Background

Western Oregon defeats Mines, 26-12, in 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl

ST. GEORGE, Utah (Dec. 1, 2007) - Western Oregon University defeated Colorado School of Mines by the score of 26-12 on Saturday, December 1st, in the 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl at Hansen Stadium on the Dixie State College campus. For the box score, click here.

With just under three minutes remaining in the opening quarter (2:42), Western Oregon's Shaun Kauleinamoku caught a one-yard scoring pass from Mark Thorson. Kauleinamoku found the endzone again, this time on a 24-yard run (PAT no good), to give the Wolves a 13-0 cushion with 3:22 left in the second quarter. WOU's D.J. Jackson scored on a 17-yard scamper (two-point conversion attempt failed) with 51 seconds to go in the first half and the Wolves (9-2 overall) carried a 19-0 lead into the locker room.

After a scoreless third quarter, CSM got on the scoreboard when Derek Dykstra hauled in a four-yard touchdown pass from David Pesek (two-point conversion attempt failed) midway through the final period (9:39).

Matt Buche's recovery of an Oredigger muffed punt in the endzone with 2:24 remaining in the contest gave WOU a 26-6 advantage.

With just 15 ticks left on the clock, CSM's Marin Richardson found the endzone on a two-yard plunge (two-point conversion attempt failed) to close out the scoring.

Kaulainamoku, who was selected as Western Oregon's Most Outstanding Player, finished with three receptions for 49 yards, four punt returns for 59 yards and one kickoff return for 31 yards. Thorson, who was intercepted by Mines four times, completed 15-of-27 passes for 180 yards while Jackson had nine carries for 50 yards. J.T. Gilmore (one interception) led all players with 13 total tackles.

Dykstra concluded the game with nine receptions for 87 yards while Adam Saur, Dominic Bravo and Keegan Moyer each had four catches. Pesek (two interceptions) completed 26-of-40 passes for 228 yards. Joey Corder led Mines (7-5 overall) with nine total tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. Drew Ferren (five total tackles) recorded a pair of interceptions and A.J. Montalvo, who was selected as the Orediggers' Most Outstanding Player, had seven total stops. Montalvo, who came away with his first collegiate interception, also registered a game-high 3.5 tackles for a loss and ½ sack.

The 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl marked the second time in four years that the Colorado School of Mines football team had advanced into the post-season, and the third time in program history that the Orediggers have played in a post-season bowl game. The Orediggers went 6-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) this fall and secured their sixth winning season in the past seven years.

The Dixie Rotary Bowl, which began inviting NCAA Division II schools in 2006, is one of two NCAA Division II bowl games. Prior to last season, the Dixie Rotary Bowl was the premier junior college bowl game in the country. The top schools from the RMAC and the newly-formed football league of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) that did not qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs this fall received invitations to play in the 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Colorado School of Mines defeats Western State, 21-7

GOLDEN, Colo. (Nov. 10, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines defeated Western State College by the score of 21-7 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, November 10th, at Brooks Field. For the box score, click here.

With 5:26 remaining in the opening quarter, a Western State punt snap that sailed out of the endzone resulted in safety for the Orediggers. Less than two minutes later (4:06), a season-long 40-yard field goal by Aaron Abel increased Mines' lead to five points. Abel's 26-yard field goal midway through the second quarter (9:26) gave Colorado School of Mines an 8-0 lead at the half.

Adam Sprouse blocked a Western State punt on the opening possession of the second half, and Abel connected from 28 yards out on CSM's subsequent drive. With less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter (4:21), the Orediggers' Ben Tiller returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown to provide CSM with an 18-point advantage. Abel's fourth field goal of the afternoon, a 30-yard effort at 8:58 in the fourth quarter, proved to be Mines' final score.

Dusten Copeland caught an 83-yard scoring pass from Cameron Merrill with 7:21 remaining in the game to account for Western State's lone score.

