Wooster coach resigns

Mike Schmitz had one of the top running backs in Division III history, Tony Sutton. Schmitz was 26-6 in Sutton's three years, 52-48 in the rest. Wooster athletics photo

Mike Schmitz, who has led Wooster's football program as head coach for 13 seasons, announced his resignation today, effective Dec. 31.

The college will launch a search for a new head coach immediately. Rather than appoint an interim coach as that search goes forward, the rest of the coaching staff will continue with their recruiting duties, while athletic director Keith Beckett temporarily takes on administrative responsibility for the program.

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Wooster was 2-8 this season, with its two wins coming against winless St. Vincent and Hiram.

"Fighting Scots football has been a huge part of my life for the past 18 years, but I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead as I open the next chapter of my life," Schmitz said. "I will always treasure the relationships I was able to build with hundreds of quality young men with whom I had the privilege of working to build a program of which the college and the community could be proud."

"We're grateful to Mike for all he has given to this program and wish him all the best," said Beckett.

Schmitz was named head coach in 2000, after serving as the Fighting Scots' offensive coordinator for five years. He compiled a 78-54 record over 13 seasons and in 2004 guided the team to a perfect regular season (10-0), an NCAC championship, and Wooster's first-ever berth in the Division III playoff berth. For his efforts, Schmitz was named Ohio College Coach of the Year and NCAC Coach of the Year. He won NCAC Coach of the Year honors again in 2008.