Over the Decades: The 1980s

1980s

The 1980s teams, all under the guidance of Walt Kroll, finished just a sliver below the 1960s winning percentage mark. However, no decade provided more than their 73 wins, including nine on homecoming.

The start of the decade yielded three straight state championship game appearances. The first, in 1980, delivered the first state football crown to any Marshfield school—a thrilling overtime win at then 40-year-old Beell Stadium. That team posted six shutouts and scored at will. The 1982 squad got to the state finals on a 43-yard game-winning free kick. John Rasmussen’s historic boot held up as the longest field goal conversion in school history. Bill Saviage’s three late-game three-pointers propelled the 1984 squad to a winning season. But it was Dick Stevens, and his 123 career kick points, that would never be seriously challenged in Dons place-kick history.

Doug Nikolai had the only punt return TD during the ‘80s, although Jim Bloczynski did manage to return a free kick all the way in 1981.

Seven players were selected All-CWCC in two separate seasons: Larry Olsen, Lyle Lang, Dick Stevens, Rich Nikolai, John Rasmussen, Mark Rae, and David Herkert. Five players were named All-Conference on both offense and defense: Pat Kraus (1981), David Scheuer (1987), Eric Helms (1987), Jeff Burrill (1989), and Steve Scheuer (1989).

Brian Morgan tossed 20 touchdown passes, with fellow QBs Eric Helms (15) and Mark Rae (13) in trail.

No one ever toted the ball more for the Dons ground attack than Rob Wagner. His 26 rushing TDs were tops in the ‘80s, followed by Jon Radlinger (20) and Earl Miranda (15). Wagner was the only Dons rusher to ever achieve two 1,000-yard seasons in 51 years. John Michalski was the only CHS runner to post two 200-yard games in the decade and Steve Scheuer’s 42 carries matched the school record.

Steve Jones’ 10 TD catches led all receivers, edging out Scott Kundinger’s nine scoring grabs. David Herkert and David Scheuer each scored eight times via aerials. However, David Scheuer finished as Columbus’ all-time leader in both receptions and receiving yardage.

Dick Stevens’ 189 points edged out Rob Wagner’s 158 for 1980s scoring honors. David Herkert’s 155 markers landed him third on the decades’ points tallied list.

In the penultimate game of the 1980s, Pacelli humbled Columbus 43-0, the fourth worst defeat in school history.