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Trine University football finished 2009 with its highest NCAA Division III rankings ever. The Thunder (10-2) finished 16th in the American Football Coaches Association poll and 17th in the D3football.com ballot. The results were released Monday.
The Thunder climbed as high as No. 20 in the AFCA and No. 22 in the D3 Football Week 3 polls on September 21, but a 30-29 loss to Franklin that same week knocked Trine out of both Top-25 polls for the rest of the season.
The Thunder responded winning eight straight, including an upset of Case-Western 51-38 in the first round of the playoffs. The Thunder lost to Wittenberg 34-17 in the second round of the playoffs. They also finished 6-0 winning the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association for the second straight season.
D3football Final Poll AFCA Division III Final Poll
Junior Kicker Jeremy Howard (Elkhart, Indiana/Concord) was named a second-team
ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American. Howard is an elementary education
major and has maintained a 3.89 GPA.
As a kicker, Howard was 47-of-55 in extra point kicking, 10-of-12 in field goals
and had 74 kickoffs of 4,270 yards, an average of 57.7 yards an attempt.
The award is presented by ESPN the Magazine and selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. [ESPN article]
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Wittenberg scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter en route to a 34-17 victory over Trine Saturday in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Trine ends its season 10-2. Wittenberg is now 12-0 and advances to NCAA Division III Regional semi-final.
Trine tied it 7-7 with 14:55 to play in the second quarter when Devin Leas (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells) scored on a one yard run. Trine cut it to 34-17 at 10:36 in the fourth quarter when Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Central) rushed for a nine yard touchdown.
Wittenberg churned out 468 yards of total offense. Trine finished with 250 yards of offense.
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) finished with 14-of-28 passing for 141 yards. Leas led Trine with 10 carries for 48 yards.
Aaron Huffman completed 16-of-21 passes for 208 yards and five touchdowns. Corey Weber rushed 34 times for 204 yards to power Wittenberg.
CLEVELAND - Devin Leas (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells) scored three touchdowns and Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood) rushed for 113 yards as Trine stunned No. 9 Case Western 51-38 Saturday in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Trine pounded out 503 yards of total offense including 275 yards rushing in the win. Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) completed 12-of-17 passes for 206 yards and five touchdowns. Aaron Shoemaker (Onsted, Mich./Onsted) recorded 16 total tackles for Trine.
Trailing 14-0 early, Trine outscored the host Spartans 51-24 to grab their first ever NCAA playoff victory. Trine will now face No. 12 Wittenberg Saturday at Noon in Springfield, Ohio.
The Tigers blasted Mount St. Joseph 42-14.
Fans attending the NCAA playoff game between Trine and Case Western Reserve may
purchase tickets Saturday only at the Case football stadium. Tickets are available at
11 a.m. sharp. The stadium has one side of seating, but Trine fans will have a
designated seating and tailgate area. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for students.
Directions: From Angola via the Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80), exit at Exit 142 and follow
Interstate 90 east. Shortly after passing the downtown exits, exit at Martin Luther King
Jr. Boulevard. Proceed south for about a mile to the East 105th traffic light; cross East
105th and bear right through the traffic circle, continuing along Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard to Euclid Avenue. Turn left onto Euclid and watch for the Information Booth
at the right.
[Click here for directions to Case Western Reserve] [Campus map]
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Following his record setting season Trine University quarterback
Eric Watt was named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Offensive Most
Valuable Player. Watt, a junior, rushed for 443 yards and scored three touchdowns.
He completed 153-of-233 passes for 1,814 yards and a team-record 21 touchdowns.
Nine Trine players were First Team All-MIAA selections in the annual post-season poll
of coaches. Five other Thunder players were Second-Team selections.
Trine will continue its season Saturday in the NCAA Division III playoffs at Case Western Reserve
in Cleveland, Ohio. Kickoff is set for Noon.
Offensive MVP: Eric Watt, Trine (junior from Kentland, Ind./South Newton)
All-MIAA First Team
Offense
QB - Eric Watt, Trine** (junior from Kentland, Ind./South Newton)
RB - Kent Biller, Trine* (sophomore from Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood)
TE - Nick Leeman, Trine* (senior from Noblesville, Ind./Hamilton Heights)
OL - James Greenlee, Trine (senior from Columbus, Ind./North)
OL - Bryce Sims, Trine* (junior from Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City)
Defense
DL - Matt Medina, Trine* (junior from Decatur, Ind./Adams Central)
LB - Jake Vance, Trine* (junior from Fenton/Lake Fenton)
DB - Aaron Selking, Trine* (junior from Decatur, Ind./Adams Central)
Specialists
K - Jeremy Howard, Trine** (junior from Elkhart, Ind./Concord)
All-MIAA Second Team
Offense
WR - Paul Curtis, Trine (junior from Cassopolis/Ross Beatty)
WR - Mario Brown, Trine (sophomore from Battle Creek/Battle Creek Central)
O L - Deryck Jefferies, Trine (senior from Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead)
OL - Tyler Terry, Trine (junior from Stroh, Ind./Prairie Heights)
Defense
LB - Aaron Shoemaker, Trine (sophomore from Onsted/Onsted)
DB - Ryan Rickaby, Trine (sophomore from Adrian/Adrian)
** denotes previous All-MIAA selections
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The NCAA released the pairings for the 2009 Division III Football playoffs today. Trine University will open with Case Western Reserve in the first round. The Spartans will host Trine Saturday in a Noon kickoff in eastern Cleveland, Ohio.
Ninth-ranked Case Western is 10-0 and the University Athletic Association champion. Trine captured its second-consecutive playoff berth by winning the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association with a 6-0 record. The Thunder finished 9-1 overall.
Just thirty-two teams were selected for the Division III playoffs.
Click here for the D-III football playoff pairings.
Click here for Case Western Reserve information.
Trine will learn it’s opening round playoff destination Sunday afternoon and Thunder
fans are invited to be a part of it. The second annual “Selection Sunday” celebration
begins at 2:30 p.m. at Fabiani Theater in University Center. Pairings are expected to be announced between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Results are also available live on ESPNews (DirectTV channel 207/Dish Network
channel 142). Information available at www.D3football.com or www.ncaa.com
to find more playoff information. Click here for playoff bracket.
Trine notched its ninth win of the season in a 36-21 victory over Kentucky Christian Saturday at Shive Field. The win extends the Thunder regular-season home winning streak to 14 straight. It also caps the third straight winning season for Trine.
The Thunder (9-1, 6-0 MIAA) got things started quickly jumping out to a 21-0 lead at halftime and expanded its lead to 36-7 in the third quarter before lifting its starters in preparation for the NCAA Division III playoffs next week.
Trine used eleven players to rush for 159 yards, Devin Leas had 10 carries for 53 yards; Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) rushed 4 times for 39 yards. Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) grabbed five passes for 151 yards, including a 59 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) completed 6-of-12 passes for 142 yards including two touchdowns. In the process, Watt sets a single season record with 21 touchdown passes. The previous best as was 19 set by Nick Wellman in 1999.
Ryan Hargraves (Taylor, Mich./Taylor) connected on 6-of-9 passes for 68 yards in the second half. The Thunder finished with 12-of-21 passing for 210 yards.
