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ASHLAND, Ohio -- Dr. Fred Martinelli, who led Ashland College/University's football program and athletic program to new, successful heights from the late 1950s into . To me, the players made Ashland football special. 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. This is the place for me. 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. "Ashland fans, Ashland people care about their program," Martinelli said, "and they have strongly supported the coach and the team throughout. Personal life [ edit] A Shelby, Ohio native, Stepsis was a member of the football team and graduated from Ashland University. Prior to playing in the NFL, Novotny played college football 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. It adds consistency and teaching and relationships, Geiser said. Were targeting him more by design, AU coach Lee Owens said. If you can't make it yet, take our virtual campus tour to get a quick look at the university. Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. "I feel honored to be a part of the great tradition that has existed at Ashland for that amount of time," Keller said. I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". Ashland's first NCAA playoff team was the 1986 squad and the way the Eagles found out about their postseason berth was much different that it is today. It was nice to be able to get back in the mix (in 2021), Turnbaugh said. 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. NORTH CANTON The Malone Pioneers had an NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament berth in their grasp with just over six minutes left. Ashland University's football team announced its 2022 recruiting class on Wednesday. Turnbaugh has 30 receptions for 504 yards and three scores playing opposite Logan Bolin, Ashlands leading receiver with 39 catches, 553 yards and five touchdowns. College Football Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Martinelli led the program from 1959-93. It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. Lee Owens (born July 17, 1956) is a former American football coach. "I remember going to the banquet where he presided," said Owens, "and you think about that and the impression that it made. "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. "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. 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. "It is the people that make programs special," said Keller. And everything that happens at that level eventually trickles down to our level. "In 45 years, I have been blessed," Owens, 66, said when he decided to call it quits. The Ashland University football team has checked off its early season goals en route to an impressive 2-0 start. 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). Geiser officially takes over forLee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. This is a list of college football coaches with 200 career wins. Martinelli said, "John, he coached defensive linemen at the next level, no question about it. Saccomen has coached under all three, while Valentine played for Martinelli and coached for Keller and Owens. Ashland University football coach Lee Owens announced Friday his retirement after leading the Eagles for the past 19 seasons. 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. He was surrounded by family members, athletes, coaches, AU officials, alumni and many friends. We think every single thing we do matters; thats what we believe at Ashland. Owens spoke at a press conference in the VIP Room in the Robert Troop Center on the Ashland University campus. Ashland University is located in Ashland, OH . 3 in the AFCA Division II Top 25 poll. They established the culture that is Ashland football. 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. 401 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805 As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal. "There were two instances," he said. Gary could coach defense anywhere in the country.". As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal. 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. Full Bio. When you lose someone like Owens, you need time to process that. I think just something hes always had is the way he competes. Unfortunately for him, the National Championship would not be obtained, but countless wins and memories were. As long as I coach, I would like to continue to serve. Someone stood up at the end and said, coach congratulations and thank you we love you. Then other fans stood and applauded me.. 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. PREVIOUS COLLEGE:Cornell '92. Turnbaughs AU career started in 2018 when he played in nine games as a true freshman, catching 16 passes for 178 yards. We are truly celebrating the loss. He was a high school assistant coach at Triway (1990), Liberty Benton High School (1991) and at Lyndhurst Brush High School (1992-94). 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. The entire AU coaching staff is expected to be back in the fold for the upcoming season, and a new coach will be hired to fill Geiser's former position. Ashland University Coaches. 2012 also produced the first GLIAC football championship in school history. Ashland University's head coach Lee Owens is seen on the sideline against Notre Dame College during college football action at Jack Miller Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. If you do the same as you did before you get the same result. Ashland traces its past 60-plus seasons through just four head coaches. 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. 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. We played the best teams in a five- or six-state area. Keller was 51-55 (.481) at the Ashland helm, won the Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference title in 1997and was the MIFC Coach of the Year that season. 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. His birthdate is June 4, 1968. We never practiced on a lined field until we got to North Dakota State. "We've not had great success in the postseason. We would do good things together, build a stadium together, and we would take the program together where it needed to go. Hell outwork anyone on the field and he loves the game.. His birthdate is June 4, 1968. One of those coaches that stood out was Defensive Coordinator Tim Rose. YEAR:19th in 2022-23 (first as head coach in 2023) Ashland University Copyright 2023. And at the time, I told him my daughter had leukemia, and I was uncertain of making the move. Copyright 2023 Ashland University Athletics. ", 1921 Maj. Charles D. Daly, U.S. Military Academy (Chair), 1969 Paul Dietzel, University of South Carolina, 1922 Maj. Charles D. Daly, U.S. Military Academy, 1970 Frank Broyles, University of Arkansas, 1923 John W. Heisman, University of Pennsylvania, 1971 Earle Edwards, North Carolina State University, 1925 Robert Zuppke, University of Illinois, 1973 John McKay, University of Southern California, 1974 Bob Blackman, University of Illinois, 1927 William H. Cowell, University of New Hampshire, 1928 William W. Roper, Princeton University, 1976 Eddie Robinson, Grambling State University, 1929 Hugo Bezdek, Pennsylvania State College, 1979 Charles McClendon, Louisiana State University, 1932 Dr. Marvin A. Stevens, Yale University, 1980 Jerry Claiborne, University of Maryland, 1981 Harold "Tubby" Raymond, University of Delaware, 1934 Dana X. Bible, University of Nebraska, 1935 B.W. He said I'm going to live up to that promise and that commitment, which was a really big deal when that happened. TOM E. PUSKAR/ASHLAND . The Ashland University football team just ended one of its best seasons to date, capturing the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship and the program's eighth D-II playoff appearance, forging a 10-2 overall season. mesurer votre utilisation de nos sites et applications. The Ashland University football team's climb to a No. 