Voices thoughts 48 hours after UWW's national championship victory

- I'm having technical problems uploading stories on the Warhawkfootball.com News Wire. I've been told the problem will be fixed sometime on Tuesday. Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Winning championships never gets old!

- The Warhawk football team were champions on the field AND Warhawk football fans were champions in the stands. An estimated 1,500 U-Dub-Dub fans were able to make the trek to Salem this year. We all know what prevented fans from getting to last year's Stagg Bowl.

- A big thank you to Gary, Arnie, Brez, Chuck and all who assisted me on getting around on the trip. Not being able to keep up with others is very frustrating and discouraging for me.

- I am humbled to be one of the radio voices of this year's football team. I hope our broadcasts helped create lasting memories for those who tuned in the KOOL 106.5 Warhawk radio broadcasts this season.

- Thanks to Chuck Nass and the UW-Whitewater Alumni Association for a super Stagg Bowl pregame tailgate. Outstanding job!

- I have received a large number of calls, emails, etc. saying that they had turned down the TV and listened to our broadcasts while watching the telecast on ESPN U. Again, hopefully Gary, Arnie and my Stagg Bowl broadcast helped enhance the excitement of the day.

- Over the first three days of our trip to Salem I thought I had forgotten to pack my medicine. Saturday morning, while packing, my medicine bag showed up in a side pocket in my brand new luggage. I had packed it there so I could find it easily!

- How many of you that made the trip were really tired when you got back home? I laid down for what I planned to be a two hour nap and didn't wake up for 10 hours!

- It felt good to get back to my exercise class at Fort Memorial Hospital Monday morning. My classmates have become huge Warhawk footbal fans and just about everyone listened to the KOOL 106.5 game broadcast. I guess wearing Warhawk clothing and talking Warhawk football three days a week since mid-July, and a really good football team has made big fans of my exercise class peeps.

- With championship in hand, time to get to my Christmas shopping. Hopefully I can find 20 minutes to accomplish the feat.

- Less than 48 hours following its national championship recruiting for 2011 has begun in earnest!

- More thoughts coming up tomorrow.

Voice

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Chancellor Richard Telfer and UW-Whitewater football team just spent a dream weekend

What a weekend for the UW-Whitewater football team. What a weekend for UW-Whitewater Chancellor Richard Telfer.

Chancellor Telfer, a huge Warhawk football fan, began his weekend overseeing commencement exercises Saturday morning in the DLK Fieldhouse, caught a flight to Roanoke, Virginia to root on the Warhawks to a second consecutive NCAA Division III national championship. Sunday morning Chancellor Telfer flew home with the team on an NCAA charter flight back to Madison and then a third national championship, welcome-home celebration.

When Telfer walked onto the Williams Center gym floor to speak to the team at Sunday afternoon’s celebration, he held his fists up for the players to see two national championship rings adorning his right hand.

"I've got room for more and, by golly, you earned it," Chancellor Telfer told the team.

Head coach Lance Leipold said this year's seniors are responsible for maintaining motivation through four trips to the bowl.

"They kept up that hunger, that work ethic, that special effort," Leipold said.

Athletic Director Paul Plinske said the seniors can be confident that their group is "one of the best that's ever walked on to this campus."

Over the last four years the UW-Whitewater football team has posted an incredible 57 and 3 record. The team is part of a record six consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and six consecutive meetings with legendary Division III powerhouse, Mount Union, in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

What a weekend for Chancellor Telfer and the UW-Whitewater football team!

Oh by the way, recruiting for 2011 begins this week!

2010 UW-Whitewater football team something very special

The seniors on the 2010 Warhawk football team are now the most "decorated" in UW-Whitewater history. They are members of THREE NCAA Division III championship teams in four years. Oh, by the way, the "other" season NOT winning the title, the Warhawks finished second in a five-point loss to Mount Union in the 2008 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

The Warhawks opended the season as the preseason No. 1 ranked team in the country. Saturday night the Hawks "ran the table" with its 15th consecutive win for a second season in a row. You think that's easy?

I sat in the lobby of our team hotel following last night's game and was facinated to watch the faces of the players and families celebrating the national championship victory. It spoke volumes on the satisfaction one has after reaching the top of the mountain - it is really what it is all about.

I recall the smile on Chancellor Telfer's face when he was in our press box booth at halftime. To begin the day in Whitewater overseeing commencement exercises, to being 883 miles two hours later to watch his UW-Whitewater football team playing for another national title on national TV via ESPN - I'd say it was a very good day for U-Dub-Dub.

What made the 2010 Warhawks click week after week, after week? An outstanding coaching staff that set the tone immediately following the team's 2009 national championship game making it crystal clear that to win championships is to succeed one day, one practice, one game at a time. Add oustanding senior leadership and that "pound the rock" attitude and it forms the Warhawk reciepe to success.

Congratulations to Lane Leipold who has been named the 2010 D3football.com National Coach of the Year and to Level Coppage named the 2010 National Offensive Player of the Year.

Thanks to KOOL 106.5 for allowing me to be part of the football broadcasting team again this season. It is humbling to be sitting in the "co-pilot's" seat next to Gary Douglas each broadcast. He is the best play-by-pay guy in Division III football!

-Oops, I just got a call saying I'm late for breakfast! More thoughts coming up later.

-Voice

Warhawks go back to back over Mount Union

Levell Coppage ran for 299 yards and three touchdowns and Wisconsin-Whitewater forced five turnovers and shut out Mount Union in the second half to win its second consecutive NCAA Division III football national championship, 31-21 on Saturday.

The Warhawks completed their second straight 15-0 season, and won their third national championship in four years. They are 57-3 in Lance Leipold's four seasons as coach.

The Purple Raiders (14-1), winners of 10 championships in 13 prior trips to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl under coach Larry Kehres, did all their scoring in a span of less than 4 minutes in the second quarter, but otherwise couldn't solve the Warhawks' defense.

Coppage did plenty, too, scoring on runs of 54, 11 and 75 yards, the latter with 2:34 to play on third-and-6. The Purple Raiders stacked the line, and once Coppage burst through, he sailed down the middle of the field for the clinching touchdown. The run also gave him a Stagg Bowl record for individual rushing yardage, accomplished on 39 carries.

Much more to come....

Voice

You are looking live at Salem Stadium home of Stagg Bowl XXXVIII

Good morning and welcome to Salem Stadium, in Salem, Virgina, home of Stagg Bowl XXXVIII! The KOOL 106.5 broadcast crew led by executive producer Bob Berezowitz arrived on seen at 10::15 (CST) It is taking a little extra time this year to get everything set up here in the press box. The Warhawks are designated the visiting team today and for those of you watching the game on ESPN U you will be seeing U-Dub-Dub-Dub in the stands A LOT during today's game. The Alumni Association Warhawk Tailgate is hoing strong over in the parking lot. GO WARHAWKS!

