in the second half. Wilcox finished with 48 yards rushing on 16 carries and two touchdowns while Schumann was eight-of-15 for 141 yards with two touchdowns. Tennies was five-of-11 for 64 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Jason Wagner finished with four catches for 53 yards for the Eagles while Eric Kettenhofen had three catches for 77 yards. Everson had three receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns.

UW-Oshkosh had 259 yards of offense, including 177 rushing and 82 passing. The Titans were held to one first down, seven rushing yards and 47 total yards in the second half. The team had five punts and one interception in six second-half possessions. Moriarty had 37 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns for the game. After rushing for 139 yards on 31 carries and two scores in the first half, Moriarty was held to eight yards on six attempts in the final two quarters. He finishes with a single-season school record 1,349 rushing yards.

Joe Patek was nine-of-21 passing for the Titans for 82 yards with one interception. Moriarty had four catches for three yards.

Gene Janke led UW-L with 15 tackles. Drew Kiefer had 13 tackles while Adam Neitzel finished with 12. Kevin Vitkus had an interception for the Eagles.

Eric Stenbroten and Dave Dejewski each had 12 tackles for UW-Oshkosh. Stenbroten had four tackles for loss and three sacks. Bryan Kent and Scott Salvinski each had an interception for the Titans.

 

Moriarty Leads Titans
To Overtime Win Over Blugolds

Nick Kilton Andy Moriarty Joe Patek Eric Stenbroten

Andy Moriarty (So. • Mequon) rushed for a school-record 316 yards and totaled another 63 yards in pass receptions to lead the UW-Oshkosh football team to a 24-18 overtime victory over UW-Eau Claire on Saturday (Nov. 5) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The win was UW-Oshkosh's seventh of the season, marking only the fifth time in 111 years that the Titans had won seven or more games in a season.

Moriarty carried the football a NCAA Division III-record 59 times, including rushes on UW-Oshkosh's first 21 plays of the third quarter. He scored three touchdowns in the game, including a three-yard burst in overtime to account for the winning score. Moriarty, who also caught four passes for 63 yards, registered one-yard and two-yard touchdowns runs in the third quarter to help the Titans rally from a 12-0 halftime deficit. Moriarty's rushing performance was the seventh-best in WIAC history.

UW-Eau Claire (5-4/4-2 WIAC) opened the overtime session with the football. The Blugolds went six yards in three plays before placekicker Mitch Schaeuble converted a 40-yard field goal to give them the lead. But, UW-Oshkosh was called for a personal foul on the play, giving UW-Eau Claire the football for another set of downs at the Titans' 12-yard line. Faced with a fourth down-and-one situation from the UW-Oshkosh three-yard line, UW-Eau Claire elected to go for the first down. The Blugolds ran the football with Joe Gast on the play, but he was stopped for no gain by UW-Oshkosh's Mike Arendt and Eric Stenbroten.

After holding UW-Eau Claire scoreless in overtime, UW-Oshkosh's Moriarty ran the football three times for 25 yards, including the game-wnning carry.

UW-Oshkosh (7-2/4-2 WIAC) ends its 2005 season next Saturday at UW-La Crosse.

 

 

Second-ranked Warhawks Oust Titans

Nick Kilton Andy Moriarty Joe Patek Eric Stenbroten

The second-ranked UW-Whitewater football team remained unbeaten with a 36-7 victory over UW-Oshkosh on Saturday (Oct. 29) at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater. The Warhawks are now 8-0, and 5-0 in the WIAC, while UW-Oshkosh falls to 6-2 and 3-2 in league play.

The Warhawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 42-yard touchdown reception by Jim Leszczynski from quarterback Justin Jacobs. The Warhawks took control of the game in the second quarter with a pair of touchdown receptions of 10 and 18 yards by Derek Stanley to make the score 20-0.

UW-Oshkosh scored their only touchdown of the game late in the second quarter on a 51-yard touchdown reception by Nick Kilton (Sr. • Waukesha) from quarterback Joe Patek (So. • Cedarburg), to make the score 20-7 at the end of the first half.

