Hall of Honor

Chaz Black had an outstanding career on the gridiron for the Thunder that was highlighted by a senior season where he earned 2006 All-CCIW honors and 2006 All-North Region recognition from D3football.com. Black led the CCIW in rushing in 2006 with 1,116 yards on 214 carries with nine touchdown runs as he helped lead Wheaton to a CCIW Championship and the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs. At the time of his graduation, his 2006 campaign was the fourth-highest single-season rushing total in school history. Chaz says of his playing days, "One thing I learned playing football at Wheaton, and for Coach Mike Swider, is that there are two things in life you can't substitute: doing the right thing and hard work. Because if you cheat on sprints…If you know, you know."

Chaz graduated from Wheaton in 2007 with a degree in Business/Economics. Following his playing days, Chaz worked in Hollywood, doing football stunts for movies and television. He returned to Wheaton football in 2014, serving as an assistant for eight seasons. Two of the players he coached in his time as an assistant, Sola Olateju and Giovanni Weeks would go on to set Wheaton's career rushing records. Today he is a financial advisor with Thrivent and resides in the area with his wife Hillary and their three-year-old son, Charles Black IV.

Jesse Scott is the head coach of the Wheaton football team, but he first distinguished himself as an All-American offensive lineman for the Thunder. His four-year playing career (2005-08) for the Thunder featured All-CCIW selections in his junior and senior seasons. Scott earned D3Football.com All-North Region First Team honors as a senior and was named to the 2008 D3football.com All-America First Team. As the starting right tackle, Scott was part of the record-breaking 2008 Thunder offense that broke 17 single-season and career records while advancing to the NCAA Division III National Semifinals.

As an assistant coach for Wheaton, he worked with the offensive and defensive lines and was recruiting coordinator for the Thunder program. Jesse served as Wheaton's offensive coordinator for four seasons before being named head coach after the 2019 season. In Scott's four seasons as offensive coordinator, the Thunder offense achieved top-20 placement in Division III in 14 different statistical categories. After his appointment as head coach, Scott remarked, "Wheaton Football will continue to change lives. Our program will shape young men for the glory of God through our pursuit of excellence on the field and off of it." A 2009 Wheaton graduate, Scott earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Economics. Jesse and his wife Aubrey live in Wheaton with their five-year-old daughter Evie and two-year-old son James.

As a junior in 2006, Andy Studebaker turned in one of the best seasons ever by a Division III defensive end. He was a unanimous All-American that year with First Team honors from the AFCA, D3football.com, and Football Gazette. He was named to the Associated Press' Little All-America Second Team. Additionally, he was honored as the North Region Defensive Player of the Year by both D3football.com and Football Gazette.

In the 2006 season he was the NCAA (all divisions) sack leader with 17-1/2 sacks. His effort that year not only tied Wheaton's single-season sacks record, it was the sixth-highest single-season sack total in Division III history at the time, and today is 16th in the D3 record books. The 2006 CCIW sacks leader also led the conference in tackles for loss (TFL) that year with 25-1/2 TFL for minus-161 yards.

Despite a senior season in 2007 that was cut short by injury, Studebaker registered 30 career sacks and his 1.07 sacks per game average for his career is eighth in Division III history and was fourth at the time of his graduation. Studebaker recorded 51-1/2 tackles for loss (TFL) in his career. His career 1.84 TFL per game average ranked ninth all-time in Division III history at the time of his graduation and today is 15th.

In April of 2008, Studebaker was a sixth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles. He later moved to the Kansas City Chiefs and on December 21, 2009 he became the first Wheaton alumnus to score a touchdown in a NFL regular season game when he recovered a muffed punt against the Cleveland Browns and returned it for a touchdown. He played 97 NFL regular season games in his pro career.

Geoff Rowson was an All-American offensive lineman for the Thunder football team. He earned First Team All-American honors at guard from Football Gazette as a junior in 2006. He was twice honored as a D3football.com All-North Region selection, earning First Team honors in 2006 and Second Team recognition in 2007.

A three-time All-CCIW selection, Rowson twice earned First Team All-Conference honors. He was a member of two CCIW Championship units for the Thunder, helping Wheaton to conference titles in 2004 and 2006. Wheaton made the NCAA Division III Playoffs in both 2004 and 2006, advancing into the Second Round both seasons.

In his 2006 All-American campaign, Rowson anchored a Thunder offensive line that ranked 10th in Division III in total offense as the squad averaged 421.9 yards of offense per game.

Geoff says of his time at Wheaton, "My experience as an offensive lineman playing football at Wheaton left me with enduring life lessons that continue to shape my journey. The value of hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence across all aspects of life stands out as one of the most impactful takeaways. These values, nurtured by my coaches, teammates, and the Wheaton Football culture, now serve as guiding principles in my career, family life, and my faith. As an offensive lineman, I also grasped the importance of being a servant leader—an essential philosophy that emphasizes contributing to the team's success while often working behind the scenes to support others. This approach has significantly influenced my leadership style and approach to business today."

Pete Ittersagen earned eight total All-America awards in his Thunder football career. Following his graduation from Wheaton in December of 2008, he signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in May of 2009. From 2009-2011 he spent time with the Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans.

In both 2008 and 2007, he was honored by D3football.com as a First Team AA at cornerback and Second Team honoree as a returner. He also earned All-America accolades from the AFCA as a cornerback in both of those seasons and was named to the Associated Press Little All-America Team in 2008. In 2006, he was a D3football.com honorable mention All-American at cornerback. In 2007 he was honored as the CCIW's "Defensive Player of the Year", and in 2008, he was named the "North Region Defensive Player of the Year" by D3football.com. In 2011, D3football.com named Ittersagen as a First Team selection at cornerback and Second Team selection as a returner to its All-2000's Team.

Over four seasons (2005-08), Ittersagen played in 46 games, making 252 total tackles. The savvy cornerback recorded 14 career interceptions, and 46 passes broken-up in his four seasons. His 60 total passes defended in his career ranks ninth in Division III history, and was fifth at the time of his graduation. In 2008, he set Wheaton's single-season record for punt return yards. In both 2007 and 2008, he tied the school single-season record for punt return touchdowns with two in each season.

Ittersagen was instrumental in leading Wheaton to its first NCAA Division III Semifinal appearance in 2008. He scored three touchdowns in the playoffs, with a punt return for a touchdown in a win at Wabash College. He returned an interception for a touchdown and had a kickoff return for a touchdown in a Quarterfinal victory at Franklin College. Pete reflects on that 2008 postseason run as a favorite memory from his playing days.

Pete remains involved with Wheaton football as a defensive backs coach for the program. He reflects on his time in uniform for the Thunder, "I learned the less of working hard and pressing on no matter what the circumstances may be. I learned about dealing with hard and stressful situations when the pressure is on."

Kicker Andrew Day was Wheaton's career leader in field goals, with 32 at the time of his graduation in 2006. He shattered the previous school record of 26 career field goals that had stood for 27 years. Day is currently second on Wheaton's all-time field goal list and is third all-time in program history in scoring with 262 points.

Day was selected as a First Team All-American at kicker by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and represented Wheaton at the 2005 Aztec Bowl in Mexico. He also earned First Team All-North Region honors from D3football.com in his senior season and was a First Team All-CCIW pick at kicker.

As a senior in 2005, Day was 10-for-13 on his field goal attempts, and his 66 points that season led the CCIW in kick scoring. Additionally, he was a perfect 36-for-36 on his PAT attempts. He kicked 10 field goals in the 2004 season. Day converted a career-best 11 field goals as a sophomore in 2003, helping Wheaton advance to the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the first time.

A standout in the classroom as well, Day was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division Football Team, as a Second Team honoree. Day also earned a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for his accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.

Brad Musso '05

Wheaton, Illinois

Sport: Football

Degrees: Communication

Brad Musso was a unanimous All-American at wide receiver for the Thunder football team in 2004, earning selection to four All-America teams. He was named as a First Team All-American by the AFCA and also earned a spot on the Associated Press Little All-American Team as well as All-America recognition from D3football.com (Second Team) and Football Gazette (Second Team). Musso is a four-time All-CCIW selection, earning First Team honors in each of his final three seasons.

As a senior in 2004, Musso caught a school-record 98 passes for 1,293 yards with nine touchdown receptions. He finished the campaign ranked second in Division III in receptions per game with 8.9 catches per game; and he was fourth in the nation in receiving yards with 117.5 receiving yards per game.

In four seasons, Musso caught a school-record 255 passes. His school-record 4,287 career receiving yards was the fifth-highest total in Division III history at the time of his graduation and is 11th today. Brad also holds Wheaton's career records for all-purpose yards with 5,332 yards and the all-time leader in punt return yardage at the time of his graduation with 923 yards (he is now second in the category). Musso scored 39 career touchdowns and tallied 236 career points, a mark that ranked third at the time of his graduation and is now fifth on Wheaton's all-time list. His streak of 38-consecutive games with at least one reception is also a school record.

