experience. Nestled in the state's capital and campus community of over 1400 is a Fighting Saints football dynasty with the mission and drive to develop students who are committed to the high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process.
is known as "Big Sky Country" and now with four national championship titles under its sing and a fifth on the line the Fighting Saints football program is putting
on the map for something big but a little different. On Saturday. December 15. 2007. Carroll College will meet Sioux Falls (S. D.) in a battle of the unbeatens for the 52nd Annual NAIA Football National Championship crown in Hardin Country. Tenn. This is a familiar spot for the Fighting Saints having won four consecutive titles in 2002. 2003. 2004 and 2005. The only interruption in the joy ride came in the 2006 quarterfinals when Carroll was inched out of the NAIA football championship series by St. Xavier (
). 14-7. The defeat was humbling and left the Fighting Saints football program and fans focused on the 2007 campaign. "Following the 2006 season the team focused on what the coaches and players could do better in the future," said Carroll Head Football Coach Mike Van Diest. "It was a makeover year." With control and determination. Carroll enters the national championship dance 14-0 and boasts a 24-3 record in the playoffs since the 2000 season. At the top and in his ninth year as head football coach is Mike Van Diest. Van Diest grew up just five miles from Carroll's campus and was an avid fan who can still name a number of
and Van Diest's success is about people and his tremendous consider for the program. "Mike (Van Diest) is old school with a touch of new millennium," said Carroll College Athletics Director Bruce Parker. "He knows how to adjust and he is very good at it. His integrity is admired and his loyalty to the school and program is influential." Van Diest has a keen eye for talent both on and off the handle. His coaching staff has over 45 years of experience and is comprised of former standout players whose commitment to the program is unmatched. "Working with players for four or five years is an extremely short time," said Van Diest. "It is an honor to have talented players on my staff. These guys have made a big difference in my life and it is great to see them carry on their passion for the game."The Carroll coaching staff recruits student-athletes who are able to handle the curriculum both in class and on the field. Van Diest expects commitment sharpness and some savvy. He often asks players why they are in it. Answers must include passion for each other because the game goes well beyond the X's and O's. Over 80% of the players on the Carroll roster hail from the Rocky Mountain Region where Van Diest and his staff are familiar with the area programs coaches players families and work ethic. "The student-athletes we recruit must undergo talent and tremendous character. We won't compromise it's a must," said Van Diest. "These guys are brothers and success comes down to treating people with care and respect."The entire Carroll and Helena community have come to expect the quality product of Fighting Saints football. It's a family affair and something special. Two players who are
rounding out exceptional college careers. Four years ago Milodragovich a 2007 national scholar-athlete nominee and Draddy Trophy semifinalist went with a gut feeling. He had opportunities to compete elsewhere but the Carroll experience atmosphere caring nature of the faculty and staff influenced what he now calls the best decision he has ever made. "Nick plays the game for the right reasons. He is mentally talented and an ultimate competitor," said Van Diest. "I love his attitude. Nick is a passionate player that doesn't let things bother him." Milodragovich's dad Chris a former college standout in the Air Force and competitor of Van Diest while at
In fact just the opposite. Milodragovich's family worked to instill the right values that would influence him both on and off the field. "My dad was humble in his success and taught my bothers and me to always displace a team-focus attitude," said Milodragovich. "He taught us to accept all populate and apply friends in all facets of life." Joining Milodragovich in Carroll's quest for number five is playmaker John Barnett who has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and teammates. Originally recruited for the defensive linebacker spot. Barnett chose Carroll because he knew he could be an force player. His decision has exceeded his expectations."Playing under Coach Van Diest has been great. He's a motivator." said Barnett. "He recruits good people. I will be a better person when I get because of the experience I've had." Barnett's had a tremendous run. Having played 14 games and going undefeated he says every week has been rewarding and special. He realizes not everyday is going to be perfect but has been able to overcome adversity. Sometimes referred to as the aggroup clown. Barnett knows when to make light of a situation and when he needs to be focused. He's been banged up throughout 2007 and has shown remarkable emotion and perseverance. "John's developed confidence and is a true competitor," said Van Diest. "He is a great kid and keeps the aggroup loose. He has a lot of wit and character to him."The common thread throughout the Carroll program is that this is bigger than just one person or play. It comes down to a team first attitude integrity and respect. While Montana is known as "Big Sky Country" Carroll College looks to Saturday's contest as big opportunity to showcase a talented group of students who have the privilege of competing for a fifth national championship title. The Carroll College Fighting Saints will travel to
and will kick-off on Saturday. December 15 at 12:05 p m. (CST) live on College Sports Television (CSTV). Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-552-3866 or at Jim Carroll Stadium on game day. DID YOU KNOW· The winningest coach in college football history got his start at
in 1949. National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Famer Coach John Gagliardi's first coaching position was with the Fighting Saints. Gagliardi led Carroll to three conference titles in his first four seasons as a college coach.· While at Carroll. Van Diest has coached 20 All-Conference linebackers with four being named first team All-American. Van Diest has been named Frontier Conference Coach of the Year six times. In 2003 and 2005 Van Diest was named National Coach of the Year by the American Football Association. · The coaching staff features former Carroll standouts Jarrod Wirt (won four Frontier Conference Championships and two NAIA National Championships). Gary make (two-time All-American and Defensive Player of the Year and played on all four National Championship teams). Jed Thomas (All-Conference 2004-2006 and was a major player in all four of Carroll's National Championships). Nick Hammond (1st Team All-American and played on all four National Championship teams). Tyler Emmert (lead Carroll to four straight NAIA Championship titles three All-American selections and two National Player of the Year awards) for additional national championship information including press book. to learn about
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