Three-time defending NCAA Division III champion UW-Whitewater will open the 2012 season at Washington University in Saint Louis Friday, August 31.  The first home game of the season is set for Saturday, September 15 at 1:00, when Buffalo State College visits Perkins Stadium.

"This is a very challenging schedule," UW-W coach Lance Leipold said.   "For the first time in my years here we filled all ten games with NCAA Division III opponents.  We have a layoff after the first week which isn't what we hoped for, but we'll make it work, and the conference schedule will test us, playing our non-conference conference game against Stevens Point, which should be fired up and energized with a new coach and staff.  But it's a balanced schedule.  We alternate home and away the last eight weeks, which allows the team, and our fans, to get into a rhythm.  And it gives our players a chance to visit Saint Louis, and playing Buffalo State will be a new experience," Leipold added.    

UW-Whitewater has won a record seven consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships.  For the last seven years UW-W has also advanced through four rounds of NCAA Division III playoffs to reach the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the Division III championship game in Salem, Virginia.  UW-W won its first national championship in 2007, and followed with titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011.  Leipold's five year record at Whitewater is 72-3 overall and 34-1 in conference play.  The Warhawks' forty-five game win streak is the longest active streak at any level of college football, and the streak is the fifth longest in the history of the NCAA.

“UW-Whitewater is excited to announce the 2012 football schedule," said athletic director Paul Plinske. "The Warhawks have had tremendous success on the field, but 2012 is a new year and we are looking forward to making this a special season.  Perkins Stadium is like no like no other in Division III. When spectators visit our stadium, they will be exposed to outstanding football in a first-class venue. We will keep you entertained throughout with the best tailgating, in-game atmosphere and interactive fun that you can find anywhere," Plinske noted.

Thanks to Leipold's philosophy of preparing backups in game action, UW-W returns players with game experience throughout the lineup in 2012.  Finding out if the number twos are ready for heavier duty, and building the new group of players ready to step in, will be a priority.  

The annual Homecoming and Athletics Hall of Fame game will be October 20 at 1:00 against UW-Oshkosh.

Tickets for Warhawk football can be purchased at the University Center ticket office on the main campus mall Monday-Friday during normal business hours.  Tickets are also sold at Perkins Stadium on game day, opening ninety minutes before kickoff.  Call 262-472-2222 for football ticket information.

For additional information:  Lance Leipold, UW-W coach

The complete 2012 schedule (all times Central and p.m.)

August 31	at Washington University in Saint Louis	8:30
September 8	bye
September 15	host Buffalo State College celebration of NCAA III championship/Youth Day	1:00
September 22	host UW-Stevens Point\ Bob Berezowitz Day/Back to the 60's	1:00
September 29	at UW-Platteville	1:00
October 6	host UW-River Falls Family Fest	2:00
October 13	at UW-Stout	2:00
October 20	host UW-Oshkosh Homecoming/Athletic Hall of Fame	1:00
October 27	at UW-Stevens Point	1:00
November 3	host UW-Eau Claire	3:00
November 10	at UW-La Crosse	1:00