Nov. 9, 2000

VERMILLION, S.D. -

MATCHUP: South Dakota, riding a three-game North Central Conference winning streak, will host Minnesota State, Mankato Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. in the DakotaDome. In the 24th meeting between the schools, the Coyotes will attempt to extend their season winning streak to four games and their series streak to three games against Minnesota State.

THE SERIES: South Dakota owns a 14-9 series advantage in a series that began in 1968 with a 28-14 Coyote victory. South Dakota won the first four games between the schools and has also won the last two matchups. In terms of streaks, South Dakota won six in a row from 1975, 1982-86 and Minnesota State won five in a row from 1989 to 1994. The Coyotes' biggest margin of victory was 39-3 in 1972 while the Mavericks won 35-8 in 1990.

THE LAST TIME: South Dakota defeated Minnesota State, 35-29 in the DakotaDome a year ago in the final game of the season. All-American running back Jamel White rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns as the Coyotes overcame an early 17-7 deficit to defeat Minnesota State.

SOUTH DAKOTA HAS WON FIVE OF SIX: In winning five of their last six, the Coyotes have outscored opponents 157-72. In the last three games, all Coyote victories, the Coyotes have outscored opponents 98-41.

COYOTES REMAIN 6TH IN MIDWEST REGION: The Coyotes remained sixth in the Midwest Region rankings as of Nov. 6. Northwest Missouri State remained number one in the region and nationally. The rest of the region in order includes: Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota State, Pittsburg State, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri Western State, Winona State, Bemidji State and Central Missouri State.

SOUTH DAKOTA SAYS GOODBYE TO 21 SENIORS: South Dakota will say good bye to 21 seniors during a pre-game ceremony at South Dakota's final regular season game on Saturday, Nov. 11. Student-athletes and their parents will be recognized. "When they came in this fall they wanted to be remembered as the class that turn around South Dakota into a winning program. It is now their legacy. They are the heart and soul of this team and a group that has led by example. They have great work ethic and I couldn't ask for a better class of seniors." The seniors include: co-captains Josh Stamer, Sutherland, Iowa, Steve Young, Custer, S.D., Nate Irwin, Cherokee, Iowa, Lee Bunge, Hartley, Iowa, Miguel Regalado, Peona, Ariz., and Scott Larson, Mobridge, S.D. Other graduating seniors are Joe Anderson, Oakland, Neb., Russel Burwell, Canoga Park, Calif., Jeremiah Charlson, Brookings, S.D., Tim Cook, Lyle, Minn., Ryan Eagle, Marshalltown, Iowa, Kaseem Gaines, Trenton, N.J., Verick Gray, Miami, Fla., Jesse Haines, White Lake, S.D., Mitch Hauschildt, Marshalltown, Iowa, Adam Hicks, Sioux Falls, S.D., Brian Litecky, Coon Rapids, Minn., Greg Schmidt, Ireton, Iowa, Stephen Solberg, Overland Park, Kan., Rory Triplett and Sean Triplett, both of Iowa City, Iowa, and Mike Weister, Marshfield, Wis.

HEIDER'S NUMBER TO BE RETIRED IN SPECIAL CEREMONY: The University of South Dakota is honoring one of its all-time greats in football on Saturday, Nov. 11. South Dakota will retire #40 in honor of former Coyote Henry Heider who died as a result of a car accident two months ago. This will be the first number ever retired by USD. In respect to the Heider family, the South Dakota football team will wear a #40 on their helmets during Saturday's game. "It is important to honor Henry because of the person he was," said Barney Ruehl, a former teammate who helped organize this special memoriam event in coordination with athletic director Kelly Higgins.

With Henry's wife, Sue Heider and members of the Heider family, Ruehl and about 30 teammates will gather at the 50-yard line to participate in the event honoring Heider during halftime of today's game. "Henry was an outstanding football player and a good person who did great things. He came to the U with morals in tact, which he obviously got, from his parents and his upbringing. This should be a compliment to his parents. He believed enough that he lived it in what he did on and off the football field," Ruehl said. "When we were down, he picked us up. When we were up he kept us there. I think it is important to pass these values on to today's generation where they can never be exposed to too many good influences. That's what Henry was, a good influence," said Ruehl.

