Kingsmen Have a Horse, Could Put It Together

What’s new with the California Lutheran University football team?

With a new coach, new methods, and new goals and hopes, it is easier to say what’s not.

Their tailback, for instance, is the same one they had last year.

Fredrik Nanhed of Malmo, Sweden, set a Cal Lutheran rushing record of 313 yards against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, and his 1,380 yards set an NCAA Division III freshman record.

“It’s always tough to repeat,” said the 6-1, 200-pound Nanhed. “I had a pretty good season last year, so people are going to be looking for me. But that’s my goal, to at least equal that.”

First-year Coach Scott Squires will employ a multiple-set offense, hoping to improve on Cal Lutheran’s 4-4-1 record. The Kingsmen were 4-2 and tied for second place in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“Fredrik is a phenomenal guy,” said Squires, who replaced Joe Harper as coach in March.

“Physically, you’re intimidated by him a little bit, and he’s the total package. He runs well, he can block and he can catch the ball. It’s really just whatever you need, he’ll do it.”

Joining Nanhed in the backfield will be senior quarterback Ryan Huisenga (5-11, 175), who has started the past two seasons but has been challenged by Zack Hernandez (6 feet, 190).

Huisenga last season completed 125 of 229 passes (54.6%) for 1,443 yards, although he threw 14 interceptions, with six touchdowns.

Fullback Bill Busch (5-11, 210) rushed for 55 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Thousand Oaks High product Paul Yerman (6-6, 280), a junior guard from Nevada, and Newbury Park graduate Tony Weak (6-2, 258), a junior tackle from San Jose State, will join senior center Tim Johnson (5-11, 240), junior guard Will Plemons (6 feet, 260) and tackle Manual Cantero (6-2, 300) on the offensive line.

Senior receiver Tom Herman (6 feet, 180), who had 35 catches for 516 yards and two scores last year, is joined by graduate student Aaron Hehe (6-2, 180), and juniors Aaron Molinar (5-8, 160) and Dwight McNaughton (5-11, 175).

The defensive line has senior Damon Barnett (6-2, 228) and sophomore Kyle Donovan (6-1, 215) at end, with juniors Christian Paulsboe (6 feet, 226) and Jason Cowles (6-2, 230) at tackle.

At linebacker, Justin Monical (5-10, 225) is in the middle, with Steve Schmidt (6 feet, 200) and Stan Rohn (6 feet, 210) outside.

Sophomore Anthony Sullivan (5-10, 180) and senior Mark Williams (5-10, 195) are the probable starters at cornerback.

Junior Matt Wikstrom (6-2, 200) is at strong safety, sophomore Ryan Babcock (6-2, 180) at free safety.

Jeff Shea averaged better than 41 yards per punt last season. Senior Tim Cronk is the kicker.

The Kingsmen play University of San Diego on Saturday night and begin SCIAC play against three-time defending SCIAC champion La Verne on Sept. 21 at CLU.