Carroll College Athletics

Thelen was a 6-1, 205-pound defensive back and punter for Carroll. He was a three0time All-Conference punter, in addition to making three All-Conference squads at safety - second team in 1985, and first team in 1986 and 87. The Saints won conference championships and played in the NAIA playoffs all three years. In 1987, Thelen helped Carroll's defense to a No. 1 national ranking most of the year. He finished with 14 career interceptions, including two games with three picks, tying the school record. "Terry was a gifted player who always knew where the ball was going," wrote teammate Bart Aby. "His punting was unbelievable and changed the field position when the offense couldn't move the ball. Terry was a quiet leader and elected defensive captain his senior year."