Winona, Minn. - Winona State student-athletes are back on campus, and although the fall semester will look and feel different, Warriors from all 15 sport programs are set to join their classmates, teammates and coaches in the 2020-21 academic year. 

Earlier this summer, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced the cancellation of competitions through Dec. 31, 2020.  To help Warrior fans, followers and families connect with WSU programs, Winona State presents the "Getting to Know Your Warriors" series, with a spotlight on selected WSU student-athletes.  Today's edition is sponsored by WNB Financial, a corporate partner of Winona State Athletics. 

This Getting to Know Your Warriors episode introduces us to Jake Balliu, a wide receiver and kick return specialist on the Winona State University football team and a graduate student in the Leadership Education program at WSU. Balliu was a well-rounded athlete in high school, competing in three sports, and is itching to get back onto the field for the Warriors. 

The 2017 campaign was a breakout year for Balliu; his spectacular sophomore season returning kicks saw him earn Don Hansen All-America and All-Region honors. The Lakes (Ill.) High School graduate saw his work on special teams earn him All-NSIC honors as a kick returner in 2016, 2017 and 2019.  He also was tabbed All-NSIC as a receiver following the 2019 season. 

Warrior football head coach Tom Sawyer had this to say about Balliu, "Jake is one of the best punt return guys in the country!  He is a fierce competitor, confident and a little reckless! And will be a masters level graduate student next fall!" 
  Next Steps, On and Off the Field - What is your major and what are your plans after graduation?  "I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Leadership Education: Sports Management. After Winona State, I aspire to play football at the next level. However, I also plan on getting a job in college athletics and being an athletic director." ​

Family First - What led you to pick Winona State? "I picked Winona State for a couple reasons. First off, I love the scenic overview of the bluffs. From an academic standpoint, Winona State had the major I wanted to pursue which was movement science with a psychology minor. Winona State is also known for having great athletics so that caught my eye as well. The community and family culture here are like no other."  

Role Models - Do you have a pro receiver you admire or model your game after? "I am a big fan of Julian Edelman. His athleticism, quickness, and ability to make plays are fun to watch. I feel like we have the same frame and build so I try to model my game after him. I am also a huge fan of Devin Hester and Dante Hall because of their careers as elite punt and kick returners."

Phone Home - Any pre-game superstitions or unique training methods? "I wouldn't say I have any pre-game superstitions​, but I do have a pre-game ritual. The morning of every game day I call my dad before kickoff. He always hypes me up and gives me a pep talk."

Well... We Still Like Him! - Bears, Packers, or Vikings?  "Bear Down baby!" 

Good Times - Favorite Warrior football memory? "My favorite Warrior football memory was going to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017. It was a fun and exciting atmosphere that I am itching to get back to!" 

Down Go the Mavericks - Craziest game or play you have been a part of? "The craziest game I have been a part of is when we knocked off #1 ranked Minnesota State Mankato at home. We hit a game winning field as time expired!"

Well-Rounded Warrior - Did you play other sports in high school? "I played three sports in high school: football, basketball, and track." 

Itching to Compete - Anything else you would like to share with Warrior Nation? "I am excited to get back on the field and represent Winona State!" 

Tip of the Warrior Helmet - With one season yet to play, Balliu has already put together an amazing Warrior career returning kicks and hauling in passes. In 2017, Balliu set a Winona State record with 504 punt return yards, a mark that was also tops in the NCAA Division II ranks that year.  He had three touchdowns on returns and eclipsed the 100-yard mark in punt return yardage on three occasions.

After suffering a season-ending injury in 2018, Balliu rebounded remarkably in 2019. Last fall as the Warrior go-to receiver, Balliu led the team in receptions with 45 catches, 569 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.  On special teams, he was second in the NSIC with an average of 12.0 yards per punt return, which was also good for a Top-20 spot nationally across NCAA Division II programs. 
 
Photo credit - Brian Russell 

For the most current news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH. About Winona State University Athletics: 

The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.  
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.

Media Contact: Pete Watkins, Director of Athletic Communications | Ph: 507.457.5577 | Email: pwatkins@winona.edu