Eagles Wrap Up Busy Spring With Defensive Victory In Spring Game

May 9, 2013

Kansas City, MO – It’s been a busy spring for the Avila Football program and Head Coach Justin Berna. While players have been working hard to improve on the field and in the classroom, Berna has been working hard to build his 2013 coaching staff.

The Eagles have added five new members to the coaching staff including Paul Charbonneau (Asst. Head Coach) formerly of Valley City State University, Brad Vickroy (Def. Line) formerly of the University of Mary, former Avila player Josh Hewitt (Running Backs), former West Georgia player Andre Pope (Safties), and former St. Mary’s player John Annino (Def. Asst.).

In the weight room, the Eagles have been under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Sal Badali and have seen vast improvements. After another successful Lift-a-thon earlier this year that saw the Eagles Football program raise $4,300, the following players led the way in amounts lifted:

Squat

Kenny Coleman – 550 LBS

Tyler Whisenhunt – 530 LBS

Joe Sublette – 505 LBS

Nick Meissen – 505 LBS

Power Clean

Chris Harris – 335 LBS

KC Moorman – 310 LBS

Nick Meissen – 305 LBS

Split Jerk

Nick Meissen – 335 LBS

Kris Moore – 315 LBS

Chris Harris – 315 LBS

Incline Press

Kenny Coleman – 315 LBS

Dylan Hogan – 300 LBS

Jesse Ruiz – 285 LBS

Four Lift Total

Nick Meissen – 1,425 LBS

Kenny Coleman – 1,420 LBS

Chris Harris – 1,370 LBS

Body Mass Total

Isiah Bryant – 7.15

                  Body Weight – 172 LBS

                  Total Lifted – 1,230 LBS

Da’Veion Sullivan – 6.8

                  Body Weight – 181 LBS

                  Total Lifted – 1,225 LBS

Ryan Nace – 6.5

                  Body Weight – 186 LBS

                  Total Lifted – 1,215 LBS

On the field, offensive lineman Clayton Driskill received the Offensive Most Improved Player award while defensive lineman Chris Harris was selected as the Defensive Most Improved Player. Driskill, a Sikeston, MO native took his redshirt year this past season while Chris Harris saw action in six contests.

Meanwhile, Da’Veion Sullivan was honored at the Avila Athletic End of the Year Annual Banquet for his play last season as he was named Avila Male Athlete of the Year. Sullivan, the first player under Coach Berna to be named to the 1^st Team All HAAC Squad, finished the season with 78 receptions, ranking 7th nationally and first in the HAAC, and collected 1,343 all-purpose yards on the season ranking 23rd in the NAIA. In his two years as an Eagle, Da’Veion has 102 receptions ranking third all time, while his seven touchdown receptions puts him in a tie for fourth with Jonas Serfozo (’06-’07). Sullivan also received honorable mention honors as a kick return specialist this season.

To wrap up the spring, the Eagles defensive claimed a 43-22 victory in the second annual Purple / White game. Notable performers for the defense included Marquis Williams who intercepted a Chris Session pass in the end zone, Nick Zavala who capitalized on a bad snap and leveled RB Ryan Nace to claim the fumble recovery, and Thomas Greger who also recovered a fumble in the second half of the contest.

Offensively, Ryan Nace’s 75 yard touchdown run was a bright spot for the Eagles in the first half while Chris Session’s pass to Robert Johnson for a 62 yard touchdown in the second half brought the estimated 250 fans in attendance to their feet.

Head coach Justin Berna feels that through all the change this spring, the program has certainly improved as it has done the previous two seasons under his leadership. “Once again, we’ve improved our strength in the weight room, and our kids have worked hard to improve on the field and in the classroom. We’ve added some great coaches to the staff and we’re feeling very confident about the future of Avila Football. As for the spring game, it’s always great to see some of the younger players shine”.

The Eagles will continue to work hard through the summer as they offer offseason workouts to their local players. They open their 2013 campaign in just 121 days as they travel to Lawrence, Kansas to take on Haskell University September 7.

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Hernandez and Scott Sign with Professional Indoor Teams

March 13, 2013

Kansas City, MO – Former Avila Linebacker Jarrett Hernandez and Defensive Back Joe Scott have both made history this past month as the first players to be recruited and play under head coach Justin Berna and make it to the professional level. Hernandez signed locally with the Kansas City Renegades while Scott signed with the Topeka based Kansas Koyotes.

The Koyotes and Renegades are members of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL) which features ten teams from Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Iowa.

Hernandez, who signed with the Eagles in 2011, was a key contributor his junior year, finishing second in total tackles with 57 (34 solo) and leading the team in tackles for loss with ten. Hernandez was ineligible for his senior season, but continued to serve as a leader off the field, and plans to graduate with his degree in Kinesiology this December.

