CHICAGO, IL (December 16, 2005) – North Park University already has received nearly 60 applications to fill the position vacated when head football coach Robin Cooper resigned earlier this month, says Dan Tepke, senior vice president.
Tepke says he hopes a replacement will be named before the beginning of next semester. A committee that includes a board member, alumni, and several staff members will narrow the candidate list to 10-15 individuals for further review.
The Vikings started the season 3-0 for the first time in decades, garnering notice in the local media, but then lost the rest of their games to finish 3-7.
Cooper came to the school in 2001. Since then, the Vikings had gone 9-41 with all of the victories coming outside the conference. Prior to coming to North Park, he had winning records at other Illinois schools he coached.
Cooper started the football program at the College of DuPage and led the team to 13-8 records in his two seasons. Previously, he served as head football coach at the University of Evansville from 1991 to 1998, leading the Aces to a record of 36-33 during that time.
He also was an assistant coach at Western Illinois University from 1987 to 1991. While there, the Leathernecks won the Gateway Conference and were selected for the NCAA Division IAA Playoffs in 1988. Cooper also started the football program at MacMurray College in 1984, leading the Highlanders to a 20-8 mark over three seasons.
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