South Dakota football begins the fall football season August 10 with enthusiasm, high energy and momentum after one of the most successful football seasons in several years. The resurgence in Coyote football is a result of the 8-3 season in which the Coyotes won six of their last seven including the final four games of the 2000 season. It was the most victories by a Coyote football team since 1995. While the Coyotes have high prospects for the coming season they do so with guarded optimism as South Dakota lost 21 seniors to graduation.

"We have a lot of holes to fill and questions to be answered concerning this football team," said head coach John Austin, who has engineered a 9-9 mark in the North Central Conference and 12-10 overall in two years at South Dakota. "We are pleased with what we accomplished a year ago and very proud of the group of seniors that made it happen. But as fall ball opens, we need the underclassman to step into leadership roles and continue this program on the road to success," said Austin.

South Dakota, ranked sixth in the Midwest Region and in the top 30 in some national polls at the conclusion of the 2000 season, finished with a four-game winning streak that was the Coyotes' best since the 1987 team opened 5-0. Three years ago (1998), the Coyotes suffered through a tough 3-8 season, losing the final eight games of the season. Then, Austin and his coaching staff stepped aboard the sinking ship and began plugging the holes. In 1999, the Coyotes made significant headway, going 4-7, including a 3-6 NCC mark. Then in 2000, the Coyotes turned a 2-0 start into an 8-3 season.

A simple look at the numbers shows the significant improvement that the Coyotes have made in two seasons. Two years ago, opponents outscored the Coyotes 318-181. In 1999, the Coyotes improved their offense but still struggled defensively as opponents held a 346-275 scoring advantage. In 2000, the Coyotes turned the numbers around by outscoring opponents 270-189. South Dakota averaged 24.5 points per game while allowing 18.5. After week four, the Coyotes outscored opponents 181-75. South Dakota held a 4,793-4,282 total yards advantage.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2000 season was the play of a defense that had allowed 346 points a year ago. While Austin expected an improved defense in 2000, the progress of this unit was exceptional. This season, the Coyotes limited opponents to 15 points or less in seven games. In five games, South Dakota allowed 10 or fewer points including one shutout. The Coyotes rolled up 102 TFLs for 345 yards and recorded 29 sacks for 205 yards. The improvement in the Coyotes' fortunes is perhaps best exemplified through turnover margin. The Coyotes finished sixth in the nation with a +16 margin, which is a major improvement over 1999-00 in which South Dakota had a -12 in turnover margin. This past season, South Dakota had 10 fumble recoveries and an NCC-high 22 interceptions as they forced 32 turnovers. The Coyotes committed just 16 turnovers offensively, which gave them a +16 turnover margin, a total that was +6 better than the next best NCC team in the category (North Dakota). In the turnaround season, South Dakota broke up 53 passes and blocked three kicks.

Offensively, the Coyotes outgained opponents both on the ground and through the air. South Dakota had 452 rushes for 1,727 yards (3.8 avg) and 14 touchdowns while opponents rushed for 1,112 rushing yards on 367 carries (3.02 avg). Through the air, South Dakota had 1,946 yards and 14 touchdowns while opponents had 1,699 yards and nine touchdowns. The offense averaged 333.9 total yards per game.

POSITION BY POSITION REVIEW As the football team turns its attention to 2001, this fall football session will be about replacing lost starters, building depth and finding the pieces needed to take another step forward, according to Austin. The Coyotes return 10 starters and lose 14 from the 8-3 squad that finished in a tie for third place in the North Central Conference in 2000. The Coyotes will have 32 returning letterwinners while losing 21 letterwinners to graduation. "We are doing some good things already. This is an athletic group that only lacks experience," said Austin, a 1980 graduate of South Dakota.

"We had a solid spring and we have to continue that momentum into the fall," said Austin. "We want to develop a solid two-deep on our offense, defense and special teams. This past season we did not have a lot of depth. Right now we have some solid starters returning but we have several question marks," he said.

KEY RETURNEES ON OFFENSE:

QUARTERBACK: Junior quarterback Ryan Justice (6'3, 220, Harlan, Iowa) enters the fall as No. 1 at quarterback after an outstanding sophomore season, completing 151 passes in 303 attempts for 1,826 yard passing with 13 touchdown tosses and just eight interceptions. He set a new Coyote season record with the 1,826 passing yards. Justice, who had 112 yards rushing, led the Coyotes in total offense with 176.2 yards per game. Justice, who recorded the second best ever seasonal effort in Total Offense (352-1,938 yards) currently sits #10 all-time in Total Offense (515-3,033 yards, 5.7 avg.) on the Coyotes career lists. Justice is also 9th on South Dakota's career passing list (225-443-2,886 yards-22 TDs-10 int.). Redshirt freshman Chris Mikkelson (6'3, 191, Gregory, S.D.) is the backup and he will also play wide receiver. .

