On May 5, 2008, William Jewell Head Football Coach Fran Schwenk led an entourage of 22 football players, two assistant coaches, and 12 friends and family of the William Jewell football program on a 10-day cultural exchange throughout Germany and central Austria.

After two practice sessions, the team played a regulation exhibition game with the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, one of Germany’s First Division club teams. Facing the Unicorn’s full roster of about 50 players, the hard-hitting William Jewell Cardinals turned a slim 17-13 half-time lead into a decisive 45-13 victory, before a crowd of some 600 enthusiastic fans.

Several Cardinals found their way into the end zone, including quarterback Benny Palmer, wide receiver Evan Adams, defensive back Ryan Florence, and line backer Jacob Williams. Taylor Gallagher contributed a field goal and several extra points as well. Running back Austin Jones was named the offensive Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performance. Florence was named the defensive Most Valuable Player for his solid play.

Coach Schwenk commented that he was extremely proud of his team’s efforts and the final outcome, given that most players played both sides of the ball. He noted that the senior players displayed great leadership, and the returning players proved they could accept the challenge.

Players who participated in the trip are: seniors Evan Adams, Matt Calloway, Austin Jones, Daniel Lanning, Logan Minnick, Benny Palmer and Blake Wollard, and underclassmen John Appleby, Ryan Florence, Taylor Gallagher, Alex Hilton, Aaron McQuinn (2008 Captain), Travis Milne (2008 Captain), Caleb Noland, Andrew Nolting, Nick Persell, Shane Spencer, Pierce Tucker, Jacob Williams and Drew Witman.

Other highlights of the trip included a Rhine River cruise through the Rhine Valley and a trip to Schwabisch Hall’s summer festival, which dates back 2,500 years. During the Schwabisch Hall festival, a proclamation from the mayor of Liberty to the mayor of Schwabisch Hall declaring May 19 as Liberty’s “Schwabisch Hall Friendship Day” was presented by Cathi Svetlecic at a festival luncheon.

“Overall, the trip was quite successful,” said Schwenk. “It was an honor to represent the NAIA in this international football exchange.” This event marks Coach Schwenk’s sixth overseas trip with college football teams, and leaves him with an 11-0 record in international competition.