A talent-laden group of 21 student-athletes, including a quintet of local high school standouts, have signed national letters of intent to attend and play football for the defending NCAA Division II champion University of Minnesota Duluth next fall.
"We are extremely pleased with this recruiting class -- it's a high-quality group of athletes," said Bob Nielson, the 2008 D2football.com National Coach of the Year who will begin his seventh season with the Bulldogs this fall. "Overall, I think our coaching staff did a tremendous job in identifying and addressing our future needs on offense, defense and special teams. We were quite successful in bringing in most of the kids we had targeted at each of the various positions and that's a testament to all of the hard work our staff put into our recruiting efforts."
Complete Release (pdf)
2009 Recruit Photos, Roster
The 2009 UMD recruiting class, which is comprised of nine incoming freshmen from Minnesota and 11 from Wisconsin and one junior college transfer is as follows:
Player Pos Hgt Wgt Hometown (High School)
Chase Aho DL 6-3 265 Hastings, Minn. (Hastings HS)
Pat Alexander TE 6-5 225 Hillsboro, Wis. (Hillsboro HS)
Jordan Bauman LB 6-1 225 Edgar, Wis. (Stratford HS)
Chris Blake DB 5-11 170 Superior, Wis. (Superior HS)
Kenny Chowa DB 5-11 175 Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie HS)
Mike Downing OL 6-2 285 Duluth, Minn. (East HS)
Brent Jorgenson QB 6-2 180 De Pere, Wis. (De Pere HS)
Matt McCollom LB 6-2 225 Rochester, Minn. (Rochester CC)
Travis Nordhus DB 6-1 170 Rochester, Minn. (Mayo HS)
Kris Olson TE 6-4 205 Foley, Minn. (Foley HS)
Thomas Olson OL 6-6 240 Coon Rapids, Minn. (Totino Grace HS)
Ryan Piel DL 6-2 255 Wausau, Wis. (Wausau West HS)
Joe Reichert WR 6-2 195 Superior, Wis. (Superior HS)
Colby Ring LB 6-0 210 Baxter, Minn. (Brainerd HS)
Wade Sebold DL 6-5 230 Colby, Wis. (Colby HS)
Austin Selvick WR 6-4 190 New Berlin, Wis. (Eisenhower HS)
Chris Vandervest DL 6-1 250 Green Bay, Wis. (Ashwaubenon HS)
Chase Vogler QB 5-11 170 Inver Grove Heights, Minn. (Rosemount HS)
Matt Wicklund DL 6-4 225 Duluth, Minn. (Two Harbors HS)
Jake Wilson WR 6-0 175 Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie HS)
Nate Zuk LB 6-2 210 Willow River, Minn. (Moose Lake-Willow River HS)
UMD closed out its 76th, and most memorable, season of intercollegiate football this past December by going a perfect 15-0 and capturing the school's first NCAA II title of any kind. The Bulldogs, who defeated Northwest Missouri State University 21-14 for the national championship in Florence, Ala., also placed first in the overall Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings with a 10-0 mark. Along the way, UMD shattered or equalled some 50 individual and team single-game, single-season and career marks while producing a whopping nine All-Americans.
Chase Aho (DL • 6-3 • 235 • Hastings, Minn. • Hastings HS) - Starred for three seasons under head coach Dana Strain at Hastings High School of the Suburban East Conference … lined up at four different positions during his varsity career (defensive end, defensive tackle, fullback, tight end) … also threw shot put for the track and field team, lettering three times … spent one season each with the basketball and wrestling Raiders… is the son of Dan Aho and Marta Aho.
Coach John Steger Says: “Chase is a quality defensive lineman who will bring a very physical style of play."
Pat Alexander (TE • 6-5 • 225 • Hillsboro, Wis. • Hillsboro HS) -Was a four-time letterwinner for Hillsboro High School, which compiled a 39-7 record over the course of those four seasons … received All-Scenic Bluffs Conference status on both sides of the football following his farewell season after being bestowed with honorable mention honors as a junior (defensive end) and sophomore (tight end) … paced the Tigers in sacks in each of his final three seasons and in receiving yardage in 2006 and 2008 … was coached by Eric Auel … also participated in basketball (scoring over 1,000 points in four seasons) and baseball (three years) as a prep … is the son of David Alexander (a former longtime football head football coach at Hillsboro High School) and Jane Koehler ... His older brother Drew is a junior wide receiver for the Winona State University football team.
Coach John Steger Says: “Pat is a very gifted athlete, who has the skills to get down field as a tight end but is physical enough to be a force on the line of scrimmage.”