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. Following five seasons as a high school assistant at three . - 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. . "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. For all of the success Martinelli had, he did share one regret. Much of why the position is so desirable is because of Owens, who now closes the book on a career that spanned more than four decades. He begat Gary Keller, who coached the team from 1994-03. A 1992 graduate of Cornell, Geiser is married to wife Amy, and they are the parents of twin girls, Abigail and Rebecca. This is the Ashland University (Ohio) Football scholarship and program information page. Story Links Ashland University head volleyball coach Kevin Foeman has announced the addition of three student-athletes in the Eagles' 2023 recruiting class. 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. I dont think my feet have touched the ground since about 9:30 Friday morning when I got the call from Al (King, AU Director of Athletics), Geiser said. Saturday's game was Ashland's 31 st of the season, tying the program record set in 1990-91 and matched in 2015-16. Tributes for Owens have since poured in, with Cooper calling him "a good football coach, a very good recruiter and an even better person." I looked at the position that he held at that time. The Eagles now without a permanent head coach will begin the search to replace Owens, but for now, the interim head coach has been named Doug Geiser. Owens held the position for 18 years, and is one of just three head coaches Ashland has employed since 1959. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. 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. . When Martinelli retired, it was a natural fit for Keller to take over the program. Example video title will go here for this video. Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. Looking back, I really wasn't prepared [to leave]. With countless ups and downs, more ups than downs, Owens has decided after a stellar 2022-2023 to announce his official retirement. To this day, Martinelli is one of only 61 head football coaches at all NCAA levels to win at least 217 games. The official Football page for the. 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. 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? "The thing that separated Bill Royce 71 sacks. 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. 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. Ashland rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final 6:24 and beat Malone 82-78 in Saturday's Great Midwest Athletic . This accomplished staff helped us to win a conference championship and qualify for the NCAA playoffs in 2022. Ashland University football coach Lee Owens announced Friday his retirement after leading the Eagles for the past 19 seasons. "Dr. Clayton, it started with him.". Catch the latest in Opinion. A private university located in the heart of Ohio, Ashland University values and encourages student individuality. Keller was one of only three defensive coordinators Martinelli had at Ashland, along with two other Ashland Hall of Famers,Bob StokesandJohn Valentine. He had five starts in 11 games in 2019, with 17 receptions for 266 yards. And the beat goes on. 2 in the country, Womens basketball sits No. 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. 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 dream job because Ashland is a very special place," Geiser said. Visit a Dining Hall. . And, as announced by AU Director of AthleticsAl Kingon Tuesday (Jan. 3) afternoon, Geiser will stay home and become the program's 15thhead coach. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. . 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. I had a rough year in 2019 but having people around me like Brenner and the coaches, those guys build your confidence. Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. 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.". Bill Seder Sr., Sean's grandpa, was also a head football coach and now resides in Ashland. If we win the national championship this year, were going to have a big parade right down Claremont and keep on going and never stop, Owens said. "It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. "When Dr. (Fred) Finks was president here, when he led the charge and got everyone in line to build the stadium, it was because we made a commitment, so we're going to build a stadium. I have a special thing for that team.". Both Martinelli and defensive endBill Royceare in the College Football Hall of Fame. 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. Geiser is taking over an AU team that went 10-2 overall in 2022, with its 7-1 mark capturing the Great Midwest Athletic Conference title. Dusty Sloan, Ashland University Director of Athletic Communications. "We've all been a part of championship teams," Owens said. You can't do that at Division I anymore. I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position.". He begat Gary Keller, who coached the team . Raymond John Novotny Sr. was an American football player and coach. 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. . 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. He excelled as a high school coach, and I am sure he will do the same at the collegiate level. That wont change. 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. College Football Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Martinelli led the program from 1959-93. "Coach(Tim) Rosehas been able to continue that reputation, which is really important. After the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Turnbaugh was the teams leading receiver in 2021 with 36 catches for 520 yards and four TDs in 10 starts. In his opening remarks, King said Geiser was the man for the job after a month-long search. One is a [College Football]Hall of Famer. [5] He and his wife, Angie, have two daughters, Addison and Avery. 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. The line has given me time to make some throws. News Radio 98.3FM & 1400AM, WMAN - Mansfield's News, Weather and Sports Station, WMAN High School Basketball Game of the Week, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Ashland University football player Garrett Turnbaugh would likely trade his current pass-catching streak for a win over Hillsdale. - 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. "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. ASHLAND, Ohio The venerable Ashland University football program officially has a new leader. 