Application open

The search for a new football coach has officially begun.

Fort Recovery Local Schools posted the application form for the Fort Recovery High School head football coaching position on Wednesday to begin the search for its first new coach in 21 years.

“So applications opened (Wednesday) and the process will close on January 24,” said FRHS Athletics Director Amiee Pottkotter. “Then we’re hoping to do interviews the next two or three weeks after that. If possible, we’d want to have someone for the February board meeting or the March board meeting, probably at the latest.”

Pottkotter added that the timeline could change if the applicant they chose is also looking to be hired on within the school as a teacher or in another role as well.

Fort Recovery is looking to fill the position left open following Brent Niekamp’s decision to step down after 21 seasons. During his time as head coach, the Indians to eight playoff appearances and a state title in 2015. He finished with an 81-131 (38.2%) while climbing up as high as third in the Midwest Athletic Conference standings in 2015.

“Brent was around for 21 years and led us to a state championship,” said Pottkotter. “So it’s hard to follow up on that and that great dedication, but that’s what we’re looking for.”

During his final season as the Tribe’s coach, Fort Recovery went 2-9 and lost in the opening round of the playoffs to Marion Local. Niekamp also served as the FRHS athletics director from 2018-21.

For now, the Indians will have to wait for the hiring process to take place and hope they receive an applicant that can match the success that Niekamp brought to the program.

“That’s something that we’re looking for, someone who wants to be a part of Fort Recovery and wants to help our athletes be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Pottkotter said. “Our three main pillars of our Fort Recovery athletics culture guide our commitment, integrity and relationships. So we are looking for someone who would be able to instill all three of those in our student athletes and grow them into a great person after high school athletics.”