Schurig thankful for 'a great ride' after two decades leading Ichabods

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Former Washburn University football coach Craig Schurig opened up, after the school announced he will not return next year.

As one door closes, another one opens. Schurig said he disagreed with the process that led to his dismissal after 22 seasons leading the Washburn football program. Nonetheless, he's grateful to have been an Ichabod.

"I want to thank my family," Schurig said, "it was a great ride. We enjoyed it and enjoyed being part of the Washburn family for so long."

He acknowledged winning just five games over his final two years was less than ideal.

"I can understand when you have two losing records being removed from the job," he said, "but, the way the process was, or the total evaluation process, I didn't agree with and I tried to give my side of it."

Schurig pointed to successful campaigns in 2021 and 2022 when he led teams to 9-7 wins respectively. He attributed the more recent struggles to rosters dominated by young, developing players.

"I thought the way we played was really impressive," he said, "particularly with freshman and sophomores."

He expects those players will have more success over the next couple of years.

"Program is in great shape now, and hopefully the players stay," he said. "Cause they can be a powerful team in 2025, 2026 and beyond."

Washburn first named Ichabod alum Zach Watkins as the interim head coach before officially giving him the job Tuesday, Nov. 26. It's great pick according to Watkins' predecessor.

"There's no question," Schurig said. "Really strong leader. I think he loves Washburn and he's been a very impressive coach."

Schurig expressed his gratitude to all the people who made the last two decades in Topeka possible. He also said he's still got plenty of coaching left in him.

"It's a special community and it's been a great ride," Schurig said, "and looking forward to the next chapter, you know, I'll carry everything I learned at Washburn with me."

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