“What sold Northwest to me was the

way that the players and the student

body believed. They were all in! They

bled green. That spoke volumes to

me. The other schools that I visited

sometimes had more stuff, but not a

one of them had more substance.”

Tony “Tiger” Miles WR 1996-2000

“They [Northwest coaches] pushed me to become the first person ever in my family to earn a college degree, which in turn set an example for five younger brothers and sisters that eventually graduated college.”

Andy Creger LB 1999-2003

“Being a Bearcat has changed my

life in many ways. It all started with

one man giving me the greatest

opportunity of my life: to play college

football for the best team and best

coaches in Division II.”

Jared Erspamer LB 2004-2007,

GA 2008-2010

“Understand that being average is not

acceptable. Only through hard work and

sacrifice do we develop a champion’s

mentality. As Bearcats we strive towards

measurable self improvements each day.

This I learned from my Bearcat mentors

(coaches, professors, teammates and

alumni).” Dr. Al R. Cade Jr. 1978-1981

“To me, being a Bearcat is being a part of something bigger than yourself, there are tons of people who would love to do what you are doing. Enjoy being with your teammates, enjoy being with your coaches. Nobody loves practice, but without it you can’t win championships.”

Brian Sutton FS 1994-1998

“At the end of the day, being a Bearcat has mostly meant acting like a champion in everything I do, even if no one is watching. The character and integrity developed among my teammates and I led us to win national championships in 1998 and 1999.”

Ryan T. George WR 1996-2000

“Hard work, commitment, success, teammates, lifetime relationships, memories… That’s what it means to be a Bearcat!”

Jason Melnick WR 1993-1996

“When I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the end of the 2009 season, the coaching staff, players, trainers and fans here could not have been more supportive of me and my family. I found out that people will bend over backwards for you here.”

Joel Osborn QB 2005-2008, GA 2009-2010 Assistant Coach 2011-present

“A Bearcat will dedicate himself to team before himself. This is the difference between Northwest and other programs that may even have more talent. Being a selfless-player is one of the best lessons I learned from being a Bearcat.” Nick Inzerello WR 1994-1997

“Simply stated, I did not only learn my work ethic in my everyday life by being a Bearcat, but I learned how to be a man.” Ben Harness LB 2002-2006

“Your time as a football player is very short but your time as a Bearcat is forever.” Kevin Singletary 1994-1997 First Recruiting Class of the Championship Era

“Some of your best friends will be those you share the field with. Those of you courageous enough to dedicate yourselves, to persevere through challenges, will become a part of a great brotherhood. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!”

Greg Teale QB 1992-1996

Adam Dorrel Head Coach

The Dorrel FileBirthdate: December 2, 1974Hometown: Maryville, Mo.High School: Maryville High SchoolCollege: Northwest Missouri State UniversityGraduate School: Northeastern State University, Northwest Missouri State UniversityRecruiting Area: Northwest Missouri, Kansas City (Mo.)

1999 MIAA NCAA 14-12004 11-22005 11-42006 MIAA 14-12007 MIAA 12-22008 MIAA 13-22009 MIAA NCAA 14-12010 MIAA 12-22011 11-3

National Titles: 1999, 2009National Championship Berths: 6Playoff Berths: 9Conference Titles: 6

AT NORTHWEST

YEAR-BY-YEAR

Adam Dorrel has been a Bearcat all his life. When his opportunity came to lead his alma mater in 2011, Dorrel and the Bearcats did not miss a beat.

Dorrel was named head coach at Northwest Missouri State University after the passing of long-time assistant coach Scott Bostwick on June 5, 2011. Bostwick never had the chance to lead the Bearcats onto the field after he was named head coach, following Mel Tjeerdsma’s retirement following 17 seasons at Northwest, a program that the two helped build.

Being one of the first players to start on the offensive line under Tjeerdsma in 1994, Dorrel continued the Bearcat excellence in his first season as head coach, returning the Bearcats to the playoffs for an eighth straight season, the longest current streak in NCAA Division II football. The Bearcats advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, falling to the eventual national champion for the second season in a row. Additionally, the Bearcats led the nation in scoring, averaging more than 50 points per game during the regular season and scoring the second most points in college football.

Prior to being named head coach, Dorrel was no stranger to Bearcat football or its expectations. He was the offensive coordinator at Northwest from 2007 to 2010, helping the Bearcats to an unprecedented five consecutive NCAA Division II Championship appearances and their third national title in 2009. In Dorrel’s eight seasons with the Bearcats since returning in 2004, they have a 98-17 record and added five MIAA Championships.

Impressive team and individual accolades have become the norm rather than the exception under Dorrel. The Bearcats have averaged more than 40 points per game three times and more than 400 yards of offense per game five times in Dorrel’s seven seasons as the offensive coordinator. In addition, 14 offensive stars have been named All-Americans under Dorrel and three of the last five MIAA offensive MVPs have been Bearcats. Jeremy Davis (’08), Brett Grozinger (’09 and ’10) and Cody Johnson (’11) have been named finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year

Award under Dorrel. Currently, there are two Northwest players in the NFL who played for Dorrel. Xavier Omon (’07) is a running back for the Denver Broncos, and Josh Baker (’10) is a tight end for the New York Jets. Omon was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft and has played for the Seattle Seahawks as well. Baker was an undrafted free agent, signed by the Jets in 2011 and has been with the team since.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Northwest in 1998, Dorrel spent a year as a graduate assistant at Northeastern State in Oklahoma. He returned to Northwest as a graduate assistant in 1999 when the team won the second of its back-to-back national titles and completed his master’s degree at Northwest in 2000.

Dorrel served coaching stints at Dakota State University in South Dakota and William Jewell College in Missouri before being appointed offensive line coach at Northwest in 2004. He was promoted to offensive coordinator prior to the 2007 season and then to assistant head coach after Scott Bostwick was named head coach in December 2010.

During the summer of 2008, Dorrel was one of six American football coaches to lead clinics overseas to further strengthen the sport beyond the United States. During the summer of 2007, he served as offensive line coach for Team USA as it competed and won the IFAF World Championships in Japan.

Dorrel himself is a former Northwest All-American, having played under legendary head coach Mel Tjeerdsma. Dorrel was a three-year captain for the Bearcats during his collegiate career as an offensive lineman from 1994 to 1997 and earned All-MIAA honors in 1995, 1996 and 1997. A Maryville native, he also was a two-time All-District and All-Conference lineman at Maryville High School.

Additionally, Dorrel’s family has long ties to Bearcat football, beginning with his great-grandfather, Ross Alexander Scott, who was a fullback on the first Bearcat football team in 1908. Dorrel’s grandfather and a great uncle also played in the program during the 1940s.

