Another year older, another year wiser. That is how 21st year head coach John Miech looks at his team heading into the 2008 season.

Last season the UW-Stevens Point football team was a group of young, talented individuals who started the season strong, winning the team's first six games. But injuries and a loss to the eventual national champion, UW-Whitewater, shook the team, causing a four game skid to close out the 2007 season.

“Last year we got off to a great start,” said Miech, who ranks fourth on the all-time wins list in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). “One of our concerns was how young we were. After [the loss to] UW-Whitewater, we never recovered. We were not a junior/senior team and the injury bug hit us.”

But this season, on both sides of the ball, there is a talented mix of returners, transfers and newcomers who will give Coach Miech and his staff something to look forward to.

“It will be interesting because we have a team that's returning that has a lot of experience,” said Miech. “You throw in our freshman class and our transfers, we have a football team that is going to show up and play, and I think we will be pretty good.”

OFFENSE
The offensive side of the ball features a wealth of skill position players that will help the league's No. 6 ranked offense challenge for a league title.

At the quarterback position, sophomore Jake Swank (Oregon/Oregon) (Oregon) returns as the leading candidate to pilot the offense in 2008, after a season in which he started all 10 games, completing 53.5 percent of his passes for 1395 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Jake is an outstanding leader and a great student,” said Miech. “But, every year is a new year. Jared Beckwith (Baraboo/Baraboo) (Baraboo/UM-Duluth), a transfer, our JV quarterback Cameron Reiland (Wauwatosa/East) (Wauwatosa/East) and Anthony Johnson (Racine/Racine) (Racine/Mesabi JC), a transfer, will challenge him for the job. We'll see what happens.”

Quarterbacks
Jared Beckwith (Baraboo/Baraboo), Jr.
Anthony Johnson (Racine/Racine), Jr.
Cameron Reiland (Wauwatosa/East), So.
Jake Swank (Oregon/Oregon), So.

In the backfield, a wealth of talent and experience will give the Pointers a great opportunity to run the ball. Returning to the tailback spot this season is junior Mike Ferron (Racine/Horlick) (Racine/Horlick), a second-team All-WIAC performer who led the team in rushing after playing in just eight games last season. He tallied 807 yards in 174 attempts (4.6 yard average) and posted 11 touchdowns.

“When Mike [Ferron] has played a full game, we have won,” said Miech. “When he hasn't, we have lost. He is an outstanding skill kid, not only for us, but one of the most explosive skill kids in this league.”
Behind Ferron, sophomores Aaron Leonhardt (Baraboo/Baraboo) (Baraboo) and T.C. Farber (Waunakee/Waunakee) (Waunakee), along with senior Jack Marx (Scandinavia/Iola-Scandinavia) (Iola) give the Pointers depth at the tailback spot.

At fullback, the leading candidate heading into the '08 season is junior Kyle Fuhrman (Reedsburg/Reedsburg) (Reedsburg) who saw action in nine games last season for the Pointers, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Coach Miech admits there may also be a linebacker or two that may be switched to fullback, due to the wealth of talent at that position.

Running Backs
Jack Marx (Scandinavia/Iola-Scandinavia), Sr.
C.L. Whiteside (Milwaukee/Wisconsin Lutheran), So.
Aaron Leonhardt (Baraboo/Baraboo), So.
T.C. Farber (Waunakee/Waunakee), So.
Mike Ferron (Racine/Horlick), Jr.
Kyle Fuhrman (Reedsburg/Reedsburg), Jr.

At wide receiver, three starters return. Last season's leading receiver, sophomore Jared Jenkins (Milwaukee/Rufus King) (Milwaukee/Rufus King) joins senior Brad Kalsow (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) (Huntley, Ill.) and junior David Hammer (Ashwaubenon/Ashwaubenon) (Ashwaubenon) in a talented pool of pass catchers. In nine games last season, Jenkins had 43 receptions for 564 yards and four touchdowns. Kalsow finished with 525 yards and seven touchdowns. Hammer, who played in eight games last season, averaged 9.4 yards per catch, but was hampered by an injury.

“Jared [Jenkins] was a nice surprise last year and saw a lot of time as a freshman. Brad [Kalsow] is a two-year starter back for his senior year. We also have LaRondray Moore (Stevens Point/SPASH) coming back after hurting his knee last season. Throw Kieth Ingram (Milwaukee/Ellsworth JC), a transfer who came in at semester break and was a track standout, into the mix and we will add speed.

“Wide receiver is going to be a delight and a headache,” said Miech. “We don't have enough footballs for all of the talent that is there. It's nice to have.”

Wide Receiver
Luke Gunderson (Iola/Iola-Scandinavia), Sr.
David Hammer (Ashwaubenon/Ashwaubenon), Jr.
Bobby Hansen, So.
Keith Ingram, Transfer-RsFR
Jared Jenkins (Milwaukee/Rufus King), So.
Brad Kalsow (Huntley, Ill./Huntley), Sr.
Jud Lang (Chili/Marshfield), Jr.
Beaumont Luce (Baraboo/Baraboo), Sr.
LaRondray Moore, Jr.
Elliot Olson (Tomahawk/Tomahawk), So.
Ryan Staege (Waunakee/Waunakee), Fr.

