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UNI's football senior class numbers 18 student-athletes. That's an average number for the size of the class. However, there was nothing average about the contributions those Panthers made to the program or the magical 2005 season.

Online Extra: Senior Slideshow

"They represent what we've been accomplishing," Coach Mark Farley said. "Their attitude, their confidence, their resilience ... All those words represent some portion of this team, and all of them are reasons we've been successful."

When those who were smitten by the coolest Cats in history reflect on 2005, they may remember Stensrud's perseverance, Heideman's commitment and Hermann's determination.

They'll think about Brian Cutright's quiet leadership, Justin Surrency's reliability, Brett Koebcke's ferocity and Tanner Varner's tenacity.

They'll recall Patrick Hunter's infectious smile, Jamie Goodwin's positive attitude, David Horne's style and grace and Terrance Freeney's power and confidence.

They'll talk about Jason Breeland's gratitude, Charles Johnson's considerable presence, Michael Matthes' fearlessness and John Schabilion's intelligence.

Finally, they will note Jeff Bates' unselfishness and the dedication of B.J. Stotser and Geoff Stamp, who never cracked the playing rotation but never walked away from the game, either.

And then there was Eric Sanders, the unflappable sophomore from Oelwein. He was thrust into the starting role as a redshirt freshman in 2004 when an injury sidelined veteran Tom Petrie. A little more than a year later, he was the national leader in passing efficiency and the quarterback in the national championship game.

"I'm just a cog in the wheel," said Sanders.
 

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Last Modified: January 27, 2006