LUKE ULLESTAD ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Division III football is often overlooked by many people who only have an interest in Div. I and/or the NFL.
For those who have never been to a Div. III football game, they are missing out on an intense and competitive atmosphere. The speed and high tempo of the games motivate the crowd to get on their feet and cheer. The no-huddle offense also forces the game to become more intense and exciting for the crowd to watch.
Fantastic plays are made each and every week, just like there are many in Div. I and NFL games.
Whether the play consisted of a jump ball for a one-handed catch in the end zone, a kickoff return for a touchdown, a blocked punt, field goal or PAT, a pick six, or quarterback scramble for a touchdown, they all often occur at the Div. III level.
The major benefits of attending a Div. III football game include: fairly cheap admission prices (home students get in free), a very likely chance someone will know many of the players who are on the field, a smaller sized stadium that allows for everyone to have a good seat and a game that consists of college athletes who are geared up to compete at their highest level. It’s also a social event for students, family, professors, staff and community members to attend.
Wartburg football games are always exciting to watch. From the time warm-ups begin to the final horn, each play has fans on the edge of their seat.
The excitement and cheering prior to the kickoff gets the adrenaline pumping in the players on the field and the fans in the stands.
Nothing is better than watching football in the fall when the weather is turning cold and fans are huddled together rooting on their team. Not only is Div. III football exciting and fun to watch, but the division has also produced a handful of players who are currently in the NFL.
According to D3football.com, there are currently eight former Div. III football players in the NFL, including Buffalo’s Fred Jackson (from Coe), Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon, Houston Texans punter Matt Turk and Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher.
The point I am trying to make is that talent exists at the Div. III level, and these eight players have proved that by earning their way into the National Football League.
Even though the majority of Div. III athletes do not move on to the professional level, these athletes are busting their behinds each and every day of the week.
The next time someone says, “Oh, it’s only Div. III,” I hope they will think again since this division does have some extreme talent and competition.
Wartburg has proved over the past several years what they are capable of doing and the Knights will continue to prove themselves now and for years to come.