CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the 2023 American Rivers Conference Football Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2023 American Rivers Conference Football Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2022 Record |
| 1. |
Wartburg (8) |
64 |
13-1 overall, 8-0 A-R-C (Conference Champions) |
| 2. |
Central |
54 |
7-3 overall, 5-3 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Coe (1) |
51 |
7-3 overall, 6-2 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Dubuque |
42 |
6-4 overall, 6-2 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Loras |
39 |
5-5 overall, 5-3 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Buena Vista |
23 |
4-6 overall, 3-5 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Luther |
18 |
2-8 overall, 2-6 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Simpson |
17 |
1-9 overall, 1-7 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
16 |
1-9 overall, 0-8 A-R-C |
The Wartburg College Knights are the coaches' choice to win the 2023 American Rivers Conference Football title. The Knights were last season's conference champions and were chosen first on eight ballots (coaches do not vote on their own team) and earned 64 points to earn the No. 1 ranking. Central garnered 54 points in the poll. Coe debuts at No. 3 in the coaches' poll, earning 51 points and were picked to win it all on one ballot. Dubuque picked up 42 points to put them at the No. 4 spot. The Duhawks tallied 39 points to put them at the No. 5 spot and Buena Vista picked up 23 points to earn sixth. Luther, Simpson, and Nebraska Wesleyan finished seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.
D3football.com Preseason Poll: Wartburg is entering the season ranked No. 5 after advancing to the NCAA semifinals a season ago.
New Coaches:
- Austin Dickinson, Buena Vista University --- Dickinson was named the head football coach in December of 2022. He spent the previous two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He coached six All-Conference players in the WIAC. He additionally has spent two seasons as the recruiting coordinator and a defensive coach at Minnesota State University - Mankato. While with Mankato, the Mavericks reached the Division II National Championship game. Dickinson graduated from Buena Vista in 2010 and was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter.
- Reed Hoskins, Simpson College -- Hoskins was named the 34th football coach for Simpson in December of 2022. He spent the last seven seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Illinois Wesleyan. During his time with the Titans, a pair of CCIW titles were won. He produced 20 All-Conference selections including five during the 2018 season which saw IWU rank top-10 nationally in eight statistical categories. Prior to Illinois Wesleyan, Hoskins spent the 2011-2015 seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Hoskins is familar with the A-R-C as he graduated from Wartburg in 2006 and was the starting quarterback for the Knights for three seasons.
The Schedule: The 2023 season kicks off on Saturday, September 2 with eight of the nine members of the American Rivers Conference taking the field. Buena Vista travels to Gustavus Adolphus and Central travels to St. Olaf, both out of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Coe will make the short trip to Cornell out of the Midwest Conference (MWC) and Dubuque will host Wittenberg a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Loras will host Benedictine out of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) and Nebraska Wesleyan will make the trip to Texas to take on Austin College out of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Simpson will play host to Augustana (Ill.) out of the Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Wartburg will host Monmouth College from the MWC to open their 2023 season. Luther will open their 2023 campaign on Saturday, September 9 when they host St. Olaf from the MIAC.
The eight-game round robin conference schedule begins on Saturday, September 16 and wraps up on Saturday, November 11. League games on September 16 will feature Buena Vista at Wartburg, Luther at Loras, Simpson and Nebraska Wesleyan, and Coe at Central. Dubuque will open their conference slate on September 23 when they host Loras.
The American Rivers Conference champion receives the leagues' automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III playoffs.