After taking part in a two week minicamp, which saw the team start with upwards of 70 players, the Renegade progressively made cuts to come to their final roster size of around 40. Hernandez views the opportunity as “another chance to continue playing the game I love and put off a future big boy job” said Hernandez. Perhaps most exciting is the fact that his parents, who live just two blocks from Avila, will continue to make a short trip to see Jarrett in action. “When I told my dad I’d made the team, I think he was more excited than I was”.

Hernandez described the Renegades as a veteran team and finds himself included in a small rookie class. The Renegades are made up of mostly former Division I players from schools such as Miami and Florida Atlantic, and Hernandez is one of only three former NAIA players signed for the 2013 season.

Scott, who played his senior year at Avila after transferring from Midland University in Nebraska, was a second team All-HAAC and BSN National Player of the Week. His seven interceptions in 2012 ranked sixth in the NAIA and continued a traditional of excellence at the defensive back position for the Eagles.

The Koyotes, who came under new ownership this past year, and are making the jump to the CPIFL from the APFL and currently tout former New York Jets receiver Chris Davis, former Benedictine College quarterback Efi Eyo, and former Kansas State receiver Attrail Snipes as some of their top newcomers for the upcoming season.

Coach Berna wishes Jarrett and Joe the best of luck and mentioned that he and the rest of the staff are "excited to have the chance to be able to go watch former AU playres continue their careers at the professional level and continue to represent Avila University and the football program".

The Renegades will play their home contests at Kemper Arena while the Koyotes will be playing at the Kansas Expocentre. The Two former teammates will face each other on two occasions, in Topeka on April 12, and in Kansas City May 25.

Hernandez and Scott join Avila assistant women's soccer coach Estelle Johnson and former Avila Baseball Player Chris Thomas as Avila Eagles who have signed a professional contract over the past twelve months.

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Football Team Dacnes with Villa Ventura Seniors for Mardi Gras

February 18, 2013

Kansas City, MO – For the third year in a row, the Avila Eagles football team put on a themed dance at the Villa Ventura retirement home. The dance took place on Fat Tuesday and was appropriately given a Mardi Gras theme and featured live music, beads, and colorful headdresses. Last year, the Eagles football team partook in a Valentine’s Day dance at Villa Ventura.

A dozen or so players from this year’s squad attended the dance that lasted just over an hour. Both head coach Justin Berna and Avila dance professor Vicki Strawder coordinated to put on the event and plan to continue the event for many years to come. Berna had the following to say on the event, “It’s a great opportunity for our players to get out into the community and make an impact.”

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Four Eagles Receive Scholar-Athlete Honors

December 12, 2012

Kansas City, MO - The NAIA office released their 2012 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete's list this week, with four Eagles making the cut, up from three in 2011. The following Eagles received the award: Complete List

Chance Alberswerth - Junior | Higginsville, Missouri

Vincent Beltran - Sophomore | Garland, Texas

Matt St. John - Junior | Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Paris Walkup - Senior | Mountain View, Missouri

The Eagles finished with the third most scholar-athletes in the HAAC while Baker University led the way with twelve.

Chance Alberswerth and Matt St. John both received the Scholar-Athlete award in 2011 as well. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status in order qualify. 259 Football student-athletes nationally have been named 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

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Eagles Rewrite the Record Books in 2012

December 4, 2012

Kansas City, MO – Nineteen; that’s the number of school records the Eagles set this past season. To the passive AU football fan, this may come as a surprise, but for the coaching staff, players, and fans who traveled across Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Iowa to watch the Eagles play, it’s no surprise at all.

It’s easiest to list the number of school records broke this past season, and it’s a very long list:

• Most Points in a Season (294)

• Average Yards per Game (401)

• Sacks Given Up In A Season (16)

• First Downs in a  Game (37)

• First Downs in a Season (262)

• Passing Yards in a Game (373)

• Completions in a Game (32 of 49)

• Most Points in a Game (67)

• Receptions in a Game (14)

• Rushing Yards in a Season (2,172)

• Yards per Carry Average in a Season (5.1)

• Receptions in a Season (78)

• Total Yards by an Individual in a Game (470)

• Rushing Touchdowns in a Season (21)

• Rushing Touchdowns by an Individual in a Season (13)

• Points Scored by an Individual in a Season (80)

• Yards Per Carry by an Individual in a season (6.0)

• Tackles for Loss (29)

• Longest Touchdown Return (103)

After a quick glance, it becomes clear that the Avila offense in 2012 may have very well been the best in the eleven year history of the program. The Eagles had a balanced attack as they passed for 2,238 yards and rushed for 2,172 yards on the year. Junior quarterback Jake Hicks led the attack through the air as he passed for 1,725 yards, completing 169 of 296 passes with 10 touchdowns and rushed for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Hicks’ carried a quarterback rating of 111.1, and through the year, there was no doubt that sophomore Da’Veion Sullivan was his go to receiver.