Anybody who watched Heider play never came away disappointed. He was a force on the field. At 6-1, 215, Henry Heider wasn't the biggest player on the field but he was one of the very best. Leave no doubt, Heider, who played from 1970-73 for head coach Joe Salem's Coyotes, was a key member of two North Central Conference championship teams. A hard-nosed performer, Heider used his speed and strength to make plays for the Coyotes. Originally of Pleasanton, Neb., Heider earned all-NCC honors in both 1972 and 1973 and was a key contributor on the "Salem's Super Shrimps" defensive unit, noted for its aggressiveness and toughness, albeit lack of size. Perhaps his junior year was Heider's best as a Coyote. A dominant force on defense, Heider helped lead the Coyotes to a 9-1 record, tying North Dakota State and North Dakota for the top spot in the NCC. After an early season loss to North Dakota, the resilient and talented Coyotes closed the year with eight straight victories including a win over unbeaten NDSU, 35-21 at old Inman Field. During that super 1972 season, Heider was named the NCC's Most Valuable Defensive Back and was a second team all-America selection. The 1972 team was selected the Team of the Year in South Dakota by the South Dakota Sportswriter's Association, ranked fourth in the final UPI College Division Poll and sixth in the last Associated Press small-college ratings. Heider and five other players were named first-team all-conference. Heider was named the NCC's Most Valuable Defensive Back and teammate Gary Kipling, the conference Most Outstanding Lineman. How valuable was Heider to his team? Ruehl called him the "conductor of the symphony."

"He was the glue that held it all together. It was his huddle, his defense, and his call. He was always driven by his pride. He epitomized what Coyote football is about and what the 'super shrimps' represented ... it didn't matter how much an underdog we were or how big the opponent, he always expected to win and win as a team," Ruehl said.

"Henry carried with him the binding spirit that forged a team out of individuals," said USD athletic director Kelly Higgins, a former teammate. "This spirit enabled a group to achieve in a way that did not see possible on paper." Heider averaged more than 12 tackles a game and had eight career interceptions for 171 yards in returns. As a sophomore, he had an interception and three fumble recoveries before recording four interceptions for 112 yards in returns, including a 56-yard effort, during his junior season. As a senior, he had three interceptions for 33 yards in returns. A member of the Nebraska Shrine Bowl team in 1970, Heider was a key member of a Ravenna High School team that did not allow a single point when he was a junior. He was born Sept. 12, 1952 in Kearney, Neb., to Mr. and Mrs. Orville Heider of Pleasanton, Neb.

In memory of Henry Heider, his former Coyote teammates and friends have raised more than $6,000 to establish an athletic scholarship at USD. A plaque will be displayed with his retired jersey in the east concourse of the DakotaDome.

DUSTY STAMER NAMED NCC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dusty Stamer was named NCC co-Offensive Player of the Week in an announcement by the conference office. Stamer had 32 carries for 242 yards plus a 64-yard touchdown run. Stamer, whose previous high was a 139-yard effort against Truman State in week 2, had runs of 11, 12, 27, 36 and 38 yards in addition to the 64-yard burst against SDSU. He broke the freshman single game rushing record of 198 yards by Emmett Huston in 1978. He had 149 yards in the first half and 228 yards by the end of the third quarter. Stamer, who had a 79-yard touchdown run vs. Truman State, has rushed for over 100 yards four times this season.

