Eight members of the Falcon football team have been named to 2011 All-WIAC teams.

Running back Taylor Edwards (Janesville, WI, Parker), fullback Joel Yogerst (Richfield, WI, Slinger) and return specialist Greg Klingelhutz (Chanhassen, MN, Holy Family) were all named to the first offensive team. Offensive lineman Joe Gotmer (Hayward, WI, Hayward) was named to the second team. Wide receiver John John Wahlstrom (Hastings, MN, Hastings), linebacker Nate Smits (Hudson, WI, Hudson), defensive back Matt Ainsworth (Maple Grove, MN, Osseo) and defensive lineman Ryan Bartsch (Cameron, WI, Cameron) all earned honorable mention. John Schimenz (Brown Deer, WI, Brown Deer) was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.

Edwards, who was named to the first team in 2010 and the second team in 2009, rushed for 1,109 yards this year. He finished second in rushing in the WIAC. This is the third straight year he has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season. He averaged 4.7 yards per carried and scored seven touchdowns. He went over the 100 yard mark five times and had a season-best 240 yards in a game at Trine University. He also caught 17 passes out of the backfield for 160 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his career with 3,246 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. "Taylor clearly had one of the top seasons of any player in the entire conference," said Falcon Coach Matt Walker. "He ends his career as one of the best players in the history of our program and a for sure future Falcon Hall of Fame member. We are all very proud of Taylor and all of his accomplishments over his career."

Yogerst was an important part of the Falcon offense for his entire four-year career at UWRF. He started every game of his career (40) and this year rushed for 189 yards and he scored once. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He caught 20 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown. He rushed for 84 yards in the team's game at Eau Claire and his best receiving game was a six catch for 84 yards and one touchdown performance at La Crosse. He also played on several special teams units throughout his carrer. In 2008 he led the Falcons with 10 rushing touchdowns. "This is a great award for Joel and I am glad that the conference got this one right by putting him on the first team. He is someone that doesn't always put up the stats that a tailback or wide receiver do, but is as valuable to our football team as anyone we have. Joel is the best all-around football player I have ever coached in my career. His leadership, attitude and dedication to this program will be missed," said Walker.

Klingelhutz earned first team return specialist honors for the third straight year. Despite missing four games with injuries, Klingelhutz was still the most respected and feared return man in the WIAC. He returned 17 kick offs and averaged 23.1 yards per return. He returned a kick off 92 yards for a touchdown against Platteville. He also returned seven punts and averaged 7.9 yards per reture. He had a career-long 63 yard return against Oshkosh. In the 2010 season he set NCAA kick off return records for yards (1,017) and returns (49). In his career he returned 121 kick offs and averaged 21.6 yards per return and 29 punts and averaged 8.8 per return. He was moved to the defensive backfield this year after playing running back for his first three seasons. He had 17 tackles, one tackle for loss and he broke up one pass. "This is quite an accomplishment for someone that missed four games this season. This is evidence of how much respect everyone in the league holds for Greg and his returning ability. His accomplishments over his career speak for themselves," said Walker.

Gotmer started every game for the Falcons in the offensive line the past two seasons. He also started nine of the team's 10 games in 2009. "Joe was the clear emotional leader for our offensive line this year," said Walker. "He played very well and helped mentor some of our young guys. He also was our most versatile lineman playing both guard and tackle. His toughness on gameday and in practice will be missed."

Wahlstrom caught at least one pass in all 10 games for the Falcons and led the WIAC with 53 receptions. He averaged 6.9 yards per catch and had a long of 17 yards. "Wally had a great year and made a lot of tough catches for us. When we needed a big play in the pass game, he was our go-to guy.  We are all excited about Wally coming back as a senior and leading our receiving corp," said Walker.

Bartsch was one of the team's defensive leaders in the line. He led the Falcons with four sacks this year and finished with 8.5 sacks in his career. He had 27 tackles this year six tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one quarterback hurry,. "Ryan was voted on by his peers as one of our team captains and he played like it all season," said Walker. "He led our team in sacks and was our leader on the defensive line. He was steady all season and wrapped up a wonderful career here at River Falls."

Smits led the Falcons in tackles this year with 64. He had a team-best nine tackles for loss and two sacks. He broke up one pass, had a quarterback hurry and forced one fumble. "Nate had a wonderful season and became our playmaker on defense. He led our team and was second in the league in tackles for loss. Nate is the ultimate "lead by example" player and someone we will lean on as a team leader as we head into the off-season," said Walker.

Ainsworth was the team's leader in the secondary where he started every game. In his four-year career he started every game in his final three seasons. In 2011 he was second with 54 tackles. He led the Falcons with five pass break ups, had 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three interceptions. "Matt had a wonderful year and became the ultimate "hybrid" player for us leading us in pass break ups and serving as one of our leaders in overall tackles. Matt was our emotional leader on defense and did a great job leading a defense that improved every week," said Walker.

Schimenz was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship team. The running back rushed for 33 yards and caught one pass in 2011. He also played on several special teams and had three tackles. "John is a true "Falcon." He is a leader on the field, at practice, in the locker room, in the classroom and all around campus," said Walker. His excitement for life is contagious. John is a great ambassador for this football program, athletic department and University." The WIAC's All-Sportsmanship team is for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. The team included one member from each school as selected by that school.