Season outlook story -- click here

General Information
School Name: Augsburg College
Location: 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454
Founded: 1869
Enrollment: 2,964 (2001-02 total, includes undergrad, weekend, graduate)
Nickname: Auggies
School Colors: Maroon and Gray (Pantone 209 maroon, Pantone 424 gray)
Stadium: Edor Nelson Field (Astroturf) (renamed from Anderson-Nelson Field in 2001)
Capacity: 2,000
Affiliation: NCAA Division III
Conference: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)
President: Dr. William V. Frame
Faculty Athletic Representative: Phil Quanbeck III
Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation: Jeff Swenson
Athletic Director: Paul Grauer (men), Marilyn Florian (women)
Athletic Phone: 612-330-1249
Athletic Fax: 612-330-1372

History
First year of football: 1926
All-time bowl/play-off record: 1-1
Years in post-season play: 1 (1997)
Last postseason appearance: 1997 / Result: 1-1
All-time record: 181-387-20 overall, 133-339-13 MIAC

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Jack Osberg, 12th season
Alma Mater/Year: Augsburg 1962
Record at school (yrs): 53-58 (11 years)
Career record: 53-58 (11 years)
Head Coach's office phone: 612-330-1235
Coach's e-mail: osbergj@augsburg.edu
Best time/day to reach coach: Mornings

Assistant Coaches
Matt Chappuis (Augsburg '02, defensive line)
Mark Dean (St. Cloud State '99, defensive backs)
Dusty Froyum (Augsburg '98, offensive line)
Shane Gunderson (Augsburg '02, linebackers)
Scott Hvistendahl (Augsburg '99, running backs)
Derrin Lamker (Augsburg '98, quarterbacks)
Sean Peterson (Minnesota-Duluth '00, defensive backs/linebackers)
Drew Privette (Augsburg '89, receivers/men's athletic recruiting coordinator)
Jim Roback (Augsburg '63, offensive coordinator)
Ron Scott (Augsburg '62, assistant head coach/offensive line)
Darrell Wiese (Augsburg '59, assistant coach/assistant men's athletic recruiting coordinator).

Sports Information
Sports Information Dir.: Don Stoner
SID office phone: 612-330-1677
Home phone: 651-697-1393
SID Fax: 612-330-1780
Press Box main phone: 612-330-1737
E-Mail: stoner@augsburg.edu
Athletic Website: http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/

2001 Game-by Game Results (* denotes MIAC games; Home games in bold)
Sept. 8, at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, L 37-14
Sept. 15, at Carleton College *, W 52-21
Sept. 22, vs. St. John's University *, L 48-14
Sept. 29, vs. St. Olaf College *, W 20-0
Oct. 6, at University of St. Thomas *, L 34-14
Oct. 13, vs. Macalester College * (Homecoming), W 50-14
Oct. 20, at Gustavus Adolphus College *, L 31-13
Oct. 27, vs. Hamline University *, W 7-0
Nov. 3, at Bethel College *, L 31-0
Nov. 9, vs. Concordia College-Moorhead * (HHH Metrodome), L 33-3

2002 Schedule (* denotes MIAC games; Home games in bold)
Sept. 7, vs. Dakota State (S.D.), Home, 1 p.m.
Sept. 14, vs. Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Home, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21, at St. Olaf College *, Away, 1 p.m.
Sept. 28, vs. Gustavus Adolphus College * (Homecoming), Home, 1 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Carleton College *, Away, 1 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Concordia College-Moorhead *, Away, 1 p.m.
Oct. 19, vs. St. John's University *, Home, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26, at University of St. Thomas *, Away, 1 p.m.
Nov. 2, vs. Bethel College *, Home, 1 p.m.
Nov. 7, vs. Hamline University *, HHH Metrodome (HAM host team), 5 p.m.

Player & Team Information
Overall record last year: 4-6
Conference record/finish: 4-5 / 7th
Basic offense/defense: Multiple / 4-3
Letterwinners returning: Offense: 28 Defense: 23 Specialty: 1 Total: 52.
Letterwinners lost: Offense: 15 Defense: 15 Specialty: 1 Total: 31.
Starters Returning: Offense: 9 Defense: 3 Specialty: 2 Total: 14
Roster By Year: 22 seniors, 16 juniors, 25 sophomores, 26 freshmen. TOTAL: 89.

