How Cole Holden and Landon Ruesink’s All-GPAC Triumph Could Redefine DWU Football’s Future

When it comes to rising stars and seasoned stalwarts, Dakota Wesleyan University’s football squad delivered a solid lineup this season, turning heads across the Great Plains Athletic Conference. I gotta say, seeing seniors Cole Holden and Landon Ruesink snag those coveted first-team honors was a testament to their grit and grind on the gridiron. But don’t overlook the fresh energy brought by Gavin Pischke and the relentless hustle of Cody Winslow, who both earned second-team recognition — quite the feat, especially for Pischke as a redshirt freshman making his mark so swiftly. With the Tigers showcasing such talent and determination, it’s clear their legacy is being carefully crafted week after week. This season’s recognition not only highlights individual triumphs but also underscores Dakota Wesleyan’s steady presence in the competitive GPAC landscape. LEARN MORE.

Nov. 19—SIOUX CITY, Iowa. — First-team performers Cole Holden and Landon Ruesink highlighted four all-conference picks for Dakota Wesleyan University football, as the Great Plains Athletic Conference announced its postseason honors on Wednesday.

Holden and Ruesink, both seniors for the Tigers, earned all-GPAC first-team distinction, while Gavin Pischke and Cody Winslow were named to the second team.

From his wide receiver spot, Holden hauled in career-highs with 59 receptions, 888 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, and his yardage ranks as the sixth-best single season in program history. For his career, the Watertown native tallied 162 catches for 2,133 yards and 20 touchdowns, finishing fourth in receptions and fifth in yards on the Tigers’ all-time charts.

At defensive back, Ruesink led the GPAC with 14 pass breakups to go with 42 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery this season. During his time with the Tigers, the Dell Rapids product produced 168 tackles, six interceptions and 35 pass breakups. Ruesink was also a second-team all-GPAC defensive back in 2024, and this year marks his second-straight honorable mention nod at punt returner, as well.

Earning a place on the all-conference second team, Pischke found his footing quickly as a redshirt freshman offensive lineman from Hartford. He was one of only three total freshmen among the all-conference honorees.

Winslow, a junior defensive lineman from Hillsdale, Wyoming, posted 31 tackles, including 7 1/2 for loss and 4 1/2 sacks. His campaign was cut short due to a season-ending injury against Mount Marty on Nov. 1. Even so, he earned GPAC defensive player of the week for his effort against the Lancers after notching seven total tackles, including 3 1/2 for loss with 2 1/2 sacks, and one forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

In addition to Ruesink’s punt return specialist nod, DWU had three more honorable mention picks: defensive lineman Carter Skogsberg, linebacker Grayson Hanson and defensive back Trevor Sladky.

Morningside wide receiver Drew Sellon was tabbed as the GPAC offensive player of the year, while Northwestern defensive lineman Trystin Voss garnered the GPAC defensive player of the year award. Dordt’s Joel Penner was the GPAC coach of the year.

By way of a head-to-head overtime triumph in the final week of the regular season, Morningside (9-2, 9-1 GPAC) earned a share of the GPAC championship with Dordt (9-1, 9-1 GPAC), as the Mustangs nabbed the conference’s automatic playoff bid.

Morningside and Dordt were the only two GPAC teams to be selected for the 20-team NAIA playoff field, which was announced on Nov. 16. Morningside slotted in as the No. 9 seed, with Dordt as the No. 10 seed.