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. Coach has helped shape my life and many other kids, coaches, supporters and fans alike that have come through the program over the years, said Cundiff. [4] He majored in special education, and also got a master's degree in sports education in 1999. In all, Owens guided his teams to four conference titles and six playoff berths, and his 137 victories are more than any Ashland coach except Hall of Famer Fred Martinelli. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. . He took over a good program, but we needed to make changes. He was an all-around athlete growing up by playing every sport . Sophomore first baseman Sam Witt 's sacrifice fly was followed two at-bats later by sophomore catcher Ben . 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. He also led AU to its highest-ever ranking of No. Before introducing Geiser, Dr. Campo talked about what makes Ashland special. A 1992 graduate of Cornell, Geiser is married to wife Amy, and they are the parents of twin girls, Abigail and Rebecca. Skip to main content Skip to main content. He has over 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the college level . Also that season, AU won its first NCAA Division II playoff game at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field at the Dwight Schar Athletic Complex with a 21-18 victory over Northwest Missouri State, the two-time defending national champions, and were 10th in the final American Football Coaches Association poll. Larry Stine. Ashland head coach John Ellenwood now has 243 wins guiding the Eagles, three away from tying Roger Lyons (246) for most in program history. 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. Owens was elected to the AFCA Board of Trustees in 2007. Like Brenner, Owens said the reason you coach has everything to do with the players you work with. The Mansfield native first made a name for himself in Ashland County when he led Weller Crestview to an unbeaten season in 1981. Former Ashland University football coach Dr. Fred Martinelli was honored in 2017 with a pillar for his years of service at AU. Geiser thanked King, AU President Dr, Carlos Campo, various football mentors through the years, including Owens, and family members, especially his wife, Amy, and their twin girls, Abigail and Rebecca. Dec 3, 2022. 15 Indiana, Pa., at Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium. This will be his first head coaching job at any level. 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. On Saturday (March 4) afternoon at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium, the No. They taught us that AU football is built on brotherhood, on teamwork, on camaraderie, on love and the willingness to sacrifice for your fellow man. "Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. He succeeds Lee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure as Eagles coach. "I had players recruited by both coach Martinelli and coach Keller when I was a high school coach. 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. "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? Hes committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience, King said. 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. 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.. Owens four best seasons, which occurred with one-to-two losses, resulted in those four conference titles. "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. Coach O as the head coach was obviously incredibly important to my journey here at AU, said Brenner. 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. Ashland University football player Garrett Turnbaugh would likely trade his current pass-catching streak for a win over Hillsdale. "Only three head coaches during that span stands as a testament to the quality of the football program. But hell have to settle instead for helping the Eagles to a victory in their final regular-season game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Kentucky Wesleyan and then a potential regional postseason playoff berth. "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). 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. Going into the 1959 season, Ashland College's football program hadn't seen much in the way of wins or long-term stability. Geiser, or a future replacement, will have massive shoes to fill in the 2023-2024 season. TOM E. PUSKAR/ASHLAND TIMES-GAZETTE This game was different. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Some of Turnbaughs recent uptick in production has been by design in AUs offensive play-calling. Our guided tour takes you through AU to explore our dynamic campus. AU won its opening-round NCAA Division II playoff game 20-13 over Notre Dame College. 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. Keller's defenses led NCAA Division II in total defense in both 1991 and 1992, and rushing defense in 1992. [6] He is also father to a son, Zander, and daughter, Zoe. 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. These men taught us that AU football is built on physicality and toughness. Between 1981 and 1991, he was the head football coach at four high schools in Ohio and then an assistant coach at Ohio . In 2017, Ashland closed out at 11-2 overall and captured the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a spotless 9-0 mark. Ashland University Football Tight Ends & Fullbacks Coach 2014-Present Linebackers Coach 2013-2014 Defensive line Coach 2012-2013 Santa Barbara City College Offensive Line Coach 2011-2012 West Hills College Coalinga Offensive Line Coach 2010-2011 Show Bases Loaded Podcast, Ep #66 - Reggie Gamble Jr- Football- Ashland University Coach (TE/FB . They also taught us AU football is won with fundamentals blocking, tackling. He led the Eagles in all three receiving categories, and was named to the all-G-MAC second team. An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution. 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. 1 team in NCAA Division II for the ninth straight week by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). He felt committed to returning this season, partly due to fifth-year senior Austin Brenner coming back to quarterback the Eagles. Both really good football coaches, both with great reputations. They established the culture that is Ashland football. The Eagles were a perfect 6-0 at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field. Wash. FSP 7-on-7 / San Mateo Community College. He also had a number of other outstanding seasons at the helm of the Eagles. Geiser replaces Lee Owens, who announced his retirement in December after 18 seasons. "We'll obviously have to add a coach to fill my position, but the staff will stay intact for the most part," he said. Outside of players, he coached alongside countless coaches, faculty and staff and interacted with countless fans and media members. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We could provide a good argument for Bill Royce because of the great schedule we played, and the great coaches [we played]. This was Ashland University's highest ranking since becoming an NCAA Division II institution. Geiser officially takes over forLee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. 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.