| 1st |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Chris Winter (3rd season, 20-4 record)
2022 Record: 13-1 overall, 8-0 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: 1st
Returning All-Conference: Hunter Clasen (2022 Offensive MVP, 2022 First Team, RB, Fifth Year), Owen Grover (2022 Defensive MVP, 2022 First Team, LB, Fifth Year), Parker Rochford (2022 First Team, DB, Jr.), Jordan Downing (2022 First Team, DL, Fifth Year), Riley Konrardy (2022 First Team, DL, Fifth Year), Nate LInk (2022 First Team, DB, Sr.), Tucker Kinney (2022 First Team, OL, Sr.), Nile McLaughlin (2022 First Team, QB, Fifth Year), Thomas Butters (2022 First Team, TE, Fifth Year), Ben Bryant (2022 First Team, RS, Sr.), Alex Lahmon (2022 Second Team, OL, Fifth Year), Cael O'Neill (2022 Second Team, K, Sr.), Ethan Stockwell (2022 Honorable Mention, OL, Sr.), Drew Wyffels (2022 Honorable Mention, DB, Fifth Year)
Offensive Starters Returning: 9
Offensive Starters Lost: 2
Defensive Starters Returning: 7
Defensive Starters Lost: 4
Chris Winter - "Our team is excited for the opportunity to get back on the field this fall. Our goal for the 2023 season is to be in a position to compete for an American Rivers Conference football championship. We have 36 seniors who are ready to lead us through another difficult American Rivers Conference schedule, and we are looking forward to the challenge." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Owen Grover - LB (Fifth Year) |
112 tackles (64 solo) // 13.0 TFL // 5.5 sacks // 36 SFL // 5 INT. |
| Hunter Clasen - RB (Fifth Year) |
223 recieving yards // 1,584 rushing yards // 21 rushing TD |
| Nile McLaughlin - QB (Fifth Year) |
140.3 effic. // 3,046 passing yards // 27 passing TD |
| Riley Konrardy - DL (Fifth Year) |
40 tackles (21 solo) // 10.0 TFL // 46 SFL |
| Jordan Downing - DL (Fifth Year) |
57 tackles (25 solo) // 18.0 TFL |
| Thomas Butters - TE (Fifth Year) |
423 receiving yards // 5 receiving TD // 12.4 avg./carry |
| Alex Lahmon - OL (Fifth Year) |
40.57 points/game // 201.2 rushing yards/game // 226.6 passing yards/game |
| Tucker Kinney - OL (Sr.) |
40.57 points/game // 201.2 rushing yards/game // 226.6 passing yards/game |
| Nate Link - LB (Sr.) |
98 tackles (56 solo) // 10.5 TFL // 10 SFL |
| Ben Bryant - RB/RS (Sr.) |
383 rushing yards // 145 receiving yards // 5 rushing TD // 2 receiving TD |
| Parker Rochford - DB (Jr.) |
70 tackles (50 solo) // 4.5 TFL // 7 INT. |
| 2nd |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Jeff McMartin (20th season, 147-46 record)
2022 Record: 7-3 overall, 5-3 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: T-4th
Returning All-Conference: Logan Mont (2022 First-Team, WR, Sr.), Brody Klein (2022 First-Team, DB, Sr.), Logan Sunvold (2021 & 2022 First-Team, K, Sr.), Austin Burns (2022 First Team, 2021 Second Team, P, Sr.), Ryan Neu (2022 Second Team, WR, Sr.), Cameron Bannister (2021 & 2022 Second Team, DB, Sr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 5
Offensive Starters Lost: 6
Defensive Starters Returning: 6
Defensive Starters Lost: 5
Jeff McMartin - "The American Rivers Conference is an outstanding conference, and each week presents a tremendous challenge. There are a lot of talented players returning in the league this year. We are excited for the opportunity to compete.” |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Brody Klein - DB (Sr.) |
54 tackles (25 solo) // 7.0 TFL // 1.5 sacks // 12 SFL // 2 INT. |
| Logan Sunvold - K (Sr.) |
4,371 yards in kickoffs // 28 touchbacks // 60.7 avg. |
| 3rd |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Tyler Staker (8th season, 42-21 record)
2022 Record: 7-3 overall, 6-2 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: t-2nd
