By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At a press conference on February 9 in the Student Athletic Complex, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan officially introduced Jace Rindahl as the new head coach of the Warhawks football team, succeeding Kevin Bullis, who retired after eight years in the role.
Rindahl indicated that he is humbled and honored by the “great responsibility — I know that, I understand that, I’m excited about that. As an alum and a coach and a student athlete I feel what makes Whitewater special is the people.” He thanked Callahan for his faith and trust, and his wife Caroline and their children for their support, while also acknowledging the presence and influence of his parents and his sisters. He claimed he got his competitiveness from his sisters.
Rindahl said he has worked under three great coaches at Whitewater in his 16 years with the program, and he wants to take something from each of their approaches. Bob Berezowitz was the coach in his freshman and sophomore years. Lance Leipold, whom he described as a visionary, gave him his first opportunity to coach in 2009. “My first eight years out of high school were spent here as a student athlete and a coach, earning two degrees — for a young man who didn’t like school, it wasn’t easy for me. The people here and the coaches helped shape me and it’s my responsibility to give back.”
A player for UW-W from 2005-08, Rindahl was a three-year starter at linebacker and competed in four DIII championship games, winning in 2007. He was named 2008 Defensive Player of the Year by D3football.com, and finished his playing career with several All-America honors. Rindahl coached linebackers for UW-W during its run of three straight national championships from 2009-2011.
Jace left for the University of South Dakota for two years, where he served as running backs coach. His coach there had a motto, “It’s better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than to have an opportunity without being prepared.” It was there, Jace said, that he began thinking as a head coach. “I’m very fortunate,” he said, “there never was a plan B. Plan A was being a college coach.” The time away helped Rindahl to appreciate what we have here.
Rindahl described Kevin Bullis, who hired him back in 2015, as a great teacher. He was prepared when Bullis called him on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to say that he’d be announced as interim coach the next day.
“I’m 36 years young. I love challenges; I love being doubted, having my back against the wall. I love to compete — competing against the best is when you find out how good you are,” Jace continued.
“The program is in a great spot,” Rindahl claimed, as he said he didn’t foresee any major changes. He’ll be keeping the “Pound the Rock” mantra, though he also likes “Change your best; look in the mirror and realize you aren’t good enough.”
“The 2023 recruiting class is special because of our coaching staff….To the players, I’m excited – let’s go — let’s attack this thing one day at a time — it’s not about talking or tweeting — it’s about action, caring for others. We’ve got the right people here. I love you guys — go Hawks,” Rindahl concluded.