Retired Wheaton football coach Mike Swider says of Musso, "Brad came from a football family where his dad starred at Alabama and his brothers at Northwestern. You could see it from the beginning. Football was in his blood and his genes." Swider continues, "Brad Musso had some extraordinary talent. He was a tremendously strong and explosive athlete who could accelerate and change direction like few I had ever seen. He had excellent hands, but what was really special was watching him after the ball was caught. No defender had a chance to tackle this guy in the open field, AND I MEAN NOBODY. Watching him return punts was truly amazing. However, I really believe Brad's greatest attribute was his poise and how calm he was. The moment never became too big for him. He was so relaxed and football always remained just a game to him, no different than the playground."

Brad says of his time at Wheaton, "I learned the importance of hard work. We put a lot of work into being successful as a team. I've tried to bring that same determination into all I do." He continues, "I also learned that faith comes before everything. I've seen that modeled in the Wheaton football program, with the coaches and my teammates – keeping Christ central allows me to approach everything focused on Him for His purposes."

Musso recalls of Wheaton's rivalry with Augustana, "Our class beat Augie all four seasons in pretty dramatic fashion. These were meaningful games because each year it came down to these games to determine the conference champion. More importantly, in each of these games different individuals stepped up when they were called to make plays. The games show the character of our team. We could count on everyone all the time."

Brad reflects, "I am most proud of what we accomplished as a team – winning three conference titles and winning games. Any accomplishment that I had as an individual was evidence of how great the people were around me." He concludes, "I am most thankful for the way Wheaton football shaped my faith and my character. I am passionate about the ministry that God has given me because of the way my teachers and coaches at Wheaton College impacted me. God used my time playing football to build the character qualities that I depend on to share Christ, and for that I am thankful."

Following his time at Wheaton, Brad went on to earn his Master's Degree in Divinity at Denver Seminary. Today, he teaches and is the head of the Bible Department at Wheaton Academy, also serving as an assistant coach for the Warriors' football team. He and his wife Katharine live in Wheaton with their two children: Elijah and Kharis.

Brian Dini was a three-year starter at center for the Thunder football team (2002-04), including a role as team captain in 2004. He helped lead the program to three-consecutive CCIW championships and playoff berths in 2002, 2003 and as a team captain in 2004. Wheaton posted a 32-5 overall record in Dini's three seasons as a starter, including a 20-1 record in CCIW play with three CCIW Titles.

Both D3football.com and Football Gazette honored Dini as a Second Team All-American in 2004; he also earned First Team All-CCIW recognition. In each of Dini's three seasons as a starter at center, Wheaton ranked among the top 15 in total offense in Division III.

His head coach, Mike Swider, recalls of the All-American center, "Brian feared nobody and I mean NOBODY. He saw every opponent as just something in his way that had to be removed, and he did that regularly throughout his entire career. He was an absolute bulldozer that cleared the path for many a Wheaton ball carrier. Brian did not just block his opponent; he physically mauled them and then went searching for someone else to flatten. The physicality of the way he played was frightening. Most of the guys he lined up against did not want any part of him. They knew it was going to be a long, ugly day. The beautiful thing was, Brian really liked doing this. He also saw it as his job and responsibility, especially if Wheaton was to be successful. He embraced this role and took great pride in all that was asked of him. Without offensive linemen like Brian, many of our great offensive weapons in those years become far less effective."

When asked to pick a favorite memory of his playing days, Dini recalls, "There were so many great games against Augustana over my four years but the one in 2004 is the one that I remember most. We had just come off a bad loss to Carthage two weeks earlier, and needed to win to get a share of the CCIW championship and our third playoff berth in a row. The game had gone back and forth all day, and we had just scored a touchdown with seconds left to come within one point of Augie. Instead of going for the tie and sending the game into overtime, we went for two and the win."

Brian says of his time in 'Orange and Blue', "There are so many life lessons from my time at Wheaton, but to this day the one that I think has had the biggest impact on me is something Coach Swider used to always say 'You can Fight or You can Quit.' Whether in faith, marriage, raising kids or the business world when I have experienced adversity or hardship I always come back to those late afternoons at Lawson Field running down and backs and I can still hear Coach reminding us of that."

Garrett Granberg was an All-American selection at running back by D3football.com as a senior in 2004, helping lead the Thunder to a CCIW Championship in 2004. Wheaton won three-consecutive CCIW championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004, with four NCAA Division III Playoff appearances in that time. The Thunder posted a 32-5 overall record from 2002-04, including a 20-1 record in CCIW play with three CCIW Titles.

In Granberg's senior season, he set a school single-season record with 1,371 rushing yards on 251 carries. He reached the end zone 13 times that year, and averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 114.2 rushing yards per game. He ran for a career-high 190 yards against Gustavus Adolphus on September 11, 2004.

In four seasons at Wheaton he ran for 2,963 career yards, a mark that was second in program history at the time of his graduation (and is third today). He scored 34 rushing touchdowns in his time at Wheaton, and his 204 career points was fourth on Wheaton's all-time list at the time (the mark is now 10th).

Granberg scored four touchdowns in a dramatic 39-38 Wheaton victory at Augustana on November 13, 2004 as Wheaton secured a share of its third-consecutive CCIW Championship in the regular season finale. As a junior in 2003, he scored three times in a regular season victory against Hope and reached the end zone three more times in Wheaton's First Round victory in the Division III Playoffs against the Flying Dutch.

Mike Swider, Granberg's head coach, recalls of his running back, "I remember recruiting Garrett out of Blanco, Texas, a small town in the hill country halfway between San Antonio and Austin. Blanco still had the classic old town square and a bowling alley where the pins were set by hand the ball returned manually by someone trying to make a few extra dollars. Football was king and Garrett was their hometown hero. He came to Wheaton and I quickly nicknamed him "cowboy", not only because of where he came from but more so because of how tough he was. Garret was not the biggest, but he may have been the toughest. He was so hard to knock down and had great balance. In football as well as in life, success is more often a result of not how hard you hit, but more so about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Garrett just kept coming and moving forward."

Granberg reflects, "My experience at Wheaton College is marked by the intentional influence of coaches, teammates, and the culture of excellence built by Coach Swider. Serving and investing in community beyond my individual interests, and striving to fight against discouragement, even in the face of adversity, are life lessons that have continued to serve me beyond my football experience at Wheaton College. In critical moments, I still hear the voice of Coach Swider echoing wisdom and truth of investing in something that lasts, dying to yourself, and pursuing an authentic faith. I still hear Coach Walt Whitehead encouraging me to keep life simple and do the next right thing. I smile when I think about Coach J.R. Bishop and his never-ending "isms" that reveal his wisdom and real-life experience. Coach Tim Hardy taught me to passionately pursue excellence in all areas of my life. Fellow running back and teammate Mark Hamstra still impacts me today by challenging me to use the platform as an educator and coach to make a difference in our students' and players' lives. Overall, I am grateful for Wheaton College and Wheaton Football for developing my character and giving me the opportunity to play for a winning tradition, receive a top education, and grow in my Christian journey.

Granberg expands on his memories of Wheaton, "The most meaningful moments and memories that shaped me as a person were not necessarily on the football field. Wheaton Football chapels spent on Friday evenings were life changing and marked me because of the authentic worship, senior share testimonies, and wisdom shared by alumni, coaches, and speakers. During this time, I grew in my own faith by watching and listening to my teammates and coaches live and speak out authentic faith and how the program developed them throughout their career. After a long week of practice, I looked forward to being renewed and reminded of what really matters. I also vividly remember the feeling of singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot with my teammates as we dismissed."

Dan Price was a Second Team All-American pick by D3football.com in the 2003 campaign with a breakout senior season at running back. He was an integral part of Wheaton's 2003 CCIW Championship team that recorded a 12-1 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals for the first time in program history.

A two-time First Team All-CCIW selection, Price established a new single-season rushing record for Wheaton with 1,262 rushing yards in 2003. His 2003 season now ranks fourth in the program's single-season record book. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry with 11 touchdown runs in the record-setting season.

Price ran for 2,207 yards with 30 touchdowns in his four seasons at Wheaton, putting him in eighth place on the school's all-time rushing yards list at the time of his graduation. The career mark ranks 11th in program history today. He was a member of three Wheaton CCIW Championship teams (2000, 2002 and 2003) in his four seasons at Wheaton, with NCAA Playoff appearances in 2002 and 2003.

James Hoxworth was a offensive lineman for the Wheaton football team from 2000-03. He was a member of three CCIW Championship football teams (2000, 2002 and 2003), making three NCAA Division III Playoff appearances. In 2002, the Thunder posted a 10-2 record and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs. He was a team captain for the 2003 Wheaton squad that recorded a 12-1 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals for the first time in program history.

Hoxworth was a First Team All-American selection at guard as a junior in 2002 and again in 2003, earning selection to both the Hewlett-Packard and Football Gazette All-American teams in each of those two seasons. He also was a First Team All-American selection by D3footballl.com in 2003. A three-time All-CCIW selection, he earned First Team honors in 2002 and 2003, with Second Team recognition in 2001.

Hoxworth was named a First Team CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2003. Additionally, he was one of three finalists for the inaugural Bobby Bowden Award, presented by Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2003.

