2011-12 Mount Union Football News
April 16, 2012
Mount Union Alum and Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers to speak at Commencement
ALLIANCE, Ohio — E. Dominic Capers, a 1972 graduate of the University of Mount Union and defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, will give the University’s 166th Commencement address at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 on the south lawn of Chapman Hall.
April 11, 2012
Football to Host Spring Open House For High School Sophomores & Juniors April 21
Mount Union's football program will host an open house in conjunction with the Spring Visit Day being held by the Office of Admissions on Saturday, April 21.
February 16, 2012
Mount Union Football to Host Pro-Day on March 14
The University of Mount Union will host a Pro-Day on Wednesday, March 14 at 9:30 am at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
February 9, 2012
Mount Union's Brett Ekkens Wins 2011 Rimington Award Winner For NCAA Division III
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- University of Mount Union senior Brett Ekkens (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) has been selected as the 2011 Rimington Award winner given to the top center in NCAA Division III.
January 6, 2012
Mount Union Football Featured in AFCA Magazine
The University of Mount Union and its football program was featured in a story in the American Football Coaches Association Magazine.
December 29, 2011
Larry Kehres Named Honorary Member of American Football Coaches Association
WACO, Texas – Mount Union head football coach and director of athletics Larry Kehres has been named an Honorary Member of the American Football Coaches Association. His continued dedication to football and bettering the community embodies the goals and values of the AFCA. As honorary members, Kehres will have a lifetime membership and access to all the educational and coaching resources available from the AFCA, as well as the opportunity to attend the annual AFCA Convention each January.
December 19, 2011
Mount Union Defensive Back Nick Driskill Named AP Little All-America and D3Football.com National Defensive Player of the Year
Mount Union defensive back Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) was named to the first team of the Associated Press Little All-America Team and the D3football.com National Defensive Player of the Year.
December 16, 2011
Mount Union Turned Over By UW-Whitewater in Stagg Bowl
SALEM, Va. – No. 2 ranked Mount Union rallied in the fourth quarter but three turnovers resulted13-10 loss to No. 1 ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater in Stagg Bowl XXXIX Friday night in Salem, Va.
December 12, 2011
Its Game Seven For #2 Mount Union and #1 UW-Whitewater at Stagg Bowl
Two of the most exciting words in sports are "Game 7" and this week football gets a rare opportunity to share that excitement as No. 2 ranked University of Mount Union and No. 1 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater play in the NCAA Division III Football National Championship game for an unprecedented seventh time. The Stagg Bowl is Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm at Salem Stadium in Salem, Virginia.
December 12, 2011
Mount Union's Nick Driskill Named to AFCA All-American Football Team
WACO, Texas - Mount Union junior safety Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-American Football Team.
December 10, 2011
Mount Union Beats Wesley, 28-21 to Return to Stagg Bowl For 15th Time
Every year, the challenge is there for the University of Mount Union football program. Get back to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl and play for the Division III national championship.
December 10, 2011
Mount Union Safety Nick Driskill Named D3Football.com North Region and OhioCollegeFootball.com Defensive Player of the Year
Mount Union junior safety Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) has been named D3Football.com North Region and OhioCollegeFootball.com Defensive Player of the Year and headlined the Purple Raiders selections to the two teams.
December 7, 2011
Mount Union's Larry Kehres Named AFCA Regional Coach of the Year For Record 16th Time
WACO, Texas -- University of Mount Union football coach Larry Kehres has been named American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year for a record sixth-straight season and record 16th time overall.
December 7, 2011
Three Mount Union Football Players Named Capital One Academic All-Americans; Ekkens Named to First Team
TOWSON, Md. – Three University of Mount Union football players, senior offensive lineman Brett Ekkens (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) and defensive backs in senior Alex Ferrara (Independence/Walsh Jesuit) and junior Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) have all been named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America Football Team.