Offensive line will be the biggest question mark for the Pointers offense heading into the 2008 season. A group of 14 returning letterwinners will compete for the opportunity to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game.

“Offensive line is our major rebuilding area,” said Miech. “We have a lot of young, talented kids in there and we just don't know what is going to happen. The one thing I do know is we are going to be bigger, faster and stronger.”

At center, there will be a battle between 2007 backup Kyle Krueger (Stanley/Stanley-Boyd) (So., Stanley/Stanley- Boyd) and Joe Gallion (Wausau/East) (So., Wausau/East), both returning letterwinners. At guard, senior Jay Schiedermayer (Kimberly/Kimberly) (Kimberly), who started eight of the nine games he played in last season, will be in the mix. At tackle, sophomore Joe Hottenstein (Antigo/Antigo) (Antigo) and freshman Mike Sadowska (Marshfield/Marshfield) (Marshfield) should play a major role as well.

Offensive Line
Steve Chrisinger (Rhinelander/Rhinelander), So.
Jason Favour, So.
Joe Gallion (Wausau/East), So.
Alex Hammer (Brookfield/Central), So.
Joe Hottenstein (Antigo/Antigo), So.
Jesse Klotz (Plymouth/Plymouth), So.
Kyle Krueger (Stanley/Stanley-Boyd), So.
Blake Lis (Thorp/Thorp), So
Mike Sadowska (Marshfield/Marshfield), Fr.
Jay Schiedermayer (Kimberly/Kimberly), Sr.
Cody VandeWettering (Appleton/Appleton West), Jr.
Nate Wachowiak (Plover/Stevens Point Pacelli), Sr.
Shane Winterfeldt (Hortonville/Hortonville), So.

DEFENSE
On the defensive side of the ball, the big story is the hiring of former UW-River Falls defensive coordinator and Elmhurst College head coach Tom Journell as the team's defensive coordinator.

“[Tom] brings nine years of defensive coordinator experience to our unit,” said Miech. “He is a well respected coach and has a different philosophy that we have not had here in the past. I think his style is going to cause people problems because he likes to blitz and get after the quarterback. I think our young people are going to enjoy that.”

On the defensive line, seven returning letterwinners and three transfers will all see time. Leading the way is senior Brad Vickroy (Wisconsin Rapids/Lincoln) (Wisconsin Rapids/Lincoln), a 2007 first team All-WIAC and 2008 D3football.com Preseason All-American. He led the team last season in tackles for loss (9.5) and finished tied for fourth on the team in tackles (59). Joining Vickroy on the defensive line will be Matt Lunder (Waunakee/Waunakee) (Waunakee), who started nine games at defensive end last season. Also returning is senior Charlie Dereks (Little Shute) who appeared in eight games last season, splitting time between the linebacker and defensive line positions.

“We knew we had to upgrade,” said Miech. “We have three good transfers that are going to battle as well. Justin Oruada (So., Manitowoc/St. Cloud St.), Brad Davis (Wisconsin Rapids, WI/Lincoln) (Fr., Wisconsin Rapids/Northern Michigan), and Grant Malmquist (Middleton, WI/Middleton) (Fr., Middletown/MATC) will all look to see playing time.

“Those guys, along with what we already have, will be one of the stronger units on our team.”

Defensive Line
Jeff Allison (Racine/St. Catherine's), Jr.
Brad Davis (Wisconsin Rapids, WI/Lincoln), Transfer-RSFr.
Charlie Dereks, Sr.
Jeff Fettes, So.
Pierce Follansbee-Delong, Jr.
Ben Kosiorek (Appleton/Appleton East), Jr.
Matt Lunder (Waunakee/Waunakee), So.
Grant Malmquist (Middleton, WI/Middleton), Transfer-Fr.
Justin Oruada, Transfer-So.
Tyler VandenWyngaard (Kaukauna/Kaukauna), Jr.
Brad Vickroy (Wisconsin Rapids/Lincoln), Sr.
Steven Wozniak (Greenwood/Greenwood), So.

At linebacker, a plethora of talented individuals return, giving the Pointers a formidable front seven.
Leading the way is senior Brian Bailey (New Lisbon/New Lisbon) (New Lisbon), who registered 48 tackles last season, including nine against UW-Lacrosse in the season finale. He also added 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception.
Also expecting to be in the mix is junior Brandon Stremkowski (Stevens Point/SPASH) (Stevens Point/SPASH), junior Kyle Scofield (Green Bay/Preble) (Green Bay/Preble) and sophomore Brandon Brueger (Spencer). All three are veterans that are back and competing for a starting spot.

New to the mix are three transfers, including junior John Jones (Oregon/Oregon) (Oregon/Minnesota St.) who registered 49 tackles in 11 games last season at middle linebacker, junior Matt Weberpal (Antigo/Iowa Lakes JC), an all-state performer in high school, and sophomore Ryan Roloff (Waupaca/Wagner) (Waupaca/Wagner).