J.T. Baum ran for 108 yards on 21 carries for CSM, which amassed a season-high 189 yards on the ground. Kaither Holiway had five receptions for 78 yards and David Pesek completed 15-of-27 passes for 177 yards. Marc Schiechl and James Tucker each recorded a team-best seven total tackles for the Orediggers, who overcame three turnovers (all interceptions) and secured their sixth winning season in the past seven years. Tucker recorded 2.5 tackles for a loss, including 1.5 sacks. Entering Saturday's contest, the Oredigger defense was ranked first in the nation (NCAA Division II) in sacks per game with 5.20.

Western State's JaLen Ayers carried 12 times for 84 yards while Copeland finished with four catches for 95 yards. Merrill (9-of-22 passing) threw for 126 yards and Matt Wilson led all players with 11 total tackles (five solo). Levi Ostrom finished with 10 tackles for the Mountaineers, who fell to 1-10 overall (0-8 RMAC).

Colorado School of Mines concludes the regular-season portion of its 2007 schedule with a 7-4 overall record (6-2 in the RMAC). The Orediggers will now await the results from the remainder of today's NCAA Division II games to determine if they will receive an invitation to play in the 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl, which will be held on Saturday, December 1st, at Hansen Stadium in St. George, Utah. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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#22 Mesa State defeats Colorado School of Mines, 18-0

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (Nov. 3, 2007) - Mesa State College defeated Colorado School of Mines by the score of 18-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, November 3rd, at Stocker Stadium. For the box score, click here.

Jared Keating's 22-yard field goal at 5:27 in the first quarter provided the Mavericks with an early three-point lead. Keating's second field goal of the game, a 38-yard effort at 4:28 in the second quarter, increased the Mesa State lead to six.

A high snap on a Colorado School of Mines punt attempt resulted in a safety for the Mavericks with just over three minutes remaining in the first half (3:01). On Mesa State's ensuing possession, quarterback Philip Vigil found the endzone on a seven-yard scoring run. Keating added a 33-yard field goal as the first-half clock expired to give MSC a 15-0 lead.

Neither team scored in the second half of play and the Mavericks, who came into the contest ranked 22nd in the nation (NCAA Division II), improved to 9-1 overall (6-1 RMAC).

Mesa State's Bobby Coy carried 25 times for 105 yards while Vigil completed 16-of-32 passes for 210 yards (no touchdowns, no interceptions). Drew Bohannan had four catches for 95 yards and four Mavericks finished with eight total tackles. Brandon Waymire had three interceptions for the MSC defense, which limited Mines to 158 yards of total offense.

CSM's David Pesek (23-of-40 passing) threw for 165 yards but was intercepted five times. Derek Dykstra, the reigning RMAC Offensive Player of the Week, had five receptions for 66 yards. Nick Haniszewski led all players with 12 total tackles while Drew Ferren recorded 11 total stops. The Orediggers committed six total turnovers while falling to 6-4 overall (5-2 RMAC).

Colorado School of Mines will conclude the regular-season portion of its schedule by hosting Western State College on Saturday, November 10th. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Brooks Field in Golden.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

-- OREDIGGERS --

Colorado School of Mines defeats Nebraska - Kearney, 28-20;
Abel establishes new CSM career scoring record

GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines defeated the University of Nebraska - Kearney by the score of 28-20 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, October 27th, at Brooks Field. For the box score, click here.

UNK's Eric Myrick caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Dennis Havrilla at the 10:09 mark in the first quarter for the initial score of the game. A 51-yard scoring pass from CSM's David Pesek to Derek Dykstra late in the first quarter (3:43), followed by Aaron Abel's successful extra point attempt, knotted the game at seven apiece.

Midway through the third quarter (8:23), the Lopers' Kyle Kaiser caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Havrilla, but CSM's Drew Ferren blocked Geoff Carnahan's extra point attempt. Less than two minutes into the fourth quarter (13:10), Pesek tossed his second touchdown pass of the day - a 15-yard strike to Tom Kastens - to give the Orediggers a lead that they would not relinquish.

A Nebraska - Kearney fumble on the subsequent kickoff return was recovered by the Orediggers, and four plays later, CSM's Blaine Sumner - a nose tackle by trade - found the endzone on a one-yard plunge to put Mines ahead 21-13. Dykstra's second touchdown reception of the afternoon, a 19-yarder from Pesek, with just over four minutes remaining in the game (4:10) provided CSM with a 28-13 cushion.

