Briar Cliff University Chargers Football: A History
Briar Cliff University, a private Roman Catholic institution founded in 1930, has a rich history intertwined with academic excellence and athletic achievement. From its humble beginnings as a women's college to its current status as a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, Briar Cliff has consistently strived to provide students with a transformative educational experience. A key component of this experience is the university's athletic program, particularly the Briar Cliff Chargers football team.
The Genesis of Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University was established in March 1929, the vision of Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, Major Superior of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Family, and Edmond Heelan, Bishop of the Sioux City Diocese. Their meeting with members of the Sioux City community led to a commitment to raise $25,000 for a Catholic women's college. Mother Dominica carefully chose twelve foundresses, and on September 18, 1930, the college was dedicated, named after the hill it occupies. Classes began four days later with 25 women in Heelan Hall, the sole building at the time. Initially a two-year program, it expanded to four years in 1937.
In 1965, Briar Cliff admitted fifty-five men, formalizing co-education in 1966 with 150 full-time male students. The campus expanded with Toller Hall in 1967 and Noonan Hall in 1968. Master's programs were introduced in the summer of 2001, and the college officially became a university on June 1, 2001. Online courses followed in 2006. Today, the Center for Siouxland Research, the Center for Health Care Initiatives, and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching thrive on campus.
Briar Cliff Athletics: The Chargers
The Briar Cliff athletic teams, known as the Chargers, have a storied history marked by numerous achievements. Since 1966, Briar Cliff University athletics have been represented in 10 national championships, 12 GPAC championships, and 61 NAIA tournament appearances. The Chargers have also produced 210 All-Americans. Sharline Maxwell became the first Charger to win an individual national championship in 2000, claiming the NAIA Indoor Championship in the 400 meter dash, and later securing two more championships. In 2013, the men's track team sent four athletes to the NAIA Indoor Championships, all of whom returned as All-Americans.
The Football Program: A New Era Dawns
Briar Cliff University established its football program in 2001, marking the inaugural varsity season in 2003. The team joined the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), where it has been a member ever since. The Chargers' early years were challenging, with a 0-10 record in their first season. However, the team persevered, securing its first victory the following year and finishing the season with three wins.
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Early Struggles and Growth
The Chargers football program faced an uphill battle in its formative years. Building a competitive team from scratch requires significant time, resources, and dedication. The early seasons were characterized by struggles on the field as the team worked to establish its identity. However, these early experiences laid the foundation for future growth and development.
Recent Developments
Briar Cliff has been making strides to bring home football games to campus. In the past, the team has played home football games at the DakotaDome.
Coaching Changes and Leadership
The Briar Cliff football program has seen several changes in leadership throughout its history. These coaching transitions reflect the ongoing efforts to build a successful and competitive team.
- Shane LaDage: Appointed Head Football Coach on December 21, 2020, LaDage represents a new era for the Chargers.
- Dennis Wagner: Before LaDage, Dennis Wagner was let go from the position on November 23, 2020.
- Steve Rethman: Rethman left his position as coach on November 17, 2016.
- Tom Strittmatter: In November 2007, BC football coach Strittmatter resigned.
A running total of the number of head coaches, with coaches who served separate tenures being counted only once. Interim head coaches are represented with "Int" and are not counted in the running total. "-" indicates the team played but either without a coach or no coach is on record.
The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)
Since 2003, the Chargers have been members of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). The GPAC is a conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
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Overall Record
To date, the Chargers have compiled an overall record of 53-174. While the win-loss record may not fully reflect the team's progress, it is important to consider the challenges inherent in building a football program from the ground up. The Chargers have faced tough competition within the GPAC, which is known for its strong football programs.
Other Sports at Briar Cliff
Briar Cliff offers baseball and softball as spring sports, both competing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The baseball team plays at Bishop Mueller Field, shared with Bishop Heelan High School. In 2005, Briar Cliff University Baseball upset Bellevue University, ending Bellevue's 10-year run of winning the Region 4 title, to make it to the Super Regional Round against Dakota State. Briar Cliff swept the super regionals, winning an extra-inning affair (7-6) and closing out Dakota State with a blowout win (13-1) to advance to the 2005 Avista NAIA College World Series. Though they lost to Spalding University (9-3) and to Biola University (4-1), this marked their first and only appearance in the NAIA College World Series.
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