Coyote Sports Hall of Fame
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If one could describe the prototypical linebacker, Doug VanderEsch, originally of Hawarden, Iowa, filled the bill for the Coyotes. VanderEsch, now living in San Jose, Calif., ranks as perhaps the best at his position in school and league history. VanderEsch was named to the All-NCC squad in both 1987 and 1988. VanderEsch was one of 30 individuals nominated for the Harlon Hill Award (Division II College Player of the Year) in 1988. VanderEsch was named the NCC MVP (linebacker) in 1988 and also was a first team Associated Press All-America selection. At USD, he accumulated 431 tackles, four interceptions, five fumble recoveries, 13 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks during a stellar career at USD. VanderEsch's 431 tackles ranks second all-time at USD (Tim Seevers, 438). He was the NCC Defensive Player of the Week and Division II Regional Player of the Week by the Football Gazette on Sept. 3 in 1988. VanderEsch, whose cousin Darrell also played at USD, made at least 10 tackles in 17 consecutive games to end his career. As a senior, he had 142 tackles and had 153 as a junior. Twice, he had 17 tackles in a game during the 1988 season. VanderEsch owns USD’s single season record of 153 tackles. A three-year starter for USD, he helped the Coyotes compile a 34-15 record. In 1986, he was a starter on the Coyote squad that advanced to the NCAA Division II Championship game for the first time in program history. VanderEsch earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice in 1989 from USD.
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