RUNNING BACK: "We want to improve our big play ability in both our running and passing games," said Austin. Trying to make an impact this fall will be senior Eric Tarasevicz (5'11, 205, Cottage Grove, Minn.), who had 30 carries, 148 yards rushing, two touchdowns in 2000, as well as freshman Michael Williams (5'9, 160, Tampa, Fla.).At fullback, several new faces will try to win the starting spot this fall. The Coyotes lost two-year starter, Mike Weister (37 carries, 210 yards, two touchdowns) to graduation. Competing for the starting role will be senior Ryan Garry (5'11, 230, Humboldt, S.D.), redshirt freshman Rob Cupich (6'1, 233, Omaha, Neb.), senior Rusty Hughell (5'9, 217, Omaha, Neb.) and senior Dustin Sagedahl (6'3, 251, Spicer, Minn). Sagedahl was an all-NCC tight end a year ago but Austin plans to work out of the fullback position in various situations.

TIGHT END: Sagedahl returns as the starter at tight end. He had 30 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Also expected to compete for time will be junior Freddie Mitchell (6'3, 237, St. Louis, Mo.) and redshirt freshman Paul Tschetter (6'4, 228, Sioux Falls, S.D.)

WIDE RECEIVER: South Dakota lost both starters at wide receiver (Steve Young and Jeremiah Charlson) but has a quick and fast stable of receivers who only lack experience. The Coyotes' return sophomore Charles Johnson (5'10, 160, Lewiston, Fla.), who was South Dakota's leading receiver in 2000 with a Coyote freshman record of 34 catches for 380 yards. Johnson had three touchdowns, including a 50-yard scoring play. Sophomore Ronnie McDougle (5'10, 170, Pompano Beach, Fla.) made several big plays a year ago and has the speed to beat teams deep. McDougle finished sixth in the 200 meter dash at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Meet last spring to earn all-American honors. A year ago, he had 11 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns, including one that went for 56 yards. Sophomore Aaron Meline ( 6'2, 193, Urbandale, Iowa) played special teams a year ago and will try to increase his playing time. Others expected to compete for time include junior John Kayl (6'0, 188, Sioux City, Iowa), redshirt freshman Michael Williams (5'9, 160, Tampa, Fla.) and sophomore Chris Meehan (5'10, 185, Hartford, S.D.).

OFFENSIVE LINE: Three starters will return for South Dakota on the offensive front, including senior Josh Burr (6'8, 301, Lancaster, Wis.), junior Neil Ryan (6'4, 293, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and junior James Terwilliger (6'3, 287, Guthrie Center, Iowa). However the Coyotes need to develop a starter at center and tackle while trying to build depth on the offensive line. Sophomore Todd Bladt (6'3, 270, Harlan, Iowa), is the leading contender to start at center. Junior Hunter Roberts (6'5, 283, Pierre, S.D.) has had a strong offseason, and will contend for a starting role. Other competing for time will be sophomores Vinnie Olson (6'5, 315, Pierre, S.D.), and Tom Moore (6'4, 296, Centerville, S.D.)

KICKING: Senior Filip Filipovic (6'2, 216, Belgrade, Yugoslavia) enters the fall off of a solid year when he averaged 40.7 yards per kick, which was second best in the NCC and sixth nationally. He placed 15 punts inside the 20-yard line. He and junior Jarrod Edelen (6'0, 210, Vermillion, S.D.) will also take care of placekicking.

DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS: With just three starters returning on defense, Coyote defensive coaches have to find players who can step in and play right away. "We clearly have questions marks on defense. We have an athletic group but student-athletes who lack experience," said Austin.

DEFENSIVE FRONT: This should be a solid area for the Coyotes, but like other areas on the squad, developing depth is critical. Junior Bill Gassen (6'0, 290, Rapid City, S.D.), leads the group. In 2000, Gassen had 59 tackles, including 31 unassisted stops. He recorded 12 tackles for a loss of -38 yards and recorded two tackles. He had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Against league champ Nebraska-Omaha, Gassen had 17 tackles from his nose guard position. Senior Wes Clubb (6'1, 297, Sigourney, Iowa), who had 15 tackles, including four tackles for loss and one quarterback sack, returns as does sophomore M.J. Sonnefeld (6'3. 251, Rapid City, S.D.) who saw limited action a year ago. Sophomore Shawn Kenworthy (6'3, 237, Ft. Pierre, S.D.) had 15 tackles, five tackles for losses of -33 yards and three quarterback sacks last season. Others vying for time will be Sophomore Dave Bents (6'4, 257, Peterson, Iowa), a transfer, who started for Morningside a year ago, as well as junior Aaron Dietrich (6'2, 262, Emmetsburg, Iowa), who had 21 tackles including six tackles for loss of -21 yards and two quarterback sacks in 2000.

