Advertisement
A strong recruiting class will do that.
Last season, the Eagles ranked last in the WIAC in sacks (seven) and second-to-last in rushing yards allowed (205 per game).
That wasn’t satisfactory for Terry, who wants his teams to maintain UW-L’s tradition of being the toughest guys on the block.
“We addressed our needs on the line, especially at defensive tackle, and that’s good because it’s a tough position to recruit,” Terry said.
Terry expects tackles Kyle Schultz (Evansville, Wis.), Chris Anicete (Madison, Wis./La Follette High School), Brad Meverden (Birnamwood, Wis./ Antigo) and Dale Skrzypchak (Marathon, Wis.) to add some grit on defense.
“D-line was one pretty key area for us,” Terry said. “We think we got four good ones at defensive tackle.”
Schultz, 6-foot-1, 242 pounds, was named to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention team and selected to play in the 2006 Shrine Bowl.
Schultz said he was drawn by UW-L’s tradition of success. Evansville High School qualified for the WIAA playoffs in each of Schulz’s four seasons and went 10-1 last year.
“Everyone at La Crosse, the coaches, players and students, all felt like (the football team) had a good chance to win,” Schultz said. “Every year, they’re going for the conference title. I enjoy that enthusiasm and motivation to get to the top. That’s what I was looking for.”
The 2006 recruiting class also includes five quarterbacks. Black River Falls’ Alex Seguin, who passed for 2,451 yards and 22 touchdowns and was named WFCA All-State honorable mention, considered walking on at Wisconsin before deciding on UW-L.
“I liked the fit at La Crosse, both athletically and academically,” Seguin said. “Ultimately, I decided on that. I knew there was a better chance I’d be playing at La Crosse, but I know I’ve got to work hard and everything to get that chance.”
Logan High School’s Josh Deml, who led the Rangers to an MVC title while passing for 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, joins Seguin in the quarterback class.
Seguin and Deml are also part of a small group of area recruits, joining Sparta defensive back Matt Foss, North Crawford guard Cody Pettit and Wauzeka quarterback Alex McCullick.
“There’s not as many this year, but that’s OK,” Terry said. “We’ve done well locally in the past and will continue to.”