On UW-Whitewater's second possession of the third quarter, Jacobs threw his fourth touchdown of the game, and second to Leszczynski, for a 19 yard score to make the score 27-7. In the fourth quarter, the Warhawks stretched their lead to 29-7 on a safety after a botched punt attempt by UW-Oshkosh. Derek Brown tackled the punter in the edzone for the two points. The Warhawks capped off the scoring on the day with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Jacobs to Stanley to make the score 36-7.

Jacobs tied a school record with five touchdown passes in the game also accomplished by Bob Berezowitz in 1966 against UW-Superior and Ed Nowell against UW-Superior in 1973. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 312 yards.

Stanley had three touchdown receptions, one short of tying the UW-Whitewater record for touchdown receptions in a game. Overall, Stanley caught nine passes for 138 yards. Leszczynski had five catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns, the second being the 21st of his career to set a Warhawk record for career touchdown receptions. Justin Beaver ran the ball 34 times for 162 yards.

Patek completed 12 of 28 passes for 185 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Titans. Kilton led the Titan receivers with four catches for 96 yards and the lone touchdown. Andy Moriarty (So. • Mequon) ran the ball 22 times for 86 yards.

Defensively, Eric Stenbroten (So. • Monticello) led UW-Oshkosh with 14 tackles. He had four tackles for a loss, including one quarterback sack. A.J. Raebel paced UW-Whitewater with 10 tackles, including four for a loss. He also sacked the quarterback twice and intercepted a pass.

Titans Off To Best Start Since 1935

Andy Heiman JNick Kilton Ryan Neff Joe Patek

A long punt return and a pair of key defensive stops lifted the UW-Oshkosh football team to a 23-20 victory over UW-Stevens Point on Saturday (Oct. 22) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

Trailing by five points with less than seven minutes remaining, UW-Oshkosh’s Andy Heiman (So. • Clintonville) returned a UW-Stevens Point punt 67 yards to the Pointers’ one-yard line, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Tyler Jandrin (So. • Casco) with 6:42 left to play.

UW-Oshkosh’s defense then came up with several big plays, stopping the Pointers on a third-and-15 play from the Titans’ 49-yard line with 4:29 left and forcing four straight incomplete passes in the final 83 seconds to preserve the victory.

The win gives UW-Oshkosh a 6-1 overall record, the best seven-game mark for the Titans since 1935. The victory also clinches UW-Oshkosh's first six-win season since 1976. After a 13-10 overtime loss to UW-River Falls on Oct. 1, UW-Oshkosh has rallied in the fourth quarter to win three straight WIAC games. Prior to Saturday, UW-Oshkosh hadn't won three consecutive WIAC contests since 1988.

UW-Oshkosh gained a season-high 512 yards of offense as Joe Patek (So. • Cedarburg) completed 21 of 36 passes for a career-best 362 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Patek's touchdown passes went to Nick Kilton (Sr. • Waukesha), who totaled three pass receptions for a career-best 155 yards. Andy Moriarty (So. • Mequon) had his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season with 27 carries for 122 yards. He also caught five passes for 98 yards.

UW-Stevens Point (2-5/1-3 WIAC) opened the scoring when Ben Zimmerman blocked a punt at the Titans’ seven-yard line and Luke Frisch recovered. Two plays later, Cody Childs rushed four yards for a touchdown to give the Pointers a 7-0 lead at the 7:54 mark of the first quarter. UW-Oshkosh countered the score on the first play of the second quarter when Patek threw a 54-yard touchdown strike to Kilton. Following a missed extra point, the Pointers held a 7-6 lead at the 14:53 mark of the second period.

The Pointers extended their lead to 14-6 when Childs finished off a nine-play, 72-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run at the 10:13 mark of the second quarter. UW-Oshkosh made the score 14-9 when Lucas Raschke (So. • Clntonville) drilled a 27-yard field at the 7:09 mark of the period. UW-Stevens Point, which had won its three previous meetings with UW-Oshkosh, went to halftime leading 14-9 as Raschke missed a 32-yard field goal just before the break.

UW-Oshkosh took a 15-14 lead when Patek passed 55 yards to Kilton for a touchdown on a third-and-11 play with 8:36 left in the third quarter. UW-Stevens Point answered UW-Oshkosh's score by grinding out a 49-yard drive in 12 plays, capped by a one-yard touchdown pass from Brett Borchart to Childs. Both teams missed extra points and the Pointers led 20-15 with 2:56 remaining in the third quarter.

