|
| Travis Rundle, former Albion quarterback and Illinois Wesleyan defensive coordinator, gets his first head coaching job. |
University of the South athletic director Mark Webb has announced that Travis Rundle has been named the 31st head football coach in Sewanee's history.
Rundle replaces Tommy Laurendine, who stepped down in February after six seasons. The Tigers were 0-10 this past season and 15-45 under Laurendine.
"My family and I would like to thank University of the South Vice-Chancellor John McCardell and Mark Webb for this opportunity," said Rundle. "We are honored to be a part of Sewanee with its strong academic reputation and historically rich football program."
Rundle comes to Sewanee after serving as the defensive coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach for the past six seasons at Illinois Wesleyan.
"Travis was selected from a truly outstanding pool of finalists to become our next head football coach," said Webb. "In addition to his highly successful coaching experience at Illinois Wesleyan, he distinguished himself with his clear vision for our program and his abiding commitment to Division III athletics. We look forward to the great things he will accomplish leading the Tigers."
During Rundle's tenure, Illinois Wesleyan was among the nation's best in scoring, rushing, passing, and total defense. Last season, the Titans ranked 35th or better nationally in eight defensive categories. That included being the top-ranked program in total defense and fourth-down defense in 2016.
In 2015, Rundle helped guide the Titans to top-33 rankings in 10 national statistical categories. Under Rundle's leadership, cornerback Tyrell Bolden was named a third team D3football.com All-American.
As a team, Illinois Wesleyan earned NCAA playoff bids in 2011 and 2013 while 26 defensive players earned All-CCIW awards.
Prior to his time at Wesleyan, Rundle served as a defensive coach at Penn State from 2004-2010.
No stranger to Division III, Rundle graduated in 2002 from Albion, where he was a four-year letterman and a member of three Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship teams. An All-MIAA quarterback for two seasons, Rundle set a number of single season passing records that still stand, including records for completions and attempts. Travis' father, Craig Rundle, is still head coach at Albion.
After graduating, he remained at Albion as an assistant coach for a season, helping with the linebackers and with recruiting, before becoming an assistant at St. Mary's (Calif.).
Rundle and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of two sons (Tyler and Grant) and a daughter (Rachel).