RIPON, Wisconsin – Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator
Mike Hepp of the Ripon football program has been promoted to Associate Head Football Coach, announced by head football coach
Jake Marshall on Thursday.
"I am thrilled to announce Coach Hepp as the Associate Head Coach of our program," Marshall said. "He is an exceptional educator, not only in the game of football but also in equipping our student-athletes with the skills necessary for success. Coach Hepp exemplifies the values of Ripon College, both as a coach and a proud alumnus. We deeply appreciate his ongoing dedication and look forward to his continued leadership in advancing our program."
Entering his third season as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the Red Hawks, Hepp led a Ripon defense in 2024 that held four opponents under 20 points and allowed just seven points in its final two games combined.
Clay Ritschard was named a first team All-Midwest Conference linebacker after leading the league with 108 tackles. The Red Hawks were also in the top half of the MWC in both fumbles forced and fumbles recovered.
In 2023, Ritschard and
Gavin Engh each entered the Ripon single-season record books with 96 tackles and 7 sacks, respectively. Hepp headed up a defense that held six opponents under 24 points and held Lake Forest to its first game without a rushing touchdown all season. Through the air, the Foresters had their second-lowest passing yard total on the season as the Red Hawks forced 3 fumbles and 3 interceptions for its highest single-game takeaway total since forcing 8 turnovers against Grinnell on September 29, 2018.
"I'm honored to step into the role of Associate Head Coach at Ripon College, a place that has meant so much to me both as a player and a coach," stated Hepp. "Over the past two years as Defensive Coordinator, I've had the privilege of working with an incredible group of student-athletes and staff. I'm excited to continue building on our success and contributing to the growth of this program that has given me so much."
Before becoming defensive coordinator, Hepp previously served as Assistant Football Coach and coached the safeties, helping Ripon to the 2022 Midwest Conference championship. A 2012 graduate of Ripon College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Hepp played four years as an offensive lineman for the Red Hawks. He went on to earn a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology in 2021 from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.
Hepp also enjoyed coaching stops at Fort Hays State, Minnesota-Crookston, Ottawa (Kan.) and Campbellsport High School. In those stops, he mentored four athletes that spent time in the NFL, three All-Americans and over 20 all-conference honorees.
Ripon opens the 2025 football season at home on Saturday, September 6. Kickoff against North Park is set for 6 p.m.
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