November 21, 2008
(release courtesy of Paul Misner, University of Dubuque sports information director)

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . University of Dubuque Athletic Director Dan Runkle today announced the following changes in the coaching line-up.

Jason Berna, a native of Dubuque, joined the University of Dubuque in 2001 as head coach of both Spartan men’s and women’s soccer teams. In eight seasons, Berna has a 52-80-12 overall record in men’s soccer and a 75-68-10 overall mark in women’s soccer. He has been named as an assistant to the athletic director for external promotions, director of soccer operations for the men’s and women’s teams, and will continue as head women’s coach.

Brad Johnson, also a native of Dubuque, joined the University of Dubuque Spartans in 2004 as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Coach Berna is proud to announce the promotion of Johnson to head men’s soccer coach.

Johnson is an alumnus of Loras College, where he was a four-year All-Iowa Conference selection, an All-Region selection, and garnered Iowa Conference MVP honors in 2003.He holds the school's record for most points and goals scored in a career. Johnson graduated with a degree in finance and currently holds a United States Soccer Federation "D" License. He previously was the head coach at Dubuque Hempstead High School.

"The University of Dubuque is a great place to call home," commented Johnson. "I am looking forward to continuing the strong men’s soccer program built by Coach Berna since his arrival at the University.”

The Spartans finished the 2008 season in the semi-finals of the IIAC Tournament and ended the year with a 10-9 overall, 4-5 in IIAC with a fourth place finish, the school’s highest men’s soccer IIAC finish since soccer began as a varsity sport in 2001.

Head Football Coach Vince Brautigam along with assistant football coaches Jay Davis and Erik Ross will be leaving the University.

Brautigam joined the University of Dubuque in 2001, inheriting a program of only 21 players. Since then, he has not only built the number of athletes in the program, but also increased the diversity and quality of players. During his eight year tenure, the Spartans have produced 17 All-IIAC players (including five in 2008 and six in 2005), one All-American and one MVP of the prestigious Aztec Bowl. His overall record at UD is 22-58 and 14-52 in Iowa Conference action. The Spartans finished as high as third in the IIAC twice in back-to-back seasons 2006-2007. Last season, the Spartan football team finished with the school's best record since 1980 with a 7-3 finish.

Brautigam started his coaching career at St. Cloud State University from 1988-1990. In 1990, Brautigam became the head coach at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, Wis.

“I would like to thank Coach Brautigam and the football staff for helping to bring the Spartan football program to its current level,” stated Runkle. “I believe that changes are necessary in order to take our football program to the next, and more competitive, level within the Iowa Conference.”

The search for a new football staff will begin immediately.

Billy Porter, head men’s and women’s tennis coach, resigned in November after two seasons to pursue business opportunities in Chicago, Ill. Porter took over a struggling program after being named head men's tennis coach in May 2005, and in 2007 he was given the responsibility of the women's tennis program. He earned his B.A. degree in communication at the University of Dubuque while participating in the soccer and tennis programs and was a four-year letter winner in both sports.

His men’s team placed fifth in the IIAC in 2008 and fourth in 2007. His overall men’s coaching record was 35-21, 12-10 in the IIAC. In women’s competition, the Spartans were 6-15 overall, and 2-14 in the IIAC.

“I want to express my thanks to Billy Porter for the intensity, enthusiasm, and dedication that he brought to both tennis programs,” commented Dan Runkle. “These traits translated to his athletes and gave them the spirit to compete at their highest potential.”

The search for a new head men’s and women’s tennis coach has already begun.

Cole Tallman, head volleyball coach at the University of Dubuque for four seasons, will also be departing the University. He joined the University of Dubuque in 2005. Prior to that Tallman had been the coach at Division I Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, for two seasons. He was also the head coach of the volleyball programs at the University of St. Thomas (MN) from 2000-2003, Furman University (SC) from 1993-1998, Anderson College (SC) from 1988-1993 and Urbana University (OH) during 1980-1981 and spent four seasons as a volunteer assistant at the University of Georgia (1985-88).

His record at the University of Dubuque is 69-69 overall and 9-23 in the IIAC. His Spartan teams finished above .500 as a team in three out of four seasons at UD. He produced four All-Iowa Conference selections during his tenure.

“We would like to thank Cole for his dedication to the student-athletes at the University of Dubuque,” commented Dan Runkle. “I wish him the best as he moves into a new chapter in his life."

The search for a new head volleyball coach will begin immediately.

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