St. Thomas coach Glenn Caruso will be concerned about “turnovers” when his Tommies play at home tomorrow against St. John Fisher (New York) in a second round NCAA Division III playoff game. Caruso described it “very much as an anomaly” when St. Thomas had four turnovers last week in a 38-10 win against Monmouth (Illinois).
“Fisher has 27 interceptions this year and 11 in the last three weeks,” Caruso told Sports Headliners.
The 12-0 Tommies have never won a Division III national football title but are three wins away from that goal. St. Thomas is averaging 39.7 points per game and has allowed only 39 total points in the last eight games.
Caruso has to be among the most watched Division III coaches in the country but his commitment is to St. Thomas, not a possible job someplace else. “All we really focus on is today,” he said. “I am so proud to be at St. Thomas.”
The Tommies have won 24 consecutive regular season games and 37 of their last 40 with Caruso coaching. A native of Connecticut, he raves about the character and talent of Minnesota kids who come to play for him.
Among his stars is senior wide receiver Frtiz Waldvogel from Mendota Heights. Waldvogel is one of 10 candidates for the Gagliardi Trophy honoring the most outstanding Division III player.
In 12 games he has 14 touchdowns, 67 receptions for 1,088 yards and 1,754 all purpose yards. His 10 career kick-punt returns for touchdowns ranks second in Division III history.
A national selection committee and fan voting will determine the winner. Fans can vote through noon on December 3, www.division3football.com.