Good Friday morning of Stagg Bowl week, the Warhawk fan pilgrimage to Salem is underway

- Remember yesterday morning talking about the problems Virginia drivers have when it comes to snow. No problems today (Friday). Sunshine and a high temp approaching 40 today in the Roanoke Valley. When you arrive today at our team hotel (Holiday Inn Tanglewood) the U-Dub-Dub fan "festivities" will be well underway!

- Last night Warhawk fans had downtown Roanoke virtually all to themselves. Our group ate at a great bar-b-cue place. Great ribs - ummmm ribs! Tonight it will be across the street for dinner at Awful Arthurs. Can you say king crab and lobster?

- Big "ups" to Doc Hornickel for picking up my tab for dinner last night. Much appreciated!!!

- More big "ups" to our team hotel who understands that when fans are in town for a "national championship game" weekend - the Holiday Inn Tanglewood made the large contingent of U-Dub-Dub fans very "comfortable" at its get-together last night - THANK YOU!!

- Most of you already know that UW-Whitewater assistant coach Kevin Bullis is a finalist for the head coaching job at UW-River Falls. That isn't even close to being the biggest story surrounding Coach Bullis this weekend. Not only will Bullis be coaching up the defense and special teams in tomorrow's Stagg Bowl - but Saturday is the 17th wedding anniversary for Diane and Kevin. I wonder if Coach Bullis will remember his anniversary on Stagg Bowl gameday? He better!!!

- Just watched the ESPN U promo for tomorrow's UWW-UMU Stagg Bowl telecast. Now I've got my "game-face" on!

- Getting ready to head over to the Salem Civic Center for today's Spotlight on Champions What Hawk player has been chosen to speak on-stage today representing the UWW football team. My guess is Luke Hibner.

- I'll post again late this afternoon to give you a better feel from U-Dub-Dub fan headquarters.

GO HAWKS

Voice

Updated list of Stagg Bowl parties planned by members of Warhawk Nation

So you are a UW-Whitewater football fan and you can’t make it to Salem Virginia for Stagg Bowl XXXVIII? Join your Warhawk Nation brethren watching the Warhawks defend its 2009 NCAA Division III Title at one of the many Warhawk Stagg Bowl parties that will take place in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

The following is our latest update on U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties planned for Saturday afternoon:

The Mad Boar in Whitewater Former Warhawk Mitch Moore tells me that lots of '07 - '08 players will be joinng him at "the Boar" for Saturday's Purple Bowl VI vs. Mount Union. "Festivities" will get underway at 12:30 p.m. Mitch tells me that AJ Raebel, Brent Allen, Nic Romeo, Dan Anstett, Luke Nelson, Keegan Brenan, Graham Hall, Jeff Schebler, and more have indicated they will be >rocking the Boar! watching the Stagg Bowl on big screen TV

Saxe’s Lone Star Inn located just two miles west of Whtewater on Highway 12 will be the Offical UWW Quaretback Club place to watch Stagg Bowl XXXVIII. Wayne will providing broasted chicken and those fantastic turkey and gravy sandwiches. Since Saxe’s Stagg Bowl Party will have a tailgate atmosphere to it, Hawk fans are invited (but not required) to bring a dish to pass. Go Warhawks!

In Chicago, join Chicagoland Warhawk fans to watch Stagg Bowl XXXVIII together. Former UWW tight end Frank Lombardo has filled me in on Saturday's Warhawk Nation Stagg Bowl Party in Chicago.

Will's Northwoods Inn (3030 N Racine in Chicago) will be home for Chicago area Warhawk fans to watch Saturday's Stagg Bowl on big screen TV. Drink deals and more. If you need to call Will's Northwoods Inn, the phone number 773-528-4400 - Go Warhawks!

Buffalo Wild Wings (located at 2950 S 108th Street in Milwaukee) Melissa Brandsma (Class of 2005) emailed me to say large group of UWW Alums are planning on watching Stagg Bowl XXXVIII at the Buffalo Wild Wings at 2950 S 108th St, Milwaukee, WI 53227. "We will be arriving at 2:00pm and will leave when the beer is gone! Go Warhawks!

Former Warhawk football player and UWW Hall of Famer, Pat Crowley, tells me that the Milwaukee metro area is having Stagg Bowl parties at the four following locations.

Bottom's Up North (124th and Hampton Avenue in Butler)

Bottom’s Up South (South 51st St and Cold Spring Rd in Greendale)

Varsity Club (South 124th and Beloit Road in New Berlin)

Burkes Lakeside Inn (37238 Valley Road on Silver Lake in Summit – east of Oconomowoc)

Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. Stagg Bowl ESPN U telecast will be available at each of the locations.

These U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl Parties will have plenty going on including drink specials at all four locations, 50-50 raffle drawings and Warhawk merchandise will be on sale. Proceeds from the event will be donated back to the UW-Whitewater football program.

Another Milwaukee metro Warhawk Stagg Bowl party will be held at Curly's Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill is located on Lake Pewaukee (W272N2696 Lakeview Boulevard off of HWY SS in Pewaukee) Put on by a group of former Warhawk football players, Curly's has been home to U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties for the past sixy years!

If you are planning a TV Watching or Radio Listening party let ME know and I’ll post it on www.warhawkfootball.com and www.voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com.

To get your Stagg Bowl Party posted please get me the information by either calling me or texting me the information at 608-576-1598 or email me at tpattis@core.com.

I’ll be posting information on more U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties as they are sent to me this week. Get your party information to me today!

GO Warhawks!!

Hello from snowy Salem, Virginia!!

- Guess what? It is snowing here in the Roanoke/Salem area today (Thursday). A "nuisance" 3 to 4 inches of snow has fallen since early this morning. The snow has at least temporlarily stopped. NOTHING close to the nearly 20 inches that fell last year.

- The team is currently practicing at Salem Stadium. The field was sweeped prior to practice. Hawks practicing in its purple game jersey and great sweat pants.

- This morning a media day for Roanoke/Salem media was held at the Salem Civic Center. I had the opportunity to get one-on-one interviews with Matt Weber, Wes Hicks, Aaron Rusch and Levell Coppage. I'll have feature stories on each of those players on Warhawkfootball.com prior to Saturday's Stagg Bowl.

- Jefferson County Daily Union sports writer is a rookie media member out here in Virginia. Josh is getting the same treatment his boss, Jeff Seisser received on his first Stagg Bowl assignment. Josh is carrying ALL the equipment of the UWW media corps. And as Seisser did in the Stagg Bowl following my stroke, Josh is tying my shoes each morning.

- I've had several more Warhawk fans email me with information on Stagg Bowl Parties they will be hosting on Saturday. I'll have a full update posted by mid-afternoon.

- I have plenty more to post and I'll have that up later this afternoon.

- Travel safe out to Salem and we're looking forward to seeing you!