Dorrel and his wife, Erin, live in Maryville with their twin daughters, Allie and Sam. j

1

2

Charlie Flohr enters his seventh season at Northwest and second as offensive coordinator after pacing the Bearcats to a record setting year offensively in 2011.

Regarded as one of the top offensive minds in NCAA Division II, Flohr has also earned the reputation as a winner going 53-2 during conference play in six seasons at Northwest. The Bearcats also claimed the program’s third national title in 2009 and earned three national runner-up finishes from 2006 to 2008.

Under Flohr, Northwest has ranked 10th, 32nd, 17th, 3rd and 5th nationally in pass efficiency and led the nation in scoring during the 2011 season at 48.64 points per game.

The 2011 season also saw the Bearcats average more than 50 points per game during the regular season and share the lead in total offense most of the season before finishing fourth at 495.07 yards per game. The MIAA leader in passing efficiency, Trevor Adams also finished ranked 11th in NCAA Division II as Northwest set school records for points scored in a season with 681. The 681 points was also the second most in college football regardless of division and was only surpassed by NCAA Division I Houston by nine points in their bowl game win.

Flohr served as a graduate assistant with the Bearcats in 2002 and 2003 and was placed in charge of tight ends. After obtaining his master’s degree in health and physical education at Northwest, Flohr was hired at conference-rival Truman, where he served as the Bulldogs’ wide receivers and recruiting coach.

A native of Gillette, Wy., Flohr is a 2002 graduate of Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., where he earned a degree in health and physical education

and earned his master’s at Northwest in 2003. Flohr was a four-year letterwinner in football at his alma mater and was a two-time honorable mention all-conference selection at wide receiver. He graduated as the program’s all-time leader in punt returns.

Flohr resides in Maryville with his wife, Amy who is also a Northwest alum, and their children Adam, Austin and Alec. j

Richard Wright enters his second season as defensive coordinator after serving as Northwest’s defensive line coach and coordinator of special teams since 2004.

In his first season as the defensive coordinator, Josh Lorenson became the

10th All-America defensive lineman to play under Wright. The 2011 season also saw his defensive unit hold opponents under 100 yards rushing four times and under 100 yards passing three times.

Northwest tied for the most sacks in the nation in 2009 when 19 Bearcats combined for 48 sacks. The Bearcats have finished in the top 10 nationally in quarterback sacks in three of the last four

seasons. Kendall Wright enjoyed one of the most decorated seasons in 2008 as a return specialist also earning All-America accolades. During Wright’s tenure 10 Bearcats have combined to earn 14 All-MIAA honors as either a lineman or return man.

Two former players have been on NFL rosters, Dave Tollefson currently with the Oakland Raiders and Steve Williams, who has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. Tollefson is a two-time Super Bowl Champion earning his first ring with the Giants in 2007 and again

following the 2011 season.

Wright got his first taste of Bearcat football when he served as a graduate assistant at Northwest in 1995 and 1996 where he was the tight ends coach. Before coming back to Northwest in 2004, Wright served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at St. Ambrose (Iowa) University from 2000-03. During that time, the Fighting Bees won four straight conference titles and set the league record for consecutive wins.

Prior to St. Ambrose, Wright made stops at William Penn (Iowa) College and Central Methodist College (now University) and Dakota State University.

Wright began coaching during the 1991 season at Cortland State before spending time at Dana College from 1993-94. Covering several facets of coaching, Wright has been an offensive coordinator, linebackers coach, wide receivers coach and special team’s coordinator.

A native of Hamilton, N.Y., Wright earned his bachelor’s degree at Dana (Neb.) College in 1995 and his master’s at Northwest in 1996. Wright resides in Maryville with his wife, Sarah, who is also a Northwest alum and their daughters, Grace and Kate. j

Charlie FlohrOffensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks• Seasons: 7• College: Dakota State University• Recruiting Area:

Central and Eastern Missouri

Richard WrightAssistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator• Seasons: 9• College: Dana College• Recruiting Area: Eastern IA, Chicago

2

3

Ken Gordon enters his second season at Northwest as the secondary coach and special team’s coordinator. Gordon, who also played at Northwest, returned to his alma mater after four seasons as the defensive coordinator at Emporia State.

Prior to his time at Emporia, Gordon served as the defensive coordinator at Minnesota State-Mankato from 2005-2006

Joel Osborn enters his second season as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at his alma mater. Osborn has been at Northwest since 2004 as a player, graduate assistant, and now coaching the wide receivers.

During his tenure, Northwest has won five MIAA Championships and one national championship. Since arriving at Northwest the offensive side of the ball has seen

Ken GordonDefensive Backs / Special Teams

Joel OsbornWide Receivers / Recruiting

Chad BostwickLinebackers

• Seasons: 2• College: Northwest Missouri State University• Recruiting Area: St. Louis, East Texas, Dallas

• Seasons: 2• College: Northwest Missouri State University• Recruiting Area: Kansas City (Mo. & Kan.), Eastern Kansas, Central Iowa

• Seasons: 2• College: Northwest Missouri State University• Recruiting Area: Nebraska, Western Iowa

and Pierce Junior College in California from 2003-2004. During his time as a coordinator, Gordon has coached seven All-Americans and 26 All-Conference players.

Gordon was a linebacker at Northwest in 1995 and 1996 and was a First-Team All-MIAA performer as a senior. He was a graduate assistant at Northwest in 1998 and 1999, working with the linebackers. He played at Blinn Junior College in Texas prior to coming to Northwest.

A native of Quitman, Texas, Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree at Northwest in 1996 and his master’s in 1999. Gordon resides in Maryville with his wife, Jessica and their children, Dominik and Addisyn. j

unparalleled heights including setting a school record for points in a season in 2009 and breaking that record again in 2011. In three seasons on the sidelines six players combined to earn eight All-MIAA accolades and two All-America honors.

After throwing passes to Jake Soy, he helped groom Soy into the 2009 National Wide Receiver of the Year after the sophomore led the nation with 27 touchdown catches and 1,559 yards receiving. Both of those marks set conference and school records as he would go on to earn First-Team All-MIAA honors and become the recipient of the Ken B. Jones MIAA Student-Athlete of the Year Award during the 2010-11 school year.

As a player, Osborn was the 2008 MIAA MVP after throwing for 3,249 yards and 24

Chad Bostwick enters his second season at Northwest as the linebackers coach where he was an All-MIAA linebacker from 2000-2004.

The 2011 season saw the end of one of the most prolific linebackers in Northwest history in Chad Kilgore, who was signed by the Oakland Raiders. Kilgore earned All-America accolades by every publication that covers Division II football.

touchdowns and helped lead the Bearcats to four-straight national championship games and four MIAA Championships. He is also the only quarterback in Northwest history to start in two national championship games (2007 and 2008).

