Head Coach Larry Kehres
Larry Kehres (Care-Us), 58, is currently in his 22nd year at the
helm of the Purple Raiders in 2007 and has built one of the most
successful programs in all of college football.
His teams have won 18 Ohio Athletic Conference Championships ('86, '90,
'92-'07) while posting 16 undefeated regular seasons ('86, '90, '92,
'93, '95-'04, '06, '07).
Under Kehres, the Raiders have won nine Division III National
Championships in the last 14 years ('93, '96, '97, '98, '00, & '01,
'02, '05, '06).
Since 1990, the Raiders have made 17 playoff appearances while posting
college football's most wins and best winning percentage
(230-11-1/.956). During the last 16 regular seasons, his teams have
posted a phenomenal 162-2 (.988) overall mark.
For his efforts, Kehres (260-21-3/.923 at Mount Union) has been named
the AFCA Division III National Coach of the Year eight times ('93, '96,
'97, '98, '00, '01, '02, '06) - voted on by the American Football
Coaches Association.
According to Kehres, a successful football program is built on organization and consistency.
"We have built a successful program, in part, because our coaching
staff has remained intact and is committed to our system," he said. "We
feel our program is well-organized. Our players know what is expected
of them. They know that we believe in taking advantage of opportunities
and not beating ourselves with mistakes.
"Offensively, we like to attack the defense and make them cover the
whole field. Defensively, we want to create big plays. As for the
kicking game, I believe in being aggressive and winning the field
position battle. Being consistent in all three phases and being
well-conditioned puts you in a position to win games in the fourth
quarter."
Kehres is aware of the fact that his program has reached a level of excellence few teams can match.
"We' re proud of what our teams have accomplished," he noted. It's a
compliment to all the coaches and players who have been part of our
program and have contributed in the success at Mount Union. It's very
difficult to reach the top, but even more difficult to maintain
excellence."
Kehres, a native of Diamond, Ohio, graduated from Southeast High
School. He earned a business administration degree from Mount Union in
1971.
He served as a graduate assistant coach at Bowling Green State
University in 1971-72, earning a master's in health and physical
education. In 1973, Kehres was head football coach at Johnstown Monroe
High School.
He returned to Mount Union the following year, spending the next 11
seasons as an assistant coach, serving mainly as the offensive
coordinator before taking over as head coach prior to the 1986 season.
He also started and coached the Mount Union swim program from 1974-86.
Kehres, currently an associate professor of physical education, was
named athletic director at the College in March of 1985. In 1991, Mount
Union became the first institution in the Ohio Athletic Conference to
win the men's and women's All-Sports Trophies in the same year. The
Raiders also won the OAC men's All-Sports Trophy in 2000-01.
As head football coach at Mount Union, he has produced 165 First-Team
All-OAC selections and 225 All-American mentions. His teams have also
been well-represented in the conference's individual award categories,
with 25 Mike Gregory (best offensive back/lineman), 11 Ed Sherman (best
receiver), seven Bill Edwards (best linebacker), six Paul Hoernemann
(best defensive lineman) and four Lee J. Tressel (best defensive back)
winners.
He and his wife, Linda, have three children, Vince, Faith and Jan. They reside in Alliance.
Mount Union Current Head Coaching Notes
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Overall Record: 260-21-3/.923
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OAC Record: 183-8-3
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Overall Home Record: 144-9-3
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Overall Road Record: 107-10-0
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OAC Home Record: 92-2-3
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OAC Road Record: 91-6-0
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Neutral Site: 9-2
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Playoff Record: 55-9
Contact the Coaches
Assistant Coaches Bios
Note: Information provided as of December 15, 2007.