Jordan Bauman (LB • 6-1 • 225 • Edgar, Wis. • Stratford HS) - Reigned as the leading tackler for Stratford High School this past fall … was chosen to the All-Marawood Conference team while captaining the Tigers in 2008 … earned second team All-Conference recognition as a sophomore defensive end … was part of three state championship teams … played under head coach Cal Tackes … spent four seasons with the Tigers' wrestling team, corralling one all-conference selection ... is the son of Dave and Debbie Bauman.
Coach John Steger Says: "Jordan is an outstanding addition to our linebacker group. He has the size and athletic ability we look for in our outside linebackers."
Chris Blake (DB • 5-11 • 170 • Superior, Wis. • Superior HS) - Capped off his four-year Superior High School gridiron career in 2008 by being named the Superior Telegram's All-Area Player of the Year for a second straight time while playing for coach Bob DeMeyer … was bestowed with All-Big Rivers Conference honors at two different positions – defensive back (2007 and 2008) and running back (2008) … also attained All-Region and All-State honorable mention recognition as a senior … started two years in basketball (guard) and has patrolled the outfield for the baseball Spartans for three seasons as well … is the son of Bob and Janet Blake.
Coach John Steger Says: Chris is an exceptional athlete with great quickness which will translate well to college level at cornerback."
Kenny Chowa (DB • 5-11 • 175 • Menomonie, Wis. • Menomonie HS) – Saved some of his best prep football for last and was rewarded by gaining spots on the All-Big Rivers Conference Team (his second straight selection) and All-Northwest Team … participated in two state tournaments as a two-way player (defensive back and running back) for Menomonie High School … earned a reputation as a ball hawking defender, racking up six interceptions as a senior … was coached by Joe LaBuda … also lettered three times as a sprinter on the Indians track and field team … is the son of Shadreck and Lydia Chowa.
Coach John Steger Says: "Kenny has all the athletic skills it takes to be an outstanding cover corner at the college level.”
Mike Downing (OL • 6-2 • 285 • Duluth, Minn. • Duluth East HS) – Was one of the anchors of the Duluth East High School's offensive and defensive lines the past three seasons, snaring All-North Country Conference (first team in 2008 honorable mention in 2007), Duluth News-Tribune All-Area, All-Section (2008) and All-State (honorable mention) honors along the way … participated in the Minnesota AAAA playoffs in both 2007 and 2008 … captained the North Country Conference champion Greyhounds as a senior … played for head coach Joe Heitala at Duluth East High School … is the son of Jon “Rusty” (a hockey goaltender at UMD from 1981-85) and Sue Downing.
Coach Peter Lue Says: Mike is a physical and aggressive player who is a leader on and off the field."
Brent Jorgenson (QB • 6-2 • 180 • DePere, Wis. • DePere HS) – His 2008 portfolio of postseason accolades included selections to the All-Fox River Classic Conference, All-Area (for the second successive season) and Associated Press All-State (honorable mention teams) … handled DePere High School's team captaincy responsibilities as a senior … lined up behind center for three years for coach Greg Rabas and the Redbirds … has started in the Redbird basketball court the last three seasons … is also a four-year regular (pitcher and third base) in baseball at DePere High Schools … is the son of Terry Jorgenson and Susan Zehren.
Coach Nick Goeser Says: “Brent is a smart football player who's a threat both running and throwing the football. He has a bright future here at UMD."
Matt McCollom (LB • 6-2 • 215 • Rochester, Minn. • Rochester CC) – Will enter the Bulldog program as a junior having played previously at Rochester Community College (in 2008) -- the same institution which turned out current UMD All-American running back Isaac Odim -- and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls ... is a graduate of Rochester's Century High School.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: "Matt will bring experience and depth to our linebacking crew. He is someone we expect to have an early impact on our defense."
Travis Nordhus (DB • 6-1 • 170 • Rochester, Minn. • Rochester Mayo HS) – Was an All-Big Nine Conference and All-State (honorable mention) pick in 2008 … started two years (safety and quarterback) at Rochester Mayo High School, where he was coached by Kevin Landherr … captained the Spartans as a senior and was chosen their Most Valuable Player in the process …has lettered three times as a middle infielder in baseball with the Spartans … is the son of Steven and Rene Nordhus.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: "Travis is a good-sized safety who moves well sideline-to- sideline. Travis plays well against the run and pass and has proven he is a leader."