Voice

Plenty of U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl Parties planned for Warhawk fans on Saturday

So you are a UW-Whitewater football fan and you can’t make it to Salem Virginia for Stagg Bowl XXXVIII? Join your Warhawk Nation brethren watching the Warhawks defend its 2009 NCAA Division III Title at one of the many Warhawk Stagg Bowl parties that will take place in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

First up on my list of U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties:

Saxe’s Lone Star Inn (located two miles west of Whtewater on Highway 12) Join Whitewater area Warhawk football fans at the “official watering hole” for QB Club members. Wayne will providing broasted chicken and those fantastic turkey and gravy sandwiches. Since Saxe’s Stagg Bowl Party will have a tailgate atmosphere to it, people are invited (but not required) to bring a dish to pass. Go Warhawks!

Former Warhawk football player and UWW Hall of Famer, Pat Crowley, tells me that the Milwaukee metro area is having Stagg Bowl parties at the following four locations.

Bottom's Up North (124th and Hampton Avenue in Butler)

Bottom’s Up South (South 51st St and Cold Spring Rd in Greenfield)

Varsity Club (South 124th and Beloit Road in New Berlin)

Burkes Lakeside (37238 Valley Road on Silver Lake in Summit – east of Oconomowoc)

Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. Stagg Bowl ESPN U telecast will be available at each of the locations.

These U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl Parties will have plenty going on including drink specials at all four locations, 50-50 raffle drawings and Warhawk merchandise will be on sale. Proceeds from the event will be donated back to the UW-Whitewater football program.

Another Milwaukee metro Warhawk Stagg Bowl party will be held at Curly's Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill located on Lake Pewaukee (W272N2696 Lakeview Boulevard off of HWY SS in Pewaukee) Put on by a group of former Warhawk football players, Curly's has been home to U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties for the past sixy years!

If you are planning a TV Watching or Radio Listening party let ME know and I’ll post it on www.warhawkfootball.com and www.voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com.To get your Stagg Bowl Party posted please get me the information by either calling me or texting me the information at 608-576-1598 or email me at tpattis@core.com.

I’ll be posting information on more U-Dub-Dub Stagg Bowl parties as they are sent to me this week. Get your party information to me today!

GO Warhawks!!

U-Dub-Dub football fans welcome to Tuesday of Stagg Bowl Week

- Stagg Bowl week is quite a scramble for the UW-Whitewater football team. The biggest game of the season is coming up on Saturday. “Fall semester final tests for players prior to leaving for Salem on Wednesday evening. Two days of indoor practice (tonight in Kachel Field House and hopefully Wednesday at the U-Dub’s McClain Indoor Facility). Oh, by the way, the UWW coaches had yet to get the Mount Union video from the NCAA as of 6 p.m. Monday evening.!

- It has been a Warhawk football tradition to have “on site” graduation for football players earning degrees but on the road in Salem for the Stagg Bowl. Not sure how many will recieve degrees at the team hotel on Thurday but it is very cool!!

- What is the old saying? "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Is the saying also good if it says, "If a light standard falls in a college football stadium and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

- If you are heading out to Salem this weekend and will be in town by Friday evening, may I suggest you consider having dinner at Awful Arthur’s Seafood Company in downtown Roanoke, Virginia (108 Campbell Ave, SE ). AA has been the official Friday night of Stagg Bowl week restaurant for many of us Warhawk fans for what is now a sixth consecutive year.

- For player’s parents and other U-Dub-Dub football fans that will be in the Salem/Roanoke are by Thursday noon – the annual Stagg Bowl Week Spotlight on Champions" Luncheon will be held at 12-Noon at the Salem Civic Center. A limited number of tickets at $25 each are available to the general public. For ticket information call the Salem Civic Center ticket office at 540-375-3004. A limited amount of tickets are available.

- While my mind is focused in on the Warhawks and the Stagg Bowl, I'm saddened that Brett Favre's football career has likely come to an end. When I was on the on the Green Bay Packer beat producing the Titletown Report aired radio stations around Wisconsin an neigboring states, the Brett Favre Wednesday media conferences were legendary. Something changed with Brett following his departure from Green Bay. To me, it seems like Brett was forever scarred by the way it ended in Green Bay. I know it is a business but why do NFL clubs just send many of the elite players simply out to pasture (Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, etc)?

- Time to go so I can get to washing clothes for the trip to Salem!

Voice

Weekend was great for the Warhawks, not so great for Perkins Stadium

It was a great weekend for the UW-Whitewater football team, but not so great for Perkins Stadium. Blizzard conditions late Saturday night or early Sunday morning claimed one of the four light standards at Perkins Stadium. As the attached photo shows, the lights and light pole crashed down onto the for north end of the stadium's visiting bleachers. No one was injured and the investigation of damage is still underway.

Meanwhile, Saturday afternoon in Dover, Delaware, the Warhawks defeated Wesley College 27-7 to advance to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for a sixth consecutive year. Once again, the Warhawks will be facing the Mount Union Purple Raiders.

Whitewater is the defending national champions and has won the title two of the last three years.

Good morning Warhawk Nation welcome to Stagg Bowl week

- What a weekend business trip on the East Coast for the Warhawk football team. The team followed the same script and used second half Wesley turnovers to stamp its ticket to Salem.

- Broadcast crew and team were blown away by the number of U-Dub-Dub fans that made it to Dover, Delaware to root on the Warhawks. With the UWW spirit squad in the house leading a full visiting bleacher section in cheering on the Hawks. Leading the way was former Warhawk and Hall of Famer Rod "Big Tex" Sonnenberg

- Chancellor Telfer and Athletic Director Paul Plinske deservingly had huge smiles on there faces after the game, They looked like "proud papas"!!

- What is it with Mount Union's starting quarterback getting injured in the semifinal round of three of the six UWW-Mount Union Stagg Bowl meetings?

- The Play of the Game Saturday was Greg Arnold's 4th quarter interception and lenghty run back. In the postgame press conference Arnold credited his rugby days in high school for his run. "I don't get to run the ball very much you know," Arnold said.

- It must be great to be a "football hero." On our charter flight home, Arnold was sitting in the back of the plane with the broadcast crew. The flight attendants learned that Greg is the proud papa of twin daughters. Needless to say, the flight attendants spent plenty of time back by Arnolds seat to look at baby photos and talk "baby talk" with Greg. It was outstanding!

- Assistant Coach Jace Rindahl need to be designated the offical UWW greeter on our flights. He puts more miles on his hush puppies walking up and down the plane talking players and former players do while flying.

- BTW - our NCAA charter was with Southwest Airlines and in my mind, it was the best charter setup we've had in our six-year run to the Stagg Bowl.

- Plenty of information on Stagg Bowl tickets, Fan bus to Salem information is available both here on Voices Eye on Football Blog and on the Warhawkfootball.com News Wire link.

- KOOL 106.5 Warhawk football sideline reporter has been voted NCAA Division III's Best by NCAA DIvision III officals due to the fact that he seems to be on the field talking with the officals more than any other DIII sideline reporter in the nation does.

