10-Year Celebration: UMAC Football All-Decade honors
ST. PAUL, Minn.---As part of its 2018-19 "10-Year Celebration," the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) named 25 individual players to the UMAC Football All-Decade Team and recognized former College of St. Scholastica head coach Greg Carlson as the Coach of the Decade and the 2011 St. Schoalstica squad as the Football Team of the Decade, the conference announced Thursday.
The 25 individuals named to the All-Decade Team, listed by institution, include:
- College of St. Scholastica - Zach Dubanoski (2009-2012), Mitch Ejnik (2012, 2014-2015), Alec French (2010-2013), Sean Graskey (2009-2011), Kenneth Jinkins (2014-2017), Alex Mangan (2012-2015), Pete Stanley (2011-2014), Mike Theismann (2011-2014), Stephen Voelkner (2008-2011)
- Crown College - Josh Prokosch (2008*)
- Greenville University - Anthony Ambers (2009-2010), Brendan Chambers (2010-2013), Gregoire Franchomme (2017), Nicholas Morrow (2013-2016)
- MacMurray College - Chazz Middlebrook (2015-2017)
- Martin Luther College - Chuqee Fletcher (2008-2010*), Matt Rothe (2008-2010*)
- University of Minnesota Morris - Brendon Foss (2010-2013), Cody Hickman (2011-2014), Theo Powell (2008-2009)
- University of Northwestern - Ben Evans (2012-2015), Josh Swore (2009-2012), Nick Swore (2015-2017), Kyle Thomforde (2008-2009*)
- Westminster College - Daniel Eidson (2008-2009*)
All-Decade Team
Anthony Ambers, Greenville University (2009-2010)
Ambers made a significant impact in just two seasons with Greenville. The running back led the panthers to back-to-back UMAC titles (South Division in 2009) and earned Player of the Year honors each year. In 2010, he averaged 173.5 yards per game rushing which ranked second in the nation. He also led the league in points per game (12.0) in 2010 and finished his two seasons with 2,835 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns.
Brendan Chambers, Greenville University (2010-2013)
Chambers was a dual offensive threat at quarterback for four seasons for Greenville. He led the Panthers to two UMAC titles during his four seasons and was a three-time All-UMAC First Team selection at quarterback. In 2013, Chambers was selected the UMAC Offensive Player of the Year and recorded 25 touchdowns including a league-best 13 rushing touchdowns in conference games. He finished his career leading Greenville in their UMAC era for career rushing (3,335) and passing yards (4,861).
Zach Dubanoski, College of St. Scholastica (2009-2012)
Dubanoski was a key part of a solid defense that helped St. Scholastica to back-to-back UMAC titles and NCAA appearances in 2011 and 2012. The defensive lineman was a two-time All-UMAC First Team selection and D3Football.com All-West Region selection. In 2009, Dubanoski led Division III with six forced fumbles. He finished off his career earning the 2012 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Daniel Eidson, Westminster College (2008-2009)*
Eidson was a true impact player at two positions for Westminster in his two seasons of NCAA Division III membership for the UMAC. In 2008 and 2009, Eidson earned All-UMAC First Team honors for both offense and special teams and was named the 2009 UMAC Special Teams Player of the Year. He was 32nd in Division III in punting average (38.5) and total offense (244.6 yd/g) in 2008 and ranked 17th in 2009 for total offense (302.0 yd/g).
Mitch Ejnik, College of St. Scholastica (2012, 2014-2015)
Ejnik threatened opposing teams from two positions during his three seasons with the UMAC champion Saints. His breakout season came in 2015 when he was a All-UMAC First Team selection as a linebacker and a punt returner. That season Ejnik was selected as the UMAC Special Teams Player of the Year and D3Football.com All-West Region Third Team. He holds the St. Scholastica record for career punt return touchdowns (4).
Ben Evans, University of Northwestern (2012-2015)
Evans was part of four successful Northwestern squads that shared the 2012 UMAC title and recorded runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2015. Those Eagle teams collected 28 conference wins in a four-year span. During his career, Evans was a consistent offensive line performer picking First Team all-conference honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Chuqee Fletcher, Martin Luther College (2008-2010)*
Fletcher played defensive line during his career at Martin Luther and helped the Knights to a UMAC title in 2009 (North Division). He was a two-time All-UMAC First Team honoree and the 2009 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. That season Fletcher recorded 56 tackles including 12 for a loss with four sacks. He ended his career with 148 tackles with 18 for a loss.
Brendon Foss, University of Minnesota Morris (2010-2013)
Foss made a significant offensive impact in his final three seasons at Minnesota Morris including a breakout year in 2013 when he earned All-UMAC First Team honors. That season he led the conference in receiving yards (873), yards per game (87.3) and receptions (71). Foss finished his career with 190 receptions for 2,174 yards and owns the Minnesota Morris record for career receiving touchdowns (32).
Gregoire Franchomme, Greenville University (2017-Current)
Franchomme established himself as one of the top offensive players in the UMAC in his first season at Greenville in 2017. The tight end was All-UMAC First Team and D3Football.com All-West Region Second Team. He also collected AFCA All-America Second Team honors. Franchomme was third in the UMAC in receiving touchdowns (10), which was the most at his position, and was fourth in receiving yards (703).
