LINCOLN, Neb. – Saturday marks a historic day for the Nebraska Wesleyan University football program as they will play their first Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) game.  The Prairie Wolves host IIAC perennial power Wartburg College in the conference opener.  Kickoff between the Prairie Wolves and Knights is set for 1 pm at Abel Stadium.
 
This date has been circled on the calendar of NWU football players, coaches and fans as the excitement builds for the entrance into the Iowa Conference.  Not only is it the first time that NWU will be playing an IIAC opponent, it is also the first ever matchup in football between Nebraska Wesleyan and Wartburg.
 
NWU brings a 1-1 overall record into the conference portion of the schedule.  The Prairie Wolves defeated McPherson College to open the season, then dropped a 17-13 decision to Illinois Wesleyan in their first NCAA III game last week at Abel Stadium.
 
Wartburg has played only one game in 2016 and lost their opener last week at Monmouth College 29-22.  The 0-1 Knights were picked to finish 2^nd in the IIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 9-1 one year ago.
 
The Knights have won three of the past six IIAC championships in football and over the past three seasons have compiled a record of 30-5.  Wartburg coach Rick Willis begins his 18^th season on the sidelines for the Knights and has a winning percentage over .800 to rank 7^th among active NCAA III coaches.
 
Saturday's game can be heard live locally on KFOR 1240 AM/103.3 FM with Dick Janda calling the action.  The game can also be viewed live on video webcast courtesy of the NWU Sports Network.  Saturday's contest will then be showed tape delay on Lincoln City TV.