Returning All-Conference: Jack Shaw (2022 First Team, DB, Sr.), Alex Aitchson (2022 First Team, DL, Sr.), Jay Oostendorp (2022 First Team, LB, Sr.), Noah Theriault (2022 First Team, OL, Jr.), Ray Seidel (2022 First Team, RB, Sr.), Dominic Shepardson (2022 First Team, WR, Sr.), LaDainian Linnear (2022 Second Team, DB, Sr.), Ben Ridenour (2022 Second Team, LB, Sr.), Cooper Zeck (2022 Second Team, TE, Sr.), Carter Maske (2022 Honorable Mention, QB, Sr.), Luke Schumacher (2022 Honorable Mention, OL, So.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 9
Offensive Starters Lost: 2
Defensive Starters Returning: 9
Defensive Starters Lost: 2
Tyler Staker - "I am excited for the start of the 2023 football season and to kickoff fall camp with our players and coaches. I anticipate the conference to be extremely competitive, with a lot of returners and experience coming back for many teams. I am happy with the growth and development of our players over the off-season and look forward to the addition of our incoming class. I believe our experience and leadership will be a strong point for us this fall." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Dominic Shepardson - WR (Sr.) |
857 receiving yards // 8 receiving TD |
| Noah Theriault - OL (Jr.) |
32.4 points/game // 160.6 rushing yards/game // 233.4 passing yards/game |
| Ray Seidel - RB (Sr.) |
636 rushing yards // 12 rushing TD |
| Alex Aitchison - DL (Sr.) |
38 tackles (22 solo) // 19.0 TFL // 101 SFL // 4 FF |
| Jack Shaw - DB (Sr.) |
48 tackles (39 solo) // 3.0 TFL // 4 INT. |
| Jay Oostendorp - LB (Sr.) |
54 tackles (40 solo) // 16.0 TFL // 6.5 sacks // 52 SFL |
| 4th |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Stan Zweifel (15th season, 81-52 record)
2022 Record: 6-4 overall, 6-2 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: T-2nd
Returning All-Conference: Garrett Hertzfeldt (2022 First Team, DL, Jr.), Jack Connors (2022 First Team, OL, Sr.), Dalton Wood (2022 Second Team, DB, Jr.), Brock Carter (2022 Second Team, DB, Sr.), Wes Spitzmiller (2022 Second Team, OL, Jr.), Ben Gultig (2022 Second Team, QB, Jr.), Kallion Buckner (2022 Second Team, RB, Jr.), Wade Sheets (2022 Second-Team, WR, Jr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 7
Offensive Starters Lost: 4
Defensive Starters Returning: 6
Defensive Starters Lost: 5
Stan Zweifel - Wartburg appears to be returning a solid team from last year, they will be the favorite to repeat. Coe, Central, and UD will have an opportunity to compete for the top spot. We are optimistic about our chances if we stay healthy. |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Garrett Hertzfeldt - DL (Jr.) |
33 tackles (19 solo) // 8.5 TFL // 43 SFL // 5.5 sacks // 1 INT. |
| Jack Connors - OL (Sr.) |
30.7 points/game // 145.4 rushing yards/game // 291.3 passing yards/game |
| Dalton Wood - DB (Jr.) |
61 tackles (39 solo) // 3.0 TFL // 1 INT. // 1 FF |
| Ben Gultig - QB (Jr.) |
158.3 effic. // 2,266 passing yards // 21 passing TD // |
| Wade Sheets - WR (Jr.) |
920 receiving yards // 8 receiving TD |
| 5th |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Steve Helminiak (10th season, 32-50 record)
2022 Record: 5-5 overall, 5-3 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: T-3rd
Returning All-Conference: Evan England (2022 First Team, QB, Jr.), Elijah Dertz (2022 Honorable Mention, DL, Sr.), Scott Talmadge (2022 Honorable Mention, K, Jr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 6
Offensive Starters Lost: 5
Defensive Starters Returning: 6
Defensive Starters Lost: 5
Steve Helminiak - "We are excited about our guys and looking forward to the 2023 season in the ever tough A-R-C." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Da'Mani Brown - WR (Jr.) |
918 receiving yards // 10 receiving TD |
| Tyson Smith - OL (Jr.) |
34.8 points/game // 150.7 rushing yards/game // 280.6 passing yards/game |
| Jamel Britt - RB (Jr.) |
214 receiving yards // 196 rushing yards // 3 receiving TD |
| Jonah Clark - DL (So.) |
12 tackles (6 solo) // 4.0 TFL |
| Andrew Hefel - LB (Sr.) |
45 tackles (17 solo) // 8.0 TFL // 6 sacks // 1 INT. |
| Brett Bower - SAF (Sr.) |
51 tackles (24 solo) // 2.5 TFL |
