The Championship Subdivision News Log

DES MOINES, Iowa - New Drake football coach Chris Creighton makes his debut next week when the Bulldogs host Upper Iowa.

Creighton is Drake’s third coach in as many seasons, and he compared himself Wednesday to a person proposing marriage after two separations.

“For us to be special and to win championships, that marriage is going to have to get off on the right foot and go full-bore from the very beginning. At the same time, there are some natural walls that are probably built because of that,” Creighton said.

Creighton comes to Drake with an impressive resume. He spent the last seven seasons with Division III Wabash College, where he went 63-15 with four conference titles.

He replaces interim coach Steve Loney, who led the Bulldogs to a 6-5 mark in 2007. Former coach Rob Ash left after the 2006 season to take over at Montana State.

Creighton has quite the challenge ahead. The Bulldogs bring back just 11 starters, their fewest since 1993. Drake also needs to find a replacement for Scott Phaydavong, the school’s career rushing leader.

Quarterback Cole Ingle, back after throwing 11 TD passes in 2007, says the team must embrace change.

“If you love to play the game of football, which guys that come to Drake do, and you have a coach who shows that he cares and is committed to the program, it makes the change a lot easier,” Ingle said.

The Bulldogs were picked fifth in the Pioneer League’s preseason coaches poll. Drake has a chance to get off to a fast start with three of its first four games at home, starting with next Thursday’s opener against Upper Iowa.

The Bulldogs’ most pivotal contest appears to be a Sept. 27 home game against San Diego, the league’s preseason favorite.

Creighton set to start first season at Drake
The Associated Press c/o The Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-ia-drake-creighton,0,6227503.story