A native of Harlan, Iowa, Osborn earned his bachelor’s degree at Northwest in 2008 and received his master’s in 2011. Osborn and his wife, Audrey who ran track and field at Northwest, reside in Maryville. j

Bostwick served as the linebackers and special teams coach at the University of Central Missouri during the spring of 2011. Prior to his time at UCM, he spent four seasons as the offensive line coach at Colorado School of Mines.

Bostwick is the brother of Scott Bostwick, who was named Northwest’s 18th head football coach in December and died June 5, 2011, of a heart attack.

A native of Omaha, Neb., Bostwick earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwest in 2005 and received his master’s in 2006. Bostwick resides in Maryville with his wife, Kelli who is also a Northwest alum, and their daughters, Geordynn and Ryleigh. j

3

4

Meet the BearcatsNUMERICAL ROSTER

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/Previous School1 BrandonDixon DB 6-0 195 Jr. Margate,Fla.(JolietJC)2 BrianDixon DB 6-0 195 Jr. Margate,Fla.(JolietJC)3 TylerSeals QB 6-2 210 Jr. Bellevue,Neb.(BellevueWestHS)4 TylerShaw WR 6-0 180 Sr. St.Louis,Mo.(LutheranNorthHS)5 JordanSimmons RB 5-9 195 Sr. KansasCity,Mo.(Lee’sSummitNorth)6 TravisManning CB 6-0 190 So. Belleville,Ill.(WestHS)7 JasonJozaites WR 6-3 190 So. Westmont,Ill.(DownersGroveSouthHS)8 ClintUtter WR 6-3 200 Jr. Bloomfield,Iowa(OttumwaHS)9 JamesFranklin RB 5-9 185 Jr. Olathe,Kan.(OlatheNorth(UNO)10 BradyBolles QB 6-3 180 RSFr. Lincoln,Neb.(NorthStarHS)11 SonyTheodate DL 6-5 280 Jr. FortLauderdale,Fla.(CerritosCC)12 JohnHinchey WR 6-2 210 Sr. Kearney,Mo.(KearneyHS)13 JeffHoweth S 5-11 205 Jr. Dallas,Texas(HighlandPark)14 JaredFox DB 5-10 190 So. St.Joseph,Mo.(CentralHS)15 TrevorAdams QB 6-1 200 Jr. Odessa,Texas(PermianHS)17 GordiMetezier DB 6-2 200 Sr. Margette,Fla.(TexasSouthern)18 BryceYoung WR 5-10 185 So. Chillicothe,Mo.(ChillicotheHS)19 VincentDefeo TE 6-2 230 Sr. Greenwood,Mo.(Drake)20 KohlmanAdema-Schulte RB 5-9 185 Jr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardWestHS)21 NateDeJong S 6-2 210 Sr. RockRapids,Iowa(CentralLyonHS)22 BillyCreason RB 5-10 200 Jr. GrainValley,Mo.(GrainValleyHS)23 ClarkeSnodgrass S 6-0 205 Sr. Chesterfield,Mo.(ParkwayCentralHS)24 RobertBurtonIII RB 5-11 190 Jr. MarinCity,Calif.(SanFranciscoJC)25 TyshaanAlleyne CB 6-0 180 RSFr. BlueSprings,Mo.(BlueSpringsHS)26 DenverLohnes RB 5-11 200 So. CouncilBluffs,Iowa(LewisCentralHS)27 DylanChadwick S 5-10 195 So. Hamilton,Mo.(PenneyHS)28 AlexTaylor RB 5-11 190 RSFr. KansasCity,Mo.(CenterHS)29 JordanAkers S 5-10 180 RSFr. Lawson,Mo.(LawsonHS)30 TimMartinez CB 5-11 185 So. Bettendorf,Iowa(PleasantValleyHS)31 DarreusCaston CB 5-10 175 RSFr. FortDodge,Iowa(FortDodgeHS)32 MattMassey LB 6-1 230 Sr. Kearney,Mo.(KearneyHS)34 StacyWhitaker DB 6-2 185 So. Jacksonville,Texas(TarletonState)35 ColbyBowles QB 6-5 230 RSFr. Richmond,Mo.(RichmondHS)36 D.J.Gnader LB 6-2 225 So. CouncilBluffs,Iowa(LewisCentralHS)37 PrestonBostwick LB 6-0 215 Sr. Omaha,Neb.(NorthHS)39 MattMcLeay QB 6-1 215 RSFr. Omaha,Neb.(CreightonPrep)42 BryantHummel FB 6-2 240 Jr. Clarinda,Iowa(ClarindaHS)43 CreightonMorris TE 6-4 210 RSFr. Lincoln,Neb.(NorthStarHS)44 RickyBailey DE 6-3 235 Jr. Wentzville,Mo.(WentzvilleHoltHS)46 KyleKleeman FB 6-0 245 Jr. Lemont,Ill.(JolietCatholicHS)47 CodyMatthewson LB 6-2 230 So. Madrid,Iowa(MadridHS)48 JoshSwanson FB 6-1 230 RSFr. Gering,Ill.(GeringHS)49 ToddAdolf K 6-1 185 Sr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardNorthHS)50 ZachMaloley LB 6-1 220 RSFr. Kearney,Neb.(KearneyHS)51 EricReimer LB 6-2 225 So. MenomoneeFalls,Wisc.(SussexHamiltonHS)52 JayronRobinson LB 6-1 225 So. KansasCity,Mo.(StaleyHS)53 RobertStough OL 5-11 275 Sr. Liberty,Mo.(LibertyHS)54 TevinJackson-Mitchell DL 6-2 260 Jr. Bakersfield,Ca.(BakersfieldCC)55 ColeDafft OL 6-3 280 Sr. Prosper,Texas(ProsperHS)56 ChetMeneely LB 6-2 225 So. Atlantic,Iowa(AtlanticHS)57 BrockSherman LB 6-0 225 RSFr. Crete,Neb.(CreteHS)58 BryceJohnston DT 6-2 270 Jr. Clarence,Mo.(SouthShelbyHS)59 RyanMeyer DT 6-2 270 Sr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardWestHS)60 JakeScarbo OL 6-2 275 Jr. BlueSprings,Mo.(SouthHS)61 MickeyRussell LB 6-0 210 RSFr. CouncilBluffs,Iowa(St.AlbertHS)63 KoltenCline DE 6-3 230 RSFr. PleasantHill,Mo.(PleasantHillHS)65 ColeChevalier OL 6-3 285 So. Lee’sSummit,Mo.(WestHS)67 DanielKempf OL 6-3 260 So. Boonville,Mo.(BoonvilleHS)68 CollinDeBuysere LB 6-4 230 Sr. Geneseo,Ill.(GeneseoHS)71 JohnPetroff OL 6-3 290 Jr. Chesterfield,Mo.(ParkwayCentralHS)74 CJKeeney OL 6-6 280 Jr. Smithville,Mo.(SmithvilleHS)75 RodWilliams OL 6-5 300 Sr. Grandview,Mo.(GrandviewHS)76 ShaneSmith OL 6-4 280 RSFr. Shelbine,Mo.(SouthShelbyHS)77 SavontaeBrown OL 6-3 285 So. Lincoln,Neb.(NorthStarHS)78 CodyCarlson OL 6-3 275 Jr. Eudora,Kan.(EudoraHS)79 AdamVanderpool OL 6-6 275 So. KansasCity,Mo.(SouthernIllinois)80 DylanWatts TE 6-3 230 So. Camdenton,Mo.(CamdentonHS)81 KyleGoodburn P 6-0 180 So. RoelandPark,Kan.(ShawneeMissionNorthHS)82 MikeKastel DE 6-7 225 RSFr. St.Charles,Ill.(Delaware)83 JamesCairney WR 5-10 185 Jr. Harlan,Iowa(HarlanCommunityHS)84 NehemiahWilkins WR 6-0 185 RSFr. Raleigh,N.C.(BoysTownOmahaHS)85 AlexVisk TE 6-3 230 So. OverlandPark,Kan.(BlueValleyWestHS)86 JoelGantz TE 6-5 245 Jr. Perry,Kan.(Perry-LecomptonHS)87 KevinArnold DE 6-4 230 So. IowaCity,Iowa(ReginaHS)88 DearisFlint WR 6-3 195 RS-Fr. KansasCity,Mo.(ParkHillHS)89 MontaySimmons DE 6-3 230 So. KansasCity,Mo.(LincolnPrepHS)90 WillieDyson DL 6-2 260 Sr. St.Louis,Mo.(Minnesota)91 ZachWilliams DE 6-3 275 Jr. KansasCity,Mo.(CenterHS)92 MarcusWright TE 6-3 225 Jr. KansasCity,Mo.93 TristanPatterson DT 6-2 250 RSFr. Columbia,Mo.(RockBridgeHS)94 JordanChrisman DE 6-2 240 So. BlueSprings,Mo.(CentralArkansas)