LINEBACKERS: Junior Korey Ebel (6'3, 245, Hartley, Iowa) who had 56 tackles, including 33 unassisted stops, is the only returning starter at linebacker. Ebel, who had five tackles for loss, is a rock at inside linebacker and will be expected to provide leadership for the rest of the group, which is talented and athletic, but inexperienced. At the other inside slot, sophomore Josh Gassen (6'0, 205, Rapid City, S.D.) should start. Others competing for time will be redshirt freshman Oakly Haines (6'1, 206, White Lake, S.D.), redshirt freshman Mike Meekins (6'2, 214, Superior, Neb.) and junior Damien Fischer (5'10, 216, Sioux Falls, S.D.). The Coyotes have big shoes to fill at outside linebacker with the loss of honorable mention all-American Josh Stamer. Expected to step in and fill the "Sam" linebacker slot will be senior Mark Blackburn (6'1, 214, Moreno Valley, Calif.). From his strong safety position, he recorded 49 tackles, including 26 unassisted. He had eight tackles for losses of 35 yards and had four quarterback sacks, seven pass breakups and a blocked kick. Sophomore Dan Chatham (6'0, 215, Sioux City, Iowa) will also see action.

SECONDARY: Junior Scott Lilland (6'1, 203, Estherville, Iowa), a two-year starter for Morningside, is expected to provide immediate contributions. Redshirt freshman Garrett Hartwig (6'0, 199, Pinedale, Wyo.) and senior Justin Martinson (5'11, 184, Inwood, Iowa) will try and win playing time this spring. Senior James Augustus (6'1, 180, Lake Los Angeles, Calif.) will start at strong safety. South Dakota had huge losses at cornerback, including all-American Russell Burwell and big play performer Kaseem Gaines. Several players will try to win a starting spot or playing time. Competing for starting slots will be senior Wade Mitchell (5'10, 195, Parkston, S.D.), redshirt freshmen Kellen Burch (5'10, 175, St. Paul, Minn.), Nick Boyd (5'9, 165, North Liberty, Iowa), junior Marquis Lewis (5'11, 180, San Francisco, Calif.), junior Derick Jelks, (5'9, 163, St. Petersburg, Fla.), senior Tarik Smith (5'10, 180, Calumet Park, Ill.) and others. Jelks and Lewis will vye for starting positions.

A LOOK BACK AT 2000 The 2000 season was one to remember. The Coyotes opened with a pair of nonconference wins before dropping two NCC games in a row on the road. From that point South Dakota was one of the best teams in the conference, winning six of their final seven games and four in a row to end the season. The Coyotes, who were ranked sixth in the final Midwest region poll and in the top 30 in some national polls, won six of their final seven games, including four in a row. The four-game winning streak was the Coyotes' best since the 1987 team opened 5-0.

In 2000, South Dakota outscored opponents 270 to 189, averaging 24.5 points per game while allowing 18.5. After week four, the Coyotes outscored opponents, 181 to 75. It was expected defense would be a trademark of the 2000 team but how much that trademark was stamped on the Coyotes only grew throughout the year. This season, the Coyotes limited opponents to 15 points or less in seven games. In five games, South Dakota allowed 10 or fewer points including one shutout. The Coyotes finished sixth in the nation with a +16 margin. In 2000, South Dakota had 10 fumble recoveries and an NCC-high 22 interceptions as they forced 32 turnovers while committing just 16. Senior cornerback Russel Burwell led the NCC in two defensive categories including interceptions (8) and passes defended (25). His eight interceptions was the second most in Coyote history, only behind the 11 picked by Bob Gruber in 1979. As a result of his performance Burwell was named to three all-American teams (AP, Daktronics, Football Gazette). With Austin's at the helm, the Coyotes led the NCC in seven team or individual categories including turnover margin, pass defense efficiency, field goals, sacks against, and individual categories: Burwell interceptions (8), passes defended (25) and Stamer tackles for loss (21 for -56). Offensively, the Coyotes had 452 rushes for 1,727 yards (3.8 avg.) and 14 touchdowns while opponents rushed for 1,112 rushing yards on 367 carries (3.02 avg.). Through the air, South Dakota had 1,946 yards and 14 touchdowns while opponents had 1,699 yards and nine touchdowns. The offense averaged 333.9 total yards per game.

