VERMILLION, S.D. -- South Dakota (0-0) opens their season with the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame Game on Saturday night against Missouri Western State College (1-0) at 7 p.m. in the DakotaDome. On Saturday, seven people will be inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame at a noon luncheon. The inductees will also be honored during halftime of the Coyotes' game with Missouri Western. SERIES: South Dakota owns a 1-0 series lead over Missouri Western. In 2000, the Coyotes defeated the Griffons, 17-13, at St. Joseph, MO.

HOME OPENERS: The Coyotes have won nine of the last 10 season openers, including two in a row while John Austin has been head coach at South Dakota. With Austin at the helm, South Dakota is 2-1 in season openers. The Coyotes have won six straight home season openers, dating back to the 1991 season.

SEASON PREVIEW - It is said that teams committed to work in the weight room in the winter can see big results in the fall football season. If that holds merit, things look very positive for the South Dakota football team, who have had a very good preseason camp. South Dakota head football coach John Austin looks optimistically to the 2002 season. As Austin eyes this fall, he does so with some caution but a lot of enthusiasm. A year ago, South Dakota won their season opener but lost five in a row and finished 2-8, 1-7 in the NCC (9th). "This is a very tradition-rich school in football. We are focused on recapturing that success. It will take hard work and extraordinary effort but we believe in what this team is capable of doing," said Austin. After winning its 2001 home season opener vs. Winona State (44-21), who later qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Coyotes quickly hit a roadblock as South Dakota lost five straight games, including three by a total of eight points. South Dakota broke the losing streak with a 31-19 win over Northern Colorado on Dakota Day at the Dome. Then, the Coyotes lost their last three games of the season. In 2002, the Coyotes need to develop consistent efforts on both offense and defense, something that wasn't the case in 2001. A year ago, South Dakota was outscored 261 to 165, including being outrushed (1,593 to 1,016) and outpassed (2,113-1857). Two teams broke off 90-yard scoring plays. On the other hand, the Coyotes moved the ball at times. They had 600 all-purpose yards in their season opener vs. Winona State and followed with 538 all-purpose yards in a 14-10 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. In addition, the Coyotes had 10 offensive plays of 40-plus yards. USD also had four defensive touchdowns including interception returns of 89 and 88 yards, which represent the two longest plays in school history. They also scored a special team touchdown (84-yard kickoff return). Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Bill Bleil, the Coyotes will use a similar multiple set offense but with a few new touches to both the running game and passing attack. The good news is that six of 11 starters return on offense while the Coyotes have eight of 11 returning starters on defense. Overall, the Coyotes return 14 starters and lose nine. The Coyotes also will have 30 returning letterwinners while losing 13 to graduation. The Coyotes need to improve the rushing attack, which produced just an average gain of 2.9 yards per attempt. At wide receiver, the Coyotes return Chris Mikkelsen, who had an outstanding freshman season with 36 catches for a freshman school record of 640 yards. Several newcomers will help Mikkelsen. The offensive line returns four starters, including team captains Neil Ryan and Jimmy Terwilliger. Defensively, the Coyotes should be strong with the return of eight starters, including team captains Korey Ebel and Justin Martinson. Ebel, a second team all-NCC selection, has started 32 straight games at inside linebacker. On the defensive line, nose tackle Bill Gassen and tackle Aaron Dietrich, who had 21 tackles for loss in 2001, lead a strong group. In the secondary, strong safety Scott Lilland, free safety Martinson, along with cornerbacks Derrick Jelks and Marquis Lewis return.