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/Previous School

Bearcats on National TVYEAR CARRIER OPPONENT SCORE1998 ESPN Carson Newman (NationalChampionship) 24-61999 ESPN Carson Newman (NationalChampionship) 58-52 (4 OTs)2005 ESPNU North Alabama (NationalSemifinal) 25-242005 ESPN Grand Valley (NationalChampionship) 17-212006 ESPNU Bloomsburg (NationalSemifinal) 33-32006 ESPN2 Grand Valley (NationalChampionship) 14-172007 ESPN2 Grand Valley (NationalSemifinal) 34-162007 ESPN2 Valdosta St. (NationalChampionship) 20-252008 ESPN2 North Alabama (NationalSemifinal) 41-72008 ESPN2 Minnesota Duluth (NationalChampionship) 14-212009 CBS C Abilene Christian 14-192009 CBS C California PA (NationalSemifinal) 56-312009 ESPN2 Grand Valley(NationalChampionship) 30-232010 CBS C Minnesota Duluth(NationalSemifinal) 13-17

95 MattMeinert DE 6-3 240 Sr. Easton,Kan.(PleasantRidgeHS)96 MattLongacre DE 6-3 240 So. Omaha,Neb.(MillardWestHS)97 GaryBrunt DE 6-2 250 Jr. RanchoCucamonga,Calif.(ChaffeyJC)98 TravisChappelear DE 6-5 270 Sr. Urbana,Mo.(MissouriState)99 BrandonYost DT 6-2 280 RSFr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardWestHS)True Freshmen DanielAjuzie WR 6-3 180 Fr. JeffersonCity,Mo.(JeffersonCityHS)RyanAuer FB 5-10 230 Fr. St.Charles,Mo.(FrancisHowellHS)BrockBehrndt TE 6-5 240 Fr. St.Louis,Mo.(LafayetteHS)KevinBerg S 5-11 185 Fr. KansasCity,Mo.(RockhurstHS)ColbyBowers LS 6-0 230 Fr. Richmond,Mo.(RichmondHS)StevenButlerJr. DB 5-7 160 Fr.. Mesquite,Texas(WestMesquiteHS)ZachCallahan OL 6-3 270 Fr. Shawnee,Kan.(MillValleyHS)BradDinwiddie RB 6-0 195 Fr. Eldon,Mo.(EldonHS)JoshuaFalk DE 6-5 205 Fr. Joliet,Ill.(JolietCatholicAcademy)ColeForney LB 6-0 210 Fr. Maryville,Mo.(MaryvilleHS)ChrisFoster DE 6-5 220 Fr. OverlandPark,Kan.(BlueValleyHS)JustinFulks RB 5-11 175 Fr. OverlandPark,Kan.(BlueValleyHS)TreyGraf TE 6-3 215 Fr. Lincoln,Neb.(LincolnSouthwestHS)DJGriffin LB 6-3 200 Fr. KansasCity,Mo.(O’HaraHS)LukeGuenther OL 6-6 265 Fr. Altoona,Iowa(SoutheastPolkHS)ZachHilsabeck OL 6-7 320 Fr. Barnard,Mo.(SouthNodawayHS)PhilJacksonII RB 6-0 220 Fr. CarolStream,Ill.(GlenbardNorthHS)QuanzeeJohnson WR 5-9 165 Fr. Shawnee,Kan.(BishopMiegeHS)ColeJones WR 5-8 165 Fr. BlueSprings,Mo.(BlueSpringsHS)ZachKallman WR 6-3 200 Fr. Omaha,Neb.(KansasState)CarsonKlocko DB 6-2 185 Fr. Norwalk,Iowa(NorwalkHS)CaleKobelik S 5-8 175 Fr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardNorthHS)P.T.Mahoney DE 6-5 230 Fr. Belton,Mo.RobertMann CB 5-10 165 RSFr. Omaha,Neb.(CreightonPark)KyleMeyer OL 6-3 245 Fr. Versailles,Mo.(MorganCountyR-2HS)DylanMorris OL 6-5 270 Fr. Lawson,Mo.(LawsonHS)SeanO’Connor LB 6-0 200 Fr. PrairieCity,Iowa(PCMHS)PrestonPedersen WR 6-2 185 RSFr. Leon,Iowa(CentralDecaturHS)TreyRandle DT 6-2 275 Fr. KansasCity,Mo.(RockhurstHS)TJSchieber TE 6-3 240 Fr. Hamilton,Mo.(PenneyHS)ChaseSherman OL 6-0 270 Fr. Crete,Neb.(CreteHS)LoganStark DE 6-1 230 Fr. Lee’sSummit,Mo.(Lee’sSummitWestHS)CaseySudhoff LB 6-0 220 Fr. BlueSprings,Mo.(BlueSpringsSouthHS)JamieThieman OL 6-4 260 Fr. Concordia,Mo.(ConcordiaHS)DeAndreThomas DB 6-2 195 Fr. Gladstone,Mo.(WinnetonkaHS)JosephTraylor WR 6-4 170 RSFr. Tyler,Texas(WinonaHS)BenTrewyn K 5-11 195 Fr. Bettendorf,Iowa(PleasantValleyHS)WillTwadle S 5-10 175 RS-Fr. Maryville,Mo.(MaryvilleHS)JordanVanRoekel LB 6-3 195 Fr. Monroe,Iowa(PrairieCity-MonroeHS)KoleVittetoe OL 6-4 250 Fr. GrainValley,Mo.(GrainValleyHS)JacobVollstedt LB 6-2 225 Fr. IowaCity,Iowa(IowaCityReginaHS)AustinWeaver K 5-7 150 Fr. Canyon,Texas(CanyonHS)CassWeitl DT 6-4 240 Fr. Carroll,Iowa(KuemperHS)MichaelWickham WR 6-3 190 Fr. Bennington,Neb.(BenningtonHS)ConnorWilson LB 6-1 210 Fr. Omaha,Neb.(MillardNorthHS)JackYoung CB 5-10 170 Fr. JeffersonCity,Mo.(JeffersonCityHS)ConnorZech OL 6-3 183 Fr. Liberty,Mo.(LibertyHS)KyleZimmerman QB 6-1 185 Fr. OverlandPark,Neb.(MillardWestHS)