Following Jandrin’s eventual game-winning touchdown, UW-Stevens Point drove to the UW-Oshkosh 44-yard line on a 20-yard pass from Borchart to Adam Spoehr. The pass would be Borchart’s final pass completion of the game as he finished with six straight incompletions.

Following a UW-Stevens Point punt with 4:29 left in the game, UW-Oshkosh converted a third-and-20 play as Patek found Kilton for 46 yards to the Pointers’ 32-yard line. However, UW-Stevens Point’s Peter Prusinski intercepted a Patek pass three plays later to give the Pointers the football at their own 34-yard line with 1:23 remaining. The Pointers comeback ended following four incomplete passes by Borchart.

UW-Stevens Point totaled 293 yards of offense. Borchart completed 13-of-29 passes for 168 yards, while Child rushed 13 times for 48 yards. Jacob Dickert caught four passes for 76 yard to lead the Pointers.

Defensively, UW-Stevens Point was led by Dan Robinson's game-high nine tackles. The Pointers also received eight from both Brandon Czys and Jared Flesch. Ryan Neff (Jr. • Merrill) paced UW-Oshkosh with seven tackles, including three for a loss. The Titans also benefited from the six tackles of Rob Fett (Sr. • Appleton), Jason Manikowski (Jr. • Cudahy) and Ryan Schaffner (So. • Germantown).

Moriarty Sets Single-Game Rushing Record
As Titans Rally To Defeat Pioneers

Bob Docherty Jason Manikowski Andy Moriarty Scott Salvinski

The UW-Oshkosh football team rallied and then held off UW-Platteville, 30-28, in a wild shootout Saturday (Oct. 15) at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium in Platteville.

The Pioneers drove to the Titan 43-yard line in the final two minutes, but Jason Manikowski intercepted a tipped pass at the Titan 35-yard line to preserve the win. The Pioneers forced a punt with 24 seconds remaining, but Scott Salvinski intercepted the final Hail Mary pass at the Oshkosh 35-yard line on the final play of the game.

Joe Patek connected with tight end Bob Docherty from five yards out with 4:54 for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.

The Titans improved to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while the Pioneers slipped to 1-5, 0-3 with the Homecoming loss. UW-Oshkosh's 5-1 record is its best six-game mark since going 5-1 in 1972. Saturday's victory also assures the Titans of consecutive non-losing seasons for the first time since the 1976 and 1977 campaigns.

Andy Moriarty broke the UW-Oshkosh single-game rushing record with 245 yards on 36 carries, bettering the old record of 234 set by Ron Cardo against St. Norbert College in 1968. Moriarty had a 42-yard run to set up the first Titan touchdown, and scored the second on a 63-yard romp. Andrew Stern also had a 59-yard scoring run in the UW-Oshkosh second quarter.

The Pioneers tied the halftime score at 21-21 with three Michael Schmidt touchdown passes. He threw seven yards to Brian Gallick, 17 yards to Damian Droessler and a 21-yard scramble and pass to Derek Hoff with just four seconds left in the half.

UW-Platteville took a 28-21 lead when Schmidt found Joe Danielson in the left corner of the end zone from 15 yards out. The go-ahead score was set up when Zeke Markshausen blocked a Titan punt at the UW-Oshkosh 10-yard line.

The Titans climbed within 28-24 late in the third quarter on Lucas Raschke's 38-yard field goal. The Patek to Docherty pass was the only score in the fourth quarter.

Titans Upset Nationally-ranked Blue Devils

Mike Budziszewski A.J. Hollanquest Andy Moriarty Ryan Radtke

Andy Moriarty ran 15 yards for a touchdown with 14 seconds left in the game to give the UW-Oshkosh football team a 34-27 victory over nationally-ranked UW-Stout on Saturday (Oct. 8) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

In the game's waning stages, UW-Stout, which hasn't won on the Titans' home field since 1997, appeared in legitimate position to end the hex, as they marched into UW-Oshkosh territory with under a minute to play and the score knotted at 27-27.

With UW-Stout threatening to reach field goal range for a possible game-winner, UW-Oshkosh defensive back Ryan Radtke snared a titanic interception at the home team's 35-yard line and raced to the Blue Devils' 15.