HICKS TIES COYOTE RECORD FOR FIELD GOALS IN SEASON: Senior kicker Adam Hicks of Sioux Falls has converted 16 of 21 field goals in 2000 which ties him with Terry Godfrey for the single season mark of made field goals. Godfrey made 16 of 26 in 1984. With his next field goal, Hicks will become the single season record holder. Hicks, who has made 26 of 27 PATs, currently sits at number nine on the Coyote scoring list. His 74 points this season gives him 176 for his career. With five points, he moves into sixth place all-time. Ahead of him at 180 points include Carl Johnson (1954-56), Jared Schwenn (1994-97) and Steve Pelot (1968-70). In addition, Hicks has made seven field goals in a row which is just two behind the nine straight by current CFL kicker Mark McLoughlin in 1986. With 74 points this season, Hicks is also on the trail of McLoughlin for most points scored by kicking. McLoughlin made 13 field goals and 41 extra points in 1986.

STAMER, LARSON NECK TO NECK IN TACKLES FOR A LOSS: All-American linebacker candidate Josh Stamer, a senior from Sutherland, Iowa, has recorded 64 tackles including a team-high 18 tackles for a loss and team-high six sacks. For his career, Stamer has 144 tackles, 33 tackles for a loss (129 yards), 15.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. With three tackles for a loss (10 yards) against SDSU, senior defensive tackle Scott Larson moved to 17 on the season.

SOUTH DAKOTA FARES WELL IN TEAM NCC STATS: South Dakota remains atop the turnover margin team category at 1.50 per game. The Coyotes have intercepted 19 passes, recovered 10 fumbles and lost seven fumbles and seven interceptions for a +15 turnover margin. South Dakota allow leads the NCC in pass defense efficiency with a 89.4 percentage. The Coyotes are fourth in the NCC in scoring defense, allowing 18.6 per game. The Coyotes have allowed 186 points. The Coyotes are fourth in sacks with 25 and second in opponent fourth down conversion at 28.6 percent. South Dakota is third in pass defense, allowing 163.3 yards per game. In total defense, South Dakota is fourth, allowing 272.7 yards per game. The Coyotes have limited opponents to a 46.9 completion percentage (142-303).

COYOTE NUMBERS: South Dakota is averaged 24.6 points per game in 10 games (246 points). South Dakota has 28 touchdowns and 26 PATs with one two-point conversion and 16 field goals as well as a safety. The Coyotes are fourth in the NCC in rushing offense at 155.9 per game. The Coyotes have permitted the fewest sacks with eight in 10 games. Defensively the Coyotes have 90 tackles for a loss (297 yards), 25 sacks (183 yards), 19 pass interceptions and 43 pass breakups. The Coyotes have seven quarterback hurries and 10 fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks.

INDIVIDUALS IN NCC STATS: Russel Burwell continues to lead the NCC in interceptions with seven or .70 per game and he is first in passes defended with 21 (14 breakups and seven interceptions). Scott Larson and Bill Gassen are second in fumbles forced with two. Dusty Stamer is fifth in rushing with 907 yards or 100.8 per game and fifth in all-purpose yards with 1,129 or 125.4 per game. Filip Filipovic is third in punting at 41.0 per punt. Adam Hicks is first field goals with 16 out of 21 for 76.2 percent or 1.60 per game and first in field goal percentage at 76.2 percent. He is fourth in PAT kicking percentage at 96.3 (26 of 27) and fourth in scoring with 74 points. Josh Stamer is second in tackles for a loss with 18 (48 yards) while Scott Larson is third with 17 (50 yards). Stamer is fourth in sacks with six.

COYOTE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Offensive MVP - Dusty Stamer (Grand Island, Neb.), Defensive MVP - Mark Blackburn (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Special Teams MVP - Adam Hicks (Sioux Falls), Offensive Hustle Award - Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa), Defensive Hustle Award - Scott Larson (Mobridge), Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week - Rob Cupich (Omaha, Neb.), and Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week - Tim Schellhamer (Wykoff, Minn.).