Kris Olson (TE • 6-4 • 205 • Foley, Minn. • Foley HS) – Skillfully displayed his talents at an assortment of positions – tight end, fullback, wide receiver, defensive end and nose guard during his three years with the Foley High School varsity … secured All-West Central North Conference, St. Cloud Times All-Area, All-Section, All-State (honorable mention) and Academic All-State recognition as a senior … was named the Falcons Lineman of the Year and served as team captain that season … is a three-time All-Conference performer in wrestling and a two-year baseball starter (catcher and pitcher) at Foley High School … is the son of Steve and Carolyn Olson.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: “Kris is an versatile, athletic tight end who will be a threat in the pass game. He brings the ability to play both in the backfield and on the line of scrimmage.”
Tom Olson (OL • 6-6 • 240 • Coon Rapids, Minn. • Totino Grace HS) – Became accustomed to winning at a high level in three seasons at Totino Grace High School … started for the Eagles' during their conquests of the Minnesota State AAAA championship in both 2006 and 2007 … served as a team captain during his senior season and went on to earn North Suburban All-Academic Team honors … was coached by Jeff Ferguson at Totino Grace High School …also was a two-year starter in both basketball (center) and baseball (catcher) for the Eagles … is the son of David and Antoinette Olson.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: "Tom is a big athletic tackle with a great frame. Tom shows potential to become a leader in our offensive line."
Ryan Piel (DL • 6-2 • 255 • Wausau, Wis. • Wausau West HS) – Maintained a starting role on the Wausau West High School defensive line for three seasons … was a member of the All-Wisconsin Valley Team in both 2007 and 2008 … captained the Warriors as a senior and was also named their Defensive MVP… played under Kevin Grundy at Wausau West High School … also has enjoyed a rewarding wrestling career (heavyweight) with the Warriors, which includes a Wisconsin State team championship in 2008 … is the son of Mike Piel (who played football at the University of Minnesota between 1982-85) and Karen Piel.
Coach John Steger Says: "Ryan is a physical inside player who will fit in well at nosetackle in our 3-4 defense."
Joe Reichert (WR • 6-2 • 195 • Superior, Wis. • Superior HS) – Served as the triggerman for Superior High School's offense since taking over the starting quarterback duties as a sophomore … landed Superior Daily Telegram All-Area Team honors three straight seasons and was selected that newspaper's Co-Player of the Year in 2008 … also was a two-time All-Big Rivers Conference choice (honorable mention quarterback in 2007 and 2008 and punter in 2007 … captained the Spartans last fall and was a teammate of fellow 2009 Bulldog recruit Chris Blake … was coached on the gridiron by Bob DeMeyer … also has utilized athletic abilities as a member of the basketball (guard forward) and track and field (high jump, sprints) teams at Superior High School … is the son of Charles and Debra Reichert.
Coach John Steger Says: “Joe is an outstanding athlete who plays the game with tremendous passion, both characteristics of great wide receivers."
Colby Ring (LB • 6-0 • 210 • Baxter, Minn. • Brainerd HS) – Is the reigning Brainerd Dispatch Area Player of the Year … exited the Brainerd High School football program last fall as its all-time leader in tackles … received Associated All-State honorable mention notice as a senior and junior at two different positions – linebacker and running back – and as a sophomore for his defensive play … was a Mr. Football finalist and All-Central Lakes Conference honoree (for the second straight year) in 2008 topped the 2007 and 2008 Warriors in scoring … played under head coach Ron Stolski at Brainerd High School … has participated for three years in hockey (defenseman) and track (sprints) with the Warriors … is the son of Jon and Cylinda Ring.
Coach Peter Lue Says: " Colby is an athletic, physical linebacker who plays sideline-to-sideline.”
Wade Sebold (DL • 6-5 • 230 • Colby, Wis. • Colby HS) – Was an All-Eastern Cloverbelt Conference selection as a senior, junior and sophomore … captained the Hornets to the Wisconsin State Division 5 championship last fall – his fourth year of varsity competition … was deployed at defensive end, tight end and punter by Colby High School head coach Jeff Rosemeyer … has also started since his freshmen season for both the basketball (center) and baseball Hornets … is the son of Mark and Judy Sebold.
Coach John Steger Says: “Wade possess great size and explosiveness for a defensive end. His style is a perfect fit for our defensive line.”