“It is good to have all those linebackers in the mix,” said Miech. “We have kids, all the way down to eight on our list, that are outstanding football players. When you have that kind of competition, some kids might drop off, and others might come up and surprise you. But there is plenty of time there, especially on special teams.”

Linebacker
Brian Bailey (New Lisbon/New Lisbon), Sr.
Brandon Brueger, So.
Brent Dammen (Argyle/Argyle), Jr.
Jason Eiesenman, So.
Ben Engelland (Neenah/Neenah), Jr.
Joe Francar (Mishicot/Mishicot), Sr.
Nate Johnson (Waunakee/Waunakee), Sr.
John Jones (Oregon/Oregon), Transfer-Jr.
Joe Marx (Scandinavia/Iola-Scandinavia), So.
Frank Minervini (Wisconsin Rapids/Lincoln), Sr.
Ryan Roloff (Waupaca/Wagner), Transfer-So.
Kyle Scofield (Green Bay/Preble), So.
Travis Smallwood (Menomonee Falls/Menomonee Falls), Jr.
Brandon Stremkowski (Stevens Point/SPASH), Jr.
Matt Weberpal, Transfer-Jr.
Don Winter (Mosinee/Mosinee), Jr.
Steven Wozniak (Greenwood/Greenwood), So.

At defensive back, seniors Tyler Florczak (Chetek/Chetek) (Chetek) and Luke Fristch (Nekoosa) both return, giving the defensive backfield a veteran base. Florczak tallied 59 tackles a year ago and had three interceptions, tied for the team lead. Fristch had 13 tackles in ten games and played double-duty as the team's punter. Junior Bryan Blum (Baraboo/Baraboo) (Baraboo) is also on the watch list after his performance in spring practices, as is sophomore Robert Taylor (Ashwaubenon/Ashwaubenon) (Ashwaubenon).

Add to that transfers Ross Wingert (Marshfield/Marshfield) (So., Marshfield/Rochester JC) and Brandon Stroik (Marshfield/Marshfield) (So., Marshfield/Minnesota St.), returning to school after a three-year tour in Iraq, and the Pointers have five talented individuals hungry for a starting spot.

“We are going to have four to five other guys returning who are going to battle for starting spots as well,” said Miech. “But we still need another corner to step up during the preseason and surprise us and fill in.”

Defensive Backs
Bryan Blum (Baraboo/Baraboo), Jr.
Kenny Campbell, So.
Tony Clemens (Waunakee/Waunakee), So.
Tyler Florczak (Chetek/Chetek), Sr.
Mike Krueger (Wauwatosa/Wauwatosa East), Jr.
Kyle Lange (Jefferson/Jefferson), So.
Joe Mleziva (Casco, WI/Luxemburg-Casco), Transfer-Fr.
Jacob Nugent (Marshfield/Marshfield), So.
Peter Peterson, So.
Chris Saeugling-Coke (DeForest/DeForest), So.
Brandon Stroik (Marshfield/Marshfield), Transfer-So.
Robert Taylor (Ashwaubenon/Ashwaubenon), So.
Jeremy Wannemuehler (Holmen/Holmen), So.
Ross Wingert (Marshfield/Marshfield), Transfer-So.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Pointers return seniors Ryan Graboski (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury) (Woodbury, Minn.) and Fristch to handle the kicking duties this season. Both received second team All-WIAC honors last season. Graboski was 10 for 13 on field goal attempts, including 7-for-8 between 30-39 yards. He also averaged 58.2 yards per kickoff attempt, including five touchbacks. Fristch led the league in punting, averaging 41.3 yards per punt.
“The only real hole we have on special teams is long snapper,” said Miech. “We have our punter back, who led the league last season, and Graboski is back. Kasey Morgan (Iola/Iola-Scandinavia) ('08) will need to be replaced as our kick returner.”

Kickers
Luke Fristch, Sr.
Ryan Graboski (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury), Sr.

SCHEDULE
The Pointers open the season with four of their first five games at Goerke Field, including the first three at home. The Pointers host Webber International in the 22nd annual Spud Bowl on Sept. 6. Then, Iowa Wesleyan comes to town on Sept. 13 followed by Azusa Pacific on September 27. All three teams are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), of which UW-Stevens Point was a member prior to joining the NCAA.

The Pointers open the 2008 WIAC portion of their schedule on Oct. 4 when they travel to UW-River Falls then return home to face UW-Platteville on Oct. 11 in the Homecoming/Hall of Fame game. The Pointers face UW-Whitewater, the defending NCAA Division III National Champion, on Oct. 25 in Whitewater.

“Our non-conference schedule is tougher this season,” said Miech. “We added Azusa Pacific, who is expected to have a good year. Webber International is better and they have their whole team back from last year. Those games will get us ready for the conference opener against La Crosse.

“I think we will be playing in front of big crowds and we will have an exciting football team to watch. This is what college is about. Another factor this season is this is the first time in four year we don't have to hop on a plane and travel. This is the first summer as a staff we get to work on just football, not travel arrangements.”