MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University football head coach Cory Sauter announced today that four players, two on offense and two on defense, have been named team captains for the 2010 season. The team captains were selected by a vote of the Mustang players.

The offensive team captains selected were senior tight end Shane LaDage from Parker, Colo., and senior quarterback Ryan Ratekin from Chico, Calif.

The defensive team captains named were senior linebacker Paul Muecke from Plymouth, Minn., and junior safety Levi Reiff from Dell Rapids, S.D.

SMSU opens the 2010 season on Thursday, Sept. 2, hosting Northern State University in a non-conference game starting at 6 p.m. at the Regional Event Center.