December 6, 2011
#2 Mount Union and #7 Wesley Return to Semifinals Saturday; Raiders Making 17th Straight Appearance
No. 2 ranked University of Mount Union hosts No. 7 ranked Wesley College in the national semifinals of the 2011 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, Dec. 10 at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
December 3, 2011
Murray and Defense Move #2 Mount Union Past #9 Wabash in NCAA Playoffs; Raiders in Semifinals for 17th Straight Year
ALLIANCE, Ohio — Junior running back Jeremy Murray (Martins Ferry/Martins Ferry) rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and the Mount Union defense held Wabash to 194 total yards, as the No. 2-ranked Purple Raiders defeated the No. 9 Little Giants, 20-8, in a NCAA Division III football national quarterfinal game at Mount Union Stadium on Saturday.
November 30, 2011
Ferrara, Driskill and Ekkens Named Academic All-OAC Football
Mount Union seniors Brett Ekkens (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) and Alex Ferrara (Independence/Walsh Jesuit) and junior Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) were each named Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference for a second straight year by the conference's 10 faculty athletics representatives.
November 29, 2011
#2 Mount Union Makes 20th Straight Appearance in NCAA Quarterfinals Saturday Against #9 Wabash
No. 2 ranked Mount Union hosts No. 9 ranked Wabash in the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday at noon at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
November 26, 2011
#2 Mount Union Advances to NCAA Quarterfinals With 30-10 Win Over #25 Centre
ALLIANCE, Ohio -- No. 2 ranked Mount Union defeated No. 25 ranked Centre (Ky.) 30-10 in the second round of the NCAA Football Playoffs Saturday at Mount Union Stadium.
November 22, 2011
Mount Union Defensive Back Alex Ferrara Named Finalist For Gagliardi Trophy
(COLLEGEVILLE, Minn.)--University of Mount Union senior safety Alex Ferrara (Independence/Walsh Jesuit) was named one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy given to the top all-around football player in NCAA Division III.
November 21, 2011
#2 Mount Union Plays #25 Centre Saturday in NCAA Football Playoff Second Round Game
No. 2 ranked University of Mount Union hosts No. 25 Centre (Ky.) College in the second round of the 2011 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, Nov. 26 at noon at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
November 21, 2011
Three Juniors Earn OAC Football Awards; Raiders Have 10 All-OAC First Team Picks
Three Mount Union football juniors in offensive lineman Antonio Tate (Cleveland/Villa Angela St. Joseph), defensive end Charles Dieuseul (Winter Haven, Fla./Lake Region) and safety Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) each earned OAC special awards and were three of 10 Raiders named to the All-OAC First Team by the conference’s 10
head coaches.
November 19, 2011
#2 Mount Union Beats Benedictine, 47-7 in NCAA First Round Game
ALLIANCE, Ohio — Junior quarterback Matt Piloto (Rotonda West Fla./Lemon Bay) completed 18 of 23 passes for 206 yards, and junior running back Jeremy Murray (Martins Ferry/Martins Ferry) rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 2-ranked Mount Union (AFCA and D3football.com) to a 47-7 victory over Benedictine (Ill.) in a NCAA Division III first-round playoff game at Mount Union Stadium on Saturday.
November 16, 2011
Three Named to Capital One Academic All-District Football Team
Mount Union seniors Brett Ekkens (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) and Alex Ferrara (Independence/Walsh Jesuit) and junior Nick Driskill (Wabash, Ind./Southwood) were each named to the Capital One Academic All-District Football Team selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
November 15, 2011
#2 Mount Union Starts Second Season Saturday Hosting Benedictine
No. 2 ranked University of Mount Union hosts Benedictine (Ill.) University in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, Nov. 19 at noon at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
November 12, 2011
#2 Mount Union Blanks Muskingum, 28-0 To Finish Regular Season Undefeated
NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Matt Piloto (Rotonda West, Fla./Lemon Bay) threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns as No. 2 ranked Mount Union completed its sixth straight undefeated regular season with a 28-0 shutout at Muskingum Saturday in New Concord.
November 10, 2011
#2 Mount Union Meets #1 Wisconsin-Whitewater in Stagg Bowl XXXIX
No. 2 ranked University of Mount Union hosts No. 7 ranked Wesley College in the national semifinals of the 2011 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, Dec. 10 at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
November 7, 2011
#2 Mount Union Wraps Up Regular Season Saturday at Muskingum
No. 2 ranked Mount Union travels to Muskingum for the regular season finale Saturday at 1:30 pm at McConagha Stadium in New Concord.
