Football

The University of Dubuque football team have won eight Iowa Conference Championships in football, most recently in 2015 (undefeated IIAC season 7-0, first since 1979) and 2011 for head coach Stan Zweifel. The Spartans have finished in the top half of the league nine times in the past 11 seasons. The Spartans pride themselves in competing in the classroom as well as on the field. The Spartans academic excellence is shown with all of the Academic All-Iowa Conference Honorees, Capital One®/CoSIDA Academic All-America Honorees, and National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes earned the past few years.

The Spartans are proud to have had five semifinalists and one finalist in the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist, which is often referred as the "Academic Heisman" award in the past six years. The 2017 Cliff Harris Award Trophy - Michael Joseph (Small College Defensive Player of the Year (DII, DIII, NAIA) and the 2011 Gagliardi Trophy Michel Zweifel (Division III Heisman Award) both reside at the University of Dubuque in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center. UD is the only Division III school to have both trophies! The Spartans are the only Division III school to have won the Cliff Harris Award.

Michael Joseph (CB/DB) was a consensus First Team All-American in 2017, only Division III player to be invited to the Reese's Senior Bowl, and to the 2018 NFL Combine. Michael Zweifel (wide receiver) was invited to the NFL's Green Bay Packers Rookie Camp in 2012 and played after college with the Vienna Vikings in Europe. In 2016, Dominique Ravenell was invited to the Minnesta Vikings Rookie Camp. In 2015  Darren Myles was invited to the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp as a safety and Tyler Rutenbeck (wide receiver) was a free agent signing for the Washington Redskins and was also signed a free agent contract to the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, currently plays for the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns in Europe. Wyatt Hanus was a quarterback invited to the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp in 2013. Daunte Peterson was a Buffalo Bills Rookie Camp Invitee and played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europa in 2006. 

The Spartans play under the lights of Chalmers Field, an EcoTurf surface with a video board displaying animations, live shots, and slow motion replays of the Spartans throughout the game. The Spartans held the first ever "Live" Iowa Conference football broadcast on KCRG (ABC-affiliate) in 2011. In January of 2014, UD opened  the Veterans Memorial Training Center (VMTC). The VMTC is an indoor practice facility 180 feet by 210 feet with a 60 yard artificial grass surface area utilized by various sports and intramurals.

The passionate coaching staff will push you to work hard in and out of the classroom. Become a more complete student-athlete over your collegiate career as Coach Zweifel and his staff help you become a better person and prepare you for life after graduation. UD offers many opportunities for you to volunteer helping at-risk students, for example, as you participate in UD football community service projects.

Football News

Football 2018 NFF Hampshire Honor Society Members

Apr 11, 2018

The University of Dubuque were honored with six individuals being named 2018 NFF Hampshire Honor Society members. Spartans included: Conor Feckley, Trenton Grana-Curry, Brayden Neuendorf, Dylan Schultz, Cameron Sorenson, and Derek Trotter.

Spring Football Begins March 20

Mar 19, 2018

The University of Dubuque football team will open their 2018 spring football training on Tuesday, March 20 in the Veterans Memorial Training Center.

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If you're interested in playing football at the University of Dubuque, complete the prospect form, and a coach will be in touch.

