"Coach Martinelli was a great influence on me as a coach," Keller said. "We are excited to be adding each of these student-athletes to our program . Its all kind of surreal at this point. Keller turned the program over to Owens, who now passes the baton to Geiser. TOM E. PUSKAR/ASHLAND . Hes been making some great plays, Brenner said. You wont see me after it.. In the 2022-2023 season, Owens won GMAC Coach of the Year, linebacker Michael Ayers won GMAC Player of the Year, and freshman center Ethan Enders won Freshman of the Year. At the conclusion of the season, Owens was named the AFCA Division II Region 3 Coach of the Year and the GLIAC Coach of the Year. On Tuesday (Feb. 28) afternoon, Ashland University's women's basketball team was announced as the No. Its a great place to start, and gives me a lot of peace of mind at night knowing I can trust those men., Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to . "This is a dream job because Ashland is a very special place," Geiser said. Dusty Sloan, Ashland University Director of Athletic Communications. He's committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience. Complete Release (PDF). He was a high school assistant coach at Triway (1990), Liberty Benton High School (1991) and at Lyndhurst Brush High School (1992-94). "John Saccomenwas a part of my coaching staff for 22 years, and now I believe he is closing in on 40 years of coaching at Ashland. Finishing with a win this year would be tough. Outside of players, he coached alongside countless coaches, faculty and staff and interacted with countless fans and media members. In 2015, Owens led the Eagles to a 10-0 regular-season record and a 10-1 overall mark, including three home wins against nationally-ranked teams, and their fourth NCAA Division II postseason appearance in his 12 seasons. The tradition of Ashland football is very deep and very strong, Geiser said. Geiser had been the program's interim head coach for the last month, and had been on Owens' staff every year since both came to campus prior to the 2004 season. Looking back, I really wasn't prepared [to leave]. He would lead the Eagles to the NCAA Division II Postseason Tournament in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017 and this past season, 2022. Following five seasons as a high school assistant at three . Ashland head coach John Ellenwood now has 243 wins guiding the Eagles, three away from tying Roger Lyons (246) for most in program history. "Only three head coaches during that span stands as a testament to the quality of the football program. - Offensive linemen who have earned seven All-Great Midwest and 30 All-GLIAC honors. Ashland University football player Garrett Turnbaugh would likely trade his current pass-catching streak for a win over Hillsdale. This is a man who has set an example for others and cares about this place. We want to celebrate this though. YEAR: 19th in 2022-23 (first as head coach in 2023) PREVIOUS COLLEGE: Cornell '92 In the 1960s, Elvis Presley sang "Home Is Where The Heart Is." That sentiment always was been evident with Doug Geiser when it comes to Ashland University and its football program.And, as announced by AU Director of Athletics Al King on Tuesday (Jan. 3) afternoon, Geiser will stay home and become the program's 15 . The pressure of trying to win … has really eliminated the opportunity for someone to go into a program and stay at that program. Geiser officially takes over forLee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. "Our goal is to build upon that legacy and to take Eagle football to heights it's never before seen, on and off the field." He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise.". As long as I coach, I would like to continue to serve. Hell represent Ashland University with class and poise.. And at the time, I told him my daughter had leukemia, and I was uncertain of making the move. Owens finishes his 19-year career with a 137-61 record. In the 1960s, Elvis Presley sang "Home Is Where The Heart Is." Owens moved on to the college game as an assistant at Ohio State under John Cooper before being hired as Akron's head coach in 1995. Bierman, University of Minnesota, 1983 Bo Schembechler, University of Michigan, 1938 Harry A. Stuhldreher, University of Wisconsin, 1986 Vic Rowen, San Francisco State University, 1987 LaVell Edwards, Brigham Young University, 1941 Fritz Crisler, University of Michigan, 1942 Madison Bell, Southern Methodist University, 1990 John Majors, University of Tennessee, 1943 Madison Bell, Southern Methodist University, 1946 Richard C. Harlow, Harvard University, 1996 Fisher DeBerry, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1949 L.R. Geiser came to Ashland with Owens, spending the last 16 years as associate head coach, and also serving as offensive line coach, run game coordinator and pro liaison. "We intend to build upon the legacy of those great men who have led the program in the past, men such asGeorge Donges,Bob Brownson, Hall of FamerDr. Fred Martinelli,Gary Keller, and future Hall of FamerLee Owens. Hes committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience, King said. If you do the same as you did before you get the same result. "I wish growth and success to the program as the next 100 years kick off. In '72, a tip of a fingernail on a pass in our first game against Franklin … our '72 team, wow. 3292: rcarlton@apu.edu "I think in all three coaches, from a geography perspective, from our backgrounds, where we coached, we we'd been, Ashland was a great fit. Then, in 1959,Dr. Fred Martinelliushered in what has continued to be one of the most impressive marks of head-coaching stability in all of college football. Petzing and head coach Kevin Stefanski both coached for the Minnesota Vikings before being . Dec 3, 2022. It was the first time I was really humbled in my coaching career because I was able to be recruited from every other school I'd been at to go to the next job," Owens said. 3 ranked Eagles stun Drury and down Truman State to stay undefeated, Eagle wresting continues to strive for greatness in 2022-2023 season, The Student News Site of Ashland University, Cade Cracas, Sports & Breaking News Editor. Ashland University Football Program Coaching & Recruiting Personnel For anyone who is hoping to get recruited it's important to understand who to talk to - and NCSA provides the info you need. