Battle in Iowa
sports news
14 and counting?
Football game features eight UW-L alums
ABOVE: Five of eight UW-L alums posed for a picture on the sidelines of the University of Dubuque-Luther College football game last Nov. 7. From left, Dubuque assistant coaches Dane Cordes, ’09, Mike Schmidt, ’01, and Andrew McGlenn; ’05, former UW-L player Matt Buelow, and Luther head coach Mike Durnin, ’81. Eight alums were coaching during the game.
I
f you watched the football game between the University of Dubuque Spartans and Luther College Norse Nov. 7, you may have thought you were at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex. The teams had eight UW-L alums on their coaching staffs, making it a fun rivalry. With each team staffed by four coaches with UW-L ties, the reunion was interesting for alums to coach — and watch. Spartans coaches included Mick Miyamoto, ’79 & ’85, Mike Schmidt, ’01, Andrew McGlenn, ’05, and Dane Cordes, ’09. Representing the Eagles for the Norse were Mike Durnin, ’81, Roger Jaeger, ’76 & ’83, Luke Knauf, a student coach in ’08, and Brian Eayrs, currently completing a master’s at UW-L. The battle took place downriver in Dubuque. The Norse took control of the game early, 3-0. But, Dubuque rallied for a 14-3 lead at
30
UW-L Alumnus magazine Summer 2010
half. The Spartans kept the momentum, earning a 21-10 victory. Miyamoto had mixed feelings on his win over former teammate Durnin. “It was bittersweet at best,” admitted Miyamoto. “I have the highest regard and respect for Mike and the job he is doing at Luther.” While disappointed with a loss, Durnin enjoyed having the chance to match his team up against one coached with La Crosse ties. “The opportunity to be on the field with a team I love and coaching against a former teammate and coaching associate, former players at UW-L, a long-time coaching friend and associate, and having the man who gave me my first coaching opportunity on the sidelines was very special,” noted Durnin. “All of these individuals are dear friends I truly respect not only as individuals in the profession, but more importantly as great men.”
When the gymnastics team captured its third consecutive National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) Championship in March, it was the 14th trophy Head Coach Barb Gibson, ’78, helped the Eagles bring home. The Eagles finished with a season-high team score of 186.775 to edge out SUNY-Brockport, who placed second (186.200)). It was UW-L’s ninth national title in 10 years and 11th in the last 14 seasons. The Eagles’ 14 overall national crowns are the most in NCGA history. Gibson, in her 25th year at the helm of the gymnastics program, was named NCGA Coach of the Year.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RESIGNS:
Joe baker leaving after successful 12-year run
Athletic Director Joe Baker is leaving to become AD at Carroll University in Waukesha. Since Baker came to campus in 1998, student-athletes have won 26 national championships and 93 WIAC titles. And, for more than 10 years the average student-athletes’ GPA has exceeded the general student population.