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Name Position Event Height Weight Year Hometown
1 Emanuel Jenkins WR 6-2 198 Sophomore Menasha, Wis.
2 Dylan Schultz WR 6-2 215 Senior Lynn Center, Ill.
2A Aaron Woolford RB 5-11 185 Freshman Waukegan, Wis.
3 LeDevin Smith FB 6-0 239 Senior Downers Grove, Ill.
3A Danny Herrera QB 6-0 180 Freshman San Tan Valley, Ariz.
4 Conor Feckley QB 6-0 195 Senior Anchorage, Alaska
4A Jacob Lange DB 5-9 185 Junior Dubuque, Iowa
5 Johnny Higgins DB 5-9 165 Junior Elgin, Ill.
6 Kaylon Miller WR 6-1 185 Senior Bolingbrook, Ill.
7 Derek Schambow S 5-11 181 Senior Platteville, Wis.
7A Jalen Snyder WR 6-1 205 Freshman Chicago, Ill.
8 Derek Trotter S 6-2 182 Senior Tripoli, Iowa
9 Cody Folkers QB 6-3 185 Sophomore Fall Creek, Wis.
10 Tim McFarland DB 5-11 160 Freshman Oak Park, Ill.
10A Tyler Gordon QB 6-4 180 Freshman Oswego, Ill.
11 Cody Binicewicz DB 6-1 195 Senior Machesney Park, Ill.
11A Robert Herrera QB 6-2 195 Junior San Tan Valley, Ariz.
12 Michael Briscoe QB 6-6 227 Junior McHenry, Ill.
12A Jason Barker Jr. WR 6-6 185 Freshman South Holland, Ill.
13 Brayden Neuendorf K/P 5-10 182 Senior Denver, Iowa
13A Nate Pemberton DB 5-10 180 Freshman Davenport, Iowa
14 Jordan LaBelle WR 5-10 170 Freshman Skokie, Ill.
14A Dante Burchfield WR 6-0 170 Sophomore Zion, Ill.
15 Blaze Barista DB 6-2 174 Sophomore Wheaton, Ill.
15A Duron Abren WR 5-10 180 Freshman Chicago, Ill.
16 Sam Morton WR 5-10 162 Junior West Des Moines, Iowa
16A Frankie Atwater DB 5-10 175 Freshman Douglasville, Ga.
18 Kody Riemer WR 5-10 185 Sophomore De Pere, Wis
19 Nick Resch DB 6-3 195 Freshman Menasha, Wis.
20 Maurece (Mo) Herrion RB 5-11 217 Junior Elgin, Ill.
20A Josh Strauss DB 6-0 190 Freshman Robins, Iowa
21 Michael Joseph DB 6-1 180 Senior Oswego, Ill.
21A Elijah Williams RB 5-11 180 Freshman Joliet, Ill.
22 Keyshawn Carr RB 5-8 218 Sophomore Milwaukee, Wis.
24 Dwayne Allen Jr. RB 5-11 185 Sophomore Hampshire, Ill.
24A Carter Beaudette RB 5-10 190 Freshman Huntley, Ill.
25 Dalton Knaack DB 5-11 178 Freshman Menasha, Wis.
25A Aronold Cortez Thompson WR 6-1 180 Freshman Madison, Wis.
26 Ben Duarte DB 6-0 173 Sophomore Lyons, Ill.
27 Tyson Russell RB 5-8 194 Senior Joy, Ill.
27A Brevin Anderson LB 5-9 172 Sophomore Janesville, Wis.
28 Markhus Taylor DB 6-1 178 Sophomore Skokie, Ill.
29 Jeffrey Pittman DB 6-2 170 Sophomore Evanston, Ill.
30 Logan Benter LB 5-8 202 Junior Marion, Iowa
30A Lee Dunahee LB 6-1 195 Freshman Cambria, Wis.
31A Marshon Crowder DB 6-1 200 Freshman Dubuque, Iowa
32 Donnie Jackson LB 5-11 193 Sophomore Kenosha, Wis.
32A Dequan Epperson RB 5-9 220 Freshman Waynesville, Mo.
33 Demetrius Jackson DB 5-11 190 Freshman St. Petersburg, Fla.
35 Jacob Owens LB 6-4 203 Junior Mesa, Ariz.
36 Brandon Dutkiewicz LB 6-1 189 Sophomore St. Francis, Wis.
36A Marcelo Diaz RB 5-8 170 Freshman Hanover, Ill.
