St. Thomas’ 2014 football schedule announced this week will feature a new, non-conference opponent, Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

Returning defensive back Sean Hamlin said his team will prepare for Wis. LaCrosse, a team with a 3-7 record in 2013, as they do for every other opponent.

“They will be a tough challenge for us,” Hamlin said. “They play top teams in the country every year in their conference like Whitewater, Oshkosh and Platteville.”

The schedule includes a new two-year draw for MIAC play. The team will open their 2014 campaign on Sept. 6 against Wis.-Eau Claire at O’Shaughnessy Stadium. The Tommies’ bye week is Sept. 20.

The next week, the Tommies are scheduled to face rival-St. John’s at home in the first MIAC game of the season.

October will bring three road games as St. Thomas travel to St. Olaf, Hamline and Bethel. The Tommies will host Augsburg and Concordia-Moorhead, and head to Carleton the following week before finishing the season against Gustavus in St. Paul.

Hamlin said he’s most looking forward to being alongside the coaches and other players and just enjoying the journey in his final season in a purple and grey uniform.

“Football gets taken from you at some point in your life, so I’m just excited for the opportunity to play one more season,” Hamlin said. “It’s our turn as seniors to be role models and keep this St. Thomas tradition of pride, passion and hard work to reach our ultimate goals.”

2014 St. Thomas football schedule

Sept. 6 — UW-Eau Claire

Sept. 13 — UW-LaCrosse

Sept. 20 — Bye

Sept. 27 — St. John’s

Oct. 4 — at St. Olaf

Oct. 11 — Augsburg

Oct. 18 — at Hamline

Oct. 25 — at Bethel

Nov. 1 — Concordia-Moorhead

Nov. 8 — at Carleton

Nov. 15 — Gustavus

Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.