During his illustrious 19-year career at Ashland University, he had the opportunity to coach an NFL talent in tight end Adam Shaheen, numerous program record-setting players and players who have defied the odds when stepping onto the football field. Copyright 2023 Ashland University Athletics. Ashland Universitys newest sport, Eagle womens basketball ranked No. "What a great advantage it is to have them continue as a part of Eagle football. "They played undue circumstances. It's quite a feat for Ashland University to have two members in the Hall, when, according to the Hall itself, only 0.02% of college football's players and coaches have been enshrined. All Rights Reserved, Dusty Sloan, Ashland University Director of Athletic Communications, Six Home Games, IUP Rematch Highlight 2023 Eagle Football Regular-Season Slate, Ashland Football Announces 2023 Signing Day Class, Ayers Starts NFL Draft Quest At 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Ayers To Begin Draft Process At 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Posey Makes History In Earning Third Academic All-America Honor, Linebackers coach/freshman defensive coordinator, Offensive line coach/defensive coordinator, Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach/head junior varsity coach, Graduate assistant (1995-96)/tight ends coach/video coordinator (1997-2003), Associate head coach (2007-22)/offensive line coach/run game coordinator/pro liaison/interim head coach. 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. 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. Ashland University Coaches. Were not like every other school, and what we talk about are values they really do matter, he said. The position will assist the head coach in developing the overall recruiting plan and in reaching the university's target roster goal for women's soccer . This accomplished staff helped us to win a conference championship and qualify for the NCAA playoffs in 2022. A highly-accomplished program leader with a 153-89 career record in eight seasons as a women's volleyball head coach, Foeman departs an Ashland University . 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. And at the time, I told him my daughter had leukemia, and I was uncertain of making the move. ", Said Owens, "It gives you a common reference point, it gives you someone who can continue to remind you about, here's how we've done it, here's someone who's been a part of our program that we need to continue to engage.". 12-ranked Eagles moved on to the second round of the postseason on Nov. 26 at Indiana, Pa., losing 19-13 to No. 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. Turnbaugh started his streak during a couple of important Great Midwest Athletic Conference victories by the Eagles. Owens has led the Eagles to the program's two NCAA postseason victories 27-16 over Minnesota State-Mankato in 2008 in the team's final game at Community Stadium, and 21-18 over Northwest Missouri State in 2017 at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field. 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). 1 team in NCAA Division II for the ninth straight week by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). "It's always about a fit," Owens said. "There's only two Division II head coaches on the board, and there's a bunch of Division II schools. As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal. Fortunately, we've had those kind of people.". The only way to celebrate a loss is to know you really are not losing anything.. Ashland head coach John Ellenwood now has 243 wins guiding the Eagles, three away from tying Roger Lyons (246) for most in program history. "To go undefeated is something different," he said. Martinelli's 1967 (8-0-1) and 1972 (11-0) teams finished their schedules without a loss. Pour en savoir plus sur la faon dont nous utilisons vos donnes personnelles, veuillez consulter notre politique relative la vie prive et notre politique en matire de cookies. "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. About Ashland University. "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. 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. Business Services & Support at Roche 3 in the country, AU mens basketball looks to GMAC season-opener, No. "It was a real turning point in our program as you can imagine.". Football Roster Coaches Schedule Statistics News Doug Geiser Press Conference Battle of Champions Link Record book through 6-17-22 Camps Prospective Player Events Recruitment Form . He's committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience. We probably, offensively, have taken it to a more modern era with the way we've thrown the ball, the balance we've had, but you still have to run the ball and play defense, and that hasn't changed.". The assistant coach will be involved in drills and exercises that include the whole team and position groups. - Martinelli (35 seasons, 1959-93) is in the College Football Hall of Fame, and it's not hard to see why a 217-119-12 (.641) lifetime record, two undefeated seasons (1967 and 1972), 10 conference championships, 11 conference Coach of the Year awards and the program's first NCAA Division II postseason berth in 1986. To this day, Martinelli is one of only 61 head football coaches at all NCAA levels to win at least 217 games. Lee Owens has stepped down as the head coach at Ashland University, a Division II school in Ashland, Ohio. . It adds consistency and teaching and relationships, Geiser said. 