Returning Key Players
Mitch Theisen (LB), All-MIAC second team, team's leading tackler (59.5, 41 solo, 5.5 TFL) in 2001.
Ben Paul (RB, Jr.), led team in rushing (586 yards, 6 TDs), 8th in MIAC in rushing average (59.2 ypg) in 2001, All-MIAC honorable mention in 2001.
Dave Fransen (QB, Sr.), returning starter, 116 completions for 1,278 yards and 12 TDs (17 INTs) in 2001.
T.J. Bramwell (RB, Sr.), 399 rushing yards, 136 receiving yards, 5 TDs (3 rushing, 2 receiving) in 2001.
Sammy Gross (WR, Sr.), 2nd on team in receiving in 2001 (19 catches, 230 yards).
Andy Matzke (DB/PR, So.), team's top punt retuner (20 for 156 yards, 1 TD) in 2001.
Jon Boeck (WR/KR, Sr.), team's top kick returner (18 for 306 yards, 17.0 average) in 2001.
Kyle Koch (DL, Sr.), returning starter at DL, 27.5 tackles (14 solo), 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks in 2001.
Joe Cullen (DL, So.), started on DL as freshman in 2001, 15.5 tackles (10 solo), 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 FR in 2001.
Jesse Naughton (OL, Sr.), 1st year as starting LT, All-MIAC honorable mention in 2001.
Bob Eckstrom (OL, Jr.), 2-year primary starter at center.
Lincoln Langhorst (OL, Sr.), 2-year starter at RG.
Nate Anderson (OL, Jr.), started at RT last season.
Brad Motl (OL, Sr.), starter, key reserve at center.
Rich Nelson (OL, Sr.), key multiple-position OL backup last 2 seasons.
Luke Wright (WR, Sr.), moves from LB to WR.
Tony Warren (TE, Sr.), 8 catches, 76 yards in 6 games started last season.

Key Newcomers
Tony George (QB, Fr., Blaine, Minn.), starter on state AAAAA runner-up team in 2001, HM All-State, conference MVP.
Andy Powell (WR, So., Danville, Ill./Oakwood HS), transfer from MacMurray (Ill.).
Jacob Koelln (DL, Fr., Rochester, Minn./John Marshall HS), HM all-state, all-conference on 2X state tournament team.

Key Losses
Matt Chappuis (DL), 3X All-MIAC (1st team 2000, 2001, 2nd team 1999), Stam Award winner (outstanding lineman in MIAC) in 2001, 32.5 tackles (22 solo), 7.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks in 2001, career total lof 138.0 tackles and 22.5 sacks (4th in school history).
Brent Peroutka (DB), 3X All-MIAC (2nd team in 1999, 2000, 2001), 33.0 tackles (24 solo), 5 INTs, 8 PBR in 2001, 4-year starter at DB and team's primary punter (50 punts, 30.1-yard average in 2001).
Dave Sherry (DL), 3x All-MIAC (1st team 2001, 2nd team 2000, HM 1999), 33.5 tackles (25 solo), 17.0 TFL, 13.5 sacks in 2001 (2nd on school record list), 24 career sacks (2nd in school history).
Mark Johnson (WR), 3X All-MIAC (1st team 2001, 2nd team 2000, HM 1999), team highs of 57 receptions, 918 receiving yards, 9 TDs in 2001, career total of 2,147 receiving yards in 3 seasons at Augsburg.
John Goodale (QB) 4-year reserve QB, 96 completions, 1,330 passing yards, 7 TDs in Auggie career.
Larry Lyden (DB), All-MIAC HM in 2001, 2nd on team in tackles (57.0, 47 solo), 2 INTs, 7 PBRs in 2001.
Luke Wittrock (DB), 2X All-MIAC (2nd team 2001, HM 2000), 42.0 tackles (29 solo), 2 INTs in 2001.
Scott Archambault (LB), All-MIAC HM in 2001, 45.0 tackles (27 solo), 5.5 TFL in 2001.
Brandon Ward (OL), 2-year starter on OL, All-MIAC second team in 2001.
Tim Mauseth (K), 3-5 on FGs, 19-24 PATs in 2001.
Jamie Smith (WR), 3rd on team in receiving in 2001 (15 catches, 191 yards, 2 TDs).

