Issued: November 20, 2002

FOOTBALL RACKS UP 12 ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

MADISON - For the second consecutive year, 12 members of the UW-Eau Claire football team have been named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference Team, it was announced by conference sports information director Matt Stanek.

Leading the way for the Blugolds were six selections from the defensive side of the ball. The Blugold defense ranked second among WIAC schools in scoring average (19.5), rushing defense (103.1), total defense (301.1) and sacks (25) while ranking third in turnover margin (+5) and pass defense (198.0).

Heading the way for the defense was unanimous First Team linebacker Brad Gawronski (Sr.-Reedsburg/Webb). A First Team selection last season, Gawronski led the team with 67 tackles. Leading all linebackers with five passes defended, Gawronski totaled seven tackles for loss to go along with one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and one blocked punt.

Joining Gawronski on the First Team was defensive lineman Nick Goeser (Sr.-Scandinavia/Iola-Scandinavia). An Honorable Mention selection in 2000, Goeser was second in the WIAC with two forced fumbles. Goeser tallied 46 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three passes defended on the year.

A First Team selection a year ago, Austin Crow (Jr.-Woodbury, MN) earned Second Team honors after playing most of the season with a cast on his right arm protecting a broken bone in his wrist. Crow finished second among league leaders in forced and recovered fumbles with two while finishing fourth in sacks with six. For the season Crow compiled 56 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four passes defended, one interception and one blocked kicked.

Named to the Second Team as a defensive back and all-purpose back, Mike LaBarbera (Jr.-Eau Claire/Memorial) showed the ability to make plays on defense and special teams. Moved to strong safety after starting last season as a cornerback, LaBarbera recorded 39 tackles with two passes defended and one interception. A dangerous return man, LaBarbera ranked second in the WIAC with a 24.8 yards per kickoff return average and seventh averaging 7.4 yards per punt return.

Justin Miller (Sr.-Woodbury, MN) was named a Second Team defensive back after compiling a team-best seven passes defended, good for fourth in the WIAC, and three interceptions. Miller totaled 53 tackles for the Blugolds.

Rounding out the defensive honorees is Honorable Mention defensive lineman Dan Larson (Sr.-Baldwin/Baldwin-Woodville). Tying for second among league leaders with two fumble recoveries, Larson tied for first on the team with seven sacks in addition to ranking second with nine tackles for loss. Larson was credited with 55 tackles and one interception.

Kicking off the offensive All-Conference honorees is unanimous First Team tight end Brad Newton (Sr.-Baldwin/Baldwin-Woodville). A First Team selection last season, Newton ranked eight among WIAC leaders with 39 receptions and ninth with an average of 45.7 receiving yards per game. Newton finished second on the team with four touchdown receptions.

Also earning unanimous First Team recognition is offensive lineman Mike Bestul (Sr.-Chippewa Falls/Chi-Hi). A Second Team selection a year ago, Bestul helped lead a veteran offensive line that saw the Blugolds rank third in passing offensive and fourth in scoring and total offense. Bestul was also recognized as the Max Sparger Co-Scholar Athlete Award winner along with Mark Ralph of Stout.

Wide receiver Jason Foemmel (Sr.-Marshfield) earned Second Team honors after finishing among the top five in several receiving categories for the Blugolds. Third in the WIAC with 54 receptions and 69.3 receiving yards per game, Foemmel ranks second in the Blugold records book in receptions in a season (54), fourth in career receptions (125), sixth in career receiving yards (1,790) and touchdowns (12) and 10th in single-season receiving yards (696). Foemmel garnered Honorable Mention status during the 2000 season.

Placekicker Nick Diciaula (Jr.-Brookfield/Central) received Second Team honors after solidifying the Blugold kicking game. Diciaula connected on 22-of-23 point-after-touchdown attempts while splitting the uprights on six-of-nine field goals, including a perfect six-of-six from 20-29 yards.

Honorable Mention offensive lineman Andy Jepsen (Sr.-Centuria/Unity) joins Bestul as on the All-Conference Team. Jepsen helped guide a veteran offensive line that saw the Blugolds rank third in passing offensive and fourth in scoring and total offense.

Quarterback Nels Fredrickson (So.-Burnsville, MN) rounds out the Blugold offensive honors by receiving Honorable Mention status. Missing four games due to a broken hand, Fredrickson completed 98-of-173 passes for 1,307 yards and 12 touchdowns against just four interceptions while rushing for 271 yards and one touchdown. Fredrickson's passing efficiency rating of 137.4 would have been tops among WIAC quarterbacks had he played in enough games.