2/1/06)- BEEF SIGN RECORD BREAKING RUNNING BACK

As a junior at Minnesota-Crookston, Rollins led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in rushing and scoring on his way to NCAA Division II All-American honors. RJ followed up a stellar junior season by leading the conference in rushing and all-purpose yards on his way to his second straight 1st team All-NSIC selection at running back. In 2005 Rollins rushed for 1,402 yards on 285 attempts, scored 12 TD's and his 1,858 all-purpose yards led the NSIC.

"RJ is a special individual both on and off the field," stated Head Coach Robert Fuller. "RJ reminds me a lot of Wes Cates in terms of being a complete back. He has great vision, he is elusive, and he has a unique combination of speed and power." Wes Cates played running back for the Tri City Diesel in 2004 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and was selected as the pacific conference MVP.

During his career at Minnesota-Crookston Rollins set school records with 584 career rushing attempts for 3,043 yards and 29 TD's. Rollins also set school and NSIC single game records with 52 rushing attempts, 384 rushing yards, and 5 TD's. Rollins was named the NSIC player of the week five times during his college career and was twice named the NCAA Division II national player of the week.

Rollins played high school football at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska for Head Coach John Jessen. Rollins looks forward to reuniting with former high school teammate and current University of Nebraska CB Zachary Bowman. Omaha Beef fans are welcome to get your first glimpse of Rollins this weekend at the "Invite only" tryouts February 4th and 5th at the Center Sports Complex located on 147th and Giles. Saturday's try-out will be from 6-8pm and Sunday's session will run from 10am to noon.

(11/30/05)- Rollins Earns Division II All-Northwest Region Honors

(Crookston, Minn.)- A standout senior season and career at the University of Minnesota, Crookston has landed Golden Eagle running back R.J. Rollins (Sr., Anchorage, AK) on the Daktronics All-Northwest Region Second Team. The award encompasses all of Division II football.

Rollins finished the season with 1,402 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns including 1,080 yards and 11 touchdowns in conference play. In all games he was the leading rusher and second leading scorer, while he led both categories in conference play. Rollins was named NSIC offensive player of the week twice on the season, first after a game in which he produced 272 yards of total offense against Southwest Minnesota State. For the game he rushed 34 times for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching four passes for another 65 yards. His second Player of the Week came following his final game as a Golden Eagle. In the Metrodome Classic against Minnesota State Moorhead Rollins rushed an NSIC record 52 times for 313 yards in a 34-14 victory. Also following his performance against MSU-Moorhead, D2Football.com named Rollins their national player of the week. During his senior campaign he also broke the UMC career record for rushing yards, Rollins finished his career with 3,075 career rushing yards, while his 29 career touchdowns is ties a UMC record.

(11/8/05)- Golden Eagle Football Earns Five All-Conference Nods

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston football team had two players named to the Northern Sun All-Conference Team, while three others earned Honorable Mention Recognition.

For the second straight year Golden Eagle running back R.J. Rollins was named First Team All-NSIC. Rollins finished the season with 1,402 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns including 1,080 yards and 11 touchdowns in conference play. In all games he was the leading rusher and second leading scorer, while he led both categories in conference play. Rollins was named NSIC offensive player of the week twice on the season, first after a game in which he produced 272 yards of total offense against Southwest Minnesota State. For the game he rushed 34 times for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching four passes for another 65 yards. His second Player of the Week came following his final game as a Golden Eagle. In the Metrodome Classic against Minnesota State Moorhead Rollins rushed an NSIC record 52 times for 313 yards in a 34-14 victory. Also following his performance against MSU-Moorhead, D2Football.com named Rollins their national player of the week. During his senior campaign he also broke the UMC career record for rushing yards, Rollins finished his career with 3,075 career rushing yards, while his 29 career touchdowns is ties a UMC record.

Golden Eagle Linebacker Justin Reed is also a repeat selection, he was again chosen to the Second Team. In all games Reed finished with 114 tackles which was third in the conference. In NSIC play he recorded 71 tackles which was second in the league. Reed broke some records of his own this year as he set new Golden Eagle highs for tackles. He now sits atop the list for career tackles with 348, career solo tackles with 152, and career assisted tackles with 196. Reed's 64 assisted stops this season also ties the UMC record for assisted tackles in a season.