Sullivan ranked 8^th in the nation and first in the HAAC in total receptions with 78 on the season, 19 more than any other HAAC receiver. With 599 reception yards, and three touchdowns, the Los Angeles, California native averaged 54.5 yards per game. Senior Darrell Dunston wasn’t far behind Sullivan in total yards with 413 on 30 receptions, averaging 13.8 yards per catch and scoring two touchdowns.

Freshman Robert Johnson, a Willis, Texas native, also had two touchdowns on the year with 377 yards on 27 receptions.

On the ground, senior Harley Kreisman took over the majority of the workload after sophomore Alyn Jackson was forced to miss his second consecutive season, this time due to injury. Kreisman proved to be more than ready in second season as an Eagle as he rushed for 904 yards, ranking 29^th in the nation, and set the programs single season scoring record with 80 points on 13 touchdowns, ranking 22^nd in the nation.

Nicholas Muder and James Russell also saw significant time in the backfield for the Eagles as Muder rushed for 299 yards on 68 carries while Russell rushed for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Eagles were led by Freshman David Gamboa. A Belvidere, Illinois native, Gamboa led the Eagles in total tackles with 68, had six tackles for loss (17.5 yds.), and had three interceptions including a 103 yard touchdown return for a touchdown in the Eagles homecoming contest against Culver-Stockton College.

Junior defensive back Justin Davies led the Eagles in solo tackles with 33, ten of which came in the Eagles final game of the year against Peru State and four fumble recoveries. Cornell Ellis also contributed 60 total tackles and four fumble recoveries while senior lineman Christian Smith had 54 tackles, and led the Eagles in tackles for loss with 9.5 on the year (23.3 yds.).

Senior lineman Derrick Lewis led the Eagles in sacks with five while Chance Alberswerth had three.

Joe Scott, made the most of his one year career as an Eagle, leading the team in interceptions with seven in just eight games as he missed the first three contests of the year. His seven interceptions fell just one short of Tyler Cardwell’s eight interception performance last season and ranked seventh in the nation. Scott also ranked first in the HAAC in interceptions per game.

On special teams, Da’Veion Sullivan and Robert Johnson handled all the return duties and were the best kick return duo in the nation as Sullivan ranked 8^th in the nation in Kick Return yards with 645 yards while Robert Johnson ranked 24^th in the nation with 497 yards. Sullivan and Johnson beat out Brandon Sheppard and Trent Schuett of Wayland Baptist by 49 yards to claim the honor of best kickoff tandem.

Senior Tim Gilday handled the kicking responsibility for the Eagles for the second straight year, and finished 7-of-11 with a .636 percentage, ranking fourth in the HAAC. His seven made field goals, including a career long 42 yarder against Baker, ranked 30^th in the nation.

Similar to past years, the Eagles continued to play one of the toughest schedules in the nation as their opponents had a combined record of 63-58. The Eagles faced four programs that finished 2012 ranked in the NAIA Top 25 Poll (#2 Missouri Valley, #9 MidAmerica Nazarene, #11 Baker University, #22 Benedictine, and #23 Evangel University). Of those four programs, three made the NAIA National Tournament (Missouri Valley, MidAmerica Nazarene, Baker), and Missouri Valley made it to the semifinals.

While reflecting on the 2012 season, two key points arise for second year Head Coach Justin Berna. The first is the Eagles ability to win close games. Outside of the loss at Missouri Valley, Berna felt the Eagles were competitive in every contest they played in. “For the first time in the programs history, we’ve played in ten games that have all come down to a handful of plays. It’s both physically and mentally draining and most of our players haven’t experienced that before at this level.” With 15 starters returning next season (7 offensive, 8 Defensive), Berna sees the Eagles gaining experience from this closes losses and coming up on the right end of the result in the future.

The Eagle graduate 14 seniors including: K/P – Tim  Gilday, WR – Paris Walkup, DB – Joe Scott, OL - Deonta Wade, LB – Robert Reiff, DL – Chris Smith, RB – James Russell, LB – Nik Folken, RB – Harley Kreisman, WR – Darrell Duston, DL – Derrick Lewis, DL – Alex Taylor, TE – Trey Swager, OL – Josh Hewitt.

Coach Berna had the following to say on the senior class: “I couldn’t be prouder of our seniors. They’ve made it through three coaching staffs in four years and that’s not easy. Lots of guys quit, and all of these young men have stuck it out, and they can walk away feeling good about leaving the program in a better place.”

While the Eagles will continue to have an overall young team next fall, Coach Berna stressed the importance that several underclassmen have at least a years playing experience of seeing significant minutes which bolds well for the future.

