WAUKESHA, Wis. - As the Carroll University football team prepares to kick off the 2019 season, its primary focus remains centered around growth, improvement and building upon the program's rich, 125-year tradition.
The Pioneers plan to showcase the steady strides made since transitioning back into the nationally recognized College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin three years ago, build off of the lessons learned and continue to earn respect.
Carroll finished with a 2-7 record in the challenging 10-team CCIW standings and 3-7 overall last year -Â earning its three victories over Lakeland University (45-26), Elmhurst College (16-14) and North Park University (23-0).
The Pioneers demonstrated their progression by earning two character-building conference victories in a season for the first time since rejoining the league in 2016 - celebrating the program's prestigious 500th victory with a statement-making homecoming shutout at Schneider Stadium on Oct. 20, 2018.
With the strength of a large, deep 97-player roster, featuring the experience of 58 returning letterwinners and a good mix of hungry, young talent, the team is determined to maintain its blue-collar, Pioneer-esque approach, work through each challenge and blaze a path forward to success.
Carroll claimed its last CCIW title in 1988 - sharing the conference title with national powerhouse Augustana.
For Carroll head coach Mark Krzykowski, entering his ninth year at the helm with a 40-40 overall record, the ongoing task of developing his team within one of the premier conferences in NCAA Division III remains an exciting, on-going challenge.
"We are without a doubt in one of the top conferences in the nation so we're continuing to maintain a positive, patient approach and staying true to the process," said Krzykowski, who also serves as the team's defensive coordinator and has guided the program to five winning seasons during his tenure (highlighted by eight-victory seasons in 2012 and 2014). "When we first made the transition back to the CCIW, we made a point to say that conference affiliation has nothing to do with our desire to be successful or how we prepare. It's something we've emphasized from day one and have followed through on. That said, we are working hard to recruit the best possible student-athletes to fit the institution (and our system) along with patiently working to improve each time we step on the field. We have high academic standards so it takes time to find the right fit but its been 100 percent worth it.
"The players have continued to buy into the system and do everything asked of them. Following the graduation of 30 seniors last year (including 13 starters), our upperclassmen and returning players have done a nice job of taking on a leadership role and showing what is expected within the culture of the program. Last year, we showed our progress with the victories but also demonstrated our growth in a lot of the hard-fought losses. We have good numbers, a lot of players who gained valuable experience and depth which will only help in our rotations. We're just going to take pride in each step, continue to provide support for the athletes and enjoy the journey. I'm excited about the season and what we've seen on the field in preparing over the last few weeks. We're ready to go so it will be fun to kick-off the season on Sept. 7."
It will be difficult to replace the leadership of graduated starting quarterback Colton Bahling, who completed 115 passes for 887 yards with six touchdowns and also rushed for 435 yards and three TDs in 10 games last year.
Wide receiver Parker Zitzke (team-leading 50 catches for 453 yards and two TDs), running back J.J. Keels (101 rushes for 555 yards and three TDs) and second-team all-conference defensive back Billy Krawczyk (team-best four interceptions) are other notable top graduated players who will be missed.
Senior quarterback Treylon Anderson (5-9, 195) from Baker, La., and junior quarterback Michael Johnson (6-3, 215) from Milwaukee, Wis. head the list of top returning players vying to lead the Carroll spread offense under the direction of fourth-year offensive coordinator Tony Aker - which averaged 275.3 yards per game last season.
Senior offensive linemen Kevin Johnson (6-1, 265) from Chicago, Ill., Cam Hayes (6-4, 270) from New Berlin, Wis., Bret Johnson (5-11, 258) from Plainfield, Ill. and senior tight end David Meza (6-5, 235) from Berlin, Wis. will provide stability upfront.
Junior cornerback Tyler Baird (5-11, 190) from Caledonia, Ill. and junior end Adam Miller (6-1, 210) from Manteno, Ill. are the top returnees on the defensive side of the ball.
Sophomore kicker/punter Carson Roseleip (6-2, 190) from Oconomowoc, Wis., figures to be among the top contributors to the special teams.
"We have a great group of young men who worked hard over the course of the offseason and came in ready to take the next step," said Krzykowski, the Wisconsin Private College Coach of the Year in 2014 whose team had a 3.0 cumulative grade point average last year. "I'm very proud of this group, their approach and how they continue to prepare to put themselves in a position of success.
"There aren't any easy games on the schedule so we're just going to take a one-game mentality and move forward. Last year, we showcased our ability to move the ball down field so now we just have to follow it up and put points on the board. I sincerely hope everyone in the community can come out to experience the great collegiate atmosphere on campus, take it all in and see what Pioneer Football is all about."
Carroll kicks off the year by traveling to Lakeland University's Taylor Field for a nonconference game at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Stay up to date on Carroll football this season by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics).
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PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: Carroll University football team
Conference: College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin (CCIW)
Head Coach: Mark Krzykowski, ninth season (40-40 overall)
Assistant Coaches: Tony Aker (offensive coordinator), Riley Hill (offensive line), Parker Zitzke (wide receivers), Brenden Nachtrieb (running backs), Alex Collier (defensive backs), Luke Callahan (tight ends), Brandon Jackson (defensive line), Cayleel Hill (cornerbacks), Greg Wood (special teams)
Athletic Trainer: Dayna Lentz
2018: 2-7 in conference (eighth place), 3-7 overall (Carroll finished with victories over Lakeland University (45-26), Elmhurst College (16-14) and North Park University (23-0)
Offense: Spread; Defense: 4-2-5
Returning Letterwinners: 58 (29, offense; 28, defense; 1, special teams)
Key Graduation Losses: quarterback Colton Bahling, running back J.J. Keels, wide receiver Parker Zitzke, defensive back Billy Krawczyk and kicker Griffin Idelman
Players to Watch: senior quarterback Treylon Anderson, junior quarterback Michael Johnson, senior tight end David Meza, senior offensive lineman Kevin Johnson, senior offensive lineman Cam Hayes, junior cornerback Tyler Baird and junior defensive end Adam Miller
Notable: Carroll captured its last CCIW conference championship in 1988 under former coach Merle Masonholder (sharing the title with Augustana)