2002 TEAM CAPTAINS: The captains for the 2002 season will include: Korey Ebel, a 6'3 240-pound senior linebacker from Hartley, Iowa; Justin Martinson, a 5'11, 190 pound senior defensive back from Inwood, Iowa; Jimmy Terwilliger, a 6'3, 287-pound senior offensive lineman from Guthrie Center, Iowa; Neil Ryan, a 6'4, 293-pound senior offensive lineman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ryan Justice, a 6'2, 210-pound quarterback senior from Ankeny, Iowa. Justice and Ebel are both serving their second year as captains for the South Dakota football team.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES: The University of South Daktoa will induct seven individuals into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony/luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Commons Dining Hall on campus. In addition, USD will recognize Ken Beringer of Vermillion as the 2002 USD Volunteeer of the Year. After the induction of the Class of 2002, the grand opening of the Henry Heider Memorial Hall of Fame will be held in the main corridor of the DakotaDome. Plaques of every Hall of Fame member will be hung on the wall in the middle of the main concourse. On the inductees:

Linda Gdowski-Elbert: One of the all-time great sprinters in school history, she won three MVP titles, and 19 North Central Conference individual or relay titles while competing for the Coyotes from 1988-91. An eight-time all-American, Gdowski-Elbert had 11 team or individual indoor titles and eight indoor titles. She helped transform the women's track and field program into one of the nation's best. Originally of Fremont, NE, Gdowski-Elbert scored 20 points at both the 1989 and the 1990 NCC meets. An NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient, she earned a BSED degree from USD. She has taught at Elkhorn High School for nine years and served as head girls track coach.

Darcy Siebels Cleveringa: A nine-time all-American, she was part of the transformation of the women's track and field program, coached by Hall of Fame member Greg Willey, into one of the nation's best. The team finished eighth indoors at the 1990 NCAA nationals. Siebels-Cleveringa won NCC titles in the 55 hurdles in 1989 and 1991, and set a conference record in the event (8.06). Originally of Cedar Bluffs, Neb., Siebels-Cleveringa was a member of the 4x400 meter relay teams. She won the NCC heptathlon in 1990 with 4,778 points. She finished sixth in the heptathlon at the 1990 NCAA championships, scoring 4,753 points and she was seventh at the Division II national in 1989 with 4,722 points. Siebels-Cleveringa earned a bachelor's degree in recreation in 1992 and is a paraprofessional and assistant track coach at Cedar Bluffs High School.

Tim Hatchett: Originally of Sioux City, Iowa, Hatchett is one of the greatest-ever men's basketball players in school history. Hatchett, the career points leader at USD and in the North Central Conference, led South Dakota to its first 20-win season since 1957-58. Hatchett and fellow inductee Mike Graves led USD to a 22-10 mark, the NCC conference tournament title, and a berth in the NCAA postseason playoffs in 1989-90. A two-time all-NCC selection (1988-89, 1989-90), he won the league scoring title at 24.9 ppg as a senior. He is the school's career scoring leader with 2,280 points (19.0 per game). He is the NCC all-time lead in career field goals while owning the NCC record for career points with 1,402 and career field goals with shooting artists. Mike Graves:Now director of Business Case Development for the Gateway Foundation at Dakota Dunes, S.D. Graves is one of the all-time great three-point shooting artists in South Dakota and North Central Conference history. Named all-NCC in 1989-90, Graves was a three-time academic all-NCC selection. He also was honorable mention all-NCC in 1988-89. Graves, who started every game (120) during his career, is the school's record holder for made three point field goals in a season with 95 in 1989-90. Graves is second in school history in made three-point field goals in a career with 274. Graves averaged 14 points, four assists and three rebounds per game at South Dakota. He has three of the top 10 three-point field goals seasons of all time (95, 76, 70). He earned a BSBA (accounting) in 1990.

