From Eagles to Mavericks: Neidecker brothers, two other Eagles to play together at MSU

By JEN SEAVEY

Journal Sports Editor

NEW ULM -- Kevin Neidecker, Travis Aufderheide and Spencer Dickinson have decided they will work to shore up a rebuilding Minnesota State, Mankato football team, signing letters of intent at New Ulm High School Wednesday morning.

"They got three real good ball players -- a couple years down the road, they'll be really good players," Eagle coach Rick VanRoekel said. "These kids know that they and 50 or 60 other kids can turn a program around, that they are a piece of the puzzle."

The Mavericks had a combined 4-18 record over the last two years, and the team is looking for reinforcements -- and the trio of Eagles players are ready for the challenge.

"Obviously, they're going to be a tremendous asset for our program, and they'll do a lot for us immediately," Maverick head coach Clarence Holley said. Holley has spent the last two seasons at Minnesota State after three years as the head coach at University of Arkansas-Monticello.

"The coaches seem to have everything in order for rebuilding and becoming a good football team," Neidecker said.

The Mavericks are looking toward the same goal -- to get good players in certain positions to bolster the team.

"Any time this time of year, we have to fit the need we've got," Holley said. "They fit specific areas of need in our recruiting.

"Their ability is why we recruited them -- the fact that they are from the same home town is just luck," he said. "All of them are good players who have had the opportunity to go to good places."

"I think it will be fun, Neidecker said. "All three of us are good athletes, so we will help out the football program."

Kevin Neidecker (RB)

Neidecker, a 5-foot 10, 200 pound running back, will help out in the Mavericks running back spot after senior Bobby Ruffin graduates this year.

Ruffin had 1,015 yards rushing in 2003 to become the sixth player in school history to surpass 1,000 yards and had all-region honors. Two freshmen and a sophomore are the three other players on the roster at running back from 2003-2004. Four others in this recruiting class have also been tabbed to help out at RB.

"It's a good system, and as a running back, I'll be able to show them what I am made of," Neidecker said.

Kevin Neidecker broke his older brother Micah Neidecker's rushing record at New Ulm High School this year during the team's push toward its first state tournament quarterfinal finish with 1,752 yards. He broke the previous record from 2000 of 1,591 yards set by Micah Neidecker, who also holds New Ulm High School records for touchdowns in a season (26) and career.

Micah Neidecker, a sophomore at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington this year and a 2001 NUHS grad, will transfer to Mankato State as a sophomore in football after being a medical red-shirt this year because of a broken foot. NCAA rules restrict Coach Holley from commenting on Micah Neidecker because Neidecker has not signed a letter of intent.

"I think that'll be good for me and him to have each other to push each other and make each other better players," Kevin Neidecker said.

Micah Neidecker, whose injury set him back in the recruiting process, forcing him to join the Mavericks as more of a walk-on, looks forward to playing football at Mankato State -- especially with his brother.

"That's kind of my main reason to go there," he said. "I've always wanted to play with him. I think we can feed off of each other ... and make each other better."

"I think those two compliment each other well -- I think they have the same kind of qualities," Eagle coach Rick VanRoekel said. "They have real good speed, are durable backs, slasher type of runners. And they should push each other along."

Travis Aufderheide (DL), Spencer Dickinson (DL)

Both Aufderheide and Dickinson helped New Ulm put forth a solid wall as linemen this year, and plan on doing the same for the Mavericks.

"The defensive line with Aufderheide and Spencer -- that position has been a sore spot as long as I have been here," coach Holley said. "So those are quality recruits for us."

Aufderheide anchored the defensive line for the Eagles in 2003 with 91 solo tackles and 44 assists, as well as 13 1/2 sacks for 77 yards in losses. Aufderheide has also been a standout in high school wrestling, but has made the decision to concentrate on football in college.

Although the Mavericks football team didn't have one win this year, Aufderheide doesn't think that is representative of the program and also has confidence in the coaches and the program as a whole.

"They didn't have the best season, but I think the program is a solid program that's on the upswing," he said. "It has the potential to be a really good program."

Dickinson, a 6-foot 3, 235 pound player, will also be able to make a presence for the Mavericks on their defensive line.

On offense in 2003, Dickinson (FB) rushed for 981 yards for the Eagles and scored 12 touchdowns.

For Dickinson, who had considered North Dakota State University, St. Cloud State and Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., the choice of Mankato State came down to a few things -- including the scholarship.

"They pretty much gave a full scholarship, it's a good facility, it's close to home, and the coach was very cooperative in the recruiting process," Dickinson said. "I won't mind playing for him -- he knows what he's talking about."