Wednesday, July 10, 2013
West Dubuque Football with special guest Josh Lenz
About three weeks ago the Western Dubuque Bobcat football team was paid a visit by a current member of the Chicago Bears. Josh Lenz, former Iowa State wide receiver was picked up as a free agent after the 2013 draft. I was fortunate to have coached Josh during the time I spent at Dubuque Hempstead. I asked him if he would come and talk to the team before he left for training camp, and he was glad to come to Epworth and share his thoughts on how the game of football has taught him so many valuable life lessons. Josh is a humble kid, and it took quite a bit of prodding to get him to talk about the many successes that he has had in football. He talked about the importance of leadership, something that he is familiar with as a former Cyclone team captain. The longer I coach, the more I come to realize that it is such a hard responsibility to instill in a young man. Leaders aren't always born. Through patience, dedication, and understanding, every person has the ability to lead in some capacity. Josh learned to lead, which is a hard thing to do when you have natural athletic talent. But he overcame those obstacles, and proved to be a great leader to listen to on our Wednesday night mini-camp.
It is always great to see former players come back and talk to you about their experiences on the college football playing fields. Everyone's is different. I tell the boys endlessly how important it is to be a part of your community and give back to the people and places that have helped sculpt you into the person you are. This was a great example of what that really means. It meant a lot to the team to hear from someone that could very well be on an NFL roster come week one of the season. But like Josh told the kids, if he doesn't make it in the league, he has been truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to play this great game as long as he has.
Never take a moment for granted! I want to thank Josh for making a difference in the lives of the athletes that were fortunate enough to hear him talk, and thank him for coming back to see an old friend/mentor that is trying to have the same kind of positive impact on the young men I am fortunate enough to work with today. Good luck with the Chicago Bears, and the Bobcat Nation is pulling for you all the way. Don't forget to check back when I write about the visit that we had from two-time pro-bowler and super bowl champion Marshal Yanda.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Bobcats playing college football!
With nine former Bobcat players playing college football this season, it is tough to keep track of where each player is at these days. I think it is important for me to give you an update on them, so we can track their collegiate careers as they work towards their higher education. The high school football experience that these gentlemen had was so positive that they chose to pursue the game for another four years. This is no easy task, as I am sure they will tell you. The game that I love so much has helped shape these fine men into the great student athletes that they are today. With the work ethic that it takes to compete at the collegiate level, I am sure that they all will find success in their future endeavors.
Let's start locally. Loras College being so close to home puts our students in close proximity to a great education. The draw of the Rock Bowl and the Duhawk tradition provides the students with a great place to play four more seasons. Their current roster has six Bobcats on board. Sam Ross, Alex Lehman, and Mike Wuertzer (2009 graduates) closed out their senior seasons after four years of hard work. Sam finished an incredible four year stint as the starting center (All-conference the last two seasons), Alex as a three year starter at offensive tackle, and Mike drawing starts this year as a defensive lineman. I never had the pleasure of coaching these guys, as they graduated prior to my arrival at Western Dubuque, but I have had the pleasure of meeting them in the weight room over the summer. Their work ethic is typical WD, lifting and running all off-season to improve. The example that they have set for the athletes behind them has been tremendous. Hats off to these three gentlemen for gutting out four years of college football. The lessons they have learned and the discipline they have earned in the process has helped make them real winners in life. They have made the Bobcat Nation very proud!
Three new Duhawks are working their way into the line-up as we speak. Sam Burds, Matt Kass, and Ryan Rolfes all joined the team this season. Matt (2011 graduate) transferred in after the call of football lured him to Loras to go back to playing the game that he loved. As a JV quarterback this season, Matt fought to earn playing time with the varsity. In the JV game I saw him play in, he launched a TD the second I walked in the stadium...typical Matt. He is fighting for the starting job next season. As he learns the college system and gets a chance to showcase his gun slinging abilities, Matt looks to have some more fun calling plays again. Sam and Ryan (2012 graduates) both had their eye on the defensive side of the ball. Sam started all ten games as a true freshman at safety for Loras this season. Sam tallied up 38 tackles, 28 of them solos. This was a fantastic start to a stellar four year career. Sam will put up some great numbers over the next three seasons. Ryan earned JV minutes as a defensive tackle this season. As he continues to grow, the Duhawks might consider moving him over to the offensive side of the ball. He is a physical specimen at 6'7, 290 lbs, and he is getting better every day. The Duhawks have three great young players in these WD alums.
