![]() Speaking from my own experience, it was very clear from my first moments here at school that academics were the priority. But SMC is more importantly unique in its preservation of the student-athlete. Not only are we in Division I, but we can compete with these traditional powerhouses, as we have proved time and time again. SMC is extremely unique in its size and Division I classification – most schools similar to Saint Mary's are at the Division III level. While this undoubtedly happens, this taints what it truly means to be a student athlete. Many schools are in ongoing trouble with the NCAA for academic violations – students go in place of the student athletes for test taking, inflation of grades and the intimidation of teachers who refuse to do this – the list goes on. While the latter is constantly a controversy at schools throughout the nation, the former is true here at Saint Mary's, as it should be. On the other, many are thought to have the easy way out in terms of academics – their sport is the priority, and anything school related falls by the wayside. On one hand, a student-athlete is thought to have two full-time jobs – stressful academics and physical and time demanding athletics. ![]() When a Division I student-athlete comes to mind, two common perceptions are brought forward. I look forward to him having an expanded role with our defense.MORAGA, Calif. “He has proven himself to be an excellent recruiter and an outstanding coach. “Tim Cross has done an exceptional job since arriving at the University of Minnesota and I am pleased to reward him with this promotion,” Brewster said. Cross is in his second season with the Gophers and will continue to coach the defensive line. In addition to the team captain, Brewster has also announced the promotion of Tim Cross to Associate Head Coach. He also set school records for total offensive yards (3,512) and total plays (595). His 617 rushing yards led the team in 2007, while his five rushing scores tied for the team lead. Weber ranked second nationally among freshmen and third overall in the Big Ten with 241.2 passing yards per game. He started all 12 games, passed for 2,895 yards and 24 touchdowns, setting school records for pass completions, attempts, yards and TD passes. Weber was a Third-Team Freshman All-America and Freshman All-Big Ten selection by The Sporting News last season. His 10 sacks in 2006 rank fifth in school history and were the most ever by a Gopher sophomore. He was a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore. VanDeSteeg played through a broken wrist last season and still managed to record 29 stops and eight tackles for loss. He has started 20 of his 33 career games and enters the 2008 season tied for 10th all-time at Minnesota with 11 career sacks. VanDeSteeg is the only returning captain on the squad. He spent this spring as the starting left fielder for the Gopher baseball team. Decker set a school record for single-season receptions with 67 in 2007. ![]() He was awarded the 2007 Bruce Smith Award as Minnesota’s top offensive player. Davis tallied three tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one forced fumble last season.ĭecker has started 15 of 25 career games and enters the 2008 season ranked in the top 15 in four Gopher career receiving categories. He made eight starts last season and recorded a career-best 54 tackles. I believe each of them has the qualities necessary to be outstanding leaders.”ĭavis has started 31 of his 35 career games and is tied for 10th all-time at Minnesota with 11 career sacks. “As we enter our summer conditioning program, the leadership that we receive from these four men will be critical. “Leadership is extremely important and great teams have great leaders,” Brewster said. Serving as team captains for the upcoming season will be senior linebacker Steve Davis, junior wide receiver Eric Decker, senior defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg and sophomore quarterback Adam Weber. The captains were chosen by a vote of the team. University of Minnesota head football coach Tim Brewster announced the 2008 Gopher captains Monday.
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