Earning Honorable Mention for the Golden Eagles were senior linebacker Nate Emery, senior defensive lineman Nate Spatz, and junior tight end Pat McCabe. Emery finished with 90 total tackles which was second on the team. His 59 tackles in conference play ranked him sixth in the league while his 90 overall tackles put him at seventh in the conference. Spatz finished the season with 36 total tackles from his defensive end spot. He also recorded two sacks for a loss of 21 yards and 4.5 tackles for a loss of 25 yards. McCabe is a repeat selection as an Honorable Mention and finished the season with 11 receptions for 109 yards.

(11/8/05)- D2Football.com Players of the Week November 8, 2005

Will Caldwell - Central Missouri
RJ Rollins - Minnesota-Crookston
Ted Schlafke - Minnesota-Duluth
D2Football.com Offensive Players of the Week

Will Caldwell set Central Missouri records in the Mules' 83-21 win over Pittsburg State. The junior running back carried the ball 22 times for 276 yards and five touchdowns, an average of 12.5 yards per carry. Caldwell scored five touchdowns in the game, which is also a CMSU record.

R.J. Rollins had another standout game for Minnesota-Crookston in their 34-14 win over Minnesota-Moorhead. He had 52 carries for 313 yards and scored five times. The 52 carries set a new UMC record and Rollins tied his own record with five touchdowns.

Ted Schlafke was dominating in Minnesota-Duluth's 45-28 win over St. Cloud. The freshman quarterback totaled 508 yards of offense and with five scores. He was 34-52 through the air 430 yards and five touchdowns in addition to rushing 21 times for 78 yards. Schlafke helped Duluth upset St. Cloud and earn a share of the North Central Conference title as well as the D2 Playoffs.

(11/8/05)- Rollins Adds to Football Accolades

R.J. Rollins earned his second NSIC Player of the Week honor following his final game as a Golden Eagle. In the Metrodome Classic against Minnesota State Moorhead Rollins rushed an NSIC record 52 times (single game rushing record) for 313 yards and five touchdowns (ties his own UMC record) in a 34-14 victory.

(11/5/05)- Seniors Closeout Career, Season with 34-14 Victory

(Crookston, Minn.)-The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team came out victorious against the Minnesota State Uniiversity-Moorhead Dragons 34-14 at the NSIC Metrodome Classic. In the first quarter, RJ had 2 TD runs to give the Golden Eagles a 13-0 lead. In the second quarter, UMC traded TD's with MSUM, and took a 20-7 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, the Dragons scored a touchdown early, but UMC responded by coming back on another Rollins TD. The third quarter ended with the Golden Eagles on top by a score of 27-14. In the last quarter, UMC got another touchdown from Rollins with a 2 yard run, to seal the victory 34-14.

RJ Rollins finished the day with 52 carries and 313 yards and 5 touchdowns to lead the Golden Eagles to victory. Rollins continues to re-write the UMC rushing record book as he now holds the UMC record for the most carries in a single game with 52. Rollins also tied his own record of 5 TD's in a single game, and both times the opposing team has been the Dragons. QB Chris Zellmer finished the day 7-13 passing with 193 yards.

(10/29/05)- Rollins Breaks UMC Career Rushing Record in Loss

Even a 64-13 loss in Aberdeen, SD couldn't keep senior R.J. Rollins from setting a new UMC career rushing record. Rollins needed 76 yards to break the old record of 2,656 total yards held by Mark Olsonawski (1995-1998). Rollins would have needed just his 80 yard run in the fourth quarter to surpass the record but ran for 179 yards and one touchdown on the day. Rollins now holds the UMC records for Yards in a Game, Yards in a Season, Career Yards and Touchdowns in a Game.

UMC kicker John Obarski added the other Golden Eagle points with two field goals (37 & 24 yards) and the point after on Rollins' 80 yard touchdown run.

The UMC football team concludes its 2005 season next weekend in the Metrodome Classic as the team battle MSU-Moorhead. Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m.