Keeping it in the conference, we move to Cedar Rapids where Coe College boasts of a great season, a great program, and a great young receiver in Nick Lenstra. Nick finished his second season as a Kohawk. The team finished with a conference championship and ranked as the 10th best team in the nation. Nick was definitely a contributing factor. As a rotator at the receiver position, Nick is looking to break the starting line-up next year. His abilities as a returner got him some extra time on the field. With a 13.3 yard punt return average and a 21.2 yard kick-off return average, Nick has proven his worth as a play maker for the Kohawks. Nick's next two seasons are looking to be very exciting.
Nick's conference competition is against some former teammates now playing for the Wartburg Knights: Logan Pitz and Hunter Westhoff. The Knights finished tied for second in the Iowa Conference with a 4-3 conference record. As a top tier program, Wartburg will be ready to compete for the championship next year, as Logan and Hunter fight to get into the mix. Logan rotated at corner back and is looking to take one of the starting positions next year. Hunter played quality JV minutes as a tight end and long-snapper and will be competing for a chance at those positions as well.
As I tell my players every year, college football is not like you think it is. The intensity level, the speed of the game, and the commitment needed to be great are incredibly demanding. I am very proud of all of the WD alumnus that have committed to being part of something bigger than themselves for the next four years. They are truly gifted athletes, but more importantly, they are great team players. Great teammates are always successful people in life. Learning to make the individual sacrifices necessary for the greater good of the team is one of the most important lessons in life. These gentlemen are ahead of the game and on the road to big things.
Let's start locally. Loras College being so close to home puts our students in close proximity to a great education. The draw of the Rock Bowl and the Duhawk tradition provides the students with a great place to play four more seasons. Their current roster has six Bobcats on board. Sam Ross, Alex Lehman, and Mike Wuertzer (2009 graduates) closed out their senior seasons after four years of hard work. Sam finished an incredible four year stint as the starting center (All-conference the last two seasons), Alex as a three year starter at offensive tackle, and Mike drawing starts this year as a defensive lineman. I never had the pleasure of coaching these guys, as they graduated prior to my arrival at Western Dubuque, but I have had the pleasure of meeting them in the weight room over the summer. Their work ethic is typical WD, lifting and running all off-season to improve. The example that they have set for the athletes behind them has been tremendous. Hats off to these three gentlemen for gutting out four years of college football. The lessons they have learned and the discipline they have earned in the process has helped make them real winners in life. They have made the Bobcat Nation very proud!
Three new Duhawks are working their way into the line-up as we speak. Sam Burds, Matt Kass, and Ryan Rolfes all joined the team this season. Matt (2011 graduate) transferred in after the call of football lured him to Loras to go back to playing the game that he loved. As a JV quarterback this season, Matt fought to earn playing time with the varsity. In the JV game I saw him play in, he launched a TD the second I walked in the stadium...typical Matt. He is fighting for the starting job next season. As he learns the college system and gets a chance to showcase his gun slinging abilities, Matt looks to have some more fun calling plays again. Sam and Ryan (2012 graduates) both had their eye on the defensive side of the ball. Sam started all ten games as a true freshman at safety for Loras this season. Sam tallied up 38 tackles, 28 of them solos. This was a fantastic start to a stellar four year career. Sam will put up some great numbers over the next three seasons. Ryan earned JV minutes as a defensive tackle this season. As he continues to grow, the Duhawks might consider moving him over to the offensive side of the ball. He is a physical specimen at 6'7, 290 lbs, and he is getting better every day. The Duhawks have three great young players in these WD alums.
