Press Release

Sept. 1, 2010

Tjeerdsma on the cover of Touchdown Illustrated

By Maggie Corwin '12

Touchdown Illustrated is "recognizing greatness" in their most recent issue. It is no small wonder, then, that splashed across the cover of TDI is Northwest head football coach Mel Tjeerdsma along with Virginia's Mike London and Kansas' Turner Gill.

The article covers Tjeerdsma's selection to the Division II Hall of Fame - an achievement rarely received by active coaches and never before by a head coach at the DII level. Carson-Newman's Ken Sparks and West Alabama's Bobby Wallace join Tjeerdsma as the first Division II coaches selected.

TDI, with a page spread for each of the Hall of Fame inductees, lists some of Tjeerdsma's personal achievements such as his 230 coaching victories, his 12 D-II playoff appearances, seven national championship game appearances - the most of any D-II coach - and three national championships.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Dec. 17 in Florence, Ala. Tjeerdsma and the Bearcats hope to be in action the following day competing for a national championship for what would be an unprecedented sixth straight season.

Touchdown Illustrated is a free publication distributed to collegiate football programs at all levels. Stop by the Bearcat Zone before Thursday night's game to receive a copy.