Wheaton to host Benedictine on Saturday in the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs

Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton College football team has qualified for the 2014 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs. Wheaton (10-0) will host Benedictine (6-4) at McCully Stadium in Wheaton on Saturday, November 22 in a noon kickoff.

Wheaton earned the automatic bid from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) by winning 2014 CCIW Championship outright this fall. The Thunder posted a 7-0 record in conference play this year to win the program's second CCIW Championship in three years (also winning a share of the Title in 2012), but the team's first outright Championship since 2003.

Wheaton is making its eighth appearance in the NCAA Division III playoffs and the program's first postseason berth since 2010. Wheaton has an 11-7 all-time record in the postseason and a perfect 7-0 record in the first round. The winner of next Saturday's Wheaton-Benedictine game will advance to face the winner of another first round game between John Carroll and Centre on November 29.

Wheaton finished the regular season with a 10-0 overall record for the first time since 2003 and a 7-0 record in CCIW play. Wheaton posted its fifth regular season in program history without a loss or tie, also accomplishing the feat in 1958, 1961, 1995 and 2003.

Wheaton is 4-1 all-time against Benedictine. Saturday's matchup will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs in the NCAA Playoffs.Bendictine is making its third visit to the NCAA Division III Playoffs as the Eagles earned the automatic bid to the playoffs from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC).

Head coach Mike Swider notes of his team's upcoming assignment, "I sort of figured it was going to happen. I have been on the committee before and knew based on the regional rankings that there was a strong possibility that we could play Benedictine." He adds, "I know Benedictine coach Jon Cooper well. He is a good football coach that has been around for a long time. He is a good coach, a good man and he runs a good program so it will be a good test for us. Any time you get in the playoffs you better come ready to play."

Ticket prices for Saturday's game are $8 for adults and $4 for students. Children under the age of three are admitted for free. Advance tickets can be purchased by credit card only at this link and the ticket can be printed out in advance or sent to your mobile device for admission to the event. Tickets will be available at the gate on Saturday (Cash Only).

Originally published by Wheaton College Athletics: /news/2014/11/16/FB_1116143023.aspx