Rather than drawing Xs and Os on the dry erase board in his office, Heidelberg University's Head Football Coach Scott Donaldson found himself taking notes on World War II as part of a new initiative in the university's Division III Week celebration.
The Coaches in the Classroom program, a collaboration between the Office of Academic Affairs and the Athletic Department, allowed first-year student-athletes the opportunity to invite their coach to a class. The program, suggested by Provost Beth Schwartz, was implemented by the Academic-Athletic Advisory Board. In all, HU's 23 full-time coaches attended nearly 40 different classes.
"Coaches in the Classroom is a great way for the coaches to see our student-athletes in the academic setting," said Women's Basketball Coach and Senior Women's Administrator Morgan Harrigan. "I think the interaction between the coach and professor is a terrific by-product of the program."
While all of the coaches enjoyed their journey back into the undergrad world, they reported varying degrees of success. Assistant Baseball Coach Pat Christopher tweeted that he "crushed" an improv acting class with eight baseball players, while Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Bill Schmoldt -- learning about tapeworms -- was reminded why he wasn't a biology major. Read more coaches reactions on Twitter.
"By all accounts, the program has been well received across campus," said Athletic Director Matt Palm. "Coaches in the Classroom really exemplifies what Division III is all about -- providing student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue academic excellence while continuing their passion for their chosen sport."
Coaches in the Classroom is one part of the university's Division III Week celebration. The week culminates with the third annual Siggy Awards, presented on Sunday, April 10, at 7:15 p.m. More information on all of Heidelberg's D3 Week activities can be found online.
