"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. The official Football page for the. Ashland University football coach Lee Owens announced Friday his retirement after leading the Eagles for the past 19 seasons. On Saturday (March 4) afternoon at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium, the No. Football In 2017, Ashland closed out at 11-2 overall and captured the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a spotless 9-0 mark. "The visibility of our program is unbelievable," Martinelli said. For Geiser, being named Eagles head coach continues a football coaching ascent that began at his alma mater, Triway High School in nearby Wooster, Ohio, in 1990. What more needs to be said for John's commitment and insights to the game? 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). With countless ups and downs, more ups than downs, Owens has decided after a stellar 2022-2023 to announce his official retirement. 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. YEAR:19th in 2022-23 (first as head coach in 2023) That has been a factor.". It's what have you done for me recently. Lee Owens has stepped down as the head coach at Ashland University, a Division II school in Ashland, Ohio. We are truly celebrating the loss. We could provide a good argument for Bill Royce because of the great schedule we played, and the great coaches [we played]. "Under Clayton and Brownson, we gradually moved to the point where [now], we're one of the premier programs in Division II," said Martinelli. 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. Its a combination of all of those things. 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. Our guided tour takes you through AU to explore our dynamic campus. Ashland University's football team announced its 2022 recruiting class on Wednesday. I looked at the position that he held at that time. I have a special thing for that team.". 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. He worked his way up from graduate assistant to tight ends coach before following his mentor to Ashland, spending his entire tenure as offensive line coach while also adding the associate head coach title in 2007. This position requires the ability to help recruit potential student-athletes. "There were two instances," he said. As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal. Owens reflected back on those people he had worked with at AU for nearly two decades, possibly none as important as when he first got his start by then-AU athletics director Bill Goldring. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic," Athletic Director Al King said in a press conference. 3292: rcarlton@apu.edu Geiser had previously served as AU's interim head coach for the last month, and also was on Owens staff every year since both came to the university before the 2004 season. 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. His nine years at the helm saw the Zips post a 40-61 record (7-2 against rival Kent State) with three winning seasons, but they failed to win or even play for a Mid-American Conference championship. 2 in the country, Womens basketball sits No. The Ashland University football team has checked off its early season goals en route to an impressive 2-0 start. Raymond John Novotny Sr. was an American football player and coach. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to . 1 team in NCAA Division II for the ninth straight week by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Going into the 1959 season, Ashland College's football program hadn't seen much in the way of wins or long-term stability. "Personally, just to have the opportunity to serve a profession that has meant so much to me for so many years, it's important.". - Offensive linemen who have earned seven All-Great Midwest and 30 All-GLIAC honors. 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. Junior Puyallup, Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo . Owens spoke at a press conference in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center on the Ashland University campus. I am very happy for John, but even more pleased for all the kids' lives that he has influenced as a coach during that time. Overview. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. "To go undefeated is something different," he said. They also taught us AU football is won with fundamentals blocking, tackling. Former Ashland University football coach Dr. Fred Martinelli was honored in 2017 with a pillar for his years of service at AU. 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. Being together at AU for five seasons has certainly helped that connection. Geiser, or a future replacement, will have massive shoes to fill in the 2023-2024 season. 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. Keller's defenses led NCAA Division II in total defense in both 1991 and 1992, and rushing defense in 1992. 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. Skip to main content Skip to main content. The Eagles were a perfect 6-0 at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field. He served as the head football coach at the University of Akron from 1995 to 2003 and Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio from 2004 to 2022, compiled a career college football coaching record of 177-122. He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise.". He led the Eagles in all three receiving categories, and was named to the all-G-MAC second team. "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. Geiser was introduced as the Ashland University football programs 15th head coach Tuesday afternoon in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center. 6 national ranking reflects the domination the Eagles have shown in jumping out to a 4-0 start. "In 45 years, I have been blessed," Owens, 66, said when he decided to call it quits. If a team competed at a time before the official organization of either of the two groups but is generally accepted as a "college . We dont think thats a small thing. While speculation occurred for months leading up to this moment, individuals inside the organization attempted to keep the news a secret, but with such a big program to keep quiet, the secret found its way to the outside. Ashland University football player Garrett Turnbaugh would likely trade his current pass-catching streak for a win over Hillsdale. That wont change. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. Owens was fired despite a 7-5 campaign in 2003. He's committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience. 