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. He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise.". 2 in the country, Womens basketball sits No. That sentiment always was been evident withDoug Geiserwhen it comes to Ashland University and its football program. And everything that happens at that level eventually trickles down to our level. Like Brenner, Owens said the reason you coach has everything to do with the players you work with. 15 Indiana, Pa., at Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium. Skip to main content Skip to main content. "The state of Ohio has always been so well represented in our association," Owens said. 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. He snagged eight catches for 103 yards and a 31-yard touchdown in a 14-7 win over Ohio Dominican, and then had five catches for 115 yards in a 28-20 victory over Tiffin as AU improved to 7-0 overall. 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. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. Geiser follows in the line of the previous three Eagle head coaches, who combined spanned more than six decades - College Football Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Martinelli (1959-93), Ashland University Hall of Famer Gary Keller (1994-2003), and Owens. Coach O as the head coach was obviously incredibly important to my journey here at AU, said Brenner. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. Another Eagle quarterback, AU alumnus Bill Cundiff had high praise for Owens. "It is the people that make programs special," said Keller. Personal life [ edit] A Shelby, Ohio native, Stepsis was a member of the football team and graduated from Ashland University. "We'll obviously have to add a coach to fill my position, but the staff will stay intact for the most part," he said. 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. Larry Stine. I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. He begat Gary Keller, who coached the team . We never practiced on a lined field until we got to North Dakota State. "The tradition of Ashland football is very strong," said Geiser. 1/12/2016 ASHLAND, Ohio - AU head football coach Lee Owens is entering his 13thseason leading the Eagles in 2016, but he is adding another title to the top of his resume this year, as well. "What a great advantage it is to have them continue as a part of Eagle football. . That sentiment always was been evident withDoug Geiserwhen it comes to Ashland University and its football program. Ashland University Copyright 2023. Its not easy for someone to do, and he stayed the course.. "There were two instances," he said. AU athletics sees strong fall season in Learfield Directors Cup, Eagle basketball on the road in the 2022-2023 season, AU Call of Duty eSports team wins league championship, What is STUNT? 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. You wont see me after it.. Hes playing with some energy, hes consistently catching the ball and getting yards after the catch. These men taught us that AU football is built on physicality and toughness. Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo Community College. He played professionally with the Portsmouth Spartans, Cleveland Indians and Brooklyn Dodgers of the National Football League (NFL). One is a [College Football]Hall of Famer. He has over 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the college level . When Martinelli retired, it was a natural fit for Keller to take over the program. The pressure of trying to win … has really eliminated the opportunity for someone to go into a program and stay at that program. Junior Puyallup, Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo . This was Ashland University's highest ranking since becoming an NCAA Division II institution. "During my time at Ashland, I had the opportunity to work with John Valentine for three years, so it is easy to understand why Scott, his son, is a special coach. In all, Keller spent 23 seasons on the Ashland coaching staff. Geiser spent the last 16 years as associate head coach, and also served as offensive line coach, run game coordinator and pro liaison. For the next yearI get a chance to help be a spokesperson for that. "The tradition of Ashland football is very strong," said Geiser. I had five or six players in 1972 who could have played in the Mid-American [Conference], easily.". As a player, Scott played with grit and determination, and his coaching was no different. 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. Were targeting him more by design, AU coach Lee Owens said. They established the culture that is Ashland football. I'm looking back, and I'm thinking that I really didn't do justice to the program, when I've got that many responsibilities.". It's quite a feat for Ashland University to have two members in the Hall, when, according to the Hall itself, only 0.02% of college football's players and coaches have been enshrined.
