Aurora football headlines

  • Aurora lighting things up on defense
    November 21, 2023
    The Spartans needed a pick-me-up from the defensive side of the ball on Saturday and got it, as the defense allowed no points and had seven takeaways against Coe. And Don Beebe, the former NFL wide receiver-turned D-III head coach, couldn't be happier. Brian Lester has more in a Road to Salem feature.
  • Spartans and Cougars team up for Hilinski's Hope
    October 04, 2023
    In recognition of Student Athlete Mental Health Week, the Aurora University and Concordia University Chicago football programs are proud to be teaming up with Hilinski’s Hope to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health. The Spartans and Cougars are slated for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference contest on Saturday, October 7 with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in River Forest, Illinois.
  • Irabor, Toth, Sinclair get camp invites
    May 02, 2023
    Division III football players were shut out of the NFL draft once again, but Chris Toth, who has been watched by scouts for at least two seasons, got a minicamp invite from the Bears, Ike Irabor got a call from the Giants, and Travis Sinclair heard from the Vikings. And they're not alone.
  • Today, we are all Mount Union
    December 24, 2022
    Mount Union is no longer alone at the top. They’re peering through the glass at the champions like everyone else. But as Keith McMillan and Greg Thomas write, perhaps the Division III landscape is forever different, and the next North Central could come from various places.
  • At Aurora, Beebe-ing is believing
    November 22, 2022
    The Spartans have woven the hustle, determination, and never-say-die traits of their coach, former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Don Beebe, into their DNA, so perhaps it should be no surprise that their third consecutive playoff trip resulted in a first-round win. Joe Sager has more.
  • Another new bowl comes to Wisconsin
    July 18, 2022
    The midwest is getting a second Division III football bowl game, following on the success of the Culver's Isthmus Bowl in 2021.
  • Gagliardi Trophy names its finalists
    December 09, 2021
    Three quarterbacks, one wide receiver and a safety make up the five finalists for the 2021 Gagliardi Trophy, an award presented by Jostens to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III.
  • Aurora comes full circle
    November 11, 2021
    After going toe-to-toe with St. John's and getting blown away by defending national champ North Central, Aurora has gone about its business and is back in the playoffs. Brian Lester has more.
  • Gagliardi Trophy semifinalists announced
    November 26, 2019
    Nearly 30 players were nominated, but only 12 get to the semifinal stage. Who are they? Read up on the players, then cast your fan ballot for the top all-around student-athlete in Division III football.
  • Aurora continues high octane offense in blowout win over Concordia Chicago
    October 12, 2019
    The Aurora University Spartan football team returned to Spartan Stadium ar Spartan Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon against Concordia University Chicago. The outcome looked very familiar to AU fans as the Spartans were victorious 63-27 behind another day of records falling by the offense. Quarterback Gavin Zimbelman set the single season record for touchdown passes while Jacolby Maxwell set the single season record for touchdown receptions.
  • Aurora knocks off Eureka in battle of NACC's preseason favorites
    October 05, 2019
    Aurora University celebrated homecoming 2019 on campus while the Spartan football team took on the visitors from Eureka College and won 62-35. AU continued to put up impressive numbers all over the field. AU welcomed pro football hall of fame coach Marv Levy as he tossed the coin in a pregame festivity.
  • Aurora balling out for Beebe
    September 26, 2019
    Don Beebe wasn’t sure what to expect from an offensive standpoint in 2019 as he watched film after being hired at Aurora last winter. Then spring ball rolled around. And now the Spartans have won a couple of games early. Brian Lester has more in a D3football.com feature.
  • Offensive records fall as Aurora defeats #25 St. Norbert
    September 08, 2019
    The Aurora University Spartans hosted #25 St. Norbert College in the 2019 season opener on Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium. In the first game under new Head Coach Don Beebe, the Spartans had a record setting day from quarterback Gavin Zimbelman and the AU offense enroute to a 50-40 victory.
  • NFL Icon Don Beebe named as Head Coach for Aurora University football
    November 15, 2018
    AURORA, Ill. – Nov. 15, 2018 – Aurora University is pleased to announce National Football League (NFL) legend Don Beebe as the Spartans football new head coach, effective immediately. Beebe, highly regarded by coaches, players and fans for his strong character, robust work ethic and perseverance, embodies Aurora University Athletics’ core values of academic success, social responsibility and athletic championships.
  • Former NFL player takes over as Aurora head coach
    November 13, 2018
    Don Beebe, who played wide receiver in the NFL for nine seasons, will replace Rick Ponx, who was fired after a 5-5 season.
  • He stays on his feet, somehow
    October 23, 2017
    Balance, skill, spin -- this is exactly where a dance class might come in handy, football players. Watch how this return man stays off the turf in the D3football.com Play of the Week.
  • NACC set for football expansion in 2018
    August 03, 2017
    Multiple sources tell D3sports.com that the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference will be adding an eighth school for football starting next fall.
  • Leaping for the title
    November 14, 2016
    With a conference title on the line and a senior class looking to go out with a bang, sometimes it takes extreme measures. What this senior did is the D3football.com Play of the Week!
  • Ponx tabbed as Aurora head coach
    December 16, 2013
    Aurora University announced today that former North Central assistant Rick Ponx has been named its new head football coach.
  • Berry hires former Aurora coach
    July 12, 2012
    Rich Duncan spent seven seasons as head coach at Aurora, but won't coach another game until 2013, when Berry takes the field with Duncan as offensive coordinator.
  • MIAA, NATHC to start 'Challenge Series'
    November 24, 2011
    The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Northern Athletics Conference have announced they will launch a "Challenge Series" in football that will pit member schools from the two conferences against each other, beginning with the 2012 season.
  • Ten games to watch
    August 29, 2011
    After a summer of debt ceiling debates, earthquakes and hurricanes, thank goodness that football is here. And there will be no shortage of great games in the Midwest this year.
  • Spartans Drop Nailbiter to Illinois Wesleyan 21-14
    September 18, 2010
    The Spartans of Aurora University fell to the Titans of Illinois Wesleyan University 21-14 in the home opener at Vago field despite some late game heroics by the Spartans. The high powered offense of Illinois Wesleyan University traveled to Aurora University Saturday to battle the Spartans. Both teams undefeated entering today’s contest with the Titans being the heavy favorite holding an all time record of 4-0. The Spartans were seeking some revenge after a 52-6 loss last season.
  • Aurora hopes to send seniors out with title
    October 14, 2008
    Aurora coach Rich Duncan is trying to keep a streak alive and Saturday's home game against the preseason Northern Athletics Conference favorite Concordia (Wis.) could go along way to see if the Spartans will be successful.