Shawn Weigel, assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the William Jewell College football Cardinals, has been named the Cardinals head coach effective immediately following the resignation Tuesday of Jerod Kruse. The announcement came Wednesday from William Jewell Director of Athletics Dr. Darlene Bailey.

Weigel has been on the Cardinal staff for the past nine seasons, serving as assistant head coach during Coach Kruse's tenure. In addition to his nine seasons at Jewell, Weigel's college coaching experience has included stints as an assistant coach at West Texas A&M University, Austin College and Colorado School of Mines. He also served as the head coach for the Seinajoki Crocodiles in the European Football League.

A native of McCook, Neb., Weigel holds bachelor's degrees in sociology, sports management and physical education from Doane College. The captain of the Doane football team, he was also an All-America hurdler as a member of the track team. He and his wife, Buffey, are the proud parents of Mallory and Lainee Jo.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Shawn Weigel is the best individual to take over our football program at this time," said Dr. Bailey. "He knows our student-athletes, he has a great football mind and he is committed to William Jewell College and our mission. He is respected among his colleagues in the coaching ranks and is known as a relentless recruiter."

"I can't express how excited I am to be in this position and how appreciative I am to Dr. Bailey and our administration for giving me this opportunity," said Weigel. "My family and I have enjoyed making our home in this community and being a part of the wonderful family at William Jewell College. I've learned a great deal from my nine years here working with Coach Fran Schwenk and Coach Kruse. We've made steady progress under Coach Kruse and I can't wait to put my stamp on this program as the head coach."

Kruse, the Cardinals head coach since 2009, is planning to pursue other opportunities in the coaching profession. Kruse's 2014 team, picked to finish last in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, boasted road wins over Truman State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Indianapolis in just the third year of NCAA Division II membership. The team finished second overall in the GLVC, the highest conference finish for the Cardinals since 1990. Kruse's team wrapped up the season with an upset win over Top 20 Indianapolis.

"I would like to thank Coach Kruse for his service to William Jewell College and our football program," said Dr. Bailey. "We have made great strides on the playing field under his leadership while continuing to excel in the classroom during the transition to NCAA Division II. The Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year honor received by Coach Kruse and his staff this past season is a testament to his leadership which has greatly improved our program."

"This is always a difficult decision, and has been for me and my family," said Kruse. "I feel it's time to pursue the next challenge in coaching. We have put five years into building a sustainable NCAA Division II program and I very much appreciate the opportunity to have led the Cardinals. I am proud of the young men we have had the opportunity to coach and the staff I have had the pleasure to work with. I cannot be more excited about the direction of the program moving forward under Shawn Weigel's leadership."

With the National Letter of Intent signing day less than a month away, Weigel and his staff will be hosting many prospective students on campus in the coming weeks.