One play after Radtke's pass interception, Moriarty sashayed through UW-Stout's defense for a 15-yard scoring scamper that ultimately ran the Blue Devils' losing streak in Oshkosh to four games.

Fourteen seconds remained on the clock. But, one play after the Blue Devils took over on their own 39-yard line after the ensuing kickoff, Radtke came down with another interception on a UW-Stout Hail May fling to seal the deal for the Titans. The UW-Oshkosh offense took the necessary knee and the final gun sounded.

UW-Stout entered the game ranked 16th in the NCAA Division III by the American Football Coaches Association and 23rd by D3Football.com.

UW-Oshkosh jumped to a 20-7 lead when tight end Bob Docherty hauled in a 43-yard scoring strike from quarterback Mike Budziszewski with 74 ticks remaining prior to intermission. The Titans previously scored touchdowns on a blocked punt return in the end zone by A.J. Holanquest and a nine-yard touchdown run by Moriarty.

The Titans had their lead cut to 20-10 when UW-Stout placekicker Evan Larsen drilled a 48-yard field goal with one second to go in the second frame.

UW-Stout fired out of the lockerroom, outscoring the Titans, 14-0, in the five minutes of the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, UW-Oshkosh stole the lead back at 27-24, when Tyler Jandrin muscled his way into the end zone from one yard out.

UW-Stout rallied back as the Blue Devils took over on their own 12-yard line with 9:24 to go. Five first downs and a clutch fourth-down conversion later, Larsen lined up from the UW-Oshkosh 22. After his 39-yard attempt split the uprights, the two most important numbers on the scoreboard stood at 27.

The Blue Devils totaled 17 first downs to UW-Oshkosh's six and tallied 337 net offensive yards to the Titans' 162. UW-Stout's considerable advantages in offensive production and time of possession (32:29-27:31) were nullified, however, by three pass interceptions and one fumble.

Running back Coty Watkins led all UW-Stout rushers with 67 yards on 15 carries, while running back Andy Reese added 30 yards on 13 totes in his first game back from an injury. Quarterback Keldric Stokes completed 18-of-37 passes for 222 yards and one TD, with wide receiver Jesse Wendt collected 11 catches for 149 yards.

Moriarty provided the majority of UW-Oshkosh's offense, netting 82 of the team's 97 rushing yards on 28 carries. Budziszewski completed 5-of-12 passes for 56 yards and one score in his first collegiate start.

UW-Oshkosh improves to 4-1 (1-1 WIAC) with the victory, while UW-Stout falls to 4-1 (1-1 WIAC) with the loss.

Titans Conclude Non-Conference Slate Unbeaten

Andy Heiman Andy Moriarty Joe Patek Lucas Raschke

Andy Moriarty rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns as the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh built an early lead and cruised to a 27-13 non-conference win over Albion College Saturday in Albion, Mich.

The UW-Oshkosh defense held Albion (1-1) to minus-four rushing yards as Ryan Neff recorded two sacks for the Titans. UW-Oshkosh also picked off four passes, including two by Bryan Kent, and recovered two fumbles.

“I think our defense really stepped up,” Titans coach Phil Meyer said. “That’s kind of the story of the game right there.”

The Titans scored on their first three possessions to build a 13-3 halftime advantage. Lucas Raschke hit on field goals of 40 and 30 yards and Moriarty scored from 3 yards out.

The UW-Oshkosh lead moved to 20-3 in the third quarter as quarterback Joe Patek found Nick Kilton for a 32-yard touchdown pass.

Moriarty added another touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to seal the win.

“He had a nice game,” Meyer said of his running back. “That was huge.”

Besides Moriarty, the Titans were also led by Patek, who completed 8-of-18 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Meyer said he was also pleased with the special teams play of Andy Heiman.

“Andy Heiman stepped up in the return game,” Meyer said. “He had a couple of nice returns for 74 yards and that was key for us.”

The victory gives the Titans (3-0) a perfect non-conference record for the third year in a row. It also was UW-Oshkosh's 11th straight non-conference win.

Following a bye next week, UW-Oshkosh opens Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action Oct. 1 against UW-River Falls at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

“To come out of there 3-0 is what our goal was and what we expected,” Meyer said. “Now it’s time to put the gloves on. Now comes the fun part and hard part of the season.”

