By Nathan Martinson
UWRF Sports Information

Nathan Cook is one of the Falcons most experienced offensive lineman and he and his line mates are having a solid year in breaking down defenses and allowing the UW-RF offense to at times dominate opponents.

In 2004, he started all nine games and right tackle and was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. In 2003, the versatile lineman played both guard and tackle and was a starter at the guard position.

To his teammates Cook has brought toughness to a much-improved team this season. After a dominating performance against Pacific Lutheran, the Falcon offensive line was named the Offensive Line of the Week by d3football.com. He helped the team rush for 506 yards and a total of 560 yards.

After a tough, fought win against UW-Oshkosh on Oct. 1, the Falcons feel that they can contend for the conference championship this season.

"The Oshkosh game was very satisfying because in past years our team would have self destroyed under the pressure of a close game," said Cook. He was named the team's Offensive Player of the Week after the win at Titan Stadium.

Cook, 6-4 272 pounds, uses his size and athletic ability to overmatch many of the players he goes up against.

"Football here at UWRF has meant a great deal to me. I have made a lot of life long friends through Falcon football and I love the bond that all of us have made together as teammates," said Cook.

Cook grew up in Rice Lake, Wis., and played high school football at Rice Lake High. At Rice Lake he earned first team All-Region and first team all-conference recognition. He was named the team's captain as a senior. He was a member of National Honor Society.

His high school football team he played on was a very successful unit that was coached by Lavern Pottinger. In his senior season, Cook was part of the only Rice Lake team that has won the Big Rivers Conference football championship.

His major is political science. He also earned his way onto UW-RF's Dean's List. He is the son of Jodi Bunnell and Guy Cook.

Cook enjoys working out, playing video games and watching ESPN in his free time. He also works for the Student Voice and is the Athletic Representative on the Student Senate.

After beating Oshkosh the Falcons feel that they are due to have a breakout season in the WIAC. Cook feels that if they don't get ahead of themselves, take one game at a time and improve every day in practice they have a chance to win the conference title.

"Every team has the chance to get beat in this conference. Our great off-season workouts and strong work ethic along with positive attitudes have put us on track for a very successful year," predicted Cook.

The Falcons hope with all the hard work that has been put in that they will contend for the conference championship this season. The team's confidence is very high right now and that is not good for opposing WIAC teams.

Cook hopes that the team takes one game at a time and improves with every game and practice.