2003 Outlook

The Tri-State University football team enters the 2003 season under the direction of first year head coach Bob Frey. Frey becomes only the second head coach in modern Tri-State football history. He brings winning ways from MacMurray College where he led his team to six conference championships in the last seven years and two NCAA Division III playoff berths.

“We will strive to be fundamentally sound in all three phases of football: offense, defense and special teams,” Coach Frey said.

The Thunder finished the 2002 campaign with a 6-3 record and second place in the Mid-States Football Association.  With 10 starters returning, the Thunder look to improve.

The Thunder football team has consistently appeared in teh NAIA national rankings, finishing in the top 30 over the last five years. In eight years of Tri-State football, the Thunder are 47-34 overall and 2-2 in NAIA playoff games.

DEFENSE

The Thunder will have to replace key players on defense. All-Americans Kyle Christman and Jason Stechschulte led the team in tackles last year with 83 and 71 respectively. The Thunder also graduated six out of nine All-Conference selections.

"The Thunder defense was fortunate enough to re-write the defensive record book last season," said Coach Sigler, defensive coordinator. "We are looking forward to building off that success this coming season."

Defensive Line

Tri-State’s defensive line will be led by senior captain Eric Hensel, a defensive end All-Conference selection in 2002. Senior Craig Parks is coming off of a season-ending knee injury after opening the 2002 campaign as the other starting defensive end. Junior Matt Young had four sacks in a reserve role in 2002 and will be counted on for more production this year. Sophomore Ben Oetting also hopes to break into the defensive end rotation.

Senior Mark Mason returns at defensive tackle. Mason has played consistently along the line for the past three seasons. Junior Joe Martin will move to defensive tackle after starting at defensive end in 2002. Sophomore Darrell Quander will be trying to earn a spot in the rotation and will be counted on for added depth up the middle.

“We return several key veterans and are counting on the young guys to step up their level of play and provide some depth. Our veterans must provide the leadership needed to have continued success as a unit and as a team,” stated Jordan Gigli, defensive line coach.

Linebackers

"In order for us to be successful as a defense, our line backing core will need to quickly gel together," Coach Sigler said.

Senior captain Nick Vanover was an All-Conference selection as a junior and will return to lead the TSU linebackers. Junior Matt Clayton saw playing time asa sophomore and will be a key returnee. Senior Brian Sendenos will jump from defensive back to outside linebacker. Junior Josh Andrews will vie for a spot in the starting rotation.

Secondary

The Thunder secondary returns two starters from a year ago. Junior All-Conference selection Lee Schultz and junior Derek Eby provide a potent 1-2 punch from safety. Sophomore Nick Maksimchuk will start at cornerback after seeing significant playing time as a freshman. Senior Jason Shue makes the switch from wide receiver to cornerback and will be counted on to make an immediate impact. Juniors Jarrod Phillips and Paul Fulkerson, along with sophomore Brandon Appleton, have worked hard in the off-season and will be players to watch. 

"We are excited about the amount of competition for playing time amongst this group," said Coach Gudorf.

Offense

Like the defense, the Thunder offense will have to replace two All-Americans from a year ago. Tri-State lost Brad Peffly and Adam Jatich to graduation along with eight of 10 All-Conference players.

“After losing several starters due to graduation, we will need to rely on our experienced skill guys until our offensive line matures as a unit,” said offensive line coach Travis Gillespie.

Offensive Line

Senior captain Jake Kapitan was an All-Conference Honorable Mention pick as a junior.  He returns to the offensive line along with junior Thad Conley, who saw significant playing time as a sophomore. Kapitan and Conley were a part of a line that averaged 4.5 yards a carry. To keep the physical activity of the line high, the Thunder will look to junior Josh Felver and sophomores Tom Scheer and Lamar Spencer, who will be fighting for starting positions.

Running Backs

With a new 2-back system, the Thunder will expect senior Chris Bixler and sophomore Matt Schmidt to lead the way. Both saw limited playing time last season behind All-Conference running back Pete Hobbs, but they should be ready to keep the rushing attack on track. Sophomore Clint Hetrick is also looking to contribute.

Quarterbacks

After splitting time with All-Conference quarterback Jon Betherum last year, junior Jim Oliver, Jr., will finally take the reigns of the Thunder offense full time. Oliver led the team in touchdowns thrown last year, and completed 52.8% of his passes. Experienced sophomore Joe Schwander will back up Oliver.

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver corps has the most experienced players of all offensive positions. Senior first team All-Conference Nick Testa will lead the way. He was second on the team in receiving last year, averaging 54.9 yards per game. Juniors Blair Donat, and Ben Darnell should make an immediate impact. Look for Alex Cobarrubias to be in the mix as well.

Tight End

The Thunder graduated two tight ends from a year ago. But the unexpected return of senior Craig Nevels will truly provide some stability at the position. Nevels was an all-conference tight end in 2000 before taking a year off to play professional baseball. Junior Cliff Sandee is also a key returnee this season. Sandee saw quality playing time last season and is expected to become more of an impact player. Senior Chris Taylor has done an excellent job of improving in the off-season and should provide leadership.

The Thunder kick off the 2003 campaign on September 6 against Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI. They return home the following week for their home opener against perennial Division III power the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.