Im extremely lucky in that case. . If a team competed at a time before the official organization of either of the two groups but is generally accepted as a "college . 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. His 71 sacks came against people who were very prominent, and teams that were very prominent.". It was nice to be able to get back in the mix (in 2021), Turnbaugh said. Owens held the position for 18 years, and is one of just three head coaches Ashland has employed since 1959. We provide a personalized educational experience that is as unique as you are. Former defensive end Bill Royce was also honored. Before introducing Geiser, Dr. Campo talked about what makes Ashland special. He graduated from Triway High School . As far as what were going to ask from those players, and the thing I challenged them about when Lee stepped down and I was in the interim position, if you want to do something thats never been done here or go beyond, youre preparation this offseason has to be at a level beyond, he said. "They have achieved at a high level in the past, and, out of respect for their efforts and with a sense of loyalty, I would love for them to be a part of our program moving forward. With countless ups and downs, more ups than downs, Owens has decided after a stellar 2022-2023 to announce his official retirement. It was nice last year to get back on track and just playing with a lot of great players and a lot of great coaches has evolved my game over time.. He succeeds Lee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure as Eagles coach. 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. Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. 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. Someone stood up at the end and said, coach congratulations and thank you we love you. Then other fans stood and applauded me.. "I don't think my feet have touched the ground since I received the call from Al," said Geiser. See Our Rec Center. 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. Our vision, my vision is to build upon the foundation laid by the (George) Donges, the (Robert) Brownsons, the (Fred) Martinellis, the (Gary) Kellers, the (Lee) Owens, and take football to heights never foreseen here. 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. That stability in leadership is key for our current players and our recruits." The Cavaliers came in as the conference's regular-season champion, and tournament number one seed, but the Pioneers ran away from Walsh in the second half for an . The . Ashland University seeks candidates for the head football coaching position. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Story Links Ashland University head volleyball coach Kevin Foeman has announced the addition of three student-athletes in the Eagles' 2023 recruiting class. That wont change. 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. 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. Ashland rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final 6:24 and beat Malone 82-78 in Saturday's Great Midwest Athletic . You can't do that at Division I anymore. "It is hard to express the memories and relationships I experienced while at Ashland University," said Keller. "Hunting, fishing and golfing has always gotten in the way of football, but lately, it seems like football has gotten . What more needs to be said for John's commitment and insights to the game? ", This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland University football coach Lee Owens retires after 19 seasons, Ashland University football coach Lee Owens retires after 19 seasons, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, Republicans Use Arcane Political Tactic to Thwart Democrats, SoCal in for cool start to weekend, butlight showers make brief return, Mathieu De St. Phalle's hat trick can't save Wisconsin from OT loss to Michigan in Big Ten quarterfinal, Texas congressman who broke with GOP is censured, Report: Homicides among people under 25 dropped 7% under Roca Baltimore. "I'm excited to introduce Doug as our head football coach," King said. Ashland football is one of the premier jobs in Division II football, and for me and myself Im honored and humbled to be chosen as the 15th coach.. - Twelve 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the program's all-time rushing yards record has been broken, the program record for rushing yards in a season has been broken three times, the program mark for rushing yards by a freshman was beaten twice, and the AU mark for single-game rushing yards has been eclipsed twice. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. 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. As long as I coach, I would like to continue to serve. I think (quarterback) Austin (Brenner) and he have a good connection and theyve got a lot of confidence in each other right now.. He thinks about the program first instead of himself, said President of AU Carlos Campo. Following five seasons as a high school assistant at three . Geiser was introduced as the Ashland University football programs 15th head coach Tuesday afternoon in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center. They also taught us AU football is won with fundamentals blocking, tackling. "I remember going to the banquet where he presided," said Owens, "and you think about that and the impression that it made. The National Football League standard-bearer for head-coaching stability is the Pittsburgh Steelers, with three since 1969 and Ashland has them beat by a decade. - Seven All-American offensive linemen -Blake Dickson,Vince Cashdollar,Reggie Gamble,Justin Magruder,Zachary Douglass,Dominic GiuntaandJohn Conner. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic," Athletic Director Al King said in a press conference. Saccomen has coached under all three, while Valentine played for Martinelli and coached for Keller and Owens. Thats what we want to do at Ashland. A 1992 graduate of Cornell, Geiser is married to wife Amy, and they are the parents of twin girls, Abigail and Rebecca. Meyer, Texas Christian University, 1997 Don Nehlen, West Virginia University, 1950 Lynn O. Waldorf, University of California, 1998 Roy Kidd, Eastern Kentucky University, 1952 Carl G. Snavely, University of North Carolina, 1954 George A. Munger, University of Pennsylvania, 2003 Phil Fulmer, University of Tennessee, 1958 Charles B. Wilkinson, University of Oklahoma, 2006 Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State University, 1959 Wallace Butts, University of Georgia, 1960 Charles A. Engle, Pennsylvania State University, 2008 Tyrone Willingham, University of Washington, 1961 Jack C. Curtice, Stanford University, 2009 Dick Tomey, San Jose State University, 2010 Larry Kehres, University of Mount Union, 1965 Abe Martin, Texas Christian University, 1967 Ben Schwartzwalder, Syracuse University, 1968 Murray Warmath, University of Minnesota, AU Football Coach Lee Owens Named AFCA President. 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. Some has been a matter of him creating separation from opposing defensive backs. "College level" is defined as a four-year college or university program in either the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). "It definitely speaks to the quality of life in Ashland, Ohio. He was surrounded by family members, athletes, coaches, AU officials, alumni and many friends. He has 23 catches for 406 yards and three touchdowns in that span. It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Bill Seder Sr., Sean's grandpa, was also a head football coach and now resides in Ashland. We would do good things together, build a stadium together, and we would take the program together where it needed to go. TOM E. PUSKAR/ASHLAND TIMES-GAZETTE It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. I didn't know the right questions to ask about staff, financial aid or any of that. This is the Ashland University (Ohio) Football scholarship and program information page. Potter, the No. The fact that I was at Ashland University and in the GLIAC was a big consideration when the coaches voted. "One, where Doyt Perry, who was the Athletic Director at Bowling Green, interviewed me, asked me if he offered the job to me … what would keep me from taking a job at Bowling Green? It's what have you done for me recently. ", Said Martinelli, "Gary was a great coach. 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. Ashland University football player Garrett Turnbaugh would likely trade his current pass-catching streak for a win over Hillsdale. PREVIOUS COLLEGE:Cornell '92. He took over a good program, but we needed to make changes. Geiser, or a future replacement, will have massive shoes to fill in the 2023-2024 season. This place has been a great place for me, said Owens. 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. He has been an active member of the association, serving on several committees, and is the chairman of the AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America Team Selection committee. Other major personnel are: 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. Ashland traces its past 60-plus seasons through just four head coaches. ASHLAND, Ohio The venerable Ashland University football program officially has a new leader. "This is a dream job because Ashland is a very special place," Geiser said. The Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends / Fullbacks of the Ashland University Football program is Reggie Gamble. Prior to playing in the NFL, Novotny played college football at Ashland University. 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.. Tributes for Owens have since poured in, with Cooper calling him "a good football coach, a very good recruiter and an even better person." Owens four best seasons, which occurred with one-to-two losses, resulted in those four conference titles. Finishing with a win this year would be tough. Copyright 2023 Ashland University Athletics. "They have achieved at a high level in the past, and, out of respect for their efforts and with a sense of loyalty, I would love for them to be a part of our program moving forward. The Eagles (28-0) once again pace the WBCA NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll going into the 2023 Great Midwest Athletic Conference . Another important factor for the stability was the quality of education, as well as the care and love that our players received during their stay.". "Under Clayton and Brownson, we gradually moved to the point where [now], we're one of the premier programs in Division II," said Martinelli. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. "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. Geiser replaces Lee Owens, who announced his retirement in December after 18 seasons. "This is a dream job because Ashland is a very special place. It's a great place to live, a great place to raise a family. Tim Rose (born October 14, 1941) is an American football coach and former player. By far the greatest place I have ever worked at.. Hell outwork anyone on the field and he loves the game.. "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.