Roggeman To Lead Crimson Chargers
Elkhart Memorial has turned to a familiar face to lead the fortunes of its football program.
Bill Roggeman, a former assistant coach at EMHS, has been named the new head coach of the Crimson Chargers.
Roggeman replaces Kevin Downey, who resigned May 30 after two seasons to spend more time with his family. Roggeman, a Mishawaka High School graduate, last coached from 2007-09 as an assistant for Phil Teegarden at Memorial.
“We are excited about the enthusiasm and energy that Bill Roggeman brings to our football program,” said Memorial athletic director Frank Kurth in a release. “He has a wealth of experience, both as a head coach and as an assistant, and look forward to his leadership with our athletes.”
“The most impressive part of coach Roggeman is his focus and interest in the players and his genuine desire to help them grow as athletes and young men. Our administration feels Bill will come in and make an immediate positive impact, not only with our football, but our entire school community.
“He did an outstanding job for us as an assistant here in 07, 08 and 09 and we look forward to giving him the reigns of Crimson Charger football.”
There 53-year old Roggeman began his coaching career as an assistant to Teegarden at South Bend St. Joseph’s in 1981. He has also been an assistant coach at Mishawaka and Concord and was the head coach at Peru High School from 1989-94.
Memorial, which was 11-11 the past two seasons under Downey, opens its season versus city rival Central on Aug. 17.