WINONA, Minn. - It has been over 630 days since the Winona State football program has stood toe-to-toe with an opponent but that all changes this evening as the Warriors host Concordia - St. Paul in a 7pm NISC showdown at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
It will be long-time head coach
Tom Sawyer's last, first game of the season, as the veteran mentor will be retiring from the college football ranks at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Sawyer, who is in his 25th year as head coach of the Warriors, returns a healthy, well-rested and ready squad that is excited to tackle the rigors of the NISC football schedule.
NSIC South Preseason Player of the Year
Cam Gavin and WSU Player to Watch
Owen Burke headline a Warrior team that features a balanced offensive attack, a punishing defense and some electric special teams play, highlighted by kick returner
Jake Balliu. Winona State is 9-3 in home openers over the past 25 years under Sawyer and the 2021 team will be looking to add one more win to Sawyer's 190 victory count.
Concordia - St. Paul is led by veteran head coach Shannon Currier, in his second stint with the Golden Bears. Currier has improved his team's record in each of his last three seasons in charge including a 6-5 mark in 2019. Like the Warriors, CSP has been waiting for tonight's kickoff for a long time.
The game this evening is being televised and produced by HBC Sports and available on the NSIC Network. Justin Barrientos will have the call for HBC and fans can also tune in on KQAL 95, the radio home of Winona State Athletics.
Walk up ticket sales will open at 5:30pm at the Maxwell Field ticket office.
For the most up to date 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.