37 Casey Larson LB 6-1 225 Freshman Bolingbrook, Ill.
40 Karletty Faamatuainu RB 5-10 215 Freshman Eagle River, Alaska
41 Chad Marsh LB 6-0 222 Sophomore Oswego, Ill.
42 Eshaunte' Williams RB 5-8 193 Junior North Chicago, Ill.
43 Adam Rothas TE 6-3 221 Sophomore Lake Zurich, Ill.
44 Richardo Luna RB 5-8 175 Junior Lombard, Ill.
45 Kobe Starkey LB 6-1 185 Freshman Menasha, Wis.
46 Kwenton Hudson DB 5-9 158 Sophomore Lansing, Ill.
47 Freddy Walton LB 5-8 180 Freshman Montgomery, Ill.
48 Peyton Pope RB 5-9 165 Freshman Clinton, Wis.
49 Josh Davis RB 5-10 190 Freshman Rockford, Ill.
50A Jacob Trotter DL 6-2 210 Freshman Tripoli, Iowa
51 Louie De La Cruz LB 5-11 175 Junior Panorama City, Calif.
52 Curtiss Fitts OL 6-3 278 Freshman Harvey, Ill.
53 Austin Sims OL 6-0 261 Sophomore Channahon, Ill.
55 Kolton Crock OL 6-2 310 Freshman Tipton, Iowa
56 Adam Steingraeber LB 6-1 240 Freshman Waukesha, Wis.
57 Ian Meyer QB 6-1 210 Freshman Monett, Mo.
58 Adrian Carmona OL 6-6 318 Sophomore Berwyn, Ill.
59 Michael Lewis OL 6-4 269 Sophomore Aurora, Ill
60 Sawyer McCaffrey OL 6-6 290 Senior Lake Villa, Ill.
60A Joxua Baughman LB 6-1 244 Freshman Columbia, S.C.
61 Elisha Grant DL 6-1 230 Freshman Homewood, Ill.
62 Max Goss DL 6-1 230 Freshman Sterling, Ill.
63 Nicholas Brambila OL 6-3 287 Sophomore Kerman, Calif.
64 Edgar Gomez OL 6-4 255 Freshman Morton Grove, Ill.
65 Mitchell Temperly OL 6-1 297 Senior Winslow, Ill.
66 Justin Newhouse OL 6-6 290 Freshman Van Dyne, Wis.
67 Michael Jones OL 6-4 280 Sophomore Rosharon, Texas
68 Allen Rodriguez OL 6-0 235 Freshman Orfordville, Wis.
70 Corey Jones DL 5-10 320 Freshman Joliet, Ill.
72 Collin Stefanowski OL 6-2 278 Junior Lake Villa, Ill.
74 DeAngelo Wofford OL 6-0 247 Sophomore Homewood, Ill.
75 Daniel Arvizu OL 6-2 235 Freshman Des Plaines, Ill.
76 Jacob Britton OL 6-5 267 Junior Wonder Lake, Ill.
77 Kyle Marsh DL 6-3 240 Freshman Oswego, Ill.
78 Jacob Beasley DL 6-3 250 Freshman Edgerton, Wis.
79 Danny Petrela DL 5-11 305 Freshman Summit, N.J.
80 Derrick Wright WR 5-9 180 Freshman Largo, Fla.
81 Colton Youngren TE 6-6 240 Freshman Princeton, Ill.
82 Kyle Woods TE 6-3 221 Junior Loves Park, Ill.
84 Luke Romnek TE 6-3 215 Freshman Menasha, Wis.
84A Titus McFarland WR 6-0 170 Freshman Oak Park, Ill.
85 Cody Schambow WR 5-10 161 Sophomore Platteville, Wis.
86 Donald Narcisse TE 6-4 208 Junior Manvel, Texas
87 Trenton Grana-Curry TE 6-3 224 Senior Beach Park, Ill.
88 Cameron Sorensen TE 6-3 216 Senior Eldridge, Iowa
89 Joshua Esikiel WR 5-11 173 Sophomore Lake in the Hills, Ill.
91 Dae'von Britford DL 6-1 251 Sophomore Columbus, Ohio
92 Quintell Wilson DL 6-4 215 Senior Zion, Ill.
95 Xavier Harris DL 6-4 265 Freshman Harvey, Ill.
97 Jacob Rentz K 6-3 168 Sophomore Bellevue, Iowa
98 Doug Gates QB 6-2 225 Junior Zion, Ill.
99 Ravon Woods DL 6-4 221 Sophomore Oak Park, Ill.

