Campus Connection

— by Lauren Seidl, Student If you watched the football game between the University of Dubuque Spartans and the Luther College Norse Nov. 7, you may have thought you were at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex. The teams had eight UW-L alumni on their coaching staffs, making for a fun rivalry. With each team staffed by four coaches who have ties to UW-L, the reunion game was an interesting one for the alums to coach — and watch. Spartans coaches included Mick Miyamoto, ’79 & ’85; Mike Schmidt, ’01; Andrew McGlenn, ’05; and Dane Cordes, ’09. Representing the Eagles for the Norse were Mike Durnin, ’81; Roger Jaeger, ’76 & ’83; Luke Knauf, a student coach in ’08; and Brian Eayrs, currently completing a master’s at UW-L. The battle of UW-L alums took place on a beautiful Saturday afternoon downriver in Dubuque. The Norse took control of the game early, 3-0. But, Dubuque rallied for a 14-3 lead going into halftime. The Spartans kept the momentum through the remainder of the game, finishing with a 21-10 victory. Miyamoto had mixed feelings on his win over former teammate Durnin. “It was bittersweet at best,” admitted Miyamoto. “I have the highest regard and respect for Mike and the job he is doing at Luther.” While disappointed with a loss, Durnin enjoyed having the chance to match his team up against one coached with La Crosse ties. “The opportunity to be on the field with a team I love and coaching against a former teammate and coaching associate, former players at UW-L, a long-time coaching friend and associate, and having the man who gave me my first coaching opportunity on the sidelines was very special,” noted Durnin. “All of these individuals are dear friends I truly respect not only as individuals in the profession, but more importantly as great men.”