Warhawks to play Saint John's University in quarterfinal Dec. 2

November 27, 2006

Neil Mrkvicka (1) scores the winning touchdown
leading the Warhawks to victory over
UW-La Crosse.

Defeat is not in the vocabulary of a Warhawk football player, as the UW-Whitewater football team defeated UW-La Crosse 24-21 over the holiday weekend in the second round of the NCAA III playoffs.

The Warhawks advanced to the elite eight with the quarterfinal game set for noon on Dec. 2 against Saint John's University (Minn.) at Perkins Stadium. Saint John's defeated Whitworth College (WA) 21-3 Saturday afternoon to advance to the quarterfinals against UW-Whitewater.

"I am very happy we were able to come up with a win this weekend over our conference rival. It was a difficult task, but I feel good that the players were able to hold their composure and confidence, regaining momentum to win the game," Head Coach Bob Berezowitz said.

UW-Whitewater is seeded first in its region and second overall in the Division III polls, with a total record of 12-0. The Warhawks previously played Saint John's in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs last year, winning 34-7.

"Saint John's is a tremendous team and we look forward to having students come support the Warhawks after a long weekend," Berezowitz said. 

UW-Whitewater makes its fifth appearance in the NCAA III playoffs since 1980, with previous appearances in 1988, 1990, 1997 and 2005. This season the Warhawks are the first team in league history to compile back-to-back unbeaten and untied records during the regular season.

After a long weekend, students, faculty, staff and community members are once again being called to support the Warhawk football team on Dec. 2 for the third round home play-off game. Students can buy one ticket for $4 and get one free, in addition to receiving free admission to the pre-game tailgate party hosted by DLK Enterprises. The tailgate party will include free hot dogs and beverages starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Coulthart Family Pavilion.

Tickets can be picked up at the DLK office, located at 144 N. Tratt between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

The game will also be streamed live, at no charge, in a cooperative effort between UW-W TV and Penn  Atlantic.  To view the game, click on "Watch the Warhawks" under the Penn Atlantic logo on the Athletics homepage.

For more information, visit the UW-Whitewater football championship Web site at http://www.uww.edu/athletics/mfootball/2006ncaafootballchamp/.