MOORHEAD, Minn. (8/28/06)--The Cobber special teams fall under the category of “good news, bad news.” The “good news” is that last year’s kicker, Carl Hauser (So., Fergus Falls, Minn.), is no longer a freshman and will be ready to continue his maturation into a solid collegiate kicker. The “bad news” is that head coach Terry Horan lost the top punter in the MIAC from a year ago. Lost to graduation was MIAC All-Conference punter Kevin Williamson. Williamson was second in the conference in punting last year with a 39.7 yard per kick average and had the longest punt of any punter in the league in conference play (69 yards).

First the good. Hauser steadily improved throughout last season and was more comfortable towards the end of the year when he connected on his final three field goal attempts of the campaign. He was also 14-of-18 in extra points which will be a good jumping off point to start the current season. Hauser spent part of the summer at a kicker’s camp and will benefit from sound teaching and the confidence that comes from going against your fellow collegiate kickers.

Hauser also handles the kickoff duties and should improve on his 51.8 yards per kickoff in 2006.

Horan will be hoping that punting is all in the name. Sophomore David Williamson (So., Deer Lodge, Mont.) will be given the punting duties to start the year. His style and technique will be completely different than that of Kevin Williamson from last year. While Kevin relied on placement and pooching the ball in front of the return man so he could take advantage of generous rolls, David is more of the classic-style punter that likes to turn the ball over and help the team through hang time. David was the back-up placekicker last year but concentrated all his efforts on punting in the off-season and has been rewarded with the starting nod heading into the season opener.

The return duties will also feature new faces. Xavier Carroll (So., El Cajon, Calif./Grossmont HS) and Paul Shol (Jr., Fergus Falls, Minn.) will be looking to improve on the CC return game from last year. In 2006, the Cobbers were ranked last in the league in punt returns and seventh in kickoff returns. Concordia had an average of only 5.5 yards per punt return last year and did not have a return of over 15 yards throughout the entire season. In kickoff returns, the Cobbers averaged 16.5 yards per return and was the only team in the conference that did not have a run back of over 40 yards on the year.

Carroll’s speed and athleticism should help the CC return squad immediately. Paired with Shol for kickoffs, the tandem will hopefully give Concordia a threat to break open a long return on every kick.

Bet You Didn’t Know: Concordia was one of the last teams in the conference to feature a “straight on” style of kicker. Jeremy Hinderks toed the ball during the 2001 season before giving way to all-conference kicker Brian Halverson in 2002.

A Comedy Song:

“The Lonesome Kicker” by Adam Sandler
A Christian Rock song:

“How Excellent is Thy Name” by James Bignon and Deliverance
A Dave Matthews Band song:

“The Best of What’s Around”