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Baker
University
Fourth-year Baker University coach Mike Grossner continues to build the Wildcat program with an infusion of young talent and high profile transfers. “It’s hard to predict the outcome of a season with so many factors involved; injuries, leadership, team chemistry, etc… We have a very talented football team in all three phases of the game. We return 19 starters with a lot of game experience, and have depth in every position. We have worked hard as a football program in laying down a solid foundation, and plan on seeing the fruits of our labor. Our kids have been successful in the classroom, and we are very proud of them as student-athletes. This should be an exciting group to watch in 07.” The wildcats won two of their final three games in 2006 to finish with a 4-6 record. In 2005, Baker set school records for pass completions in a game (32) and passing yardage (257 yards per game). Before coming to Baker, Grossner served as an assistant head coach at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., from 2001 to 2003 and served as the Mountaineers’ recruiting coordinator and academic adviser. He was the head coach at Glendale Community College in Arizona from 1997 to 2000 and guided Glendale to the national championship in 2000, earning him Coach of the Year honors by the American Football Coaches Association. From 1990 to 1995, Grossner was Glendale’s offensive coordinator. Grossner was the head coach at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Ariz., from 1996 to 1997 and was named Arizona’s Class 4A State Coach of the Year in 1996. Grossner played professionally in Europe, where he was a quarterback and offensive coordinator in Nottingham, England, and Ravenna, Italy, from 1990 to 1993. He took both teams to the national semifinals. Grossner and his wife, Karen, live in Baldwin City with their three children, Emma, 10, Jake, 6, and Ryker, 2. In the preseason Heart of America Athletic Conference coaches’ poll, Baker was picked seventh in 2006. Grossner hopes the Wildcats challenge for a conference title and capture their first winning season since 2000. “I firmly believe we can win a championship at Baker University and our expectation levels are very high,” he said. “We are proud of our new facility and expect to play with great passion to defend the home field advantage. Thanks for supporting Baker University, and enjoy the wild and season ahead.”
Wildcat Offensive Staff
Bloomer enters his third season as a member of the Wildcat coaching staff working with the running backs and also serving as the teams Video Coordinator. The Wichita, Ks. native played tight end for Baker in 2003-2004 before joining the coaching staff. Bloomer graduated Cum Laude with a dual degree in secondary education and physical education. This bright young coach is now working on his master’s degree at Baker's School of Professional and Graduate Studies in Overland Park.
Buford, a Wildcat receiver and tight end from 2002 to 2005, enters his second season on the Baker coaching staff. He works with the wide receivers and coordinates the football academic program. The Alma, Mo., native has a degree in secondary education and physical education from Baker. He is currently working on his master’s degree at Baker’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies in Overland Park.
Wildcat Defensive Staff
Thoren enters his Fourth season at Baker and his second season over seeing the Defense. Under his direction the Wildcat "D"was among the most improved units in the HAAC in 2006. In his time at BU Thoren has coached two All-HAAC players and one All-American. Prior to coming to Baldwin City he spent three years as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line and tight ends at NCAA Division I,University of Minnesota. The Lawrence High product was a starting linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks from 1994-1997 where he was All-Big 8 and All-Big 12 selection. Thoren also played in NFL Europe and the Arena Football League. During his High School playing career, Thoren was named the outstanding high school player in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Aligo is in his sixth consecutive season at Baker, but his history as a Baker coach dates to the Charlie Richard era. Aligo coached at Baker from 1988 to 1991 before serving as head coach for 15 years at McLouth High School and an assistant at Baldwin High for two years. He rejoined the Baker staff in 2002 and is a teacher at McLouth High School. The New Jersey native was an All-conference and All-District 10 performer at defensive tackle for McPherson College in 1977. Aligo's combined experience and knowledge of the game makes him a great asset to the Wildcat staff. He and his wife, Linn, have two adult children — Scott, 25, and Tony, 21.
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Grossner File 1978-1983 Arcadia High School, Phoenix, Ariz.
1983 Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz.
1984 Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College
1986-1987 Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.
1989 Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan.
1990-1995 Glendale (Ariz.) Community College
1990-1993 NFL Europe
1996 Agua Fria High School, Avondale, Ariz.
1997-2000 Glendale (Ariz.) Community College
2001-2003 Western State College, Gunnison, Colo.
2004- Baker University
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Justin Bloomer, running backs.jpg)
Josh Buford, wide receivers .jpg)
Jason Thoren, Defensive Coordinator/ Linebackers 
Jerry Aligo, defensive line