Keeping it in the conference, we move to Cedar Rapids where Coe College boasts of a great season, a great program, and a great young receiver in Nick Lenstra. Nick finished his second season as a Kohawk. The team finished with a conference championship and ranked as the 10th best team in the nation. Nick was definitely a contributing factor. As a rotator at the receiver position, Nick is looking to break the starting line-up next year. His abilities as a returner got him some extra time on the field. With a 13.3 yard punt return average and a 21.2 yard kick-off return average, Nick has proven his worth as a play maker for the Kohawks. Nick's next two seasons are looking to be very exciting.
Nick's conference competition is against some former teammates now playing for the Wartburg Knights: Logan Pitz and Hunter Westhoff. The Knights finished tied for second in the Iowa Conference with a 4-3 conference record. As a top tier program, Wartburg will be ready to compete for the championship next year, as Logan and Hunter fight to get into the mix. Logan rotated at corner back and is looking to take one of the starting positions next year. Hunter played quality JV minutes as a tight end and long-snapper and will be competing for a chance at those positions as well.
As I tell my players every year, college football is not like you think it is. The intensity level, the speed of the game, and the commitment needed to be great are incredibly demanding. I am very proud of all of the WD alumnus that have committed to being part of something bigger than themselves for the next four years. They are truly gifted athletes, but more importantly, they are great team players. Great teammates are always successful people in life. Learning to make the individual sacrifices necessary for the greater good of the team is one of the most important lessons in life. These gentlemen are ahead of the game and on the road to big things.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Dylan James Selected to All-State Team
After a record setting season, Dylan James was honored with his selection to the Iowa Newspaper Association's (INA) All-State Team. Dylan was named third team wide receiver after finishing 4th in the state in number of receptions. His 51 catch season put him 8 catches behind the 3A state leader from the runner-up Bischop-Heelan team. Dylan played in four less games. His numbers broke the old school record of 44 catches held by Matt Burds in 2001, the Bobcat's state championship season. Dylan is the second Western Dubuque Bobcat in the last two football seasons to be selected to the all-state team. Last year, Logan Pitz was awarded INA All-State honors as a cornerback. Logan is currently playing football at Wartburg College. Congratulations to Dylan and the rest of his team for this honor. It takes a whole team for one player to break a record. Great job guys!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Play-off Game vs Marion
Well, after 3 plus months of practice and 10 battles on the football field, our season has come to an unfortunate end. We fought like men against Marion, but unfortunately we fell 2 points short, with a final score of 29-27. The loss has left a bitter taste in all of our mouths, but the fight was our season's finest hour.
On the road as a four seed and seeking an upset, we came in knowing that we had to play our best football to win. Striking first was of the utmost importance to us. We knew that we needed to get Marion down so they had to play from behind and rely on a weak passing game. After a first possession three and out, we marched down into our own territory before connecting on a Kramer to James TD reception to give us the early lead. The Indians scratched back but were not able to put the ball in the endzone coming up with a hard earned field-goal, keeping the score in our favor, 7-3. With great kick-off returns all night, we stayed in striking distance on most every possession. Dan Beard popped off a 51 yard TD to give us a 14-3 lead following the Nick Kruse PAT. Coach Butler's defense did the job again, holding Marion to another field-goal and a 14-6 deficit. It was a quick score for the Indians just before halftime when they capitalized on an interception. But the score wouldn't be enough to equalize the score, and left them trailing 14-13 at halftime.
Luke Schroeder rolled his ankle in the second quarter and couldn't return for the second half. With one of our best lineman out, we knew that our battle tested line would have to go without a rotation, and they went above and beyond the call of duty. Sean Wagner, Josh Digman, Mason Simon-Ressler, Kyle Kass, and Dane Bergfeld manned the trenches with heart and true grit. Every yard we moved the ball came at the hands of their toil. After a slugfest of a 3rd quarter, and an Indian field-goal, we took a huge blow with the injury of Dylan James from a seperated shoulder. Just when you thought that there was doubt in our hearts, we shook off the bad luck, in true Bobcat fashion, with a huge TD completion to Tyler Donovan giving us the lead at 21-17 in the early 4th quarter. Marion struck back with a long TD drive but a failed 2pt conversion attempt. Trailing by 2 points, we pounded the rock back up the middle of the field leading to a 21 yard Dawson Nemmers TD run. Trying to stretch the lead to seven, we went for two points falling just inches short.