All totaled, Kentucky Christian, a member of the NAIA's Mid-South Conference compiled 384 yards of total offense, including 188 yards rushing. The Thunder tallied 369.
Aaron Selking (Decatur, Ind./Adams Central) led the defensive core having a hand in 10 tackles, including two tackles for a loss. Jacob Vance (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) had six solo tackles and four assists and an interception. Chris Eichman (Yoder, Ind./Carroll) had five solos and four assists and one sack. Trine recorded seven sacks.
It’s one last chance to get the kinks worked out for the Thunder. Trine grabbed its second-consecutive conference title as well as a NCAA Division III playoff berth Saturday holding off Adrian 21-16. Trine’s home winning streak grows to 13 straight in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Knights are looking for an opportunity to grow their program. In just their second season of football, KYU recorded its first win October 24 versus Faulkner.
Against Adrian, the Thunder unveiled an often overlooked strength of the team, defense. While the offense has posted high scoring games, the defense has done just fine making big plays, especially when it matters most.
The Knights like to run the ball and they have the tools to do it. The Knights are led offensively by quarterback Beau Daily and running backs Ronnie Smith and Jake Hughes. Daily has big-play potential, he’s rushed for 512 yards while passing for 943 yards. Hughes has rushed for 582 yards, teammate Smith is averaging 3.8 yards a carry and 461 yards overall.
Trine faces a Knights team that’s had a fair amount of success against the pass. They’ve limited their opponents to just 134 yards a game.
Trine learns its playoff destination tomorrow afternoon when the NCAA Division III pairings are made official. Fans are encouraged to participate in the second annual “Selection Sunday” celebration at Fabiani Theater in the University Center. Festivities get under way at 2:30 p.m. Pairings are expected to be announced between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Albion running back Clinton Orr, Trine defensive back Aaron Shoemaker and Albion kicker Mychal Galla its Players of the Week in football for games played November 7.
Shoemaker, a sophomore from Onsted, Mich., made 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops, in leading Trine to a 21-16 victory over Adrian that clinched the Thunder’s second consecutive MIAA championship. He had three tackles totaling 16 yards in losses and one quarterback sack. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and in his career.
It was expected to be a defensive battle and it lived up to the hype as Trine notched its second straight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title in a 21-16 victory Saturday at Shive Field.
“They’ve been pretty steady all year. I mean this is what they’ve done all year," Trine Coach Matt Land said. "They make big plays all year when we need them. We executed and that’s what you have to do to win football games. We knew it was going to be a dog fight and it proved to be one.”
The Thunder (8-1, 6-0) gutted out just 279 yards of total offense, including 127 yards passing in the contest. Adrian had 266 total yards - 87 rushing.
Trine took their biggest lead with 7:18 to play in the second quarter when Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) scored on a two-yard pass from Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) before Adrian took a 16-14 lead at halftime. The play was set up by a 57-yard interception return by Adrian's Austin Fritz. Two plays later Justin Hemm scored on a four-yard run.
The Thunder regained the lead, 21-16 when Eric Watt ran for a 24-yard score at the 10:31 mark in the third quarter. Neither team would score the rest of the game.
Trine hosts Kentucky Christian University (1-9), a NAIA program based in Grayson, Ky. The victory also clinches Trine's second NCAA Division III playoff berth.
Just a reminder that Saturday's contest with Adrian remains a 1 p.m. kickoff at Shive Field.
Gates open at 12 Noon sharp. Thunder fans are urged to dress in white for the second
annual "Whiteout" against Adrian. Fans unable to attend the game may listen to WEAX Radio coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. on 88.3 FM in Angola, or online worldwide at www.88xradio.com/sports.php
The forecast calls for Sunny skies and temperatures near the 60s for Saturday’s
Adrian-Trine football game, but there will be whiteout conditions throughout Shive Field.
Fans are urged to attend wearing all-white for the contest to show support for the Thunder football team. A victory against Adrian will clinch Trine’s second-straight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship and a berth in the 2010 NCAA Division III football playoffs, November 21.
Gates open at 12 Noon, kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for non-Trine students. Trine students and staff are admitted free.
White athletic apparel, including tee-shirts and sweatshirts, is available through the Trine Athletic Department, visit the Hershey Hall offices or call (260) 665-4141 for more details.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named
Olivet running back Pat Clasgens, Olivet linebacker Cam Bramer and Trine
kicker/punter Jeremy Howard its Players of the Week in football for games
played Oct. 31.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Howard, a junior from Elkhart, Ind.(Concord), booted field goals of 27 and 28 yards and
added three extra points in Trine’s 33-14 victory over Albion. He also averaged 60.3
yards per kickoff on seven kicks, and punted twice for a 41-yard average. Howard
is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and third
time in his career.
ALBION, Mich. - Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) ran for 135 yards, while Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) rushed for 66 yard and threw for another 90 yards as the Thunder downed Albion 33-14 Saturday in MIAA football.
The win puts Trine in position to win the MIAA title next Saturday when the Thunder host Adrian.
Devin Leas (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells) and Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind.,/Northwood) both rushed for 100 yards and Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) was efficient, completing 16-of-20 passes for 199 in a 41-20 win over Kalamazoo Saturday at Shive Field.
With the win, Trine maintains a one-game lead in the MIAA. It also marks the fourth time the Thunder have scored forty points in a game this season - a new record.
Ja Vonte Hence (Elkhart, Ind.,/Concord) grabbed four passes for 65 yards, Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich.,/Ross Beatty) had three catches for 60 yards. Curtis had touchdown catches of 4 and 49 yards. Leas had touchdown runs of 12 and 48 yards.
It was hardly a defensive gem as the Hornets tallied more than 430 yards of offense. When the dust settled, the Kalamazoo completed 41-of-59 passes for 325 passing.
Trine is back in action Saturday at Albion. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., WEAX broadcast coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. Click here to listen.
10.23 -Thunder host Hornets Saturday
Trine returns to Shive Field for the first time in two weeks and with it a one-game lead in the MIAA standings. The Thunder (5-1, 3-0 MIAA) have won three straight and face a much-improved Kalamazoo (4-3, 1-2 MIAA) squad.
Last time out, the Thunder pummeled Olivet 42-17 as Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) ran for 174 yards and three scores and Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) threw for 24 yards. The Hornets fell to Alma 33-23. Kalamazoo managed just 67 yards rushing, but totalled more than 405 overall in the loss.
Kalamazoo features a high-scoring offense led by quarterback Brandon Luczak. The senior has thrown for more than 2,600 yards and 27 touchdowns. His favorite targets are Cory McClain and Jimmy Semelsberger, both are closing in on 1,000 yards receiving and have combined for 22 touchdown receptions.
The Thunder counter with an aggressive secondary led by Aaron Shoemaker (Onsted Mich./Onsted), Ryan Rickaby (Adrian, Mich./Adrian) and Aaron Selking (Decatur, Ind./Bellmont). Between the three, they’ve tallied 86 tackles and four interceptions. The game should be a display of offensive might, but will ultimately be determined by the team that comes up with big plays and big stops.
The Junior varsioty football game with Albion scheduled for Monday, October 26 has been canceled.
OLIVET, Mich. - Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) scored three touchdowns
and rushed 19 times for 174 yards as the Thunder blasted Olivet 42-17
Saturday in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play.
