End of an era

Schoenebeck announces resignation as Gusties’ coach

By Chad Courrier

ST PETER — Fifteen years from now, Jay Schoenebeck doesn’t want to have missed out on time with his wife Darcey and 5-month-old daughter Eryn.

“Family has always been important to me,” Schoenebeck said. “People who know me might be surprised by this but not shocked.”

Schoenebeck, 50, announced Thursday that he will resign as football coach at Gustavus Adolphus at the end of the season. He told his team in a meeting Thursday night.

“I was looking for a fastball, and he threw a changeup,” senior defensive lineman Ted Aleckson said. “We have a team meeting after every practice, and nobody saw this coming. It was like, wow, you don’t believe it.

“I completely understand why, it was his time to be there for his daughter. He’s been the coach here 14 years, and it’s time for him to move on. He always preaches family, and now it’s time for him to walk the walk.

Schoenebeck said that he and his wife have been talking about this for six months. Darcey has built a career as an executive with OptumHealth, and Jay said it was his decision to resign to spend more time as a dad.

“I’m sad, I’m nervous,” he said. “This is the right thing for my family.”

Gustavus athletic director Al Molde said he was shocked by Schoenebeck’s decision, but after talking with the coach, he understood.

“Both he and his wife had very demanding jobs, and something had to give,” Molde said. “He’s a man of a lot of integrity and courage to stick with his convictions.”

In 14 seasons, Schoenebeck has posted a 68-72 record, 59-61 in MIAC games. Under Schoenebeck, the Gusties have finished fourth or better in the MIAC in seven of the last 11 seasons.

But the wins and losses aren’t what he’ll remember most.

“The goal of any coach is to leave the program in better shape than it was when he took over,” he said. “I feel like the program is in great shape. The staff in tremendous, good coaches and first-class people. I think the players have always represented Gustavus in a first-class manner.”

The Green Bay, Wis., native was a four-year starter at Gustavus (1976-79). The halfback, who earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-America honors as a senior, rushed for 2,471 yards and 31 touchdowns and caught 67 passes for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Schoenebeck ranks first in program history in career touchdowns scored (37), first in points scored (224), fourth in all-purpose yards (3,945) and seventh in rushing (2,471).

Schoenebeck has coached 27 years and has included stints at Gustavus (1981-85 and 1988-90), University of Wisconsin (1986-87) and South Dakota State University (1991-93).

“I’m going to appreciate every minute (this season),” he said. “I’m still fired up for the season. It’s a tremendous honor to be the head coach at your alma mater. I’m going to coach my hardest, I’m not retiring today.”

Aleckson said that the players would rally to help Schoenebeck win a conference championship, which has eluded the Gusties in the last 14 seasons.

“We’re motivated to try our best to bring home a championship for him, for the team and for the college,” Aleckson said.

Molde said he will begin the search for the next football coach, which he hopes he can complete by early December to allow the new coach an opportunity to recruit.

“I have a short list, but I’ll be doing a lot of research over the next two months,” Molde said. “We want to find the best coach possible.”

Schoenebeck said he will continue to teach through the spring semester, but his football duties will end when the season ends. He’s going to take some time off before he makes any decisions on his future.

“I feel like there’s something out there that I can be successful at and passionate about,” he said.