Cory Sleeth caught a 25-yard scoring pass from Havrilla with only 56 seconds remaining in the game to pull UNK to within eight points, but Mines recovered the Lopers' ensuing onside kickoff to preserve the 28-20 victory.

With his successful extra point attempt in the first quarter, Abel secured sole possession of the all-time Colorado School of Mines career scoring record. Abel now has 244 career points scored, surpassing the previous mark of 240 that was established by former Oredigger running back Greg Marshall (1989-92).

Pesek completed 23-of-33 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns (two interceptions). Dykstra caught nine passes for 168 yards and J.T. Baum finished with 47 yards on 15 carries. For his career, Dykstra now has 153 receptions for 1,927 yards (12.6 ypc) and 13 touchdowns. Danny Sorensen and Nick Haniszewski led CSM with eight total tackles apiece while Marc Schiechl (six total tackles), who entered Saturday's contest ranked second in the RMAC in sacks, brought down Havrilla three times. The CSM defense, which currently leads the nation (NCAA Division II) in sacks per game (5.38), finished with seven sacks against the Lopers. With the win, the Orediggers, who amassed 418 yards of total offense on Saturday, improved to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in RMAC play.

UNK's Jake Richards carried 17 times for 70 yards while Havrilla completed 17-of-32 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns (one interception). Sleeth finished with four receptions for 107 yards and Dusty Loeffelholz led all players with 12 total tackles. Cheikh Fall recorded 11 tackles, as well, as UNK fell to 4-4 overall (3-3 RMAC).

Colorado School of Mines will next be in action on Saturday, November 3rd, playing at Mesa State College. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction, Colo.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Orediggers win 25-22 at Fort Lewis on last second field goal

DURANGO, Colo. (Oct. 20, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines got a 36-yard field goal from Aaron Abel as time expired to come away with a 25-22 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) victory at Fort Lewis College on Saturday, October 20th, at Ray Dennison Memorial Field. For the box score, click here.

CSM opened Saturday's scoring with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter when Tom Kastens returned a Skyhawk punt 53 yards for a touchdown. Derek DePasquale's successful extra point attempt provided the Orediggers with a 7-0 lead. Fort Lewis' Ryan Ames hauled in a 23-yard scoring pass from Dave Nieman late in the second quarter (4:22), but the Skyhawks' two-point conversion attempt failed, and Colorado School of Mines took a one-point lead into the locker room.

Nieman's one-yard touchdown run at the 3:13 mark in the third quarter (two-point conversion attempt failed) gave Fort Lewis its first lead of the day at 12-7. With less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, CSM's Adam Saur caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from David Pesek. Derek Dykstra caught Pesek's pass on the ensuing two-point conversion try, giving the Orediggers a 15-12 advantage.

Pesek's second touchdown pass of the contest, a 37-yard strike to Dykstra at 10:13 in the fourth quarter (DePasquale kick was good), gave CSM a 10-point cushion. Less than two minutes later (8:52), the Skyhawks got a 30-yard field goal from Ames to pull to within seven.

With just 1:36 remaining in regulation, the Skyhawks began what proved to be their final possession of the game on their own 20 yard line. Ten plays and 80 yards later, Fort Lewis capped the drive with an eight-yard scoring pass from Nieman to Brandon Cummings with just 17 seconds left on the clock. Ames' successful PAT kick knotted the game at 22-22.

On their ensuing kickoff, the Skyhawks booted the ball out of bounds. After a five-yard penalty was accessed, CSM's Corey Huck returned the second kickoff 40 yards to the Fort Lewis College 34 yard line with just seven ticks left. Dykstra caught a 15-yard pass from Pesek on first down and managed to get out of bounds at the 19 yard line with four seconds remaining. The Orediggers' Aaron Abel, who had not appeared in a game since September 15th at Adams State College, proceeded to connect on a 36-yard field goal as time expired to give Colorado School of Mines (5-3 overall, 4-1 RMAC) its fourth consecutive win.