2018 Schedule

Sept. 1

vs. UW-Whitewater

Dubuque, Iowa

6:00 p.m.

Sept. 8

at Pacific University

Forest Grove, Ore.

7:00 p.m. (PST)

Sept. 15

at Coe College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1:00 p.m.

Sept. 22

vs. Central College

Dubuque, Iowa

1:00 p.m. (HOF)

Sept. 29

at Loras College

Dubuque, Iowa

1:00 p.m.

Oct. 6

vs. Luther College

Dubuque, Iowa

1:00 p.m.

Oct. 13

Bye Week

 

 

Oct. 20

at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, Iowa

1:00 p.m.

Oct. 27

vs. NE. Wesleyan University

Dubuque, Iowa

1:00 p.m. (HC)

Nov. 3

at Simpson College

Indianola, Iowa

1:00 p.m.

Nov. 10

vs. Wartburg College

Dubuque, Iowa

1:00 p.m.
Stan Zweifel
Stan Zweifel
Head Football Coach
Office Phone: 563.589.3173
E-mail: SZweifel@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 226 Mercer-Birmingham
Fax: 563.589.3425
Biography - Click to Open

Stan Zweifel joined the University of Dubuque in 2008. Under his tenure, the Spartans won the 2011 and 2015 Iowa Conference Championships and qualified for the 2011 and 2015 NCAA Division III Championships, and UD tied for 2nd place in the Iowa Conference in 2012. Twice Zweifel was named Iowa Conference Coach of the Year (2011, 2015) and was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year in 2011.

Prior to joining the Spartans as head coach, Zweifel was the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Minnesota State University-Mankato where he helped lead the Mavericks to a 9-3 season in 2007, an NSIC-South Division Championship, and a berth in the 2007 NCAA Division II Football Championships. Prior to being a member of the Maverick Coaching Staff, Zweifel was the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 16 seasons. During that time, the Warhawks enjoyed unparalleled success. They won six WIAC Conference Championships, played in 12 NCAA Division III playoff games, and those culminated into two NCAA Division III National Championship games in 2005 and 2006.

Zweifel was named the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year twice and was also a finalist for National Assistant Coach of the Year twice. In 2008, Zweifel was inducted into the Wisconsin Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In addition to the success Zweifel has enjoyed as a part of his accomplished coaching staffs, he has also written six books on offensive football and has produced 29 videos on the technical aspects of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive line play. 

He has also presented at the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) national clinic and has twice been featured in the AFCA national publications. The AFCA recently made Coach Zweifel the first University of Dubuque Football

Coach to have his technical and drill work published by the AFCA in the AFCA Technical Manual 2009. Zweifel is nationally known for his clinic lectures, as well as being a highly sought camp director across the country.

Coach Zweifel has been married to his wife Diane Heimerl Zweifel for 41 years, she is a dental hygienist. The Zweifels have four children: Saree was a teacher in San Diego, Calif., but now owns her own business “Girls On Target” and also teaches yoga in San Diego. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and was a four-year letterwinner for the Golden Gophers in track and field. Saree and her husband Steve reside in San Diego with their son River. Shannon, a 2008 graduate of UW-River Falls, was a three-time All-American in Track for the Falcons. She is a physical education teacher and girls basketball coach in Mexico City, Mexico. Michael is a 2012 graduate of UD and spent the summer of 2013 playing for the Vienna Vikings team in Europe. He helped the team win the European Football Championship after starting on both sides of the ball as a WR and DB. He owns his own business in Dubuque called “Building Better Athletes,” is a columnist for the Telegraph Herald newspaper in Dubuque, and finished his master’s degree in kinesiology. He married Jennifer (Fischer), who was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s basketball team for the Spartans, in August of 2016. Stan’s youngest son, Mark, graduated in May 2013 from the University of Dubuque where he majored in business. He works for the McKesson Corporation as a medical business analyst and completed his master’s degree in sports management from the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign campus in 2016.

Zweifel graduated from Evansville High School in 1970 where he was a three sport letterwinner. He graduated from UW-River Falls in 1974 as an eight-time letterwinner: four in football and four in baseball. Upon graduation Zweifel became the head football coach at Markesan High School. Stan has been the Head Coach at Markesan High School, New Ulm High School in New Ulm, Minn., Yankton College, and the University of Minnesota-Morris. He has also been the offensive coordinator at Northern Colorado University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Zweifel helped produce 35 All-Americans, 162 All-Conference players, three Iowa Conference MVPs, and16 players have continued on to play professional football.