November 5, 2011
#2 Football Rallies to Beat B-W to Clinch 20th Consecutive OAC Title
ALLIANCE, Ohio -- Matt Piloto’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Chris Denton on fourth down with 2:14 left in the game gave Mount Union a 25-20 comeback victory over Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday afternoon.
October 31, 2011
#2 Mount Union Hosts Baldwin-Wallace With OAC Title on the Line
No. 2 ranked Mount Union hosts Baldwin-Wallace in a key Ohio Athletic Conference matchup Saturday at 1:30 pm at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance. A Mount Union win would clinch the Purple Raiders their 20th consecutive and 23rd overall OAC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Football Playoffs.
October 29, 2011
#2 Mount Union Clips Cardinals, 42-0
ALLIANCE, Ohio--Quarterback Matt Piloto and wide receiver A.J. Claycomb stepped in for injured starters to lead Mount Union to its eighth consecutive victory, 42-0, over Ohio Athletic Conference rival Otterbein in front of 1,841 at Mount Union Stadium on Saturday.
October 25, 2011
No. 2 Mount Union Hosts Otterbein Saturday
No. 2 ranked Mount Union returns home to host Otterbein in an Ohio Athletic Conference matchup Saturday at 1:30 pm at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
October 22, 2011
#2 Mount Union Turns Over Capital, 27-7
COLUMBUS, Ohio – No. 2 ranked Mount Union's defense forced four turnovers and held Capital University to a season-low 156 yards in a 27-7 Ohio Athletic Conference victory in Columbus.
October 17, 2011
No. 2 Mount Union Plays Saturday at Capital
No. 2 ranked Mount Union hits the road to play Capital in an Ohio Athletic Conference game Saturday at 1:30 pm at Bernlohr Stadium in Columbus.
October 15, 2011
#2 Mount Union Blows Away Heidelberg, 56-7
TIFFIN, Ohio -- Jasper Collins (Geneva, N.Y./Geneva) matched a Mount Union record with four touchdown receptions and the defense held Heidelberg to a season-low 195 yards of total offense as the Purple Raiders scored a 56-7 Ohio Athletic Conference win on a windy Saturday in Tiffin.
October 10, 2011
No. 2 Mount Union Heads to Heidelberg Saturday For Key OAC Matchup
No. 2 ranked Mount Union takes on Heidelberg Saturday at 1:30 pm at Mayer Field on campus in Tiffin, Ohio.
October 8, 2011
#2 Mount Union Mauls Marietta, 62-0
Mount Union held Marietta to 104 total yards and defeated the Pioneers 62-0 in an Ohio Athletic Conference football game on Saturday, before 4,223 at Mount Union Stadium.
October 6, 2011
Former Mount Union QB Kurt Rocco Assigned to AFL's New Orleans Voodoo
Former Mount Union quarterback Kurt Rocco has been assigned to the Arena Football League's New Orleans Voodoo for the 2012 season.
October 4, 2011
#2 Mount Union Hosts Marietta For Homecoming Saturday
No. 2 ranked Mount Union hosts Marietta for homecoming Saturday at 1:30 pm at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
October 1, 2011
#2 Football Plows its Way to 14-6 Win at #24 Ohio Northern, 14-6
ADA, Ohio – Jeremy Murray (Martins Ferry/Martins Ferry) had a career-high 41 carries for 130 yards on the ground and the defense made a key play late in the game as No. 2 ranked Mount Union scored a 14-6 win at No. 24 ranked Ohio Northern on a wet and muddy Dial-Roberson Stadium Saturday in Ada.
September 26, 2011
#2 Mount Union Travels to #24 Ohio Northern For First Road Game Of Season
No. 2 ranked Mount Union plays its first road game of the 2011 season Saturday at 1:30 pm at No. 24 ranked Ohio Northern at Dial-Roberson Stadium in Ada.