Freshman	?
Sophomore	50
Junior	15
Senior	16

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Fourteen Eagles Receive All HAAC Honors – Sullivan Selected to First Team

November 27, 2012

Kansas City, MO – While the Eagles record may not reflect the quality of this year’s team, the 2012 HAAC All Conference list certainly did as the Eagles had fourteen athletes receive honors. Sophomore receiver Da’Veion Sullivan led the way as he was the first player to be selected to the First Team All HAAC squad in Head Coach Justin Berna’s two years at the helm.

Avila also had a pair of Eagles receive Second Team honors and Third Team honors while nine others made the Honorable Mention list.

Sullivan, a 5-9 Los Angeles, California native finished the season with 78 receptions, ranking 7^th nationally and first in the HAAC, and collected 1,343 all-purpose yards on the season ranking 23^rd in the NAIA. In his two years as an Eagle, Da’Veion has 102 receptions ranking third all time, while his seven touchdown receptions puts him in a tie for fourth with Jonas Serfozo (’06-’07). Sullivan also received honorable mention honors as a kick return specialist this season.

Senior offensive lineman Josh Hewitt received All HAAC honors for the third time in his four year career at Avila. After being named to the honorable mention list in 2010 and 2011, the St. Louis native was selected to the 2^nd team All HAAC in 2012. Hewitt anchored an offensive line that 17^th in the nation in total rushing yards (2172) and seventh in the NAIA in first downs per game (23.8). Josh started in all 43 games of his college career.

Joe Scott, a senior defensive-back from Santa Barbara, California was selected to the All HAAC Second Team as well in his first and only year at Avila. Scott continued to the tradition of excellence at the cornerback position for the Eagles as he ranked sixth in the nation in interceptions with seven on the year. Scott also forced and recovered three fumbles on the year and was voted a BSN Defensive Player of the week.

 

Harley Kreisman was also voted a BSN Player of the week for his 191 yard, three touchdown performance against Graceland. The 6’0, 220 senior from Oroville, California was ranked 22^nd in the nation in total scoring with 80 points on the year and 29^th in the nation in total rushing with 904 yards, good enough for fifth in the HAAC.

 

Chris Smith received Third Team All HAAC honors for the second consecutive year. The Blue Springs, Missouri native ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 54 on the year and forced a team leading three fumbles. Smith’s nine and a half tackles for loss ranked fourth in the HAAC.

 

Trey Swager (TE – Port St. Lucie, Fl.), Darrell Dunston (WR – St. Louis, Mo.), Robert Johnson (WR – Willis, Texas), Jesse Ruiz (OL – Oakdale, Calif.) and Tim Gilday (P – Leawood, Kan.) were all selected to the HAAC offensive honorable mention list.

On the defensive side, Nicholas Childs (DL – San Diego, Calif.), Cornell Ellis (LB – Kansas City, Mo.), and Justin Davies (S – Kansas City, Mo.) were voted to the honorable mention list. Davies, a junior, received this honor for the second consecutive year.

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Kreisman Named BSN Player of the Week

November 7, 2012

Kansas City, MO - After rushing for 191 yards on 20 attempts, and scoring three touchdowns, senior runningback Harley Kreisman has been selected at a Beyond Sports College Network athlete of the week at the NAIA level for Week 10. Harley, a Oroville, California native, joins Joe Scott as the second Eagle to receive the BSN Player of the Week award this season. Scott received the award for his performance in Week 4 against MidAmerica Nazarene.

Kreisman opened up the scoring for the Eagles this past weekend against Graceland University with a 35 yard touchdown rush, his longest rush of the day. That touchdown run alone was also enough to out-gain Graceland total rushing yards for the whole contest (30 rushes for 30 yards). Kreisman also scored on runs of seven and two yards. The Eagles fell to Graceland 20-26.

Nationally, Harley ranks 20th in the nation (4th in the HAAC) in total scoring with 72 points, 28th in total rushing yards (798) and 35th in rushing yards per game (79.8).

Kreisman was joined on the BSN POW list this week by fellow HAAC athletes Sean Ransburg (MNU - QB) and Greg Gates (MNU - RB).

Click here to view the entire BSN Player of the Week List. Click Week 10

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Eagles Defeat Wildcats 67-29 In Two Day Marathon

October 15, 2012

Kansas City, MO – The Eagles 2012 homecoming football game was one for the history books in several ways. Records for the longest game played, most points scored in a game, and longest interception return for a touchdown fell as the Eagles (2-5, 1-4) defeated Culver-Stockton (0-7, 0-7) in a contest that took 22-hours to complete 67-29.

Culver-Stockton jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, their only lead of the contest, from a 34 yard field goal from Michael Camargo with 5:30 to play in the first half. The Eagles response came quickly as junior quarterback Dominic Carmazzi called his own number and opened the scoring with a six yard quarterback keeper. The Eagles capped the first quarter with a 45 yard touchdown strike from Jacob Hicks to Logan Epley as time expired in the quarter. Hicks would also connect with Paris Walkup for a 48 yard touchdown in the second quarter as the Eagles took a 28-3 lead into the intermission.