Austin Selvik (WR • 6-4 • 190 • New Berlin, Wis. • Eisenhower HS) – Certainly ranks as one of the most prolific pass catchers in Eisenhower High School history, having concluded his playing days with a school-record 79 receptions which he parlayed into 1,206 yards and 23 touchdowns … was tabbed to the All-Woodland Conference on two occasions (2007 and 2008) …played under Coach Jeff Setz at Eisenhower High School … started at point guard for the Lions' Wisconsin State Division II title team in 2007-08 … is the son of Tom and Sue Selvick.
Coach Nick Goeser Says: “Austin is a big, physical receiver who will go up and get the football. He has good speed for a guy with his size will be a big part of the offense in the future."
Chris Vandervest (DL • 6-1 • 250 • Green Bay, Wis. • Ashwaubenon HS) – Received his pre-collegiate training at Ashwaubenon High School, where he started for two seasons on the Jaguars' defensive line … racked up 15 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss as a senior captain for loss en route to being chosen to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State Team and the Fox River Classic Conference Defensive Player of the Year … was an All-FRCC pick in 2007 and 2008 as well … played under head coach Larry Nelson at Ashwaubenon High School … also has made quite a name for himself in the prep swimming circles, winning a state title in the breast stroke and earning All-State acclaim three times … is the son of Jeffrey and Mary Vandervest.
Coach Nick Goeser Says: "Chris is a very explosive player. Has great get-off and has the potential to be a dominant lineman in this league."
Chase Vogler (QB • 5-11 • 170 • Inver Grove Heights, Minn. • Rosemount HS) – Ended his prep career with a bang, captaining Rosemount High School to the Lake Conference title and to the seminfinal round of the Minnesota State AAAAA playoffs … secured, Associated Press All-State (honorable mention), Minnesota Vikings All State, and All-Metro status as a senior … was also a two-time All-Lake Conference honoree (2007 and 2008) …. did time at quarterback, wide receiver and free safety in addition to returning punt and kicks during his prep playing days … played under head coach Jeff Erdmann at Rosemount High School … also has lettered four times in basketball (guard) and tennis with the Irish … is the son of Joel and Lonna Vogler.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: "Chase is an athletic quarterback who has playmaking ability. He has shown with his arm strength and pocket presence that he can move the ball down field."
Matt Wicklund (DL • 6-4 • 255 • Duluth, Minn. • Two Harbors HS) - Was a four-season mainstay on the defensive and offensive fronts for Two Harbors High School … was bestowed with All-Polar League acclaim as a senior and junior and captained the Agates those same two years … helped lead the Agates to a Section 7A runnerup finish this past fall … played under head coach Tom Nelson at Two Harbors High School … was an all-conference performer in track and field for the Agates … has lettered three times in track (shot put, discus, sprints) and hockey (goalie and forward) … is the son of John and Kris Wicklund.
Coach Nick Goeser Says: "Matt has the ability to be a very good defensive and all around player. He has shown that he can rush the passer and play physical in the run game.”
Jake Wilson (WR • 6-0 • 175 • Menomonie, Wis. • Menomonie HS) – Finished first among his 2008 Menomonie High School teammates in a battery of statistical categories such as pass reception yardage, scoring and rushing yardage … was a two-way for a pair of season and helped get the Indians to back-to-back state quarterfinal playoff appearances (2007 and 2008) … was an All-Big Rivers Conference honoree as both a junior and senior (along with Indian teammate and 2009 UMD recruit Kenny Chowa) .. . played under head coach Joe Labuda at Menomonie High School … has also participated in track (sprints) and basketball (guard) for the Indians … is the son of Dan and Jo Wilson.
Coach John Steger Says: "Jake is a big-play wide receiver who will be a great fit for in our offensive system.”
Nate Zuk (LB • 6-2 • 210 • Willow River, Minn. • Moose Lake-Willow River HS) – Was chosen the Duluth News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year for the second season in a row this past fall … made quite an impact at both the linebacker and running back positions as a prep -- garnered the Great Polar Alliance's Most Valuable Offensive and Defensive Player of Year awards following his junior and senior seasons … earned Associated Press All-State honorable mention distinction on two occasions (2007 and 2008) and All-Great Polar Alliance honors three times (2006-08) … helped lead the Rebels to a 12-1 record this past fall and its third straight Minnesota State AA Tournament berth ... played under Dave Louzek at Moose Lake-Willow River … also is a four-year starter in both baseball (pitcher and outfielder) and basketball (forward) where he is the school's career scoring leader … is the son of Dennis and Deanne Zuk.
Coach Curt Wiese Says: “Nate is an athletic, versatile linebacker who has shown he can play multiple positions. His size and speed will make him an impact player."
*All signings are contingent upon admission to UMD and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse.