September 24, 2011
Mount Union to Participate in Coach to Cure MD This Week
On September 24, 2011, University of Mount Union, Wilmington College, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and the American Football Coaches Association(AFCA) will be part of Coach to Cure MD, a one-day, nationwide event designed to raise awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy . We need your help to stop this devastating disorder that robs young men of their mobility, their independence, and sadly their life. AFCA President and Mount Union head football Larry Kehres and his entire coaching staff will wear Coach to Cure armbands and encourage fans to donate for this cause.
September 24, 2011
#2 Mount Union Hosts Wilmington Saturday Night
No. 2 ranked Mount Union plays its third straight home game Saturday at 7 pm hosting Wilmington in an Ohio Athletic Conference matchup at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
September 24, 2011
#2 Football Rolls Past Wilmington, 66-7
ALLIANCE, Ohio -- No. 2 ranked Mount Union rolled up 671 yards of total offense as the Purple Raiders posted a 66-7 Ohio Athletic Conference victory over Wilmington Saturday night at Mount Union Stadium.
September 22, 2011
Mount Union Makes Some Buddies (NCAA.com Story)
The Raider Buddy program at Mount Union affects both the children and the players. Coach Larry Kehres believes it "has nothing to do with football and everything to do with becoming a complete person."
September 17, 2011
#2 Football Runs Over John Carroll, 58-7
Junior running back Jeremy Murray (Martins Ferry/Martins Ferry) and junior wide receiver Jasper Collins (Geneva, N.Y./Geneva) had career nights to lead Mount Union, ranked No. 2 in the nation by D3football.com, to a 58-7 victory over John Carroll in the Ohio Athletic Conference opener before a sellout crowd of 6,252 at Mount Union Stadium on Saturday night.
September 10, 2011
#2 Football Opens 2011 Season with 41-17 Win Over UW-Oshkosh
Mount Union opened the 2011 season with a 41-17 victory over Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Saturday in front of 3,372 at Mount Union Stadium.
September 6, 2011
#2 Mount Union Hosts UW-Oshkosh in Season Opener
Mount Union begins its 114th season of football at home for the first time since 2008 this Saturday hosting The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at 1:30 pm in Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.
August 31, 2011
Ohio's best? Mount Union's Kehres stands among college football's coaching giants
ALLIANCE, Ohio (STATS) - The winningest coach in college football history didn't wear a houndstooth hat, rest a pair of Coke bottle glasses on his nose or turn a former school for white women into the preeminent Division I program of the 1990s.
August 19, 2011
Purple Raiders in the Pros - Three Raiders See Action Friday Night
Former Mount Union football players Pierre Garcon (West Palm Beach, Fla./John Leonard), Cecil Shorts III (Cleveland/Collinwood) and Kyle Miller (Elida/Elida) all saw action Friday in NFL preseason games.
August 17, 2011
Get Ready for Mount Union Football Season Right Here
The University of Mount Union football team returns to campus today (Aug. 17) and the 10-time NCAA Division III champions begin the 2011 season Saturday, September 10 at 1:30 pm against the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance. To get your football fix between now and then, here is all you need to know.
August 12, 2011
2011 Mount Union Football Media Guide Online
Get a peek at the 2011 Mount Union Purple Raiders as this year's media guide is now available online.
August 9, 2011
Purple Raider Profile - Ekkens A Buddy On and Off the Football Field
University of Mount Union senior offensive lineman Brett Ekkens has shown that being a “buddy” on and off the field has been a positive experience.
August 9, 2011
2011 Football Preview - Raiders In the Hunt For No. 11 in 2011
An experienced roster returns for the Mount Union football team as 49 letterwinners and 18 starters look to continue a run of 19 consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference Championships (1992-10) while contending for a record 11th NCAA Division III National Championship.
August 6, 2011
Mount Union Tops OAC Preseason Polls at Football Media Day
CANTON, Ohio--Mount Union's football team tops both Ohio Athletic Conference media and coaches preseason polls announced today (Aug. 9) at OAC Football Media Day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
August 6, 2011
Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to Host OAC Media Day Tuesday, August 9
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, will be the site for the 2011 Ohio Athletic Conference Football Media Day Tuesday, August 9 at 10:30 am.
