FB: American Rivers Conference

[beancounter]

Condolences to our friends in the Central community for what is a sad day not only for Central, but for the entire d3 football community. 

May the family and those that were close to Coach Schipper feel God's presence at this difficult time.

[dutchfan1]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060327/SPORTS020802/60327002&SearchID=73239752110758

Coach Schipper was an amazing man, and he will be missed not only by Central and the IIAC, but by the entire DIII community. He was the heart and soul of Central football for the 36 years of his coaching career... He will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. He led the program with class and dignity both on and off the field.

God Bless, Coach.

Hoo Rah, hoo rah, Central, Central, Rah, Rah

[Johnnie Red]

My condolences to all the Central fans with the passing of coach Schipper. I remember how helpful he was when we were putting together the Gagliardi Trophy back in 1993. He did a great job serving on the national selection committee for the trophy since then. He will be greatly missed.

[dutchfanforever]

I was a manager for the Central team in the early 80's, so I worked for Coach Schipper (boy, did I work!).  He was also a family friend.  When I heard this morning that he had passed away, I immediately thought back to a phone call I received from him just a few weeks ago.  He had agreed to take on the fundraising campaign for the new stadium.  He wasn't kidding when he said he wouldn't be satisified unless there was 100% participation from all affiliated with the football program over the years.  However, the phone call was more than a fundraising pitch.....we also caught up on what has happened over the years, and he was still the same Coach Schipper.....genuine and caring about all those around him.

We lost a giant  of a person, folks. 

[Pat Coleman]

We lost a giant  of a person, folks. 

Agreed.

[DutchFan2004]

Coach Schipper impressed me greatly.  I think that he is one of the reasons my son went there.  He was there at camps and I think my son really respected him.  It is indeed a sad day for the Dutch and football in general.  But from what I know of him he has found his reward.  God bless his family.

[sportsknight]

While I never had the chance to meet Coach Schipper, I have a great deal of respect for all he did at and represented for Central College.  I think it is very safe to say that Division III and the Iowa Conference would not be what they are without his many years of service.

Schipper seems to be "The Guy" for Central.  Every school has their own version of "The Guy" for what ever reason.  At the U of Iowa, its probably Nile Kinnick or Hayden Fry, at Wartburg its either John Kurtt or Buzz Levick, but for Central, and possibly the IIAC as a whole, their "Guy" was Schipper.  This is a tremendous loss for Central and the Conference as a whole.

[thehouse76]

hey all, long time no see, been busy doing the wedding stuff, boy does that stuff take some time.  Seen a few things are going on with Loras looking for a new coach and the death of a legend. My sympathies to the Central program.  Anyways, I also think that Loras should go for Hoskins, he is here in Rockford and doing an excellent job with the program here.  For who ever posted the assistant jobs, Tom Kropt is in Rockford also as a assistant to Hoskins.  Reading some of the post I noticed that some have said that getting some youth at the helm would be the way to go. I disagree.  Loras needs someone that is aggressive and ready to get after it right away and know how the Iowa Conference works.  That guy is Mike Hoskins, I did the opposite of what Confused decided to do, but I had a fantastic football experience at Loras.  His energy alone and constant passion for the game is enough to make you know that you are important to him beyond what you do on the football field.  I still talk with the guy and still feel close to him even without talking to him all the time.  Well enough of that for now, but seriously I hope everyone in the Iowa Conference is ready to gear up and get after it, good luck to all.  House

[dutchfan1]

http://www.central.edu/athletics/football/archive/032706.htm

For anyone who is interested, Central posted a more complete look at Schipper's life and accomplishments.

[beancounter]

FWIW, Coach Schipper is remembered by ESPN College Football columnist Ivan Maisel in his "3 point stance" column at espn.com today.

[Confused77]

Anyone who frequents the iapreps site may want to head over there...seems to be some interesting info in the IIAC section.


Hmmm... Interesting....  any BV people confirm this?

[The Show]

My multiple sources have confirmed that Loras has landed 2004 IIAC Coach of the Year, Steve Osteberger, as their new head coach.  Don't think it is an immediate step up as far as programs go, but I know he is originally from Dubuque, so that makes sense from that aspect.

So...the coaching search begins for Buena Vista!  The cupboard is far from bare, so it should provide a pretty good opportunity for anyone coming in. Plus, pretty much exclusive recruiting rights to western/northwestern Iowa!

[Walston Hoover]

It was a bad time for Loras to be without a coach, but even worse time for BV-
Show-I assume BV will have a little more competition for top talent this year with the great season that Morningside had

[lorbec47]

There was a quick blurp in the Dubuque paper today about Loras announcing their new coach on Thursday...
Although it sounds like a done deal already.

[lorbec47]

http://depts.loras.edu/sports/mens/football/osterberger.html

It's official