The Eagles defense opened the scoring in the second half as Joe Scott forced and recovered a fumble taking it back 30-yards for the score. Shortly after, the game experienced it’s first of five weather delays which ultimately lead to the games suspension with 8:38 to play in the fourth quarter. Culver mounted a brief come back prior to the games suspension with three successive touchdowns to close the deficit to 47-29.

The teams resumed play Sunday morning with a Wildcat two point attempt from a Kyle Elmore run that the Eagles stuffed at the one-yard line. From that point, the Eagles outscored CSC 20-0 with the highlight of the day coming from a David Gamboa pick six which was returned 103 yards for the score, an Eagle record.

James Russell finished off the scoring with a 1 yard touchdown run with 0:15 to play as the Eagles scored a record breaking 67 points, eclipsing the old record of 59 in their 2007 home victory over Haskell. The Eagles are also 54 points away from breaking the all-time season scoring record.

The Eagles rushed for 234 yards as a team with senior running back Harley Kreisman leading the way rushing for 84 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Kreisman’s second touchdown tied him with Laurance Subelka for third all-time in career rushing touchdowns with seven. The Eagles currently rank 20^th in the nation in total rushing with 1344 total yards.

Hicks finished the day going 9/16 for 204 yards and two touchdowns bringing his total to six on the year and reached the 2000 yard mark for his career in passing as an Eagle. The junior quarterback from Shelton, Washington currently sits third on the all-time career leaders list in completions (189), touchdowns (15), and yards (2000).

On defense, the Eagles forced five turnovers (3 interceptions, 2  fumbles recovered) and were led by junior cornerback Gary Daniels as he finished with 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 assisted) and one interception. Linebackers Cornell Ellis and Robert Reiff both collected 7 tackles as well. Joe Scott continued to be a turnover machine for the Eagles as he forced and recovered two fumbles, had one interception and gathered five tackles. Scott currently ranks fifth in the nation with four interceptions on the year.

Derrick Lewis led the Eagles in sacks with two.

The Eagles will look to pick up their second road win of the year this Saturday when they head to Springfield to face Evangel University (5-2, 4-1). The Crusaders are riding a three game win streak with wins over Benedictine (54-44), Graceland (35-14), and Peru State (38-23). As a team, Evangel rank 3^rd in the NAIA in passing offense (2200 yards) and are led by junior receiver Jesse Vaughn who leads the nation in receiving yards with 949 on the year. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30pm at JFK Stadium.

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Joe Scott Named BSN Defensive Player of the Week

September 25, 2012

Kansas City, MO – While the Eagles ended up on the wrong side of a 9-38 result against the thirteenth ranked MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers, senior defensive back Joe Scott provided a silver lining for head coach Justin Berna.

The Santa Barbara, California native recorded five tackles (three solo), two interceptions, and a pass breakup in his first game as an Eagle and was rewarded with the title of BSN Defensive Player of the Week. His two interceptions rank him 16^th in the nation in INT’s and led the team on the year.

The Eagles (0-4) will be looking to pick up their first win of the year this weekend when they travel to Linsborg, Kansas to take on Bethany College (2-2). Avila will be looking to avenge a 13-30 home loss to Bethany in 2011.

The Sweeds are coming off a 31-33 loss to Kansas Wesleyan University and will feature sophomore running back Tevis Linnebur who ranks seventh in the NAIA in total rushing with 439 yards on the year.

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Football Team Looks to Take Another Leap Forward

2012 Season Preview

July 23, 2012

Kansas City, MO - The 2011 season was a big one for the Avila University football team. The Eagles doubled the number of victories from the season before – improving from a 2-8 record to 4-6 – had their best record in eight years and established several team records, including most Heart of America Athletic Conference wins in a season, most touchdown passes in a game and most points scored against an opponent (50 vs. Graceland). Perhaps most impressive was that the Eagles won four of their last five games of the season.

Now, beginning his second season at the helm of the program, head coach Justin Berna has no illusions that such a quantum leap again this fall will be easy. Yet, the coach believes the stage definitely is set for more improvement.

What has Berna most excited are the sheer numbers he has out for football this Fall, including a stellar and deep recruiting class.

“If we started tomorrow, we’d have 108 on the squad,” Berna said July 13. “We only have 100 lockers.

“We did a really good job recruiting locally, which is what we wanted to do. We have a lot of kids here who are used to winning.”

It’s the same recruiting model, Berna said, that was used when he was an assistant coach at Lindenwood, when his team qualified for the NAIA playoffs two of the three years he was there  – dominate recruiting locally with high-quality kids who know how to win. He said he especially was bolstered about 40 of his players stayed in town over the summer to lift and condition.

