Josh Stieler admits he was a little intimidated when he first set foot on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Wednesday, January 02, 2002

Josh Stieler admits he was a little intimidated when he first set foot on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

But he didn’t let it hamper his performance. He turned it into a positive, using as a motivating force both in the classroom and on the football field. And it worked well.

Stieler is set to graduate with honors this spring, following a four-year collegiate football career that included two conference championships as well as all-conference recognition and all-region academic honors.

&uot;Overall, it’s just been a great experience,&uot; said Stieler, a 1998 Albert Lea High School graduate who was the Tribune’s 1997 Football Player of the Year.

A standout student and athlete at ALHS, Stieler was able to do the same in college by following a familiar routine.

&uot;The biggest thing is it was what I was used to,&uot; said Stieler. &uot;Every day it was go to school, practice, study, go to bed and then do it again the next day. That’s just the way it was. Starting out, I was a little intimidated by college. I wanted to make sure I did well, so I worked hard, just kind of got into a rhythm and kept with it.&uot;

Stieler became a part of only two classes at Eau Claire to be a part of two conference titles, in his freshman and senior years. Stieler lettered all four years, serving as a backup and playing special teams his first two seasons while starting at fullback the last two.

Stieler’s statistics were, admittedly, far less than stellar – 69 yards rushing on 15 carries and 10 pass receptions for 49 yards as a senior – but his blocking ability was enough to make him all-conference. He helped pave the way for a tailback who finished as the school’s and conference’s all-time leading rusher.

The biggest difference between the high school and college game, according to Stieler, is speed.

&uot;It’s so much faster in college,&uot; he said. &uot;There’s no time to think.&uot;

When Stieler thinks of his high school days, images of Steve Nolander, Mike Westland and Marcus Ludtke come to mind. They were just ahead of him in school and, although he never got to play football with them, he was their teammate in hockey. They were among his biggest influences.

Stieler also looked up to and learned a lot from his coaches, Steve Cunningham in football, Roy Nystrom in hockey and Howie Melom in track and field.

And his parents have backed him all the way. Stieler’s dad, Mark, missed only three or four games in his college career and his mom and step dad, DeEtta and Paul Marka, were also regular attendees.

Stieler is on course to graduate in May with a degree in finance and a 3.75 grade point average. He’s currently considering some job offers and sending out a few resumes. Where he’ll end up is anybody’s guess.

&uot;I’m just looking at opportunities first,&uot; said Stieler. &uot;Then I’ll decide on the area.&uot;

And wherever that may be, Stieler will never forget his roots and all the people who contributed to his success.

&uot;Overall, it was a great experience in Albert Lea, a great experience in Eau Claire,&uot; said Stieler. &uot;I owe a lot to everybody.&uot;