Seven Recognized on All-Conference Team
Nov. 21, 2008
Seven members of the Luther College football team were recognized on the 2008 Iowa Conference all-conference team announced Nov. 20. Not surprisingly, six of the seven players listed were starters on a defensive unit, that was one of the best in the league.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Mike Durnin, the Norse posted an overall record of 5-5, and finished in a three-way for fifth place in the IIAC with a mark of 4-4.
"I would like to congratulate each of the members of our team that were recognized on the all-conference team," commented Durnin. "We had a good number recognized and we should all take great pride in their accomplishments. These individuals also know the importance of every teammates role in their success."
First-team all-conference honors were presented to senior linebacker Alex Mierau and senior defensive lineman Cody Webb.
Mierau, one of four unanimous selections, led the Norse defensive unit with 105 tackles. He also led the team with three interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. One of Mierau's three interceptions was a school record 97-yard return for a touchdown. Twice he was named to d3football.com team of the week and was also selected Iowa Conference athlete of the week. He completed the season ranked 28th in the NCAA III for tackles per game with an average of 10.5. His 2008 tackle total increased his career mark to 187.
Webb was a force at defensive tackle. He led the squad with 13.5 tackles per loss that included a team best 5.5 sacks. His 50 tackles this season increased his career total to 139.
Junior defensive back Trevor Theobald and junior defensive lineman Bobby Kuennen were second-team selections. Theobald finished fourth on the team in total tackles with 54. He was also credited with two interceptions and five pass break-ups. Kuennen had his best season in a Norse uniform producing 48 tackles that included nine for loss and 2.5 sacks. Kuennen also picked off one pass and returned it 36-yards.
The lone offensive member was two-year starting center John Stoltenberg who was a second-team honoree. Stoltenberg anchored a young offensive unit that produced 2,961 yards of total offense for an average of 296.1 yards per game.
Senior defensive lineman Brandon Rickertsen and sophomore defensive back Josh Patterson received honorable mention honors. Rickertsen returned to the starting lineup after missing last season due to a knee injury and tallied 24 tackles. He was credited with three sacks and seven tackles for loss and one pass break-up. Patterson was credited with 44 tackles, eight pass break-ups and one interception. Patterson also blocked a team best two kicks.
The Norse defensive unit finished the 2008 Iowa Conference schedule ranked second in scoring defense allowing just 15.2 points per game. The Norse led the league with a +11 turnover margin that included 13 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.
Complete all-conference release
