Central commemorates 50th anniversary of Schipper debut
Central College
PELLA — A half-century of athletic success will be celebrated Saturday as Central College commemorates the 50th anniversary of football coach Ron Schipper’s Dutch debut.
Schipper launched a 36-year Central career in 1961 and the Dutch have not had a losing season in that span. Central plays its home opener Saturday, taking on Augustana College (Ill.) in a 1 p.m. game at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium. Schipper, who also served as Central’s athletics director from 1965-93 built an athletics program that has produced 11 national team championships and 28 individual NCAA crowns. Central’s 410-98-3 (.807) football record in the past 50 years is the second-winningest percentage of any college or university in the U.S.
“A Half-Century of Winners: The Coach Schipper Tradition,” kicks off Friday with the annual Schipper Memorial Golf Tournament at the Bos Landen Golf Club in Pella. Schipper family members, including Joyce, will join the golfers for a dinner and short program following the tournament. Current Central coach Jeff McMartin and others will offer brief remarks. The meal and program are open to non-golfers as well.
Saturday, from 8-11 a.m., a memorabilia open house will be staged in room 216 of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Photos, scrapbooks and videos of Schipper and Central teams can be viewed and alumni are encouraged to bring their own memorabilia to share.
A pregame tailgate lunch under the Big Top will be offered, starting at 11 a.m. at the corner of West Third Street and Independence Street on campus. Cost is $6.50 per person.
At Saturday’s game, members of all 36 of Schipper’s Central teams will be recognized, with a special salute for his first squad, the 1961 team, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary reunion.
Immediately after the game, all Dutch alumni, fans and friends are invited to a free reception in H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. Several Central football alumni will offer remarks, with time for informal storytelling by others as well.
Post-reception parties will be staged for players and friends from the past five decades. Teams from the 1960s will gather at the Pella Country Club, while the 1970s and 1980s teams will be at Monarch’s restaurant and the 1990s and 2000s squads are invited to Sports Page Grill.
At 10 a.m. Sunday in the Chapel on campus, a worship service will be led by the Rev. Dave Henion ’75, a former Central football player.
For registration information and other details, contact the Central alumni office at 800-447-0287 or email alumni@central.edu.
