No one in the University of Minnesota Duluth defensive secondary did a better job of keeping the airways free of enemy footballs in 2008 than cornerback Cole Strilzuk. The Balsam Lake, Wis. product closed out his first year of starting duty with a team-leading six interceptions, including one theft he brought back 65 yards for a touchdown at Missouri Western State University on Sept. 6, and had a pick in each of the Bulldogs' final three NCAA Division II playoff games.
Strilzuk, who has seven interceptions in four seasons with the Bulldogs and is averaging a whopping 46.4 yards per return, is serving as one of UMD's tri-captains this fall. He and the defending NCAA II champions are off to a 5-1 overall start in 2009 and will put their school record-tying 15-game Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference winning streak on the line this Saturday when they square off with Northern State University.
HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: St. Cloud State
Opponent Stadium: Al F. Caniglia Field (Nebraska-Omaha)
Road Trip: Florence, Alabama
Professional Athlete: Michael Jordan
Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings
Pastime: Barbecuing on a nice summer night
College Course: Developing and Marketing New Products
Prized Possession: My gorilla mask
Movie: Forrest Gump
Book (Author): Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer)
Television Show: Planet Earth
Singer or Group: Dave Matthews Band
Food:Watermelon
Restaurant: Uncle Louie's Cafe
Vacation Spot: Panama City Beach, Florida
Web Site: google.com
PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Why I Chose UMD: It's a great school on a Great Lake
First Played Competitive Football: In the 7th grade
Football Strength/Weakness: My muscles/ My flexibility
Game Day Ritual: I pray before each game
Most Memorable Football Moment: Winning the 2008 NCAA Division II championship
Pet Peeve: Mean muggers
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Taylor Swift
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I have four brothers
Biggest Fear: Snakes
Advice to a Young Athlete: Work harder than everyone else
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd be three inches taller
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My shoes
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Boxing
Influences On My Athletic Career: My family
Post-UMD Plans: Travel to Australia
