Simpson releases 2010 schedule

INDIANOLA, Iowa (Feb. 17, 2010) – The Simpson football team released its 2010 schedule Wednesday, which includes two non-conference matchups with Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference programs Bethel and St. Olaf to begin the season followed by an eight-game Iowa Conference slate, head coach Jim Glogowski announced.

Simpson begins the season Sept. 4, hosting Bethel at Buxton Stadium for the first of five home dates on the schedule. Homecoming is set for Oct. 2, when Luther travels to Indianola.

“We are looking forward to the start of next season,” Glogowski said. “Kicking off with two games against MIAC foes will be great challenge and provide a measuring stick for the IIAC schedule that follows.”

The season-opener against Bethel marks the first time the two teams have met since the Royals defeated Simpson 35-0 in Arden Hills, Minn. in 2007. Bethel went 7-3 a year ago, posting a 6-2 record in the MIAC - good enough for third place in the league.

Week two brings the first road test of the season for Simpson, as it travels to Northfield, Minn. to face St. Olaf Sept. 11. The Oles went 5-5 a year ago, finishing 3-5 in the MIAC. St. Olaf and Simpson have never met on the football field.

“Whenever you face MIAC schools you know you're in for a challenge,” Glogowski said. “Our games with Bethel and St. Olaf will prepare us mentally and physically for our conference schedule.”

Simpson's first conference challenge of the season comes Sept. 18 when Loras visits Buxton Stadium. The Storm travels to Buena Vista Sept. 25 before returning to Buxton Stadium for the homecoming matchup against Luther Oct. 2.

Following the game against the Norse, Simpson begins a stretch of two games in three weeks against 2009 NCAA Championship qualifiers. Simpson faces defending Iowa Conference Champion Central in Pella Oct. 9 before visiting Dubuque (Oct. 16). The team then returns home Oct. 23 to face Coe, which advanced to the second round of the playoffs a year ago and ended the season ranked No. 10 by d3football.com.

Simpson faces Cornell in Mt. Vernon Oct. 30 and then enjoys a bye week before closing the season against Wartburg Nov. 13 at Buxton Stadium.

Simpson looks to improve upon a 3-7 showing in 2009.

To view the complete 2010 schedule, click here.