Dec. 13, 2007

By Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications

Carroll College (Mont.) was founded in 1909 in Helena, Montana, and belongs to an elite, small corps of Catholic diocesan colleges in the United States. Students learn from a philosophy called service learning, and it's a foundation of the Carroll College experience. Nestled in the state's capital and campus community of over 1400 is a Fighting Saints football dynasty with the mission and drive to develop students who are committed to the high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process. Montana is known as "Big Sky Country" and now with four national championship titles under its belt and a fifth on the line, the Fighting Saints football program is putting Montana on the map for something big, but a little different.

On Saturday, December 15, 2007, Carroll College will meet Sioux Falls (S.D.) in a battle of the unbeatens for the 52nd Annual NAIA Football National Championship crown in Hardin Country, Tenn. This is a familiar spot for the Fighting Saints having won four consecutive titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The only interruption in the joy ride came in the 2006 quarterfinals when Carroll was inched out of the NAIA football championship series by St. Xavier (Ill.), 14-7. The defeat was humbling and left the Fighting Saints football program and fans focused on the 2007 campaign.

"Following the 2006 season the team focused on what the coaches and players could do better in the future," said Carroll Head Football Coach Mike Van Diest. "It was a makeover year."

With drive and determination, Carroll enters the national championship dance 14-0 and boasts a 24-3 record in the playoffs since the 2000 season. At the top and in his ninth year as head football coach is Mike Van Diest. Van Diest grew up just five miles from Carroll's campus and was an avid fan who can still name a number of Carroll College heroes during his youth. It was his dream to play and coach football. Van Diest graduated from Helena High School and his coaching career includes stops at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming, the University of Montana, the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University. He took over the helm and tradition of Carroll football in 1999 replacing Bob Petrino who had been with the program since 1971. The secret to Carroll College and Van Diest's success is about people and his tremendous respect for the program.

"Mike (Van Diest) is old school with a touch of new millennium," said Carroll College Athletics Director Bruce Parker. "He knows how to adjust and he is very good at it. His integrity is admired and his loyalty to the school and program is influential."

Van Diest has a keen eye for talent both on and off the field. His coaching staff has over 45 years of experience and is comprised of former standout players whose commitment to the program is unmatched.

"Working with players for four or five years is an extremely short time," said Van Diest. "It is an honor to have talented players on my staff. These guys have made a big difference in my life and it is great to see them carry on their passion for the game."

The Carroll coaching staff recruits student-athletes who are able to handle the curriculum both in class and on the field. Van Diest expects commitment, sharpness and some savvy. He often asks players why they are in it. Answers must include passion for each other because the game goes well beyond the X's and O's. Over 80% of the players on the Carroll roster hail from the Rocky Mountain Region, where Van Diest and his staff are familiar with the area programs, coaches, players, families and work ethic.

"The student-athletes we recruit must have talent and tremendous character. We won't compromise, it's a must," said Van Diest. "These guys are brothers and success comes down to treating people with care and respect."

The entire Carroll and Helena community have come to expect the quality product of Fighting Saints football. It's a family affair and something special. Two players who are Helena household names include senior defensive back Nick Milodragovich and quarterback John Barnett. Both are excited to make one final trip to Tennessee rounding out exceptional college careers.

Four years ago Milodragovich, a 2007 national scholar-athlete nominee and Draddy Trophy semifinalist, went with a gut feeling. He had opportunities to play elsewhere but the Carroll experience, atmosphere, caring nature of the faculty and staff influenced what he now calls the best decision he has ever made.

"Nick plays the game for the right reasons. He is mentally talented and an ultimate competitor," said Van Diest. "I love his attitude. Nick is a passionate player that doesn't let things bother him."

Milodragovich's dad Chris, a former college standout in the Air Force and competitor of Van Diest while at Wyoming, never put pressure on the youngster who grew up in Great Falls, Mont. In fact just the opposite, Milodragovich's family worked to instill the right values that would influence him both on and off the field.

"My dad was humble in his success and taught my bothers and me to always carry a team-focus attitude," said Milodragovich. "He taught us to accept all people and enjoy friends in all facets of life."

Joining Milodragovich in Carroll's quest for number five is playmaker John Barnett who has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and teammates. Originally recruited for the defensive linebacker spot, Barnett chose Carroll because he knew he could be an impact player. His decision has exceeded his expectations.

"Playing under Coach Van Diest has been great. He's a motivator." said Barnett. "He recruits good people. I will be a better person when I leave because of the experience I've had."

Barnett's had a tremendous run. Having played 14 games and going undefeated, he says every week has been rewarding and special. He realizes not everyday is going to be perfect but has been able to overcome adversity. Sometimes referred to as the team clown, Barnett knows when to make light of a situation and when he needs to be focused. He's been banged up throughout 2007 and has shown remarkable emotion and perseverance.

"John's developed confidence and is a true competitor," said Van Diest. "He is a great kid and keeps the team loose. He has a lot of wit and character to him."

The common thread throughout the Carroll program is that this is bigger than just one person or play. It comes down to a team first attitude, integrity and respect. While Montana is known as "Big Sky Country" Carroll College looks to Saturday's contest as big opportunity to showcase a talented group of students who have the privilege of competing for a fifth national championship title.

The Carroll College Fighting Saints will travel to Hardin County, Tenn. on Wednesday in preparation for the 52nd Annual NAIA Football National Championship. The game is hosted by Team Hardin County and will kick-off on Saturday, December 15 at 12:05 p.m. (CST) live on College Sports Television (CSTV). Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-552-3866 or at Jim Carroll Stadium on game day.

DID YOU KNOW?
·          The winningest coach in college football history got his start at Carroll College in 1949. National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Famer Coach John Gagliardi's first coaching position was with the Fighting Saints. Gagliardi led Carroll to three conference titles in his first four seasons as a college coach.

·          While at Carroll, Van Diest has coached 20 All-Conference linebackers with four being named first team All-American. Van Diest has been named Frontier Conference Coach of the Year six times. In 2003 and 2005 Van Diest was named National Coach of the Year by the American Football Association.

·          The coaching staff features former Carroll standouts Jarrod Wirt (won four Frontier Conference Championships and two NAIA National Championships), Gary Cooper (two-time All-American and Defensive Player of the Year and played on all four National Championship teams), Jed Thomas (All-Conference 2004-2006 and was a major player in all four of Carroll's National Championships), Nick Hammond (1st Team All-American and played on all four National Championship teams), Tyler Emmert (lead Carroll to four straight NAIA Championship titles, three All-American selections and two National Player of the Year awards).

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