Dec. 17, 2008

Staci Schottman, NAIA Public Relations and Communications, sschottman@naia.org

The Carroll (Mont.) College football team has the top ten things that make college football so special. Mascot, check, halftime shows, check, tailgate parties, check, mid-season ranked match-ups, top 25 ranking, check, check, cheerleaders, check, rivalries, check, five national championship titles, check, Carroll Crazies, check, invite to the 2008 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship, check.

But dig a little deeper and anyone can understand why the Fighting Saints football program is on one of the more dominating runs in college football history. Head coach Mike Van Diest is in his tenth year at the helm of what some consider a dynasty. His passion for the game matched with his ability to recruit talented kids with loads of character make for a winning combination. Van Diest is routine and some say old school but with his proven coaching staff and student-athletes that give 100-percent, 100-percent of the time, its no wonder the school of 1,400 in Helena, Montana has a big following.

On Saturday, December 20, fans from across the country will have the opportunity to watch No. 1 Carroll and No. 2 University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) compete for the traveling trophy in the 53rd Annual Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship. The title game will kick-off at noon (EST) at Barron Stadium in Rome, Ga. The game will be broadcast live on CBS College Sports Network with Trev Alberts and Tom Hart calling the action.

Carroll makes its sixth appearance in seven years at the national championship and earlier in the week Van Diest said his team looked forward to heading south. Asked if he minded the week bye in between the semifinals and final, he said no.

“It is important for the players to stay physically and mentally focused,” said Van Diest. “We’ve backed off physically and gave the student-athletes a day break to catch up on school work and finals. I think that has benefited them mentally and now with classes complete they are excited for the game.”

Van Diest and his players will participate in special events during the days leading up to the championship but the hard work comes to fruition Saturday. Gary Wagner, the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, was sidelined with a season ending injury, a broken ankle, in game two of the 13-0 journey. Wagner is often compared to Tyler Emmert, now a wide receivers coach and former quarterback that led the Fighting Saints to four straight championships.

While some players with season ending injuries would fall off the radar Gary Wagner maintains his leadership role on the team and he hasn’t missed a beat despite an unfortunate situation.

“Gary Wagner is a charismatic kid and a great team leader,” said Bruce Parker, Carroll College Athletic Director. “He is at every practice, meeting and game and has really stepped up as a mentor to the entire team.”

With Wagner’s injury and a variety of other players placed on injury reserve the brotherhood on the 2008 Carroll team has never been more apparent. The veterans have rallied and helped the younger players fit into the fold. Stepping into the spotlight is freshman quarterback Matt Ritter who will start on Saturday afternoon.

Ritter is described by his high school coach, Don Peoples Jr., as a special player with an internal instinct. He was a standout and 1st Team All-State quarterback in the state of Montana while at Butte Central High School under Coach Peoples who also has Carroll ties. People’s is a graduate of Carroll College and played under Bob Petrino.

“Matt (Ritter) has a great athleticism to him. He is the hardworking playmaker that performs well under pressure,” said Peoples. “He is just a great kid and I am fortunate to have coached him for four years. The entire Butte community wishes him well this weekend.”

Ritter will be up against Sioux Falls number one rated defense. Known for his ability to make plays with his feet as well as his knack to throw the ball in the air, Ritter will take the field at Barron Stadium with a physical group of players in the hunt for its sixth title. Heading into the season, Van Diest thought the team would be good and with a trophy on the line and the top two teams in the nation, college pigskin fans are in for a fast and physical game.

To follow game day action and events leading up to the 2008 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship visit www.naia.org. To purchase tickets to the championship game visit www.naianationalchampionship.com.

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