BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University football team voted on its team captains for the upcoming 2022 season following the conclusion of spring ball back in April. Leading the Green and White this year will be seniors Zach Bozarth (Worden, Ill.-Metro-East Lutheran), Fernando Chavez (Plainfield, Ill.-Joliet Catholic), Charlie Hamilton (Springfield, Ill.-Sacred Heart-Griffin), Conor Murphy (Aurora, Ill.-Metea Valley), Anthony Wachal Jr. (Elk Grove Village, Ill.-Conant)under the direction of longtime Head Football Coach Norm Eash.

A running back for the Green and White, Bozarth has earned time in the backfield and on special teams throughout his career. He posted career-highs in games played, rushing attempts, and rushing yards in 2021. Bozarth has twice been named Academic All-CCIW. His father, Troy Bozarth, played for Eash in 1988-1991 and was a captain for the Titans as a senior. 

Chavez, a linebacker on IWU's defense, played in seven games last season. He made 21 tackles, 11 solo and 10 assisted, while notching four tackles for a loss and a sack. He is a two-time Academic All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection.

Hamilton was one of the top receivers in the CCIW last season. In 10 games, he hauled in 798 yards on 52 catches, including a team-best eight touchdowns. He posted four 100-yard receiving games and finished fifth in the conference in yards per game, sixth in total receiving yards, and eighth in receiving TDs. Hamilton was recognized by his teammates as the squad's Offensive MVP and Best Skill Award recipient in 2021. The Springfield, Ill. native was also a Second Team All-CCIW pick.

Murphy, a Second Team All-CCIW awardwinner on the defensive line in 2021, appeared in 10 games for the Green and White. He recorded 54 tackesl, 25 solo and 29 assisted, and collected 10 tackles for a loss and a team-best 7.5 sacks. He forced two fumbles, tallied two pass breakups, and was credited with 15 quarterback hurries. He was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week, Oct. 5, and was later voted the team's Defensive MVP. Murphy finished 2021 ranked fourth in the CCIW in sacks, tied for fourth in forced fumbles, and ninth in TFLs.

Wachal Jr., a defensive back, is a two-time Academic All-CCIW honoree. Sidelined by injuries throughout his career, Wachal's commitment to the program and leadership off the field earned him the votes of his teammates. With freshman and junior seasons wiped out as a result of injury, and his sophomore season impacted by COVID-19, the Elk Grove Village, Ill. native looks to build off a strong spring season in 2022.

Illinois Wesleyan's 2022 campaign begins at Tucci Stadium Saturday, Sept. 10, with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Ohio Wesleyan University.