Bismarck, ND - University of Mary head football coach Myron Schulz announced today the commitment of 27 high school student-athletes and one junior college transfer to continue their education and play football at U-Mary.

“Every recruiting class is exciting as we get to bring new members into the University of Mary family,” said Schulz. “The process of getting to know these student-athletes over the past year is something I really enjoy and we look forward to the day when these men can step onto the field for the Marauders.”

The Marauders featured the top offense in the Northern Sun in 2011 and had 21 players earn NSIC All-Academic honors in the fall.

Today's announcement comes on the first day student-athletes are eligible to sign a National Letter of Intent with NCAA Division I and Division II colleges.

2012 HIGH SCHOOL COMMITMENTS

Nathan Ellingson (WR, 6-3, 195, Jamestown, N.D. / Jamestown HS)
A starter at both tight end and outside linebacker at Jamestown (N.D.) High School as a senior, Nathan Ellingson earned the 2011 Blue Jays Hardest Worker award. He transferred from Wadena-Deer Creek (Minn.) High School, where he played for three years and started at tight end as a junior. The son of Aime and Lee Ellingson, Nathan will pursue the University of Mary physical therapy program.

Tyler Essex (LB, 6-2, 225, Miles City, Mont. / Custer County HS)
A part of two state title teams at Custer County High School in Miles City, Mont., Tyler Essex twice earned all-conference honors at running back and once at linebacker. Four times Essex participated in the state playoffs at Custer HS. The son of Aaron and Wendee Essex, Tyer is pursuing a teacher education degree at U-Mary.  


Joey Fuher (DB, 5-11, 165, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
Selected to the Class AAA All-State first team, Joey Fuher also earned first team all-conference honors and was voted the 2011 defensive co-most valuable player for Century (N.D.) High School. He registered 52 solo tackles, 45 assisted stops and three interceptions as a senior. His junior year he totaled 33 solo stops, 26 assists and two interceptions.  


Shawn Fulwider (DE, 6-4, 200, Arnegard, N.D. / Watford City HS)
A highly decorated football player for Watford City (N.D.) High School, Shawn Fulwider earned all-state honors both his junior and senior seasons. In 2011, Fulwider earned all-conference and all-region honors as both a tight end and a linebacker and received all-state recognition at linebacker. He posted 20 solo tackles, 66 assisted tackles and intercepted two passes as a senior. In his junior season, he was named to the all-state team as a tight end and received all-conference and all-region honors as a tight end and defensive end. A multi-sport athlete who has also competed in basketball, wrestling, track and baseball, Fulwider was honored as an all-conference and all-region performer as a sophomore and junior. Fulwider played for Fred Fridley Sr. at Watford City HS, the father of University of Mary women's basketball coach Fred Fridley. Named to the academic football team as a junior, Shawn is the son of Brenda and John Fulwider and will pursue a physical therapy degree at U-Mary.


Cole Gessler (OL, 6-1, 280, Katy, Texas / Katy HS)
Twice an All-District selection at center, Cole Gessler helped Katy (Texas) High School compile a record of 25-2 the last two seasons. The Tigers finished 13-1 in 2010 and 12-1 in 2011. An academic all-district performer in 2010, Cole is the son of Vicki and Kurt Gessler and is undecided on an academic program at U-Mary.


Scott Grinnell (OL, 6-4, 269, Avon, Minn. / St. John's Prep/St. Cloud Tech)
Scott Grinnell earned all-conference football honors at St. Cloud (Minn.) Tech in 2011. He has played varsity football since eighth grade, first at St. John's Prep before joining a co-op with Tech. Grinnell also competes in basketball, baseball and track and has a school basketball record for field goal percentage and is closing in on 1,000 career points. Grinnell's older brother attends U-Mary and plays football for the Marauders. The son of Kim Grinnell and Michael Grinnell, Scott plans to pursue a degree in business or teacher education at U-Mary.


Josh Haugen (TE, 6-3, 209, Cando, N.D. / North Star HS)
Selected to play in the 2012 North Dakota Shrine Bowl, Josh Haugen earned all-region honors and was North Star High School's most valuable defensive lineman after leading the squad to a runner-up finish in 9-man as a senior. Haugen averaged 4.6 tackles, .8 sacks, 18.5 yards per catch and 3.2 points per game.  He also played four years of basketball and won a state title in 2011.


Alex Herold (DE, 6-3, 250, Bismarck, N.D. / St. Mary's HS)
Alex Herald is a two-time first team Class AA all-state selection for his play at St. Mary's High School. As a junior in 2010 he led the Saints to a West Region championship, posting nine sacks, 21 tackles for loss returned an interception for a touchdown and recorded a safety.


