Emporia State University football coach Dave Wiemers has been suspended for one game and will not serve as head coach for today’s game against Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.
The suspension comes as part of a self-reported violation ESU submitted to the National Collegiate Athletics Association. The team used an uncertified player in the final series of offensive plays in last week’s 48-10 victory over Fort Hays State.
“This was just a dumb, stupid mistake on my part,” Wiemers said in a news release. “I’m a stand-up guy and, due to my mistake, I need to serve the punishment of a one-game suspension.
“I apologize to the Hornet community, and I know our great players and coaches will rally to perform well.”
Dave’s father, Larry Wiemers, will serve as the head coach against SBU today.
All student-athletes must be certified as eligible by the institution before they are allowed to compete in NCAA competition. In this case, the player was a late walk-on and did not go through with the certification process with the rest of the team.
He has since been certified.
“Coach Wiemers made a mistake in trying to provide playing opportunities for all our student-athletes,” ESU Athletic Director Kent Weiser said. “It is a serious mistake, but not one that was made in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage.”
The NCAA will further investigate the matter to determine whether additional disciplinary action is needed. In previous cases, a one-game penalty was found to be sufficient punishment for such a violation.
If that holds true, Wiemers would be available to coach in next week’s home matchup against No. 7 Pittsburg State.
“We believe his suspension is in accordance with the precedent set by the NCAA in similar situations,” Weiser said.
Larry Wiemers, who is the linebackers coach for the Hornets, has the most head coaching experience on the ESU staff.
He served 19 years as head coach at Clay Center High School, leading the team to eight league titles, nine playoff berths and a 114-62 record. He was a volunteer assistant for three years at Saginaw Valley (Mich.) before joining the Hornet staff in 1999.
ESU will take on Southwest Baptist at 6 tonight in Bolivar, Mo. The Hornets (2-1, 1-0 MIAA) are going for their second consecutive victory.