2013-14 Falcons Year in Review: Top five moments

MEQUON, Wis. – The 2013-14 athletics season was another successful one for the Concordia University Wisconsin Athletics department. A year that included several big wins and highlight plays, also was filled with many memorable moments.

In continuing its 2013-14 Athletics Year in Review, CUWFalcons.com takes a look at the top five moments from this past season. 

This continues a series that started earlier this summer with the top stories of the year. A couple weeks ago a top five wins story was released and still to come is a numbers in the year review.

As with all of our countdown lists from the 2013-14 season, several moments were given strong consideration. We decided to narrow those choices down to five, and without further adieu here are the top five moments from the 2013-14 Concordia University Wisconsin athletics season. 

No. 5 – Burgert's ninth-inning grand slam helps Falcons down Dominican

The CUW Baseball team was on the verge of being swept in its NACC-opening doubleheader against Dominican University on March 30. The Falcons, who fell in the opener 4-1, were down 5-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning in game two.

That is when the CUW bats came to life as three batters reached base to start the bottom of the frame, loading the bases for senior Beau Burgert (Oshkosh, Wis.). The Stars made a pitching change and Burgert welcomed the new pitcher, sending his first offering over the left field wall for a game-tying grand slam.

CUW would later win the game in the bottom of the ninth on a sacrifice fly by senior Taylor Buuck (Hillsboro, Ore.), salvaging the split against Dominican.

To listen to Matt Menzl's call of the ninth inning, click here. For a complete game recap on the March 30 doubleheader, click here.

No. 4 – Kittel drains half-court buzzer beater against Millikin

Freshman Eric Kittel (Brillion, Wis.) had an outstanding first season with the CUW Men's Basketball team. Kittel was an All-NACC Freshman selection after starting all 26 games at point guard for the Falcons.

Kittel's top moment came December 14 in an 84-81 non-conference comeback win over Millikin. Millikin missed a late free throw that would have put them up one with just seconds remaining and the Falcons Dustin Thumann (Marshfield, Wis.) secured the rebound and launched an outlet pass to Kittel. Kittel took a pair of dribbles and launched the game-winner, giving the Falcons the non-conference victory.

Even more impressive was the fact that CUW trailed by 17 points with just over six minutes to play in the contest. Kittel led the way with 20 points in the game as the Falcons outscored Millikin 56-42 in the second half.

To watch the Kittle half-court game-winner, click here. For a complete recap on the December 14 win, click here.

No. 3 – Maddie's overtime minute

The CUW Women's Basketball team was looking for a 9-0 start to the 2013-14 regular season when it entered a key NACC matchup against Alverno College.

The Falcons appeared to have that victory sealed before the Inferno buried a game-tying 3-pointer with three seconds remaining in regulation. CUW, more specifically sophomore Madelyn Landgraf (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) would not let Alverno carry its momentum into the extra period.

Landgraf scored seven consecutive points in just over a minute, making two layups and a 3-pointer, to give the Falcons a 69-62 lead with 3:35 left in the extra time. That 7-0 spark would help the Falcons improve to 9-0 on the year, giving them a 75-65 win over the Inferno.

To watch Maddie's overtime minute, click here. For a complete recap on the December 16 victory, click here.

No. 2 – Damaschke's record-setting game guides Falcons to Cheese Bowl victory

Junior quarterback Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) had a season to remember for the CUW Football team. Damaschke was the NACC Offensive Player of the Year, as well as a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, an award given to the Most Outstanding Player in Division III.

On October 26 Damaschke had his career game, totaling 536 yards, 425 of those through the air, both new school records. The junior ran in for four touchdowns and added a passing touchdown in leading the Falcons to a 45-28 victory over Lakeland in the annual Cheese Bowl.

Damaschke's favorite target, as usual, was junior Garrett Wenzelburger (Hartland, Wis.) who hauled in 12 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. The duo was unstoppable all season, but had their best game in the win over the Muskies.

For a complete recap on the Cheese Bowl victory, click here.

No. 1 – Schuh sets CUW Softball strikeout record

For four seasons, senior pitcher Jamie Schuh (Freedom, Wis.) has kept opposing hitters off balance. That statement was given further proof on April 19 as Schuh became the CUW all-time strikeout leader in a game against Benedictine University.

Schuh punched out her 341st batter of her career in game two against the Eagles, giving her the program's all-time mark. She finished her career with 375 strikeouts.

Schuh had several big strikeout games during her career, including a career-high 16 against Alverno College on April 20, 2013. This season she punched out a season-best 10 batters in a two-hit shutout against Rockford Univeresity. Schuh earned first-team All-NACC honors after posting a 1.29 ERA this spring, including recording 72 strikeouts.

For a story on Schuh's record, click here. For a recap of the April 19 doubleheader, click here.