“We have a ton of players back, both old and new,” he said. “We have our nucleus back, and then we’ve done a great job of recruiting great depth and players who can come in and contribute immediately.”

Berna especially feels good about his offense’s quarterback situation. Jacob Hicks, a 6-foot-5 junior, returns after going 4-1 as a starter last season, and Dominic Carmazzi, whose brother played for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, provides nice depth and different talents.

Sophomore Alyn Jackson, who led the HAAC in rushing as a freshman two seasons ago, returns after eligibility issues sidelined him a year ago. Cole Muder, also a sophomore, had a couple of 100-yard rushing games last season.

Da’Veion Sullivan, an honorable mention all-conference choice last year as a kickoff returner and wide receiver, and Trey Swager should be Hicks’ two main targets at receiver.

The defense looks to be led by junior linebacker Cornell Ellis, a transfer from the University of Missouri who had to sit out last season. Jesse Kribbs, Jarrett Hernandez and Nike Folken will join Ellis at linebacker.

Junior Tim Gilday returns as the Eagles’ starting kicker and punter.

“For the first time, we’re coming back with the same system,” Berna said. “We’re recruiting for what we want.”

Berna said to expect the usual suspects to be battling it out for the top of the conference standings – Baker, Benedictine, MidAmerica Nazarene, Missouri Valley. With a few breaks, perhaps a new name could enter that mix.

“If we can stay healthy,” Berna said, “posting our first winning season is a very attainable goal.”

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Eagles Team Up With Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City To Coach Football Camp

May 26, 2012

Kansas City, MO – This past Saturday (May 19^th), the Eagles coaches and players put on a free football camp for the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. The camp was held on the Chiefs outdoor practice facility and lasted four hours.

Jeremy Horne, a second year receiver for the chiefs out of the University of Massachusetts, made an appearance and spoke with the 50 kids in attendance. Eagle players in attendance included Chris Harris (So. Defensive Lineman); Jake Hicks (Jr. Quarterback); Alyn Jackson (Jr. Running Back); Jacob Rhoades (So. Quaterback); Chance Alberswerth (Jr. Linebacker) and Darrell Dunston (Jr. Receiver). Avila head coach Justin Berna and assistant coach David Flores were also in attendance.

The camp broke players up into specific positions working on topics such as footwork, zonal defense, route running, and throwing motion. The camp finished with a 7 on 7 tournament allowing many of the kids to experience organized football for the first time.

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White Claims Victory in Purple/White Spring Game

May 26, 2012

Kansas City, MO - With over 300 fans in attendance, White claimed a 31-21 victory over Purple in the Second annual Purple/White game on the campus of Avila University earlier this month.

Notable performances came from receiver DaVeion Sullivan who had a big touchdown catch from a Vince Beltran pass, spring transfer quarterback Dominic Carmazzi who ran for a touchdown, and junior quarterback Jacob Hicks as he wrapped up a solid spring in which he never threw an interception.

On the defensive end, sophomore defensive lineman Chris Smith set the tone while Justin Davies returned an interception for a touchdown.

The Eagles improved in the classroom as well as on the field this spring as the team GPA went from a 2.73 to a 2.98 for the spring semester.

Head coach Justin Berna, who will be heading into his second season at the helm this fall had the following to say on the Eagles spring improvement: “We had a great spring, we are way ahead of where we were last year and most importantly we are healthy. We are going to have a great group of guys here this summer allowing us to continue to improve. We have set goals for this upcoming fall and we are all excited to see what we can do on the field in 2012.”

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Football Raises $5,000 in Lift-Off

April 16, 2012

Kansas City, MO – Senior defensive lineman Christian Smith proved to be the strongest Eagle at the first annual Football Lift-Off that took place April 7^th. The 5’10, 250 pound Blue Springs, Missouri native lifted a combined total of 1045 pounds as he Incline pressed 280 pounds, squatted 475 pounds, and cleaned 290 pounds. Smith received the award for heaviest incline as well as the overall title.

Jeryn Collier, a senior linebacker had the biggest squat at 505 pounds while Chris Harris, a sophomore defensive lineman had the biggest clean at 305 pounds. A complete list of players who lifted over 1000 pounds can be  found below.

Freshman receiver Isaiah Bryant won the relative strength award. The 5'8, 180 pound receiver lifted just over six times his body weight (980 lbs.)

The program raised an impressive $5,000 that will go towards the teams operating budget. The program just recently purchased a brand new set of dumbbells for the weight room with money raised through past fundraising events and head coach Justin Berna plans to use some of the money for further weight room enhancements.