4

5

Fall Classic at Arrowhead

Bearcats on National TV

One of the premiere and highly anticipated sporting events in all of Division II football is the Fall Classic at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. What started as a one-time event has now completed its eleventh contest. The Bearcats defeated the #1 ranked Gorillas 31-21 on October 13th, 2012. Northwest scored 31 unanswered points in the second half to take control of the game.

The annual game between national powerhouses Northwest and Pittsburg State attracts more than 20,000 fans on average to the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The first game in 2002, dubbed

“The Clash of the Champions,” brought in a series-record 26,695 fans.

The magnitude of the Northwest-Pittsburg State rivalry is something all college programs aspire to be a part of. In nine of the eleven Fall Classics, both teams were ranked in the top 20 and five times both teams were ranked in the top 10. The 2004 Classic pitted the nation’s top two teams against one another in a regular season finale for the first time in Division II history.

Northwest has won six of the last seven Fall Classic games and leads the Arrowhead series 8-3.

DATE ATTENDANCE SCOREOct. 27, 2002 26,695 29-7Nov. 15, 2003 20,324 20-19Nov. 6, 2004 25,542 17-21Oct. 29, 2005 21,044 35-56Nov. 4, 2006 22,561 41-14Oct. 6, 2007 19,103 37-34 (OT)Oct. 4, 2008 21,316 35-10Sept. 12, 2009 20,813 30-10Nov.12, 2010 16,504 22-16Oct. 1, 2011 15,106 35-38Oct. 13, 2012 15,349 31-21

5

6

It’s hard to find a more beautiful and more accommodating facility in Division II football than Northwest Missouri State’s Bearcat Stadium. Labeled “the crown jewel of the MIAA” by the Kansas City Star, Bearcat Stadium is the longest-running continuous site for football in all of NCAA Division II. Dating back to 1913, no other stadium has played host to its team’s games for so long.

First named Memorial Stadium in 1917, and then Rickenbrode Stadium from 1961-2004, Bearcat Stadium has seen

significant improvements since 2000. The east grandstand was completely rebuilt starting in 2000. In 2003, the new-and-improved stadium was unveiled, which included an increased seating capacity on the west side, chairback and railback seating, 10 luxury suites, a spacious and functional press area and a new scoreboard, complete with video board – one of few in a Division II football facility.

The summer of 2007 saw the installation of FieldTurf and permanent lighting. Contributors for the project requested

the new playing surface be named after former head coach Mel Tjeerdsma. On June 28, 2007, the Northwest Board of Regents unanimously approved the proposal.

From 2004 to the start of the 2012 season, the Bearcats are 48-3 at the facility which includes 17-, 13- and 10-game winning streaks. The facility has seen 12 NCAA playoff contests since its renaming in 2004 – all Northwest wins.

6

7

Training Room Amenities

• Newly renovated in 2005• 120 full lockers• Lockers include six storage areas• Two 37-inch LCD flat panel

HDTVs

• DVD/VHS player with surround sound

• Overhead projector with pull-down screen

• Stereo system

Weight Room Amenities

Locker Room Amenities

• 6,000 square feet of space• 10,000 square feet of agility area• Full-time strength/conditioning coach• Indoor track• Dumbbells from 5 to 150 lbs.• 10 power racks• 5 Hammer Strength Jammer machines• 1 Force Treadmill• Recovery shake available after each

workout

• Remodeled in 2010 with new flooring, carpeting and painting

• Six-person, Jacuzzi-style whirlpool

• Nine split-leg, cabinet-style treatment tables

• Two LeMond Fitness spin-style stationary bicycles

• Custom cubby units for student-athlete personal storage

• New offices for full-time staff members

7

8

1999Northwest (14-1) 58Carson-Newman (13-1) 52Four OvertimesNorthwest Missouri State’s 58-52, quadruple overtime win against Carson-Newman has been described as “the greatest college football game ever played.” Northwest scored 30 points in the fourth quarter and 15 points in the final three minutes to reach overtime, successfully completed a two-point conversion to force a fourth overtime,

and then recovered a Carson-Newman fumble to win its second national title in as many years.

Bearcat quarterback Travis Miles threw for 298 yards and five touchdowns including a 13-yard strike to J.R. Hill to give the Bearcats a 58-52 lead. Hill had 120 yards receiving and caught three touchdown passes during the game including a 34 yarder with 10 seconds left in regulation. Ryan George then made “the catch” in the back of the end zone for two points and a 44-44 tie.

1998Northwest (15-0) 24Carson-Newman (12-2) 6Northwest Missouri State quarterback Chris Greisen threw two touchdown passes and Derek Lane ran for one touchdown to lead the Bearcats to a 24-6 win against Carson-Newman and the program’s first national title. Greisen threw an NCAA record 13 touchdown passes during the playoffs. Northwest became the first Division II program to finish a season 15-0.8

9

Northwest Missouri State has won three national championships in the last 14 seasons and competed in the national championship game seven times since 1998. The Bearcats won back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 and added their third trophy in 2009. Northwest’s three titles are tied for the third-most in Division II history (since 1973).

2009Northwest (14-1) 30Grand Valley State (13-2) 23Northwest Missouri State used a 21-0 halftime lead to hold off Grand Valley State 30-23 and win the program’s third national championship. Bearcat quarterback Blake Bolles threw a 26-yard touchdown strike to Jake Soy on a 4th-and-4 play with 10 minutes remaining that gave Northwest a 30-20 advantage. The Bearcats later

recovered an onside kick and stopped a final Laker drive before hoisting the trophy.

