CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park University is proud to announce the immediate appointment of Kyle Rooker as head football coach for the North Park Vikings.
A proven winner, Rooker advanced through a national search that included candidates from across the CCIW conference, the Midwest and the nation. Director of Athletics Dr. Jack Surridge stated, "In a process that began with 117 applicants, Coach Rooker rose to the top. We are all convinced that his plan, 'all in' commitment, and mission fit will elevate the Viking football program to new heights."
During his six-year stint (2012-2018) as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator of College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) familiar Carthage College, Rooker turned 2013's 1-9 outfit into a program that posted a record of 7-3 in consecutive seasons (2016 & 2017).
Working primarily with the offensive line, quarterbacks, and tight ends, Rooker directed an O-line that allowed the fewest sacks in the CCIW for the 2015 season (11), coached his quarterbacks to a combined 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio in 2016-2017, and helped lead his offense to the fewest turnovers in league action for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The 2017 Carthage College team was the NCAA Division III leader in turnover margin.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Rooker was also the Red Men's academic coordinator. From 2013-2018, he helped improve the team's cumulative grade point average by .57 points while mentoring 2 CoSIDA Academic All-District selections.
Prior to his time at Carthage College, Rooker was the offensive, defensive, special teams, and recruiting coordinator of his alma mater, The College of Wooster (OH) from July 2001 until December 2012.
The 2004 Fighting Scots posted the best finish in school history at 11-1, captured a North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) championship, and finalized their season with a national ranking of 10th in NCAA Division III football.
Rooker, a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, graduated from The College of Wooster in 2001, earning his BA in History. While a part of the Fighting Scots' football team, Rooker was a 3-year varsity letterman, a 2-year varsity starter at linebacker, and a member of the 1997 NCAC championship team. He also holds a Master's degree in Leadership from Carthage College.
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Anthony Scola, is thrilled to welcome Coach Rooker, saying:
"North Park University has secured a leader who brings the high energy, dedication to our mission and the passion we are seeking to take our football program to new heights. Kyle has shown the ability to successfully recruit, retain and develop future leaders in the CCIW. I am thrilled to have Kyle and his family as part of the North Park community."
Coach Rooker is both thankful and excited for the opportunity to lead the football program, saying:
"My family and I feel extremely blessed and thankful to be joining the North Park University community. I want to thank President Mary Karsten Surridge, Director of Athletics Dr. Jack Surridge, Vice President Anthony Scola, and the search committee for choosing me to be the next head football coach."
Coach Rooker's family includes his wife Jennifer, and his daughters Piper (6) and Kendall (1).
"Moving forward, our focus will be on recruiting, retaining, and developing young men who love the game of football, value their academics, and aspire to reach their full potential" concludes Rooker.
The Vikings finished their 2018 season with a 2-8 record and 1-8 slate in CCIW action. North Park earned All-CCIW selections in senior defensive back David Simmons, Jr., junior defensive back Gary Anish, and junior offensive lineman George Tafua, Jr.