- I've been known to leave things behind at the hotel on Warhawk road trips. One trip I left my luggage! This past weekend the only thing I lost is my cell phone not once but twice. When I first got on the plane coming back I went ballistic because I couldn't find my phone. All of a sudden I hear the dang thing ringing. I was wearing a jacket over the top of a hooded sweatshirt. The phone was in the pocket of the U-Dub-Dub hoody. I guess with all the insulation created by my stomach, I couldn't feel the vibration. That is so depressing!!!

- The journey continues!

- I'll have more later today!

Voice

Fans get it right on the margin of Warhawk win over Wesley

Congratulations to the voters on last week's Voice's Eye On Warhawk Football Reader Poll. You got it right! The question was who will win the Warhawk-Wesley playoff game and what will be the margin of victory.

If you have not heard - the final score was Whitewater 27 Wesley 7 (20 point margin of victory). 48% of the respondents checked the box UWW 11 to 20 points. 32% checked Whitewater by 10 or fewer points, 15% on Whitewater by 21 points or more.

Only 11 of the 172 voters picked Wesley to win the game.

I'll have a Stagg Bowl related poll question up later this morning.

Warhawks headed back to sixth Stagg Bowl

(Editor's note: The following story is courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)
A repeat national championship is now a possibility for the UW-Whitewater football team, after the Warhawks punched their sixth straight ticket to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl following a 27-7 win over host Wesley College in the NCAA Division III semifinals Saturday at Scott D. Miller Stadium.

For the second week in a row the top-ranked Warhawks (14-0) forced key turnovers and held the No. 3 Wolverines (12-1) to minus-7 yards rushing.

And for the sixth straight year UW-Whitewater will face Mount Union College, Ohio (14-0) in the 38th Stagg Bowl, to be played this Saturday, Dec. 18, in Salem, Va. Mount Union defeated Bethel, Minn., 34-14, in the other NCAA III semifinal.

The Warhawks intercepted Wesley quarterback Justin Sottilare five times, including two inside the Whitewater 30-yard line and four times in all in the second half, with three leading to UW-W scores.

(In the adjacent photo, The Warhawks intercepted five passes, including Jared Kiesow's pick and held No. 3 Wesley College (12-1) to minus-7 yards rushing - Rebecca Pennington photo

Following a close first half that saw UW-W take a 10-7 lead, the Warhawks turned things up defensively.

After former Fort Atkinson High standout Jake Keeser sacked Sottilare, the Wesley quarterback threw his second interception of the afternoon after being hurried by Lou Minett, a former Whitewater High star. Steve McCollom picked off and returned Sottilare's pass to the Wolverines' 44 with 9:27 remaining in the third quarter.

The Warhawks continued to make turnovers their postseason friend. After being pinned deep in its own territor when Whitewater punter Kris Rosholt's kick bounced out at the Wolverines' 10, Sottilare's third-down pass sailed over Ellis Krout's head and into the arms of Matt McCulloch.

McCulloch's team-leading sixth interception of the season gave UW-W great field position, at the Wesley 24-yard line with 7:18 to go in the third quarter.

Whitewater capitalized eight plays later, with Levell Coppage crashing in from 1-yard out. Eric Kindler's PAT pushed Whitewater's lead to 17-7 with 3:25 left.

Another interception led to another Coppage 1-yard scoring run, and a 24-7 Whitewater lead.

Only two plays after Coppage's first score, UW-W linebacker Greg Arnold made a leaping interception and returned it 63 yards to the Wesley 1-yard line.

Kindler added a 28-yard field goal to cap off Whitewater's sixth consecutive semifinal win.

The Whitewater/Mount Union game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CST and will be televised live on ESPNU.

Hawks are back in Whitewater following win over Wesley

- The Warhawk football team's charter flight scheduled to arrive in Madison was diverted to Milwaukee due to the major winter storm descending on much of Wisconsin. "Wheels down" at 8:00 p.m. and the airport was virtually empty. Most flights beginning late Saturday afternoon were either cancelled or "on hold."

-I t was raining heavily in Milwaukee when we got back in town - the rain changed over to snow and a greasy/icy road condition when we got to Mukwonago. Several places where the Coach USA motor coaches had to stop (stop signs, etc) or drive up hills resulted in the wheels spinning. Hopefully most of the players were planning on staying in Whitewater.

- I have plenty of stories and thoughts to pass along but I am extremely tired. It was a looong day. I'll be blogging quite a bit on Sunday.

- Great job Hawks and Hawk fans. Great turnout of fans at Saturday's game in Dover - outstanding! I want to see YOU in Salem next weekend!

- That's it, goodnight...

Voice

Stagg Bowl UW-Whitewater Fan Bus Information

Be part of the Warhawk football team history as they battle in their sixth straight Stagg Bowl - the NCAA Division III National Championship. You can travel to the game via a Fan Bus!

Coach USA charter bus leaves 8:00PM Friday, December 17, 2010 and gets you to the game in Salem, VA for kick-off at 3:30PM. You will be able to join up with fellow Warhawks at the pre-game tailgate in the Salem Convention Center parking lot. The bus will leave for Whitewater approximately one hour after the game concludes. You'll be back in Whitewater on Sunday morning.

The bus will depart from Lot 2 (lot south of Carlson Hall) on Friday at 8:00PM sharp. Fans can begin loading at 7:30PM.

COST OF TRIP - $100.00 for UW-W Students, $125.00 for Non-UW-W Students. This does NOT include the cost of a game ticket, which can be purchased in advance or at the game (the game will NOT sell out). Game tickets are $7.00 for students, $12.50 for adults (advance)/ $15.00 (day of game).

Deadline Noon this Thursday unless seats are sold out. Limited seats are available. Minimum number of travelers must be 40. UW-Whitewater is not responsible if there are weather-related concerns that cancel this trip.

KABOOM Hawks heading bsck Salem again

For the sixth consecutive year it will be UW-Whitewater vs. Kount Union in next week's Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Virginia. Whitewatr broke away from 10-7 halftime lead, outscoring Wesley 17-0 on its way to a 20-7 victory in NCAA Division III semifinal action.ototo

The Warhawk defense limited the Wolverines to minus-seven yards rushing whhile intercepting five passes in the victory over the No. 1 seeded team in the 2010 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

Mount Union defeated Bethel(Minn) 34-14 in Saturday's other semifinal game.

It will be Mount Union (14-0) vs. UW-Whitewater next Saturday afternoon at 2:30 (CST)in Whitewatrr-Mount VI.

(In the adjacent photo - The Warhawks are officially invited to participate in the 2010 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on the field moments after defeating Wesley College 27-7 in Dover Delaware)Much more to come...

It's Showtime!!!!

Hello again everybody.....

In the adjacent photo, you are looking at early pregame warmup for today's NCAA Division III football semifinal here in Dover,Delaware. Enjoy the game - I'll be blogging extensively after the game and also on Warhawkfootball.com.

GO WARHAWKS!!!

Good Saturday morning from Dover, Delaware!