Trine (5-1, 3-0 MIAA) took a 28-0 lead late in the second quarter en route to their
third straight victory. The win, coupled with an Adrian loss, puts the Thunder in
sole possession of first-place in the MIAA.
Biller scored on runs of two, nine, 10, and nine yards for the Thunder who pounded out 521 yards of total offense.
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) completed 11-of-22 passes for 240 yards. Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Central) caught two passes for 72 yards. Adam Kurtz (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) had three receptions for 55 yards. Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) had three catches for 48 yards.
Kenneth Kill (Cromwell, Ind./West Noble) recorded seven solo tackles, including a sack. Aaron Selking(Decatur, Ind./Adams Central) combined for eight tackles and grabbed an interception. Matt Medina (Decatur, Ind./Adams Central) had five solo tackles including a sack.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine 
quarterback Eric Watt, Hope linebacker Zach Jones and Alma wide receiver/return
specialist Andrew Schaar its Players of the Week in football for games played October 10.
Offensive Player of the Week: Watt, a junior from Kentland, Ind. (South Newton HS),
completed 18 of 24 passes for 209 yards and four touchdowns in leading the Thunder
to a 51-14 victory over Alma. He added 50 yards rushing on four carries and scored
another touchdown. Watt is being honored as Player of the Week for the fourth time
in his career.
ALMA, Mich.- Trine rushed for 303 yards and passed for another 208 in a 51-14 win Saturday in MIAA football.
Trine (4-1, 2-0) fell behind 7-0 early in the first quarter, before scoring 44 unanswered points to improve to remain in the conference lead. Kent Biller (Napanee, Ind./NorthWood) rushed 14 times for 99 yards including a touchdown. Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) completed 18-of-24 passes for 204 yards and four touchdown passes.
The Thunder are back in action Saturday at Olivet. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. on WEAX 88.3 FM or click here to listen online.
Jeremy Howard and Aaron Shoemaker have another award following their role in a 38-35 win over Hope Saturday. The duo have been selected to D3football.com's Team of the week. It's the second week in a row a Trine player has been honored. Last week Jacob Vance was selected. [more]
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Adrian quarterback Mike McGee, Trine defensive back Aaron Shoemaker and Trine punter/placekicker Jeremy Howard its Players of the Week in football for games played Saturday, October 3.
Defensive Player of the Week
Shoemaker, a sophomore from Onsted (Onsted HS), made 18 1/2
tackles, including three for losses totaling 18 yards, as the defending
MIAA champion Thunder defeated Hope in their conference opener,
38-35. Shoemaker is being honored as MIAA Player of the Week for
the first time in his career.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Howard, a junior from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord HS), kicked a 46-yard field goal and added
five extra points in Trine’s win over Hope. He also averaged 38.2 yards per punt on four
kicks with a long of 45 yards. Howard is being honored as MIAA Player of the Week
for the first time in his career.
Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) rushed 25 times for 167 yards, including two touchdowns. Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) rushed for 55 yards on 13 carries. Watt also threw for 192 yards on 15-of-18 passing. Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beaty) had three receptions for 70 yards.
Hope took a 14-0 lead in first quarter. The Thunder took the lead for good in at 8:14 left in the third quarter when Sam Morthhorst (Elkhart, Ind./Central) grabbed an eight yard pass from Watt to take a 24-21 lead Trine held a 10 point lead twice before Hope cut it to 38-35 with :58 to play in the fourth quarter.
Trine faces Alma Saturday on the road. Catch the action on WEAX 88.3 FM or listen online by clicking here. Pre-game coverage begins at 1 p.m.
Trine opens up MIAA play Saturday hosting the Hope College Flying Dutchmen. The Thunder (2-1) is motivated and focused following a 30-29 loss Saturday at Franklin. The game was a shootout with both teams combining for nearly 900 yards of total offense.
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) rushed for 120 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. He also completed 27-of-39 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide out Paul Curtis (Cassopolis,Mich./Ross Beatty)
grabbed two touchdown passes and finished with 106 yards of receiving
Hope (0-4) lost 32-20 to No. 4 ranked Wheaton Saturday in suburban Chicago. Wheaton jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter with Hope cutting the lead to just 26-20 in the final quarter before Wheaton finished things off. Tim Elzinga of Hope rushed 22 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. It’s been a frustrating season for Hope, three-of-the four Dutchmen losses have been by seven points or less.
Hope has given up 138 points on the season, but quarterback Chris Feys has long ball capability and can put points on the board. On the season he’s thrown 77 times for 151 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions. He averages 224 yards a game passing. He has a number of options including Kyle Dietrich, Jared Hudson, and David DeBoer. Each has at least 100 yards of receiving yards this season.
On the ground, Elzinga has scored four touchdowns and averages nearly 93 yards a game.
Trine and Hope hooked up last fall in Holland, Mich. with Trine outlasting Dutchmen 31-30. Today’s contest looks to have the same intensity and plenty of offense.
FRANKLIN, Ind. - Trailing 23-10 in the third quarter, the host Grizzlies mounted a 13-point comeback to grab a 30-29 win over Trine Saturday. It is the first loss regular season loss for the Thunder since October of 2007.
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) ran 7 times for 120 yards and connected on 27-of-39 passes 233 yards and three touchdowns. Devin Leas (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells) had 13 carries for 98 yards.
Trine hosts Hope Saturday at 1 p.m. Pre-game coverage gets underway at 12:30 p.m. with Aaron Coyle. Click here to LISTEN LIVE or turn to 88.3 on your radio.
FRANKLIN, Ind. -Trine returns to action Saturday at Franklin.The Thunder, now 2-0, amassed more than 500 yards of total offense in a 40-9 rout of Defiance. The Grizzlies enjoyed a bye Saturday after a 49-19 week two loss to NCAA Division I FCS Butler. Franklin was spanked for 519 yards of total offense in their home opener.
Last time these teams hooked up, the Thunder held off Franklin 30-27 at Shive Field.The win marked the first victory over a ranked opponent as an NCAA program.
Trine’s victory over Defiance vaulted the Thunder into the 20TH spot in the American Football Coaches Top 25, and 22nd in the D3football.com poll. Franklin dropped from the poll after the loss. Trine enters this game with a balanced mix of running and passing - running for 197 yards a game, and passing for another 192. Opponents have rushed for 70 yards a game and 231 passing. Trine scores 28.5 points a game, while surrendering 11.5.
Junior quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) leads the Thunder in rushing and passing. He has thrown for 373 yards and run 21 times for 127 yards. Sophomore Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) has 18 carries for 108 yards.
Freshman wide out Ja Vontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) has emerged as a major component of the Thunder attack. Hence has caught 7 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Franklin has averaged 310 yards of passing a game, while rushing for 42 yards per game. Opponents have averaged 145 yards rushing and 310 yards passing a contest. The Grizzlies have given up 40 points a game, while scoring 28.5.
Kyle Ray takes the snaps for the Grizzlies. He has thrown for 465 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first 2 games. His favorite targets are Adam Mellencamp and Mitch Deffner. Both wide outs have totaled 188 yards and a touchdown a piece. Both have long ball capability and could keep the Thunder secondary busy.