Season Outlook and Notes:
MINNEAPOLIS (updated 8/21/02) -- Consistency will be the buzzword for the Augsburg College football team in 2002.

After finishing with what head coach Jack Osberg termed a disappointing 4-6 last season, the Auggies return significant depth on offense and several key starters on defense, as the team looks to improve and gain more consistency.

"We were a little disappointed at how we finished last year," Osberg said. "That disappoint will carry over to a charge for this year. We're focused on improving and being more consistent this year. The coaches and the team are looking to redeem ourselves this year. We look to start strong and finish strong."

Osberg enters his 11th year as Augsburg's head coach with the third-longest tenure of any coach in the MIAC. Osberg has a 53-58 career record, and his victory total puts him just five behind Edor Nelson's 58 wins (1947-69) for the most in school history.

Osberg has changed the Augsburg coaching staff to provide a spark for the team this season. After spending seven seasons as defensive coordinator, Jim Roback will become the team's new offensive coordinator. Osberg will take over defensive coordinator responsibilities, and two former Auggie players -- Matt Chappuis and Shane Gunderson -- will join the coaching staff, Chappuis coaching the defensive line and Gunderson coaching the linebackers.

Offense: Nine starters return, strong offensive line
Nine starters, including all but one skill-position player and four of five offensive linemen, return to Augsburg's offense. Osberg promises that the offense will become a more versatile group, as Roback will return the Auggies to more of a multiple offense style.

"Coach Roback will bring more of a new dimension to our offense. We want to be more diverse in our options and be able to handles the variety of defenses we see in our league," Osberg said. "We want to improve our consistency with our offense."

Last season, Augsburg's offense struggled with its consistency, turning the ball over 40 times (25 interceptions, 15 fumbles), compared to just 27 for its opponents (13-14). Augsburg managed more than 300 yards of total offense in just five games last season.

This year, with a full year of starting experience under his belt, quarterback Dave Fransen (Sr., Farmington, Minn.) will be counted on to lead the Auggies' multiple offense. Fransen, one of three quarterbacks used by the Auggies last season, saw the bulk of snaps last year, throwing for 1,278 yards and 12 touchdowns (17 interceptions).

"Dave has had an excellent offense and he's a very talented quarterback," Osberg said. "He'll come back more confident in his situation, and take full advantage of his skills."

Backing up Fransen will be a battle among four returners and a recruit. John Tieben (Sr., Jordan, Minn.) saw action in four varsity games last year, while Brian Eayrs (Jr., Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska HS) was a solid junior varsity signal caller last year. Ben Hill (So., Glenwood, Minn./Minnewaska HS) also returns.

Perhaps the biggest recruit for the Auggies this year is quarterback Tony George (Fr., Blaine, Minn.), who led Blaine to a second-place Minnesota state prep finish (Class AAAAA) last season, earning Northwest Suburban Conference MVP honors and honorable mention All-State honors his senior season.

The running back tandem of Ben Paul (Jr., St. Paul, Minn./St. Paul Johnson HS) and T.J. Bramwell (Sr., Tomah, Wis.) became one of the top duos in the MIAC last year, as the two combined for nearly 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Paul, an honorable-mention All-MIAC selection last year, gained 586 yards and scored six touchdowns, while Bramwell gained 399 yards and had three scores, along with catching two more touchdowns out of the backfield.

"Ben and T.J. compliment each other," Osberg said. "They both share a good inside running ability and they are both very good athletes as our two primary ball-carriers."

