Golden – Students at the Colorado School of Mines always have put a priority on academics. Mines consistently ranks as one of America’s best engineering schools.
Now students at Mines have something else to get excited about in the fall: their football program.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Danny Medina, a senior quarterback from Pueblo South.
Usually a middle-of-the-pack (or lower) program in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Mines rose up a year ago to win its first 12 games before losing to Pittsburg (Kan.) State in a second-round NCAA Division II playoff game. The Orediggers, who open their 2005 season Saturday at Brooks Field against Washburn, are out to prove their magical season wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
“I’d like to think it wasn’t,” Medina said. “We’re not happy about just getting to the postseason. The goal of this program is to be national champions.”
The success of this year’s team may depend on the right arm of Medina, who takes over for record-setting quarterback Chad Friehauf, who signed with the Broncos as a free agent.
“We’re hoping that we’ve brought the program far enough that when we lose a great player, we’ve got a young one that can come in and still do the job,” said Bob Stitt, who is 34-22 in five seasons as the Mines coach.
Friehauf led the Orediggers to their first conference title since 1958 with an explosive offense that was No. 4 nationally in scoring at 39.6 points a game. The winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy, Division II’s version of the Heisman Trophy, set every notable passing record in Mines history.
Friehauf said Mines can pick right where he left off because of the spread offense Stitt runs, Medina’s talent and the Ore- diggers’ improved defense.
“They’re going to do great things without me,” Friehauf said. “They can score points, but they won’t need to as much because the defense is going to be that good.
“It’s a good feeling to see how this program came up from the rock bottom during my freshman year to where it is now. It’s gotten to the point where everyone is going to be head-hunting for them now.”
A year ago, bleachers at Brooks Field that were empty began to fill up. Tailgaters showed up. With each victory there was more buzz around the tiny campus, which has 2,873 undergraduate students.
“The campus is much more excited now that it has a football program to be proud of,” Stitt said. “Football, it’s the first thing that happens on campus (in the fall). If it’s positive, then there’s a positive feeling on campus. If it’s negative, then people have their heads down.”
Stitt said he believes Medina can keep spirits up.
The 6-foot-1, 209-pounder, who was Mines’ punter a year ago, has seen spot duty at quarterback over three seasons, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 674 yards and five touchdowns.
“If Danny would’ve been our QB last season, we would’ve won 12 games,” Stitt said. “If (backup) Garrett (Mehl) would’ve been our QB last season, we would’ve won 12 games. Those kids are ready. They could’ve started for anyone in the league. They just happened to be playing behind the best player in the nation.”
Medina has a good arm and has shown poise in the pocket during preseason workouts. But now there’s pressure that comes with replacing Friehauf.
“Everyone on this campus expects success now,” Medina said. “The program is at the point where making the playoffs is expected.”
Mines will have to replace more than Friehauf, however. Also graduated are last year’s leading rusher, Craig VanHorn, and leading wide receiver, Jonny Chan, who holds multiple school reception records.
Bryan Florendo, a 5-11, 200- pound junior, will be asked to take over for VanHorn, with 6-1, 185-pound senior Justin Gallas, Andrew Schmid and Derek Dykstra the top returning receivers. Gallas, from Northglenn High School, had 95 catches for 1,352 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago.
He’s ready to be Medina’s No. 1 option.
“I’m way stronger and faster than last season,” Gallas said.
Despite what Mines accomplished last season, the Orediggers still are looking for respect. Coaches in this year’s RMAC preseason poll picked Chadron State as the favorite, with Mines ranking second.
“That’s a slap in the face after all the stuff we did last year,” senior cornerback Grant Newton said.
The Orediggers will be prepared. The target is on their foreheads. While the Orediggers have set a goal of defending their RMAC title, they would like another shot at one specific opponent.
“I want to get back at Pittsburg State. I’ll tell you that right now,” Dykstra said.
There’s a certain swagger. And, yes, it’s coming from the Colorado School of Mines.
Staff writer Bryan Chu can be reached at 303-820-1979 or bchu@denverpost.com.