COACH JOHN AUSTIN: Head coach John Austin has restored winning back into a tradition-rich Coyote football program in just two years. Austin, 43, has resurrected the Coyote football program by stressing hard work, teamwork and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. That formula seems to be paying dividends as South Dakota recorded an 8-3 record, including 6-3 and a tie for third place in the rugged North Central Conference, clearly one of the nation's best NCAA Division II conferences. Austin has a 12-10 career record at South Dakota, including a 9-9 mark in the NCC.

In 1999 the Coyotes recorded a 4-7 record, despite a schedule that would rate with any in Division II. A highlight was the coach's reshaping, and remaking of Jamel White. Seldom-used during his junior season (1998), White had an all-American season in 1999 as he established a new Coyote rushing record with 1,807 yards, scoring 24 touchdowns and had a school-record 2,403 all-purpose yards. White was the first Coyote player ever featured on NFL.com. White is a second-year backup running back and kickoff returner for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. Another of his players at South Dakota, Josh Stamer, who graduated in spring 2001, has signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants.

Energetic and competitive, Austin has an enthusiastic passion for football with an absolute commitment to academics. He believes in developing the whole person. His continuing commitment to excellence includes solid values of high character and a dedication to hard work.

A native of Watertown and 1979 graduate of the University, he is clearly making a difference with this program. A tireless recruiter with a staff to match, he has recently completed his third straight strong recruiting class, which is comprised of players primarily from South Dakota and the region.

Ask any Coyote player and they will tell you Austin has made football fun at the same time attaining structure and strong leadership. Take for example Yote Day, which is annually held in early March. Designed as the final testing of USD's off-season consisting program, Coyote players participate in a series of different events. Yote Day stresses the importance of camaraderie, leadership, unity and spirit of competition.

In addition, Coach Austin has established a Players Locker Room Campaign, which has resulted in a new locker room. Former Coyote players sponsored 105 wooden lockers. The USD football program has recently added all new digital and video editing equipment. Austin, who has served as honorary chairman for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, regularly speaks at banquets, schools service clubs and businesses throughout the state.

Austin has deep roots in South Dakota. An all-state performer for Watertown (1973-74), Austin played under Bernard "Beanie" Cooper and Dave Triplett during his Coyote career in which he started three years and lettered four years. He started his first game in a Coyote uniform as a freshman. After missing the 1976 season due to injury, he returned in 1977 to play strong safety for Copper's Coyotes. In 1978, he started at weakside linebacker. He was honorable mention all-North Central Conference in 1979 and was a co-captain for Triplett's first team He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1980 from USD and a master's degree in athletic administration from the University of Iowa in 1992.

Austin 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 6th 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.

JOHN AUSTIN AT SOUTH DAKOTA: 12-10 (two years) 2000 RECORD: 8-3 NCC RECORD: 9-9

HEAD COACH: John Austin (South Dakota '80)

ASSISTANT COACHES: Brent Salem (Northern Arizona '93), offensive coordinator, quarterbacks Brad Salem (Augustana, SD, '92), recruiting coordinator, receivers, tight ends Scott Bruning (Augustana '86), offensive line Bob Forsyth (Iowa '85), defensive secondary Brett Chambers (Iowa '96), defensive line, strength coach Kirby Garry (North Dakota '97), running backs and tight ends Miguel Regalado (South Dakota '01), offensive line Brett Kramer (Northern Iowa '01), defensive line Travis Senters (Iowa '99), linebackers

TEAM INFORMATION Letterwinners returning/lost: 32/21 Offense: 14/11 Defense: 17/9 Specialty: 1/1 Starters returning/lost: 10/14 Offense: 6/5 Defense: 3/8 Specialty: 1/1 Base Offense: Multiple, Pro Base Defense: 4-3

COYOTE HISTORY First Year of Football: 1889 All-time Record: 452-424-34 (.516) Conference titles: 9 (1927, 1938, 1939, 1947, 1951, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978) NCAA Playoffs: Qualified three times (1973, 1985, 1986) Last Year in NCAA Playoffs: 1986 (Head Coach Dave Triplett) Result: South Dakota advanced to national title game, losing to NDSU, 27-7. It was the first time two NCC teams had met in the NCAA Division II finals. Overall Record in 2000: 8-3 Home Record: 4-1 Away Record: 4-2 Conference Record: 6-3, 3rd, NCC All-NCC performers: 207 Academic All-NCC: 80 NCC MVPs: 17 All-Americans: 42 Last NCC title: 1978 (7-4 under Head Coach Beanie Cooper) Against the NCC: South Dakota has winning records against four of the eight other NCC schools: Nebraska-Omaha (24-16-1), South Dakota State University (51-43-7), Minnesota State-Mankato (15-9), and Augustana College (37-18-0). The Coyotes' record against the other NCC schools is as follows: North Dakota (28-49-4), North Dakota State University (24-46-3), St. Cloud State University (8-11-0), Northern Colorado (12-18-0).