John House: House, M.D., is a board certified urologist in Irving, Texas. He was a key member of the South Dakota Coyotes football teams that captured NCC titles in 1973-74. Originally of Fremont, NE, House was named to the all-NCC offensive unit as an offensive tackle during the 1976 season. He was a member of the 1972-74 NCC conference champions. House earned four football letters and served as offensive team captain as a senior. A starter for more than 30 games his final three from the University of Oklahoma Medical School and completed his residency in urologic surgery at the University of Missouri in 1998. House is co-founder and managing partner of Urology Associates of North Texas and he is CEO and founder of US Therapies, a healthcare company that provides lithotripsy, prostate thermotherapy and orthopedic shock wave therapy services to hospital and physical groups. Brad Hodgins: A corporate tax consultant and certified public accountant from Victoria, MN, Hodgins was a four-time all-American. He set 15 school records and was the all-time point producer when he left USD. An eight-time NCC champion, he was the 1991 NCC Male Swimmer of the Year and the 1991 NCC Sprinter of the Year. Hodgins was a member of the 1990 team that finished second at the NCC Swimming and Diving Championships with 412 points, one of the best finishes in conference competition in school history. He won the 100-yard freestyle in 45.78 and the 300-yard freestyle in 1:43.18 in 1991. Hodgins was a member of the winning 200-yard medley relay squad that won a NCC title with a 1:35.67 clocking at the 1991 championships. At USD, Hodgins received the 1991 John Van Why Award as the outstanding male athlete of the year. A graduate of West High School in Sioux City, Iowa, he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1991. After serving an internship with the RHA Certified Public Accountants, he earned a master's degree in business taxation from the University of Minnesota.

Jack Doyle: Doyle, being inducted as a coach/contributor, is now a fundraiser for the USD Foundation. He served 15 years as director of athletics at South Dakota. During his tenure, USD won 21 North Central Conference championships, seven regional titles and advanced to the NCAA playoffs on several occasions. At USD, the DakotaDome underwent several major improvements during his tenure. In June 1996, a new eight-lane 200-meter track was installed and a new artificial football turf was placed in the facility. In addition, a new public address system and a custom scoreboard was installed. A native of Power Memorial High in New York City, he was a three-year letter winner in track at the University of Wyoming before graduating in 1957. He earned a master's degree from Wyoming in 1966 and joined the USD staff after a successful 14-year coaching career in South Dakota. He guided Faith High to a conference title during his stay there from 1957-60 and was an assistant coach and later head coach at Lead High, guiding the Golddiggers for six years, winning five Black Hills Conference titles from 1966-71. Doyle joined the USD staff in 1971 as an assistant coach to Hall of Famer Bob Mulcahy. He became USD's 13th men's basketball coach in 1973. He assumed the dual position of executive assistant athletic director in charge of fundraising in 1981. In March 1982, he resigned as basketball coach after nine years. He finished his coaching career third on the all-time wins list at USD with a record of 106-119 (.471), including 56-69 in the NCC. He was named athletic director at USD in April 1983. Doyle served as chairman of the NCAA Division II national basketball committee in 1995.

USD Volunteer of the Year -- Ken Beringer: A former teacher, coach and official, Beringer has volunteered his services to help raise funds, sell tickets and work at events will being a strong supporter of Coyote athletics. A 1950 graduate of Tyndall High, he attended Kansas State on a football scholarship. Selected to the South Dakota All College Team, he graduated from Southern State Teachers College in 1954, lettering in several sports. From 1955 to 1965, he taught and coach at Winner, Salem, Lennox and Vermillion. During 1965-67, he served as director of residential services at USD. He returned to Vermillion High in 1967 where he was the business manager and acting superintendent. His officiating career began with the tutelage of the late Jack Martin in 1953, and continued for 36 years. He officiated the Sioux Interstate Conference, ESD, and SDIC while also working NCC games and other high school contests. During that time period, he worked 15 state basketball tournaments. He also officiated football including working a State AA championship game in 1989. In 2001, he was inducted to the South Dakota Basketball Coaches, Officials Category.

AUSTIN ON SOUTH DAKOTA: "Obviously, we face a major challenge in Missouri Western who defeated the 18th ranked team in the country (Winona State). They beat a very good team. With 10 starters back on defense and seven on offense, they will be a very good team for us to face in the season opener. It is a big advantage for them to already have played a game. Our attitude has been very good in preseason practice and we have avoided major injuries. In this season opener, it will be a matter of execution and for us not to beat ourselves. I am pleased the way the players have worked hard this preseason and during the summer."