Hoxworth also competed as a member of the Wheaton track & field program. He won three conference championships in the discus throw across the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons. His career best throw of 166' 9" (50.82-meters) is ranked third in the Wheaton record books.

Dane Lundgren was a four-time All-CCIW selection for Wheaton on the defensive line, earning First Team honors in each of his final three seasons. As a senior in 2002, he helped lead Wheaton to a conference championship, and the program's first NCAA Division III Playoff appearance since 1995. In that season, he made 57 total tackles, including a team-high ten quarterback sacks (-45 yards) and 16 tackles for lost yardage (-51). He was honored as a Second Team Hewlett-Packard Division III All-American and D3football.com All-American as a senior. Lundgren recorded 22½ career sacks (-154 yards) with 48½ career tackles for lost yardage and he made 244 total tackles in his four seasons.

Dane recalls of a favorite memory, "My senior year when we beat Augustana to become undisputed conference champions is a great memory. It really felt like that was a tipping point for program and catapulted us into a playoff run and success for years to come. We worked so hard as a collective team for that win and it felt like the fruit of four years of hard labor. It meant a lot to win that for our coaches." Dane adds, "I feel like the awards and honors I received in my playing career are really an acknowledgement of what a great team defense we had. I got to play alongside Chad Isaacson, John Diggs, Jeff Darnauer, and in front of Justin Knapp and Kevin Sellers. Our front seven was pretty fearsome and I want to acknowledge that receiving this award really honors that collective team effort."

J.D. Leman was a four-year letterwinner for the Wheaton football program. In 2000 he recorded a dominating season at linebacker and earned recognition as the CCIW Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He was honored as a First Team All-American by D3football.com in 2000 and was a Third Team member of the Hewlett-Packard Division III All-America Team.

Leman helped lead Wheaton to a share of the CCIW Championship in 2000 with a team-high 116 total tackles, including 85 solo stops. He also registered 13 tackles for loss (-57 yards) that year with four sacks (-33 yards). He also recorded three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

J.D. recalls a favorite memory from his senior season, "It was fourth-and goal in the second overtime at Augustana in the final game of the 2000 season. We had exchanged field goals in the first overtime and had the ball first in the second overtime. After scoring a touchdown, Augustana had a chance to answer. Their tight end had been killing us on short yardage routes and it seemed obvious that would be the go-to play as they lined up from the seven-yard line. I lined up on the tight end man-to-man. He ran a 10-yard out route and I broke on the ball, knocking it down, sealing a 37-30 victory, an 8-2 season, and most importantly a CCIW title."

"I learned there is no substitute for hard work and discipline in your craft. Everyone has been blessed with a unique set of gifts but they don't mean much if you are unable to put in the time required to maximize their potential," J.D. recalls of what he learned in his time with Wheaton football. He concludes, "Real life is surprisingly similar to football. There are times you win and there are times you lose. We were always told to focus on where we were going. The challenge to keep your perspective on the goal ahead has been instrumental in my development as man.

Jeremy Amos was a standout at wide receiver and kick returner on the gridiron for the Wheaton College football team. In his four-year career Amos recorded 151 career receptions, a mark that was sixth in school history at the time of his graduation (now seventh). He tallied 19 career receiving touchdowns; an effort that ranked fifth in program history at the time of his graduation (ranks seventh today).

As a senior in 2000, Amos helped lead Wheaton to a share of its first CCIW Championship since 1995. He earned First Team All-American recognition that year with 76 catches, including 12 touchdown receptions. Amos registered 1,171 receiving yards in 2000 for the third-highest single-season receiving yardage total in program history at the time of his graduation. He also contributed to Wheaton's success in that season by setting the program's single-season record for kick return yardage with 21 returns for 488 yards (today this effort ranks sixth).

Jeremy recalls of two lessons he learned in his time with Wheaton football. "The first lesson I learned was the value of hard work. All the coaches at Wheaton, especially coach Swider, preached the value of hard work. They instilled in us a work ethic and toughness that I have carried with me through my years away from the field – it's helped me keep my marriage together, my business growing and my mind focused."

He continues, "The second lesson was put the team over self. I remember Swider used to always say, right now it's God first, you second – then when you get married it's God first, your wife second and you third – then when you have kids, it's God first, your wife second, your kids third and you last. This is so very true. Since I left Wheaton, those team over self-lessons that were continually taught to us have slowly manifested in me. My family is my team now and I would do anything and everything for them. I live for my team every day and understand what it means to put myself last. If I didn't have those lessons to lean on I am not sure I would fully be able to get past myself and focus my life on my family.

Chris Brown earned All-American recognition at guard in 1997 as he anchored the offensive line for the Wheaton football team. Chris earned All-Region honors in 1996 and again in 1997 and the four-year starter at guard was a three-time All-CCIW honoree (1995-97).

He says while playing football at Wheaton he learned, "Quitting is not an option there; are times in life where it would be much easier to quit and move on to the next option. Wheaton football, more precisely the men responsible for the program, taught me that no matter how tough things get that persevering is the way a man handles situations. Through my time as a Wheaton football player, I had plenty of opportunities to practice and observe this idea. It is without a doubt that the examples set for me by the men of this program, and the opportunities to put this concept into practice, has had a greater impact on who I am as man than any experience in my life."

John Peays was selected as a Third Team All-American at free safety to the inaugural D3football.com All-American Team in 1999. As a junior in 1998 he returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown against North Central to establish a school record that still stands today. In 31 career games for the Crusaders, he recorded 11 interceptions, including five picks in his senior season (1999). He recorded 204 career tackles, including 159 solo stops and was the team leader in interceptions in his sophomore and junior seasons.

"I learned the value of discipline, hard work and mental toughness in training, plus how these virtues are critical in pursuing a life-long relationship with God," notes John.

He recalls, "My two most satisfying accomplishments were revenge victories at home against Illinois Wesleyan in 1998 and Millikin in 1999. We had suffered disappointing losses the previous year and after devoting enormous effort toward these games in offseason training, planning and preparation, these victories brought the deepest satisfaction."

A four-year letterwinner at defensive end, Drew Pearson was a Second Team All-American selection on the inaugural D3football.com All-American Team in 1999. Drew led Wheaton's defense with 19 tackles for lost yardage (-92 yards) as a senior in 1999. He served as a team captain and was recognized as Team MVP in his senior season as he recorded 11 quarterback sacks (-77 yards), the fourth-highest single-season sack total in school history. Drew's 22 career sacks was the third-highest total in school history at the time of his graduation and is currently fifth in the program's record books.

Drew recalls, "Coach Swider and the football coaches instilled Biblical truths that continue to carry me today. The first is teamwork: 'never make decisions based upon what's best for me but rather what's best for us; I have applied it to marriage and organizations . The second truth is toughness: 'when you get knocked down, get up' .Proverbs 24:16 states 'for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.' I've learned to trust Jesus and repent when I'm not knocked down by circumstances or sin."

Jerry Hawkes was a four-year letterwinner at defensive back in his time at Wheaton. In 1998 he earned Second Team All-American recognition at safety from Football Gazette, also earning First Team All-CCIW recognition in 1998.

Jerry recorded 10 career interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. He also added a touchdown on a blocked field goal as a freshman in 1995. He was a three-time CCIW Defensive Player of the Week in his career and was twice named a Football Gazette national defensive Player of the Week.

Jerry recalls of his time at Wheaton, "Wheaton football was instrumental in shaping my life. I learned to push my body and my mind to its outer limits. I learned that you can love God, have integrity and win in life. There is no point in cutting corners. You can be successful and love God."

Tim Hardy played quarterback for the Wheaton football program in the late 1990's. Tim was a Third Team All-American as a senior in 1998, also earning the 1998 CCIW Offensive Player of the Year award. Tim received a NCAA Postgraduate scholarship in 1999 for his work on the field and in the classroom.

Tim's 6,044 career passing yards is fifth all-time in school history and the mark was third at the time of his graduation. He is sixth all-time in total yards (6,044 yards). Tim led Wheaton and the CCIW in passing in both 1997 (1,348) and 1998 (1,974) and was the CCIW leader in total offense in 1997 (1,533) and 1998 (2,139). Tim passed for 462 yards against Illinois Wesleyan in an effort that is still the sixth-highest single-game passing total in CCIW history and his 4,961 career yards in CCIW games is the eight-highest total in conference history.

Tim reflects on his time as a player at Wheaton, "My time at Wheaton was marked by two things: powerful relationships with teammates and coaches, and the culture of Wheaton Football that passionately pursues excellence. The quality of any experience is a direct function of the quality of the relationships and my Wheaton Football experience was filled with some amazing people. From the leadership of Coach J.R. Bishop and Coach Mike Swider to the dozens of incredible men who I had the privilege of playing with, the people involved in my Wheaton Football experience marked me forever. The coaching staff of strong and godly men invested into my life in a way that still affects me today."

Jeff Brown Induction Video

Jeff Brown was the starting quarterback of the first Wheaton College football team to ever make the NCAA Playoffs in 1995. Over the course of his four-year career, Brown racked up impressive passing numbers. He still stands No. 2 in school history with 7,090 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes.

