AU’s Cutkomp Finalist for Division III Coordinator of the Year

AURORA, Ill. November 19, 2008 - Aurora University Spartan football defensive coordinator Luke Cutkomp has been named a finalist for the Muscle Milk® and FootballScoop.com Division III Coordinator of the Year.

AU is currently 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the Northern Athletics Conference on the 2008 season. Winners of the inaugural NAC football championship and a bid to the NCAA Division III Football Championship, the Spartans will travel to Monmouth College for the first round of 2008 NCAA Division III Football Championships. The AU will take on the Scots (10-0, 9-0 MWC) on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Game time is set for noon in Monmouth, IL.

"Luke is highly deserving of the nomination for Coordinator of the Year in Division III football. Luke has done a tremendous job with our defense and has taken us to the next level. I am most proud that he has worked his way up from a position coach to coordinator on our staff. In his first year as the coordinator he has coached the defense to a performance that ranks in the top seven in the nation in five categories. Luke has worked hard for this honor and I couldn't be happier for him, our program and, most especially, our players who have performed flawlessly in his system," said AU Head Football Coach Rich Duncan.

The Spartan defensive unit, led by Cutkomp, is currently ranked No. 2 in Division III in total defense, has allowed only 12.4 points per game, 212.5 yards of total offense, 61.1 on the ground, 151.4 through the air and average 4.0 turnovers per game with a 2.3 turnover margin per game.

"It is an honor to be a finalist for Division III Coordinator of the Year. The nomination is a true reflection of our entire defensive staff and players. Our coaches and players understand what it takes to be a successful defensive unit," said Cutkomp.

The defense has improved from 97th in 2007 to 4th in rushing defense, 97th in 2007 in turnovers gained to 1st in the country; scoring defense has improved from 40th in 2007 to currently 7th.

Defensively, AU is led by junior linebacker Mike Budzinski (Minooka, IL/Minooka H.S., 67 tackles, three interceptions and one quarterback sack), senior defensive back Matt Meyer (Yorkville, IL/Yorkville H.S., 54 tackles, nine interceptions and 11 pass break-ups), senior defensive lineman Marcus Goedken (Sugar Grove, IL/Kaneland H.S., 51 tackles, 13 for loss, five and one-half quarterback sacks), senior linebacker Chris Jackowiak (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock H.S., 45 tackles and three interceptions), junior defensive back Tony Musaraca (Sugar Grove, IL/Kaneland H.S., 44 tackles, six interceptions and six pass break-ups) and junior defensive lineman Pat Funk (Morris, IL/Morris H.S., 41 tackles, 12-1/2 tackles for loss, seven and one-half quarterback sacks, one interception, three pass-break-ups and two forced fumbles).

Key Stats:
1st nationally - Turnovers gained (40)
2nd nationally - Total defense (212.5 yards per game)
3rd nationally – Pass Efficiency defense (84.45 per game)
4th nationally - Rushing defense (61.1 yards per game)
7th nationally - Scoring defense (12.4 points per game)
18th nationally - Sacks (3.0 per game)
24th nationally – Pass defense (151.40 yards per game)

Voting will take place through Friday, December 5, 2008, with the winner being announced on Sunday, December 7, 2008. A panel of former coaches and players who will evaluate the finalists will select winners.

Votes will be considered; however, the panel has final decision over the awards.

To read about the finalists and to vote, please visit http://www.footballscoop.com.

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