- The chat rooms have been buzzing all week long, today the defending national champion and No. 1 ranked (all season) UW-Whitewater football team takes on the postseason, overall No. 1 seed Wesley College Wolverines here in Dover, Delaware. Did the NCAA Division III selection comittee get it right? We'll know by 2 p.m.(CST).

- Dover, Delaware News-Journal indicates that Wesley is the undergog in today's game but predicts Wesley to roll over U-Dub-Dub - 37-21.

- One of the evening desk clerks at our team hotel (Dover Sheraton) is a member of the Wesley football team who is currently on "injured reserve" with a broken toe.

- Who will start at QB today for the Warhawks? I'm not telling!!

- Wesley's standoutwide reciever Ellis Krout's playing status is questionable today after suffering a knee injury in last week's win over Mary Hardin-Baylor.

- How many people will attend today's game at Scott D. Miller Stadium? Crowds have been small for the Wolverines in the postsason.

- Today's other semifinal - Bethel (Minn) at Mount Union has the same starting time as our game - 11 a.m. (CST)

- Two Warhawk-Wesley "watching and listening" parties that have been reported to me include: Whitewater Country Club party and also at Salvo's Coyote Grill. Make sure to wear purple!!!

- Check out information on how to link to today's NCAA LIVE video stream and KOOL 106.5 audio stream information by clicking onto the Warhawkfootball.com Newswire link.

- Today's KOOL 106.5 game broadcast will also be simulcast into the Madison and Milwaukee markets on 1510 ESPN Deportes (Milwaukee) and 100.5 ESPN (Madison)

- I'll be blogging from the stadium both prior and after today's game.

- OK - here is MY prection: Whitewater 28, Wesley 13 Pound the Rock boys!

KABOOM!!!!!!

Voice

Good morning - Welcome to Warhawk football's Dover, Delaware headquarters

Good morning everybody...

- The team is being allowed to sleep in this morning following its nearly 1 a.m. arrival at the team hotel early this morning. Breakfast is at 9:30 a.m. (EST) in the Sauvignon Room.

- Hawks will its normal Friday "Walk-through" at Delaware State University about 10minutes from the hotel.

- The Hawks will get its first look at wesley College and Scott D. Miller Stadium this afteernoon at 4:45 (EST)

- Here in Delaware the college football focus is not on Saturday's Wesley-Whitewater NCAA Division III game but Delaware and New Hampshire kicking off at 8 p.m. at Delaware Stadium in the NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) quarterfinal. ESPN2 is televising the game live.

- Our hotel here in Dover is very nice but the soda machine on the 5th floor doesn't accept dollar bills. Very discouraging when its 2 a.m. and in need of a refreshment.

- The one overwhelming feeling I am getting on this trip is the feeling I get observing the team as this is a business trip and everone is well aware at what is at stake.

- I told you yesterday about tomorrow's 11 a.m.Warhawk playoff game viewing and listening party at the Whitewater Country Club. It recieved word last night that Salvo's Coyote Grill in downtown Whitewater Coyote Grill will have the game on via the NCAA Video stream. Salvo will be serving Purple Reign to Warhawk football fans. It doesn't get any better than that!

- I'll have more on the blog at lunchtime - ummmm food!

- Voice

Warhawk football team has arrived in Dover

The UW-Whitewater football team has arrived in Dover, Delaware. The Hawks flew out of the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison via a Southwest Airlines Charter flight arranged by the NCAA. We flew over Philadephia on a clear night on our last leg into the Wilmington, Delaware Airport.

Tonight's 95 minute flight was outstanding something that doesn't always happen.

The team will practice Friday morning on the nearby campus of Delaware State University with a "walk through" session Friday afternoon at Wesley College.

I'll have more on Friday morning here on Voices Eye on Playoff Blog

Whitewater Country Club holding a Warhawk football viewing and listening party Saturday morning

Warhawk football fans unable to make the trip to Delaware this weekend, there will be a Warhawk football viewing and listening party planned at the Whitewater Country Club on Saturday. The club will open at 10:30am. They'll put the internet feed on their big screen along with having the KOOL 106.5 broadcast of the UW-Whitewater at Wesley NCAA Division III semifinal game on the radio.

Wear your purple - who knows, maybe Mike "Cannon Man" Lesco will be in attendance. WCC is located on Hwy 89 just south of the Hwy 12 bypass intersection with Hwy 89.

If your establishment is having a similar Warhawk football fan party planned for Saturday's 11 a.m game, drop me an email at tpattis@core.com and I'll post it both here on Warhawkfootball.com and also on Voices Eye on Playoff Football Blog.Go Warhawks!!

Good morning: It is get-away day for the UW-Whitewater football team

- The Warhawk football team is scheduled to practice today in advance of a 7:30 departure out of Madison. Hopefully we can "get out of Dodge"

- I just got a call from my good buddy, Joe Carollo. He tells me for Warhawk fans unable to make the trip to Delaware there will be a viewing and listening party planned at the Whitewater Country Club on Saturday. The club will open at 10:30am. They'll put the internet feed on their big screen. Wear your purple - who knows, maybe Mike "Cannon Man" Lesco will be in attendance. WCC is located on Hwy 89 just south of the Hwy 12 bypass intersection with Hwy 89.

- Since Mike "Cannon Man" Lesco will be silenced once again due to NCAA rules (which I understand, but don't agree with) Sooooooo, each time the Warhawks score in Saturday's game against Wesley College I want all Warhawk fans listening or watching the game to yell KABOOM as loud as you can. I will have a photo of our "Cannon Man" tape to the wall at our broadcast location in Wesley's press box.

- I have packed both my "turf" shoes and a pair of "small cleet" shoes just in case of an icy field on Saturday. I will have NO EXCUSES about the footing in the Press Box following Saturday's game.

- By the way, according to WeatherChannel.com look for a mostly cloudy sky with a high in the mid to upper 40s for Saturday's game.

- Wesley's leading wide receiver, Ellis Krout, tweaked his knee while running a pass route in last Saturday's 19-9 victory over Mary Hardin-Baylor. Krout is reportedly wearing a knee brace. His game status for Saturday is "yet to be determined."

- The Denver Post will publish a feature on new coach Eric Studesville in Sunday's edition. Studesville is a UW-Whitewater graduate and played football at U-Dub-Dub under former head coach Bob Berezowitz. Coach Berezowitz was interviewed for the story Wednesday evening by Denver Post Broncos beat writer Jeff Legwold. In an ironic note - Legwold's grandparents grew up in Stoughton, WI and his grandma went to college at UW-Whitewater!

- Got to get going. Wash clothes and pack for the trip to Delaware. I'll be blogging throughout the trip. GO WARHAWKS!

New Poll Question Posted: Who wins Saturday, UW-Whitewater or Wesley College

The UW-Whitewater football team is just one win away from getting back to the Stagg Bowl. On Saturday the No. 1 ranked and defending national champion Warhawks will be in Dover, Delaware to take on No. 3 ranked Wesley College. The winner advances to the 2010 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Virginia.