LaRon Council ran for 172 yards and two first-half touchdowns for Northwest. Soy caught nine passes for 118 yards. Northwest scored touchdowns on its first three possessions en route to the win.

9

10

Conference Championships

Playoff Appearances

Northwest Missouri State has advanced to the Division II playoffs 14 times in the last 16 seasons and 16 times overall. Since 1996, the Bearcats are 34-11 in the postseason with three national titles and seven championship-game appearances. The 34 victories are the most ever in Division II history. In 2009, Northwest became the first Division II program to compete in five consecutive championship games.

The Bearcats have participated in the playoffs every season since 2004, the longest active streak in NCAA II. Since 1996, Northwest is 13-1 in opening games of the postseason, 19-3 at home and 7-1 in the semifinals. ESPN has broadcast nine Northwest playoff games in the last seven seasons.

MOST APPEARANCES1. UC Davis 182. North Dakota State 173. North Alabama 174. Pittsburg State 175. Northwest 16

MOST VICTORIES1. Northwest 342. North Dakota State 303. North Alabama 294. Grand Valley State 285. Pittsburg State 24

Northwest Missouri State has won 12 MIAA championships in the last 16 years and 24 overall. Nine of the last 11 titles were earned with unblemished 9-0 records. In fact, twice since 1997 have the Bearcats won more than 40 conference games in a row. The most recent streak lasted 49 games from 2005-2011. From 1996 to the start of the 2012 season, Northwest has posted a 132-11 record in MIAA play (.923).

MOST TITLES1. Truman 262. Northwest 243. SE Missouri State 174. Pittsburg State 125. Central Missouri 8

198419891996

1997 1998 1999

2000 2002 2004

200520062007

200820092010

2011

1925193119381939

1941 1942 19481952

1972 1974 1979 1984

19961997 1998 1999

2000 2002 20032006

2007200820092010

10

11

Bearcat All-AmericansAP Little All-Americans1939 Marion Rogers OL 1st1984 Steve Hansley WR 1st1985 Steve Hansley WR 1st1989 Jason Agee DB 1st1991 Erik Petersen DE 2nd1996 Matt Uhde DL 1st1997 Adam Dorrel OL 2nd1997 Twan Young DB 3rd1998 Aaron Becker DL 1st1998 Aaron Crowe LB 1st1998 Chris Greisen QB 1st1998 Steve Coppinger OL 2nd1998 Twan Young DB 2nd1998 Sherman Wilderness OL 3rd1999 Tony Miles WR 1st1999 David Purnell K 1st1999 Chad Thompson OL 2nd2000 Tony Miles WR 1st2000 Aaron Becker DL 1st2000 Andy Erpelding OL 1st2000 Brian Williams LB 2nd2001 Seth Wand OL 1st2001 Jamaica Rector WR 3rd2002 Seth Wand OL 1st2003 Jamaica Rector WR 2nd2004 Jamaica Rector WR 1st2005 Dave Tollefson DL 1st2006 Mike Peterson TE 2nd2007 Xavier Omon RB 1st2007 Mike Peterson TE 2nd2007 Reid Kirby OL 3rd2007 Jared Erspamer LB 3rd2008 Jeremy Davis OL 1st2008 Myles Burnsides DB 1st2008 LaRon Council RB 3rd2009 Brett Grozinger OL 1st

2009 Jake Soy WR 2nd2009 Myles Burnsides DB 2nd2010 Ryan Jones DB 1st2011 Chad Kilgore LB 1st2011 Rod Williams OL 2nd

AFCA All-Americans1996 Matt Uhde DL 1st1997 Chris Greisen QB 1st1998 Chris Greisen QB 1st1999 Tony Miles KR 1st2000 Tony Miles WR 1st2001 Seth Wand OL 1st2002 Seth Wand OL 1st2003 Jamaica Rector WR 1st2004 Jamaica Rector WR 1st2005 Dave Tollefson DL 1st2006 Mike Peterson TE 1st2007 Xavier Omon RB 1st2008 Jeremy Davis OL 1st2009 Myles Burnsides DB 1st2010 Ryan Jones DB 1st2011 Chad Kilgore LB 1st

Daktronics/CoSIDA All-Americans1995 Ezra Whorley DB 2nd1996 Matt Uhde DL 1st1997 Adam Dorrel OL 2nd1997 Twan Young DB 2nd1998 Steve Coppinger OL 1st1998 Aaron Crowe LB 1st1998 Chris Greisen QB 1st1998 Twan Young DB 1st1998 Aaron Becker DL 2nd

1998 Sherman Wilderness OL 2nd1999 Chad Thompson OL 1st1999 David Purnell K 1st2000 Aaron Becker DL 2nd2000 Brian Williams LB 1st2000 Steve Comer TE 2nd2000 Andy Erpelding OL 1st2000 Tony Miles WR 1st2001 Seth Wand OL 2nd2002 Seth Wand OL 2nd2004 Adam Long LB 1st2004 Jamaica Rector WR 1st2004 Brad Schneider OL 2nd2004 Steve Williams DL 2nd2005 Dave Tollefson DL 1st2006 Reid Kirby OL 1st2006 Mike Petersen TE 1st2006 Thomas Smith LB 2nd2007 Xavier Omon RB 1st2007 Reid Kirby OL 1st2007 Jared Erspamer LB 1st2008 Jeremy Davis OL 1st2008 LaRon Council RB 1st2008 Sean Paddock DL 1st2008 Myles Burnsides DB 1st2008 Kendall Wright RS 2nd2009 Jake Soy WR 1st2009 Brett Grozinger OL 1st2009 LaRon Council RB 2nd2009 Myles Burnside DB 2nd2010 Chad Kilgore LB 2nd2010 Ryan Jones DB 1st2011 Chad Kilgore LB 2nd2011 Rod Williams OL 1st2011 Cody Johnson OL 2nd

MIAA Player of the Year1974 Randy Baehr DB1998 Chris Greisen QB2000 Tony Miles WR/KR2000 Brian Williams LB2004 Adam Long LB2005 Dave Tollefson DL2007 Jared Erspamer LB2007 Xavier Omon RB DII Player of the Year

2008 Joel Osborn QB2008 Myles Burnsides DB DII Player of the Year2009 LaRon Council RB2010 Ryan Jones DB DII Player of the Year

11

12

Since 1996, the Bearcats have sent 17 players to NFL camps and currently have four players on NFL rosters heading into the 2012 training camp season. The Bearcats also saw the highest draft pick of any MIAA school when Seth Wand was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

After breaking the Northwest single season sack record and leading the Bearcats to the first of five consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship games, Tollefson was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He spent his first season on the Packers’ practice squad before signing with the Oakland Raiders before the 2007 season. Halfway through the 2007 season, while Tollefson was a member of the Raiders practice squad, the New York Giants signed him to a contract and activated him immediately. During Tollefson’s five seasons with the Giants, he won two Super Bowls (2007, 2011), started games on special teams and at defensive end, and recorded a career-high 5.0 sacks during the 2011 season. Because of his performance during the 2011 season, the Oakland Raiders signed him to a multi-year contract during the 2012 offseason.