Docherty Rejoins Titans

Bob DochertyUW-Oshkosh head football coach Phil Meyer announced Friday (Sept. 16) that tight end Bob Docherty has returned to the Titans and will be in the starting lineup when UW-Oshkosh (2-0) plays Albion College (1-0) on Saturday (Sept. 17) in Albion, Mich.

Docherty, a senior from Oshkosh North High School, hasn't played football since starting seven games for the Titans during the 2003 season. He previously played in a total of 24 games for the University of Wisconsin during the 2001 and 2002 football seasons.

Docherty appeared in all 10 games for UW-Oshkosh in 2003 and caught 25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. In UW-Oshkosh's 31-21 loss to UW-River Falls that season, Docherty caught seven passes for 62 yards and one touchdown.

Docherty caught 10 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown during his two seasons at the University of Wisconsin. In 2002, Docherty started six games and played in the Badgers' 31-28 victory over the University of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.

Titans Rout Falcons In Home Debut

Nick Kilton Joe Patek Lucas Raschke Steve Stoltz

It’s too bad there isn’t a Division III fantasy football league. Because though it’s his first year as a starter, sophomore quarterback Joe Patek would already be paying off as a sleeper pick.

With a touchdown run and three touchdown passes in the first half, Patek led UW-Oshkosh to a 41-13 win over Concordia University on Saturday at Titan Stadium.

“I felt more comfortable than last week,” Patek said after throwing a total of four touchdown passes and rushing for one. “Each week we hope to take a step forward.”

Patek surgically removed the heart from the Falcons defense. He scored in the first quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run, converting a critical fourth-down conversion along the way.

“I was like, ‘What are you doing,’” Patek said of his scrambling touchdown. “But then, I was like, ‘Wow. This works.’It felt good.”

Imposing his will on the Falcons, Patek’s exploits continued with a series of accurate strikes to several different receivers. His first touchdown pass occurred midway through the second quarter on a 20-yard strike to sophomore wide receiver Steve Stoltz.

A couple of possessions later, Patek scored on a 42-yard pass to senior wide receiver Nick Kilton.

“The guy to me is starting to grow and feel more comfortable out there,” Titans football coach Phil Meyer said of Patek. “I think he’s going to be a heck of a player. He’s growing every week.”

Patek finished with five touchdowns. He also appears to have developed an early chemistry with Stoltz, who caught seven passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

“That’s the most touchdowns I’ve had in a game,” Stoltz said of his milestone. “I played out of my body today.

“That was a very good out of body experience. I loved it. It was fun.”

It didn’t look like the type of start the Titans expected. Concordia’s Immanuel Mills evaded defenders alone in the open field.

But a jarring hit and a fumble recovery later, and the defense already created a turnover that led to Patek’s touchdown.

“Anytime a defense can do that and we get the ball right back, it’s huge,” Meyer said. “That’s just a big play by our defense.”

Placekicker Lucas Raschke scored 11 points, making both of his field goal attempts and all five of his extra point kicks.

Titans Hold On To Win Season Opener

Jason Manikowski Andy Moriarty Joe Patek Steve Stoltz

The UW-Oshkosh football team scored the first 17 points of the game and held on to defeat William Penn University (Iowa), 31-29, on Saturday (Sept. 3) in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The first gridiron meeting between the two schools kicked off the 111th football season for the Titans and the 106th football campaign for the Statesmen.

UW-Oshkosh (1-0) counted points on its first possession of the season as All-America placekicker Lucas Raschke (So. • Clintonville) capped a six-play, 23-yard scoring drive with a 42-yard field goal. UW-Oshkosh’s scoring march was set up by running back Kyle Nakatsuji’s (Fr. • West Allis) 41-yard return of the opening kickoff.

UW-Oshkosh reached the end zone twice in the second quarter to take a 17-0 lead. Following a 13-yard punt return by wide receiver Steve Stoltz (So. • Greendale), UW-Oshkosh finished a six-play, 36-yard scoring drive with running back Tyler Jandrin’s (So. • Casco) one-yard touchdown run. Defensive back David Consiglio (So. • Jackson) set up the Titans’ second touchdown of the period as he recovered a fumbled William Penn University punt return at the UW-Oshkosh 47-yard line. The Titans took advantage of the turnover by moving the football 53 yards in just four plays for a score. The scoring drive ended with Stoltz catching a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Patek (So. • Cedarburg).