Brown’s best season came in 1995, when he passed for 30 touchdowns and 3,247 yards. Teammates Pedro Arruza and Mark Loeffler were both on the same team and are also inductees this year into the Hall of Honor. In addition, Brown was named a First Team Academic All-American his senior year.

The favorite collegiate sports memory from Jeff’s career was the victory over Augustana College in 1995 to clinch the conference championship. Brown said he also learned a lot about discipline and perseverance from his athletic experience.

“Discipline to train year-round as an athlete, maintain high academic standards and walk closely with God,” Brown said. “And the perseverance to overcome adversity (fumbles, interceptions, losses, etc.) and believe that we could be conference champions and compete for the national title.”

“Jeff was an extremely accurate thrower,” head football coach Mike Swider said. “When you think of Jeff Brown, you think of a guy who wins football games and puts up scores. That’s what that position is all about… You think of him as a winner who moved the chains, completed passes, bought time in the pocket. The greatest compliment I can pay him is he was like our version of Tom Brady.”

Professionally, Brown is founder and Chief Investment Officer for T2 Capital Management, LLC – a private equity real estate company based in Wheaton. Jeff and his wife Becky have five children; Joy, Wyatt, Reid, Nora and Caroline.

Mark Loeffler Induction Video

Mark Loeffler was a two-time All-American wide receiver for the Wheaton football team from 1993-96. At the time of his graduation, Loeffler owned the school record in career catches (232) and career receiving yards (3,601). His 46 career touchdowns scored is still a Wheaton record and he ranks first in total points scored with 286.

Loeffler is being inducted into the Hall of Honor along with teammates Jeff Brown and Pedroa Arruza. The trio was part of the 1995 squad that reached the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history. Loeffler considers that first playoff game win over Wittenberg College to be his favorite athletic memory.

Mark said that the coaching staff was great at prepping the team both athletically and spiritually. “The one accomplishment in life that ultimately matters is whether we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of the Wheaton Football family because the men entrusted with running the program understand this and have done a great job making sure every player knows this is the highest priority.”

Current head coach Mike Swider said Loeffler had great hands with deceptive speed. “But the thing about Mark was his toughness,” Swider said. “A defensive back could not intimidate him. He would catch the ball in a crowd and take a hit. He was a great receiver with great hands, but he was a tough receiver…He caught touchdowns. He was a guy you went to when you needed a score.”

Currently, Loeffler is President of Infoswell Media, which design and implement websites. Mark and his wife Sarah are parents to three children – Luke, Benjamin and Samuel.

Pedro Arruza Induction Video

Pedro Arruza was a two-time All-American running back for the Wheaton football team from 1992-95. Arruza still holds the school record for career rushing yards (3,179) and rushing yards in a single game (313) to go along with 38 career touchdowns. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-American three times.

Arruza is being inducted into the Hall of Honor along with teammates Jeff Brown and Mark Loeffler. The trio was part of the 1995 squad that reached the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history.

Looking back at his college days, Arruza said his experiences at Wheaton made him a better husband and father. The person who had the most effect on him was Coach Mike Swider. Arruza saw him as more than just a coach, but also as a mentor, role model, motivator and friend.

“I chose Wheaton over several Ivy and Patriot League schools because of Mike Swider,” Arruza said. “I was most drawn to the fact that he was a devoted follower of Christ and yet the ultimate competitor. At Wheaton, it was drilled into me that you compete in everything you do, not just football.”

Swider said Arruza is still on the weight room record board as the per-pound strongest player on the team. “He was arguably one of the most physical football players we ever had,” Swider said. “He was a leader who just impassioned our team. Pedro willed his enthusiasm and intensity onto everyone else. You could just feel it oozing out of him.”

Arruza is currently the head football coach for Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. Pedro and his wife Kara have three children – Owen, Ella and Will.

Doug Johnston was a two-time All-American and stalwart of the Wheaton football offensive line in the early to mid 1990s. Playing at center, Johnston helped open holes for record-breaking running backs like Pedro Arruza and Dane Shaw, while also protecting prolific quarterback Jeff Brown.

During his time at Wheaton, Johnston learned the importance of preparation. “You can’t just ‘show up’ and expect to perform at the best of your ability,” Johnston said. “Consistent preparation with an ultimate goal of being the best you can be was discovered through my time on the Wheaton football team.”

INDUCTION VIDEO

Dr. Carl E. DeVries made an impact on the gridiron and the track as a two-sport athlete at Wheaton. In track, he was the high-point scorer in his junior and senior seasons as the team posted winning records in part due to his versatility, physical stamina and leadership example. He later became the head track coach from 1943-1946.

As a member of the Wheaton football team, he was a running back who later took over as Wheaton’s head coach at age 23. From 1943-45, the team produced a record of 11-5-3 in his three years at the helm.

Devin Leftwich was a running back for the Wheaton football program from 1990-92, after playing one season at Northern Illinois University. He left school as the No. 4 leading rusher in Wheaton history, with 452 carries for 2,209 yards (4.9 yards per carry), including a career-high 1,047 yards in 1991.

Leftwich notes that he learned perseverance from his time at Wheaton. “It was much more important than short-term comfort,” he said. “It helps define your character in the long term.” Current Wheaton head coach Mike Swider said of the former star running back, “He was a big, strong runner; a real powerful guy. He could run inside and outside. It always took more than one guy to bring him down.”

Kermit Ellison was a two-sport All-American in his time at Wheaton, earning the distinction at defensive back for the football team in 1993 and on the track and field squad in 1994. He still ranks high on in the school record books as a sprinter in the indoor 55 meters (6.43), the indoor 200 meters (22.51) and outdoor 100 meters (10.73). As a senior, he ran in the national meet in both the 55 and 100 meter sprints, earning All-American distinction in the 100.

On the gridiron, Ellison made 77 tackles with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in his 1993 All-American season. His versatility made him a weapon on offense too, as he rushed for a combined 790 yards from 1991-92.

Wheaton head football coach Mike Swider was always impressed by Kermit’s physicality and his blazing speed. “Kermit could flat-out hit you, and he was the fastest defensive back in the conference,” Swider said. “He could run down anyone. He made some game-saving tackles for us.”

Bart Moseman was a two-time All-American selection for the Crusader football team, earning those honors during in his junior and senior seasons. Moseman earned All-Conference honors each of his four years at Wheaton and was an All-CCIW selection on both offense and defense in his junior and senior seasons. Bart was also named the team MVP three times in his playing career. At the time of his graduation, he was second on Wheaton’s career list for receiving yards.

At the time of his graduation in 1987, Doug Rothschild’s 22 career sacks was the second-highest total by a Wheaton player. In 1985, he recorded a team-high nine sacks and tied for the team lead in 1986 with nine sacks, leading the CCIW for both of those seasons.

Following his graduation, Doug signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 1986 and played three games for the Bears during the NFL strike of 1987. In 1988, he signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Doug notes of his memories as a Wheaton football player, “I learned what it is to be on a team. I played team sports all my life, but never in a Christian environment. The model in scripture of each person having a role in the body of Christ is similar to the lessons learned in the practicum of team sport.”

Jeff Frazier was a First Team All-American selection by Football Gazette at linebacker in 1991. His 20 career sacks at the time of his graduation were the fourth-highest effort in school history and are still currently among the school’s all-time top-10. Following his graduation from Wheaton, Jeff signed a free agent contract with the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League.

Jeff mentions of the values taught to him by Wheaton football, “I learned that any measure of success requires some sacrifices, but beyond success Wheaton football taught me that sacrifice is at the heart of what it means to be a Godly man.” He adds, “I also learned the lesson of community and that working as a team or community are crucial to Christian life.”

Thane Ritchie was a two-time All-CCIW selection, playing on both sides of the football as a linebacker and at tight end. As a senior, he had 83 total tackles, including 49 solo tackles, with 5-1/2 sacks. In his junior year, he had 50 tackles, with a quarterback sack. Following his graduation from Wheaton, Thane went on to sign NFL free agent contracts as a tight end with Pittsburgh (’89) and Chicago (’90).

Thane notes of the lessons he learned from playing football at Wheaton, “Football is a team sport where it is crucial that everyone successfully executes each and every play. If one out of the eleven does not, the results could be horrible.” He adds, “Playing football builds a strong bond. I have friends from my playing days that I have not seen for years. If they were to call me to ask for help there would be little to no question that I would jump in and help a former teammate or coach.”

David Lauber collected three All-CCIW selections as a wide receiver for the Crusader football team. During his junior season, Lauber led the CCIW with 828 receiving yards and eight touchdowns and was named to the District Five College Division All-Academic Team. David caught at least one pass in every game he played, and at the conclusion of his career ranked with the second-most receptions in school history. The longest of his 166 career receptions was a record-setting 98-yard touchdown catch that he made in his second game at Wheaton.