Join Aaron Coyle with all the coverage beginning at 1 p.m. on WEAX 88.3 FM or online at www.88xradio.com
Trine pounded out nearly 500 yards of total offense in a 40-9 win over Defiance Saturday at Shive Field. Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) completed 23-of-29 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran 11 times for 70 yards. to lead the Thunder to their second win and vaults them six spots to No. 22 in the D3football.com poll and No. 20 in the AFCA poll Click here for more.
Trine welcomes Defiance to Shive Field for the 2009 home opener and make no mistake, today's game will revolve largely around the ground game. The team that establishes its running game early and controls the line of scrimmage will have the upper hand in securing it's second win of the season.
The Thunder (1-0) haven't played in more than two weeks and look to have the bugs worked out of their system after a 16-14 win over Manchester in the season-opener September 3. Defiance (1-1) fell to Adrian 31-16 last week, after opening with a 13-7 win over Muskingum.
The Thunder had their struggles early against Manchester, before scoring 16 unanswered points to secure the win. The Thunder amassed 262 total yards, including 139 yards rushing while allowing 337 yards against Manchester. The Thunder held Manchester scoreless in the final three quarters.
Quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) connected on 13-of-31 passes for 123 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran 10 times for 57 yards. Kent Biller (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood) had eight carries for 40 yards. Biller also had a touchdown reception for the Thunder. Ja Vontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) grabbed four passes for 54 yards in his first game ever for the Thunder.
Defiance's attack is keyed around running backs Troy Bell and Drew Kuesel. Bell is averaging 64 yards a game. He's carried the ball 27 times for 129 yards and one touchdown. Kuesel has 30 carries for 127 yards - an average of 63 yards per game. He also has one touchdown.
At quarterback, the Yellow Jackets have seen action from Rick Powell and Austin Karcher. Karcher has completed 13-of-20 passes for 101 yards with two touchdowns. Powell is 11-of-30 for 145 yards with an interception. Powell has also run 13 times this season for 28 yards.
Pre-game coverage gets underway at 12:45 p.m. with Aaron Coyle. Click here to LISTEN LIVE or turn to 88.3 on your radio.
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - Trine’s offense sputtered and its defense got off to a shaky start, but both were smooth-enough long-enough to post a 16-14 win over Manchester Thursday.
Jeremy Howard's (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) 27-yard field goal with 4:32 remaining in
the contest capped a 16 point comeback to give Trine (1-0) its first win in 2009.
The Thunder struggled mightily unable to move the ball on each of its first six
possessions. Trine managed just three first down conversions before halftime, all
in the final five minutes of the second quarter. [Box score]
Manchester tallied more than 337 yards of total offense and held the ball for more then 30 minutes total. They also stunned the Thunder by taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and kept the visitors at bay into the fourth quarter.
On its first possession, Caleb Grimes teamed up with Brandon Wells for a 52-yard touchdown pass with 12:47 to play in the opening stanza.
With 1:10 remaining in the quarter, Adam Schell made it a two touchdown game. Schell weaved his way through the Trine secondary to score on a 41 yard-run
Early Spartan fortunes were short-lived as Trine scored 16 unanswered points to post the comeback.
A bad snap on a would-be Manchester punt put the Thunder in scoring position. Five plays later, Kent Biller snagged a one yard-pass from Eric Watt at the goal line to make it 14-7, with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter.
With 13:35 left in the fourth quarter, Watt found Paul Curtis (Cassopolis,Mich./Ross Beatty) with an 11 yard pass to cut the lead to 14-13. The point after attempt was blocked. 
Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) rushed 10 times for 57 yards and Kent Biller
(Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood) added 8 carries for 40. Watt also threw for 123 yards with
two touchdowns and two interception, while completing 13-of-31 passes for Trine.
Freshman receiver Javon Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) had four catches for 54
yards. Adam Kurtz (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) caught three passes for 11 yards.
Defensively for the Thunder, Kyle Sherwood (Hanover, Mich./Hanover Horton) recorded 6 solo tackles and three assists. Jacob Vance (Fenton, Mich./Lake Fenton had four solo stops and combined for five others.
Trine will return to action September at Shive Field versus Defiance. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Pre-game coverage gets underway at 12:45 p.m. with Aaron Coyle. Click here to LISTEN LIVE or turn to 88.3 on your radio.
North Manchester, Ind. - It’s a rare Thursday night affair for the Trine Thunder as they kickoff the 2009 football season under the lights at Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana.
The Spartans and Thunder hooked up last September in the season opener at Shive Field.The Thunder made quick work of their in-state rivals, thumping Manchester 41-13. The game set the tone for the Thunder who enjoyed a magical regular season, finishing 10-1 and 6-0 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. It was the best season in program history, including a conference title and a first-ever NCAA playoff berth.
Manchester also enjoyed one of their best seasons in years, finishing 5-5 overall and 3-4 in the Heartland Athletic Conference. Incidentally, the best Manchester finish since 1997.
Quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind/South Newton) leads the offense for the Thunder. As a sophomore, Watt threw for 2,015 yards and rushed for 455 more. For the Spartans senior Caleb Grimes will take the snaps. Grimes connected for 2,012 yards passing and 15 touchdowns.
Job one for the Thunder is to stop the Spartan running game. The Thunder defense must stop senior running back Brandon Wells. Manchester will face a Trine offense that has "quick-strike" ability and a defense that takes advance of fumbles and interceptions and doesn’t give opponents much to work with, especially on the ground..
Thursday’s game is a homecoming of sorts for three freshman Thunder players, Kyle Henderson, a running back, Corey Thomas, a wide receiver and Nathan Miller, a tight end played at Manchester HigH School.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Listen to 88XS live coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m. LISTEN LIVE or tune to 88.3 FM on your radio.
Holland, Mich. - MIAA coaches and media members tab Trine as the
team to beat in the annual pre-season football poll.Click Here for more info.
Fresh off their first NCAA playoff appearance Trine University was tabbed an
honorable mention today in the annual D3football.com annual Top 25 preseason
poll. Click here for the poll.
The Thunder just missed the Top-25 with 86 total votes. The D3football.com Top 25 is
voted on by a panel of 25 coaches, Sports Information Directors and media members
from across the country, and is published weekly.
The Thunder finished the 2008 campaign with a 10-1 record, while finishing 10-0 in the regular season and capturing its first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title. Trine returns 14 of 23 starters for 2009. The Thunder open the 2009 season Thursday, September 3 at Manchester College, in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Trine is the only MIAA school in the poll, while Wabash (18), Franklin (19) and DePauw (25) are the other Indiana schools ranked. Trine travels to Franklin,September 26 in a 1:30 p.m. game. Wheaton, Trine’s playoff opening round playoff opponent was ranked sixth.
MINNEAPOLIS - One day after the American Football Coaches Association honored Matt Land as the North Region Coach of the Year, d3football.com has honored Land with a similar award. Courtney Pearson was also named a first team all-region defensive player.
The website cited Trine’s undefeated regular season and the dramatic transformation in Land’s three years. Before Land, the Thunder went 2-28 in three years of NCAA Division III football.
Land is also the head coach of the Fort Wayne Freedom of the Continental Indoor Football League.
Courtney Pearson, a 6-foot-0, 255 pound, senior linebacker, from South Side High School in Fort Wayne was tabbed as a first-team all North region linebacker. Pearson recorded 90 total tackles in 2008, including 13 tackles for loss, five and one-half sacks, interceptions, two fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles. Pearson also became the all-time tackle leader in Thunder history.
