Concordia University Chicago Athletics

The 2012 football team owns the only undefeated regular season (10-0) in Concordia-Chicago football history and hosted the school’s first NCAA playoff game in program history.
 
The 2012 offense, the best in school history, amassed 5,343 yards and scored 60 touchdowns. The team averaged 485.7 yards per game, the second-best in school history only behind the 2010 team. On defense, the 2012 team set the school record for interceptions in a season (18). In addition, a difficult three game stretch in weeks five, six, and seven saw the defense make several clutch, turnover producing plays late in the games to preserve crucial victories. 
 
Their stellar play earned numerous Cougars postseason awards from the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC). Head Coach Lonnie Pries BA ’93 garnered Coach of the Year honors and Jake Koehler BA ’13 was named Offensive Player of the Year. In total 18 different players earned NAC honors that season including First Team recognition for Marty Beckman BA ’13, Chris Brune BA ’12, Matt Rolf BA ’12 and Jamal Thomas.
 
With a perfect 7-0 conference record, the team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. CUC hosted Bethel College in the opening round in front of a capacity crowd. The Cougars battled until the final whistle but their fourth quarter rally came just short losing 24-23 concluding the historic season with just one loss.