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By Greg DartSnow College Athletics Sept. 2, 2008 It's hard to argue the fact that the Badgers are a team to watch. Ranked No. 4 in preseason polls, the Badger's handily defeated the Air Force Prep Huskies 56-17 Friday in Colorado Springs, Colo. But that was only one impressive feat by Snow College and it's alums over the weekend.
Former Badger Matt Asiata spent his first full game as a Ute running over everyone in his way - including a referee - en route to averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, gaining more than 115 all-purpose yards, and leading Utah to the 25-23 victory over Michigan in the Big House.
It was the type of performance Snow fans expected from the big bruising back, who constantly frustrated opponents during the 2005 and 2006 Badger seasons.
BYU fans got their first glimpse of Coleby Clawson, 2007 Snow College All-American. Clawson started the Cougars' game against University of Northern Iowa as a backup linebacker and finished as a star. Clawson collected six tackles, including two-and-a-half for a loss, caused a fumble and knocked Northern Iowa quarterback Pat Grace out of the game with a crushing hit.
The impact Snow transfers are making exceeds the state boundaries, with players at Washington State, Oklahoma State and Troy, just to name a few. Badgers are also making their mark in the pros, including Philadelphia Eagles 1,000-yard receiver Kevin Curtis, defensive lineman Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Derek Smith of the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders tight end John Madsen, and Arizona Cardinals lineman Deuce Lutui.
"Our players are succeeding everywhere they go," said Kevin White, Snow College athletic director. "I think people are really starting to see the caliber of football we are playing in Ephraim."
Snow finished each of the last two seasons 11-1 and ranked in the top 3. This year the goal is clear: a third straight Western States Football League championship and a shot at a national title.
So how come no one has ever heard the Badger story.
"It's more difficult than you would imagine to get the word out," said White. "We play in a more remote part of the state, we don't have TV coverage, we have to really work to get our story known."
Snow's recent success has actually escalated the issue. After back-to-back 11-1 seasons, most of which the Badger's spent in the top 2 nationally, perfection has become the expectation for the Badgers.
"I think if people could come see us play, they would understand the caliber of football we play," said head coach Steve Coburn.
Snow is on the road at No. 23 Mesa Community College Saturday before returning to Ephraim for the home opener Sept. 13 against Phoenix Community College.