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. - Owens (17 seasons, 2004-current) is 122-54 (.693) leading the Eagles, and boasts two undefeated regular seasons (2012 and 2015), five NCAA Division II postseason berths, two NCAA postseason victories, three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, three American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) region Coach of the Year honors and four GLIAC Coach of the Year citations. 3292 (626) 815-6000, Ext. The Mansfield native first made a name for himself in Ashland County when he led Weller Crestview to an unbeaten season in 1981. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. His career as an Ashland University head coach finished with a record of 137-61 with three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and one GMAC title. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Prior to Ashland, Geiser was at the University of Akron from 1995-2003 as a graduate assistant (1995-96), and tight ends coach/video coordinator (1997-2003). I had five or six players in 1972 who could have played in the Mid-American [Conference], easily.". A Wooster area native who attended Triway High School and later played at Cornell, Geiser worked for various high school teams in Northern Ohio before joining Owens' staff at the University of Akron in 1995. "It's a tribute, number one, to Ashland University," Owens said. Full Bio. On Tuesday(Jan. 12) afternoon, Owens was introduced as the president of the American Football Coaches Association for 2016, moving up from second vice-president of the AFCA. Geiser echoed those sentiments Tuesday, lauding his former boss as a "future Hall of Famer" who helped establish "the culture that is Ashland football.". 2012 was the fifth year in school history that the Ashland University Eagles football team took a trip to the postseason, the third under Coach Lee Owens. Regardless of how much success you have, you feel like you're always going to be in the shadows of a coach with that kind of recognition. We dont think thats a small thing. YEAR:19th in 2022-23 (first as head coach in 2023) "The other time, I was interviewed by Syracuse on two occasions. We are truly celebrating the loss. It adds consistency and teaching and relationships, Geiser said. "I was a benefactor and, more importantly, the players, so folks out there were the generous big hearts, with the opportunity to step forward to be able to build facilities to have a top program so our players could win championships, and compete at the highest level. Owens spoke at a press conference in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center on the Ashland University campus. This is the 54-year-old's first head coaching job at any level. Turnbaugh started his streak during a couple of important Great Midwest Athletic Conference victories by the Eagles. Geiser follows in the line of the previous three Eagle head coaches, who combined spanned more than six decades College Football Hall of FamerDr. Fred Martinelli(1959-93), Ashland University Hall of FamerGary Keller(1994-2003), and Owens. Some has been a matter of him creating separation from opposing defensive backs. A Division II state championship at Galion followed four years later before a season at Lancaster led to the head job at prestigious Massillon Washington, where he won 35 games from 1988-91 and finished 3-1 against archrival Canton McKinley. Junior Puyallup, Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo . They also taught us AU football is won with fundamentals blocking, tackling. Royce is part of the 2016 College Football Hall of Fame class, along with 13 other players and two coaches, as announced on Friday (Jan. 8) afternoon. Lee Owens has stepped down as the head coach at Ashland University, a Division II school in Ashland, Ohio. "I'll be forever grateful for Bill doing that because I don't know what would have happened or where i would have gone but this was the perfect fit and the right place to be, I know that will all my heart now.". "We've been able to do a lot here. "Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. At the same time, just in some of our progression routes, he seems to be the guy thats doing the best job of finding holes. "Our coach is a woman!" is one of the first texts I received from a friend about my 7-year-old son's soccer team this past fall. The Eagles (28-0) once again pace the WBCA NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll going into the 2023 Great Midwest Athletic Conference . Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. Its not easy for someone to do, and he stayed the course.. "It was a real turning point in our program as you can imagine.". This position will direct and oversee the entire football program, which includes recruiting, retention, training, game preparation, practice and in-game coaching, direction and recruitment of assistant coaches, budget management and oversight and fundraising. He helped guide Ashland High School graduate Taylor Housewright that season as the former AU quarterback was a first-team All-American, and was named GLIAC Player of the Year. Still, his legacy had not yet been written. . "The tradition of Ashland football is very strong," said Geiser. Tim Seder is now a head football coach in Texas. Larry Stine. Another Eagle quarterback, AU alumnus Bill Cundiff had high praise for Owens. Keller's defenses led NCAA Division II in total defense in both 1991 and 1992, and rushing defense in 1992. "You look what we've been able to do with that facility, Jack Miller was the same guy who led the actual charge over the stadium and the indoor facility, and those are the ones who really turned things," Owens said. It's what have you done for me recently. Other major personnel are: Ashland University football coach Lee Owens announced Friday his retirement after leading the Eagles for the past 19 seasons. Dougs vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. In 2012, the Eagles posted their first undefeated regular season in 40 years. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. He's committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience. "In 45 years, I have been blessed," Owens, 66, said when he decided to call it quits. Geiser was introduced as the Ashland University football programs 15th head coach Tuesday afternoon in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center. Thats why were a value-based institution that says every young man who comes to play football, youre never going to define who you are simply on that field.. This will be his first head coaching job at any level. This is the Ashland University (Ohio) Football scholarship and program information page. The school on Tuesday introduced longtime associate head coach Doug Geiser as its new head coach. "The state of Ohio has always been so well represented in our association," Owens said. A program which began in 1920, Ashland football has won 520 games all-time, and boasts three undefeated seasons, two other undefeated regular seasons, eight NCAA Division II postseason appearances, three D-II postseason wins, 17 conference championships, two College Football Hall of Famers, 19 first-team All-Americans, 22 Academic All-Americans, and three members of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. Although their season was cut short in a round two loss to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 19-13, the Eagles have plenty to be proud of. I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". This position requires the ability to help recruit potential student-athletes. Here you can explore important information about Ashland University Football. He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise.". "Our goal is to build upon that legacy and to take Eagle football to heights it's never before seen, on and off the field," Geiser declared. "In retrospect, I probably did too much. Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo Community College. YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) Eastern Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee announced the hiring of Kevin Foeman as head coach of the volleyball program today, March 2. Copyright 2023 Ashland University Athletics. He helped the Eagles to a 137-61 overall record (.692 winning percentage), and was on the staff for six D-II playoff appearances, the program's first three D-II postseason wins (all at home), and four conference championships three in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the 2022 Great Midwest Athletic Conference title. The Ashland University football team's climb to a No. "Under Clayton and Brownson, we gradually moved to the point where [now], we're one of the premier programs in Division II," said Martinelli. Saturday's game was Ashland's 31 st of the season, tying the program record set in 1990-91 and matched in 2015-16. Geiser officially takes over forLee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. "I don't think my feet have touched the ground since I received the call from Al," said Geiser. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Saccomen has coached under all three, while Valentine played for Martinelli and coached for Keller and Owens. And it's unfortunate. Ashland University Coaches. The Eagles finished their season at a record of 10-2, with a Great Midwest Athletic Conference title in their hands and an NCAA Division II Postseason appearance. ASHLAND The Doug Geiser era is officially underway at Ashland University. Experts say several factors could be at play, Myles Garrett says Cleveland Browns are playing to spoil Pittsburgh Steelers' season, Donovan Mitchell scores Cleveland Cavaliers' record 71 points: Social media reacts. The century mark of Ashland football and their place within it is special for the men who have made up more than 60% of the head-coaching tenure in the program. [4] He majored in special education, and also got a master's degree in sports education in 1999. Fortunately, we've had those kind of people.". Our guided tour takes you through AU to explore our dynamic campus. While Martinelli was at Ashland for three-and-a-half decades, he said there were a couple opportunities to move higher on the coaching ladder. Were not like every other school, and what we talk about are values they really do matter, he said. His third straight game of at least 100 yards receiving came Oct. 29 when he grabbed six passes for 126 yards and a TD in a 36-20 loss to Hillsdale. Fresh off his ouster in Summit County, Ashland brought Owens in to resurrect a program that had fallen into mediocrity, and it didn't take long for him to do just that. TOM E. PUSKAR/ASHLAND . "When you reflect back, it's not what level you coach at, it's not how big the job is or what the job is all about, it's where you're at, and what