RADIO/INTERNET/TEAMLINE: The South Dakota Coyotes football games will be offered on the Coyote Sports Network, on Teamline and through the internet. The flagship station is KVHT-FM 106.3, Vermillion/Yankton, S.D. Kevin Culhane will begin his sixth season as the voice of the Coyotes, both home and away during the 2002 season. Veteran sportscaster Joe Van Goor will provide color commentary while Eric Rawson will serve as sideline reporter. Mike Daly begins his fifth season as Game Day analyst. Coyote Game Day coverage begins one hour prior to kickoff. In addition, Coyote fans can tune to the game live on the internet at www.usdcoyotes.com or listen free by phone at Teamline. To connect to Teamline call 1-800-846-4700 and enter the team code of 6056.

AT THE DOME: South Dakota owns a 84-46 (.646) record at the DakotaDome. The Coyotes defeated St. Thomas (Minn.), 22-6, in the first collegiate game played at the DakotaDome in 1979. USD owned a 130-83-8 mark at Inman Stadium from 1924 to 1979 before moving into the Dome. USD defeated Yankton, 19-0 in the first game played (Sept. 27, 1924) at Inman Stadium.

TEAM INFORMATION --

2001 RECORD: 2-8 (1-7 in the NCC)

LETTERWINNERS RETURNING/LOST: 30/13

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST: 14/9

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST OFFENSE: 6/5

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST DEFENSE: 8/3

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple, Pro

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3

STARTERS RETURNING ON OFFENSE Ryan Justice (Sr., QB, Ankeny, Iowa); Chris Mikkelsen (So., QB/WR, Gregory, S.D.); Todd Bladt (Jr., OC, Harlan, Iowa); Jimmy Terwilliger (Sr., OG, Guthrie Center, Iowa); Neil Ryan (Sr., OL, Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Tom Moore (Jr., OL, Centerville, S.D.)

STARTERS RETURNING ON DEFENSE Bill Gassen (Sr., NG, Rapid City, S.D.); Aaron Dietrich (Sr., DL, Emmetsburg, Iowa); M.J. Sonnefeld (Jr., DE, Rapid City, S.D.); Josh Gassen (Jr., LB, Rapid City, S.D.); Korey Ebel (Sr., LB, Hartley, Iowa), Marquis Lewis (Sr., CB, San Francisco, Calif.); Derick Jelks (Sr., St. Petersburg, Fla.); Scott Lilland (Sr., S, Estherville, Iowa).

2002 SOUTH DAKOTA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE SEPT. 7 -- MISSOURI WESTERN STATE, HALL OF FAME WEEKEND, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. SEPT. 14 - MINNESOTA-DULUTH, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. SEPT. 21 -- at St. Cloud State *, Selke Field, St. Cloud Minn., 1 p.m. SEPT. 28 - at Neb.-Omaha*, Al Caniglia Field, Omaha, Neb., 7 p.m. OCT. 5 - NORTH DAKOTA STATE, FAMILY WEEKEND, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. (TV, KELO-TV) OCT. 12 - AUGUSTANA*, DAKOTADOME, DAKOTA DAY 2 p.m. (TV, PAX) OCT. 19 -- at Northern Colo. * , Nottingham Field, Greeley, Colo., 1 p.m. (MST) OCT. 26 -- ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, YOUTH NIGHT, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. NOV. 2 -- at South Dakota State University *, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, 1 p.m. NOV. 9 - MINN. STATE - MANKATO, SENIOR NIGHT, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. NOV. 16 -- at North Dakota *, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D., 5 p.m.

COYOTE HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD: 454-432-34 (.509)

FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL: 1889

CONFERENCE TITLES: 9 (1927, 1938, 1939, 1947, 1951, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978)

ALL-NCC PERFORMERS: 210

ACADEMIC ALL-NCC: 83

NCC MVPs: 17

ALL-AMERICANS: 43

LAST TITLE: 1978

2001 NOTES: ~ finished season 2-8, 1-7 (9th) in the NCC ~ lost three games by a total of eight points during span of three weeks early in the season (Minnesota-Duluth, 14-10, Sept. 8; St. Cloud State, 22-21, Sept. 15; and 19-16, Nebraska-Omaha, Sept.22). ~ outscored by opponents, 265-165 ~ recorded 28 quarterback sacks in 10 games; 94 tackles for loss (-357 yards)

A FEW NUMBERS FROM 2001: A year ago, USD had 150 first downs, including 53 by rush and 88 by pass. The Coyotes averaged 101.6 yards rushing and 185.7 yards passing per game.

