Graduation ceremonies were held at Concordia University Ann Arbor last May. Many former Pigskin Hooligans were part of the Class of 2013, and they received their diplomas after years of hard work in the classroom. Let's take a look at the 8 graduates representing the Hooligans (career stats are subject to some estimation due to lack of data for some seasons): Josh Ulm Major: Family Life - Church Work (Youth Ministry Concentration) Season(s) played: 2010, 2011, 2012 Awards won: Breakout Player of the Year (2010), Gold Play of the Year (2011), Heart of the Hooligans (2012) Career stats: 15 GP, 21 TDs, 7 PATs, 3 INTs Josh graduates Magna Cum Laude as a Family Life-Church Work major with a Youth Ministry concentration. He receives his Director of Family Life Diploma after his work in the classroom. Josh announced his retirement this season, ending his career with the Pigskin Hooligans as the franchise's all-time leader in touchdowns with 21. He was known to be a sure-handed receiver and often powered through opponents who foolishly tried to strip him of the ball. Josh received numerous team awards throughout his career winning Breakout Player of the Year in 2010, the Gold Play of the Year in 2011, and the Heart of the Hooligans award in 2012. Justin Litzner Majors: Art (Printing Emphasis), Family Life - Social Services (Child Life Specialist Concentration), Psychology Season(s) played: 2012 Awards won: Defensive Player of the Year (2012) Career stats: 5 GP, 2 TDs, 7 PATs, INT Justin graduates as a triple major with degrees in Art, Family Life, and Psychology. He joined the Hooligans this year as a free agent after winning two straight championships on the Gamecocks and Dream Team Plus Krysiak. Justin was a huge addition to the Hooligans, making a wide array of sensational catches for first downs and PATs throughout the team's championship run. He was specifically recognized for his defense, however, winning the team's Defensive Player of the Year for his flag-grabbing prowess. Justin may be back next year as a grad student, and he has expressed interest in remaining a Hooligan as well as helping to lure retired QB Zach Johnston out of retirement. Kristina Butcher Major: Criminal Justice Season(s) played: 2012 Awards won: Bronze Play of the Year (2012) Career stats: 4 GP, 3 TDs, PAT, INT Kristina graduates with a degree in Criminal Justice. She was a solid contributor to the Hooligans' championship effort this season, making several touchdown receptions including 2 TDs in the championship game. Kristina was also a solid defender, and she earned the team's Bronze Play of the Year for her flag grab that ended a crazy 2-minute PAT attempt by Big Boyz in the team's playoff game. Her efforts on the flag football field carried over to her senior season on Concordia's varsity softball team as she was named team MVP. Kristina will be returning to her native Arizona next year, but she hopes to visit and would be eligible to sub in for a game with the alumni rule. Sarah (Mowery) Koester Major: Music Season(s) played: 2010 Awards won: N/A Career stats: 2 GP, 1 TD Sarah graduates with a degree in Music. She played several games for the Hooligans in 2010 before a jammed finger ended her season. Sarah showed amazing concentration to haul in a deflected pass for a touchdown in the team's 2010 opener against the Pebble Creek Punishers. She and husband Eric Koester will still be around the Concordia area next year, so there's a chance we could see one or both them make a return to the Hooligans. Stacey Schultz Major: Psychology Season(s) played: 2007 Awards won: N/A Career stats: 1 GP, 1 flag grab Stacey graduates with a degree in Psychology. She played on the 2007 Pigskin Hooligans squad, making an appearance in the team's match against powerhouse Ramrod. The Hooligans lost 53-6 that day, but Stacey played tough defense and came up with a flag grab against a team of speedy baseball players. Thuy Phan Degree: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Administration (OLA) Season(s) played: 2010 Awards won: Brittany Davis Memorial Award (2010) Career stats: 10 GP, 5 TDs, 2 PATs, INT Thuy completes her graduate work by receiving the OLA degree. She was highly dependable for the Hooligans in 2010, appearing in every single game throughout the year. Offensively Thuy showed good hands, notching 5 touchdowns and 2 PATs over the course of the season. Defensively she showed a great knack for flag-grabbing, making many key stops along with recording an interception. Thuy received the team's Brittany Davis Memorial Award as the best girl in 2010. Tom Sperry Major: Mathematics Minor: Business Season(s) played: 2012 Awards won: Individual Performance of the Year (2012) Career stats: 5 GP, 6 TDs, 6 PATs Tom graduates with a major in Math and a minor in Business. He joined long-time teammate Justin Litzner in signing with the Hooligans this year after winning two straight championships with the Gamecocks and Dream Team Plus Krysiak. Tom showed great hands all year as a receiver, finding openings in the defense to pick up critical first downs. He was also a factor on the defensive side as well, using his athleticism to chase down some of the best opposing players. Tom won the Hooligans' Individual Performance of the Year award this season after recording 9 catches, 2 TDs, and 2 PATs in the championship game. Trent Wollberg Major: Biblical Languages Minor: Philosophy Season(s) played: 2008 Awards won: N/A Career stats: 4 GP, flag grab Trent graduates with a major in Biblical Languages and a minor in Philosophy. He was a member of the 2008 Pigskin Hooligans squad, playing in several games throughout the season. Trent made a memorable diving flag grab in one of his appearances. The Pigskin Hooligans would like to congratulate all of the 2013 graduates for their accomplishments in the classroom. Each graduate has contributed in some way to the success of the Hooligans organization. Good luck in your future and...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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