William Penn University stole a little momentum right before halftime when placekicker Nate Turnbull capped a seven-play, 60-yard scoring drive with a 29-yard field goal. The scoring march began with a 42-yard pass from quarterback Kentrell Jones to wide receiver Leon Slaughter.

William Penn University controlled the football for nearly 11 minutes of the third quarter, but managed only one score, a two-yard touchdown run by James Jackson to finish a 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive. William Penn University’s deficit remained at 17-9 following the score as UW-Oshkosh linebacker Jacob Malzahn (Sr. • Kenosha) blocked Turnbull’s extra point try.

UW-Oshkosh increased its lead to 24-9 when Patek tossed a 48-yard touchdown pass to Stoltz at the 12:02 mark of the fourth quarter. The one-play scoring drive followed a William Penn University punt.

William Penn University cut its deficit to 24-15 on the ensuing possession as Jackson scored on a 43-yard touchdown run at the 11:45 mark of the fourth quarter. Following a failed fourth down conversion by UW-Oshkosh, William Penn University pulled to within 24-22 on Jones’ seven-yard touchdown pass to Travis Johnson with 6:53 to play.

The two teams exchanged touchdowns on their next possessions. UW-Oshkosh went ahead 31-22 by finishing a nine-play, 61-yard scoring drive on Jandrin’s two-yard touchdown run with 3:25 to play. William Penn University sliced its deficit to 31-29 by concluding a five-play, 53-yard scoring drive on Jones’ 14-yard touchdown pass to Johnson with 2:40 remaining.

William Penn University held UW-Oshkosh to just three plays on its next possession and took control of the football at its own 15-yard line with 1:39 to play. But, two penalties, including an illegal forward pass, and three incomplete passes, ended the Statesmen’s comeback bid at their own five-yard line with 1:11 left. The change of possession secured UW-Oshkosh’s 23rd season-opening victory in the last 25 years.

UW-Oshkosh totaled 368 yards of offense, including 214 on the ground. Moriarty, who gained a career-best 179 yards in 31 attempts, led the Titans’ rushing attack. Patek completed eight of 19 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start, while Stoltz caught three aerials for 114 yards and two scores.

William Penn University compiled 421 yards of offense, including 231 on the ground. Jackson led the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics member with 141 rushing yards. Jones completed 13 of 35 passes for 190 yards, with both of his scoring strikes going to Johnson who caught four passes for 36 yards.

Cornerback Jason Manikowski (Jr. • Cudahy) led UW-Oshkosh with seven tackles and one pass interception. The Titans also received six tackles from Malzahn, defensive tackle Ryan Neff (Jr. • Merrill), cornerback Ryan Radtke (Jr. • Peshtigo), defensive tackle Ryan Schaffner (So. • Germantown) and linebacker Eric Stenbroten (So. • Monticello).

Linebacker Clint Peery led William Penn University with 12 tackles, while free safety Dustin Hudor added 10.

Roszak Named To "Watch List" For
Tom Gilburg Punter of The Year Award

Tom RoszakKevin Soflkiancs of Baldwin-Wallace College (Ohio), Chris Kemmerer of Buena Vista University (Iowa), Mitch Schaeuble of UW-Eau Claire, Clint Rushing of Austin College (Texas) and Tom Roszak (Sr. • Greenfield) of UW-Oshkosh have been named to the “Watch List” for the 2005 Tom Gilburg Division III Punter of the Year Award.

Presented to the top small college punter in the nation each year by the Franklin & Marshall Football Association based upon the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), D3football.com, Associated Press “Little All-America” and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America teams, like the Division I Ray Guy Award, which honors the best punter at a major university, the Gilburg Award honors the punter as a team player and a vital part of winning.

The national leader in punting average last season at 42.7 yards as a freshman, Soflkiancs was named to the All-Ohio Athletic Conference first team honors, in addition to earning All-North Region and All-America first team honors from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette as he punted 55 times for 2,351 yards in 10 games.

Kemmerer finished fourth in the nation in punting average at 41.1 yards in 10 games (64 punts for 2,630 yards) as a sophomore last season. A D3football All-America honorable mention selection, he was named to the Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-West Region third team and Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first team.