A new Voices Eye on Playoff Football Blog poll question was posted Wednesday afternoon. The poll is located immediately to the right of this post.

The question this week is:
Who wins on Saturday: Whitewater or Wesley?

Voters have six answers to choose from….

- Whitewater by 10 pts or fewer

- Whitewater by 11 to 20 pts

- Whitewater by 21 pts or more

- Wesley by 10 pts or fewer

- Wesley by 11 to 20 pts

- Wesley by 21 pts or more

Voting on this question ends Saturday at 9 a.m.

Studesville left Whitewater hoping to be a doctor

(Editor's note: Eric Studesville, a UW-Whitewater graduate and former defensive back on the UW-Whitewater football team met the press for the first time Tuesday less than 24 hours after being named the interim head coach of the Denver Broncos.

The following is courtesy of the Wisconsin State Journal)

Eric Studesville was going to be a doctor.

That was the plan right up until the point when the former Verona and UW-Whitewater athlete returned home from graduate school at the University of Arizona and informed his parents Al and Jan he was calling an audible.

He wanted to be a football coach.

"I was not happy," said Al, a career counselor at Madison Area Technical College. "I had to leave the house and go for a walk. Since he's been in fifth, sixth grade, he was going to be a doctor, so my mind was set. We planned for this and he had taken all the right courses and he had done all the things he was supposed to do.
"I just had visions of him throwing out basketballs at some little high school for the rest of his life."

Al cooled off and decided to walk back into his house and hear his son out. Eric, who played defensive back at UW-Whitewater, explained to his parents that he missed football and it, not orthopedics, was his true passion. He asked them to give him five years to see how far he could go in the coaching profession and, if things weren't working out, he'd go back and finish his medical training.

That was nearly two decades ago.

"The kid was right," Al said Tuesday. "I tell the story all the time that I was almost a dream stealer for my son. I almost stole his dream. Finally, I realized that he was a good kid, he had done everything I wanted and I had a duty and a responsibility to support him and encourage him. And I'm glad he did."

Father and son were having another conversation Monday, this one over the phone. Eric called to say his boss, Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, had been fired.

He paused for a second before delivering the next piece of news: He had been named interim head coach for the Broncos.

Travel information for this weekends' trip to Dover, Delaware

The UW-Whitewater football team and official travel party is scheduled to leave Madison Thursday evening via an NCAA Charter Flight to Dover, Delaware.

For fans planning on travelling to Dover for Saturday's NCAA Division III semifinal game vs. Wesley College, here is some travel information...

According to Mapquest, the driving distance from Whitewater to Dover is 883 miles and lists a driving time of 15 hours 30 minutes.

Delaware Airpark is the airport located in Dover, DE (DVX). Flying to a major airport in the Dover region would likely be easier on your budget.

The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL / KPHL). This airport is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is about 51 miles from the center of Dover, DE.

Another major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY / KACY), which is in Atlantic City, New Jersey and is 55 miles from Dover, DE.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI / KBWI) is in Baltimore, Maryland and is 61 miles from Dover, DE

The Weather Channel is forecasting mostly cloudy skies and a temperature in the mid-to-upper 40s in Dover for Saturday's UWW at Wesley playoff football game.

Note: There will be NO fan bus to Saturday's game.

The following is a short history of Delaware and the Dover region:

Delaware is the first of the original 13 colonies and is known as the First Capitol in the First State. The state of Delaware is the smallest state in geographic area behind only Rhode Island.

Dover is Delaware’s state capitol and has a population of 36,560. It is located in Kent County in the east-central part of the state. It is situated near the St. Jones River. The city received its name from William Penn in tribute to Dover, England. The Dover Air Force Base is situated in the area.

Dover was established in 1683. The city of Dover became the capital of Delaware in 1777. The central square of Dover recognized as "The Green" was the spot of numerous rallies and patriotic events. The well known American Revolution leader Caesar Rodney called Dover home. The topic of slavery was a contentious issue in Dover and the city was part of the Underground Railroad for slaves.

The city's central square, known as The Green, was the location of many rallies, troop reviews, and other patriotic events. To this day, The Green remains the heart of Dover's historic district.

Enjoy your travel to Saturday's game. Please travel safe!

GO WARHAWKS

Good morning Warhawk Nation - it's Tuesday

- Congratulations to former UW-Whitewater defensive back, Eric Studesville, named the interim head coach of the Denver Broncos late Monday afternoon following the firing of Josh McDaniels earlier in the day. Eric began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, working with the club during its 1996 training camp as part of the NFL minority fellowship program and spending 1997-2000 in Chicago handling offensive quality control duties. Studesville has also had NFL coaching stops as a running backs coach with the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.

- The Warhawk football team and official travelling party will depart for Dover, Delaware Thursday evening via an NCAA charter flight out of Madison. The team will practice Friday in Dover prior to playing Wesley College Saturday afternoon in NCAA Division III semifinal action. The winner earn a berth in this year's Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in two weeks.

- Remember a couple of weeks ago when I conducted a halftime interview on a KOOL 106.5 men's basketball broadcast calling UWW center Chris Davis - CHRIS SMITH. Well I did it again. Shortly before going on the "air" last night I was told I had been publishing the final score of the North Central-Warhawk final game as 27-10. The actual final was 20-10. In my 35 years of jounalism I have never let correct facts get in the way of a good story!!

- If you just fed a computer the statistics of the UW-Whitewater and Wesley College football teams, it would spit-out a scenario of a classic playoff game. Both teams play outstanding defense with Wesley giving up 11.33 points per game. Whitewater gives up 11.46 points per game. Offensively, the two teams are just as even. The Warhawks rank 8th in Division III averaging 41.92 points per game. Wesley ranks 9th at 41.83 points per game!

- Saturday's Wesley-Whitewater game must be a big one because KOOL 106.5 sideline analyst Arnie Peck has asked me to laminate his rosters for use on the sidelines during Saturday's game broadcast.

- More to come....

Voice

Forner Warhawk, Eric Studesville, named interim head coach of the Denver Broncos

- Congratulations to former UW-Whitewater defensive back Eric Studesville on being the new head coach of the Denver Broncos The veteran NFL assistant (running backs) coach was named interim head coach of the Denver Broncos Monday following the firing of Josh McDaniels earlier in the day. Studesville joined the Broncos in January after serving as running backs coach in Buffalo the previous six years.

"I am very appreciative of the trust that Mr. Bowlen and the entire Denver Broncos organization have shown in me," Studesville said. "Although the circumstances that this opportunity resulted from are unfortunate, I am excited to lead this football team. We have a great group of players and coaches who are committed to finishing the season on a promising note and making our fans proud of this team."

Studesville’s NFL coaching career began in 1997 with the Chicago Bears. Studesville spent the last six seasons (2004-09) coaching the position in Buffalo following a three-year stint (2001-03) in that capacity with the New York Giants.

Studesville graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. The Nadison native was a defensive back for the Warhawks (1986-1988) and is 12th in the UWW record book with 12 career interceptions.