RETURNING OFFENSIVE LEADERS QB Ryan Justice (142-192-1,804 yards- 11int-8TD, 2nd best passing season in school history) WR Chris Mikkelsen (36 rec., 640 yards - freshman record, 1 TD, long of 47 yards, 52 yards rushing) RB John Kayl (70 rushes, 232 yards, 3.3 avg. 1 TD, long of 44 yards)

OFFENSIVE TEAM NUMBERS: 1,857 passing yards, 1,016 rushing yards, 150 first downs, 2,873 yards in total offense on 664 plays or 4.3 yards per play, 13 interceptions, 15 fumbles lost, 29:00 time of possession per game, 165 points or 16.5 per game

RETURNING DEFENSIVE LEADERS LB Josh Gassen (team-high 85 tackles, 41 unassisted, 13 TFLs, 2 QB sacks, 2 int., 2 pass breakups) SS Scott Lilland(76 tackles, 45 unassisted, 1 TFL, 1 int., 4 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries) LB Korey Ebel (74 tackles, 34 unassisted, 8 TFL, 1 int., 1 td, 6 pass breakups) DE Aaron Dietrich (60 tackles, 33 unassisted, 21 TFLs, 7 QB sacks, 2 forced fumbles) NT Bill Gassen (40 tackles, 17 unassisted, 11 TFL, 2 QB sacks, two forced fumbles) CB Derrick Jelks (30 tackles, 21 unassisted, 3 int., 7 pass breakups, forced fumble)

DEFENSE -- TEAM NUMBERS: 94 TFLS (-357 yards), 28 QB Sacks (-175 yards), 13 int., 36 pass breakups, 8 fumble recoveries

NOTES: South Dakota scored four defensive touchdowns and one special team touchdown in 2001. . . Coyotes had three interception returns for scores, including a school record 89-yard return by defensive back James Augustus vs. St. Cloud State (Sept. 15); an 88-yard interception return by linebacker Korey Ebel vs. Minnesota-Duluth (Sept. 8); and a 19-yard interception return by Josh Gassen vs. Augustana (Oct. 6). . . Safety Wade Mitchell had a 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown vs. Northern Colorado (Oct. 13) and an 84-yard kickoff return for a score vs. St. Cloud State (Sept. 15).

ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA HEAD COACH JOHN AUSTIN: Head football coach John Austin, who is beginning is fourth season, is focused on restoring winning into a tradition-rich Coyote football program. Austin, 45, is resurrecting the Coyote football program by stressing hard work, teamwork and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. A year ago (2001), the Coyotes were 2-8, as they lost a number of close games. Austin has a 14-18-career record at South Dakota, including a 10-16 mark in the NCC. In 2000, South Dakota had an 8-3 record, including 6-3 and a tie for third place in the North Central Conference. In 1999 the Coyotes had 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, now with the Cleveland Browns. Seldom-used during his junior season (1998), White had an all-American season in 1999 as he established a new Coyote rushing record with 1,796 yards, scoring 24 touchdowns and had a school-record 2,403 all-purpose yards. Other Coyotes to play for Austin at South Dakota and sign NFL free agent contracts include Josh Stamer (Seattle Seahawks); punter/kicker Filip Filipovic (Dallas Cowboys); offensive tackle Josh Burr, (Pittsburgh Steelers). Energetic and competitive, Austin has an enthusiastic passion for football with an absolute commitment to academics. South Dakota's football team earned a 2.94 grade point average this past semester and an overall team GPA of 2.87. Several student-athletes have made dean's lists while at USD. In addition, football team members annually receive academic awards for their work in the classroom. Also, the Coyotes commit to community projects, including helping with the Children's Miracle Network, Muscular Dystrophy as well as Vermillion Pride, a community wide clean-up project. A native of Watertown and 1980 graduate of The University of South Dakota, he is clearly making a difference with this program. A tireless recruiter with a staff to match, he has recently completed his fourth 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 conditioning 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. Former Coyote players sponsored 105 wooden lockers. The USD football program added all new digital and video editing equipment in 1999. An 8,000 square foot fully equipped weight room was added in 2001. 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 Cooper'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. Austin 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 at Iowa 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. Austin 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, Erin and Samantha.

