Sports : Former Viking Gunner Tranel celebrates big play; hopes for starting role

Gunner Tranel had the biggest moment so far in his collegiate football career this month, but looks forward to making more of them during his next two years at Wartburg.

Tranel, a 2011 VS graduate who earned several honors as a Viking, is a sophomore at Wartburg. He plays on special teams and has recorded several tackles during kick-offs. On defense, he plays linebacker behind senior Ryan Billings, a pre-season All-American. Tranel's goal is to replace Billings next year on the starting line-up.

Tranel's big moment came when Wartburg played at Coe earlier this month. He blocked a punt and teammate Jared Wauters, a senior who played high school at Union of La Porte City, picked up the ball and ran into the end zone; it was the only touchdown Wartburg would score in that game.

At Wartburg, Tranel room with three other football players in a house shared by eight young man.

"All his roommates are great guys, good students and quite funny, says Gunner's mom, Kathy. "Wartburg has been a great experience academically, athletically and socially for Gunner and he made the Dean's List last year both semesters."

Tranel's first goal, however is helping Wartburg win this weekend. The Knights can clinch an Iowa Conference title and a play-off spot with a victory over Loras. For his final two years at Wartburg, Tranel hopes to be a starting linebacker, but knows how much effort it will take to accomplish that. "It will take a lot of hard work over the off season, but I want to be able to earn a starting spot and help continue our success," Tranel says. While Tranel has seen some action at linebacker this season, most of his playing time has been on kickoff coverage and punt teams.

"That punt was probably biggest play I was a part of in terms of momentum," he said.

"Gunner is a guy who has really stepped up for us," said Wauters. "There's usually one play on special teams per game that Gunner makes to swing momentum, either a blocked punt or a huge hit on kickoff. He's getting a better grasp on the defense and has a chance to be an even more impactful player in the future, especially with our current middle linebacker and All-American graduating."

Wauters was wide receiver and defensive back for Union, and played against Tranel and the Vikings in 2009. The Knights won that game, but Wauters and Tranel remember that night most because of several times that Tranel tackled Wauters, and a hit by Viking Logan Williams that knocked Wauters out of the game.

"I'm glad Gunner is on our team and I don't have to deal with him anymore," says Wauters.