University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Athletics

Setting school, state and national collegiate records for his talent in the art of intercepting a pass, defensive back Todd Schoelzel is one of the most decorated football players in UW-Oshkosh history.
 
Schoelzel, who played at UW-Oshkosh for head coach and Hall of Famer Ron Cardo from 1985 to 1988, began intimidating opposing quarterbacks his freshman year. The Shiocton native received his first WSUC honor in 1985 when he nabbed an honorable mention nod.
 
This early collegiate success reflected the high school accomplishments of Schoelzel, who helped lead Shiocton High School to the state championship game his senior year.
 
In 1986, Schoelzel repeated his success in the WSUC, earning all-league honorable mention status for a second consecutive season.
 
During his junior year in 1987, Schoelzel became known as one of the biggest defensive threats in the WSUC. Chosen from 125 Division III teams, Schoelzel was named the October 11-17, 1987 NAIA Division II Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against UW-Platteville. In a 14-6 win over the Pioneers, Schoelzel had three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. Schoelzel also set a single-game record by gaining 138 yards on those pass interceptions, including one brought back 100 yards for a touchdown. Today, Schoelzel’s is one of 41 players in NCAA Division III history to return a pass interception 100 yards for a touchdown.
 
In 1987, Schoelzel recovered four fumbles and intercepted seven passes. He also was credited with 117 solo tackles, 36 assisted tackles and three touchdowns as a defensive back and punt returner. These impressive statistics earned Schoelzel the prestigious awards of All-WSUC First Team, UW-Oshkosh Most Valuable Player and NAIA Division II All-America Honorable Mention.
 
As a senior, Schoelzel lost no momentum and continued to haul in interceptions in his pursuit to help UW-Oshkosh to a winning season. The awards accumulated by Schoelzel in 1988 included All-WSUC First Team, UW-Oshkosh Most Valuable Player, Associated Press Little College All-America Honorable Mention and NAIA Division II All-America Second Team.
 
In school history, Schoelzel is the all-time leader with 22 career pass interceptions. He also established a NCAA Division II season record that year by averaging 20.4 yards per interception return.
 
Schoelzel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW-Oshkosh in 1991 and took the position of head football coach at Almond-Bancroft High School later that year. In 1992, Schoelzel landed a job as both physical education teacher and assistant football coach at Wautoma High School. He became the head football coach at Wautoma High School in 2001 and continued in that position until 2004.
 
Schoelzel lives in Ripon with his wife, Kristin, and two children. Continuing to expand his education, Schoelzel is in the process of earning his master’s degree in educational leadership from UW-Oshkosh. Last fall, Schoelzel returned to the UW-Oshkosh football program to serve as the Titans’ defensive line coach.
 
The UW-Oshkosh Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to give tribute and deserved recognition to former athletes, coaches and friends of the University. It is also intended to enhance school tradition by honoring those people who have shown such exceptional ability while on the campus and since graduation.