'78 Warhawks featured tough nosed defense that met at the quarterback

(Editor's note: the following story is the first in a series of stories highlighting the 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008 UW-Whitewater championship football teams. They'll be honored as part of the Warhawk Football Alumni Weekend Celebration September 27 and 28 on campus)

At first glance the 7 and 4 UW-Whitewater football team n 1978 appeared to be a good, tough nosed team that had to play a murderous non-conference schedule. Forrest Perkins, as he had done in previous years, scheduled three NCAA II teams to get ready for the WSUC schedule. The '78 Hawks lost all three games - to Northern Iowa, Mankato State and Northern Michigan. Perkins, the iconic coach who still ranks second in WSUC.WIAC career wins subscribed to the theory that playing tough Division II teams, win or lose, properly prepared you for the conference season.

The ’78 Warhawks only conference blemish was a 14-12 loss to Stevens Point.

Whitewater and La Crosse finished as conference co-champs in ’78. The Warhawks beat the then Indians 20-9 at Warhawk Stadium on the opening weekend of the conference season.

While quarterback Mike LaLoggia’s 153 completions and 20 touchdowns still rank in the Top 10 in school history, it was the Warhawk defense that keyed its championship drive.

John Fonaas earned All-American recognition in the Warhawk secondary for his nine interceptions and reputation as one of the fiercest tacklers in the nation.

Much like the Minnesota Vikings Purple People Eater “front four” of that era the Warhawks had three defensive linemen with double-digit quarterback sacks in ’78.

Jim Vogel led the way with 11, Tony Azarian and Tom Stuebe each got to the quarterback 10 times.

Azaran’s 115 tackles and Fonaas’ 114 in 1978 still rank 6th and 7th in the Whitewater record book.

Earning 1978 All-WIAC recognition were: (First Team) Jon Grosshuesch (TE), Jerry Young (WR), Jim Vogel (DL), Jon Fonaas (DB), Jeff Anding (P/K) (Second Team) Tony Azarian (DL), Bob Kiepert (LB) (Honorable Mention); Scott Gerth (T), Mike LaLoggia (QB), Tom Stuebe (DE)

This invitation to Warhawk Nation… All former UW-Whitewater football players and coaches are invited back to campus for the inaugural UW-Whitewater Football Alumni Weekend Celebration the weekend of September 27-28. For more information and to make reservations CLICK HERE