Nick Sanchez (Jr., Almond, Wis./Almond-Bancroft HS) andJoe Starks (Fr., Roseville, Minn./Totino-Grace HS) had strong JV seasons, and may get more time on the varsity level this year. Recruits who will contend for running back roles include Pierre Cowan (Fr., Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy HS), Steve Houser (Fr., Zimmerman, Minn./Elk River HS), Josh Remme (Fr., Faribault, Minn.) and Josh Erickson (Fr., New Prague, Minn.).

Sammy Gross (Sr., Springfield, Minn.) was a starting wide receiver last year, and will be counted on to make an impact for Augsburg's receiving game. He averaged over 12 yards per reception last year. In addition, Luke Wright (Sr., Faribault, Minn.) will return to the offensive side of the football, after playing last year on defense.

"We have two veteran receivers coming back, and we will take advantage of their different abilities," Osberg said. "Luke is very strong and Sammy is solid and steady. We like having their versatility coming back."

Jon Boeck (Sr., Braham, Minn.) showed solid improvement at receiver last year and should see more playing time, Osberg said, along with Shawn Johnson (So., Faribault, Minn.). Mathew Shannon (Jr., Minneapolis, Minn./Washburn HS), one of the top sprinters from Augsburg's track and field team, returns to the football team after taking last season off. Trenton Thorpe (Fr., Kasson, Minn./Kasson-Mantorville HS) enters the program, along with Andy Powell (So., Danville, Ill./Oakwood HS), a sophomore transfer from MacMurray (Ill.).

Tony Warren (Sr., Brainerd, Minn.) averaged 9.5 yards a reception last year as Augsburg's starting tight end, and will return to the role this year, with Matt Quale (So., McGregor, Minn.) also contending for time.

Four of the five offensive line starters return, and along with nine other returning letterwinners and several solid recruits, it makes the area one of the strongest for the Auggies this year, Osberg said.

"We have 14 letterwinners back on the offensive line. We need to fit them in the right position. We have excellent depth," Osberg said. "It's a very solid position for us. What we have to do is find the right fit with the right guys."

Jesse Naughton (Sr., Spring Lake Park, Minn.) made a tremendous impact at left tackle, earning All-MIAC honorable mention honors in the key position on the blind side of the line. Bob Eckstrom (Sr., Elk River, Minn.) is one of the most versatile linemen in the program, having played nearly every position on the line at one time or another. Rich Nelson (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) made a strong impact at center and should start in the position this year. Lincoln Langhorst (Sr., Lafayette, Minn./Sibley East HS) and Brad Motl (Sr., Wausau, Wis./Wausau West HS) split time at right guard last year, and could fill both guard spots this year.

Returning starter Nate Anderson (Jr., Coon Rapids, Minn.) and James Brue (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn./Osseo HS) saw extensive time on the line last year, and should contend for starting spots on the line. Luke Smith (Jr., Hastings, Minn.), Nate Savola (Jr., Hastings, Minn.), Ryan Koelsch (So., St. Louis Park, Minn.), Adam Hoffman (So., Hastings, Minn.), Jon Dahlin (Jr., St. Louis Park, Minn.) and Eric Olson (So., Rush City, Minn.), all have shown continued improvement on the line and could make an impact on the varsity, Osberg said.

Several recruits will also contend, including sophomore transfer Andy Johnson (So., Robbinsdale, Minn.), Jason Nelson (Fr., Roseville, Minn.), John Streefland (Fr., Northfield, Minn.), Andy Estrem (Fr., Northfield, Minn.), Lowrey Smith (Fr., Farmington, Minn.) and Cory Harper (Fr., Cass Lake, Minn./Cass Lake-Bena HS).

Defense: Rebuilding job in order
"Overall, we'll need to rebuild our defense," Osberg admitted. Eight starters were lost from last year's lineup, including all four secondary starters.

However, there is some depth on the defensive line and in the linebacking corps, a group that allowed just 293.3 yards of total offense per game last season.

One of the key returners will be linebacker Mitch Theisen (Sr., Waverly, Minn./Buffalo HS), who led the Auggies in tackles last season (59.5, 41 solo) en route to earning All-MIAC second-team honors. An aggressive middle linebacker, Theisen took charge of the defense, and returns as a team co-captain.