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. In the 1960s, Elvis Presley sang "Home Is Where The Heart Is.". Catch the latest in Opinion. Dec 3, 2022. Mount Union advances to Sweet 16 of NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament, Outdoor Classic at FirstEnergy Stadium ends with Cleveland Monsters victory in overtime, FORECAST | Conditions more subdued Sunday, sun peeks, Flood Warning issued for parts of several Northeast Ohio counties, What caused Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest? Geiser officially takes over forLee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. "Our family's been blessed.". We had a pretty long home winning streak [12 games]here.". As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal. Some of Turnbaughs recent uptick in production has been by design in AUs offensive play-calling. You can't do that at Division I anymore. You wont see me after it.. I'm fortunate, the way my career has gone.". "I don't think my feet have touched the ground since I received the call from Al," said Geiser. ", Said Martinelli, "Gary was a great coach. For Geiser, being named Eagles head coach continues a football coaching ascent that began at his alma mater, Triway High School in nearby Wooster, Ohio, in 1990. His birthdate is June 4, 1968. . He took over a good program, but we needed to make changes. The fact that I was at Ashland University and in the GLIAC was a big consideration when the coaches voted. Lorsque vous utilisez nos sites et applications, nous utilisons des, authentifier les utilisateurs, appliquer des mesures de scurit, empcher les spams et les abus; et. That's ultimately where I see the program headed next.". We played the best teams in a five- or six-state area. "We've not had great success in the postseason. - 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. Dougs vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. "There have been some wins like that that you look back on. "What a great advantage it is to have them continue as a part of Eagle football. AU won its opening-round NCAA Division II playoff game 20-13 over Notre Dame College. Larry Stine. Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. On Saturday (March 4) in Florida, Ashland University's baseball team improved to 4-1 after a 5-2 win over Gannon. Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Phone Email Address Twitter; Rudy Carlton: Head Coach (626) 815-6000, Ext. 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. If you can't make it yet, take our virtual campus tour to get a quick look at the university. By far the greatest place I have ever worked at.. The tradition of Ashland football is very deep and very strong, Geiser said. 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. "I remember going to the banquet where he presided," said Owens, "and you think about that and the impression that it made. As a player, Scott played with grit and determination, and his coaching was no different. - 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. Owens four best seasons, which occurred with one-to-two losses, resulted in those four conference titles. But I really think it was that particular evening with coach Cooper that the seed was planted. 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.. All Rights Reserved, 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. 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. Ashland traces its past 60-plus seasons through just four head coaches. "The tradition of Ashland football is very strong," said Geiser. That wont change. "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. Owens held the position for 18 years, and is one of just three head coaches Ashland has employed since 1959. 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. This past season he led our defense to Top 10 in the nation at one point, said Owens. - 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. It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. The assistant at Michigan [Frank Maloney]got it. Hes committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience, King said. Geiser echoed those sentiments Tuesday, lauding his former boss as a "future Hall of Famer" who helped establish "the culture that is Ashland football.". "This is a dream job because Ashland is a very special place," Geiser said. "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. Full Bio. 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. His birthdate is June 4, 1968. His 2012 Eagles squad completed the regular season unbeaten at 11-0, with AU winning its first GLIAC football championship in school history, and ended the season ranked fourth in the nation. "I grew up 10 miles south of here, and watched games as a high school player here, and followed the team when coach Martinelli was here," Owens said. When you lose someone like Owens, you need time to process that. And, as announced by AU Director of AthleticsAl Kingon Tuesday (Jan. 3) afternoon, Geiser will stay home and become the program's 15thhead coach. He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise.". I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position." In addition to the team success, some of the notable accomplishments for Geiser's pupils in his time at AU include: On the money side of things, the Ashland football program brought home $2,079,102 in revenue and paid out $2,079,102 in total expenses. Its all kind of surreal at this point. NORTH CANTON, Ohio-- The Malone University men's basketball team made the short trip up Market Avenue Friday evening for a Great Midwest Men's Basketball Championship Tournament semifinal matchup with crosstown rival Walsh University. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. 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). 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. Hell outwork anyone on the field and he loves the game.. Hell represent Ashland University with class and poise.. In '72, a tip of a fingernail on a pass in our first game against Franklin … our '72 team, wow. Ashland University football coach Lee Owens announced Friday his retirement after leading the Eagles for the past 19 seasons. "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? 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. That stability in leadership is key for our current players and our recruits.". The pressure of trying to win … has really eliminated the opportunity for someone to go into a program and stay at that program. Hes a big part of the reason I went to Ashland, to begin with, and the program/culture that he has built at Ashland was also a big part of why I wanted to go here. A Division II playoff appearance was followed by the program's first-ever postseason victory a year later. On Tuesday (Feb. 28) afternoon, Ashland University's women's basketball team was announced as the No. 1-ranked Ashland University women's basketball team defeated Trevecca Nazarene, 83-65, to not only improve to 31-0 on the season, but earn the 2023 Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament title - the program's ninth tournament crown in the last 12 seasons. [6] He is also father to a son, Zander, and daughter, Zoe. In 19 seasons at AU, Owens led the program to a 139-61 record (.692 winning percentage). 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 Eagles are 4-1, and the Golden Knights are 5-7. 1/3/2023 12:30:00 PM He has over 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the college level . I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". Hes playing with some energy, hes consistently catching the ball and getting yards after the catch. 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.". WICHITA, Kan. - Southern Oregon sophomore Evan Potter kept his title hopes alive and clinched All-America status for the second year in a row by advancing to the semifinals Friday on Day 1 of the NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships inside Hartman Arena. 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. Unfortunately for him, the National Championship would not be obtained, but countless wins and memories were. There have been many milestone victories for Ashland in Owens' tenure, the most recent of which was the win over Northwest Missouri State, which not only was the first postseason win in the fairly-new facility on Broad Street, but also came against a two-time defending NCAA Division II national champion. The official 2022 Football Roster for the Skip To Main . "We've all been a part of championship teams," Owens said. 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.