ON MINNESOTA STATE: Minnesota State will try to snap a two-game losing streak to South Dakota and win their second in a row after rolling past Morningside, 47-6 last Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa. MSU scored 33 points in the fourth quarter to break from a 14-6 advantage. Minnesota State received two touchdown runs from T.J. Schraufnagel, who has scored one touchdown in 16 of the past 21 games. Schraufnagel, who is second on the Maverick's all-time career rushing chart with 2,913 (Bernie Maczuga, 3,129, 1967-69), has 836 yards rushing on 241 carries with 10 touchdowns. Ryan Dutton has completed 111-196 passes for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns. Andrew Shea has completed 44-95 passes for 529 yards and threw scores. Dan Weldon leads receivers with 43 catches for 622 yards and seven scores while Joe Carwardine has 41 catches for 419 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Rainey Briggs had 99 tackles including one interception and two tackles for a loss (11 yards). Dewey Reilly, who is third on the Maverick's all-time career tackles list with 363, has 97 tackles this season, including 11 tackles for a loss (25 yards) and four fumble recoveries. Defensively the Mavericks have 62 tackles for a loss (238 yards) and 23 sacks (134 yards) as well as six interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries. They have blocked one kick.

COACHES: John Austin, a 1980 graduate of South Dakota, is in his second year as head coach at South Dakota. Austin is 11-10 overall and 8-9 in the NCC at South Dakota. Prior to coming to South Dakota, he spent nine years at the University of Iowa under head coach Hayden Fry (now retired), including four years as the team's defensive line coach. He was also Iowa's football recruiting coordinator and assistant offensive line coach for three years. With Austin as Iowa's recruiting coordinator, the 1994 recruiting class was rated third best in the Big Ten and 16th nationally. At Iowa, he coached three all-Big Ten linemen and two All-Americans. Seven players he recruited are playing in the NFL including four of whom he coached. Several of those players have returned to the USD campus to help Austin reshape the football program. He had a 22-21 record at Watertown High School from 1985-89, including a 9-3 mark in 1987 and an ESD conference championship. Twice, he was named to coach the South Dakota High School All-Star game. He was also a head coach at LaJunta, Co., high school and he spent the 1980-81 season as a student assistant at USD. John and his wife, Jill, have three children: Kelsie, Samantha and Erin. Dan Runkle is in his 20th season and his 104-116-2 (.473) record is the best in school history. Under his direction, the Mavericks have claimed two conference titles (1987, 1993) and made three NCAA appearances.

COMMENTS FROM COACH AUSTIN: On the SDSU win: "We are very pleased with the win, especially for the players, alumni and friends of Coyote football. We played very well from the start. After they closed the gap, we kept our composure and stayed ahead. I was disappointed that we allowed a late touchdown in the second quarter, which cut our lead to 24-14. I was impressed how we came out in the second half and we were able to move the ball up and down the field. That was the key to our win. They managed to get within two touchdowns but not any closer. Defensively we had a couple of misalignments that cost us, and we didn't tackle as well as we can. On special teams, we had a couple of big plays but we gave SDSU good field position too many times. Still it was an important win and one that our seniors can take pride in." On Minnesota State: "We are looking forward to the game with Minnesota State, a very solid squad. They have a very talented running back in T.J. Schraufnagel and we will have to hold him down. It will be senior day and we are excited for our seniors. We hope that a lot of people will come in and pack the DakotaDome for the final regular season game of the season."

COYOTE CAPTAINS: Seniors Josh Stamer of Sutherland, Iowa, Nate Irwin of Cherokee, Iowa, Steve Young of Custer, S.D., Scott Larson of Mobridge, S.D., Miguel Regalado of Peona, Calif., and Lee Bunge of Hartley, Iowa.

ALL-NCC RETURNEES: Linebacker Josh Stamer, offensive tackle Josh Burr, defensive back Kaseem Gaines

TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE: South Dakota has a long history of excellence in football. Not only have the Coyotes won nine North Central Conference titles, they have had 41 all-Americans and 204 all-NCC performers, including 17 NCC MVPs. South Dakota has an all-time record of 450-422-34. The Coyotes last won the NCC in 1978 although the 1986 team went to the NCAA Division II championship where they fell to fellow NCC mate North Dakota State, 27-7. The Coyotes fielded their first team in 1889, winning their first NCC title in 1927. Other conference-winning teams included squads in 1938, 1939, 1947, 1951, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1978. In the Coyotes' proud history, 23 individuals have served as head coach with James Henderson holding the best winning percentage of .750 (15-5, 1911-13). The Coyotes have had four unbeaten squads in the NCC including 1927 (V.E. Montgomery), 5-0-0, 1938 (Harry Gamage), 5-0-0, 1947 (Harry Gamage), 4-0-0, and 1951 (Harry Gamage), 6-0-0. Perhaps the greatest Coyote squad was the 1902 squad, which rolled up a 9-0 record and held every opponent without points as South Dakota recorded a 9-0 season under A.H. Whittemore. The 1968 and 1972 squads, coached by Joe Salem, were both 9-1. B.H. Morrison was the first Coyote head coach, then called a manager, and he totaled a 5-2-2 mark.

COYOTES IN THE NFL: Former Coyotes Jamel White (1998-99) and Matt Chatham (1994-98) are on NFL rosters. The Cleveland Browns signed White after he was a late cut by the Indianapolis Colts following preseason play. Chatham, a late cut by the St. Louis Rams, hooked on with the New England Patriots. White, a first-team all-NCC and second team all-American for the Coyotes in 1999, has returned 20 kickoffs for 460 yards for a 23.0 average. His best return is 0 yards. He has nine carries for 22 yards and has two receptions for 27 yards with a long of 25 yards. Chatham, who graduated in 1995 from USD, has played on special teams for the Patriots, recording one tackle.

AGAINST THE NCC: The Coyotes have winning records against five of the nine other NCC schools: Nebraska-Omaha (23-17-1), Morningside (58-28-5), South Dakota State University (50-45-7), Minnesota State, Mankato (14-9), and Augustana College (36-18-0). South Dakota's record against the other NCC schools is as follows: North Dakota (28-48-5), North Dakota State University (24-45-3), St. Cloud State University (8-11-0), Northern Colorado (12-18-0).

COYOTE ASSISTANT COACHES: Brent Salem (Northern Arizona '93), offensive coordinator, quarterbacks, running backs, Brad Salem (Augustana, SD, '92), recruiting coordinator, receivers, tight ends, Mark Hodson (Pacific Lutheran '91), offensive line, Bob Forsyth (Iowa '85), defensive secondary, Brett Chambers (Iowa '96), defensive line, strength coach

RADIO: The Coyotes game will be offered on the Coyote Sports Network and through the Internet. The flagship station is KVTK (1570) in Vermillion, S.D. The other members of the Coyote Sports Network include KSDR-AM (1480), Watertown, KQRN-FM (107.3), Mitchell, S.D., KTOQ-AM (1340), Rapid City. Kevin Culhane will serve as the voice of the Coyotes home and away during the 2000 football season. Jim Hockett provides color. Joe Van Goor will host Coyote Game Day coverage one hour and 15 minutes prior to gametime. Mike Daly will serve as the Coyote Game Day analyst.

RADIO: The Coyotes game vs. Minnesota State will be offered on the Coyote Sports Network and through the Internet. The flagship station is KVTK (1570) in Vermillion, S.D. The other members of the Coyote Sports Network include KSDR-AM (1480), Watertown, KQRN-FM (107.3), Mitchell, S.D., and KTOQ-AM (1340), Rapid City, Kevin Culhane will serve as the voice of the Coyotes home and away during the 2000 football season. Jim Hockett provides color. Joe Van Goor will host Coyote Game Day coverage one hour and 15 minutes prior to gametime. Mike Daily will serve as the Coyote Game Day analyst.

COYOTES ON THE INTERNET: In addition to the radio broadcast, Coyote fans can tune to the live game play-by-play on the internet at www.usdcoyotes.com or www.broadcastsports.com as well as listen by calling Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (team code - 6056). On Teamline fans can hear the live radio play-by-play of the Coyotes from any telephone in the world.

JOHN AUSTIN SHOW: Inside information about the Coyotes football program will be offered through a Thursday night coaches show on all sports radio KVTK AM (1570). The USD Sports Magazine Show begins at 6:05 p.m., followed by The John Austin Show at 6:30 p.m.