Mar. 21, 2006
MARIETTA, Ohio — Todd Glaser, who helped revitalize Marietta College's football program the past three seasons, is stepping down as the Pioneers' head coach in order to helm the football program at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

MC Athletics Director Debbie Lazorik made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday afternoon (March 21) in the Board of Trustees Conference Room. Glaser was traveling to Wisconsin and unavailable for comment.

Glaser informed the Marietta players during a special meeting Monday night. He was expected to officially accept the UW-Eau Claire job at noon Tuesday and be introduced at a press conference Wednesday.

"I am saddened by the news but wish Todd all the best," Lazorik said. "I am thankful for the three years he spent at Marietta and the strong foundation he built for our football program. Todd accomplished much in a short period of time and he did it the right way — good people, strong work ethic, integrity and a commitment to the academic and athletic success of his players."

Curt Wiese, who has served as Glaser's offensive coordinator the past three seasons, is taking over the reigns for Marietta.

"I have learned a lot as a person and as a coach from Todd. He has done wonderful things for this program's growth and I am thankful to be able to follow in his shoes," Wiese said.

Glaser, who was named Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2004, was 13-17 during his stint. However, the program was on the upswing with a 6-4 mark in 2004 and 5-5 in 2005 in the nation's toughest NCAA Division III conference.

In the past two years, 12 Pioneers were named all-conference under Glaser's watch.

President Jean Scott expressed her deep appreciation for Glaser's service and devotion to Marietta College.

"I offer my personal thanks, and those of Marietta College, to Todd Glaser for the difference he has made in his three years with us," said Dr. Jean Scott, Marietta's president. "He has restored a winning tradition to the football program, turning the program around in a very short time. More important than the win-loss record is the emphasis on academic achievement, personal integrity and sportsmanship that Todd has instilled in his players."

Glaser, who played outside linebacker at Eau Claire in the early 1990s, takes over a Blugold program that has a long tradition of winning. Under the direction of Todd Hoffner, UW-Eau Claire went 6-4 last season, including a 5-2 mark in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Hoffner resigned on Feb. 10 to become the offensive coordinator for Ed Meierkort’s South Dakota Coyotes, a Division II program.

Hoffner is tied for second with Ade Olson in all-time football coaching victories at Eau Claire behind Hall of Fame coach Link Walker. He finished with a 42-28 (.600 winning percentage) overall record and a 29-20 mark in WIAC contests.

Glaser left Eau Claire after the 2002 season to replace Gene Epley at MC. Glaser was the Blugolds' defensive coordinator from 1999-2002. Prior to that he was the defensive line coach from 1993-94 and linebackers/special teams coach from 1997-98.