Here's some info. uncovered on Dick. It seems like a lot of experience. I know it's D-III, but what were folks saying about brother Jim before his arrival at OSU? Interesting read at the very least ... the Tressels are just a football family.
NEWS RELEASE
November 21, 2000/For immediate release
Contact:* Dan McMahon, 651-523-2401 or 651-734-1224
HAMLINE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL COACH DICK TRESSEL STEPS DOWN
After 23 seasons, veteran coach will focus on duties as men’s athletic director
ST. PAUL, Minn. – After 23 seasons, including coaching two of his sons, Hamline University head football coach Dick Tressel has announced his plans to step down and to focus more time and energy on his duties as men’s athletic director.
Tressel, who coached the Hamline Pipers to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships in 1984 and 1988 and was named the NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1984, finishes his Hamline coaching career with a record of 124-102-2.
Without a doubt, he said, one of the highlights of his 23 seasons as head coach was the opportunity to involve his entire family in the football program, including coaching two of his sons, Ben and Luke. Ben, a 1998 Hamline graduate, has worked for the past two seasons as an assistant coach for his father, and Luke was a senior defensive back and captain on this year’s Piper team that finished 2-8. Tressel’s wife, Connie, also has been actively involved, serving team photographer, events coordinator, pre-game breakfast provider and other roles as needed.
“Not many people get to opportunity to be involved with one program for as long as I have and to literally watch their kids grow from being team ball boys to players to coaches,” said Tressel, who had the opportunity to play football for his late father, Lee, at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. “My family and Hamline football have been inseparable for 23 seasons, and it’s been a wonderful and gratifying experience for all of us.”
With the average team comprised of about 72 players, Tressel has coached and helped shape the lives of several hundred young men during his 23 seasons at Hamline. While he’s enjoyed every minute, he said each year his athletic director’s duties take more of his time. He said the football program deserves to be led by someone who can give it more time, as well as new energy.
“I’ve run my leg of the race as best I can, and now it’s time to pass the baton to someone else who can take the program to the next level,” Tressel said.
Hamline University College of Liberal Arts Dean Garvin Davenport said Tressel has made significant contributions to the Hamline experience for many students.
“Alumni and current students speak highly of the influence he has had on their lives, on and off the field,” Davenport said. “I look forward to his continued contributions to the Piper tradition.”
The search for Tressel’s successor as head football coach will begin immediately.
Founded in 1854, Hamline University is Minnesota’s first university, serving a diverse student body of more than 3,300 degree-seeking students and 8,000 professionals in continuing education. Hamline University awards bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees and has four schools: the College of Liberal Arts; the School of Law; the Graduate School of Education, and the Graduate School of Public Administration and Management. The university also offers a master’s in liberal studies and a master’s of fine arts in writing through its Graduate Liberal Studies Program. Hamline University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