Voice screws up big time again!!

- A huge thank you to "Sally" for emailing me to say I've been giving the wrong final scores of last Saturday's Warhawk win at Naperville. I was publishing the score as 27-20, when the actual final was 20-10. I am now an official candidate for brain surgery!

- Another great weekly Podcast today on D3football.com. Pat and Keith are a must for D III football fans that REALLY want to understand Division III football.

- Even though I praise our two D III gurus, I'm getting a kick out of all the talk about Matt Blanchard not being back in the lineup for the Hawks. Blanchard, who had yet to start a college football game prior to game-one of the current season, was an unknown entering the season as the heir to the UWW quarterback spot following the graduation of Jeff Donovan. He remained an "unknown" until midseason. Very few knew the credentials of Lee Brekke but the sophomore transfer from Sun Prairie steps in an is performing extremely efficient in the Hawks three UW-Whitewater playoff wins over three nationally ranked opponents.

- I have read that Wesley's No. 1 receiver, Ellis Krout suffered an injury in the Wolverines 19-9 win over Mary Hardin-Baylor over the weekend. I'm currently attempting to track down how serious the injury was. I do know he was forced to leave the field after being injured.

- A lot of football fans on Saturday were astounded at the number of Warhawk fans at the game in Naperville. Thank you for making the drive down to Chicagoland!

Voice

Good morning, welcome to Monday of Wesley week

Hello again everybody. What a day on Saturday to be a Warhawk football fan!

- It will be a busy week for the KOOL 106.5 Warhawk football broadcast crew. Lots of stuff to get done before getting on the NCAA charter flight to Dover on Thursday.

- I have been in 45 states in my life. One of the states I have never been in is Delaware.

- Actually I'm looking forward to a quick road trip to the East coast. I'm tired of sub-freezing temperatures. Early forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid-40s. Heat wave, we'll have a tropical heatwave

- I hear if you like crab (like in crab cakes) Dover is a great place to visit.

- Luke Hibner had the press corps falling off their chairs laughing at Saturday's postgame press conference. His explanation of his interception and rumbling-bumbling run is an absolute classic. KOOL 106.5 will air a story on Monday morning.

- Lee Brekke has been a huge key for the Warhawks advancing to semifinal playoff action. How many of you thought UWW's chance of going deep in the playoffs was over when it was learned that Matt Blanchard was injured?

- Remember back in September when our place kicking game was in a shambles? Right now I wouldn't trader Eric Kindler for any other kicker in Division III. What a story!!

- I started my Christmas shopping Sunday. I got too tired after a grueling 30 minutes at the Mall. Maybe I should hire somebody to do my shopping?!

- Plenty of national elite Division III football players will be on the field Saturday. I'll detail some of those players here on the blog on Monday.

GO WARHAWKS!!!

vOICE

If statistics have anything to do with it the Wesley-Whitewater game should be a dandy

The NCAA Division III semifinal game pitting Wesley & Whitewater game will feature two teams that excel both offensively and defensively.

According to NCAA Division III statistics going into this past weekend’s games….

Scoring Offense: Wesley (8th @ 43.91 pts/game) – Whitewater (9th @ 43.63 pts/game)

Total Offense: Whitewater (3rd) - Wesley (8th)

Rushing Offense: Whitewater (10th) – Wesley (33rd)

Passing Offense: Wesley (19th) – Whitewater (80th)

Scoring Defense: Wesley (5th @ 11.55 pts/game) – Whitewater (6th @ 11.58 pts/game)

Total Defense: Wesley (1st) – Whitewater (6th)

Rush Defense: Whitewater (2nd) – Wesley (3rd)

Pass Defense: Wesley (15th) – Whitewater (106th)

Voices thought on UWW's day in Naperville

- It may have been snowing lightly Saturday afternoon but what a day it was for the UW-Whitewater football program.

- Just to be safe, the KOOL 106.5 broadcast team headed down to Naperville Friday evening. We were glad we did.

- There was a lot of "talk" in the D3football.com chat room that Saturday's game at North Central College had Warhawk fans in the mood to make the two-plus hour drive to Chicago's western suburbs.

- Our KOOL 106.5 Vista Cruiser arrived at the stadium parking lot just after 9:30 a.m. It was a parking lot full of tailgaters from both Whitewate and North Central.

- As we pulled into the parking lot, five separate NCC security officers stopped our vehicle to guide us to our "drop off point." I'm serious when I say we had more contact with security than I did arriving at the Packers-Broncos Super Bowl game in San Diego.

- NOT Complaining as the directions and assistance were greatly appreciated.

- NCC did a super job in removing the 3 1/2 inches of snow off the playing field. Snow removal began a 7:30 a.m. and was completed by 11 a.m., an hour prior to kickoff.

- What a fan turnout dressed in purple! We could tell a half-hour prior to kickoff that UWW would have a nice crowd down to root on the Warhawks. A steady line of Warhawk fans would its way around the stadium track to the opposite side of the field for a good half hour prior to the game.

- By the time the procession from tailgating in the parking lot to the Warhawk stands behind the player's bench ended, the visiting stands were packed with Chicago-area fans rooting for there "home town" players that had come "home" for the first time to play in the Chicago area... The Warhawk band... Willie Warhawk and the Spirit Squad... and a huge contingent that made the drive in snowy conditions to back the Warhawks was an incredible sight from the press box.

- Listening to the comments of several Warhawk players and coaches, and talking to KOOL 106.5 sideline announcer Arnie Peck - the loud and sometimes boisterous UWW crowd was a huge emotional lift for the team in a tight game.

- UW-Whitewater's Dick Haven and Bruce Bukowski were part of the KOOL 106.5 halftime show on Saturday. Bukowski, a former UWW defensive coordinator said that the game would come down to turnovers. He was right on as Whitewater parlayed three second half turnovers into 13 points and was absolutely the difference in the game.

- Talking about being right on with a pregame prediction, D3football.com's Pat Coleman has had a great "feel" for the Warhawks in the postseason. In Friday's Triple-Take predictions, Coleman picked the Warhawks to win 16-13 by saying UW-W has the championship grit and the muscle along the line to grind out a game-winning drive. I’ll call an Eric Kindler field goal — he’s 9 of 10 since missing six straight in September — to decide an epic clash. Again, Pat shows everyone why he is the guru of Division III football!!

- To the western suburb McDonalds we stopped at on the way home yesterday - YOU OWE US TWO SERVINGS OF FRENCH FRIES!!! KOOL 106.5's Gary Douglas is p*ssed!! By the way, I eat much healthier than Gary and Arnie. For that reason I do not order fries!!

- The extended weather forecast for Saturday in Dover, Delaware calls for a chance of showers and a balmy high of 45 degrees.

- I'll have more thoughts this evening.