In his two seasons playing at Northwest, the Bearcats made it to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinal (2004) and National Championship (2005) games. Tollefson was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 while earning NCAA Division II First-Team All-America accolades. During the 2005 season, he recorded a then Northwest single-season record 12.5 sacks.

Tollefson is married to Megan (Stalder), a former Northwest softball player. They reside in Omaha, Neb., with their sons, Tucker and Cade.

Dave Tollefson (2004-2005)

Photo courtesy of Evan Pinkus

Photo courtesy of Harmann Studios Green Bay Packers

12

13

Xavier Omon (2004-2007)After breaking numerous Northwest, MIAA and NCAA records, Xavier Omon was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Omon made the 53-man roster for the 2008 and 2009 seasons as the third-string running back behind Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. Since the end of the 2009 season, Omon’s stops have included the Seahawks, Jets, 49ers and Browns. Currently, he is a member of the Denver Broncos organization.

In his four seasons at Northwest, he led the Bearcats to the playoffs four times including three consecutive national championship games (2005-2007). He was the first running back in the history of college football to rush

for more than 1,500 yards for four consecutive years. One of his most memorable rushing touchdowns came during the 2007 NCAA Division II National Semi-Finals against Grand Valley State on ESPN. Using the JumboTron scoreboard to elude a pursuing defender, Omon raced 98 yards to score the deciding touchdown during the fourth quarter. The touchdown sent Northwest to the NCAA Division II National Championship game for the third consecutive year. Omon was named the NCAA Division II and MIAA Offensive Player of the Year during his senior season at Northwest. He was a four-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Omon resides in St. Joseph with his girlfriend, Lauren Williams, a former Northwest basketball player, and their two daughters, Emery and Eva.

Josh Baker(2010)Although his time at Northwest was short, Josh Baker’s impact was felt immediately. After transferring from the University of Delaware, Baker showed his versatility, which in turn landed him a free agent contract with the New York Jets.

A native of Chesapeake, Va., Baker would catch 66 passes for more than 800 yards in his lone season with the Bearcats. His nine touchdowns were second only behind Northwest All-America wide receiver Jake Soy, and he added three more touchdowns on the ground. In 11 attempts, Baker rushed for over 100 yards including a memorable touchdown run in a playoff win more than rival Missouri Western on a fake punt.

Since joining the Jets, Baker has worked his way onto the special team’s squad, securing a spot on the 53-man roster. In his rookie season, he also saw action as a back-up tight end and scored his first NFL touchdown in a week 16 loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.

Baker currently lives in New York.

Other Bearcats in the NFL (Since 1996)JesseHaynes,RB–KansasCityChiefs(1998)ChrisGriesen–ArizonaCardinals(1999-2001),Washington

Redskins(2002),DallasCowboys(2010-11)MauriceDouglass,RB–St.LouisRams(2001)CurtLessman,OL–AtlantaFalcons(2001)SethWand,OL–HoustonTexans(2003-05)TennesseeTitans

(2006),OaklandRaiders(2007-09,2011)AlexTuttle,OL–SanDiegoChargers(2003)JamaicaRector,WR–DallasCowboys(2005-06),Arizona

Cardinals(2007)SteveWilliams,DL–KansasCityChiefs(2006),Carolina

Panthers(2007-08),NewEnglandPatriots(2009,2011)MikePeterson,TE–GreenBayPackers(2008)TomPestock,OL–ArizonaCardinals(2009-2011),

IndianapolisColts(2009)LaRonCouncil,RB–MinnesotaVikings(2010)BlakeBolles,QB–MinnesotaVikings(2012)DavidMosley,WR–ChicagoBears(2012)ChadKilgore,LB–OaklandRaiders(2012)

Photo courtesy of Harmann Studios Green Bay Packers

Photo courtesy of James D. Smith

Photo courtesy of New York Jets

Photo courtesy of Harmann Studios Green Bay Packers

Photo courtesy of Vikings

13

14

From tailgate parties to tearing down the goalposts following a playoff win, nothing beats the game-day atmosphere at Northwest.

Catch free entertainment at the Bearcat Zone in College Park next to the stadium prior to each home game. Come tailgate with Northwest fans, get your picture taken with Bobby Bearcat and join the marching band, cheerleaders and dance team in a pep rally prior to each game. The “March to the Stadium” caps the celebration prior to each kickoff.

During the game, listen for the Phi Sigma Kappa cannon shot after each Northwest score and keep count while Bobby Bearcat does pushups. Spend halftime with the Bearcat Marching Band: “The Musical Pride of Northwest.” Celebrate each Bearcat victory down on the field with coaches and players where you can get autographs, take pictures and play on the field.

14

15

Attendance Opponent Date 1. 10,805 Missouri Western Oct. 2, 2010 2. 10,073 Washburn Oct. 22, 2011 3 9,500 Truman Oct. 20, 2001 4. 9,346 Missouri Western Sept. 13, 2008 5. 9,250 Pittsburg State Sept, 16, 2000

Attendance records (capacity - 6,500)

Rank Streak Dates 1 22 Sept. 5, 1998 - Nov. 4, 2000 2 17 Oct. 22, 2005 - Aug. 30, 2008 3 13 Sept. 6, 2008 - Sept. 2, 2010 4 12 Oct. 4, 2003 - Oct. 1, 2005 5 11 Oct. 10, 1930 - Nov. 24, 1932 6 10 Nov. 12, 1937- Nov. 10, 1939 7 10 Oct. 2, 2010 - current* * through the start of the 2012 season

Northwest home win streaks

15

16

Alma MaterLet your voices loudly ringing,Echo far and near;Songs of praise thy children singingTo the memory dear.

Years may dim our recollections,Time its change may bring;Still thy name in fond affectionEvermore we sing.

ChorusAlma Mater! Alma Mater!Tender, fair and true,Grateful ones with love unfailing,All their vows renew.

Bearcat Fight SongCome on Bearcats fight,(you Bearcats fight!)on to victory.Hail the Green and White,best in history.

Come on Bearcats fight,(you Bearcats fight!)proud, brave and strong we will stand.Our glorious colors raised up triumphantly, across Missouri land.

