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In the annals of Central Missouri
history, it does not take long to see that there have not been many
quarterbacks that have started longer than a season or two and had
much success. By no means does this say that Central has been
without great quarterbacks. Names like Korrodi, Gile, Vining
and Eckinger are strewn about the record book, but none had the kind
of success that current Mules quarterback Eric Czerniewski is having
over as many seasons.
The best comparables to what the junior is doing are Paul Kaiser, Jeff
Phillips and Scott Loveland. Each of those three guys started at
least three seasons under center for Central, and each are with
Czerniewski in the top-four of every major career passing category.
Let's look at where Czerniewski
stands in each category after Saturday's 48-3 homecoming win over
Fort Hays.
Career Attempts: Currently 4th with
856 - Loveland leads with 1,169. Czerniewski's pace: 1321
Career Completions: Currently 2nd
with 526 - Loveland leads with 557 - Czerniewski's pace: 818
Career Passing Yards: Currently 2nd
with 6,620 - Kaiser leads with 7,233 - Czerniewski's pace: 10,295
Career Passing TDs: Currently Tied
for 1st with Kaiser at 58 - Czerniewski's pace: 90
Career Total Offense: Currently 2nd
with 6,757 - Kaiser leads with 7,553 - Czerniewski's pace: 10,511
Folks, those numbers are so out
there it is stupid! With the exception of attempts, he has a real
chance to be the best in UCM history by the end of his junior
season. He has started 27 games and has at least 15 starts left,
barring injury. Here is another tidbit for context: at the pace he
is going, he would set the MIAA mark for career passing yards late
in the 2010 season. Only one person have ever thrown for more than
10,000 yards in MIAA history.
Spinning this kind of success in a
different light, let's look at the records of these other top
quarterbacks. Loveland started 1981-84 for Central and is those
seasons went 22-17-3. Loveland also endured a coaching change in the
middle of his run, as Al Molde made a mad dash to I-AA after turning
Central around.
Phillips took over in 1986, which
was a great season for Central football. The Mules went 9-2 that
season, and 22-10-1 in the Phillips era. Kaiser led the Mules in
four season like Loveland. He also endured a coaching change
in the middle. Central managed a 23-17-1 record with Kaiser under
center.
So far, Czerniewski's record stands
at 19-8 as a starter.
When Mules fans look at the record
books 20 years from now, how will the "Czerniewski Era" be
remembered? His record as a started is similar to the one
Phillips had, and I don't know many people who regard that era as
very special. Conversely, many view the era of 2001-2003 with
Dennis Gile and company as VERY special.
For Czerniewski's greatness to
truly be appreciated, the Mules need to make one or two postseason
appearances under his watch. It may not be right, but for most Mules
fans, it is definitely true. The next couple weeks will start
to tell how people will begin to remember this era of greatness that
emanates from Czerniewski. |
by Kevin Ashcraft