Chad Thorson immediately made an impact on the Crusader Ffootball team in the fall of 1986. As a linebacker, he led the team in tackles with 89 along with three quarterback sacks his freshman season. The next season he increased the number to 103 total tackles with three quarterback sacks and a fumble recovery. His junior season ended with an impressive 129 tackles, including nine sacks and 69 solo stops. During the 1989 season, he was team co-captain, MVP, and earned All-American honors for his 116 total tackles, including four and a half sacks. He was voted First Team All-CCIW his last three seasons and won the CCIW’s “Don Larson Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award” two-consecutive years.

After graduation, Chad went on to sign pro contracts with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.

As a defensive end from 1986 through 1989, Don Parrish earned two First Team All-CCIW awards. As a sophomore, he recorded 62 total tackles, including four quarterback sacks. Junior year he increased the number to 71 tackles. As a team captain during his senior season, Don recorded 72 total tackles with six quarterback sacks. He also received Football Gazette All-American honors and received the team’s James Parmelee Memorial Award, which is presented to the Wheaton player most respected for his dedication, diligence and discipline.

Don’s greatest lesson learned through the Wheaton football program were about sacrifice and the truth that “you never fully understand the value of something until you lose part of yourself to gain it - the greater the personal sacrifice, the greater the lasting value.”

Steve Holland began his outstanding four-year career as a starting running back for the Crusaders in his freshman season. He received Second Team All-CCIW honors his freshman and junior years and earned First Team All-CCIW recognition his sophomore and senior years. While all four of his years showed impressive results, Steve’s senior season stands out. That year he was team captain and earned All-American honors for running an unprecedented 1,015 yards with 10 touchdowns on top of catching 14 passes for 135 yards with three touchdowns. His 1,015 yards was the top single-season rushing total in school history at the time. When he graduated, Steve held the record for Wheaton’s all-time leading rusher with 2,713 career rushing yards on 630 carries.

When J.R. Bishop arrived as Wheaton’s head football coach in 1982, the program had won just five games in the three years before his arrival. J.R used his own unique style to guide the Crusaders to an 84-43-1 record in his 14 seasons as head coach, with Wheaton winning 66 percent of his games. Despite retiring as head coach in 1995, he remained on the coaching staff as associate head coach and offensive coordinator through the 2005 season.

J.R. was named CCIW Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1995 and earned AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors in 1995 when he directed Wheaton to its first CCIW football title since 1959 and its first-ever NCAA playoff berth. Wheaton was 10-1 that year with a playoff win over Wittenberg.

A 1981 graduate, Jeff Peltz was a standout defensive lineman during his time with the Crusader football team. Peltz earned All-CCIW honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He recorded 37 sacks in his four-year playing career and made 14 sacks in 1978, both were thought to be school records at the time (no exact defensive records exist).

His relationship with the school and the football program continues today. Jeff has served as an assistant football coach at Wheaton since 1982, coaching numerous All-Americans and All-Conference players.

Peltz notes of lessons learned from Wheaton football, “Whatever you do; play, work, relationships – do it with everything you have. I tremendously enjoyed my four years as a Wheaton football player…my work ethic, loyalty, discipline, attitude, passion and faith are a direct result of the shaping through experiences with my parents, as an athlete, as a student and now as a coach.”

Scott Casto was a standout linebacker for Wheaton’s football program from 1983-86. As a senior in 1986 he capped his career with Honorable Mention All-American accolades, Team MVP honors and a First Team All-CCIW selection.

Casto mentions of his time at Wheaton, “I loved the game of football and Wheaton College, along with the coaching staff. It gave me the opportunity to play in the best program in NCAA Division III, one that offered excellent academics as well as athletics and encouraged integrating the Christian faith in both.”

Bob Blaschke competed in football and baseball for the Crusaders during his time at Wheaton in the 1940s. Blaschke reminisces about coming to Wheaton shortly after World War II, “That coach Chrouser, [who] just back from the war in 1946, would have chosen me, a reluctant 18-year-old sophomore to be the quarterback to run his 'T' formation offensive system.” He continues, “My anxiety increased as I wondered how I, comparatively inexperienced in life and in football, could ever gain enough respect to become accepted as the leader of these grown men, four to five years my senior. Fortunately Coach believed in me, he worked with me, and as he persevered with me through my inexperience, my level of self-confidence developed and our dreams of a winning season were realized. Coach Chrouser’s patient mentoring of me established in me a positive, winning attitude that has been my companion in the game of life…”

Brad Emerson was an All-American offensive lineman for the Crusader football team in the mid 1980s. Wheaton compiled 2-7 records in Brad’s first two seasons with Wheaton but improved to 6-3 records in each of his last two seasons.

Brad comments, “I thought things weren’t so great as a freshman, but was grateful over the remainder of my college career that men like J.R. Bishop, Cliff Schimmels and my father encouraged me to keep trying and never give up.” Emerson was named a “Little All-American” by the Associated Press at the conclusion of his senior season and he went on to sign a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jon Tuin, class of 1983, played four seasons of football and was a four-year member of the track and field squad. He also wrestled as a freshman, but curtailed that sport after breaking his collar bone during a match. On the gridiron Jon was All-CCIW Honorable Mention as a sophomore, First Team All-CCIW on special teams as a junior, and as a senior was team captain and First-Team All-CCIW at defensive back.

As a decathlete for the Wheaton track and field team, Jon made three appearances at the NCAA Division III National Championship meet. In his sophomore year, he finished fifth at Nationals, and placed fourth in his junior year. At the Division III Championships in his senior year, he placed seventh. In both his junior and senior seasons, he was named “Most Valuable Athlete” at the CCIW Track and Field Championships.

Dave McCarrell had an outstanding career as a four-year starting quarterback for the Crusader football team from 1979-1982. Dave ranks high in the Wheaton record books for career completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. As a senior, Dave set CCIW records with 185 completions in 376 attempts for 2,621 yards and led the nation with 22 touchdown passes and 2,505 total offensive yards. Wheaton led the nation in passing. He earned All-CCIW First Yeam and CCIW Offensive Co-Player of the Year honors, and was selected to the Pizza Hut All-American team, the CoSIDA Division III All-America Third Team, and the Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention team.

Pete Bylsma played wide receiver for Wheaton football from 1973-75 after transferring from the Air Force Academy. Bylsma caught 13 passes for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns as a sophomore. He earned All-CCIW first team honors the next two seasons, won the team’s MVP Award as a junior, and All-State College Division honors as a senior. Bylsma caught 51 passes for 690 yards and 7 touchdowns in 1974, including a CCIW and school record 16 receptions vs. Millikin. In 1975, Bylsma caught 57 passes for 642 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranked second in the NCAA Division III and the CCIW in receptions per game and total receptions. Bylsma completed his career with 121 receptions for 1,633 yards and 18 touchdowns, school records at the time. He also was voted to the 1975 Academic All-State team.

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Bill Ladd, a 1961 graduate, was a decorated two-sport athlete for the Crusaders in football and baseball. He carried the ball for Wheaton 159 times for 801 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in three seasons. In 1959, he earned All-CCIW honors, and played on Wheaton’s 1958 undefeated conference champion for Harve Chrouser.

He also pitched for Lee Pfund, and ranks high in numerous career categories, including earned-run average, wins, losses, strikeouts, walks and innings.

Glenn Sedjo competed in football, diving and baseball for the Crusaders in the mid 1970s. Glenn played both offensive and defensive line as a freshman, offensive guard the next season and won the Best Blocker Award as a junior. As a senior, Sedjo served as captain and earned All-CCIW, All-State, and All-State Academic honors.

As an outfielder on the baseball team, Sedjo finished his career with a .324 career batting average, with 11 doubles, four home runs and 34 RBIs in 50 career games.

Glenn qualified for three-consecutive NCAA national diving championships in the one and three-meter events. He placed ninth as a freshman, 13th as a sophomore and 16th as a junior. Glenn also was a five-time CCIW champion and once held the CCIW and Wheaton one-meter diving record of 463.95 points and the Wheaton three-meter record of 462.80 and was a two-time Illinois Private College champion.

Jim Jorden completed his stellar career with the Crusader football team as Wheaton’s career leader with 225 pass receptions and 3,022 receiving yards. He currently in stands high on the all-time lists in school history in both categories. Jorden was a two-time All-American and a three-time All-CCIW selection. As a senior, Jorden had his most productive season as he teamed up with fellow All-American, quarterback Keith Bishop. Jim set what then were CCIW records for receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns. He totaled 87 receptions for 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns, including 72 passes for 833 yards in CCIW games.

Keith Bishop left his mark on the Wheaton, CCIW and NCAA record books as an All-American quarterback during the mid 1980s. He was a three-time All-CCIW first team selection and a three-time All-American quarterback who led the nation in total offense three-consecutive seasons. Wheaton led the nation in passing offense all three seasons. In his career with the Crusaders, Bishop completed 757 passes, including 70 for touchdowns and threw for 9,406 yards in 27 career games. Bishop was also a two-time CCIW Offensive Player of the Year and was voted by his teammates as team MVP at the conclusion of his junior and senior seasons.

Steve Thonn was three-sport athlete who experienced success in all three sports in his time with the Crusaders. As a four-year starter at receiver for the football team, Thonn earned All-American honors and also earned All-CCIW First Team and CCIW Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior in 1983. Overall, Thonn was a three-time All-CCIW recipient in football and finished his career with 159 receptions, 2807 receiving yards, and 27 touchdown receptions.

