Sept. 22, 2005

The 2005 Torero football season is underway at the University of San Diego and for redshirt senior Adam Hannula, his last year as a Torero is off to quite the start. In only three games, the undefeated Toreros (3-0) have made program history on more than one occasion, including Hannula's very own record-breaking game against Yale.

Hannula, a wide receiver out of Tacoma, Wash., came to San Diego with the hopes of playing quarterback, a position he dominated at as a prep player. As a senior at Bellarmine Prep, Hannula threw for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns and earned MVP honors in the Narrows League. He was recruited heavily by Holy Cross, Eastern Washington, and Central Washington, yet the recruitment process at USD was somewhat different.

"My dad actually called USD because I was interested in the school," recalls Hannula, "but one of the coaches said they had too many quarterbacks and weren't really interested. But my dad sent film anyway and they brought me out."

With quarterback Eric Rasmussen already at the helm, Hannula knew that he would have to adjust to playing a different position and discovered a position that suited him a bit better - wide receiver.

"I kinda got thrown in the role [of wide receiver] a little bit," added Hannula. "But I was up for the challenge and kinda took it head on and didn't really look back. After getting used to running routes and stuff, I kinda liked receiver a little bit better."

Hannula's impact on the Toreros' offensive game cannot be underestimated. Last season he was named to the All-PFL Second Team. In 2003 Hannula was First Team All-America by the Sports Network 1-AA Mid-Major and Don Hansen's Football Gazette. He currently owns USD single season receiving records for receptions (72), yards (1,161) and touchdowns (13) - all set in 2003. Most recently, Hannula surpassed Dylan Ching's career receptions record and is now the USD career leader with 191. Currently second in career TD receptions (25) and receiving yards (2,545), Adam also has his sights on those Torero marks owned by Ching (32 TDs and 3,111 yards).

"A few of the coaches came up to me after [September 17th's game against Yale] and told me I broke the record. It was something on top of the [17-14] win that made it even sweeter."

USD's come from behind victory over the visiting Yale Bulldogs made program history when the Toreros became the first Pioneer Football League team to defeat an Ivy League opponent. Furthermore, it marked the first time a USD team bested an Ivy League adversary in six tries.

"We were really confident going into the game," said Hannula. "We knew we had the athletes and the work ethic and I think that confidence carried us through. We were down but there was no doubt that we could win."

This weekend San Diego takes its three-game winning streak on the road as they face their second straight Ivy League opponent, the Princeton Tigers on Saturday. Hannula and the Toreros hope to continue their stellar play on Saturday and throughout the entire season.

Added Hannula, "Our main goal is to win the PFL Championship. We want to go undefeated and play in the Division 1-AA playoffs if possible. We just have bigger and better goals set forth for us this season."