Crusaders show strong recruiting class
March 18, 2008
Fond du Lac, WI – With each season come new, young, talented college players to the Fond du Lac Crusaders. However, no recruiting pipeline is comparable with what the Crusaders have managed to connect with Lakeland College. Currently, six Lakeland College athletes are on the Crusaders roster for ‘08. These players are key to the success of the Crusaders as they bring in not only experience at the college level, but also knowledge from a successful college program. Head Coach of the Crusaders Josh Navis says “These players bring a sense of respect and a professional attitude to our team. I am very proud to have players on our team that are associated with such a good colligate program.”
In the past 4 seasons, Lakeland has put together a very impressive record of 29-12, including a trip to the NCAA playoffs. With the combination of these players, returning veterans, and other new college and high school recruits, the Crusaders look to improve from their ‘07 performance. Coach Navis goes on to say “These guys are so unselfish. The willingness to share their knowledge with their team mates and raise the level of the skills of the guys that are competing for starting spots is very impressive to see.”
Below are the Lakeland College players on the Crusaders roster in ‘08...
- Mark Edmond (CB)
- 5'-8" 164
- Lansing, MI / Everett HS
- Played in 7 games his senior year, recording 3 pass break ups and an interception. In ‘07 with the Crusaders he made 17 total tackles and 2 interceptions while being named an IFL All-Star. Started at CB for the Ironmen All-Star arena team against the Rock River Raptors.
- Rodney Ellison (WR)
- 5'-10" 180
- Pontiac, MI / Northern HS
- Senior year played in 8 games making 8 catches for 149 yards and 2 TD's, while putting up an impressive 18.6 yards per catch average. Previously was a member of the now defunct Milwaukee Bulldogs team where he won an Ironbowl Championship. This will be his first season as a Crusader.
- Kemp Freeman (CB)
- 5'-6" 196
- St. Louis, MO / Soldan HS
- Played in 10 games as a senior at Lakeland, recording 27 total tackles, a sack, and 2 interceptions. In '07, his first season as a Crusader, he recorded 2 interceptions.
- Martin Ringeisen (TE)
- 6'-0" 235
- St. Cloud, WI / New Holstein HS
- Started all 10 games as a senior making 5 catches for 66 yards. Recorded a 13.2 yards per catch average. This will be his first season as a Crusader.
- Courtney Gatlin (WR)
- 5'-10" 168
- St. Louis, MO / Mehlville HS
- Played in 8 games as a senior. Recorded 18 catches for a 18.3 yards per catch average, while setting team highs in yards (329) and TD's (5.) As a Crusader in '07, set a team high in catches (19) while putting up 321 yards and 3 TD's. Also added 132 yards rushing.
- Julius Higgs (WR)
- 6'-3" 175
- Sturgeon Bay, WI / Sevastopol HS
- Was a member of the Track and Field team at Lakeland, coming in first place at the Wisconsin Private School Championships for the High Jump. This will be his first season as a Crusader.