November 9, 2005
Release courtesy of Darren Miller, Cornell College sports information director

MOUNT VERNON , IOWA . . . Ray Reasland, head coach of the Cornell football team for the past four seasons, has resigned, effective Nov. 23.

“It’s clear that my efforts in the athletic department are not enough to help our student-athletes compete consistently in the top half of the Iowa Conference,” Reasland said. “I would like to thank my immediate family for their unwavering support during my 13 years of service to Cornell. I would also like to wish the entire Ram family the best of luck in the future. Cornell is an excellent academic institution and holds a special place in my heart.”

The Rams have compiled a 12-27 record under Reasland, winning all four season-openers. In the Iowa Conference, Cornell has gone 7-25.

While at Cornell, Reasland was a tenure-track faculty member, assistant football coach, head football coach, assistant athletics director, strength training coordinator, Hilltop Fitness coordinator and full-time recruiter.

“Coach Reasland has been an outstanding role model for our student-athletes, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Cornell Athletics Director Tina Hill said. “He has contributed significantly to the Cornell community and he will be missed.”

Reasland replaced Steve Miller as head football coach in 2002 and posted back-to-back 4-6 seasons before slipping to 2-8 in 2004. The Rams are currently 2-7 and conclude the season at home Saturday against Wartburg.

Reasland produced three first team All-Iowa Conference performers at Cornell in wide receiver Matt Ditch (twice, 2002-03), defensive back Darnell Wiltz (2002) and linebacker Chet Knake (2002). Dan Latimer was a second team defensive back in 2003.

Reasland rejuvenated the Cornell baseball program, winning 91 games from 1994-2001 and earning recognition as Iowa Conference Coach of the Year in 2000. As a high school football coach, he led New Hampton to its first three postseason berths in 1989, ’90 and ’92, compiling a 3-3 record in the playoffs.

Reasland’s wife, Nancy, is assistant director of Cornell’s Student Health Services. Their oldest son, Aaron, is a senior baseball player at the University of Iowa. Neal is a sophomore playing baseball at Wheaton ( Ill.) College.

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