All-American accolades

Zigler first Scot to recieve national award

By Ian Van Anden
Asst. Sports Editor

The 2005 football season was one of firsts for the Fighting Scots. The trend has continued in the off-season.

Senior Justin Zigler was named to the NCAA division III All-American team for the National Weekly Football Gazette. Zigler is the first Monmouth College Fighting Scot to receive such an honor.

In Zigler's senior year he saw his team go undefeated in the regular season (including a dominate shutout victory at Knox) this honor was simply icing on the cake.

"I am very grateful to receive this honor. I didn't expect it all" said Zigler after receiving the award.

Zigler who had a remarkable senior year compiled a school record 115 tackles, including 23.5 behind the line of scrimmage.

Zigler also tallied five and a half sacks, which was good enough for second on the team.

From his linebacker spot Zigler was a ball hawk. He had his hand in on a third of MC's turnovers. Zigler picked-off two passes recovered four fumbles and caused a fumble as well.

He also returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown, a highlight moment for the Scots' brilliant season.

Zigler walks away from the MC football program after four years of dedication sweat and blood. Zigler is Monmouth's all-time leading tackler as he took over that distinction earlier in the year and simply ran away with the title. He now leads the category by over 100 tackles.

Zigler's performance has always been more than just sheer numbers. His on the field attitude made him a force to be reckoned with.

Opposing offenses were forced to game plan around him and were always aware of where the senior linebacker was on the field.

As ESPN's Dick Vitale would say, "He is a PTP, a Prime Time Player, BABY!!!" This is exactly what Zigler brought to the field every time he slipped on that red and white Fighting Scots' helmet.

MC Head Coach Steve Bell commented on Zigler's on field attitude: "When Zigs stepped between the lines, he was all business."

Ziglers intensity and leadership will be sorely missed by a Monmouth defense that has steadily improved since Zigler's arrival.

When he arrived just four short years ago head coach Steve Bell remembers how at 190-pounds Zigler was worn and overmatched as a freshman linebacker. But 45-pounds and three years later makes a big difference.

"The progress that Justin made in his four years here was just tremendous. He really transformed his body type, that's a tribute to his work ethic, which is unmatched" said Bell when asked of his star linebackers accomplishments.

Several Scots have received honorable mention to the All-American roster. Sophomore Evan Haffner received honorable mention this year to the Football Gazette's All-American roster as a kick returner.

Haffner who was ranked in the top 30 for both kick and punt returns. 30th and 28th respectively is the 10th Scot to receive honorable mention as an All-American.

Haffner had 25.1-yard average on Monmouth College kick returns and an impressive 12.4-yard average for punt returns. In these return duties Haffner did both with flash and pure speed.

His agility and quickness is well document just ask the countless Midwest Conference defenseman who watched Haffner juke by on his way to an electrifying plays.

As only a junior look for Haffner to be the second Scot to gain All-American status next year.

If his numbers continue to improve as they have in his first three years wearing the red and white of the Monmouth Fighting Scots.

Quotes Thanks to Barry McNamara