Culver-Stockton College Football: A History of Gridiron Greatness

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of northern Missouri, Culver-Stockton College has long been known for its strong academic tradition and commitment to student success. However, beyond the classrooms and lecture halls, the Wildcats have also made a name for themselves on the football field.

A Legacy of Excellence

The history of Culver-Stockton football dates back to 1891, when the school fielded its first team. Since those early days, the Wildcats have enjoyed a rich and storied tradition, winning numerous conference championships and producing countless talented players.

Conference Dominance

Culver-Stockton has been a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) since 2019. In just three seasons in the conference, the Wildcats have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They have won the HAAC regular season championship twice and advanced to the NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS) both years.

National Recognition

The Wildcats’ success has not gone unnoticed on the national level. In 2021, Culver-Stockton was ranked as high as No. 11 in the NAIA FCS poll. The team also received votes in the AFCA Coaches’ Poll, a prestigious ranking of the top teams in all of college football.

Key Players and Coaches

Over the years, Culver-Stockton has been led by a number of outstanding players and coaches. Some of the most notable include:

Players

• Tyrin Turner (Running Back): Turner is the school’s all-time leading rusher and holds the single-season rushing record. He was named a consensus NAIA All-American in 2021.
• Davonte Russell (Wide Receiver): Russell is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NAIA. He led the nation in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2022.
• Justin Pegues (Defensive Back): Pegues is a two-time NAIA All-American and was named the HAAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Coaches

• Tom Salenski (Head Coach): Salenski has been the head coach at Culver-Stockton since 2019. He has led the Wildcats to two HAAC championships and two NAIA FCS appearances.
• Craig Schurig (Offensive Coordinator): Schurig has been with Culver-Stockton since 2015. He has helped develop the Wildcats into one of the most potent offenses in the NAIA.
• Mike Schneck (Defensive Coordinator): Schneck joined Culver-Stockton in 2022. He has over 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator and has helped the Wildcats improve their defense significantly.

Future Prospects

The future is bright for Culver-Stockton football. The Wildcats have a talented roster returning for the 2023 season, including several key players who were named to the HAAC Preseason All-Conference Team. With a strong coaching staff and a tradition of excellence, Culver-Stockton is poised to make another run at the HAAC championship and the NAIA FCS title.

Conclusion

Culver-Stockton College football has a rich history and a bright future. The Wildcats have established themselves as one of the top teams in the NAIA and are poised for continued success in the years to come. With a passionate fanbase and a commitment to excellence, Culver-Stockton football is a source of pride for the school and the community.

Table 1: Culver-Stockton Football Conference Championships

Table 2: Culver-Stockton Football NAIA FCS Appearances

Table 3: Culver-Stockton Football NAIA All-Americans

Table 4: Culver-Stockton Football Preseason HAAC All-Conference Team (2023)