Serxho Guraleci (#96) passed away this morning. (Photo courtesy of WSU Athletics)
Former WSU Football Player Serxho Guraleci Passes Away
Tag Archives: WSU Athletics
WSU Baseball Qualifies for NCAA Regional
(Courtesy of Wayne State University ~ Athletics)
Wayne State Baseball earned a berth in the NCAA Midwest Regional tournament, their third consecutive appearance and fifth since 2005.
The Midwest Regional will be held on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. WSU is the host institution for the event. The Warriors will take on Northern Kentucky on Thursday.
Go Warriors!
Warriors Season Comes To A Close
The Wayne State football season has come to an end. The Warriors played in the Division II national championship game against the Pittsburg State Gorillas and came up short, losing 35-21.
Saturday’s game was the fifth on the road for the Warriors, something they have taken very much in stride. Last season WSU finished 9-2 and did not receive a playoff slot. This year’s 8-3 mark earned them a spot, unranked and on the road.
“It’s been a great run,” Wayne State quarterback Mickey Mohner said. “No one thought we should be in the playoffs. No one thought we could win in the playoffs. We came in and won four tough games on the road.”
Josh Renel lit up the crowd by returning the opening kickoff 93 yards for the touchdown. Renel’s effort goes into the record books as only the second opening kickoff in the Division II title game. Unfortunately, a foot injury forced Renel to watch the second half from the sideline.
Josh Renel returns the opening kickoff 93 yards for Wayne State (photo courtesy of ESPN.com)
The Warrior defense has been tough to play against all season, giving up an average of only 24 points per game. Today was more of a bend-don’t break style as their opponent racked up 128 passing yards in the first half and only 86 yards on the ground. WSU gained 131 on the ground and only 19 in the air in the first half. For the game Pittsburg State ran for 187 yards and WSU was led by Toney Davis (game-high 178 yards) in their 211 yard rushing day. WSU gave the ball back 4 times and had 2 kicks blocked.
There are also many positives that come from playing in a championship game and finishing the season with a school record 12 wins.
* The 2011 senior class (16 seniors) holds the school record with a 35-14 mark during their career.
* Three players were named Daktronics All-American: Joe Long (1st team), Troy Burrell (2nd team) and Jeremy Jones (2nd team).
* Jones was also named to the AFCA team recently.
* Wayne State football left its mark across the campus – congratulatory remarks and a spirit from the students that is well-deserved.
* The experience of being on the road, in playoff games, and winning 4 of those 5 road games, is tremendous in terms of accomplishment and what it allows the returning players to build on.
And while a loss at any time in the season is sour, this one especially so. The Warriors are champions and those players will always have their personal experiences to draw from throughout their lives.
GO WARRIORS!
WSU Prepares for National Title Game
Go Warriors!
Warriors Set for National Semifinal Game
The Wayne State Warriors football team is gearing up for another game this week. Coach Paul Winters has the team focused on the details and what needs to take place in order for them to be successful.
Although more practices and another game can take its toll on teams, especially after an already lengthy season, this is not the case for WSU.
The additional time means that a few players can get on the mend physically and return to the field. It can also be good for the cohesiveness of the “team” – traveling can be weary but the meals, game planning and transportation all provide an opportunity for groups of players to further strengthen the bond between each other.
And finally, who doesn’t like to win? Winning makes all of those bumps and bruises feel better, knowing there is another game on the calendar this week!
The Warriors travel to Winston-Salem, NC to take on the undefeated Rams on Saturday, December 10th @ 2pm. The game will be available on ESPN3.com.
Go Warriors!
WSU Warriors Claim Quarterfinal Victory, defeat Minnesota-Duluth 31-25
The WSU Warriors took another step today in their seemingly dream season by defeating the defending Division II national champs, Minnesota-Duluth in the quarterfinal game, 31-25. WSU improves to 11-3 overall. Senior receiver Troy Burrell hauled in 11 passes for a total of 163 yards and two scores to lead the Warriors offensively.
This wasn’t an offensive display by either team; UMD quarterback Chase Vogler was sacked in the first half 5 times and UMD only managed a game total of 98 yards rushing, a season-low. In the first half, both teams combined for only190 yards of total offense. The Warriors were held to just 4 first downs in the first half, yet led at halftime, 7-3.
UMD lost for the first time in 14 home games, and an achieved an overall record of 52-5 over the past four years – a testament to the ability and determination of Paul Winters’ squad to take on all-comers, play hard and let the chips fall where they may.
Check out junior Aaron Cornett, who intercepted a UMD pass late in the game to give the Warriors a chance.
“We’ve never expected anything less than what we’ve accomplished,” Cornett said. “We expect to keep winning, and that’s the mentality that is consistent with every player in the locker room. Numbers don’t mean much to us so long as we win.”
Troy Burrell eludes a UMD defender in today's WSU playoff win. (Photo by Brett Groehler UMD)
The Warriors advance to the semi-final game next week against Winston-Salem.
Go Warriors!
Wayne State Football Defeats St. Cloud, 48-38
They Wayne State football team qualified for their first-ever NCAA Football playoff appearance. That’s the good news.
The news that followed was so-so. The Warriors would be traveling to Minnesota to take on St. Cloud State in that playoff game. St. Cloud was slated to make their fourth NCAA appearance and ranked #3 in the region. WSU was ranked 6th.
First time appearances can wreck havoc on athletic teams. Act like you been there, right?
The Warriors were down 21-6 early in the 2d quarter by forcing their running game on the home team and went into the half leading 27-24. After spending 50 minutes in the locker room while the grounds crew cleared snow from the field, the Warriors came out and pushed ahead, behind the strong effort of sophomore running back Toney Davis.
Davis rushed for a school record 326 yards and 5 touchdowns in the game, leading the Warriors to the win, 48-38.
The Warriors move on to play the University of Nebraska-Kearney next Saturday, November 26th.
Go Warriors!
Junior Mazen Jaddou brings down a St Cloud player during WSU's 48-38 road win in the playoffs. (Photo courtesy of 1390thefam.com)
Wayne State Warriors Football Playoff Bound!
The Wayne State University football program will make its first trip to the NCAA Division II football playoffs after earning the No. 6 seed for Super Region 3 as announced by the NCAA earlier this evening. The Warriors will be traveling to St. Cloud, Minn. to face the third-seeded Huskies Saturday, November 19th.
Congratulations to head coach Paul Winters and the WSU staff! Best of luck!
More From Canton Cup 2010
There’s plenty of sunshine (and sunscreen) at this year’s Canton Cup!
The clear skies, hot sun and summer-like temps present a challenge that is continually addressed by the Sports Medicine staff. The athletes, referees and tournament workers are going through water and Gatorade like crazy and sunscreen provided at the medical tent is a welcome relief!
Dawn Shively wraps an ankle before the game. Dawn is the athletic trainer for Grosse Ile HS.
Stacy Gutierrez makes another friend! Stacy is the athletic trainer for New Boston Huron.
This young player was dropped off at the medical tent, leaking blood from the mouth/nose. Everyone pitched in to assist yet the following photos beg the question, “How many AT’s does it take to stop a bleed?” Actually, this player was cut badly inside the mouth from his braces.
Jilli, Dawn and Ryan work together.
Gloves, gauze and more gauze! This young man was a trooper and made it back into play.
This little guy came by the medical tent looking for some help. His father and sister came along too, although his father was a bit demanding (we’ve all met those types, right?!) and his sister was only interested in playing in the tent.
Steve Domzalski is an assistant athletic trainer at Wayne State University.
