Since 1999, the University of Minnesota Duluth defensive corps has been John Steger's jurisdiction and, under his expert watch, the Bulldogs have consistently ranked among the best in the conference at stopping the football. Last Thursday night, Steger and his minions were back in rare form again, limiting host Bemidji State University to just 203 yards of total offense and a mere touchdown in a 23-7 season-opening victory. Following that win, Steger, who is far and away the senior member of the Bulldog coaching staff, passed along his thoughts on an assortment of gridiron topics.

As you engage in your eighth season with the Bulldogs, how do you feel about the current state of UMD football? I'm extremely encouraged and excited about this football program and where it is headed. Over my previous seven seasons I have seen a tremendous improvement in the commitment made to UMD football by our administration and our players. Our new strength and conditioning facility is a state-of-the-art training center and will give us the necessary tools to prepare our players for the long and competitive schedule we play in the NCC. The goal is to compete at the highest level of Division II football and we are headed in that direction.

How did fall camp go for the defensive unit and will there be any major differences between last year’s defense and the 2006 unit?For the most part, I think we had a strong fall camp. The biggest difference between this year and last is the experience and depth we have on defense. With nine of eleven starters returning along with 17 of our top 22 if gives us a group who has played in some big games and guys who understand what takes to win. In the NCC you win with experience and depth.



What effect do you feel winning a piece of the NCC championship last season will have on the mentality of the returning players this season? Winning the NCC and making the NCAA playoffs has given our guys a great deal of confidence in our scheme and in each other. However, each season brings with it a different team and it's important that we look ahead and not back. It will be a different challenge this season because of the expectations we have.

Obviously North Dakota is regarded year-in and year-out as the team to beat in the NCC. What other schools, in your opinion, have an opportunity to vie for the conference crown this fall?I honestly think every team in our league could win a championship this year! South Dakota will be extremely talented and playing with a chip on their shoulder because they didn’t receive an NCAA playoff berth a year ago. Nebraska Omaha perennially has as much talent as anyone in the country in Division II football. St Cloud State has been in the upper division of the NCC the past few seasons. MSU-Mankato, although they struggled last season, has an outstanding group of athletes and was hurt by injuries to some key players a year ago. Augustana College finished the season with three straight wins and returns one of the top quarterbacks in the league. The unknowns are the two Washington schools (Central Washington and Western Washington) who have traditionally been solid DII programs. Every week will be a “dog fight” and the champion will ultimately need a few breaks along the way.

Who will you be looking to this fall for leadership on the defensive side of the football?Leadership on defense this season needs to come from the guys who have spent a lot of time on the field the last few years. Kevin Krenz, one of our senior captains, Jon Rufledt, Nate Fears are experienced and skilled linebackers while Tyler Yelk and Trent Scheidecker, another senior co-captain, are two key people we have in the secondary. Up front, we will be counting on Dustin Timmersman and Brandon Culpepper , among others, to lead by example.

How would you sum up what it is like to play for John Steger, defensive coordinator?Playing for defense at UMD is something we want the guys to take pride in. Our guys know they have a responsibility of carrying on a great tradition. We run an attacking style defense which forces our players be put in situations where the can get after it and have some fun. I want our guys to look forward to coming to practice, having a good time, and playing the game the right way. If we can do that day after day, it will carry into Saturdays and throughout the season.