An All-WIAC honorable mention selection, Schaeuble finished sixth in the nation in punting average at 40.7 yards in 10 games (51 punts for 2,074 yards) as a freshman.

Rushing finished seventh in the nation in punting average in 2004 at 40.5 yards as he kicked 72 times for 2,913 yards in 10 games as a sophomore.

An All-WIAC first team selection, Roszak finished 11th in the nation with a 40.0 yards average in 2004 as he punted 59 times for 2,360 yards as a junior.

Founded in 2004, the Gilburg Award was presented to Franklin & Marshall College (Pa.) All-America punter Dan Eggertsson ’05 last season as he was named to the 2004 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Coaches first team, D3football.com All-America second team, Associated Press Little All-America third team and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America third team.

The head football coach at Franklin & Marshall College from 1975-2002, Gilburg was a standout punter first at Syracuse University (N.Y.) and later in the National Football League with the Baltimore Colts. A native of Chappaqua, New York, he compiled a 160-112-2 record in football over 28 seasons on the sidelines at F&M, the most wins by a coach in the program’s history.

Highlights of Gilburg's 28-years at Franklin & Marshall College include five Centennial Conference Championships (1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1995), two Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships (1987 & 1989), eight first team All-America selections and 11 Conference Most Valuable Player honors.

2005 Season Preview

Mike Basch Nick Kilton Lucas Raschke Tom Roszak

With 42 returning lettermen, including 14 starters, sixth-year UW-Oshkosh head football coach Phil Meyer believes that he has the ingredients to guide the Titans to their first six-plus win season since 1976.

UW-Oshkosh enters its 111th intercollegiate season with eight starters back on defense and six on offense. The Titans also inherit both kicking specialists from a 2004 squad that produced a 5-5 record and the school’s first non-losing football season since 1995.

UW-Oshkosh was a much better squad in 2004 than its 2-5 WIAC record indicates. The Titans defeated UW-Platteville, 54-6, and UW-River Falls, 28-25, while losing 22-16 overtime counts to both UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater. UW-Oshkosh also lost a 28-21 decision to eventual WIAC champion UW-La Crosse.

UW-Oshkosh returns 10 seniors to its 2005 squad, including offensive guard Mike Basch who has started 27 games. This year’s senior class also features the 23 career starts of wide receiver/cornerback Nick Kilton, 20 of both linebacker Jacob Malzahn and punter Tom Roszak and 15 of both defensive end Rob Fett and running back Andrew Stern.

Other seniors on this year’s roster include quarterback Mike Budziszewski, linebacker Joe Gabriel, defensive tackle Jason Hartwig and linebacker Shane Schutz. Hartwig has started eight games during his UW-Oshkosh career, while Schutz has started three.

Offensive starters back for the Titans are Basch, junior tackle Shawn Dahlke, sophomore tight end Ben Grows, Stern, sophomore wide receiver Steve Stoltz and junior guard Joe Zander. Dahlke enters the 2005 season with 20 career starts, while Stoltz has 10 and Grows and Zander eight each.

Defensive starters returning for UW-Oshkosh are Fett, Hartwig, Kilton, Malzahn, junior free safety Jason Manikowski, junior end Ryan Neff, junior cornerback Ryan Radtke and sophomore strong safety Scott Salvinski. Manikowski brings to the 2005 season 20 career starts, while Neff has 18 and Radtke and Salvinski 10 each.

UW-Oshkosh welcomes back its entire kicking game from last season with the return of Rozak and sophomore placekicker Lucas Raschke. Both players received All-WIAC first team accolades in 2004, with Raschke also gaining NCAA Division III All-America second team mention by the Football Gazette. Kilton, an All-WIAC second team selection at all-purpose back a year ago, leads UW-Oshkosh’s return game.

Offensively, UW-Oshkosh looks to replace four starters from a group that led the WIAC in scoring (31.1) and time of possession (33:10). The biggest offensive void for the Titans is at quarterback, where Nick Wara started the past 30 games. Wara concluded his career by throwing for 5,530 yards and 32 touchdowns and rushing for 1,343 yards and 14 scores. Wara’s passing yardage is the second highest in UW-Oshkosh history.