you can get done where you're at," Owens said. "We've got to continue to tell the story about the positives of our game, and we've got to continue to do the things we need to do to make the changes we need to make to protect our game. He is currently the defensive coordinator at Ashland University, a position he has held since the 2009 season.Rose served as the head football coach at Miami University from 1983 to 1989, compiling a record of 31-44-3. Ashland set the tone by scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. In the previous 39 years (minus nearly three full seasons due to World War II), there had been 11 head coaches for the Purple Titans/Eagles, for a grand total of two conference championships (1954-55 underRobert Brownson), 115 victories and a cumulative winning percentage of .441. Tim Rose (born October 14, 1941) is an American football coach and former player. - Keller (10 seasons, 1994-2003) served as Martinelli's defensive coordinator, then took the 1997 Eagles to the NCAA D-II playoffs in exciting fashion four of their last five wins were by eight points or less, including a 27-20 Homecoming victory over Saginaw Valley State. The Ashland University campus, community and football team are set to say goodbye to their head coach, Lee Owens, after serving the program as their head coach since 2004. . This is a list of college football coaches with 200 career wins. To this day, Martinelli is one of only 61 head football coaches at all NCAA levels to win at least 217 games. Following the season, Owens earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Co-Coach of the Year and AFCA Division II Region 3 Coach of the Year honors. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. In the 1960s, Elvis Presley sang "Home Is Where The Heart Is.". 3 in the country, AU mens basketball looks to GMAC season-opener, No. Following five seasons as a high school assistant at three stops, Geiser joined the University of Akron coaching staff under Owens first as a graduate assistant in 1995-96, then as tight ends coach and video coordinator from 1997-2003. His birthdate is June 4, 1968. Tributes for Owens have since poured in, with Cooper calling him "a good football coach, a very good recruiter and an even better person." Now with the Niss Athletic Center also being a game-changer when it comes to recruiting, Owens said the football program and other athletic programs at AU also are primed for future success. All three head coaches have had the privilege of working with two current Eagle assistants John SaccomenandScott Valentine at various stages in their football lives. The official 2022 Football Roster for the Skip To Main . One of those coaches that stood out was Defensive Coordinator Tim Rose. An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution. The sports at Ashland are led by 21 head coaches, 10 of whom coach male teams, 10 of whom spearhead women's teams, and 1 of whom leads a coed team. He has over 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the college level . That's first and foremost. Between 1981 and 1991, he was the head football coach at four high schools in Ohio and then an assistant coach at Ohio . Mount Union advances to Sweet 16 of NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament; Case Western Reserve, John Carroll eliminated, Mount Union advances to Sweet 16 of NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament, Moving on! 1/8/16 ASHLAND, Ohio - Twenty-three years after his playing days were over, former Ashland University All-American defensive end Bill Royce is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He had five starts in 11 games in 2019, with 17 receptions for 266 yards. They preached that 'being an Eagle' was about the pursuit of excellence in all areas of your life on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. And, as announced by AU Director of Athletics Al King on Tuesday (Jan. 3) afternoon, Geiser will stay home and become the program's 15 th head coach. He graduated from Triway High School . Ashland University Copyright 2023. Martinelli lauded then-Ashland College PresidentGlenn Claytonand Athletic DirectorRobert Brownsonfor the emphasis they put on the football program in the 1950s, giving rise to what is seen today. "Coach(Tim) Rosehas been able to continue that reputation, which is really important. "To go undefeated is something different," he said. The last Eagles receiver to record at least 100 yards in three straight games was Matthew Wilcox in games two through four in 2017. "I'm excited to introduce Doug as our head football coach," King said. What more needs to be said for John's commitment and insights to the game? When Martinelli retired, it was a natural fit for Keller to take over the program. Owens spoke at a press conference in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center on the Ashland University campus. "They played undue circumstances. See Our Rec Center. Geiser follows in the line of the previous three Eagle head coaches, who combined spanned more than six decades College Football Hall of FamerDr. Fred Martinelli(1959-93), Ashland University Hall of FamerGary Keller(1994-2003), and Owens. Both Martinelli and defensive endBill Royceare in the College Football Hall of Fame. Ashland continues to have a rich tradition as a private, comprehensive institution preparing students for exciting professions . Our season had ended, [and]it didn't look likely that we would be selected," Martinelli said of the team which went 9-1 in the regular season. 3 in the AFCA Division II Top 25 poll. On the positive side, this . I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". "What a great advantage it is to have them continue as a part of Eagle football.