In what had to be a major surprise to just about everyone, long-time Head Football Coach Dr. Jeff Eichelkraut submitted his resignation soon after the last game. Then again, those of us close to the program can appreciate the time and commitment required/demanded by the position, and find it entirely understandable. (During the season a Head Coach routinely puts in 25-30 hours over and above his regular job, in this case, a high school principal. The demands lessen in the off season, yet remain continuous. Do that over a protracted period of time and the effects can become cumulative. I was gifted the opportunity to serve as a volunteer Assistant Coach for two seasons and witnessed it firsthand.)

Dr. Jeff Eichelkraut, or "Eich" as he is commonly called, is of course a local product - a 1992 graduate of NGHS. He first served as an Assistant Coach for six years before becoming Head Coach for 19 years. (His coaching career was interrupted for four years as he successfully pursued his doctoral studies.) He tallied a 92/87 record, and this after his first two teams started 2/16. Talk about starting behind the 8-ball! He certainly righted the ship, and perhaps his most noteworthy record is his 12/6 history against arch rival Belleville. When interviewed for this article, Eich made it clear, "It's not about the wins and losses as much as it is about the relationships with the kids, their growth and character, life lessons taught and learned, etc." (Needless to say, very few are the people who get a chance to serve as mentors and play an active part in the history and development of a young person's life.)

He went on to say that, "The whole experience has produced a lifetime of memories." When pressed for a few highlights, he cited the WIAA playoff wins in 2002 at Orfordville; 2010 at River Valley; and 2018 at Prairie du Chien. His primary mentor in coaching was his own high school coach and immediate predecessor, Duane Schober, who went 25 seasons as Head Football Coach in New Glarus.

Eich was never opposed to putting a little chicanery into his play calling. The "hook-and-ladder", "flea flicker", and unexpected onside kicks were not uncommon. Nor was he opposed to introducing major changes to his offensive schemes, as in 2018 when he completely scrapped the previous offense and installed the new Air Raid Offense. (The Air Raid system is a RPO (run-pass-option) kind of offense that is sweeping the country at all levels. It was first developed by Coach Hal Mumme (and the now famous Mike Leach). It's a system that is largely changing the game.) Coach Eichelkraut developed a working relationship with Mr. Mumme, keeping in constant contact with this man, the very brain of this offense. I doubt many high school coaches across the country can claim such a relationship.

To say that football has been a key part of Eich's life is an obvious understatement. He once told me, "Doc, I'm a man without any hobbies...I just love football." Spring breaks would take his family south - not to a beach, but to colleges to watch spring practices. (His wife, Jackie, must be a most understanding soul, certainly deserving of some kind of medal.)

So, how much will he miss it - the game, those alluring Friday night lights, the sound of the pads, the strategic chatter with the press box? Only time will tell, but if you find him calling Urban Meyer for advice...then we'll know.

So Eich, thanks for the memories and the relentless, selfless effort you have given to NG and NGM football. I am certain there are literally hundreds of young men ever so grateful for their experience to have put on the helmet and follow your lead.

JOB WELL DONE!

Note: The lineage of football coaches at New Glarus is as follows: 1946-48 Vernon Duerst; 1949 John Pinnow; 1950 Wray George; 1951-55 James Stevens; 1956-61 Wally Wegener; 1962 John Bogusewski; 1963-67 Ed Erickson; 1968-69 John Franz; 1970-73 Jack Carlson; 1974-98 Duane Schober; 1999-2011 Jeff Eichelkraut; 2012-15 Desmond Breadon; 2016-Present Jeff Eichelkraut. (***Help is sought in finding the coaches before 1946...please share with the PMR if known).

At present, no successor has been named.