2010 Football Outlook

Trine enters the 2010 season with even higher expectations. The Thunder were recognized in three pre-season NCAA Division III Top 25 polls (Lindy’s Football - No. 5; The Sporting News - No. 20 and USA Today - No. 22)

The Thunder return eight starters on both sides of the ball and 28 seniors overall, including All-American and Gagliardi Trophy candidate Eric Watt (Kentland, Ind./South Newton). Watt connected on 179-of-280 passes for 2,161 yards and 26 touchdowns, while throwing just six interceptions.

Kent Biller, (Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood) a d3football.com all-region selection, returns to the offense after rushing for 994 yards and 11 touchdowns.

On defense, defensive backs Aaron Shoemaker (Onsted, Mich./Onsted), Jacob Vance (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) and Aaron Selking (Decatur, Ind./Adams Central) each recorded 80 tackles or more in 2010. Selking also had five interceptions.

Trine finished 2009 10-2, 6-0 in the MIAA and ranked 16th in the American Football Coaches Association Top-25 Poll, 17th in the d3football.com final poll. Trine has won two-straight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles and qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2008 and 2009.