AUSTIN AT SOUTH DAKOTA 1999 - 4-7 (3-6. NCC. 6th) 2000 - 8-3 (6-3, 3rd in NCC) 2001 - 2-8 (1-7 in the NCC)

JUSTICE MOVING UP PASSING, TOTAL OFFENSE CHARTS: Ryan Justice of Ankeny, Iowa, ranks second on USD's all-time passing chart and should move into the career lead vs. Missouri Western. With 4,690 yards, he needs just 70 yards passing to take over the top spot in school history. Justin Seurer had 4,759 yards from 1989-92. Justice has completed 367 passes in 735 attempts for 4,690 yards with 30 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in his career at South Dakota. Justice has the two top passing seasons in school history. He set a school record by completing 151 of 303 passes for 1,826 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2000.In 2001, he had 142 completions in 292 attempts for 1,804 yards and eight touchdowns which is the second best total in school history. In addition Justice ranks third all-time in total offense with 849 attempts for 4,788 yards. He has the second best seasonal total offense performance in school history with 352 attempts for 1,938 yards in 2000. A year ago, Justice averaged 180 yards per game which was sixth in the NCC. He had 1,755 yards (334 plays) in total offense which was seventh in the NCC. 32 GAMES AND COUNTING FOR EBEL: Senior linebacker and co-captain Korey Ebel (Hartley, Iowa) is a rock on defense. In his fourth season at South Dakota, he has started 32 straight games. A year ago, he had 74 total tackles, including 33 solo stops and earned second team all-NCC honors. Ebel had an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Minnesota-Duluth on Sept. 8, 2001. ON ACADEMICS: It is a well-fashioned tradition that student-athletes at USD excel in the classroom and on the field of play. In 2001, the three Coyotes were named to the academic all-North Central Conference squad. Another six were listed as honorable mention all-NCC. Since the NCC established the all-academic squad, USD has had 83 student-athletes named to the conference team. Both Ryan Justice and Jimmy Terwilliger, starters on offense, were named to the all-NCC team. Honorable mention selections included Chris Mikkelsen, Bill Gassen, M.J. Sonnefeld and Jarrod Edelen. This past spring the USD football team had a 2.94 grade point average and overall had a mark of 2.87. Eighteen members of the football team had between a 3.5 and 4.0 grade point average and 32 earned GPA's between 3.0 and 3.49. A total of 50 players averaged at least 3.0. South Dakota has had at least one academic all-NCC performer every year since the program was started in 1976.

This Week in the NCC Saturday, Sept. 7 Northern State at Augustana, Noon Western State at Northern Colorado, Noon Northern Michigan at St. Cloud State, 1 p.m. Nebraska-Omaha at NW Mo. State, 1:30 p.m. Minnesota State at Minnesota Duluth, 6 p.m. Winona State at North Dakota State, 7 p.m. Missouri Western at South Dakota, 7 p.m.

Recent Results Thursday, August 29 Minnesota State 45 Bemidji State 23 North Dakota 57 Minn. Crookston 0 Nebraska-Kearney 35 Nebraska-Omaha 17 ABOUT MISSOURI WESTERN

SCHOOL: Missouri Western State LOCATION: St. Joseph, MO FOUNDED: 1969 PRESIDENT: Dr. James Scanlon ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Pete Chapman NCAA REP: Dr. Brenda Blessing ENROLLMENT: 5,158 NICKNAME: Griffons CONFERENCE: Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) HOME FIELD: Spratt Memorial Stadium SERIES RECORD: 0-1 FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL: 1970 OVERALL RECORD: 167-164-9 HEAD COACH: Jerry Partridge (Missouri Western '85), fifth year, 25-20 2001 RECORD: 8-3 LETTERWINNERS RETURNING/LOST: 30/12 STARTERS RETURNING/LOST: 19/10