As a baseball player, Thonn was a 1982 All-CCIW First Team selection, hitting .396 overall (a Wheaton record at the time) and .418 in conference. In 1983, Steve hit .305 and again earned All-CCIW First Team honors.

On the basketball court, Thonn scored 161 points with 58 rebounds and 151 assists in 52 career varsity games from 1979-83 under Coach Bill Harbeck. After his Wheaton athletic career, Steve went on to play professional football in the Arena Football League from 1988-1993.

Dave Kemna had a distinguished career for the Crusader football team as a two-way starter at both tackle positions. In 1961, Kemna was a senior co-captain and earned NCAA Little All-America Second Team honors, anchoring a defensive unit that allowed just one rushing touchdown and a minuscule 145 total yards per game. On offense, Kemna’s blocking helped Wheaton’s offense to accumulate over 2,800 yards of total offense, 350 yards per game, and the 19th-ranked total offense in the nation. Wheaton was ranked seventh in the final AP Small College poll with its 8-0 record.

Kemna’s coach, Dr. Jack Swartz, a member of the Hall of Honor, remembers many of Kemna’s “bone-crushing” blocks and his “strong work ethic and dependability.” Dr. Swartz says, “He was committed to playing ball and was a quiet leader who had the respect of his teammates.”

Rick Havens, a 1969 graduate, was a baseball and football participant during his career as a Wheaton Crusader. As a sophomore in 1967, Havens was named the baseball’s team Most Valuable Player, leading the team with a .340 average and 30 RBI. As a junior, Rick led the CCIW in batting with a .439 average, striking out just twice in 98 at-bats. As a team captain during his senior season of 1969, he was team MVP again when he was second on the team with 11 RBI and a .333 average.

Wheaton Football was 17-10 during Havens’ career. As a sophomore in 1966, Havens intercepted six passes, including three in one game against Alma College. Rick was the starting quarterback his senior season and completed 50 of 108 passes for 730 yards and three touchdowns. He finished his football career with 60 for 131 passing for 865 yards and four touchdowns. He also intercepted nine career passes for 99 yards and a touchdown as a defensive back

Larry Wagner, a 1978 graduate, displayed his athletic talents as a linebacker on the Crusader football team during his time at Wheaton. After his sophomore season in 1975, he received the team MVP award and was presented with the Best Tackler Award after making 109 tackles, 54 of them solo stops and five for losses. Wagner was also an All-CCIW selection. Injuries limited Larry much of the rest of his career but he concluded his career with 259 tackles.

Wagner says of his time at Wheaton, “My most meaningful memories I have about Wheaton athletics are the personalities of my teammates and coaches. Due to a variety of reasons, including shared joys and sorrows, interdependency for achieving common goals and a love for the game, I have never experienced a closer bond to a group of individuals in my life.”

Scott Hall, a 1979 graduate, was the All-CCIW First Team quarterback in 1977 and 1978 and was named All-American First eam and Associated Press All-American (H.M.) in 1978. When Hall left Wheaton, he was the all-time leader in all major passing categories and total offense, including the lowest interception to pass attempt ratio among all Wheaton quarterbacks, a 2.9% mark (19 interceptions in 654 attempts). Wheaton won 22 of 36 games during Hall’s four seasons and he served as a co-captain in 1978.

Scott has taken away several life lessons from Wheaton College learned through athletics that have carried over into other areas of his life: “It is important to be well-disciplined, just like it takes a lot of discipline to become a quality athlete. There must be teamwork since things don’t happen by the efforts of just one person, and third, teams or organizations require dedicated, qualified leadership.”

The 1961 football team was the last Wheaton team to go undefeated. Coached by first-year head coach Jack Swartz, the Crusaders were 8-0 and ranked No. 7 in the NCAA Small College Division. Wheaton allowed just one rushing touchdown all season (none in the last seven games) and only one team scored two touchdowns in a game. The Crusaders outscored the opposition, 217-37, posted three shutouts and held the opposition to an average of 145 yards total offense per game.

Among the biggest wins was a 20-7 win over North Central for the Little Brass Bell, and a 7-2 win over Northern Illinois in a torrential downpour gained when quarterback Dave Iha hit Kent Hutcheson with a 24-yard touchdown pass with less than two minutes to play. The team’s MVP was All-American Dave Iha, who was co-captain with guard George Kraft. Second team All-American tackle Dave “The Bear” Kemna played both offense and defense.

David Iha was a two-sport performer during his time with the Crusaders. In football, he was the 1961 Crusader MVP, NCAA Small College All-American (H.M), co-captain and threw for 636 yards and eight touchdowns. In his career, Iha completed 101 of 244 for 1,422 yards and 15 touchdowns. When he left Wheaton, he was the all-time passing leader. Wheaton teams were 18-5-3 with Iha at the controls.

In tennis, Iha played No. 6 singles and had a career record of 31-3. He was 11-1 as a senior and 14-0 as a junior in 1961 for Wheaton’s first undefeated (16-0) team.

Eugene Campbell, class of 1977, burst onto the scene to lead his team in rushing as a freshman and for the three following seasons. Each year Campbell rushed for over 500 yards and finished with 2,241 career yards (4.5 yards per carry), which still ranks high on the school’s all time list. With uncanny ability to follow blockers, halfback Campbell combined power and shiftiness in Wheaton’s winning seasons of 1975 (5-4) and 1976 (6-3). He twice led the team in receiving yards and, at graduation, was fourth all-time in scoring. Eugene was named an academic All-American both junior and senior years.

Mike Sedjo, class of 1974, was that rare impact player to start in football as a freshman at middle linebacker where he led the team in tackles. He was All-CCIW both as a sophomore and junior and was named an All-American. His teammates voted him MVP as a senior.

Sedjo was the swim team’s lead diver and placed fourth in the conference meet as a freshman.

Don Church, a 1957 graduate, had a strong playing career as a running back on the Crusader football team. Don was twice named to the CCIW All-Conference football team. He started in a very strong backfield for three seasons, and Wheaton won the conference title each year. Don had several exceptional games including, rushing for 101 yards against Millikin, scoring on a 53-yard run against Illinois Wesleyan, and gaining 99 yards against IWU.

After graduation, he joined the coaching staff at Wheaton and made a large impact on many athletes as the longtime head track and cross country coach as well as being a professor of physical education.

Jack Lockhart participated in football and baseball during his time with the Wheaton Crusaders. The football team was undefeated in CCI play during his junior and senior seasons and he was a co-captain of the squad his senior year along with Jack Swartz. As a lineman, Jack was a Second-Team All-Conference choice his senior year, and he returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Wheaton’s 76-7 win over Huntington his junior season.

In baseball, he was an outstanding hitter and first baseman on the Crusaders’ CCI-championship team his season year, and he also started at first base as a junior.

The 1958 Football Team, coached by Harve Chrouser, posted a spotless 8-0 record and won the CCI with a 6-0 mark. That year, Wheaton defeated Northern Illinois, 40-20, in the opener and followed that with a 48-0 shutout of Lake Forest. Then they beat Augustana, 67-12, Elmhurst, 90-6, and Millikin, 26-0, to set up a contest between two unbeaten teams. Wheaton prevailed over Carroll, 16-12, and then beat North Central, 33-6, at Homecoming. In the final game, Wheaton topped Illinois Wesleyan, 37-17. Ten Crusaders were named to the All-CCI first team at the conclusion of the season and Bob Bakke and Dick Plaep each earned All-American honors.

Al Seeland was described in 1959 by Coach Harve Chrouser as “the key and rock of our offensive line,” and Al twice was named to First Team All-CCI. As a sophomore, Wheaton went 8-1 and tied for the CCI title; the next two years, the Crusaders won the conference outright and posted overall records of 8-0-0 and 6-1-2.

George Olson made a name for himself as an athlete and as a coach at Wheaton College. He transferred to Wheaton his sophomore year and made an immediate impact on the football team. He played tackle for the Crusaders during that time.

Following military service, he began a long coaching career at the College. He was named head wrestling coach in 1946 and assistant football coach in 1946. He held both positions until his retirement in 1974. In 29 years as wrestling coach, Olson’s teams compiled winning records in 22 of them. From 1945 to 1960, Wheaton had a dual meet record of 119-40-2 with the Crusaders were competing against major Midwestern universities. During Olson’s tenure, the Crusaders won the Wheaton Invitational four times, and they finished runner-up five other years. For his accomplishments, he also has been inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Hall of Honor.

Jack Mayhall was a three-sport participant at Wheaton in football, basketball and baseball. In football, he played quarterback and halfback as a freshman and scored three touchdowns. During his sophomore year, he was used exclusively at halfback and in 1947 he was the signal caller for the 7-1-1 Crusaders. Then in his senior season, he completed 26 of 67 passes for 591 yards and eight touchdowns, was named team MVP and earned All-CCIW honors.

