New coaches prepared to begin a winning tradition

In the latest and perhaps most major of the many changes that the Oberlin athletic department has undergone over the past several months, Jeff Ramsey became head football coach shortly before the semester began. Jane Wildeman is joining the Oberlin athletic department as the new women's soccer coach, replacing Blake New who is now coaching the men. In addition to her soccer expertise, she has experience as a head softball coach and may be instrumental in establishing softball as a varsity sport at Oberlin in the near future, Athletic Director Mike Muska said.

Ramsey has coached all across the country since graduating from the University of California-Davis in 1983. He began there as an assistant coach for running backs, tight ends and offensive tackles, and he was head coach and offensive coordinator for the freshman team there. He moved on to the University of Illinios, where he was a graduate assistant, coaching the running backs and tight ends, and then to Marietta College for a year as defensive backfield coach. He then coached wide receivers and tight ends for three years at the Univesity of Nevada-Reno, and spent two years as assistant coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Sonoma State Univesity.

Ramsey last coached four seasons ago, and moved to Oberlin with his family in 1995 after his in-laws had retired to Oberlin. He said that Oberlin was just a great fit for his family, and that when the position became available, "I felt my family was ready for me to return to coaching," Ramsey said.

Wildeman graduated from Wooster, and went on to become a graduate assistant at Denison. She was head women's soccer coach at Susquehana before leaving for Oberlin. Muska says that Wildeman will at first work in tandem with current men's and former women's head soccer coach Blake New to integrate herself into Oberlin athletics, and that Muska will work with her in developing a softball program a year or two down the line.

Track and assistant footbal coach Earnest Wilson is also leaving in order to pursue a coaching career in the professional ranks. He has been hired as the head coach of the Arena Football League's Dayton Skyhawks. But despite the bustle of activity over the past months, Muska says that the dust has mostly settled. "I think everybody else is coming back at this point," he said.

Ramsey said that he understands the unique nature of Oberlin and Oberlin football, having lived here the past several years and become acquainted with many professors, players and others involved in Oberlin athletics. He does see many problems, and one of his first and most critical goals is to increase the size of the squad to equal that of other NCAC teams. But he says that there are many positive aspects to the Oberlin program that have been overlooked with the team's lack of success over the ast several seasons. Ramsey says that the high academic standards of Oberlin are not a detriment but a benefit to the football program. "I would much rather coach intelligent student-athletes who have the ability to solve problems, who can think critically and who can think on their feet," Ramsey said.

Ramsey also said that the first key to a winning football program is a positive, nurturing and suportive environment not just in the athletic department or among athletes but in the college community as a whole. "The network of support on campus amongst the students creates a positive working atmosphere," he said.

Ramsey said that the campus and community are ready to accept a winning football program, and that it will happen.

"Just to be part of Oberlin College is a tremendous feeling. It's great to be here," Ramsey said.

Shining faces: New women's soccer coach Jane Wildeman may be the seed of an Oberlin varsity softball team. (photo by Stephen Menyhart)
Coach Ramsey: The Yeomen will take the gridiron next year under new management. (photo by Stephen Menyhart