ON MISSOURI WESTERN: The Griffons own a 1-0 mark after a 31-30 OT win vs. Winona State in their season opener. The Griffons are playing South Dakota for the second time, with USD owning a 1-0 series lead. South Dakota defeated Missouri Western, 17-13, in 2000 at St. Joseph, MO. Missouri Western has a strong defense as Winona State found out. The Griffons scored a pair of defensive touchdowns that proved the difference in their opener. A year ago, Missouri Western ranked number two in total defense in the MIAA, allowing just 18.3 points and 298.6 yards per game. The Griffons will return 10 starters on defense including senior linebacker Eric Walker, who was a second team all-Midwest Region selection at middle linebacker in 2001. Walker, a first team all-MIAA performer, had seven tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception in the win over Winona State two weeks ago. On offense, Adam Ziesel is one of the best receivers in the MIAA. Against Winona State, he had five catches for 51 yards and a two-yard touchdown pass. A year ago, he had 54 receptions for 867yards and nine touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore Michael Cooper will handle quarterbacking duties. Against Winona State, he completed 13 of 31 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

RADIO: 680 AM - KFEG (St. Joseph). Bob Orf handles play-by-play while Kent Heier does color. MISSOURI WESTERN WINS OPENER: With the aid of two defensive touchdowns, Missouri Western (1-0) defeated #18 ranked Winona State, 31-30, in overtime on August 28 at St. Joseph, MO. The Griffons opened up a 17-3 lead and then rallied to win in overtime. Winona State scored 21 unanswered points to lead 24-17 with 10 minutes to play. Missouri Western tied the game at 24-24 with seven minutes left in the game. The difference in the game was a failed extra point by Winona State, who scored first in overtime. Then on 4th and 25, Missouri Western's Michael Cooper completed a 25-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point, the homestanding Griffons recorded the upset over the 2001 NSIC champions. Missouri Western had just 82 yards rushing in 35 attempts. The Griffon's quarterback Michael Cooper completed 13 of 31 passes for 180 yards, two touchdowns and had an interception. Winona State, was led by quarterback Bruce Carpenter, who completed 18 of 37 passes for 235 yards, had four touchdowns and two interceptions. Missouri Western was aided by a couple of costly Winona State mistakes as the Griffons scored the game's first touchdown on a 32-yard interception and later recovered a fumble in the end zone with just 11 seconds to play in the half.

THIS AND THAT ON GRIFFONS: Missouri Western, which has won eight games each of the last two seasons, improved their record to 19-12-2 in season opening games since 1970 and have a 8-4 mark at home. They own a 18-7-1 record in non-MIAA games.

ON THE SCHEDULE: After facing South Dakota, the Griffons have a week off before returning to St. Joseph for a Sept. 21 encounter with #23 ranked Central Missouri State.

HEAD COACH: Jerry Partridge, who begins his sixth season as head coach at Missouri Western, has a 34-23 record, including a 1-0 mark this season. Partridge led his 2001 Griffon football team to an 8-3 record. The Griffons made their first postseason appearance since 1979 in 2000, finishing second in the MIAA and earning a trip to the Mineral Water Bowl. Partridge was named co-MIAA Coach of the Year. Partridge played defensive back for Missouri Western and served as an assistant coach for the Griffons, spending over 10 years with the football program. A native of Grandview, Mo., he was a four-year letterwinner for the Griffons from 1981-84, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1985. During 1988-89, he was a graduate assistant at Notre Dame, working for Lou Holtz. The 1988 Notre Dame team won a national title. He also served as defensive coordinator in 1990 at Austin Peay. He returned to his alma mater in 1991 as defensive coordinator for head coach Stan McGarvey. He spent the 1995 season as defensive secondary coach at Murray State (KY). He and his wife, Pam, have two children.