Alec French, College of St. Scholastica (2010-2013)
French was part of a St. Scholastica squad that won three-straight UMAC titiles and made consecutive NCAA appearances. As a defensive back, French earned two All-UMAC First Team accolades and finished his career as the 2013 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. That season he was also First Team All-West Region and Honorable Mention All-America by D3Football.com. French holds the Saints' record for career pass breakups (22) and is second in career tackles (268).
Sean Graskey, College of St. Scholastica (2009-2011)
Graskey helped lead St. Scholastica to its first UMAC title and NCAA tournament appearance in 2011. That season he was selected All-UMAC First Team and UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. Graskey was also Third Team All-Region by D3Football.com. He tied for the NCAA Division III lead in forced fumbles (6) in 2011. Graskey ended his career as the program leader for career tackles (288).
Cody Hickman, University of Minnesota Morris (2011-2014)
Hickman was one of the most dominant tacklers in NCAA Division III during his four years at Minnesota Morris. The linebacker was a three-time All-UMAC First Team honoree and the 2014 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned All-West Region honors from D3Football.com as a senior. Hickman's 296 career tackle assists are the most in Division III history and his 497 career total tackles rank fourth all-time in Division III.
Kenneth Jinkins, College of St. Scholastica (2014-2017)
Jinkins was a threat on defense and special teams during his four years with St. Scholastica. He earned four All-UMAC First Team selections between his two positions and was a First Team pick in 2017 for both defensive back and kick returner. In 2016, Jinkins was selected Third Team All-West Region by D3Football.com. He holds the St. Scholastica record for career punt return yards (451) and kick return yards (1,436) and is the only player in Saints' history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns.
Alex Mangan, College of St. Scholastica (2012-2015)
Mangan was a key member of a St. Scholastica defense that won four-straight UMAC titles. In his four-year career, Mangan was a two-time All-UMAC First Team honoree and was selected as the UMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. His senior season Mangan also collected All-West First Team and Honorable Mention All-America honors from D3Football.com. Mangan holds the program record for tackles for a loss (38.5).
Chazz Middlebrook, MacMurray College (2015-2017)
Middlebrook was a critical player in the successful turnaround of the MacMurray football program over the last three years. The running back earned back-to-back All-UMAC First Team honors and was the 2016 UMAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading Division III in rushing yards (1,703). He was also D3Football.com All-West Region Second Team that season. Middlebrook finished his career with 3,555 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns.
Nicholas Morrow, Greenville University (2013-2016)
Morrow was one of the top defensive players in the UMAC during his four years at Greenville. He was a two-time All-UMAC First Team pick as a defensive back and was selected UMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. That season he was also selected AFCA All-America Scond Team after averaging 7.0 tackles per game and 11 tackles for loss. Following his college career, Morrow signed a contact with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent and started on defense mid-season. He is the only football player in UMAC history to sign a contract for a 52-man roster in the NFL. Morrow is a current member of the Raiders defense.
Theo Powell, University of Minnesota Morris (2008-2009)
Powell was a dominant offensive lineman for Minnesota Morris during his two seasons and the league's first seasons as a Division III member. During his career, Powell was twice selected as a UMAC all-conference performer in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, Powell helped the Cougars lead the UMAC in time of possession.
Josh Prokosch, Crown College (2008)*
Prokosch was a key contributor to Crown's offensive line during his four years. As a senior in 2008 during the conference's first year as a Division III member, he was named the UMAC Lineman of the Year and First Team All-UMAC. That season Prokosch helped Crown finish second in the conference. He headed up a line that allowed the fewest sacks (6) in the UMAC.
Matt Rothe, Martin Luther College (2008-2010)*
Rothe was a two-position, three-time All-UMAC selection during his time at Martin Luther and helped the Knights to a championship (North Division) in 2009. Rothe was All-UMAC First team as linebacker in 2008 and defensive end in 2009. He finished his career with 293 tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. In 2008, Rothe recorded 105 tackles for a career-high.
Pete Stanley, College of St. Scholastica (2011-2014)
Stanley was a three-time All-UMAC First Team selection at offensive line during St. Scholastica's four-straight UMAC championship seasons. As a senior, Stanley was selected as the UMAC Lineman of the Year. He headed up a line that scored 43.7 points per game in conference play in 2014 with a league-best 55 touchdowns.
Josh Swore, University of Northwestern (2009-2012)
Swore was an integral part of a Northwestern team that won a conference title in 2012 after finishing eighth in 2010. During his time with the Eagles, Swore was a dominant defensive lineman earning All-UMAC First Team honors and UMAC Lineman of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2011 and 2012). In 2012, he led the UMAC in sacks (8.5) in conference play. Swore ended his career with 26 sacks.
