Third year charm
Grand View University returns wealth of players to build on last year’s success
Ask any of the Grand View University Viking football staff or players about this season, and most will say something to the tune of “the third year’s the charm.” Since the program was founded in 2008, the Vikings have exponentially turned things around in its third year. Coming off a 2-8 record in 2008 and then 8-3 in 2009, the only thing that might stop the Vikings this year is themselves.
“We’ve only had two seasons under our belt, and to be coming off eight wins last year is kind of unheard of. Not many teams in our position can say that,” said head coach Mike Woodley. “We just need to take it one game at a time. If we can duplicate what we did last year, and even improve on it, that’ll be good. The best thing now is that our players know how to win.”
Those wins have translated into national recognition as Grand View University is ranked No. 20 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football Coaches Top 25 Spring Poll. The Vikings began the season with a 28-0 win against Black Hills State University last weekend.
“I tell the guys our only goal this year is to make the playoffs,” Woodley said. “Last year was well-earned, but that doesn’t mean anything this year. We have to start over again and continue to climb that mountain.”
The Vikings are predicted to place second behind the McKendree University Bearcats (Ill.), which beat them 35-17 in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) title game last season. The Bearcats, ranked No. 9, will host the Vikings Nov. 13.
While a possible title game may loom in the balance, Woodley emphasized he’s more focused on what his team can do now. Grand View University, which returns 22 starters, led the NAIA in turnover margin last season (+1.9) with 24 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries.
“Hopefully our defense will continue to improve,” Woodley said. “Being at the top was pretty special, but we’re striving to do that again.”
Offensively, the Vikings are anchored by returning First Team selections Daryl Ford (running back) and Brett Opdahl (wide receiver). Notably, Ford was ranked in the top-20 nationally in rushing and scoring last season with 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“We want to pick it up offensively,” Woodley said. “Last year we were pretty conservative — we want to open it up more this season and improve our offensive production.”
Compiling an 11-11 record with Grand View University, Woodley, along with his staff, believe the program has a bright future.
“It’s been really fun,” he said. “Back when the guys were freshmen is when we took the chance, and it’s paid off. Now they are juniors, and we’ve had some success. We were knocked around our first year but have battled back and beat some of those same teams this time around. We want to continue that.”
Locker Room note: Iowa Momentum magazine, and host, Brian Duffy, invite cyclists to participate in the Fall Cycling Festival at Honey Creek at Lake Rathbun on Oct. 9 and 10. Rides include a 100-mile ride, 35-mile ride, kid’s rides and a couple of gravel road rides. Saturday morning includes registration and packet pick-up, the Midwest Gravel Road Marathon Championship and Metric Century races, kid’s trail ride, cocktail hour and dinner. Following dinner, a slideshow, entertainment and awards presentation take place. Sunday features a 35-mile ride around Lake Rathbun. Registration is $75 and covers two days of riding and a buffet ticket for dinner on Saturday night. Call 255-7047 or e-mail dave@bikeworld.com. Visit www.tworiverstouringco.blogspot.com. CV
Caption: Adam Dutcher, a 2009 MSFA second team selection, will help anchor the Vikings’ offensive line. Photo courtesy of Doug Wells