In addition to the parade, the court and all of the festivities, there are two special traditions during Homecoming week at Northwest, which was established by all known records in 1946. The first is the induction of the latest M-Club Hall of Fame class, which includes 111 individuals and 42 teams in 2012.

The second is the naming of the Don Black Homecoming Most Valuable Player Award. Don Black was a running back for the Bearcat football team from 1951 to 1953 and helped lead Northwest to an MIAA title in 1952. In 1972, the Don Black Award was presented for the first time to the most valuable player in the annual Homecoming contest. Since 1972, 40 athletes have received the honor.

Below is a look at past Don Black Award winners and the Bearcats all-time record in homecoming games.

Don Black Award Winner Breakdown

BY POSITION: Lineman 2 Kicker/Punter 2 Linebacker 3 Defensive Back 3

BY CLASS: Freshman 3 Sophomore 4

Safety 3 Receiver 7 Quarterback 11 Running Back 9

Junior 12 Senior 21

16

1717

18

For more than a decade, Northwest’s student-athletes have had a higher cumulative grade-point average than the rest of the Northwest student body.

Much of that academic success is attributed to Northwest’s nationally-renowned Student Athlete Success Program (SASP). The goal of the program is to provide an environment in which student-athletes can experience their fullest personal, social and academic growth.

The following is a list of resources available to student-athletes through the SASP:

Student Athlete Success Program

AdvisingAll academic advising is provided through the individual college and academic departments.

Academic ProgressDuring each trimester, the SASP surveys the professors of each student-athlete three times. In this grade check, the instructors are asked to comment on: the level of work the student is maintaining, the student’s attendance and attentiveness, the need for tutorial help, and any general comments.

MentoringThe SASP provides individualized mentoring sessions for interested student-athletes. The goal is to help students avoid academic-related difficulties and to develop opportunities for improvement of skills, rather than merely avoiding academic crises. It also provides for more individual monitoring of the student’s academic progress.

Supplemental InstructionThe SI program offers extracurricular peer tutoring groups for traditionally tough classes. Study sessions are led by students who have completed and earned high grades in the courses covered by the study group. SI’s provide three regularly-scheduled study review sessions a week.

TutoringFree tutoring is available in the relaxed environment at the Talent Development Center. Students can find a tutor for almost all of the general education courses and every effort will be made to find a tutor for an upper-level (300/400) course if needed. Tutoring sessions incorporate university-level study skills strategies, targeted test-taking advice, and content review of general studies and foundation-level courses in many majors. Tutoring sessions are designed to meet every individual’s needs.

Graduation RatesNorthwest Missouri State football players and Northwest student-athletes in general continue to boast higher graduation rates than the national average. Seventy-seven percent of Northwest football players graduate within six years, which leads the MIAA in graduation rate. The federal graduation rate is 58 percent. In addition, 83 percent of Northwest student-athletes graduate within six years. All 11 Northwest sports programs graduate student-athletes at a higher percentage than the national average.

18

19

Academic ExcellenceNorthwest Missouri State football players display their talents on the field and in the classroom. Northwest football boasts four Ken B. Jones Award winners, nine Academic All-Americans and in 2009 featured Myles Burnsides, the National Scholar-Athlete of the year. The Bearcats strive for perfection on the field, but our coaching staff’s top priority is to prepare men for life after football with a college degree.

Ken B. Jones Award WinnersThe award is named for the MIAA’s first full-time commissioner, who retired in 1997 after 16 years of service to the conference, and passed away in May 2004 at age 74. Nominees are judged on their athletic and academic accomplishments, along with any campus/community service during each year as well as their career.

2001-2002 Tucker Woolsey FB2005-2006 Josh Lamberson QB2009-2010 Myles Burnsides DB2010-2011 Jake Soy WR

Draddy Award FinalistOften referred to as the “Academic Heisman,” the Draddy Award is given to the nation’s top scholar-athlete and awards a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.

2003 John Edmonds LB

Division II National Scholar Athlete of the Year2009-2010 Myles Burnsides DB

Academic All-Americans1981 Robert Gregory LB2004 Josh Lamberson QB2004 Troy Tysdahl LB2005 Josh Lamberson QB2008 Myles Burnsides DB2009 Sean Paddock DL2009 Myles Burnsides DB2010 Jake Soy WR2011 Trevor Adams QB

19

20

Members of the Northwest football team are leaders on the field and in the community. Whether it is helping senior citizens with home improvements, cleaning up local highways or reading stories to elementary students, Maryville counts on its Bearcats and they deliver.

Northwest has participated in a spring clean-up for Maryville community members annually since 1996. The team assisted Hy-Vee in moving products into its new store and can be found moving furniture for offices across campus. Many players donate their time to reading in classrooms to Horace Mann, St. Gregory’s and Eugene Field students. The Bearcats also read

to students in Florence, Ala., during the week leading up to their nation championship game.

During the summer of 2012, the Bearcats participated in the Nodaway County Relay for Life at Bearcat Stadium playing games with kids to help raise money for Cancer. Head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin and 18 Bearcat football players helped a Habitat for Humanity project in a neighboring community, Skidmore. In all, the group spent five hours helping improve the front yard and drainage of the home.

20

MIAASCHOOL CITY STATE JOINEDCentral Missouri Warrensburg MO 1912Emporia State Emporia KS 1991Fort Hays Hays KS 2006Missouri Southern Joplin MO 1989Missouri Western St. Joseph MO 1989Northwest Maryville MO 1912Pittsburg State Pittsburg KS 1989Washburn Topeka KS 1989Southwest Baptist Bolivar MO 1986Lincoln Jefferson City MO 2011Lindenwood St. Charles MO 2012Nebraska-Kearney Kearney NE 2012Northeastern State Tahlequah OK 2012Central Oklahoma Edmond OK 2012

No

rthw

est’s stud

ent b

od

y is mo

re than

7,100 stud

ents w

ho

com

e from

every reg

ion

of th

e U.S

. and

arou

nd

the w

orld

, represen

ting

44 states and

30 co

un

tries. No

rthw

est stud

ents are trad

ition

al, with

an averag

e age o

f 20. M

ost live o

n cam

pu

s or w

ithin

a small rad

ius fro

m cam

pu

s. Th

eir average

AC

T sco

re is 22, and

79 percen

t of th

em ran

k in th

e up

per h

alf of th

eir hig

h

scho

ol g

radu

ating

class.

Th

e 370-acre camp

us is co

mp

lemen

ted b

y 315 acres of ru

ral lakefron

t just

ou

tside M

aryville and

a 750-acre labo

ratory farm

no

rth o

f camp

us.

For m

ore in

form

ation

con

tact:Jo

el Osb

orn

Wid

e Receivers, R

ecruitin

g C

oo

rdin

ator

660.562.1088jo

sbo

rn@

nw

misso

uri.ed

uw

ww

.no

rthw

estbearcats.co

m