Collins leaves Cap for D-II job Jim Collins accepted the head coaching position at Division II Saginaw Valley State on Friday, Dec. 28, after 11 years as head coach at Capital. "This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make as the last 11 years at Capital University have been an outstanding experience," Collins said. "During those years, I had the opportunity to do what I love and do it in an environment surrounded by great people. ... I cannot thank enough Roger Welsh, the man who gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, our coaching staff, who are my closest friends, and most of all, the outstanding student athletes who put on the Crusader uniform and did their absolute best all the time." In each of the last three seasons, the Crusaders advanced to NCAA playoffs, where each season they lost to the eventual national champion. The highlight of the playoff run came in the 2006 season, when Collins led Capital to its first-ever 9-1 regular season and the first postseason football games on campus in 36 years. In the quarterfinals, the Crusaders suffered a 17-14 loss at No. 1 ranked and eventual national champion Mount Union. Capital finished the 2006 season with an 11-2 record and its highest-ever ranking at No. 3 in the nation. Collins led Capital to seven consecutive winning seasons, while his enthusiasm, attitude and strong work ethic are evident throughout the program, but particularly in the offense, for which he served as coordinator. Collins' teams have rewritten the school record books, setting more than 40 records. Saginaw Valley State was 8-3 this past season. "We are extremely excited to have Jim Collins take over our football program," said SVSU athletic director Mike Watson. "Jim has a tireless work ethic and an enthusiastic attitude. We believe very strongly that under his leadership, SVSU football will not only compete for conference titles, but also for national titles." | ||
| Permalink | Dec 28, 2007 | ||
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