In basketball, he was a starting forward his freshman year on a team which went 16-5. And, in baseball, he played several infield positions before setting in at second base for his final three seasons. His best individual game came during his sophomore year, when he went five for five vs. Lake Forest.

Jack recalls “Three things [that] stand out [from his time at Wheaton]: 1)The spiritual impact on my life through the friendship of several men on teams; 2) The leadership and character qualities I learned from Harve Chrouser; 3) The deep friendships developed with men on the teams, many lasting to this day.”

Wendall Harris participated with distinction in two varsity sports at Wheaton in the late 1940s. As a member of the football team for three seasons, he played defensive back. But he earned most of his recognition as a Crusader wrestler. At that time, Wheaton was defeating such major schools as Bradley, Wisconsin, Illinois State, and Northwestern, and Harris posted solid records each year. He twice won the championship of his weight class at the Wheaton Invitational, during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and an injury his senior year kept him from winning it again. Wendall also served as co-captain of the wrestling team his senior season.

Bill Scholl was a versatile student-athlete at Wheaton. He played football and wrestled all four years for the Crusaders. On the football field, Scholl gained 2,107 career rushing yards which ranks among the best in Wheaton history. Bill’s best season came as a senior when he gained 1,010 yards, the most ever by a Wheaton runner at the time. He gained 186 yards vs. Hope; 170 vs. Georgetown; 159 vs. Illinois Wesleyan; 152 vs. Wabash; and 139 vs. Valparaiso. In wrestling, Bill posted a cumulative 35-29-1 record over his four seasons.

During Dan Branda’s football career, he helped the Crusaders to an undefeated season and a four-year record of 26-6-2. In his first two years, Dan scored six touchdowns and gained 361 yards rushing. During his junior year, he scored 88 points, setting a CCI scoring record for a season and he rushed for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 1960, Dan had 827 rushing yards, 307 yards in receptions and scored nine touchdowns. In four years, Dan gained 1,966 yards, scored 200 points and had a 5.9 yard rushing average. Dan was an All-Conference selection in 1958 and 1959, and he earned Little All-American Honorable Mention recognition his junior and senior years.

Del Nelson participated in football and men’s basketball during his time at Wheaton. Nelson was a talented running back for the Crusader football team and was a top player on the basketball team. A highlight from football occurred when Del scored a touchdown in Wheaton’s win over Milwaukee Teachers College 13-12 during his junior season. Nelson provided remarkable leadership as captain of the football team his senior year and in basketball, he was the team’s second-leading scorer and a starter.

Albert Harris had a tremendous career as a member of the Wheaton football teams in the early 1960s. In 1961, Albie’s contributions led to a perfect 8-0 football record and a No. 7 ranking in the NCAA Small College poll. He was the team’s leader in touchdowns, with eight, and in rushing, with team highs of 529 yards in 114 carries. Albie again was the Crusaders’ top rusher during his junior season. His 576 yards on the ground and 119 carries led all Wheaton ball carriers in those categories and he scored seven touchdowns. His senior season he led the team to an 8-1 record, was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and earned Little All-American Honorable Mention status. The co-captain gained 909 yards in just 186 carries and scored six touchdowns. For his career, Albie gained 2,014 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

Frank Lawrence was a strong three-sport athlete for the Crusaders for three years after transferring prior to his sophomore year. In his three years at Wheaton, Frank played varsity basketball, football and he was a sprinter and long jumper on the track team. During the 1933 track season, Lawrence set a long jump record of 23 feet. The record remained in the Wheaton record books for 34 years. Frank was a quick running back with the Crusader football team, even though he did not play organized football until he came to Wheaton. Basketball was regarded as his best sport and he was the high scorer on winning teams each season.

Bruce Whipple was a strong two-sport athlete during his time at Wheaton as a football and basketball player. As a quarterback on the football team, Bruce threw for over 100 yards and connected on 15 touchdown passes in his career while helping the Crusaders win three-straight CCI football championships. As a sophomore, Whipple was named first team All-CCI as the Crusaders rolled to an undefeated 8-0 record. Bruce served as football captain during his senior season. “Bruce had to be the premier quarterback of that era,” said head football coach Harve Chrouser, “…He could throw the long pass well, he was a good runner and he was a fantastic defensive player too. He could do it all.”

On the basketball court, Bruce was a starter for two seasons and team captain as a senior. “Bruce was not a high scorer himself,” remembers his coach Lee Pfund, “but he played on a team of high scorers and did his job of rebounding and playing defense well.”

Clarence Mason is one of a very few athletes in Wheaton’s history to earn 14 varsity letters, with four each in basketball and baseball, and three each in football and tennis. In football, Clare played both ways while playing every minute of every game on offense and defense as a senior. As a basketball player, Clare was best known as a strong defensive player and rebounder. He was captain of the baseball team in 1924 as a slick-fielding first baseman and four-year regular on the diamond.

An outstanding two-sport athlete, Dave McDowell was an All-American wrestler, a two-time MVP of the football team and team captain of both squads for the Crusaders. Dave stepped right into a starting tackle position as a freshman and remained there for the next four seasons. His teammates voted him the Fred J. Lange Most Valuable Player Award after his sophomore and senior seasons and he served as co-captain twice.

In wrestling, Dave was equally impressive, running up a 61-10-5 career record as a heavyweight. He was given the Jim Elliot Award for outstanding character as a sophomore and won the Dawson Trophy as high point scorer as a junior when he placed fourth in the NCAA College Division wrestling tournament. Dave captained the team as a senior and had an 18-2-1 record, including an overtime loss and a tie with the defending national champion, but an injury kept him out of the NCAA tournament that season.

David Norbeck is one of only three athletes ever to earn 13 varsity letters at Wheaton. Norbeck participated in football, basketball, track and baseball while a Crusader. All 13 teams that he lettered on posted winning records. On the football team, Norbeck played defensive end and fullback and was known for his good hands. Norbeck started at guard on three basketball teams that won 45 of 60 games and was a key reserve on the 1946-47 team that finished with a record of 20-5. He was a strong point getter for the track team as a sprinter while doubling in the spring with the baseball team. As a sophomore, Norbeck led the baseball team with a .352 average.

Dick Helm was a three-sport standout in football, basketball and track. In football, Helm was a halfback and garnered Second Team All-CCI honors as a junior and First Yeam All-CCI honors as a senior. He co-captained the title winning 1954 team while being named Honorable Mention All-American. Maybe his finest game came during the 1953 championship season while beating archrival Lake Forest 23-13. Helm led the Crusader charge by scoring two touchdowns, kicking the longest field goal in school history up to then and booting an extra point.

On the basketball court, Dick helped led the 1952-53 team to a conference championship while averaging 15.3 points, placing fourth in the nation in free throw percentage and earning Second Yeam All-CCI honors. The Crusader basketball team compiled a 59-31 record over Helm’s four seasons. On the track, Helm ran the sprints up to the 440 and broad jump for several seasons, winning the CCI Championship in the latter event. Helm went on to be the head coach of the Crusader basketball team for eight seasons from 1975 to 1983.

Bob Bakke was one of the lightest tackles in Wheaton football history, weighing in at 185 pounds. Bob didn’t allow his size to keep him for being a successful tackle on both sides of the ball. He was twice named to the All-Conference squad and was an AP First Team Little All-American his senior season. During his three seasons as a starter, Wheaton had a 23-2 record and captured three CCI Championships.

Coach Harv Chrouser notes of what made Bob great, “First, he was an intelligent player - a student of the game who figured out all the blocking angles. Then it was Bob’s unusual speed that beat to the charge the larger opponents across the line. And he loved to race downfield ahead of ball carriers to block. On defense, again it was this maneuverability that made him so tough to take out, and the same agility and drive made Bakke among our best all-time pass rushers. Pound for pound, he was dynamite.”

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Jack Swartz, a 1952 graduate, made a significant impact on Wheaton Athletics over the years, as a player, coach and athletic director. During his playing days with the Crusader football team, Wheaton won two CCI titles from 1948-51 and was victorious in 26 out of 34 games. In a period when the pass was a secret weapon rather than bread-and-butter, Swartz caught touchdown passes in each of his four years. In his senior season, he crossed the goal-line five times, four on receptions and once when he recovered a fumble in the air and ran 41 yards for the touchdown. Swartz was a team co-captain his junior and senior season and was named CCI All-Conference on both offense and defense his senior season.

Swartz went on to become the head coach for the Crusaders from 1961 through 1968 and compiled a 41-30 record. Jack’s best season came in 1961 when he was named District No. 5 Coach of the Year while leading the Crusaders to an undefeated 8-0 record. Swartz was also the Wheaton Athletic Director from 1975-1983 where he led Wheaton’s intercollegiate athletics program to grow immensely and gain nationwide respect.

Jim McDonald is one of three athletes in Wheaton history to earn 13 varsity letters. McDonald earned his letters in four different sports: football, basketball, baseball and track. Football was probably his best sport, where he was a pulling guard. McDonald captained the 1937 squad which upset North Central to gain the Little Brass Bell for the first time in 12 years. Former teammate and former College chaplain Pat Patterson said of Jim. “Jim opened many holes for me. He always seemed to outsmart the other guy and I enjoyed playing with him.”