Mount Union running back Nate Kmic was named D3football.com North Region Offensive Player of the Year for the third year in a row and Wheaton (Ill.) cornerback Pete Ittersagen was named D3football.com North Region Defensive Player of the Year.
Matt Land, who led Trine to a 10-0 regular-season record and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title, was named North Region Coach of the Year.
The teams, selected in balloting by North Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 176 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen. [more]
WACO, TEX. - Another honor is coming to Trine University football. The American Football Coaches Association has honored Head Coach Matt Land as NCAA Division III Co-Region Four Coach of the Year. Land shares the honor with Larry Kehres of perennial power Mount Union College.
Land is also the Head Coach of the Fort Wayne Freedom of the Continental Indoor Football League.
In his third year at the helm of the Thunder program, Land led Trine to a 10-0 regular-season and the university’s first ever NCAA playoff berth. In its first three years of Division III football, the Thunder managed a 2-28 record. In his tenure at Trine, Land is 18-13.
Land was also Summit Athletic Conference Coach of the Year at Fort Wayne South Side High School in the fall of 2005. He was also named United Indoor Football Coach of the Year in the summer of 2005 leading the Fort Wayne Freedom to a 14-2 record regular season record. [more]
ADRIAN, Mich .- Defense, they say, wins championships. Trine’s defense dealt Adrian its first shutout in 26 games and limited the potent Bulldogs to just 122 yards of total offense en route to a 9-0 win Saturday at Performance Stadium.
The win gives Trine its first ever Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football title and its first ever NCAA Division III playoff berth. Playoff pairings will be announced Sunday, November 16.
Trine stymied Adrian, giving up just 35 yards rushing and 87 yards passing. The Bulldogs alsofailed to convert on its two chances inside the red-zone. In the process, the Thunder notched six sacks, 13 tackles for loss, two fumbles, an intereception and a safety.
While Thunder defense was stellar, so was Adrian’s. The Thunder didn’t score in four trips inside the twenty, including being stopped four-straight plays from the Adrian one-yard line midway through in the second quarter.
While Thunder defense was stellar, so was Adrian’s. The Thunder didn’t score in four trips inside the twenty, including being stopped four-straight plays from the Adrian one-yard line midway through in the second quarter.
Two plays later, at 6:50 in the second quarter. Trine linebacker Tab McNally took things into his own hands corralling Adrian quarterback Troy Niblock for the safety and a 2-0 Thunder lead.
The Thunder took control with 6:03 to play in the fourth quarter, when sophomore Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newtown) connected with Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) in the left corner of the end zone with a 25 yard strike. The point after built the Trine lead to 9-0.
Trine was led by Watt who rushed 16 times for 107 yards and passed 8-of-23 times for 57 yards. Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich., /Inland Lakes) had 12 carries for 44. Curtis had 1 catch, a touchdown, for 25 yards. Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich. /Central) had two receptions for six yards. Defensively, Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne, South Side) had 11 stops, including a sack. Jacob Vance (Fenton, Mich. /Lake Fenton) had nine tackles. Joe Curtis (Walkerton/Glenn) added seven.
Trine (9-0, 6-0 MIAA) next faces NAIA first-year program Kentucky Christian University at Morehead State University. Listen to WEAX 88.3 FM for all the action. Pre-game begins at 1pm.
ROYAL OAK, Mich.- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Hope College tailback Josh Echtinaw, Trine University wide receiver Paul Curtis, Adrian College defensive lineman Justin Judd and Trine University kicker Jeremy Howard its Players of the Week in football.
Echtinaw, a freshman from Alto (Caledonia HS), rushed for 143 yards on 18 carries and scored his first collegiate touchdown in leading Hope to its first win of the season, 38-13 over Olivet. Echtinaw, who began the season as a starting defensive back for the Flying Dutchmen, was playing just his second game on offense.
Curtis, a sophomore from Cassopolis (Ross Beatty HS), caught nine passes for 126 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown grab, to lead unbeaten Trine to a 30-7 victory over Albion. Six of Curtis’ catches resulted in first downs, as the Thunder amassed 417 yards of total offense and held the football for nearly 37 minutes. Curtis also returned two punts for 21 yards.
Howard, a sophomore from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord HS), had booted three field goals and three extra points in Trine’s victory over Albion. He had field goals of 35, 41 and 35 yards, and now leads the MIAA with five field goals in six attempts and 20-for-20 on PATs in league play. Howard also averaged 62.7 yards on seven kickoffs.
Trine pounded out 417 yards of total offense, including 235 yards passing in a 30-7 rout of Albion in Michigan Intercollegiate Association play Saturday at Shive Field.
The win sets up a MIAA clash with Adrian (7-1, 4-0) next Saturday, with the winner taking a big step toward claiming the MIAA crown and an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) connected on 16-of-28 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns while throwing a pair of interceptions. Watt also ran for 67 yards on eight carries. Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Inland Lakes) rushed for 54 yards on 11 attempts. Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) hauled in nine passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Lemar Qualls (Indianapolis/Arlington) had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Jeremy Howard (Elkhart/Concord) kicked three field goals (35, 41, 35) and connected on two extra point attempts.
The Thunder defense was stout, limiting Albion to (-10) yards rushing on 20 carries.
Andrew Pickford (Adrian, Mich./Sand Creek) made nine tackles, Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne/South Side) had seven tackles including one sack. Pearson is now the leading tackler in the history of the program, with 360 all-time tackles. Eric Walker (Grand Rapids/Ottawa Hills) had two sacks.
The win builds the Thunder winning streak to ten games overall,and ten straight at home.
The Thunder ( 8-0, 5-0 in the MIAA) visit Adrian Saturday in a 1 p.m. WEAX 88x pregame begins at 12:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo, Mich. - It’s definitely not the conservative choice - Trine Head Coach Matt Land’s choice of going for a game-winning two-point conversion is anything but conventional, but it meant a 36-35 Trine victory over Kalamazoo Saturday in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football.
The Thunder had just tied the game 35-35, but Kalamazoo got flagged for roughing the kicker on the successful extra-point kick. With another opportunity, a closer look at the end zone and momentum on his side, Land liked his chances and took the extra-point off the scoreboard. The stakes were high – no tie - either a win or a loss.
On the next play, Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) found Thomas Wyman (Lake, Mich./Chippewa Hills) for the score. The Thunder and Land won, 36-35, to improve to 7-0 and remain unbeaten at 4-0 in the MIAA. The Hornets of Kalamazoo are now 2-6, 1-3 MIAA)
“It was 50-50,” Land said, “I wasn’t sure, so we kicked it. Then we got a penalty, I opened up the play book and it gave us some run-pass options. We worked on the play we called all week. It worked out.”
Considering Trine’s fourth quarter 14 point comeback, who would blame the coach? Trailing 35-21 late in the game the hard work was already done.
It wasn’t a masterpiece, but it serves its purpose, Land said. “We’ll discuss that later. We’ll get back to work tomorrow. We got the ‘W’ today. They played a great game and we’re fortunate to get the win.”
Mikael Glidden (Indianapolis/Monrovia) scored on a one yard run, with 4:43 to play to cut the lead to 35-28. On the next Hornet possession, Trine shutdown K-College and got the ball back at their own 19 yard line. The Thunder struggled to move the football before making it 4 and 6 at the Trine 23.
