After 14 years at the helm of Gustavus’ football program, Head Coach Jay Schoenebeck has decided to step down at season’s end
In coach Jay Schoenebeck’s office, on one of the numerous mahogany shelves that line the back wall, there sits a white football. Written on its side is a score and a date commemorating his first ever victory as the head coach at Gustavus, a 27-7 win over Macalester on September 17, 1994. A week ago Wednesday, Schoenebeck stood among his players after practice and broke the news of his eventual retirement at season’s end. The news went public the next day, citing a desire to spend time with his wife and young daughter.
“Jay is a first class person. He’s one of the most wonderful people I’ve met,” said Gustavus Athletic Director Al Molde. “His personality, warmth and deep feeling for all players on his team has led us to have a program representative of his embodied character… He bleeds black and gold.”
Schoenebeck arrived on the hill via Green Bay in 1976 and spent the next four autumns in the backfield for the Gusties. Upon graduation, the All-American tailback stayed with the program, instructing the tight ends and wide receivers-the first of his eventual 29 years of coaching. He also coached at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two seasons, where he received his Master’s degree in Educational Administration, as well as South Dakota State University, before being handed the reigns of his alma mater in 1994.
Over the course of his career at Gustavus, Shoenebeck’s record sits at 68-72 overall and 59-61 in conference play before the start of the current season. Against MIAC powerhouses St. John’s and Bethel, who have won or shared 12 of the last 14 conference titles, Schoenebeck’s Gusties have amassed a 4-24 record against those two programs. Although the Gusties win/loss numbers haven’t always been stellar, the impact of their current head coach is certainly felt considering the state in which he leaves the program.
“His impact on the program from the development of the players, to their values, work ethic and commitment, as well as his major impact in the development of the stadium, has the program in the perfect position for the future,” said Offensive Coordinator Tom Brown. “I fully understand and respect his decision to commit himself to his immediate family.”
As far as this season goes, the Gusties hope to improve upon their 3-5 mark of last season. Gustavus returns 14 starters from last season (eight on defense, six on offensive) as well as 34 letterwinners from a year ago. Led by Senior Captains defensive lineman Teddy Aleckson, offensive lineman Jared Thelemann and wide out Chad Arlt, as well as Junior safety Joe Welch, the Gusties have strong pieces already in place.
Junior Jordan Becker steps in under center for the Gusties being the first quarterback other than Jordan Stolp to start there since 2004. He’s surrounded by tremendous pass-catching talent, highlighted by Arlt who is coming off a 100 catch season and is a preseason All-America selection. Arlt is joined on the wings by fellow Senior John Retka and Junior Cameron Maurer who helped shoulder the burden last season, as well as talented First-Year players Elliott Herdina and Logan Becker, Jordan’s younger brother.
The Gustie defense comes back this season returning their entire secondary as well as three down lineman that saw extensive time last season. Senior cornerbacks Ethan Armstrong and Issac Perry team with Junior free safety Hamada Omar and Welch give Gustavus an experienced defensive backfield that hopes to improve from last season.
The Gusties have switched from a 4-3 style of attack to a 3-4 and all three men in the trenches have been there before. Aleckson, along with Senior nose guard Brian Berglund and Junior end Christian Vanek hope to make life difficult for the opposing offensive line. Senior Peter Keegan and Junior Tony Palma will patrol the middle for the Gusties, a very vital portion of their team defense.
There are new pieces to this seasons machine but if they are to be successful, this team will rely heavily on their veteran leadership on both sides of the ball.
“For me, this will be a very special season,” said Shoenebeck. “I’ve been associated with this program for a lot of years and its been a big part of my life… It’s important for the staff to stay focused. This isn’t about me, it’s about the team over the next 10 weeks.” Gustavus begins their season this weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA against Coe College. They open up the season at home on September 20 against Hamline.
“As far as coach Schoenebeck’s resignation, I believe he is doing what he believes in. Family values are a very important part of his life and with the arrival of his daughter last year, he wants to be there for her and his wife. As she gets older, it’s important to be a significant part of her life,” said Thelemann.
“Coach always tells the team how important family values are and we should cherish our families and now it is his time to do just that.”
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information