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University of Minnesota Athletics
Seniors Leave TCF Victorious
11/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
It all started with a victory.
The senior class' first game in front of the home crowd was a 51-23 victory against UNLV in 2013. In their final game in Minnesota, the seniors made sure they ended their time at TCF Bank Stadium the same way it started: victoriously.
Minnesota's seniors proved to be difference makers against Northwestern and helped the team earn their third eight-win season in the past four years with a 29-12 victory.
"When they said they were going to come play at the University of Minnesota, we weren't doing things real well, football-wise or off of the field," coach Tracey Claeys said of his graduating class. "This senior class has worked harder than any of them. To get a win at home in the last game at TCF, it means a lot to these players, but it'll mean a lot to those kids for how much they have put into it."
Mitch Leidner put an exclamation point on a storied career in front of the Minnesota faithful. The quarterback made the most of his final plays at home. Late in the fourth quarter, he lofted his final pass at TCF Bank Stadium to fellow senior Drew Wolitarsky for a nine yard touchdown. That score extended Minnesota's lead, but Leidner had one touchdown left in him. In his final rushing attempt in front of the home crowd, he found the end zone on a 12-yard scamper.
Leidner walked off the field after a four-year career filled with unforgettable moments.
"I was really excited," Leidner said. "It was just an unbelievable moment. I couldn't wait to get in that locker room and celebrate with the guys."
The Lakeville, Minn., native finished the day completing 14-of -5 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 32 yards and a score.
His favorite receiver, Wolitarsky, will leave Minnesota as one of the best to wear the Maroon and Gold. The receiver caught four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern.
Defensively, linebacker Jack Lynn was all over the field in his final home game. He collected nine tackles, the second most of his career, including 1.5 for a loss.
Lynn, who was a part of three of Minnesota's eight win seasons during his career, knows the seniors built the foundation for future of the program.
"The motto was brick by brick," Lynn said. "Now we just keep building from there."