Grady Houghton (LB, 6-1, 200, Killdeer, N.D. / Killdeer HS)
A successful athlete in several sports, Grady Houghton earned all-region and all-conference honors at linebacker for Killdeer (N.D.) High School. A team captain for both football and wrestling, he is a three-time all-state performer in wrestling and was a state runner-up in 2011. Houghton also earned all-state track and field honors in the sprints and pole vault. A member of the honor roll and a leader in student government, FCCLA and his church youth group, Grady is the son of Terri and Glen Houghton and anticipates majoring in business management at U-Mary.


Morgan Jacobs (DE, 6-2, 200, Noonan, N.D. / Divide County HS)
An all-state second team selection in 2011 for Divide County high School, Morgan Jacobs rolled up 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, knocked down two passes, caused two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. Jacobs, who earned all-conference honors in 2010, holds school career records with 27 tackles for loss and 12 fumble recoveries. The son of London and Greg Jacobs, Morgan will pursue a degree in business management at U-Mary.


Luke Lennon (NG, 6-1, 260, Marine, Minn. / Forest Lake HS)
A team captain, Luke Lennon was the Forest Lake (Minn.) High School defensive line most valuable player after leading the team in sacks and hurries. A wrestler also, Lennon earned the purple heart award. The recipient of an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Luke is the son of Cindy and James Lennon and plans to major in business at the University of Mary.


Grant Mjelstad (DB, 6-1, 180, Fargo, N.D. / North HS)
A second team North Dakota Class AAA all-state player, Grant Mjelstad also earned All-EDC honors as a senior at Fargo (N.D.) High School. He posted 26 solo and nine assisted tackles, including two for loss, made an interception and broke up a pass. Mjelstad also gained 30 yards rushing and returned 10 kicks for 117 yards.


Chris Nuttall (OLB, 6-0, 190, Fairbanks , Alaska / West Valley High School)
A two-time team captain as a junior and senior at West Valley High School, Chris Nuttall is a native of Fairbanks, Alaska, and twice had earned second team all-conference recognition. Nuttall averaged 58 yards receiving per game. The son of Christy and Christopher Nuttall, Chris is pursuing a degree in psychology or teacher education at U-Mary.


Nicholas Parenteau (DB, 5-10, 165, Rice Lake, Wis. / Rice Lake HS)
Nicholas Parenteau earned first team all-conference honors as a senior at Rice Lake (Wis.) after earning second team recognition as a junior. He set a school mark for tackles in one game with 10 solo stops and for most career solo tackles (90). Parenteau made 40 solo stops and 38 assisted tackles plus returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a senior. In his junior year he made 30 solo and 31 assisted tackles and intercepted two passes. The son of Angie and Dan Parenteau,  Nicholas plans to major in business at U-Mary.


Brydon Peacock (DB, 6-1, 190, Missoula, Mont. / Frenchtown HS)
A two-time all-conference honorable mention selection as a junior and a senior, Brydon Peacock started two years for the Frenchtown High School football team and played on his school's 2009 Montana Class A state championship team. Peacock also is a three-year basketball starter. The son of Jeff and Jennifer Peacock, Brydon will major in a health sciences program at U-Mary.  


Michael Peter (DE, 6-2, 220, Circle, Mont. / Circle HS)
A Montana All-State lineman after posting 12 sacks last season for Circle (Mont.) High School, Michael Peter is a Treasure State All-Star selection. A team captain, he also earned all-conference honors three times. An academic all-state selection and a member of the honor society, Michael is the son of Anne and Dan Peter and will major in criminal justice at the University of Mary.

Zach Podoll (TE, 6-2, 205, Velva, N.D. / Velva HS)
Zach Podoll earned North Dakota Class A first team All-State honors as a senior at Velva High School, where he helped lead the Aggies to the state quarterfinals in 2011. He also earned all-region honors in 2009 and 2010. Podell was named to the all-district basketball team in 2010 and was an all-region selection in 2010 and 2011 while leading Velva to a state baseball championship in 2010. The top-ranked student in his graduating class and holding a 4.0 grade point average, Zach is the son of Pam and Noel Podoll and plans to study physical therapy or pursue the pre-medicine program at U-Mary.


Patrick Pontarelli (FB, 5-9, 190, Surprise, Ariz. / Shadow Ridge HS)
An All-West Valley first team fullback, Patrick Pontarelli was a team captain and earned three football letters at Shadow Ridge (Ariz.) HS. At FB he ran for 252 yards on 51 carries while primarily serving as lead blocker for a running back that compiled 1,700 yards rushing. A member of the National Honor Society, Patrick is the son of Joanna and Vito Pontarelli and plans to major in banking and finance.


Colton Razo (OL, 6-1, 285, Minot, N.D. / Minot HS)
Honored as his team's Hardest Worker, Colton Razo played center at Minot (N.D.) High School. Razo set a school strength mark and never allowed a sack. He also competed in track and wrestling. The son of Jodi Keller and Rodney Razo, Colton will pursue a business or corporate fitness degree at U-Mary.  


