Tony Aker began his collegiate coaching career in 2010, spending his first five years on the coaching staff at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. During his time with the Pointers, Aker coached tight ends and fullbacks for one season and spent four seasons coaching wide receivers, including the final two years as the passing game coordinator.
Under Aker’s tutelage, the offense steadily grew into one of the most explosive in the Conference. The 2014 and 2015 seasons were especially fruitful. The offense finished in the top three in scoring, passing and total offense and climbed the national rankings for five consecutive weeks in 2014. Aker was instrumental in producing several individual accolades for his student-athletes, including six All-Conference performers and two All-West region selections. In addition to his and the team’s success on the field, Aker played a large role in shaping academic success. In his role as Academic Coordinator and Equipment Manager, he oversaw a team academic program that produced six Academic All-Region selections and a two-time Academic All-American in current Pioneer coach, Taylor Lucas. Aker’s experience will fit in well with Carroll’s academic resource program, which includes team study tables and academic mentors.
The 2016 season was a great learning experience for Coach Aker and the offense. Throughout the course season, the unit improved tremendously and played their best football at the end of the season. With a strong core group of players returning, the 2017 season is full of optimism.
Senior Kyle Burlingame finished his storied career in 2016 breaking two school records. Kyle now sits atop the list as the school’s all-time leader in Total Offense 6,976yds. and TD Passes with 56. Burlingame finished the 2017 season 139-238-9 for 1711yds and 16TD’s. Kyle’s 171.1ypg, finishing fifth in the CCIW.
Parker Zitzke and Brandon Ehrke benefited most from the passing attack. Sophomore Parker Zitzke (45 Receptions, 445yds. 2TD) 4.75 receptions per game was good for fifth in the CCIW. Senior Brandon Ehrke (35 Receptions, 555yds. 11TD) led the CCIW in TD receptions and his 555yds. was good for ninth in the league.
Aker, originally from Bloomington, Indiana, attended Brown Deer High School on Milwaukee’s north side, where he was named Wisconsin’s Athlete of the Year in 2005. He began his collegiate playing career at Minnesota State University before transferring to Rochester Community and Technical College, where he was a member of the 2007 National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship team. While playing in the NJCAA, Aker was a first team All-American and two-time All-Region performer. He finished his academic and playing career at UWSP, earning first team All-WIAC as a kick returner in 2010. Aker was inducted into Brown Deer High School’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