That’s when the Thunder caught lightning in a bottle, as Watt found Sam Hartman (Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger) on a seven yard pass to get the first down and move the ahead to the 30 yard line. A few plays later, Lemar Qualls (Indianapolis/Arlington) hauled in a 40-yard pass from Watt to put the Thunder in Hornet territory at the K-College 24. Two plays later, Watt threw a six yard strike to Troy Hirschy (Monroe/Adams Central) to make it a 35-34, with 1:23 to play. Jeremy Howard (Elkhart/Concord) kicked an extra point to tie the game at 35-35. Trine compiled 475 yards of total offense, including 278 yards passing by Watt. Watt finished with 24-of-37 passing for three touchdowns and one interception. Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Inland Lakes) rushed 13 times for 51 yards. Qualls led all receivers with six receptions for 61 yards. Hirschy had two touchdown receptions.
Kalamazoo’s Brandon Luczak connected on 32-of-57 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw five interceptions, four in the second half. On the day, K-College finished with 497 yards of total offense, just 65 yards rushing. Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne/South Side) recorded 10 tackles, six solos and picked off one pass. Aaron Selking (Decatur/Adams Central) had two interceptions.
Trine returns to Shive Field Saturday to host Albion in a 1pm Kickoff. WEAX 88.3 coverage begins at 12:30pm.
THUNDER AUDIO: Radio highlight of two-point conversion
 WACO, TEXAS - On Saturday, October 25, 2008, college football coaches across
the coun tr y - including Matt Land and the Thunder coaching staff will band together to
fight one opponent - Duchenn e muscular dystrophy. By wearing an arm band with the Coach to Cure MD insignia, coaches will show their support for Coach to Cure MD,
the American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) newest charitable project.
[view more and to donate]
Trine University linebacker Joe Curtis (Walkerton, Ind./John Glenn) has been selected as a semi-finalist for the Draddy Trophy presented by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame.
Thunder head football coach Matt Land said Curtis is an outstanding candidate. “Joe stands as an example of the best and brightest of Trine University. His leadership, work-ethic and personal-accountability should be used as an example for all student-athletes in Indiana and the nation. I cannot think of another person who deserves this honor more."
Curtis is one of only 164 student-athletes in all divisions of NCAA football considered for the award.
“The Draddy Trophy is one of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards in all of football,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning whose sons Peyton and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes respectively.
“It recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership, and we’re incredibly proud to select the next winner from this remarkable group of semi-finalist,”
In order to be nominated, the player must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contribution, and demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
The 15 finalists will be announced on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The winner will receive a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
DB Ryan Rickaby, Fr., Trine. Rockaby picked off the Alma quarterback twice, once setting up the Thunder offense for a score as Trine beat Alma 45-20. He had four tackles, three solo.
Click here for [D3football Team of Week]
ROYAL OAK, Mich.- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University wide receiver Mario Brown, Albion College outside linebacker Derek Jackson, and Albion College defensive back Jacob Lee, its Players of the Week in football.
Offensive Player of the Week
Brown, a freshman from Battle Creek (Central HS), rushed for 121 yards on just six carries, including a 60-yard run, and also threw a touchdown pass in the Thunder’s 45-20 victory over Alma.
The goal was simple for the Thunder: control the football and the clock.
Mission accomplished.
Trine held the football for nearly 35 minutes and rushed for more than 320 yards en route to a 45-20 win over MIAA rival Alma Saturday. Freshman Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Central) led the Thunder rushing for 121 yards on six carries and a touchdown. Brown also fired a 5 yard pass to Lemar Qualls. Sophomore Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) and Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Inland Lakes) ran for a pair of touchdowns. Watt also connected on 9-of-21 passes for 110 yards.
Trine hosts Olivet Saturday at Shive Field in a 1pm kickoff.
Trine defensive tackle Christian Verley, a sophomore from Grand Rapids (Ottawa Hills HS), was honored by both D3football.com and the MIAA for blocked two extra-point kicks, including one with 35 seconds remaining that would have tied the game, to preserve the Thunder’s 31-30 win over Hope. Verley also had one tackle for loss in the contest.
Trine continues to win, and win impressively. Saturday, the Thunder outlasted perennial Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association power Hope, by 31-30.
While the Thunder and Flying Dutchmen combined for more than 900 yards of total offense, it came down to little things for the Thunder (4-0, 1-0 MIAA). Little things like special teams play. The Thunder blocked a pair of extra point kicks, that were monumental in grabbing the victory.
With :35 seconds to play, sophomore Christian Verley
(Grand Rapids, Mich./Ottawa Hills) blocked a Steve Hazekamp
kick. The kick - if successful, - would have tied the game and most likely forced
overtime. Verle had blocked another extra point kick in the second quarter, and
told the coaching staff he thought he could exploit the weakness again. Thunder Head Coach Matt Land and his coaches listened.
“We went with an alternate blocking scheme because he thought he could get
through,” Land said. “Sometimes you have to listen to your kids, they are the
ones playing. He made a big play at big time.
The Thunder were led by Jeff Langley who rushed for 55 yards on 16 yards. Eric Watt connected on 19-of -34 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown pass. He also had 11 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Mikael Glidden and Lucas Rosengarten also had touchdown rushes. Lamar Qualls had five passes for 158 yards and a score. The Thunder are home Saturday hosting Alma (2-2). The Scots are coming off a bye week.
MINNEAPOLIS - Thunder punter Nate Fitzsimmons has been named D3football.com's special teams player of the week.
P Nathaniel Fitzsimmons, Sr., Trine
Fitzsimmons had five punts for a 45-yard average and a 44.8-yard net in Trine's 30-27 upset win against Franklin. Four of his punts landed inside the 20. One punt was fumbled and recovered on the 1-yard line which led to a Trine touchdown.
MINNEAPOLIS - Thunder punter Nate Fitzsimmons has been named D3football.com'ss special teams player of the week. Click here for D3football.com
Trine football continues to gain national attention, following their 30-27 win over Franklin Saturday. The latest comes from the American Football Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Poll. Trine (3-0) grabbed three votes to crack the top 25 for the first time as an NCAA program.
Mount Union (Ohio), Wisconsin-White Water, Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas), Capital (Ohio) and Muhlenberg (Pa) make up the top five. Following the loss to Trine, Franklin drops from No. 21 to honorable mention with 18 votes.
Click here for AFCA Divsion III Top 25 Poll
MINNEAPOLIS - For the first time since joining NCAA Division III in 2003, Trine University has received votes in the weekly D3football.com poll. Trine knocked off No. 14th ranked Franklin 30-27 Saturday to garner national attention.
Trine received 14 votes. Franklin fell from the Top 25, but managed to capture 42 votes.
Trine is 3-0 on the season scoring 37.7 points per game, while allowing 18.0 ppg. The Thunder are tallying 405 yards a game of offense 197 rushing - 208 passing). Defensively giving up 304.3 ypg (89 rushing – 215 passing) per contest.
Trine opens up Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Saturday at Hope.
Click here for D3football.com Top 25
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - For the second week in a row, Trine quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s offensive player of the week. Thunder punter Nate Fitzsimmons has also been honored by the MIAA. Albion College defensive tackle Austin Rodgers was selected as the defensive player of the week.
