With pandemic impacting eligibility status, UND football program and players navigate unique 'senior days'
Nov. 8—The UND football program will play its final home game of the regular season on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Illinois State.
The Fighting Hawks will recognize their seniors at the Alerus Center, but 'senior day' isn't nearly as cut and dry as it was before the pandemic.
The NCAA has said the pandemic-altered spring season of 2021 won't count against an athlete's eligibility. For the next few years, that means just because an athlete is listed as a senior on the roster doesn't mean they won't be coming back for the following season.
In the fall of 2021, UND linebacker Jaxson Turner, cornerback Evan Holm, linebacker Ty Shannon, wide receiver Jake Richter, safety Hayden Galvin, safety Jordan Canady, kicker Adam Stage and linebacker Ray Haas each elected to return by utilizing the "free year."
Offensive linemen Ryan Tobin and Nathan Nguon decided not to return as what's listed on the roster as "Fifth Year."
As the fall of 2021 nears an end, discussions about whether this year will be an athlete's final season have started.
"Some decisions have been made and some are in the balance," UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. "We'll give guys the time they need. We'll have open discussions about it. We're all adults here. You have to make it work within your roster — roster limits, scholarship limits, counter limits — there's a number of things to work through to make these things work.
"It's a little different and will be for a few more years. We want to honor guys in their last year of competition. We want it to be a special game for them. We always appreciate the time they invest in the program."
All three UND players at the team's weekly press conference Monday are listed as seniors on the roster but have decisions to make about coming back.
Linebacker Devon Krzanowski, who's tied for the team lead in tackles and is in his second year in Grand Forks after transferring from St. Cloud State after the Huskies' program was cut, plans to come back in 2022.
"I pretty much made my decision in the summer, and I plan on coming back," said Krzanowski, who had the game-clinching quarterback sack last week against Youngstown State.
UND punter Cade Peterson said he's leaning to coming back but had a meeting with the coaching staff later Monday to discuss.
Offensive lineman Matt Waletzko, a 6-foot-7 left tackle, has drawn considerable NFL attention as scouts from nearly every organization have visited Grand Forks this fall. The preseason FCS All-American could have draft potential, a development that would likely impact his decision.
Waletzko will also have options for senior showcase games following the season.
"I was talking to my parents and coach Schweigert about it," Waletzko said. "I don't like to look too much ahead. I'm just taking it week by week. I haven't made the final decision yet."
