The University of St. Thomas football team is entering the 2023 season with significant anticipation, and it’s not just internal optimism fueling the excitement. Following their inaugural Pioneer Football League (PFL) championship win in 2022, the Tommies have been selected as the preseason favorites to repeat as champions in the Pioneer Football League.
The PFL coaches’ preseason poll, released recently, underscored the widespread belief in St. Thomas’ potential. The Tommies garnered an overwhelming 98 out of a possible 100 points, securing eight first-place votes out of ten. Davidson College, the preseason second-ranked team, received the other two first-place votes, with San Diego also earning a single first-place vote. Notably, coaches are prohibited from voting for their own teams in the poll. This strong endorsement from their peers positions St. Thomas as the team to watch in the upcoming Pioneer Football League season.
Coming off a truly remarkable 2022 season, the St. Thomas Tommies not only clinched their first Pioneer Football League title but did so in only their second year within the conference. Their success was built on a potent offense and a formidable defense, as evidenced by their impressive 358-189 scoring advantage over opponents. The Tommies concluded the 2022 campaign with a near-perfect 10-1 overall record, including a flawless 8-0 run in Pioneer Football League play. Against PFL rivals specifically, their dominance was even more pronounced. St. Thomas amassed 1398 yards of total offense and recorded 729 tackles defensively, further solidifying their status as a force within the Pioneer Football League.
Adding to the anticipation for the 2023 season is the return of a substantial core of talent from the championship-winning 2022 squad. Of the 16 Tommies players recognized as All-Pioneer Football League honorees in 2022, nine are set to return this season. This includes junior wide receiver Andrew McElroy, a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection in 2022. Joining McElroy are fellow First Team All-Conference returnee junior Jonathan Bunce, and additional All-Conference honorees Shawn Shipman, Alec Rasmussen, Yusef Leak, Shea Albrecht, Luke Herzog, Jason Laliberte, and Grif Wurtz. The experience and leadership provided by these returning players will be crucial as St. Thomas aims to defend their Pioneer Football League title.
The St. Thomas Tommies are set to commence their 2023 season on Saturday, September 2nd, hosting Black Hills State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Central Time in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fans are eager to see if the Tommies can live up to the preseason hype and once again reign supreme in the Pioneer Football League.