(10/24/05)- Reed Sets Golden Eagle Career Marks for Tackles

Golden Eagle senior linebacker Justin Reed has broken the UMC career records for total tackles and solo tackles. With his first solo tackle of the game against Bemidji State on October 15th, Reed recorded the 135th unassisted tackle of his career, breaking the old mark set in 2001 by former Golden Eagle Neil Austin. Reed has continued to set the bar higher and higher with seven more solo tackles in the last two games and will separate himself even more from rest of the pack with two games remaining in his senior season.

Reed has also cruised past the career mark in total tackles. The old mark was Neil Austin with 293 tackles from 1998-2001. Reed now sits with 330 in his career and still has two games to add to his total. Reed is making his last season his best. In 2004 while only playing in nine games he set his career high with 79 tackles, however through just nine games this season he already has 96, and will look to add to his total.

With his 96 tackles, Reed also has an outside shot at the single season record for total tackles. That record is also held by Austin with 123 in the 2001 season.

Reed has also set personal career bests this season. Against Upper Iowa University, on September 10th, Reed finished the day with 17 total tackles including 14 assists, both career highs. Later in the season against Concordia University - St. Paul, he finished with 10 solo stops, a personal best.

10/24/05)- Rollins Named NSIC Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Senior runningback R.J. Rollins has been name the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week for his offensive output against Southwest Minnesota State over the weekend.

Rollins (6'0, 205 lbs, Anchorage, AK) produced 272 yards of total offense against the Mustangs. He rushed 34 times for 207 yards and caught four passes for 65 yards. Rollins also found the end zone three times for the Golden Eagles.

Rollins needs just 75 rushing yards to break the UMC career rushing record.

10/22/05)- Mustangs Beat Golden Eagles in an Offensive Battle

The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team lost 49-26 to the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs. SMSU jumped out to a two touchdown lead after the first quarter. UMC responded with two RJ Rollins touchdowns early in the 2nd quarter to pull even with the Mustangs. SMSU then scored two more touchdowns before halftime to take the 27-14 lead into the half. In the fourth quarter, the Golden Eagles scored two more times to finish with a season high 26 points on the day.

Leading the way on offense for the Golden Eagles was RJ Rollins who had 34 carries for 207 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns and 4 catches for 65 yards. Chris Zellmer finished the day 15-29 with 200 yards passing and one touchdown pass. Guy Rodrigue had the only receiving touchdown as he finished the game with 4 catches for 36 yards.

UMC falls to 0-9 overall and 0-5 in the NSIC. The SMSU Mustangs improve to 4-5 overall and 1-4 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles return to action next week against Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Game time is set for 1:30 pm.

10/15/05)- Golden Eagles Battle But Come Up Short vs. Bemidji State

The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team fought for 60 minutues but lost to the Bemidji State University Beavers by a score of 40-14. Bemidji State scored twice in the first quarter to put UMC down early. The Golden Eagles responded early in the second quarter on a 12 yard pass from Chris Zellmer to tight end Jordan Grafsgaard.

UMC's second score for the day came late in the second quarter on a 46 yard touchdown run from RJ Rollins. Going into halftime, UMC trailed the Beavers 27-14. UMC was able to move the ball in the second half, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunities.

Leading the way for the Golden Eagles offense was Chris Zellmer who was 22-43 with 262 yards passing and one touchdown pass. On the receiving end, Jon Barvels finished with eight catches for 115 yards. Jordan Grafsgaard also had a big day with five receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown catch. RJ Rollins did his job on the ground with 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. As a team, UMC compiled a season high 422 total yards of offense.

Taking down the Beavers on the defensive side of the ball was Trevor Haugh who had five solo tackles and six assisted. Nate Emery had a big day with seven total tackles. Also chipping in on the defensive side was Jason Raupp who had a sack and 4.5 total tackles.

UMC returns to action on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Ed Widseth Field as the team closes out its 2005 home schedule against Southwest Minnesota State. Game time is set for 1:30 pm.

