What Is 2013 Grand View Vikings football team

Overview

The 2013 Grand View Vikings football team represented Grand View University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) during the 2013 season. Competing in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Mideast League, the Vikings delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history under head coach Jake Dickert.

The team showcased a dominant offense and a resilient defense, capturing the MSFA Mideast League title with an undefeated 6-0 conference record. Their strong performance earned them a spot in the NAIA playoffs, where they advanced to the semifinals before falling to the eventual national champion, the University of the Cumberlands.

• Record: The Vikings finished the 2013 season with a 10-2 overall record, the second-most wins in a single season at the time.
• Conference dominance: They went a perfect 6-0 in MSFA Mideast League play, securing the conference championship outright.
• Playoff run: Grand View advanced to the NAIA semifinals, defeating teams like Missouri Valley and Lindenwood-Belleville en route.
• Offensive output: The team scored 478 total points during the regular season, averaging 39.8 points per game.
• Defensive strength: The Vikings allowed just 24.3 points per game, with key takeaways and pass pressure defining their defensive strategy.

How It Works

The success of the 2013 Grand View Vikings stemmed from a balanced offensive attack, disciplined coaching, and strong special teams play. The team operated primarily out of a spread offensive system, emphasizing quick passing and ball control.

• Offensive scheme: The Vikings ran a pass-heavy spread offense, led by quarterback Brad Rensink, who threw for 2,847 yards and 31 touchdowns.
• Defensive alignment: Utilizing a 3-4 base defense, the unit relied on aggressive linebacker play and secondary coverage led by Devin Church.
• Special teams: Kicker Justin Schott converted 10 of 13 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games.
• Coaching leadership: Head coach Jake Dickert implemented a disciplined, turnover-conscious approach that minimized mistakes.
• Recruiting pipeline: The team benefited from strong regional recruiting in Iowa and Missouri, building depth across key positions.
• NAIA eligibility: As an NAIA program, Grand View followed different scholarship and playoff qualification rules than NCAA teams.

Comparison at a Glance

How did the 2013 Grand View Vikings compare to other top NAIA teams that season? The table below highlights key statistical benchmarks.

The 2013 Grand View Vikings ranked among the top NAIA teams in scoring and defensive efficiency. While they fell short of the championship, their semifinal appearance underscored their status as a national contender. Their balanced performance across offense, defense, and special teams made them a model program in the NAIA landscape.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Grand View football, establishing the program as a consistent NAIA powerhouse. It marked the beginning of sustained success, with multiple playoff appearances in the following years.

• Program growth: The 2013 season elevated Grand View’s national profile, boosting recruiting and fan engagement.
• Coaching development: Jake Dickert’s leadership laid the foundation for future success and staff advancement.
• NAIA recognition: The Vikings’ deep playoff run brought attention to the competitiveness of NAIA football.
• Player development: Several players earned All-American and All-Conference honors during the season.
• Community impact: Local support in Des Moines grew, with increased attendance and media coverage.
• Legacy: The 2013 team set a benchmark for excellence that later squads aimed to match.

The 2013 Grand View Vikings remain a celebrated chapter in the university’s athletic history, symbolizing resilience, teamwork, and strategic excellence on the national stage.