August 3, 2011
Mount Union Placekicker Tyler Almeida Named to Mitchell Award Watch List
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Mount Union senior placekicker Tyler Almeida (Elyria/Elyria) has been selected to the watch list for the 2011 Fred Mitchell Award that recognizes the nation's outstanding placekicker.
July 31, 2011
Ready For Raider Football -- Season Tickets Available for 2011 Mount Union Football Season
2011 Mount Union Football Season Tickets are available now. Ticket plans start at $61 and ensure you the same seat to every home game and priority ordering for potential playoff games.
July 31, 2011
Former Mount Union QB Kurt Rocco Throws For Two Touchdowns But Cleveland Gladiators Lose in AFL Playoffs
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Mount Union quarterback Kurt Rocco (Cincinnati/Roger Bacon) tossed a pair of scores but the Cleveland Gladiators fell 50-49 in the first round of the AFL Playoffs Sunday in Cleveland.
July 31, 2011
Former Mount Union Running Back Nate Kmic Shines in Finnish Debut But Team Falls
Former Mount Union running back and current assistant coach Nate Kmic (Delta/Delta) rushed for 135 yards and scored three touchdowns for the Lappeenranta Rajaritarit in a 48-45 loss Friday to the Porvoo Butchers during a Finnish Maple League contest.
July 26, 2011
Mount Union Tight End Kyle Miller Signs Free Agent Contract With Jacksonville Jaguars
Mount Union tight end Kyle Miller (Elida/Elida) has signed a free agent contract to play for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
July 21, 2011
Mount Union's Ekkens and Collins Named D3Football.com Preseason All-Americans
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Mount Union senior center Brett Ekkens (East Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) and junior wide receiver Jasper Collins (Geneva, N.Y./Geneva) have been named preseason All-Americans by D3Football.com.
July 21, 2011
Mount Union's Nate Kmic to Play Pro Football in Finland
Former Mount Union running back and current assistant coach Nate Kmic (Delta, Ohio/Delta) has signed a contract to play professional football in Finland.
July 19, 2011
Former Mount Union and Cleveland Gladiators QB Kurt Rocco Named AFL Offensive Player of the Week
TULSA, Okla. -- Former Mount Union and current Cleveland Gladiators quarterback Kurt Rocco (Cincinnati/Roger Bacon) was named Arena Football League Offensive Player of the Week.
July 16, 2011
Mount Union's Nate Kmic Named IFAF Tournament MVP as Team USA Wins Gold Medal
VIENNA, Austria -- Former Mount Union running back and current assistant coach Nate Kmic (Delta, Ohio) scored two touchdowns to lead Team USA to the Gold Medal with a 50-7 win over Canada at the Internationall Federation of American Football World Championships in Vienna, Austria. Kmic was also named tournament MVP.
July 7, 2011
U.S. Men's National Football Team Highlights and Game Action Online From Austria
Fans can follow former Purple Raiders Nate Kmic and Luke Summers along with Coach Larry Kehres and the rest of Team USA in Austria as highlights and broadcasts of the medal round games at the 2011 International Federation of American Football Senior World Championshipwill be available to fans across the globe. The men's international football world championship, conducted every four years featuring national teams spanning four continents, takes place from July 8-16.
July 5, 2011
Fomer Purple Raider Nate Kmic Named Captain for 2011 US Men's National Football Team
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Former Mount Union running back Nate Kmic (Delta/Delta) has been selected as one of six captains for the 2011 US Men's National Football Team for the fourth International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Senior World Championship July 8-16 in Austria. USA Football assembles America’s national teams in the sport for international competition.
June 14, 2011
Former Football All-Americans Nate Kmic and Luke Summers Join Coach Kehres on Team USA Football Roster
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Former Mount Union football All-Americans in running back Nate Kmic (Delta/Delta) and offensive lineman Luke Summers (New Middletown/Springfield Local) have been selected to 2011 U.S. Men’s National Team in football in the fourth International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Senior World Championship July 8-16 in Austria. USA Football assembles America’s national teams in the sport for international competition.
June 1, 2011
Mount Union Announces 2011 Football Schedule
There is no place like home for the University of Mount Union football team as the Purple Raiders will play six games in Alliance at Mount Union Stadium to headline the 2011 schedule.