Nick Swore, University of Northwestern (2015-2017)
In his first three seasons, Swore has been a defensive and special teams threat for a Northwestern squad that won a UMAC title in 2016 and was ranked in the West Region. Swore was a three-time All-UMAC First Team selection and earned D3Football.com All-West Region First Team and All-America Second Team honors in 2017 for special teams. In 2017, he tallied three blocked kicks and was in the top 10 in Division III for interceptions (7). Swore owns 13 career interceptions.
Mike Theismann, College of St. Scholastica (2011-2014)
As a kicker, Theismann was an integral part of St. Scholastica's four-straight UMAC titles during his career. He was a three-time All-UMAC First Team honoree and also locked up the UMAC Special Teams Player of the Year award three times. In 2014, Theismann was selected by D3Football.com All-Region First Team and All-America Honorable Mention. The kicker owns the Saints' records for career points (266) and field goals made (25) and converted 74 percent of his field goal attempts with four over 40 yards.
Kyle Thomforde, University of Northwestern (2008-2009)*
Thomforde was a dual threat on offense and special teams during his two seasons with Northwestern in the Division III era of the UMAC. In 2009, Thomforde helped the Eagles win a UMAC title after recording 534 return yards for a 26.7 average that ranked 20th in Division III. He was a back-to-back All-UMAC First Team honoree in 2008 and 2009 for both wide receiver and returner.
Stephen Voelkner, College of St. Scholastica (2008-2011)
Voelkner was a key player during St. Scholastica's first four years as a varsity program and eventually led the Saints to a remarkable 2011 season and conference title. He was selected as All-UMAC First Team selection at offensive line. He anchored a line for the CSS offense that led the UMAC in scoring with 46.9 points per game in 2011.
Coach of The Decade
Greg Carlson, College of St. Scholastica
Carlson led St. Scholastica to three-consecutive UMAC titles and NCAA playoff appearances to kick off the first six years of the Saints' program during his tenure (2009-2013). He was selected as the 2011 UMAC Coach of the Year after taking St. Scholastica to an undefeated 10-0 regular season. In his final three years at the helm, St. Scholastica posted a 25-1 record in conference play.
Team of The Decade
College of St. Scholastica, 2011
The 2011 St. Scholastica football team was the first UMAC automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament after the Saints won their first football title following a 10-0 undefeated regular season. That year, the Saints led NCAA Division III in turnover margin and passing efficiency and ranked eighth in scoring offense (41.6 ppg). Ten players were selected All-UMAC and Carlson was Coach of the Year. The senior class consisted of the original class from the 2008 inaugural team which improved by three wins each season.
Team members included Lukas Adam, Travis Ambuehl, Chad Anderson, Don Anderson, Nate Anderson, Jonny Bennett, Jake Bilyk, Mike Boe, Justin Bosman, Ben Britton, James Bunger, Tony Busch, Blake Cedarleaf, Robert Shakrin, Jake Church, David Clark, Nick Clements, Kritian Cogdill, Deangelo Condon, Jake Cruz, Ross Docktor, Alex Dominguez, Christopher Doran, Zach Dubanoski, Dan Erickson, Matt Evans, Zack Farmer, Patrick Fenske, Thomas Fragale, Alec French, Tom Fricke, Cory Gebhard, Scott Gorham, Sean Graskey, Preston Gunderson, Tony Hansen, Tyler Harper, Grant Hartmann, Kaelin Harvey, Alex Hiess, TJ Hirsch, Drew Holm, Antonio Howard-Dominguez, Kyle Huggar, Chris Hughes, Jake Jensen, Stephen Jensen, Ben Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Samora Johnson, Christopher Kaplan, Michael Kaplan, Cole Karsky, Craig Kneeland, John Lafferty, Chris Lambach, Eric Larson, Make LaValley, JP Leary, Kasey Leggate, Mike Lehmann, Sean Lejonvarn, Chas Lemon, Cody Mauston, Mike McClernon, Steve Miller, Sherome Milon, Josh Miron, Shane Mogan, Jared Moran, Travis Nehowig, Jeff Ohaju, Paul Olson, Tyler Olson, Keegan O'Neill, Steven Perry, Matt Pint, Ernesto Ramos, Jordan Rasmussen, Kyle Remold, Joe Rice, Johnny Roberson, Aaron Rodriquez, Steven runquist, Keaton Rish, Luke Scharrer, Travis Shermer, John Shuga, Jerad Sikkink, Brandon Slocum, Spencer Specht, Pete Stanley, Josh Stewart, Stephen Stockhaus, Mike Theismann, Alex Thiry, Nick Thiry, Ryan Tollerud, Justin Trautmiller, Jake Turkowski, Stephen Voelkner and Tyler Zurn. Head coach was Greg Carlson.
*Only seasons a student-athlete competed during the 10-Year timeframe (2008-2018) in the UMAC are listed.
Throughout 2018-19, the UMAC will recognize individual athletes and one coach for each conference sport on All-Decade Teams and name one team as Team of the Decade. Individuals and teams were nominated by UMAC full and associate member institutions and the teams were selected by a committee of administrators and coaches from the UMAC. The All-Decade recognition is part of the UMAC "10-Year Celebration" commemorating the first 10 years of NCAA Division III membership for the UMAC.
All-Decade Team Archives
"10-Year Celebration" Page