"He was our inspirational leader and one of our most improved players last year," Osberg said. "He really gets our defense going."

Brandon Fox (Jr., Sanborn, Minn./Springfield HS) and Andy Stephenson (Sr., Red Wing, Minn.) were key linebacker reserves last year and are expected to be ready to make key contributions to the team this year, along with Jon Kozitza (Jr., North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West HS), Tim Stowe (Jr., Faribault, Minn.) and John Golnitz (So., Green Bay, Wis./Preble HS). Jake Schmiesing (Sr., North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West HS) will move from defensive back to a linebacker role this season.

Two huge holes will need to be filled on the defensive line, as Osberg will have to replace Matt Chappuis, who earned the Stam Award as the MIAC's outstanding lineman last year, and Dave Sherry, who fell a half-sack shy of tying the school's single-season record for quarterback sacks (14).

Two starters return on the defensive line -- Kyle Koch (Sr., Austin, Minn.) and Joe Cullen (So., Coon Rapids, Minn.). Both had quality years joining Chappuis and Sherry on the line, with Koch recording 27.5 tackles (14 solo), four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, and Cullen notching 15.5 tackles (10 solo), with two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.

"Kyle Koch can step up and take more of a leadership role on defense. We need him to take over and I look forward to seeing a great season from him," Osberg said. "Joe Cullen is very versatile. He had a great freshman year last year and we welcome getting his experience back. He's a great technique player."

Several players will likely battle for the other two defensive line spots, led by Derek Kuhlman (Sr., Rush City, Minn.), Sam Harmer (Jr., Silver Bay, Minn./Kelley HS), Chike Ochiagha (So., Savage, Minn./Holy Angels HS) and Mike Reger (Sr., Rogers, Minn./Buffalo HS).

Tom Stefanacci (Jr., St. Louis Park, Minn.), Ty Closson (So., Northfield, Minn.), Ray McCoy (So., St. Paul, Minn./St. Paul Central HS) and Jake Renze (So., Waseca, Minn.) should also figure into the mix, along with newcomers Jacob Koelln (Fr., Rochester, Minn./John Marshall HS) and Matt Wong (Fr., Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong HS). Koelln was an all-state honorable mention selection for John Marshall teams that qualified for the state tournament twice.

The secondary will present the biggest challenge for the Auggies, after all four starters from last season graduated.

"We've got a lot of work to do in the defensive secondary," Osberg said. "We'll have to put the pieces together to get people in the right roles. It will be a very competitive position for a lot of guys."

Chad Scheitel (Sr., Worthington, Minn.) was a solid backup safety last year after battling injuries in his first Auggie season. Andy Matzke (So., Faribault, Minn.) saw action in all 10 games at cornerback, and Joe Holman (Sr., Springfield, Minn.), Jon Fahler (Sr., Shakopee, Minn.) and Luke Carlson (Jr., Dassel, Minn./Dassel-Cokato HS) also return with secondary experience. Pat Lofboom (So., Faribault, Minn.) will move from offense to defense.

Newcomers in the defensive secondary include Jim Gunderson (So., Hastings, Minn.), Alex Kuhlman (So., Rush City, Minn.), Jordan Hastings (Fr., Robbinsdale, Minn./Armstrong HS), Ross Peroutka (Fr., Faribault, Minn.), Taylor Kroger (Fr., Cottonwood, Minn./Lakeview HS) and Jesse Clarkson (Fr., Minneapolis, Minn.).

Special Teams: Positions are wide open
The kicking positions are wide open. Mike Pontius (Sr., Champlin, Minn./Anoka HS) is the lone returner at the placekicking spot, having kicked for the last two years on the junior varsity squad. Kim Jaktund (So., Stockholm, Sweden/Lotgymnasiet School) could contend for the kicking role, along with other newcomers Abdi Adan (So., Columbia Heights, Minn.), a transfer from St. Olaf, and Collin Krueger (Fr., Grays Lake, Ill./Warren Township HS).

Punting will be another question mark. Wide receiver Powell could contend for a spot, along with Nick Schlieman (Fr., Burnsville, Minn.).