By Nathan Martinson
UWRF Sports Information

Aaron Retzlaff is the lone returning player for the Falcons that made first team All-WIAC in 2004. Known as an intimidating player, Retzlaff is a fifth year senior who anchors the UWRF defense playing nose tackle.

In 2004, Retzlaff racked up 36 tackles, 28 of them solo. He also had one sack and one forced fumble.

Retzlaff has also been a two-year captain for the Falcons, and was last year's Defensive Player of the Year. Retzlaff has been a mainstay for the Falcon program the last four years, seeing action in almost every game.

The Falcons finished last season 3-7 and 3-4 in the WIAC. This year's team is very young, led by a lot of sophomores and juniors. The WIAC looks to be a very competitive league this year and hopes are high for the Falcons this season.

"We play in the toughest Division III conference in the nation," said Retzlaff.

After playing two very good Division II teams, Retzlaff feels that the team has made good strides that will help out when conference play begins. He also feels that the continuation of hard work during practice and in the
weight room will only help the team improve.

Retzlaff, 6-1, 300 pounds, is a very tough player that uses his big frame to his advantage. His coaches rave about his work ethic and his pure love for the game of football.

"Aaron could have graduated and moved on with his life, but his love for football made him want to come back and that only helps our team get better everyday," Falcon Coach John O'Grady said.

Coming back for another year was not a big deal for Retzlaff because the guys on the football team have become like family to him. He loves being part of a team and he says there is no greater feeling than that. He also says that the coaches have made him a better football player as well as a better person.

"With all the hours that you put in at the weight room and just hanging out with the same group of guys, you just become likes brothers to each other and become life long friends," said Retzlaff.

"Having him back for another year also helps the youth of the team because he shows them how to work in the weight room and gives them small tips to get better everyday in practice," O'Grady said.

The defensive tackle hopes that this year is an improving year for the team. They hope to improve on their 3-4 WIAC record from last season. Retzlaff also hopes that the team will improve after every game it plays this season.

"This year, to have a chance to win, we need to work hard in practice everyday and improve. We also need to play smart, physical, mistake-free football in order to pick up some wins," said Retzlaff.

He grew up in Shawano, Wis., where he played football since the fifth grade. In high school he went to Shawano High, where he was the team's captain and earned honorable mention all-conference. He also played
baseball and was named to the second all-conference team.

"I've loved the game since I started playing flag football in the fifth grade," Retzlaff said.

Retzlaff is majoring in agricultural studies. He enjoys fishing, hunting and golfing in his spare time. He is the son of Patty and Gary.

Retzlaff's goals for this season are much like any other team member that wants to do well. With his leadership skills, the team has a good chance to have a good season. He also feels that this season they are due to make their mark on the WIAC.

Aaron Retzlaff