By Nathan Martinson
UWRF Sports Information

Jeff Cassellius is one of the starting defensive ends for the Falcon football team. Known as a very important player on defense, Cassellius is playing in his last year with the Falcons.

In 2004, Cassellius had career highs with 26 tackles and 14 solo stops. He also had five tackles for loss and two pass deflections.

Falcon Coach John O'Grady said, "Jeff is going into his senior season playing the best football he has played since joining this program."

The Falcons figure to make some noise this season. RF has high expectations for this season as they prepare for a tough conference schedule.

"This season will be a different one. We will be a lot better and we will compete for the conference title," Cassellius predicted.

He got his love for the game from his older brother at a young age and has never stopped playing since.

Cassellius, 6-5 220 pounds, uses his tall frame to his advantage on the football field. He's a very athletic player with the drive to help out the team in any way possible.

"Cassellius is always around big plays, he's a difference maker that has made himself better over the years and that has continued into this season," O'Grady said.

"Football has made me into the man that I am today. All the hard work that I have put in on and off the field has prepared me to become a very successful person in life," Cassellius said.

He grew up in Glenwood City, Wis., where he played football for Glenwood City High School. He received many accolades at Glenwood City including all-conference first team as a defensive end and tight end as a senior. He also received All-Region and All-State honorable mention at defensive end as a senior.

Cassellius played on some good football teams during those years. In his freshman year they won the WIAA Division 5 state championship,. His brother was a member of the team also. In both his sophomore and senior seasons his team advanced to the state semifinals only to lose to Edgar both times.

In track & field he won the 2001 conference discus championship and placed second in the shot put. He competed in both events at state that year. He placed second in the shot put at the conference meet in 2000.

Cassellius also played for a state champion basketball team. He was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for four years and a member of student council for two years.

He likes to hang out with his fiancé and his family especially his nieces and nephews. He is the son of Joan and John.

Cassellius is majoring in health and human performance. He likes to hunt and play video games of all kinds.

Cassellius is looking forward to this season and he hopes and feels that the team will make it to the top of the conference. He also hopes to lead the team in sacks this season.