Season Outlook

2004-05

Building on Tradition

Graceland University football prepares for year number two under Head Coach Cris Welch.

In 2003 as a first year head coach, Welch’s squad had a 5-5 record and his team showed signs of brilliance that could lead to a very successful 2004 campaign. Stability will be a key to this year’s Yellowjackets, as Welch now has a season under his belt and has the fortune of returning most of his coaching staff.

Coaches
Offensive Coordinator Craig Spence will call the plays once again for the Yellowjackets. Kenneth Ray, offensive line and head junior varsity coach, brings eight years of experience as he comes to Graceland from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Craig Foster is back for his second year as tight ends coach and video coordinator. A new addition to the staff, Dewey Clark will serve as an offensive assistant and liaison with admissions and financial aid. Last season’s quarterback Tom Campos is a student assistant working with the quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Alan Dykens will coordinate the defense for his second year at Graceland. Class of 1965 graduate Glenn Brush is in his fourth year as a defensive line coach for the Yellowjackets. Coming from St. Ambrose University, Adam Clark will work with the team as strength and conditioning and defensive backs coach. Louis Neal returns for his second year to lead his group of jacks and bucks. Rounding out the new faces on the coaching staff is Ray Dykens, who will be an assistant with the linebackers and special teams. A familiar face to Graceland, Opie Butler will serve as a defensive assistant this season. Graceland football’s all-time winningest coach, Bill Dudek, will assist with some of the administrative and operations duties for the 2004 football season.

On the field the Yellowjackets have a great core of returning players, complimented by a group of recruits that will be full of impact players and role players.

Offense
Coach Spence has a good core of returning players, led by 2003 unanimous decision, first team all-conference wide receiver and kick returner Dante Johnson (SR, 6-1, 200). Wide receiver Anthony Rozier (SR, 6-3, 195) will be back as the other key part of the dynamic duo that was a great one-two punch for the Jackets in 2003.

Running backs Demitrius Cox (RSF, 5-10, 215), Kengen Jones (JR, 5-11, 220) and Julius Strong (SO, 5-8, 165) look to lead the way on the ground in 2004. Fullbacks Mike Stephens (SR, 6-2, 245) and Ryan Hefta (SO, 6-2, 250), along with tight end Brian Tinker (JR, 6-0, 235) will add valuable yards and points this season. All of the yards will be made possible if the beef on the offensive line can create some holes. Returning on the line will be Justin Nave (SO, 5-11, 240), James Williams (SR, 6-3, 260), Mike Williams (SO, 6-4, 275) and Louis O’Brien (SR, 6-2, 290).

The list of returning players is impressive, as is the long list of newcomers which is highlighted by transfer quarterbacks Eric Boatwright (JR, 6-5, 245), from Boston College and Clayton Braddock (JR, 6-1, 220), Missouri Southern State University.

Tight end Josh Good (JR, 6-1, 230, I-35 H.S., Iowa) will return to the team after one year of military service in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard.

Defense
Coach Dykens has a good mix of returning players and newcomers. Returning linebackers Craig Hidy (SO, 6-0, 215), Joseph Butler (SO, 6-1, 215) and Tony Ingram (JR, 5-10, 210) will be the core of what should be a very athletic defense. Redshirts Manny Espinoza (6-0, 220, Citrus JC, Calif.) and Pablo Moreno (5-10, 220, Chaffey CC, Calif.) will be in the mix this season.

Defensive backs Reggie Cox (SR, 5-8, 170) and Michael Richardson (SR, 6-1, 195) – honorable mention All-American in 2003 – had solid seasons in 2003 and will provide leadership on the defense. Wayne Waldon (RSF, 5’9, 185) had a great spring and looks to push for time at corner. Lamoni native Brent Delong (JR, 5-9, 185) will be battling for the starting spot at free safety. Sophomore Robert Pentek (SO, 5’11, 190) will push for the nod at one of the jack or buck spots after having a solid freshman season.

Defensive linemen William Cruz (SO, 6-0, 255) and Ron Strozyk (JR, 6-2, 255) will anchor the crew of returning defensive players.

Special Teams
Special teams will see the return of four players that have opened a lot of eyes in the HAAC. Kicker Danny Laguna (JR, 5-11, 215) and punter Anthony Posteraro (JR, 6-0, 185) will be back along with two of the best return men in the game: Dante Johnson and Anthony Rozier.

“Last year we were able to identify the standard for football in the HAAC,” said Head Coach Cris Welch. “We have been able to get the right fit when it comes to both a coaching staff and a group of young men to go to work on the field. After the 2003 season and last spring, it is evident to this program of what we are capable of accomplishing. These young men have clearly embraced the dedication, commitment and sacrifice it takes to be successful.”

In his second year at the helm of Graceland’s football program, Welch feels he has all of the tools needed to make a rush to the top of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. “We have established a new attitude and expectation here at Graceland,” said Welch. The support of our campus and community has been tremendous.”

The new attitude will help Graceland set the bar higher in 2004 in what could be a championship season.