Offensive Player of the Week
Watt, a sophomore from Kentland, Ind. (South Newton HS), earned Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second straight week, engineering an offense that controlled the ball for 39 minutes in the Thunder’s 30-27 upset of 14th-ranked Franklin (Ind.) Saturday. Watt completed 14 of 27 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for 50 yards on 17 carries.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Fitzsimmons, a senior from Warsaw, Ind. (Warsaw HS), played a pivotal role in helping Trine win the battle of field position against Franklin, averaging 45 yards per punt on five kicks. His net average was 44.8 yards per punt, and he placed four of his punts inside the Grizzlies’ 20-yard-line.
The Thunder open up MIAA play Saturday at Hope College in a 2 p.m. Kickoff. WEAX 88.3 FM webcast and broadcast coverage begins at 1:30pm.
For more information on the MIAA, log onto to www.miaa.org
If anything, Trine is opportunistic. Thunder converted on four of five turnovers to defeat nationally ranked Franklin College 30-27 Saturday at Shive Field.
Franklin (14th D3football.com, 21st AFCA) had no difficulty scoring, but did have its struggles keeping possession of the football. In the process, the Thunder grabbed their first victory of a ranked team since moving to NCAA Division III. It’s also the first win against the Grizzlies in five tries.
Trine had little issue handling the football, committing two turnovers - a fumble and interception.
Trine (3-0) compiled 336 yards of total offense (207 passing - 129 rushing). Franklin passes for 294 yards and rushed for 40 yards.
Sophomore quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) connected on 14-of-27 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown. He also ran 17 times for 50 yards. Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Indian Lakes) ran 15 times for 50 yards.Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Battle Creek) ran twice for 49 yards and a touchdown. Mikeal Glidden (Indianapolis/Monrovia) scored a pair of touchdowns.Sam Hartman (Fort Wayne/Bishop Dwenger) caught four passes for 57 yards and Troy Hirschy (Monroe/Adams Central) had four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Franklin quarterback Chad Rupp completed 25-of-39 passes for 294 yards and three scores. Tony Gregory caught four passes for 84 yards.
“It’s a good win for us heading into conference,” Head Coach Matt Land said. “We knew it was a going to be this type of game. It was going to come down to who ever had a big play at the end. “
That big play came at 8:40 to play in the fourth quarter, when freshman Aaron Shoemaker (Onstead, Mich./Onstead) intercepted a Rupp pass. Three plays later the Thunder took the lead for good, 30-27, with a four-yard run from Brown.
The Thunder set the tone early - jumping on a fumbled punt return at the Franklin 26 yard line. Five players later, Trine scored with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Watt to Hirschy to make it 7-0.
On the next possession, Franklin coughed it up at their 24-yard line. Trine capitalized with a 22-yard Jeremy Howard field goal to make it 10-0.
With 6:53 to play in the 3rd quarter, Franklin fumbled at their two-yard line. One play later, Trine punched it in with a one-yard run from Mikael Glidden to make it 23-20.
“You have to force them to do things they don’t want do. We made plays,” Land added.
The Thunder open Michigan Intercollegiate play Saturday when they travel to Hope in a 2 p.m. kickoff. Listen to WEAX 88.3-FM or live on the Web at www.88xradio.com
09.24 D3football honors Trine Offensive Linemen
MINNEAPOLIS - Trine football has garnered another honor following a 42-14 win over Defiance Saturday. The entire offensive line has been recognized on the website’s Week 3 “Team of the Week” section for their stellar play by D3football.com.
The selection highlights the best players at each position during the previous week. The front five are: sophomore James Greenlee (Columbus/Columbus North), junior Bryce Sims (Columbia City/Columbia City), junior Deryck Jefferies (Fort Wayne/Homestead); senior Mike Rowe (Tecumseh, Mich./Tecumseh); senior Mike Fowler (St. Johns/Lake Central)
The website said,“(Trine) did not allow a sack in 30 pass plays and paved the way for 472 yards of total offense in a 42-14 win against Defiance. Trine was 7-for-10 on third down and perfect in six red zone visits.".
The Thunder are now 2-0 and will host No. 14 ranked Franklin Saturday at Shive Field. D3football.com is in its 10th season and is the No. 1 source for Division III football information.
Click here for information
ROYAL OAK, Mich - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine quarterback Eric Watt, Alma defensive back Nick Merlo and Adrian punt returner Jared Edwards as its Players of the Week in football. The three were honored for their performances in games played on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Offensive Player of the Week
Watt, a sophomore from Kentland, Ind. (South Newton HS) earned Offensive Player of the Week honors, passing for three touchdowns and running for a fourth in leading the Thunder to a 42-14 victory over Defiance (Ohio). Watt completed 19 of 24 passes for 265 yards and added 37 rushing yards on six carries.
Click here for information
DEFIANCE, Ohio - Trine University notched its second straight win and more importantly a road win Saturday, in a 42-14 win over Defiance College.
Coach Land believes this team is maturing.
“I think we did a good job of being older,” Thunder Head Coach Matt Land said. “Older teams do a great job of preparing and winning on the road. Being 1-4 (Trine’s 2007 road record) isn’t good enough. We threw the ball better. We were stout on defense and kept them out of the end-zone. We are starting to come together as a team.”
The Thunder jumped out to a 14-0 lead at halftime before Defiance cut it to 20-14 to end the third quarter. Trine then put the Yellow Jackets away scoring 22 unanswered points in the final quarter.
What didn’t impress Land was failing to score near the goal-line in the second quarter. In the midst of a nine-play, 82 yard drive, the Thunder fumbled.
“We had an opportunity to put more pressure on them. Coughing it on the one yard line is not what want to do. We want to fight for the ball better,” Land said.
The Thunder was impressive on both sides of the ball, tallying 462 yards, 265 yards passing, while limiting Defiance to just 220 yards of total offense, only 93 yards rushing on 29 carries. The Thunder was successful moving the chains - connecting for 24 first downs, while limiting Defiance to nine - just four rushing. Trine rose to the occasion in crucial situations, converting 7 of 10 third downs, Defiance managed just three of 14 third down conversions.
Individually, Jeff Langley (Indiana River, Mich./Inland Lakes ) rushed 13 times for 67 yards. Sophomore Eric Watt (Kentland/South Newton) completed 19-of-24 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns. The only blemish for Watt, a 59 yard-interception Defiance converted to a touchdown.
Sophomore Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Central) caught six passes for 98 yards. Senior Sam Hartman (Fort Wayne/Bishop Dwenger) grabbed five for 67 yards, Senior Troy Hirshcy (Monroe/Adams Central) four for 85 yards. Each scored a touchdown.
Senior Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne/South Side) finished with nine total tackles, Aaron Selking made 8 stops. Trine recorded 4 sacks. Trine hosts No. 17 Franklin Saturday at Shive Field. Tune into WEAX 88.3FM or http://88xradio.com/sports.php beginning at 1 p.m. for all the action.
Trine University and it's football team found itself in the national spotlight on Thursday morning, after being selected as the unknown game of the week by ESPN Radio’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning”.
The show was aired nationally on ESPN 2 and could be heard live around the world on www.ESPNRadio.com, as well as on the radio throughout the country on local ESPN Radio affiliates. Archived footage of the show will also be available at the “Mike and Mike in the Morning” website, which can be found here.