(10/14/05)- Assistant Football/Head Baseball Coach Steve Olson Inducted into the Valley City State University Hall of Fame

10/8/05)- Golden Bears Down Golden Eagles 73-13

For the third straight week UMC played in a Homecoming game and for the third straight week they were on the losing end of it. This week was another blowout, a 73-13 score at the hand of the Concordia University - St. Paul Golden Bears. CSP scored early and often as they opened up a 35-0 first quarter lead and raced to victory. The Golden bears would open up a 49-0 lead before the Golden Eagles showed some signs of life as R.J. Rollins broke a 64 yard run up the middle for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Before the game ended UMC put together two scoring drives that ended up in John Obarski field goals from 39 and 40 yards. It was the rushing attack of Aaron Cawthorn and James McNear that was too much for UMC as both players had over 100 yards on the ground. The loss puts the Golden Eagles record at 0-7 on the year and 0-3 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles return home next week to host the Beavers of Bemidji State in a 1:30 match up.

(10/1/05)- Warrior Offense Too Much for Golden Eagles

Homecoming in Winona was no place for the Golden Eagles as the Warriors raced out to a 31-0 first quarter lead and never looked back in their 73-0 win over UMC on Saturday at Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium. Winona State took the games opening possession and drove 61 yards on eight plays to score the games first points. Winona used a short field on its second possession to score again and hold a 14 point advantage within the games first seven minutes. The Golden Eagles would fumble the snap on the next play giving the Warriors the ball just 19 yards from the end zone. The snaps would again be an issue as UMC lost the exchange just two possessions later to give Winona another short field. The Warriors would tack on a field goal before the quarter ran out and be ahead 31-0 after just one quarter of play.

Winona would score two touchdowns in each of the next three quarters to finish off their day. UMC would finish the day with just 123 yards of offense to Winona's 519. On the day the Golden Eagles Chris Zellmer threw for just 67 yards while Drew Aber and Aaron Boettcher combined to throw for 296 yards and five touchdowns for the Warriors. The UMC running back had a tough time finding room to run as Winona held R.J. Rollins to just 42 yards on 16 carries. Leading the way on defense for the Golden Eagles was senior Nate Emery with 12 total tackles including nine solos. Calvin McMullen also got into double digits with 10 tackles, seven being solo. The loss leaves UMC still winless on the season with an over all record of 0-6 and a 0-2 mark in the NSIC, while the warriors improve to 4-2 over all and 2-0 in conference play. The Golden Eagles hit the road again for a 1:30 match up with Concordia - St. Paul at Griffin Stadium in St. Paul.

9/24/05)- Turnovers Prove Costly for Golden Eagles

The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team lost to the Wayne State Wildcats 45-14 in their NSIC Conference opener at Ed Widseth Field. The Golden Eagles turned the ball over six times with four fumbles and two interceptions.

UMC fell behind early as they trailed 14-3 at halftime with the scoring coming from a 32 yard field goal by John Obarski. Obarski would add another 32 yard field goal in the third quarter as the Golden Eagles trailed 21-6 after three quarters of play. In the fourth quarter the UMC offense came to life as they scored on a 16 yard pass from Chris Zellmer to tight end Jordan Grafsgaard. The Wildcats would prove to be too much for the Golden Eagles as Adam Peterson intercepted a Zellmer pass in the fourth quarter and returned it for a touchdown.

Leading the way for the Golden Eagles offense was Chris Zellmer who was 28-47 with 309 yards passing and a touchdown and two interceptions. The 309 passing yards set a new UMC single game passing record. On the receiving end of all of the completions was Jon Barvels with nine receptions and 135 yards receiving. Also coming up big on the receiving end was Ben Aho with six catches and 35 yards.

Leading the defensive onslaught was Justin Reed with 8.5 tackles. Helping out on the defensive end was Trevor Haugh with 5.5 tackles.

The Golden Eagles return to action against the Winona State Warriors in Winona, next Saturday, October 1, 2005.

9/17/05)- Augustana Defeats UMC 47-0

-The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team was defeated by the Augustana Vikings by a score of 47-0 today after a delayed start due to inclement weather.