Coaching Record at the University of Dubuque
Year Overall  IIAC    
2009 5-5 4-4 4th place  
2010 4-6 3-5 6th place  
2011 9-2 7-1 1st place    *IIAC Coach of the Year
2012 5-5 4-3 2nd place  
2013 5-5 4-3 3rd place  
2014 4-6 3-4 5th place  
2015 8-3 7-0 1st place *IIAC Coach of the Year
2016 8-2 6-2 2nd place  
2017 6-4 4-4 4th place  
   TOTAL:     54-38   42-26   
Carl C. Coleman
Carl C. Coleman
Assistant Football Coach
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
Recruiting Coordinator
MEA, Mary Hardin-Baylor
BS, Mary Hardin-Baylor

Office Phone: 563.589.3727
E-mail: CColeman@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 227 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Carl C. Coleman is entering his third season on the Spartans staff serving as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator.

During Coleman’s tenure as defensive coordinator, the Spartan defense has ranked among the conference’s best in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense. In the past two seasons, the Spartans have had 10 All-IIAC selections. Last season, the Spartans finished the Iowa Conference play leading the league pass efficiency defense with a league high 19 interceptions. The last two seasons, the Spartan defense finished in the Top-2 in total defense and pass defense. Coleman coached two All-Iowa Conference defensive backs who helped lead the IIAC in turnover margin at +18 and finished the season ranked 5th in the nation in turnover margin. The Spartan defense was also 10th in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored. 

In 2015, the Spartans utilized a stout defense led by Coleman to their first Iowa Conference title since 2011. With six All-IIAC selections, including Defensive MVP Blaine Snitker, Coleman’s defense led the IIAC during league play in scoring (15.4 ppg), total yards allowed (314.7 ypg), and six other major categories by a wide margin. UD held 5 out of 7 IIAC opponents under 16 points, including 13 points by then No. 6 ranked Wartburg in a Homecoming rout and seven points by Loras in the Key City Clash, both Top-3 scoring offenses in league. Forcing a league-high 18 turnovers, the Spartans also led the IIAC in turnover margin at +13. Coleman, a former defensive back, led a secondary that tied the league-high with 12 interceptions. 

He earned a Masters of Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Professional Studies as a player and coach at traditional Division III powerhouse, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in Belton, Texas from 2004-2012. In 2014, Coleman served as the assistant football coach with linebackers at La Vega High School in Bellmead, Texas. Prior to La Vega, he was the assistant football coach with defensive backs and recruiting coordinator for Central College in Pella, Iowa from 2012-2014. Central boasted the number one total defense, passing efficiency defense, and scoring defense in the Iowa Conference (IIAC) in 2013. Nationally, the Dutch ranked 14th, 13th, and 10th, respectively.  

Coleman is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), NCAA Future Football Coaches Academy Class of 2009, and Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA). He attended University High School in Waco, Tex. and played for his dad, LeRoy Coleman.
Drew Nystrom
Drew Nystrom
Assistant Football Coach
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
M.Ed., University of Delaware
BS, Bowling Green University

Office Phone: 563.589.3584
E-mail: DNystrom@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 231 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Drew Nystrom returned to the University of Dubuque in January of 2014, serving as the Offensive Coordinator, after spending the 2013 season as the offensive line graduate assistant at the University of Illinois. Nystrom served as offensive line coach for the Spartans from 2011-2012.

In his five seasons in charge of the offensive line, the Spartans have produced 12 All-Iowa Conference performers. The 2016 campaign saw the Spartans add two more All-IIAC offensive lineman and finish #5 in the NCAA in turnover margin (+1.8 per game), as well as #19 in scoring offense by averaging 39.8 points per game. In 2015, the Spartan offense finished second in scoring (36.1 ppg) and third in total offense (463.3 ypg) thanks to nine All-IIAC selections, including four offensive linemen (two 1st Team selections). The Spartans scored 31+ points in their last six IIAC games and totaled 500+ yards of total offense in two of their final three IIAC games. UD committed the fewest turnovers during IIAC play and led the league with a +13 turnover margin. The 2014 UD offense finished in the Top 20 in the NCAA in fewest sacks allowed per game (0.9 pg).

