FMHS AD hopes to have football spot filled by May

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BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - With Fort Madison Head Football Coach Tony Shiffman announcing his resignation on social media this morning, school officials are already in full recruitment mode.

Fort Madison High School Athletic Director Jeremy Swink said he posted the opening on Tuesday last week and has already formed a committee to review applications.

According to his Facebook page, Shiffman is leaving to take over as offensive line coach with the Foresters of Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill. Shiffman will be part of a transition at Lake Forest, as a new offensive coordinator was also hired this month.

Shiffman said he feels a solid foundation is in place and will miss the program.

"I enjoyed my time at Fort Madison immensely. The things we were able to do in two years were a testament to the kids and coaches we had in the program," Shiffman said.

"Some didn't always like what we did or how we coached, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. We always preached brick-by-brick and I feel like we laid a ton of bricks for the future foundation of the program. I will miss all the former Bloodhounds I was able to coach, but I know they will be in good hands."

Swink said he knew Shiffman had been looking, but he was surprised when he was told.

"You hear people are looking here and there and it doesn't really hit you until it happens, so, from that perspective, it was a bit of shock," Swink said Monday.

"He was a good fit here. He brought a lot of energy and excitement to the program which was great and we enjoyed having him."

Swink said the district will be accepting applications through Friday, April 12, and then take the following week to review applicants and select finalists to bring in for an interview. Those interviews would take place the following week and then a selection would be made before the end of the month.

He said he's already received numerous applications, but kept the names confidential pending the search process.

The interview committee includes Swink, another coach, a teacher, a member of the FMHS Athletic Boosters, a parent, and a student.

"We got a pretty solid committee put together to review the candidates and I have some ideas in the back of my mind to help us get the best fit possible," Swink said.

"But I'll keep those to myself, too, because I want the committee to have a voice in the process. I want them to be able to define what we want and don't want before we even look at the applications."

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