	Incline	Squat	Clean	Total
Christian Smith	280	475	290	1045 (Won Tie Breaker)
Jeryn Collier	245	505	295	1045
Nik Folken	275	460	2795	1030
Cornell Ellis	255	470	295	1020
Matt St. John	225	500	285	1010
Deonta Wade	265	445	300	1010
Aaron Anderson	245	460	300	1005

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Second Annual Purple/White Game Scheduled for May 5

April 9, 2012

Kansas City, MO – The Eagles will partake in their annual spring Purple/White game May 5^th with kickoff set for 10 AM. The spring game will take place on the Zarda Multisport complex on the campus of Avila University. Justin Berna will be entering his second spring at the helm. The Eagles went 4-6 last season, their best record since 2003 and broke several program records in the process:

• 4 Conference Wins – Most Ever (Culver-Stockton, Evangel, Graceland, Peru State)

• Most TD passes in a single game (4 vs. Graceland)

• Most points scored against a conference opponent (50 vs. Graceland)

• Most All Conference Award Winners (15 Players)

• First Ever All American (Tyler Cardwell)

The Eagles will be returning 14 of their 26 starters and return 59 letter winners while losing just 18. Top returners and key losses for the Eagles include:

Top Returners

Name	Yr.	Ht.	Wt.	Pos.	Awards, Stats, Info
Chris Smith	SR	5’10	260	DL	3rd Team All HAAC Defensive Line in 2011
Alyn Jackson	SO	6’2	220	RB	1st Team All HAAC Running Back in 2010, Sat out 2011
Da'Veion Sullivan	SO	5’9	185	WR	Honorable Mention All HAAC Wide Receiver and Kick Returner in 2011
Josh Hewitt	SR	6’1	255	OL	Honorable Mention All HAAC Offensive Line in 2011
Jesse Kribbs	SO	6’2	240	LB	Honorable Mention All HAAC Linebacker  in 2011
Jake Hicks	JR	6’4	195	QB	Went 4-1 as a starter last 5 games

Key Losses

Name	Yr.	Ht.	Wt.	Pos.	Honors Received, Stats
Tyler Cardwell	SR	5’10	175	DB	2nd Team DB BSN All American, 2nd Team DB HAAC,(8 INT’s tied for 3rd in Nation in NAIA)
Chris Morefield	SR	6’2	260	OL	3rd Team All HAAC Offensive Line
Jarrett Brooks	SR	5’11	285	DL	Honorable Mention All HAAC Defensive Line
MJ Bland	SR	5’9	180	WR	3rd Team All HAAC Wide Receiver

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Eagles Take Part in Valentine’s Day Dance

February 22, 2012

Kansas City, MO – For the second year in a row, the Avila Eagles football team put on a themed dance at the Villa Ventura retirement home. The dance, which took place on February 16, was appropriately selected to be a Valentine’s Day theme, and featured live music. A dozen or so players from this years 4-6 squad attended the dance that lasted just over an hour. Both head coach Justin Berna and Avila dance professor Vicki Strawder coordinated to put on the event and plan to continue the event for many years to come. Berna had the following to say on the event, “It’s a great opportunity for our players to get out into the community and make an impact.”

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Eagles Release Signing Day List Including 21 Players

Kansas City, MO – Second year head Coach Justin Berna was looking to capitalize off an Eagles 2011 campaign that saw them finish with the second best record in school history. He did just that as the Eagles released their signing day list of 21 players who have committed to play for the Eagles this fall.

 

 

AVILA 2012 RECRUITING CLASS
	PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	SCHOOL	STATE
1	Dominic Carmazzi	QB	6'2"	205	Sacramento City College	CA
2	David Gamboa	DB	6'1"	190	Harper C.C.	IL
3	Sean Morrow	DB	6'2"	190	Topeka Hayden HS	KS
4	Joe Strauch	K/P	6'0"	165	Butler HS	MO
5	Ryan Nace	RB	5'9"	190	Grain Valley HS	MO
6	Jonathan James	DL	6'2"	220	Rogers Heritage HS	AR
7	Brendan Gabbart	DB	5'11"	170	Cameron HS	MO
8	David Kepus	LB	6'1"	205	St. Pius HS	MO
9	Utah Finley	WR	6'4"	195	Marshfield HS	MO
10	Patrick Moore	TE	6'2	185	Topeka Hayden HS	KS
11	Jared Dotson	OL	6"3"	275	Liberty North HS	MO
12	Danny White	OL	6'3"	230	Parkway South HS	MO
13	Antonio Love	DB	5'10"	185	Coffeyville C.C.	MO
14	Nick Rellihan	OL	6'1"	240	Lee Summit HS	MO
15	Caleb Carillo	TE	6'1"	200	Bishop Carroll HS	KS
16	Edward Beasley	WR	6'2	180	Joy Christian HS	AZ
17	D.J. Dunn	OL	6'2"	265	Troy-Buchanan HS	MO
18	Zach Lacy	OL	6'1"	250	Dexter HS	MO
19	Eddie Sola	DB	5'10	190	Park Hill South	MO
20	Tyler Whisenhunt	DL	6'1	260	Knob Noster	MO
21	Luke Oldham	WR	6'2	185	Rogers Heritage HS	AR

 

The Eagles will continue to sign players through the summer, but Justin Berna was more than pleased with the progress his coaching staff made up to this point in the off-season. The Eagles will open up their 2012 season on the road in Belleville, IL as they take on Lindenwood University on September 1st. The Eagles home and HAAC conference opener will take place the following weekend when they take on Central Methodist September 8th.