- Voice

Hawks knock off No. 1 seed North Central to advance to NCAA Division III Semifinal action

The UW-Whitewater football team saved its best for the fourth quarter. The Warhawk defense forced three second half turnovers that led to three fourth quarter scores to defeat No. 1 seed North Central College 20-10 in a NCAA Division III quarterfinal playoff game in Naperville, Illinois Saturday.

The win advances UW-W, 13-0, to a NCAA III semifinal game against Wesley College, 13-0, in Dover, Delaware next Saturday. Wesley defeated Mary-Hardin-Baylor 19-9 in another quarterfinal playoff game.

Whitewater, the defending NCAA III champion, has advanced to the NCAA III playoff semifinals for the sixth consecutive year. Saturday's win also extended the Warhawks' win streak to twenty-eight, the longest streak in NCAA football, any division (FBS, FCS, Division II and III). The win also extended the Warhawks' non-conference win streak to fifteen games, and it's string in the NCAA III playoffs to eight.

We're Here - Game On!

Hello again everybody - Voice here...

The KOOL 106 broadcasting crew arrivedat the stadium here in Naperville shortly after 9:30 a.m. About 3 1/2 inches of snow has fallen since midnight. Snow removal crews are just finishing upsweeping the field. Huge throng of Hawk fans out in the parking lot, making noise tailgating.

Go Warhawks!!
-Voice

Driving Directions to North Central College

For those of you driving down to Naperville for Saturday's NCAA Division III quarterfinal game vs. North Central College. Here are the directions to get to the North Central Campus from the north (Wisconsin):

From the North:
Follow I-294 south to I-88 west;
I-88 to I-355 south;
I-355 south to Maple Avenue;
West (right) on Maple Avenue;
Maple Avenue changes name to Chicago Avenue;
Chicago Avenue to Brainard Street (at stop sign);
North (right) on Brainard Street to Benton.

Drive safely and Go Warhawks!

Hawks prepare to pound the rock for 60 minutes against NCC

Each Thursday practice throughout the season, the UW-Whitewater football team's offensive unit ends practice by journeying up the hillside on the southeast corner of Perkins Stadium where the Rock sits.

If tonight's (Thursday) pound the rock session is any indication of what the Warhawks' mindset is concerned - the Hawks are ready to do some gosh darn, Warhawk style pounding the rock against No. 1 seed North Central Saturday afternoon in NCAA Division III quarterfinal action.

I have witnessed a large number of pound the rock sessions over the past decade. I don't know if the team is just so fired up, or if the rock may be so cold the huge pieces of rock landed on the ground after each swing of the maul.

I sent a picture of the rock pieces to NASA tonight and they agree - the rock pieces are large enough to confuse with meteorites! (Just Kidding)

The Hawks take the pound the rock very seriously and are ready to get the Warhawk rushing game in high gear for 60 minutes against the Cardinals on Saturday afternoon.

Who is reading Voices Eye on Football Playoff Blog?

Voices Eye on Football Playoff Blog has been a huge success. Here is a couple of statistics to consider. Nearly 4,500 have clicked onto the blog in the past couple of days (since December 1st). 4210 have clicked on here in the United States. What has been amazing is the number of people world-wide that have visited http://www.voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com/.

What country is running second in Voice’s Eye on Football Playoff Blog visits? Would you believe Russia? The blog has had 50 visits from Russia in December. South Korea and our good chat room friend Bobo ranks third with 31 visits. The next countries in order are: Slovenia, Germany, Canada, Latvia, Poland, India, and Iraq.

Not sure why the former “Eastern Block” countries (Russia, Latvia, Slovenia) are big Voices Eye on Football Playoff Blog fans? It might have something to do with my affinity for vodka. It must come over in translation!

Good morning, it is Thursday of North Central Week

- The fan bus to Saturday’s Warhawk playoff game in Naperville is full. No more reservations are being taken. Go Hawks!!

- Aaron Rusch is NOT one of the four finalists for the 2010 Gagliardi Trophy that will presented during Stagg Bowl week in Salem, Virginia. Rowan defensive end Matt Hoffman, Louisiana College quarterback Ben McLaughlin, Franklin quarterback Kyle Ray and Trine quarterback Eric Watt are the four finalists. A wide receiver has not captured the award since St. Johns' "Mr. Everything," Blake Elliott in 2003.

- Saturday’s NCAA Division III quarterfinal game with North Central College will be the second time in three seasons the two teams have met in the playoffs. The Warhawks defeated NCC 59-28 in 2007 second round playoff action at Perkins Stadium. While the 2007 version of NCC had a prolific offense, this year’s version features a dynamic defense.

- North Central has dominated the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin much like UW-Whitewater has dominated the WIAC in recent years. NCC has won the last five CCIW titles. UWW has captured the WIAC championship the past six seasons.

- Remember back in 2005 when the Warhawks began its current run of playoff success and UWW fans were so upset at St. Johns and Linfield chat room posters telling us how good they were and Whitewater had no chance to beat them (which they did). Am I crazy or are Warhawk posters acting a little full of themselves this year? No. 1 rule is respect your opponent!

- The UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team defeated UW-La Crosse 73-60 at Kachel Gym Wednesday night in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams. Chris Davis was the game's leading scorer, 24 points, and rebounder, 10 boards. Antone Byrd scored 19 points and handed out a game high six assists. Byrd went 8-12 from the field and 2-2 from the line. And Alex Edmunds contributed 16 points, making all six of his field goal attempts.

- For the second time in this early season the University of Warhawk women's basketball team knocked off a nationally ranked team on the road. UW-W defeated UW-La Crosse , unbeaten and ranked seventeenth in the ESPN/USA Today Division III Poll, 83-62 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams. Chantell Burg and Courtney Kumerow led UW-W in scoring with 17 points apiece, with freshman Kaitlan Thill adding 12 and Mary Merg 11. Thill's line also included six rebounds, seven steals, five assists -- and no turnovers from her point guard position.

- Both teams will be in Menomonie Saturday for a men’s-women’s doubleheader at Johnson Field House. Both games can be heard live on KOOL 106.5.

Voice's thoughts on Hawks still playing in December AGAIN and much more

Welcome to the month of December everybody.......

- The National Weather Service indicates a good chance of snow showers and is now calling for a high in the low to mid-30s for Saturday's NCAA Division III plsyoff game down in Naperville, Illinois. NOW THAT IS WARHAWK WEATHER!!!!!!!

- The Fan Bus to the UWW-NCC game is sold-out!

- If you haven't seen the video of Levell Coppage's spectacular game-clinching touchdown last Saturday vs Trine, it is a must-see. The play has been named the D3football.com Video Play of the Week. A link to the video is available by clicking onto the Warhawkfootball.com News Wire's second story.

- Good luck to the Warhawk men's and women's basketball teams who open WIAC play tonight. The men will play the Eagles at Kachel Gym. The women must make the trek to La Crosse. Tonight's men's game will be broadcast live on your radio home for the Hawks KOOL 106.5 and of course will be streamed live.

- I'll have more thoughts later today - probably during the Warhawk men's basketball game here on Voices Eye on Football Blogspot