Pesek completed 27-of-42 passes (no interceptions) for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Pesek, who has 2,002 yards passing through eight games, also carried the ball eight times for 20 yards against the Skyhawks. Saur (82 yards) and Dykstra (77 yards) each had five receptions while Kastens finished with 102 yards on three punt returns. For his career, Dykstra now has 144 receptions for 1,759 yards (12.2 ypc). Hunter Wardlaw led CSM with 10 total tackles (five solo) while Kaleb Anderson recorded seven total stops (four solo). Nick Haniszewski (three tackles for a loss) had six total tackles and 2.0 sacks.

With his field goal against the Skyhawks, Abel now has 240 career points scored (79 as a freshman, 86 as a sophomore, 63 as a junior and 12 as a senior), which ties the all-time Oredigger career scoring record also held by former CSM running back Greg Marshall (1989-92). For his career, Abel has connected on 138-of-146 extra point tries (94.5 %) and 34-of-53 field goal attempts (64.2 %). Furthermore, Abel holds CSM records for single-season extra points made (64) and career extra points made (138).

Joel Johnson rushed for 74 yards on 17 carries for the Skyhawks, who fell to 1-6 overall (1-5 RMAC). Nieman, who was sacked five times, completed 20-of-38 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Cummings finished the contest with seven catches for 102 yards. FLC's Mark Meng led all players with 14 total tackles (eight solo, 2.5 for a loss) while Justin Cuttbirt had 11 total tackles.

Colorado School of Mines will return to action on Saturday, October 27th, hosting the University of Nebraska - Kearney. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Brooks Field in Golden.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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CSM records 38-21 Homecoming victory over Western N.M. University

GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 13, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines defeated Western New Mexico University by the score of 38-21 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, October 13th, at Brooks Field. For the box score, click here.

After returning WNMU's opening kickoff to their own 29 yard line, the Orediggers' scored on their first play from scrimmage when Adam Saur caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from David Pesek. Marin Richardson scored on a two-yard plunge less than five minutes later (10:16) and Derek DePasquale connected on a 21-yard field goal near the end of the first quarter (1:06) to increase the Orediggers' lead to 21 points.

The Mustangs' Rod Windsor hauled in an eight-yard scoring pass from Jeff Polley early in the second quarter (14:15) to get Western New Mexico on the scoreboard. Pesek was intercepted by WNMU's Latron Hickson on CSM's ensuing drive, but the Orediggers' Drew Ferren picked off Polley and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown to give Colorado School of Mines a 24-7 halftime advantage.

Windsor caught his second touchdown pass from Polley on the opening drive of the second half (11:12) to trim WNMU's deficit to 10 points. However, J.T. Baum's 13-yard scoring run midway through the third quarter (6:38) and Pesek's second touchdown pass of the day - a 14-yard strike to Corey Huck with just nine seconds remaining in the period - increased the CSM lead to 24 points.

Western New Mexico University found the endzone on a 37-yard pass from Polley to Scotty Crespin early in the final quarter (11:51) to conclude Saturday's scoring.

Pesek completed 27-of-41 passes (one interception) for 404 yards and two touchdowns. Baum finished with 62 yards on 15 carries as the Orediggers amassed 487 yards of total offense. Derek Dykstra caught 11 passes for 161 yards and Saur finished with five catches for 129 yards. For his career, Dykstra now has 139 receptions for 1,682 yards (12.1 ypc). Nick Haniszewski, who broke up three passes, led CSM with nine total tackles. Danny Sorensen (½ sack) registered eight total tackles while Ferren, Richardson and Hunter Wardlaw (one sack) made seven stops apiece. Richardson also compiled 2.5 sacks for the Orediggers, who finished with seven on the day. Entering Saturday's contest, CSM led all of NCAA Division II in sacks per game with 5.17. Kevin Folly-Kossi blocked a WNMU field goal and defended a pair of passes in the winning effort, as well.

Dakota Woodard carried 13 times for 85 yards for the Mustangs, who finished with 493 yards of total offense. Polley completed 24-of-47 passes (one interception) for 351 yards and two scores while Windsor (nine catches) and John Means (10 receptions) accounted for 161 and 156 yards receiving, respectively. Christian Serena led all players with 10 total tackles while Darryl Horne finished with nine (four solo).