Zachary Rhone (TE, 6-3, 215, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
A two-time North Dakota Class AAA all-state second team selection, Zachary Rhone helped lead Century High School to the state title game as a senior. Rhone also was a two-time All-West Region choice at both tight end and linebacker. A member of the National honor Society, Zachary is the son of Brenda and Tim Rhone and will pursue the pre-engineering curriculum at the University of Mary.  


Brody Riggs (K/P, 6-3, 200, Peoria, Ariz. / Cactus HS)
A first team all-region selection, Brody Riggs was the leading scorer for Cactus High School. Riggs also earned all-section, second team all-division and second team all-district honors in his career. His class president as a sophomore, junior and senior, Brody is the son of Angie and Bob Riggs and will major in business at the University of Mary.


Michael Ryan (OL, 6-4, 285, St. Paul, Minn., St. Thomas Academy)
A three-time letter winner in football, Michael Ryan was an offensive lineman for St. Thomas Academy and won three conference titles and two section championships while playing for the Cadets. STA went 9-2 his freshman season, 11-1 in 2009 and 2010 and 9-1 as a senior in 2011. Ryan also has earned two letters in track and field. The son of Jane McManus and Kevin Ryan, Michael will pursue engineering or business at U-Mary.


Landon Smith (OLB, 6-1, 195, Stanley, N.D. / Stanley HS)
An all-state performer, Landon Smith led Stanley (N.D.) High School to the 2011 Class A state championship with a perfect 12-0 record. Smith earned first team all-state recognition as a defensive end his senior season after leading his team in sacks. He also scored 16 touchdowns and ran for 890 yards as a fullback in 2011. An all-conference player as a junior and a senior, Smith ran for 884 yards and averaged over eight yards a carry in his final two seasons. A multi-sport athlete who also competes in basketball, baseball and track, he has earned all-district honors in basketball. An honor roll student, Landon is the son of Heidi Smith and Yancy Smith and is undecided on an academic major.  


Davontay Stevens (RB, 5-8, 195, Jacksonville, Fla. / Wolfson (Fla.) HS / Ridgewater CC)
Twice a Minnesota College Athletic Conference first team selection at running back, Davontay Stevens also was named Ridgewater College's offensive most valuable player and the most valuable offensive back both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Stevens also earned his team's Warrior Award. He ran for 656 yards in 2010 for the Warriors and 714 yards and six touchdowns in 2011. The most valuable offensive player in the 2009 Florida vs. Georgia All-Star game, Stevens was named the Samuel W. Wolfson High School offensive unsung hero in 2008. The son of Bonnie Burden, Davontay will pursue a degree in athletic training at U-Mary.


Preston Tescher (DB, 6-0, 180, Bismarck, N.D. / St. Mary's HS)
A two-time Class AA all-state player for St. Mary's High School, Preston Tescher was an at-large pick as a junior and as a defensive back his senior year. He played safety, linebacker and quarterback for the Saints and led the squad to a west region title as a junior. A three-year starter, Tescher was the West Region Player of the Year and led his team in total offense and touchdowns.


Allen Vaiao (DL, 6-1, 285, N. Las Vegas, Nev. / Desert Pines HS)
An all-conference first team selection as a senior after earning second team honors as a junior, Allen Vaiao started for four years at Desert Pines High School. Also a four-year performer in track, he placed fourth in his region in the discus as a junior after qualifying for region as a sophomore and junior. The recipient of the Academy of Communication Award as a sophomore, junior and senior, Allen is the son of Auvae and Mika Vaiao and plans to major in communication at U-Mary.


Joey Vrooman (WR, 6-3, 225, Miller, S.D. / Miller Area HS)
Joey Vrooman earned 9AA All-State honors at wide receiver in 2011 after making a team-record 42 catches for 642 yards, an average of 15.3 yards/catch. He caught six touchdown passes and four 2-point conversions. He also ran seven times for 85 yards and a touchdown. Defensively Vrooman posted 43 tackles with four sacks and five fumble recoveries. On special teams he averaged 30.7 yards per punt and returned 10 kicks for 23.2 yards/return. Vrooman also earned all-conference honors, was one of five candidates for the 9AA player of the year and was selected to play in the South Dakota All-Star game. He also competes in basketball and track. A member of the B honor roll, Joey is the son of Gayle and Robin Vrooman and plans to major in accounting at U-Mary.


Danielle Whitaker (DB, 5-9, 160, Houston, Texas, Westfield HS)
An honorable mention performer at Westfield (Tex.) High School, Danielle Whitaker also received academic all-district honors. In addition to football he also competed in basketball and track and field for two years each. A member of his school's honor role, Danielle is the son of Vickitra Lemon and Danielle Whitaker Sr. and plans to pursue a degree in engineering at U-Mary.  

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