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Submit Your Favorite Perkins Stadium Memory
As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics presents the "Perkins Stadium at 50" series Presented by UW Credit Union, a look at some of the most memorable moments and games in the history of the stadium.
Our fourth Perkins Stadium memory comes from Sean O'Reilly, a member of the football program from 2002-04.
The Warhawks handed WIAC champion UW-La Crosse its only league loss of the season by a 23-20 score in overtime on Oct. 26, 2002, at Perkins Stadium.
"In 2002, we were down 20-7 against UW-La Crosse in the fourth quarter," O'Reilly wrote. "We came back and tied the game on a Hail Mary pass with no time left. We then won the game in overtime, with the win sealed on an interception by cornerback Josh Sternquist."
October 26, 2002 – UW-Whitewater 23, UW-La Crosse 20 (OT)
The Warhawks rallied for 13 points over the final four minutes of regulation to force overtime, and Chad Wurth's 22-yard field goal on the first possession in the extra period put UW-Whitewater ahead for good.
The Eagles' chance to tie or win the game was thwarted by Sternquist's interception, his second of the game and one of three for the Warhawks in the contest, on third-and-10.
Wurth led the UW-W offense with 30 carries for 109 yards, and Randy Bogardt threw for 193 yards and one touchdown. Andy Rice caught four passes for 52 yards and one score.
Dustin Hausherr paced the defense with 10 tackles. Trey Bell registered four stops and one interception.
Trailing 20-7 with 8:39 to play, the Warhawks drove 57 yards and drew to within one possession on Keiya Square's 1-yard touchdown run on third-and goal with 3:59 remaining.
The UW-Whitewater defense stepped up on UW-La Crosse's next two drives, forcing a pair of three-and-outs to eventually give the Warhawks the ball back near midfield with 10 seconds to go.
One play later and with three seconds showing on the clock, Borgardt hit Rice for a 34-yard touchdown to force overtime.
A Borgardt completion to Adam Whittaker for 14 yards helped set up Wurth's field goal.
The game was scoreless at halftime.
UW-Whitewater's win snapped a two-game losing streak against UW-La Crosse.
