Grand View University Vikings Football: A History of Excellence

Grand View University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, has a rich athletic history. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Grand View Vikings have made a significant impact in various sports. Since the 2015-16 academic year, they have primarily competed in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). Grand View joined the NAIA after transitioning from junior college status in 1979. In the early 2000s, the university expanded its athletic offerings, adding women's soccer in 1998 and reinstating competitive dance (2002), cross country (2003), golf (2004), and track (2006). Today, Grand View competes in 25 intercollegiate varsity sports, including football, which has quickly become a source of pride for the university.

The Genesis of Grand View Football

In the fall of 2008, Grand View University announced the creation of its football team, marking a new chapter in the university's athletic program. The hiring of Mike Woodley as head coach in July 2007 was a crucial step in this process. Woodley brought over 30 years of coaching experience to Grand View. Before joining the Vikings, he served as head coach at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena, Texas. Woodley was already a respected figure in the Iowa football community, having previously served as head coach at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, from 1991 to 1993, and as an assistant coach at Iowa State University from 1994 to 2003. A 1974 graduate and four-year football letterman from the University of Northern Iowa, Woodley's extensive experience and local connections made him an ideal choice to lead the nascent program.

Woodley expressed his excitement about the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. He highlighted the positive momentum on campus, including the addition of athletic programs, new student housing, and new buildings.

Early Years and Conference Affiliation

In 2008, the Vikings played as an independent team. In 2009, Grand View officially joined the Midwest League of the Mid-States Football Association. On August 30, 2008, Grand View played its historical debut against Briar Cliff University at Williams Stadium. This stadium became Grand View's new home field.

The 2013 NAIA National Championship Victory

The Grand View Vikings achieved a significant milestone in 2013 by winning the NAIA Football National Championship. The Vikings defeated Cumberlands (KY) with a score of 35-23. This victory marked Grand View's first championship in football.

Facilities and Resources

The Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center, opened in 2002, is a central hub for Viking athletics. Located at 1500 Morton Avenue, this 80,000-square-foot facility houses the nursing division, a double-court multipurpose gymnasium, a wrestling room, a 1/10-mile track, and a full weight room. The women's volleyball team plays home games in the fieldhouse, while the men's and women's basketball teams compete in Sisam Arena, which also hosts home wrestling events. The lobby of Sisam Arena showcases the Grand View Athletic Hall of Fame, with trophy cases honoring the university's athletic achievements. In 2008, a two-level addition was added to the southeast corner of the Wellness Center, providing a new weight room, a wrestling room, and offices for the athletics staff.

The Luhrs Athletic Complex, situated behind the Wellness Center, features fields for soccer, baseball, and softball, as well as an open grassy practice area. Luhrs was renovated in 2004.

Grand View plays football at Des Moines East's Williams Stadium, located at 1591 East University Avenue. This partnership between the college and East High has led to significant improvements to the stadium. Grand View committed $800,000 for a new locker room facility and raised an additional $1.2 million for track and field renovations. In partnership with the East High Foundation, Grand View installed artificial turf in 2009.

A Second National Championship

The Grand View football team captured the NAIA Football National Championship with a 22-16 victory over Keiser at Crowley ISD Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

The first quarter saw strong defensive performances from both teams. Tommy Kaesberg blocked a field goal in the closing minutes, keeping the game scoreless. The Vikings took control in the second quarter, scoring 13 unanswered points. Cory Wood made a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 and then added a 41-yard field goal to give Grand View a 6-3 lead.

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In the fourth quarter, Grand View extended their lead with an 89-yard touchdown drive, with Jackson Waring connecting with Corey Phillips for a 40-yard touchdown. The Vikings' defense secured the win with a crucial stop. The Seahawks scored a late field goal, but Grand View held on for the victory.

Additional Athletic Programs

In addition to football, Grand View University has a diverse range of athletic programs.

Wrestling

On March 6, 2008, Grand View announced the establishment of a men's wrestling squad, hiring Nick Mitchell as head wrestling coach. Mitchell, a graduate of Wartburg College, had been an assistant wrestling coach before his appointment at Grand View. The men's wrestling program achieved considerable success in its first decade. In February 2019, Grand View announced the launch of a women's wrestling program for the 2019-2020 season, with Angelo Crinzi named as the first women's wrestling coach. The wrestling program has won multiple national titles. Led by Evan Hansen's fourth national title, Grand View claimed a record-tying ninth straight team championship. The team also won its 95th consecutive dual, setting a new all-time record in college wrestling.

Esports

Grand View fields varsity teams for various game titles, including League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. The eSports program was established in the fall of 2017. Grand View also launched a new Game Design Program and hosts eSports camps.

Other Sports

Grand View offers a range of other sports, including:

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Men's Sports: Baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball.
Women's Sports: Basketball, bowling, competitive dance, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball.
Co-ed Sports: Cheerleading and shooting sports.

Facilities and Campus

The Jensen Bridge, a 156-foot skywalk over East 14th Street, connects the Student Center to the Rasmussen Center. The Rasmussen Center is located on the corner of Grandview Avenue and East 14th Street.

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