| 6th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Austin Dickinson (1st season)
2022 Record: 4-6 overall, 3-5 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: 6th
Returning All-Conference: 0
Offensive Starters Returning: 6
Offensive Starters Lost: 5
Defensive Starters Returning: 4
Defensive Starters Lost: 7
Austin Dickinson - "We are excited about the direction our team is going. We have a great group of core players who continue to develop. Our players are ready to compete this fall." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Eman Alaniz - RB (Jr.) |
384 rushing yards // 72 receiving yards // 3 rushing TD // 1 receiving TD |
| James Facio - OL (Sr.) |
22.7 points/game // 124.0 rushing yards/game // 247.8 passing yards/game |
| Landon Weber - DL (Sr.) |
34 tackles (17 solo) // 5.0 TFL // 4 SFL |
| Matthew Beisswenger - DB (So.) |
2 tackles (1 solo) // 2,194 punted yards // 2 touchbacks |
| 7th |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Joe Troche (2nd season, 2-8 record)
2022 Record: 2-8 overall, 2-6 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: 7th
Returning All-Conference: Beau Cornwell (2022 Honorable Mention, QB, Sr.), Blake Storby (2022 Honorable Mention, TE, Sr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 7
Offensive Starters Lost: 4
Defensive Starters Returning: 9
Defensive Starters Lost: 2
Joe Troche - "We are excited to get back on the field and show our growth from year one to year two. I am extremely proud of our students and how they've raised the standard here at Luther along with the work of our coaches have put in to help us be competitive right now in the competitive A-R-C." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Beau Cornwell - QB (Sr.) |
114.9 effic. // 2,368 passing yards // 19 passing TD // 35 rushing yards // 2 rushing TD |
| Blake Storby - TE (Sr.) |
234 receiving yards // 5 receiving TD |
| 8th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Reed Hoskins (1st season)
2022 Record: 1-9 overall, 1-7 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: 8th
Returning All-Conference: Reed Worth (2022 Second Team, WR, Sr.), Wyatt Schaben (2022 Honorable Mention, LB, Sr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 8
Offensive Starters Lost: 3
Defensive Starters Returning: 5
Defensive Starters Lost: 6
Reed Hoskins - "Our team is excited for the new season and the opportunity to compete in one of the strongest conferences in the country!" |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Reed Worth - WR (Sr.) |
1,157 receiving yards // 13 receiving TD |
| Joe Bream - OL (Jr.) |
22.4 points/game // 92.0 rushing yards/game // 291.0 passing yards/game |
| Wyatt Schaben - LB (Sr.) |
98 tackles (50 solo) // 5.5 TFL // 8 SFL // 2 INT. // 2 FF |
| Zach Truitt - LB (Jr.) |
75 tackles (43 solo) // 2.5 TFL // 2 FF |
| CJ Hangartner - LB (Jr.) |
23 tackles (10 solo) |
| 9th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Brian Keller (28th season, 125-137 record)
2022 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-8 Conference
2022 Conference Finish: 9th
Returning All-Conference: Carter Terry (2022 Second Team, QB, Grad Student), Tad Naiberk (2022 Honorable Mention, OL, Grad Student), Trystin Myers (2022 Honorable Mention, RB, Jr.), Aashton Kirkland (2022 Honorable Mention, RS, Jr.)
Offensive Starters Returning: 10
Offensive Starters Lost: 1
Defensive Starters Returning: 8
Defensive Starters Lost: 3
Brian Keller - "NWU is poised to rebound from 2022 with 18 starters returning." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Carter Terry - QB (Gr.) |
113.9 effic. // 2,644 passing yards // 18 passing TD |
| Cole Siems - WR (Jr.) |
667 receiving yards // 5 receiving TD |
| Trystin Myers - RB (Jr.) |
741 rushing yards // 485 receiving yards // 6 rushing TD // 3 receiving TD |
| Tad Naiberk - OL (Gr.) |
25.2 points/game // 95.4 rushing yards/game // 285.8 passing yards/game |
| Zach Busmente - LB (Sr.) |
30 tackles (15 solo) |