With the win, Colorado School of Mines improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in RMAC play. Western New Mexico University fell to 2-5 overall (2-3 RMAC).

Colorado School of Mines will next be in action on Saturday, October 20th, playing at Fort Lewis College. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Ray Dennison Memorial Field in Durango, Colo.

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Orediggers record 28-0 shutout victory at N.M. Highlands University

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (Oct. 6, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines shutout New Mexico Highlands University by the count of 28-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football action on Saturday, October 6th, at Perkins Stadium. For the box score, click here.

Late in the first quarter (3:13), Vince Hecker hauled in a touchdown pass from David Pesek to get the Orediggers on the scoreboard. For Hecker, whose score came from six yards out on a third-and-one play, it was his second trip to the endzone in as many weeks. CSM was held scoreless in the second quarter and took a 7-0 lead into the locker room.

Pesek and Derek Dykstra connected on a pair of scoring passes in the third quarter to increase CSM's lead to 21 points. Dykstra's first touchdown catch, a three-yarder at 9:54, was followed by a 25-yard effort with two seconds remaining in the quarter.

With under four minutes remaining in the contest (3:45) , Travis Graham intercepted a pass by NMHU's Ronnie Simpson and returned it 27 yards for CSM's final score of the afternoon. The fourth successful extra point attempt of the day by Derek DePasquale provided the final margin of victory.

Pesek, the reigning RMAC Offensive Player of the Week, completed 15-of-31 passes (no interceptions) for 161 yards and three touchdowns. Keegan Moyer rushed for 44 yards on 15 carries as Dykstra (79 yards) and Brent Dickinson (24 yards) each had four receptions. For his career, Dykstra now has 128 receptions for 1,521 yards (11.9 ypc) and 10 touchdowns.

With seven sacks at New Mexico Highlands, the CSM defense now has 31 in 2007, tying the all-time single-season school record in that category (set in 2006). Nick Haniszewski (one sack) led all players with 13 total tackles (six solo) while Ben Tiller (six solo tackles) and James Tucker each tallied nine stops. Marc Schiechl, who made seven total tackles, established a new individual single-game school record with four sacks against the Cowboys. Schiechl leads CSM in tackles for a loss (8.0) and sacks (7.5) through six games. Drew Ferren (six total tackles) and Kevin Gallas each recorded their second interception of the 2007 campaign, as well.

The Orediggers, who did not commit a turnover while posting their first shutout of the 2007 season, improved to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

NMHU, which held the ball for 36:31 on Saturday, committed five turnovers while falling to 3-3 overall (2-2 RMAC). Randall Brown carried 17 times for 89 yards while Alex Aispuro (two interceptions) completed 12-of-19 passes for 69 yards. Diego Urbina led the Cowboys with seven total tackles (five solo).

CSM will host Western New Mexico University (2-4 overall, 2-2 RMAC) on Saturday, October 13th, in the Orediggers' annual Homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Brooks Field.

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Orediggers score 41-13 victory at Oklahoma Panhandle State University

GOODWELL, Okla. (Sept. 29, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines defeated Oklahoma Panhandle State University by the score of 41-13 in non-conference NCAA Division II football action on Saturday, September 29th, at Carl Wooten Field. For the box score, click here.

The Orediggers got a one-yard scoring run from Marin Richardson with just nine seconds remaining in the first quarter to take a lead that they would never change hands. A pair of Derek DePasquale field goals (42 and 35 yards), as well as a five-yard scoring pass from David Pesek to Tom Kastens, in the second quarter gave CSM a 20-0 advantage. With just over one minute remaining before halftime (1:15), OPSU got on the scoreboard with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Andrew McGlory to Johnny King.

CSM's Adam Saur hauled in a 29-yard scoring pass from Pesek late in the third quarter, but OPSU (0-4 overall) responded with a one-yard touchdown run by Eric Lucero just 20 seconds into the final stanza. For the Aggies, whose ensuing extra point attempt was blocked by Kyle Goracke, it would be their final score of the afternoon. Vince Hecker's 24-yard touchdown reception from Pesek (10:41) and Ryan Peters' two-yard scoring run (7:08) proved to be the final margin of victory.

