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Ole football fall to Gusties in final minutes

Mike Ludwig
November 7, 2002

The third time was no charm for St. Olaf Thursday night.

St. Olaf stopped Gustavus twice in the redzone in the last seven minutes of Thursday's MIAC Metrodome Showcase nightcap. The Gusties, however, found the endzone with two minutes left to take what would be the final lead of the game 24-23.

St. Olaf marched into Gustie territory on the ensuing drive, but Brian Senske's (Jr., Apple Valley) pass was deflected on a fourth and six from just inside the Gustavus 35-yard line, securing victory for the Gusties.

Senske finished 19-of-36 for a season-high 312 yards.

"Just a heartbreaker," said St. Olaf head coach Chris Meidt. "I'm so proud of this team."

Frank Bass (So., Minneapolis, Minn.) had another standout effort for the Ole offense. Bass caught 11 passes for 197 yards, including a 69-yard score in the first quarter. Bass' 60 receptions (7.5 rpg) and 861 yards (107.7 ypg) lead the MIAC.

Gustavus was led by Sean Smith and Ryan Hoag. Smith completed 24-of-38 for 281 and three scores, while Hoag caught 13 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown.

Cordell Hunkins' (Sr., Apple Valley, Minn.) second touchdown gave the Oles their second lead of the game, 20-17 with 9:02 to play in the third quarter. Hunkins, one of nine seniors playing their last collegiate game, had 11 carries for 54 yards.

Doug Chapman (So., Rochester, Minn./Mayo) broke up three passes in the fourth quarter, including a fourth-and-goal with under five minutes to play to lead the St. Olaf defense.

Sean Koomen's 24-yard field goal gave St. Olaf a 23-17 lead with just over ten minutes to play in the game. Gustavus had jumped to a 10-0 lead before the Oles stormed back with Bass' 69-yard strike from Senske and Hunkins' first score. There were four lead changes in the game.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3315 or finger@stolaf.edu.