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Cardwell Selected as BSN Second Team All American

Kansas City, MO – Tyler Cardwell, a 5'11 senior from Blue Springs, Missouri was selected to the Beyond Sports College (BSN) Network NAIA All American Second Team. Cardwell finished the season with 8 interceptions, ranking 3 rd in the nation and first in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Cardwell finished his Avila career with 14 picks, ranking second on the Eagles all-time list. Tyler also had 57 tackles on the year, ranking second on an Eagles defense that lead Avila to its highest win total since 2006. Cardwell is the first Eagle to ever receive the BSN All American Award.

Cardwell's BSN profile can be viewed at the link below:

Cardwell25
Highlight Reel

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15 Eagles Named to All HAAC Teams

December 2011

Kansas City, MO – After finishing the 2011 season with a 4-5 record in HAAC play, their best conference record since finishing 5-5 in 2003, the Eagles featured a record 15 players on the All HAAC squads. Tyler Cardwell topped the list for the Eagles making the second team, while a quartet of Eagles made the third team. Ten Players in total made the honorable mention list.

Second Team All HAAC
Cardwell, a senior safety from Blue Springs, Missouri led an Avila defense that played a key role in Avila reaching their highest wins total since 2009. Cardwell's eight interceptions ranked third in the NAIA and led the Heart of America Athletic Conference. He finishes his career second all-time in interceptions with 14. His 57 tackles on the year ranked second on the Eagles defense. Cardwell was selected as a Third Team All HAAC member in 2009.

Third Team All HAAC
Four players earn Third Team All HAAC. View the awards page for more details.

Honorable Mention All HAAC
10 players earn Honorable Mentions All HAAC. View the awards page for more details.

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Avila Football Finished Season with 26-23 Victory Over Peru State

November 2011

Kansas City, MO – The Eagles closed out their 2011 season in Peru, Nebraska and defeated HAAC newcomers Peru State 26-23. The two sided played to a scoreless first quarter, and a Tim Gilday field goal at the 14:55 minute mark gave the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

Peru State would get their opening points of the game on the board courtesy of a Ryan Ludlow 8 yard run. Da'Veion Sullivan restored the lead three minutes later of a 20 yard pass completion from Jacob Hicks and the Eagles would go into half time with a 10-7 lead.

The Avila secondary caused havoc again forcing Peru State into three interceptions, two of which were forced by Senior Eagle Tyler Cardwell. He will finish the season with eight interceptions, ranking third nationally in the NAIA. He will finish his career at Avila with 14 Interceptions, ranking second all-time at Avila. Cardwell also led the Eagles in tackles with 9 in the game while Jesse Kribbs and Aaron Anderson followed closely with 8.

Fellow senior Jason Vizcaino followed up his two pick performance last week with one interception that he returned 58 yards for his first career touchdown.

Peru State made a game out of it late, outscoring the Eagles 10-3 in the fourth quarter, but ran out of time as the game finished 26-23.

Harley Kreisman led the Eagles on the ground gaining 54 yards on 13 carries. Jacob Hicks went 23-41 for 250 yards, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown.

Coach Berna had was pleased with the Eagles ability to close out the 2011 campaign saying ““Our guys played hard and it was good to see us finish a game that was a close back and forth battle”. He added “You can see our character as a team starting to really develop”.

The start of the 2011 season was one filled with tests for first year head coach Justin Berna. After losing his top 2011 returner, Alan Jackson, a 2010 1 st Team All HAAC selection, due to eligibility issues, the Eagles went on to lose their first six games of the year. The schedule was not kind to the Eagles either as their first six opponents, four of them ranked in the NAIA Top 25, had a combined record of 38-12 this season.

The turning point of the year proved to be a 27-13 victory on the road against Culver-Stockton on Oct. 15. The Eagles went on to win four of their last five contests, going 2-0 at home and 2-1 on the road. The Eagles 2011 record of 4-5 doubled their wins total of two from last fall.

Coach Berna summed up the season with the following: “The coaching staff and myself have been very pleased with how the players have improved each and every week, not just on the game field but on the practice field and in the weight room. The players have really made strides believing in the program and what we are trying to accomplish as a team and you could see that throughout the progress of the season”.