The Oredigger defense, which held OPSU to 125 yards of total offense, established a new single-game school record for sacks with 14. Blaine Sumner and Kaleb Anderson each finished the contest with 3.0 sacks, Marc Schiechl had 2.0 and Richardson & Hunter Wardlaw were each credited with 1.5. James Tucker led CSM with six total tackles (five solo), Goracke & Kevin Gallas recorded one interception apiece and A.J. Montalvo & Nate Dirks each blocked an Aggie punt. Sumner, Ben Tiller and Jeff Hutsell all compiled five tackles, as well.

Pesek completed 24-of-40 passes (one interception) for 358 yards and three scores while Tim Gee carried seven times for 43 yards. As a team, CSM rushed for a season-high 93 yards on 27 carries. For Richardson, a defensive lineman by trade, the rushing touchdown was his third of the season. Pesek completed passes to nine different receivers, including Kaither Holiway (112 yards) and Brent Dickinson (72 yards), each of whom had five receptions. Travis Graham had three punt returns for 55 yards (long of 35) and one kickoff return for 40 yards for the Orediggers, who improved their overall record to 2-3.

As a team, OPSU completed 21-of-41 passes for 199 yards. Johnny King had nine receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown for the Aggies, who finished with minus-74 yards rushing. The Aggies' Matt Warner led all players with 10 total tackles (seven solo).

Colorado School of Mines (1-1 RMAC) will resume the RMAC portion of its schedule by playing at New Mexico Highlands University (3-2 overall, 2-1 RMAC) on Saturday, October 6th, at Perkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Fifth-ranked Chadron State defeats Colorado School of Mines, 35-7

GOLDEN, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2007) - Chadron State College defeated Colorado School of Mines by the score of 35-7 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, September 22nd, at Brooks Field. For the box score, click here.

The Eagles, ranked fifth nationally in the current American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) NCAA Division II Coaches' Poll, got on the scoreboard first with an 18-yard scoring pass from Joe McLain to Kent Russell halfway through the first quarter (kick failed). The Orediggers responded with a one-yard scoring run by Marin Richardson with 3:43 remaining in opening stanza, and Derek DePasquale's successful PAT try gave CSM a one-point lead.

On Mines' final possession of the first half, the Orediggers had a seven-play, 69-yard drive come to a halt with a fumble at the Chadron State five yard line with just 42 seconds remaining until the break. Deep in its own territory, Chadron State was unable to capitalize, and CSM took a 7-6 lead into halftime.

The Eagles (4-0 overall, 1-0 RMAC) took a lead that they would not relinquish on a nine-yard scoring pass from McLain to Isaac Stockton at 7:34 in the third quarter (two-point conversion attempt failed). McLain added a three-yard scoring run with less than two minutes to go in the third period to increase CSC's lead to 12 points. A 44-yard scoring jaunt by Danny Woodhead and a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by Landon Ehlers early in the fourth quarter put the Eagles ahead by count of 33-7. A CSM punt snap that went out of the endzone - resulting in a safety for Chadron State - proved to be final score of the afternoon with just over five minutes remaining in the contest.

Chadron State's Danny Woodhead, the 2006 Harlon Hill Trophy award winner as the top player in all of NCAA Division II football, concluded the game with 160 yards rushing on 31 carries. In the process, Woodhead became the all-time leading rusher in NCAA Division II history. Woodhead, who now has 7,066 career rushing yards, is just 287 yards shy of tying the all-time NCAA career rushing record (all divisions). McLain completed 14-of-22 passes for 155 yards (two touchdowns, one interception) and Bryce Jarzynka caught five passes for 34 yards. Jared Koester led the Eagles with seven total tackles. As a team, Chadron State outgained the Orediggers 350 yards to 115 in total offense.

CSM's David Pesek completed 20-of-27 passes (no interceptions) for 132 yards and Keegan Moyer had seven receptions for 44 yards. Nick Haniszewski, the RMAC's reigning Special Teams Player of the Week, led all players with 14 tackles (eight solo), while Hunter Wardlaw amassed 11 total tackles. The Orediggers (1-3 overall, 1-1 RMAC), who converted just 1-of-12 third-down opportunities, finished with minus-23 yards rushing.

