Graceland University Football has announced the hiring of Josh Koppelmann as the team’s new Offensive Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. Koppelmann brings valuable experience from his time coaching at the Division 2 level.
For the past two seasons, Koppelmann worked at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he initially served as a Graduate Assistant in 2020, focusing on coaching the running backs. He later transitioned into the role of assistant coach, working with both the running backs and as a Director of Football Operations (DFO). When Ronnie Jones took over as the new Head Coach, Koppelmann assumed the position of coaching the offensive line.
Head Coach Patrick Ross expressed his excitement about Koppelmann joining the staff, praising his energy and ability to bring out the best in players. The addition of Koppelmann is expected to enhance the Yellowjackets’ coaching staff.
Koppelmann holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Southwestern College (KS) and obtained his Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in December 2021.
The Graceland Yellowjackets Football team has unveiled their schedule for the 2023-24 season. After finishing the previous season with a 4-7 overall record and a 2-3 conference record, the Yellowjackets are eager to make a comeback.
The season kicks off with a home opener against the Doane University Tigers on August 26 at Huntsman Field. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since November 9, 1968. Following that, the Yellowjackets will play their first road game against the Central Methodist (Mo.) Eagles on September 2.
Returning to Huntsman Field, Graceland will face the Benedictine (Kan.) Ravens on September 9 and the Missouri Valley Vikings on September 16. On September 23, they will hit the road to take on Baker (Kan.).
The non-conference games wrap up with a home game against the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers on September 30, which coincides with Homecoming Weekend. The team will enjoy a bye week on October 7 before diving into Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division play.
On October 14, the Yellowjackets will travel to Peru, Nebraska, to face the Peru State College Bobcats in their first conference game. They will then return home to host the Grand View (Iowa) Vikings, who have won the division championship four times in a row, on October 21. The final home game of the season will be against the Clarke (Iowa) University Pride on October 28.
Graceland will wrap up their campaign with two consecutive road games. They will take on the Culver-Stockton Wildcats on November 4 and conclude the season against the William Penn Statesmen on November 11.
The Yellowjackets are aiming to build on their previous season’s performance and make a strong statement in the conference.
