Orediggers defeat CSU-Pueblo, 31-7

PUEBLO, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines defeated Colorado State University - Pueblo by the score of 31-7 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football action on Saturday afternoon, September 26th, at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.  For the box score, CLICK HERE.

A pair of Jahre Cheeseman touchdown receptions from David Pesek in the opening half - the first from 15 yards out at 4:45 in the first period and the second from six yards out with 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter - gave Mines a 14-0 halftime lead.

Adam Saur caught his eighth touchdown pass of the season on a three-yard toss from David Pesek midway through the third quarter (10:32) and Dalton Lane connected on a 41-yard field goal attempt later in the period (3:50) to increase CSM's lead to 24-0.

Cheeseman found the endzone for the third time on Saturday when he scored on a four-yard run at 13:17 in the final quarter.  The ThunderWolves posted their lone score of the day when Colin Clancy scored on a 10-yard run with 11:34 left in the contest.

Pesek completed 20-of-35 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns (one interception) and Clay Garcia went 6-of-9 through the air for 71 yards.  Cheeseman carried 22 times for 75 yards while Cody Renken caught 10 passes for 163 yards.  Marc Schiechl and Josh Ruff led Mines (3-2 overall, 3-0 RMAC) with seven total tackles apiece while Nick Haniszewski (1.5 tackles for a loss) and Hunter Wardlaw each made six stops.  Schiechl (3.0 tackles for a loss) and Haniszewski accounted for one sack apiece.  Wardlaw and Kyle Goracke each came away with interceptions for the CSM defense, which allowed CSU-Pueblo just 200 yards of total offense.  CSM concluded the afternoon with 446 yards of total offense.

Saur now has 25 career touchdown receptions, six shy of tying the CSM career record in that category.

CSU-Pueblo's Lee Meisner led all players with 12 total tackles (five solo) as the ThunderWolves fell to 3-2 overall (2-1 RMAC).  Clancy (six carries) and Jesse Lewis (14 carries) finished with 24 and 51 yards on the ground, respectively.  Clancy completed just 12-of-34 passes for 113 yards (two interceptions).

Mines will play at Mesa State College (3-2 overall, 3-0 RMAC) on Saturday evening, October 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. (MST) at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction, Colo.

The Orediggers will return home to host Western State College in the annual Homecoming / Hall of Fame game on Saturday afternoon, October 10th, at 12:00 p.m. (MST) at Brooks Field in Golden.  CSM will induct four former student-athletes, as well as three outstanding supporters, into the 14th annual class of its Athletics Hall of Fame during a banquet on Friday evening, October 9th, at the Ben Parker Student Center on the CSM campus.  RMAC Commissioner J.R. Smith will be the guest speaker at the banquet, which will begin at 7:00 p.m. (reception at 6:00 p.m.).

Former student-athletes who will be inducted include Dayven Johnston (track & field, football), John Simpson (wrestling), Eric Stellmon (track & field) and Rob Zimmerman (men's soccer).  Outstanding supporters to be inducted include Kim Harden, George Puls III and Dean Stoughton.  The 2009 CSM Athletics Hall of Fame inductees will also be recognized during a halftime ceremony at the game on October 10th.  Furthermore, the annual Golden Chamber of Commerce / Silver & Blue Homecoming Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 9th, at 11:30 a.m. on the CSM campus (Green Center).  Comedian Sam Adams, who is also a former sports columnist for the Rocky Mountain News, will be the guest speaker at the Homecoming Luncheon.

For information about tickets to the Homecoming Luncheon ($25), the 2009 CSM Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet ($25) and the Homecoming / Hall of Fame football game ($10 adults / $7 children & seniors), please call 303-384-2254.

For more information about Colorado School of Mines Athletics, please contact Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

-- OREDIGGERS --