Colorado School of Mines will return to action on Saturday, September 29th, with a non-conference NCAA Division II game at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (CDT).

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Colorado School of Mines defeats Adams State, 10-7

ALAMOSA, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2007) - Colorado School of Mines defeated Adams State College by the score of 10-7 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday, September 15th, at Rex Stadium. For the box score, click here.

After the Grizzlies and Orediggers traded punts on their first possessions of the game, CSM's Ben Tiller blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by ASC's Wayne Durham. On the Orediggers' ensuing drive, Aaron Abel missed a 19-yard field goal off of the right upright. Durham, who was a unanimous selection as the RMAC's 2007 Pre-Season Special Teams Player of the Year, would go on to miss a 42-yard field goal attempt with just 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter, and the game remained scoreless at the half.

Neither team managed to get on the scoreboard until the Grizzlies' Josh Salazar found the endzone on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter (14:26). Durham's successful extra point try gave Adams State a 7-0 advantage. Colorado School of Mines would punt on its subsequent drive, but Tiller managed to strip the ball from ASC punt returner Josh Gibson and the Orediggers' Tim Gee recovered on the Grizzlies' 26 yard line. CSM then capped a four-play drive with a 15-yard scoring pass from David Pesek to Adam Saur. Abel's conversion kick knotted the score at seven apiece.

Colorado School of Mines and Adams State again traded punts, but on the Grizzlies next possession, a fumble by ASC quarterback Billy Lindquist with just under four minutes remaining in the contest (3:56) was recovered by the Orediggers' Hunter Wardlaw at the Adams State 25 yard line. An 18-yard pass from Pesek to Keegan Moyer on 3rd-and-19 set up Abel for what proved to be a game-winning 33-yard field goal with just 2:18 left to play.

The Grizzlies proceeded to return CSM's kickoff to their own 40 yard line, and after driving 49 yards, Durham came on to attempt a 28-yard field goal on 4th-and-10 at the CSM 11 yard line with only 16 ticks left on the clock. The Orediggers' Nick Haniszewski blocked the attempt - his second blocked kick of the season - but Durham managed to recover at the ASC 20 yard line. Wardlaw and Vince Hecker were able to corral Durham after he advanced just seven yards, and CSM took over on downs.

J.T. Baum finished the game with 105 yards rushing on 17 carries for the Orediggers, who improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the RMAC. Pesek completed 19-of-28 passes (one touchdown, no interceptions) for 121 yards as CSM played turnover-free football. Moyer caught six passes for 29 yards while Adam Saur (58 yards receiving) and Baum (20 yards receiving) hauled in five receptions apiece. Colorado School of Mines' Joey Corder led all players with 12 total tackles, including 2.5 for a loss. The Oredigger defense amassed four quarterback sacks on Saturday, including two by Corder. Tiller, Haniszewski and Wardlaw each concluded the game with 11 tackles, as well. As a team, CSM recorded eight tackles for a loss and broke up four passes.

Adams State, which outgained CSM 318 yards to 208 in total offense, fell to 0-4 overall (0-1 RMAC). Salazar (36 yards) and Oscar Murray (60 yards) each carried the ball 12 times for the Grizzlies, while Lindquist completed just 16-of-35 pass attempts. Danny Dyson and Levi Gallas compiled 11 and 10 total tackles, respectively, for ASC.

Colorado School of Mines will return to action on Saturday, September 22nd, hosting Chadron State College (3-0, 0-0 RMAC) at 12:00 p.m. (MDT) at Brooks Field.

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Fort Hays State Univ. downs Orediggers, 34-10

HAYS, Kan. (Sept. 8, 2007) - Fort Hays State University defeated Colorado School of Mines by the score of 34-10 in NCAA Division II non-conference football action on Saturday, September 8th, at Lewis Field Stadium. For the box score, click here.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Fort Hays State (2-0 overall) registered the game's first points when Ryne Salyer tossed a 32-yard scoring pass to Jordan Hickel with just under six minutes remaining in the first half. CSM responded when Marin Richardson scored on a five-yard run with just over a minute to go before the half. The Tigers, however, returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 45 yard line and needed just three plays to find the endzone. Salyer and Hickel's second aerial score - this time from 15 yards out - capped the 28-second drive and gave Fort Hays State a 14-7 advantage at halftime.