Prior to joining Illinois, Nystrom served two seasons as the run game coordinator, offensive line coach, and director of football operations with the Spartans. During his first stint at Dubuque, the Spartan offensive line paved the way to the 2011 Iowa Conference Championship, a NCAA Division III Championships berth, and a second place finish in the IIAC in 2012. In 2011, the Spartan offensive line aided Justin Spaulding’s average of 126.0 yds/game, which was good enough finish #16 in the NCAA and lead the Iowa Conference in rushing. In Nystrom’s two years at Dubuque, the Spartan offensive line produced three All-IIAC selections.

As a staff member of the Fighting Illini, Nystrom was a part of one of the most drastic improvements in college football. In 2013, the Fighting Illini improved over 60 spots in the NCAA National Rankings in First Downs (24/game), Passing Offense (287.7 yds/game), 3rd Down Conversions (47.65%), Yards per Play (5.91 yds/play), Total Offense (426.7 yds/game), and Scoring Offense (29.7 pts/game).

In 2010, Nystrom served as the offensive line graduate assistant at the University of Memphis. He also served as the offensive graduate assistant at the University of Delaware, working with the Blue Hen’s offensive line in 2009 and tight ends in the spring of 2010. Nystrom spent the 2008 season as the tight ends and assistant offensive line coach at Wabash College, helping the Little Giants to a 10-2 record, a perfect 7-0 mark in the NCAC and a berth in the NCAA Division III Championships. He guided two individuals to all-conference honors while also assisting in the development of three offensive linemen who earned All-NCAC awards.

A four-year letter winner as an offensive tackle at Bowling Green State University, Nystrom started 34 games and helped the Falcons to berths in the 2003 Motor City Bowl, 2004 GMAC Bowl, and 2008 GMAC Bowl. His 2007 performance garnered 2nd Team All-MAC and 1st Team Academic All-MAC honors. In 2008, he was an inductee to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society.

Drew and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Dubuque, Iowa.
Miles Hookstead
Miles Hookstead
Assistant Football Coach/Running Backs
BS, University of Dubuque

Office Phone: 563.589.3209
E-mail: MHookstead@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 228 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Miles Hookstead is entering his fifth season on the Spartans staff and second with the running backs. He coached the wide receivers in 2014 and 2015 after spending the 2013 season with the offensive linemen.

In the past two seasons, including the 2015 IIAC title team, Hookstead coached two outstanding All-IIAC receivers. Tyler Rutenbeck, named First Team as a senior in 2014, finished his career Top-5 in career receptions (163), touchdowns (42, tied school record), yards per catch (16.7), and receiving yards (2,715). Rutenbeck participated in training camps with the Indianapolis Colts at the end of his UD career. Chris Bagley, a 2015 graduate, was a three-time All-IIAC selection and also ended his career among the top in UD history in receiving touchdowns (4th - 24), receptions (6th - 153) and reception yards (7th - 2,100).

A University of Dubuque graduate, Hookstead was a two-sport athlete participating in football and basketball. He was a four-year starter on the football team at tight end from 2009-2012. He was a key member of the 2011 team that won the Iowa Conference Championship and earned a berth in the Division III Playoffs. In 2012, he was named First Team All-Iowa Conference and Third Team BSN All-American. He was also chosen Second Team All-Iowa Conference and Third Team D3football.com All-Region in 2011. Hookstead was a two-year starter on the basketball team at center and played from 2009-2013. The 2013 team won the Iowa Conference Tournament Championship to earn a place in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

A standout on the field and in the classroom, Hookstead earned Academic All-Iowa Conference six times (3-football, 3-basketball) while also being inducted to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. He was also chosen First Team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2011 and 2012, First Team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2011, and Second Team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2012.

Hookstead earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque in the spring of 2013 where he majored in Health, Wellness, & Recreation with minors in Business and Coaching.

