2014-15 Stories of the Year (No. 5): Damaschke earns more accolades

MEQUON, Wis. – The 2014-15 athletic year was another successful one for Concordia University Wisconsin. The Falcons had a multitude of wins, memorable moments and impressive performances en route to more championships and awards. The CUW Athletic Communications Department again tries to sort through all the great moments and give you, the fans, the top five stories from the year, as well as an honorable mention story.

The list of stories was compiled by both the Athletic Communications Department and a committee of coaches, and like all lists is subject to debate. The list of top stories will be revealed over the next six weeks with a story being released each Tuesday. The No. 1 story from the 2014-15 athletics season will be released July 21.

No. 5 Story of the Year

Damaschke earns more accolades

It is hard not to argue that Austin Damaschke is the greatest quarterback to ever wear a Falcons uniform at Concordia University Wisconsin. The gunslinger set every possible passing record in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference and team history during his four-year career and this past season he was honored for his work off the field.

The Bristol, Wis., native was named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, which was awarded to just 17 players around the country, including just two Division III student-athletes. He graduated with a 3.67 grade point average as a biomedical science major and the award also gave him an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship, which he will use to attend CUW and work towards a Master of Science – Physician Assistant.

Damaschke was also named as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation. He was also again nominated for the Gagliardi Trophy (equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, but for Division III players).

It isn't hard to get caught up in the statistics, which include nearly 12,000 total offensive yards and 10,000 pass yards. He threw for an impressive 85 touchdowns, and rushed for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns. Damaschke was so good that it go to a point where fans were somewhat disappointed if he didn't throw for 400 yards and three touchdowns. During his career, he guided the Falcons to 24 victories, including 12 at home and 19 during NACC play. Damaschke was twice named NACC Offensive Player of the Year, was a four-time All-NACC honoree and a two-time Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Private College Player of the Year.

Head coach Greg Etter and his coaching staff constantly said during Damaschke's career what an outstanding student-athlete he was and there is one thing for sure; his efforts on and off the field will be talked about for years to come.