McDonald was also one of the top hitters on the baseball team for three years, playing catcher. And he was on the basketball squad for four years, playing for both Coaches Ed Coray and Fred Walker as a guard. Jim also threw the javelin on the track and field team for one season.

Fred Brock, a 1957 graduate, made an immediate impact on the Crusader football team by taking his first career carry for 33 yards and a touchdown. He went on to cross the goal line 21 more times for a total of 22 career touchdowns for Wheaton. Fred averaged a then-record 8.2 yards per carry as a freshman and 6.9 as a senior when he was named MVP, scoring 55 points in conference play. One of the most versatile backs in the two-way-play 1950s, Fred ranked in four offensive categories his junior year, including both receiving and punting. He played on four conference championship teams and was selected Second Team on the All-State-of-Illinois team.

Don Brinks was a solid offensive lineman during his time with the Crusaders. During his sophomore season, Don was named second team all-conference on a team that went 7-1-1. Wheaton was 6-2 when Don was a junior and he earned second team all-conference honors for the second consecutive season. As a co-captain his senior year, Don helped the team to an 8-1 record. The team was invited to the Corn Bowl that year, losing to Western on Thanksgiving Day.

Harve Chrouser, a 1934 graduate, made a large impact on Wheaton College through the years as an athlete, coach and athletic director. Chrouser had a four-year collegiate career as a football player and wrestler. After his graduation, Harve returned to Wheaton in 1940 to become the head football coach. In 17 years of coaching, Chrouser’s Crusaders racked up a 104-34-8 record, with nine CCI titles in the process. He developed 60 All-Conference players and 15 Little All-Americans.

In 1950, Harve succeeded Ed Coray as the athletic director at Wheaton and led the drive to build Centennial Gym. During his 25 years as athletic director, Chrouser expanded the athletic department and brought national recognition to the Crusaders in a number of sports. Harve also was a well-known figure in several areas of college athletics, serving on numerous committees and professional associations.

Three-sport athlete Bill Tillman, class of 1931, set school records in four track events that stood for a number of years: low hurdles, broad jump, 100 and 220 dashes. In football, his speed and elusiveness earned him the starting slots at QB and halfback in the single-wing offense of the era. Bill also earned three varsity letters in basketball playing forward.

Julie Fliehler, class of 1955, was Honorable Mention Little All-American for the football squad in 1955. As an All-CCI honoree, Fliehler played for three championship teams coach by Harve Chrouser.

As a 195 pound wrestler, Fliehler placed first in two Wheaton Invitationals, including a pin in 3:46 in the title bout his senior year. He won his last eight matches to finish out his wrestling career strong.

Carl Vining, a 1920 graduate, participated in football and basketball for the Crusaders. In football, he was known as a strong defensive player, good pass receiver and place kicker. Though an excellent all-around athlete, Carl’s best sport was probably basketball. In the 1918-19 season, Carl scored 40 points in one game, a record that was not broken until the 1943-44 season. In the years that Vining played, it was exceptional for an entire team to score 40 points in a game making Carl’s feat even more impressive. Vining also played baseball in 1920 and was captain of the 1921 team.

Ed Davies was an outstanding all-around football player for the Crusaders who was named to four-consecutive CCI All-Conference teams. Ed stepped in right away as a freshman to earn all-conference honors as a defensive back. As a sophomore, Davies moved to quarterback and linebacker while still earning all-conference recognition. Ed was named to the All-CCI team, the team MVP, had four touchdowns against Illinois College and ran back four punts for scores in 1952 as a junior. As a senior, Ed was named All-CCI for the fourth-consecutive year and was named to the Small College All-American team.

Ed also received four letters in baseball mainly as a pitcher and centerfielder. As a senior, Ed pitched a no-hitter against North Central College.

Lewis McGill, a 1931 graduate, had strong athletic careers in both football and basketball for the Crusaders. In football, he was a tough defensive player, good blocker and pass receiver. In basketball, he was a strong defensive player, good rebounder and scored well from the guard position in an era when forwards and centers did most of the scoring. Lew was the captain of the 1930 football team.

Dick Camp, a 1958 graduate, broke into the lineup near the end of his freshman year as a fullback. Dick scored some touchdowns right away and helped the team to a CCI Championship. Dick helped lead the team to another conference championship his sophomore season. In his junior year, Dick and the Crusaders finished the season one point shy of being undefeated. By the end of the season he led the conference in scoring and was 19th in the nation in point production. Wheaton also won its fourth conference title in a row. Elected as co-captain in his senior year, he led the conference in scoring with 12 touchdowns and 15 of 22 PATs, as well as in rushing yardage and was elected Little All-American. The Crusaders also won their fifth consecutive conference championship, sharing it with Lake Forest.

Doug Johnston was a three-sport standout in football, wrestling, and baseball for the Crusaders during the mid 1930s. In football, Doug was a starting tackle for Head Coaches Wendell Smith and Fred Walker and provided a strong presence on the offensive line. He served as captain as a senior for the 1936 team and was named to the All-Conference team.

During his sophomore year, Doug joined the wrestling team and made an immediate impact. He helped the team to the Little 19 conference championship by winning the heavyweight crown. He defended his heavyweight crown as a junior and went undefeated for the season as he registered 15 falls in 15 matches.

In baseball, Doug’s best season was his last when he pitched 110 innings over 14 games, striking out 127 men, including 16 in one outing. He immediately was signed after graduation to the St. Louis Cardinals farm team at Portsmouth, Va., in the Middle Atlantic League, but played out the summer at another farm club at Fostoria, Ohio.

Tom Jarman participated in wrestling and football during his time at Wheaton in the early 1960s. Tom quickly claimed the 157-pound spot his freshman year and helped the Crusaders’ to their first Wheaton Invitational championship in 11 years and a third-place finish at the prestigious 4-I tourney in Cleveland. During his sophomore season, Tom was voted MVP at the Wheaton Invitational and led the Crusaders to a sixth-place finish in the first NCAA College Division Tournament, while winning the 157-pound weight class and earning All-American honors. His junior season, Jarman once again won the Wheaton Invitational and then went on to stay undefeated with 21 wins up to the NCAA tourney. He lost in the semi-finals, going home with fourth place in the nation. Tom capped off his career by going undefeated, winning the Wheaton Invitational for a fourth time and earning MVP honors for the second time.

Jarman also participated in football for the Crusaders for four seasons, mainly as a placekicker and defensive back.

Archie MacKinney was an accomplished three-sport athlete during his time at Wheaton, competing in football, basketball and track. On the basketball court is where MacKinney really shined by leading the Crusaders in scoring for four-straight seasons. MacKinney was the captain of the 1925-1926 basketball squad. During Archie’s four years, the basketball team won twice as many as it lost, including a 10-2 mark while he was a junior and a 12-5 record his senior year.

Chuck Schoenherr’s career as a running back for the Crusader football team is full of many accomplishments and superlatives. Schoenherr was a three-time All-CCI selection and a two-time team MVP in addition to be selected by his teammates to be a co-captain for the 1948 season. Chuck holds numerous career and single season school records. Schoenherr is ranks in the top five in the school record books in career rushing (2,348 yards), career scoring (271 points), career touchdowns (45) and single season points (115).

A 1950 graduate, Dale Oxley made an immediate impact of the Crusader football team as a dominant offensive tackle. Oxley’s blocking contributed to a 27-7-1 team record during his career. Dale earned All-CCI honors and the “Best Blocking Lineman” award during both his junior and senior years. In addition, Oxley handled the place kicking duties for the Crusaders and at one time held numerous team kicking records.

A 1956 graduate, Dave Burnham helped the Crusader football team to a 27-5-1 record from 1952 to 1956. Burnham rushed for more than 1,200 career yards and returned kicks for over 1,200 more yards. Burnham was named All-CCI and was also named to three consecutive Little All-American Teams from 1953-1955, while playing a different position each season.

During Jerry Snyder’s bright Wheaton career he led the Crusader football team to 28-6 record including an 8-1 record and CCI Championship as co-captain in 1953. Snyder was an imposing force as an offensive tackle and was a key element to Wheaton’s successful rushing attack in the early 1950s. As a freshman, he earned Honorable Mention on the All-CCI squad, and in each of the next three seasons, he was a CCI First Team choice. In 1953, at the conclusion of his senior football season, Snyder was named to the Little All-American team.

LeRoy “Pat” Patterson participated in track, baseball and wrestling during his time at Wheaton, but achieved his greatest performance in football. Patterson accounted for over half of the Crusaders points from 1937-1939, while playing multiple positions including kicker. Pat was a three-time All-Conference selection and was mentioned as an All-American nominee.

Victor Hicks, a 1926 graduate, starred at Wheaton in football, basketball and tennis. He played halfback in football, guard on the basketball team and was a key contributor on the tennis squad. As a captain of the football team during his senior year, Hicks finished his fine career by being one of the best ground gainers and leaders on the team. He also kicked a 42-yard field goal, a record that stood for many seasons. Vic was also a captain on the basketball team where he was known for his excellent defensive work and capable teamwork.