The Golden Eagles fell behind early and trailed 27-0 at half time. They weren't able to recover from the early deficit and suffered their fourth defeat on the season. UMC falls to 0-4 in non-conference play. Augustana improves to 3-1 on their season.

Leading the way for the Golden Eagles offense on the day was Chris Zellmer who had eight completions for 97 yards. On the receiving end were Guy Rodrigue and Jordan Grafsgaard as they each had three receptions. The Augie defense kept R. J. Rollins in check all afternoon as he finished with 17 carries for 48 yards.

Fronting the defensive attack for UMC was Trevor Haugh with 10 tackles. Justin Reed and Marlon Wade each had a sack and finished with nine and eight tackles, respectively.

The Golden Eagles return home for Homecoming Weekend to face Wayne State College on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 1:30 pm at Ed Widseth Field.

(9/10/05)- Peacock Offense Controls Win Over Golden Eagles

The University of Minnesota-Crookston football team lost a heartbreaker to the Upper Iowa University Peacocks today at Ed Widseth Field. The Peacocks got on the board first with two touchdowns in the second quarter, to take a 14-0 lead into halftime. The story of the game was Upper Iowa's ability to run the football and the Golden Eagles inability to get anything going on the ground.

The Peacocks didn't waste anytime, as they scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 27-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. UMC mounted a very good offensive attack in the final quarter, as they did a nice job mixing up the pass and the run. The Golden Eagles finally got on the board in the 4th quarter as Matt Forse returned an Upper Iowa fumble 33 yards for the only Golden Eagles touchdown.

The University of Minnesota-Crookston is now 0-3 on the year and the Peacocks improve to 1-2. The Golden Eagles return to action, Saturday, September 17, 2005 in Sioux Falls, SD as they take on the Vikings of Augustana for their first road test of the 2005 season.

9/3/05)- Huskies Handle the Golden Eagles

The UMC football team edged SCSU in time of possession but that would be all as the Huskies defeated the Golden Eagles today by the score of 53-7. SCSU did not have a drive that took more the 4:30 and one drive the took only seven seconds as St. Cloud amassed 630 total yards to UMC's 242.

There was marked improvement on both sides of the ball over last weeks game however as UMC's quarterback Chris Zellmer threw for 95 yards. He connected with wide receiver Jon Barvels a game high eight times for 55 yards. Senior running back R.J. rushed for 155 yards (69 yard long) and the only Golden Eagles touchdown. Calvin McMullen led the defense with 8.5 tackles (8 solo/1assisted)while Justin Reed finished with 7.5 tackles 4 solo/7 assisted) and one sack for a loss of five yards.

The Golden Eagles are 0-2 on the season, but are done playing NCC teams for now and will face Upper Iowa next weekend at Ed Widseth in Crookston, MN, a 1 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.

8/25/05)- Coyotes Handle the Golden Eagles

After a Golden Eagle opening drive that saw them reaching the USD 20 yard line on an R.J. Rollins fake punt, UMC was held in check by an overpowering USD defense. UMC was held to just 104 yards of offense in the 77-0 loss to the "Coyotes". R.J. Rollins ran for 93 yards for the UMC while USD's Stefan Logan rushed for 130 yard and two touchdowns. USD's quarterback Wes Beschorner was 12-16 for 281 yards and four touchdowns on the evening. On the defensive side of the ball, UMC's Brandon Moore had an outstanding night as he was a part of 22 total tackles (11 solo, 11 assist). UMC is 0-1 on the season and faces the "Huskies" from St. Cloud State University next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

4/29/05)- Golden Eagle Football to Hold Intersquad Scrimmage

Who: Golden Eagle Football
What: Intersquad Scrimmage
Where: Widseth Field
When: Saturday, April 30th @ 10:00 a.m.

(4/26/05)- Golden Eagle Football Seniors Honored

(Front Row, L-R)- Adam Grunzke, Justin Buzby, Adam Koplin
(Back Row, L-R)- Andy Barnum, Shane Beck, Nick Greschner

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Athletic Department held their annual Athletic Awards Program, April 26, 2005 on the Crookston campus honoring the 2004-05 seniors and presenting awards for Male and Female Athlete of the Year.