Schumacher a tackling machine at Truman

On many occasions over the past year, an inquisitive Richie Schumacher spent time in Truman State University defensive coordinator Kellen Nesbitt’s office.

While trying to get familiar with a new defensive scheme brought in when Kellen Nesbitt’s father, Gregg, was hired as Truman’s head football coach on Dec. 4, 2009, Schumacher turned to his defensive coordinator for answers.

“I was in his office every day asking questions,” said Schumacher, a junior defensive back for the NCAA Division II Bulldogs. “If he wrote down all the questions I asked, he could probably write a book.”

Playing the bandit position in Truman’s defense – the same spot Kellen Nesbitt played during a four-year career at Central Missouri – Schumacher provided plenty of answers for the Bulldogs this season.

While moving all over the field for Truman (4-7), Schumacher piled up a team-high 130 tackles, which was good for No. 2 in nation among D-II schools. Schumacher’s tackle total also was the fifth-highest in a single season in school history.

“I’ve played everywhere (on the field) from a deep safety to a blitzing end,” Schumacher said. “It’s so much fun.”

Picking Nesbitt’s brain proved valuable for Schumacher, who was chosen to the All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association second team. The conference included five teams that won at least eight games this season, including D-II national champion Pittsburg (Kan.) State, which went 13-1.

“I had a good (knowledge) base from coach (Chuck) Ahsman in high school,” Schumacher said. “I learned so much this year. I felt like the game slowed down for me this year.”

While playing all around the field for the Bulldogs, Schumacher had at least 10 tackles in nine games this season, including a 16-tackle effort against Central Missouri. He also two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack and a blocked kick.

“I was more confident this season,” said Schumacher, whose studies were not limited to chats with his coach. “I probably watched more film this season than other seasons combined.”

Schumacher’s impact included 41 more total tackles than any other Truman player and 64 assisted tackles.

“I had a lot of assisted tackles, and that’s just effort,” Schumacher said. “When we talk about our defense, effort is the No. 1 thing.”

Injuries on defense, according to Schumacher, had plenty to do with Truman’s seven losses. But the season also included a 27-26 loss to Pittsburg State and two wins to close out the 2011 campaign.

“I’ve always had a passion for the game, but that’s bigger now than it’s ever been,” Schumacher said. “I can’t wait to get back to school. I can’t wait to start winter conditioning.”

OVC volleyball stars: Three local athletes were among 21 chosen for the All-Ohio Valley Conference women’s volleyball teams this fall.

Prairie Ridge grad Ashley Doherty and Crystal Lake Central’s Paige Economos were chosen to the 14-member all-conference team after strong senior seasons.

Doherty, a middle blocker at Tennessee-Martin, led the Skyhawks (19-14) with 378 kills and was second with 87 total blocks. Doherty ranked ninth in the league with a .269 hitting percentage. 

Economos, a libero at Austin Peay (11-20), ranked third in the conference and 42nd in D-I volleyball this season in digs (5.08 per set). Her 604 digs this season made Economos the first player in school history to have back-to-back 600-dig seasons. As a junior, Economos collected 603 digs.

Crystal Lake South’s Hannah Burkle, a middle blocker at Eastern Kentucky, was named to the seven-member All-Newcomer Team. Burkle, a freshman, ranked ninth this season in the OVC in blocks (0.85 per set) and points (3.52). She also ranked second on the team at EKU (14-18) with 351 kills.

Ranger rebounder: Jacobs grad Conrad Krutwig, a junior forward, is the leading rebounder this season for D-II Wisconsin-Parkside’s men’s basketball team.

Along with his 5.6 rebounds a game, Krutwig is averaging 8.1 points a game while starting every game for the Rangers (5-3). Krutwig had a season-high nine rebounds Nov. 18 in a victory against Saginaw Valley.

Barry Bottino writes a weekly column and a blog about local college athletes for the Northwest Herald. Write to him at BarryOnCampus@hotmail.com and check out his On Campus column every Saturday in the Northwest Herald sports section.