Mike and Mike previewed the game between Defiance and Trine before having a competition to see who could name the game. Nominations from fans included, “The Black Swamp Swashbuckle”, “The Storm versus the Swarm”, “Unrest in the Midwest”, “The Rumble in the Hive” and “The Better than the Bengals Football Extravaganza”. After reviewing all of the choices, Mike and Mike officially tabbed the DC showdown with Trine on Saturday as “The Clash of Mother Nature’s Wrath.”
The game naming segment began last week because the Ohio State and USC game was officially hyped as “The Collision at the Coliseum”, and co-hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg thought it would be tougher to name a lesser known game. They selected Maine and Stony Brook and touted it as “The Battle for the Butter”.
“Mike and Mike in the Morning” will recap Saturday’s game on their Monday morning show with video highlights and an interview with the head coach from the winning team.
Fans are encouraged to bring signs to the game on Saturday promoting “The Clash of Mother Nature’s Wrath” and “Mike and Mike in the Morning”. Kickoff is set for 1:30 pm, at Defiance, Ohio.
The Trine Thunder opened the 2008 football season with a convincing 41-13 victory over Manchester College Saturday at Shive Field. In the win, Trine pounded out 409 yards of total offense, including 257 yards rushing.
Manchester managed 359 yards of total offense, including 225 yards passing.
Building on a promising rookie campaign, sophomore quarterback Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) led the Thunder with three touchdown runs (61,5,4) while connecting on 10-of-19 passes for 152 yards. Watt finished with 10 carries for 77 yards. Pre-season All-American Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne/South Side) led the Thunder defense with 8.5 tackles.
Manchester was paced by Caleb Grimes (South Haven Mich./South Haven) who passed for 225 yards, connecting on 15-of-30 attempts for one touchdown. Jared Yoder (Frankfort/Carroll) had four catches for 128 yards and one touchdown.
The win builds Trine’s home winning streak to six games, dating back to September 15, 2007 and gives Trine a 2-1 all-time record against the Spartans.
Trine will return to action Saturday, September 20 at Defiance College. Kickoff is set for 1:30pm. Manchester hosts Earlham Saturday in North Manchester. Tune into WEAX 88.3FM or http://88xradio.com/sports.php beginning at 1 p.m. for all the action.
Re-live the sights and sounds of the 2008 season opener against Manchester courtesy NewsChannel15.
The Trine Thunder begin their 2008 season Saturday against a familiar foe, Manchester College in a 12:30pm kickoff. It’s the third time the two squads have met in NCAA Division III competition. The all-time series is tied at 1-1, with Trine capturing a 14-9 decision last season at Manchester.
The Thunder football team is also looking to continue their undefeated at home streak of five games, starting September 15 of last season.
The Thunder promise a balanced offensive attack and a solid defense. Sophomore Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) will lead the offense at quarterback after a promising freshman season. Look for running back Jeff Langley (Indian River, Mich./Inland Lakes) and wide receiver Sam Hartman (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Dwenger) to have great starts.
Behind senior linebacker Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne, Ind./Southside) the Trine defense will look to create havoc for Manchester starting quarterback Caleb Grimes (South Haven, Mich./South Haven). In last year’s game the Thunder defense had four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks.
Manchester features a local connection. Angola high school standouts Tyler Pedersen and Jeremy Aldrich play for the Spartans. Pederson, a senior, is slated as the starting strong safety at 6’0 and 190lbs. Aldrich is a defensive lineman for Manchester at 6’0” and 215lbs. Both Pederson and Aldrich played for coach Rick Kirkton at Angola, Kirkton is now an assistant coach for the Thunder.
The gates will open tomorrow morning at 11:30 a.m. Tune into WEAX 88.3FM or http://88xradio.com/sports.php beginning at 12 p.m. for all the action.
Head Coach Matt Land talks with Indiana's NewsCenter about Thunder football. Click here for video
The Trine University Thunder football team is quietly preparing for a run at the MIAA championship. The Thunder are feared as an underdog and deserveably so. Coach Matt Land inherited a struggling program just over two years ago. In just a short period of time vast improvements have been made.
In Matt Land's first season at the helm the Thunder finished 2-8 but lost six of their eight games by fewer than seven points. In that season, the Thunder led the MIAA with 180 rushing yards per game. Last season, Coach Land's second year, the Thunder greatly improved to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference. In just one year, the Thunder went from seventh place to a fourth place finish in the MIAA.
This season the Trine University football team has their work cut out for them as they plan to make another leap and this time it is to the top of the MIAA standings. The Thunder returns much of the experience from last season's team including 12 seniors. With another strong freshmen class and a solid start to camp the Thunder football team is raring to go.
Alma, Michigan - In the 111th year for MIAA football, the Trine University Thunder football team was picked to finish fifth in the annual MIAA Pre-Season Football Poll at the MIAA Media Day hosted by Alma College. Last year’s regular season co-champion Hope College was announced the preseason favorite. Adrian College was selected second but received the most first place votes. For the MIAA poll rankings visit http://www.miaa.org.
The common theme during the football coaches press conference was regarding the parity that exists within the very compeititve MIAA. This season has the makings to be even more exciting than last year.
Representing the Thunder football team with Coach Land and his staff were seniors Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne, Ind./South Side), who was selected as a D3football.com Pre-Season All-American, Corrie Latta (Battle Creek, Mich./Delton Kellogg), Mike Fowler (St. John, Ind./Lake Central) and Sam Hartman. Latta will be back after being named to the All-MIAA First Team Specialists last year, averaging 26.5 yards per kick return.
The Thunder football team reports to camp next week, as they prepare for another record-setting season. Last season, the Thunder recorded their best record under third year head coach Matt Land with a 6-4 record, 4-3 in MIAA play, finishing in fourth place.
Trine University senior linebacker Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne, Ind./South Side) has been honored as a Pre-Season All-American by D3football.com. Pearson has also been recognized by the Concensus Draft Services as a member of their Pre-Season All-American team.
Pearson had a breakout junior season which earned him D3football.com honorable mention honors. His numbers throughout the season not only set new school records but ranked him among the nation’s top defensive players. He was third in Division III with an average of eight solo tackles per game, fourth in total tackles with 14.8 per game, and eighth in tackles for loss at 2.1 per game.
Trine University will open the 2008 season at home on Sept. 6 against Manchester College. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
For a complete list of D3football.com All-Americans visit http://www.d3football.com/tow/08/preallamericans.htm
Trine University senior linebacker Courtney Pearson (Fort Wayne, Ind./South Side) has been named to the Consensus Draft Services Pre-Season All-American Team. As a junior, Pearson was ranked among the nation’s top defensive players. He was third in NCAA Division III with an average of eight solo tackles per game, fourth in total tackles with 14.8 per game, and eighth in tackles for loss at 2.1 per game. Pearson was honored by D3football.com in 2007 by being named an honorable mention selection.
The Thunder defense in 2007 was led by Pearson’s 80 solo tackles, 68 assist tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss of 72 yards, 4.0 quarterback sacks, and two recovered fumbles. He set a new Thunder single-season tackles record with 148 and set the career tackles for loss record at 40 with one season remaining. Pearson is currently fourth on the career tackles record with 285.
For additional information visit http://condraft.com/
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