Meet the New Reigning Champion
Ferris State University (GLIAC) 18-1 Coach: CoachOatie
Victory: 45-31 over Cheyney
What an incredible 133rd season we had and the crowning of a new National Champion. The GLIAC conference was starting the year as the clear favorite, but who emerged from the Great Lakes was a real surprise. If you've been playing Rockne D2 and had the blinders on, the GLIAC is the most dominant conference in the last 2 calendar years. Out of 26 seasons, the GLIAC has sent a representative 21 times and played against each other for the NC 2 of those seasons.
Two seasons ago in Big Rapids, Michigan, you would of a found an established program that was struggling to reach the big dance once again. The previous head coach loverboy416 was very successful and had led the Bulldogs to 4 National Championship appearances over the 31 seasons. All the pieces were in place, yet they had struggled to get past the quarterfinals for the past 5 seasons. Then the notice came that the head coach position was vacant. Left with a healthy growing roster but lacking guidance, CoachOatie took over.
In Season 132, his season ended abruptly in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Determined to succeed, he rallied the troops and produced one heck of a high powered offense when it mattered most, bringing home the National Championship!
Intrigued by his incredible game planning, I decided to reach out to our new head CoachOatie who was very open to talking about his coaching history:
Akua29 "How long have you been playing GD?"
CoachOatie "I have been playing for a year or so, not sure the exact time frame."
Akau29 "What made you join Rockne?"
CoachOatie "I started out in the beginning at Wilkinson and still have a team there in D1-AA, I started up another team hoping to learn more and try different offenses and defenses. So really there was no rhyme or reason for joining Rockne."
Akua29 "Why Ferris State?"
CoachOatie "I saw that Ferris St had been a user owned team and I really did not want to try a rebuild at the time. ( I was still learning all about the game). Once I got there I saw how loaded that conference was and have enjoyed the competition."
Akua29 "What was your biggest challenge joining the infamous GLIAC conference?" CoachOatie "Northern Michigan (hands down!!) Spthibodeau is an amazing coach and it really made me bear down!" Akua29 "I read that you were nominated for coach of the year in Wilkinson,what was one thing you took away from playing with the competition there?"
CoachOatie "In Wilkinson there are no gimmie games when it comes to playing human coached teams. It is either eat or be eaten in Wilkinson. It has really helped me with my other teams. I now have 6 teams ( dropping 1 at the end of that season) in Wilkinson,Heisman,Rockne,Camp,Leahy, and Yost. "
Akua29 "What was your game plan in the final National Championship game against a tough Cheyney team?"
CoachOatie "I knew I had a pretty good setup for my offense throughout the season and they were getting better each week so I just trusted my game setup that I had been using and went with it. I knew I had a stud RB, and WR that could break one anytime and I had good special teams that produced regularly throughout the season."
Akua29 "If you could help any new comer who joins Rockne D2, what advice would you give?"
CoachOatie "The biggest advice I would offer anyone is to don't hesitate to SiteMail some of the more experienced coaches and ask for help. I would not be where I am without the help of other coaches. The biggest shout-out I could give any other coach would be to NITROS, he is such a great coach and has won numerous NC's. I can honestly say that every coach I've ever reached out to has been so helpful with everything I asked."
I wish the interview could of lasted longer, but CoachOatie had to get back scouting recruits for his upcoming season!
Thank you for taking the time and congratulations on a well earned National Championship!