As Marion began to pass, we felt that we had them where we wanted them. With a Blake Kass interception at the 6 minute mark, and we knew that we needed to grind the clock out. Unfortunately, with a 3 and out, we gave the ball back to them with three minutes to go. After a great punt by Riley Pfeiler, the Indians started out on their own 11 yard line. With 89 yards to go, the fought to get to thier own forty yard-line. With 1:37 left on the clock, Marion attempted a Hail Mary pass. After a first down deflection, Marion completed a miracle pass to take the lead leaving us with a little less than 1:30 on the clock. A few quick completions put us across mid-field before we fumbled a completion to put the game away.
The loss struck deep with every member of the Bobcat Football nation. From players to parents and staff to students, the outcome was difficult to take, but the pride I have for each and every player is so immense. We fought together, worked together, ate together, cried together, won together, and lost together. There was an incredible bond created. I will miss these boys greatly and am proud to say that I have coached them.
On the road as a four seed and seeking an upset, we came in knowing that we had to play our best football to win. Striking first was of the utmost importance to us. We knew that we needed to get Marion down so they had to play from behind and rely on a weak passing game. After a first possession three and out, we marched down into our own territory before connecting on a Kramer to James TD reception to give us the early lead. The Indians scratched back but were not able to put the ball in the endzone coming up with a hard earned field-goal, keeping the score in our favor, 7-3. With great kick-off returns all night, we stayed in striking distance on most every possession. Dan Beard popped off a 51 yard TD to give us a 14-3 lead following the Nick Kruse PAT. Coach Butler's defense did the job again, holding Marion to another field-goal and a 14-6 deficit. It was a quick score for the Indians just before halftime when they capitalized on an interception. But the score wouldn't be enough to equalize the score, and left them trailing 14-13 at halftime.
Luke Schroeder rolled his ankle in the second quarter and couldn't return for the second half. With one of our best lineman out, we knew that our battle tested line would have to go without a rotation, and they went above and beyond the call of duty. Sean Wagner, Josh Digman, Mason Simon-Ressler, Kyle Kass, and Dane Bergfeld manned the trenches with heart and true grit. Every yard we moved the ball came at the hands of their toil. After a slugfest of a 3rd quarter, and an Indian field-goal, we took a huge blow with the injury of Dylan James from a seperated shoulder. Just when you thought that there was doubt in our hearts, we shook off the bad luck, in true Bobcat fashion, with a huge TD completion to Tyler Donovan giving us the lead at 21-17 in the early 4th quarter. Marion struck back with a long TD drive but a failed 2pt conversion attempt. Trailing by 2 points, we pounded the rock back up the middle of the field leading to a 21 yard Dawson Nemmers TD run. Trying to stretch the lead to seven, we went for two points falling just inches short.
As Marion began to pass, we felt that we had them where we wanted them. With a Blake Kass interception at the 6 minute mark, and we knew that we needed to grind the clock out. Unfortunately, with a 3 and out, we gave the ball back to them with three minutes to go. After a great punt by Riley Pfeiler, the Indians started out on their own 11 yard line. With 89 yards to go, the fought to get to thier own forty yard-line. With 1:37 left on the clock, Marion attempted a Hail Mary pass. After a first down deflection, Marion completed a miracle pass to take the lead leaving us with a little less than 1:30 on the clock. A few quick completions put us across mid-field before we fumbled a completion to put the game away.
The loss struck deep with every member of the Bobcat Football nation. From players to parents and staff to students, the outcome was difficult to take, but the pride I have for each and every player is so immense. We fought together, worked together, ate together, cried together, won together, and lost together. There was an incredible bond created. I will miss these boys greatly and am proud to say that I have coached them.
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