Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks football

Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks football
Name	Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks football
Founded	1889
University	University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Conference	Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Division	Division III
Stadium	Perkins Stadium
Capacity	13,500
City	Whitewater, Wisconsin
Colors	Purple and white
Headcoach	Jace Rindahl
Bowl record	6–2 (Stagg Bowl)
Championship	6 national (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014)
Conference championships	39
Rivalries	Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Wisconsin–La Crosse

Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks football represents the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in NCAA Division III competition as a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The program has established itself as a national powerhouse, winning six Division III national championships in a dominant eight-year span under legendary coach Lance Leipold. The Warhawks play their home games at the iconic Perkins Stadium, known for its distinctive red turf and large capacity for its level of competition.

History

The program's origins trace back to 1889, with organized competition beginning in earnest in the early 20th century. For decades, the team competed as the "Quakers" before adopting the "Warhawks" moniker in the 1950s. The modern era of dominance began in the 2000s under the leadership of Bob Berezowitz, who led the team to its first Stagg Bowl appearance in 2005. His successor, Lance Leipold, architect of the "Whitewater Spread" offense, transformed the program into a perennial national contender, launching an unprecedented run of success within NCAA Division III football. This era included a record 46-game winning streak from 2009 to 2012 and established a fierce championship rivalry with the Mount Union Purple Raiders.

Championships

The Warhawks have won six Division III national championships, all secured in the Stagg Bowl. Their titles came in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014, with the 2007 victory being the first for a public university from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The program has also captured 39 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships, the most of any member institution, demonstrating sustained conference dominance. Their championship runs often featured victories over perennial powers like the Mount Union Purple Raiders and the Mary Hardin–Baylor Crusaders.

Notable players

Several Warhawks have achieved significant professional and individual success. Derek Stanley became the first Warhawk selected in the NFL Draft when the St. Louis Rams picked him in 2007. Matt Behrendt, the quarterback for three national title teams, won the Gagliardi Trophy in 2014 as the nation's top Division III player. Other notable alumni include Jake Kumerow, who played for the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, and linebacker Cole Klotz, a key defender on multiple championship squads. Many players have also earned recognition as AFCA All-Americans and D3football.com All-Americans.

Head coaches

The program has been led by several influential figures. Forrest Perkins, for whom the stadium is named, coached from 1956 to 1984 and built a strong foundation. Bob Berezowitz, a former Warhawk quarterback under Perkins, served from 1985 to 2006 and guided the team to its first Stagg Bowl. Lance Leipold's tenure from 2007 to 2014 is the most decorated, as he compiled a 109-6 record and won all six national championships before departing for the University at Buffalo. Kevin Bullis succeeded him from 2015 to 2023, maintaining the program's high standard. The current head coach is Jace Rindahl, a former Warhawk player and longtime assistant.

Rivalries

The Warhawks' primary conference rival is the Wisconsin–Oshkosh Titans, with their annual matchup often deciding the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and NCAA Division III Football Championship playoff positioning. Another significant and historic rivalry exists with the Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles, dating back over a century. The national championship rivalry with the Mount Union Purple Raiders, meeting in the Stagg Bowl five times between 2005 and 2014, is one of the most notable in Division III history, drawing comparisons to great collegiate rivalries.

Facilities

The Warhawks play at Perkins Stadium, a 13,500-seat venue opened in 1970 and renowned for its distinctive red AstroTurf playing surface, installed in 2010. The facility is one of the largest stadiums in NCAA Division III and has hosted multiple NCAA Division III Football Championship playoff games. The team's operations are supported by the adjacent Williams Center, which houses locker rooms, training facilities, and the offices of the coaching staff. These facilities are considered among the finest in Division III and provide a significant home-field advantage.

Category:NCAA Division III football teams Category:Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Category:Sports in Whitewater, Wisconsin