Aaron Abel connected on a 34-yard field goal early in the third quarter to trim CSM's deficit to four points, but the Tigers' Justin Barr answered with a 46-yarder of his own to put his team back up by seven. On CSM's ensuing possession, Adam Kotschwar returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown to put FHSU ahead 24-10. Barr would go on to add a 47-yard field goal later in the third quarter, and Salyer scored on a one-yard run with just over two minutes remaining in the contest.

Hickel, who caught three passes for 63 yards, led all rushers with 48 yards on 21 carries. Salyer completed 12-of-24 passes for 216 yards (two TD, no interceptions) and Zach Scruggs (one sack) amassed a game-high 11 tackles.

The Orediggers' David Pesek completed 23-of-38 passes for 230 yards, but was intercepted twice and sacked five times. Overall, CSM quarterbacks were sacked seven times by Fort Hays State University. Adam Saur had seven receptions for 132 yards, as well, as the Orediggers finished with just 18 yards rushing on 30 carries. Hunter Wardlaw led CSM with eight total tackles, while Ben Tiller and Adam Sprouse (one sack) each recorded seven stops. CSM was penalized 18 times for 116 yards while falling to 0-2 on the season. For Richardson, a defensive lineman by trade, the touchdown was the first of his collegiate career. With his extra point and 34-yard field goal on Saturday at FHSU, Abel is now just seven points shy of tying CSM's all-time career scoring record of 240 points (Greg Marshall, RB, 1989-92).

CSM will begin the RMAC portion of its schedule on Saturday, September 15th, playing at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (MDT) at Rex Field.

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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Washburn Univ. defeats Colorado School of Mines, 27-7

GOLDEN, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2007) - Washburn University defeated Colorado School of Mines by the score of 27-7 in NCAA Division II non-conference football action on Saturday, September 1st, at Brooks Field. For the box score, click here.

After a scoreless first quarter of play, the Ichabods (1-1 overall) recorded the lone score of the first half on a six-yard scoring pass from Jordan Brill to Brandon Walker with only 1:10 to go before halftime. CSM's Derek Dykstra caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from David Pesek with 8:56 remaining in the third quarter to tie the score at 7-7. However, Ra'Shawn Mosely's one-yard scoring run with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter gave the Ichabods a lead that they would not relinquish.

Mosely added a 13-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter (8:26) for Washburn University, and Adam Ewy's 32-yard interception return for a touchdown with just under four minutes remaining (3:56) in the contest proved to be the final margin of victory.

Mosely finished with 95 yards rushing on 15 carries and Brill completed 9-of-22 passes (one touchdown, one interception). Walker concluded the afternoon with three receptions for 53 yards, as well.

The Orediggers, who held the ball for 38:47 on Saturday, managed just 55 yards on the ground. David Pesek completed 32-of-45 passes for 302 yards, but was intercepted three times. Defensive lineman Marin Richardson had three carries (nine yards) on Saturday, all of which converted fourth-and-one opportunities for the Orediggers. Nick Haniszewski recorded a team-high nine total tackles for Colorado School of Mines, which committed five turnovers and fell to 0-1 on the season.

Saturday's game against Washburn is scheduled to be televised during a tape-delayed broadcast by Comcast Entertainment Television (CET) Sports. CET Sports has announced that the game will be aired on Thursday, September 6th, at 7:30 p.m. The game will re-air on Friday, September 7th, at 4:00 p.m., as well as on Sunday, September 9th, at 9:00 a.m. (all times are MDT). CET Sports is available on Comcast channel 5 in Denver, Loveland and Fort Collins. In Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CET Sports is available on Comcast channel 4.

The Orediggers will return to action on Saturday, September 8th, playing a non-conference game at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CDT).

For more information, please contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

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