Expected to replace Wara is six-foot-seven sophomore Joe Patek, who played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Titans a year ago. Last season, Patek completed four of 12 passes for 107 yards while catching 18 passes for 246 yards and four scores. Poised to backup Patek is Budziszewski. Budziszewski’s career resume includes nine pass completions in 26 attempts for 117 yards and one touchdown.

UW-Oshkosh’s backfield returns four of its top six rushers in Stern, sophomores Andy Moriarty and Tyler Jandrin and junior Chris Kirch. Stern totaled 408 yards and two touchdowns rushing last season, while Moriarty compiled 314 yards and three scores, Jandrin 245 yards and three touchdowns and Kirch 168 yards. Stern has rushed the football 351 times during his UW-Oshkosh career, totaling 1,395 yards and five touchdowns.

Stoltz leads UW-Oshkosh’s receiving corps. Last season, Stoltz grabbed 22 aerials for 410 yards and three scores. Other pass receivers back are junior Tim Gold and sophomore Josh Wara. Gold collected three passes for 52 yards last season, while Wara caught one for 13 yards. Grows returns to the tight end position after catching four passes for 25 yards a year ago.

In the offensive line, UW-Oshkosh returns Basch at right guard, Dahlke at right tackle and Zander at left guard. The Titans also welcome back sophomore center Joe Schmitz, who started 10 games in 2003 and three in 2004 before being sidelined by an injury. Expected to provide depth in the line is junior Brandon Houle and sophomores Pete Caruso, Brian Hartwig and Andrew Versnik.

Defensively, UW-Oshkosh looks to replace just three starters from a contingent that ranked second in the WIAC by yielding an average of just 312.1 yards per game.

Up front, UW-Oshkosh returns three of its four starters in Fett, Hartwig and Neff. Neff tallied 48 tackles last season, including nine for a loss and three quarterback sacks. He was an All-WIAC second team pick a year ago. Fett recorded 33 tackles last year, while Hartwig totaled 23. Returning to the trenches after receiving a medical redshirt a year ago is junior Mike Arendt. Arendt counted 19 tackles for the Titans in 2003. Looking to contribute to the defensive line this fall is sophomore Ryan Schaffner.

Jacob Malzahn returns as UW-Oshkosh’s lone starting linebacker. Last season, Malzahn totaled 31 tackles, including nine for a loss. He had 38 tackles, including eight for a loss in 2003. Looking to fill one of the vacant starting linebacker spots is Schutz, who compiled 34 tackles, including four for a loss a year ago. Other top candidates for a starting linebacker role are Gabriel, Craig Stenbroten, junior Dustin Stumpf and sophomores Dave Dejewski, Luke Malzahn and Eric Stenbroten. Eric Stenbroten had 26 tackles, including four for a loss in 2004.

The greatest wealth of defensive experience returns in the secondary, where Kilton, Manikowski, Radtke and Salvinski combined to start 39 of 40 games for the Titans a year ago. Manikowski ranked second on the team with 70 tackles in 2004, while Kilton listed sixth with 43 and Radtke seventh with 39 and four pass interceptions. Salvinski also contributed 33 tackles, including three for a loss. Another experienced performer returning in the secondary is sophomore Bryan Kent, who intercepted four passes and ranked fifth on the team with 44 tackles a year ago. Also back to provide depth in the defensive backfield are sophomores David Consiglio, Bill Marklein, Brock Portilia and Aaron Schwanz. The amount of depth in this area will allow Kilton to see plenty of playing time as a wide receiver in UW-Oshkosh’s passing game.

UW-Oshkosh’s kicking game is in great shape with the return of Raschke as its placekicker and Roszak as its punter. Raschke led the WIAC in scoring last season with 87 points and kicked a league-record and NCAA Division III-leading 19 field goals. His 19 field goals are the second-highest season total in NCAA Division III history. Raschke converted 19-of-21 field goal attempts, including 13 in a row before missing his final attempt of the season. Roszak, who has been the Titans’ punter the past 20 games, ranked second in the WIAC last season by averaging 40 yards per kick. He also landed 12 kicks inside the 20-yard line and uncorked a league-best 76-yard punt against UW-Stevens Point on October 23.

UW-Oshkosh’s return game will be led this season by Kilton, who averaged 23.5 yards per kickoff return a year ago.