UND's success as a Division I FCS program hinges, in part, on Sioux players becoming bigger, faster and stronger.
After the first two Division I seasons, UND players are on target in becoming bigger, faster and stronger.
"We've become heavier and we've become faster," UND coach Chris Mussman said. "That's a good thing."
The results of UND's spring strength testing are complete. And the results show that six players recorded all-time standards at their respective positions.
"It's the best year we've had as far as awards go," UND strength and conditioning director Nate Baukol said.
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Broc Bellmore is this season's chart topper.
The defensive lineman from West Fargo, N.D., set position records in the bench press (440 pounds), back squat (615) and the power clean (402). His lift in the power clean is an overall program record.
Linebacker Curtis Dublanko set a new standard for linebackers in the power clean (378); Kris Ankenbauer set the record for safeties in the squat (475); Brent Goska's power clean (314) was the best ever for quarterbacks; Justin Belotti's bench press (350) was best all time among safeties; and Dominique Hawkins' vertical jump of 39 inches was best all time for defensive backs.
Hawkins' vertical jump also tied the program's all-time mark, set in 2009 by Ankenbauer.
Ankenbauer, who played as a true freshman, holds two of the four all-time strength and conditioning records for Sioux safeties.
"Kris is deceiving," Baukol said of the 5-foot-10, 180-pound safety from Plano, Texas. "But he can drop the hammer on the field."
As far as speed goes, Sioux players are getting to their destinations a little quicker, too.
"We basically shaved a tenth of a second off our time in the 40 on average," Baukol said.
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The spring testing impressed Baukol, who has been at UND since 2002.
"Our body weight is approximately eight pounds heavier on average than last year," Baukol said. "Our power clean when up by about 10 pounds on average and our squat is up an average of 10 pounds.
"The beauty of it is that our power index (bench press, squat and power clean divided by body weight) stayed the same, which is good."
Baukol spent part of Tuesday meeting with Sioux football players regarding their summer workout routines.
The Sioux strength and conditioning director credits UND players for the program's improved numbers in recent seasons. The move to Division I also is a motivating factor.
"Certain things are expected of our players in the weight room," Baukol said. "They know they have to get there so they go out and do it."
Relatively healthy
UND came through spring drills in relatively good health, with the exception of defensive lineman Ty Boyle.
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Boyle injured his meniscus during the second half of UND's spring game.
"I anticipate him being ready for fall camp," Mussman said.
Also, there were no major shakeups on the Sioux depth chart after spring ball.
UND will report for fall camp in early August. UND will open its third Division I FCS season Sept. 2 at Idaho.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
