Taylor University - Ilium / Gem Yearbook (Upland, IN)

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plays with fierce abandon Dan Archer and Paul Nitz close in on Bluffton ball carrier. Diving tackle prevents touchdown. Paul Nitz and teammates hold Bluffton running game in check. Strong pursuit results in a gang tackle. ' 23

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Paul Snowball King, defensive lineman of the year. Taylor defense Led by all-conference seniors Deni McBrier and Dana Sorenson, consid- ered the best linebacking pair in Taylor football history, the tenacious Trojan defense thrived on checking the offense of their opponent week after week. McBrier ' s team leading total of 107 tackles, followed closely by Sorenson ' s 83, were major factors in Taylor ' s giving up only an aver- age of 10 points per game. Also of vi- tal significance was the play of all conference selections senior Ken Knipp (defensive back), juniors Paul Nitz (defensive end), and Steve Zim- merman (defensive back, punt re- turner). Defensive lineman of the year, senior Snowball King also brought the fans to their feet with his determined pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. Seniors McBrier, So- renson, Knipp, and defensive half- backs Dan Archer and Chip Wehling have all been starting since their freshman years. Dana Sorenson refuses to give ground. All-conference linebackers Dana Sorenson and Deni McBrier have provided Taylor fans with four years of exciting defensive play. 22

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Trojan offense aids victory in Hanover game The Trojans with their new offense seemed to have trouble putting it all together. There were times when four year veteran quarterback Brad Gerlach ran well and passed successfully to se- nior Tom O ' Brien (14 receptions) and sophomore Mike Rich. There were also times when the line opened gaping holes for the exciting breakaway runs of freshman Randy Walchle. Junior kicker Eric Turner had a good season, leading the team in scoring with 23 points. But the vaunted running attack of sophomore all-conference star Norm Sweeting and junior Rick Minnich never developed due to nagging in- juries as was the case of four-year vet- eran guard Paul Richards. Another four-year starter, Terry Metzger, split the season at quarterback and wide re- ceiver, never really playing long enough at either position to feel com- fortable. Despite the fact that injuries and lack of consistency at the skill po- sitions seemed to thwart offensive ef- forts, Taylor played some excellent football games. HighHghts would in- clude the 17-7 Homecoming defeat of Manchester, a 16-10 defeat of a tough Earlham eleven and a very satisfying 24-21 final game decision over Hanover. Other graduating seniors include the exciting soccer-style kicker Tadi Want- wadi, end Bob Bakke, tackle Mark Marchak, defensive back Doug Arnold, and flanker Brian Scholl. Even though athletes like McBrier, who will be seek- ing employment with a professional football team, and Sorenson, who will begin training for the Olympics, will be gone, the prospects for next season are not bleak. With some luck and a good recruiting year, the 1973 football sea- son will be a pleasant surprise to many. Freshman Randy Walchle breaks into the open with a sudden burst of speed. Senior Tom O ' Brien attempts to avoid tacklers after receiving pass. 24