A native of Whitewater, Wis., Hookstead was a 12-time letter winner (four in football, four in basketball, and four in baseball) at Whitewater High School.

He resides in Dubuque with his wife Kelsey.
Austin Hughes
Austin Hughes
Assistant Football Coach/Linebackers
MBA, University of Dubuque
BA, University of Dubuque

Office Phone: 563.589.3781
E-mail: AHughes@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 227 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Austin Hughes is entering his fourth season on the Spartans staff in 2017 and will coach the linebackers.

In 2016, Hughes helped coach a defense that finished second in total defense in the Iowa Conference. The Spartan defensive lead the league with 19 interceptions in Conference play. The Spartan Defense was also tied for fifth nationally with a +18 turnover margin.

Hughes was a key member of the 2011 team that won the Iowa Conference Championship and earned a birth in the Division III Playoffs, finishing the season with 41 solo and 41 assisted tackles (2nd highest team total). Hughes played linebacker for the Spartans and appeared in 35 games in his four-year career. As a starter he finished with 79 solo and 65 assisted tackles. He was a three-year academic All-Iowa Conference honoree while also being inducted into the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society.

Hughes earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Dubuque in the spring of 2014 where he majored in Business Administration with a minor in Coaching. He earned his Masters of Business Administration in the summer of 2016 from the University of Dubuque as well.  

A native of Preston, Iowa, Hughes was a 17-time letter winner (3 in Football, 4 in Baseball, 3 in Basketball, 3 in Track, and 4 in Golf) at Preston High School.

He resides in Dubuque with his fiancé Bethany.
Jay Schlichte
Jay Schlichte
Assistant Football Coach/Tight Ends
MBA, University of Dubuque
BA, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Office Phone: 3747
E-mail: JSchlichte@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 224 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Jay Schlichte joined the Spartans staff in 2015 as a graduate assistant working with the Offensive Line, which saw four players receive All-Conference honors. In the spring of 2016 he joined the defensive staff and will work with the Outside Linebackers. The 2017 season marks his first season on staff working with the tight ends.

He earned his Masters of Business Administration at UD in 2017. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Urban Regional Studies from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. As a Bulldog tight end he was part of three NSIC Conference Championship teams (2011-2012, 2014), four NSIC North Division Titles (2011-2014), four NCAA Division II Playoff appearances (2011-2014), with two quarterfinal appearances (2011,2014). During his time at UMD the Bulldogs combined record was 45-8.

He is a native of North Mankato, Minn. and graduated from Mankato West High School in 2011.
Jeremy Whitlow
Jeremy Whitlow
Graduate Assistant - Football Coach/Wide Receivers
Office Phone: 563.589.3747
E-mail: JWhitlow@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 224 Mercer Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Jeremy Whitlow is entering his third season on the Spartan staff and will serve as a graduate assistant and wide receivers coach after spending 2015 as an intern working with running backs.

In his collegiate career at The University of Illinois, he played in 13 games at wide receiver and on special teams. He also participated in the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl and the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl.

As high school prep at Cleveland Central Catholic in Cleveland Ohio, Whitlow was a three star recruit by Rivals.com. As a senior, he led Cleveland Central Catholic with 40 receptions for 875 yards and seven touchdowns.
Bridgette Brandt
Bridgette Brandt
Graduate Assistant Football Coach/Operations
BA, University of Dubuque

Office Phone: 563.589.3747
E-mail: BBrandt@dbq.edu 
Office Location: 223 Mercer-Birmingham
Biography - Click to Open

Bridgette Brandt is entering her second season with the Spartan Football Program. After serving as a recruiting intern in 2016, she was hired as the Football Operations and Recruiting Graduate Assistant in the spring of 2017. 

A 2016 graduate of the University of Dubuque, Brandt earned her undergraduate degree in Sports Marketing and Management. She will be in charge of all game day football operations, travel, and recruiting visits for the Spartans. 

A native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, she graduated from Lake Country Lutheran High School in 2013 where she earned eight varsity letters. 

Brandt currently resides in Dubuque, Iowa.

Past Seasons

Select a season for historical information and statistics

2017 Record Book

 
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