Story by Sam Gobert, Carroll University
WAUKESHA, Wis. -- Carroll University is pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Krzykowski to Assistant Athletic Director.
Krzykowski, who is beginning his ninth year as the school's head football coach/defensive coordinator, will officially step down following the conclusion of the 2019 season to begin the transition into his new role within the athletic department.
"I'm thrilled to have Mark join the administration team and use his many talents to impact a larger base of our talented student athletes," Carroll Interim Director of Athletics Michael Schulist said.
For Krzykowski, a 1994 graduate of Carroll, getting the opportunity to continue the next phase of his career at the university is special.
"I’m certainly excited to be taking on this role at my alma mater – Carroll is a special place and awesome things are happening here," said Krzykowski, who was named the 29th head coach in the program's 125-year history on March 1, 2011. "Mike Schulist is proving to be a great leader as our Director of Athletics and I look forward to working with him and others. Carroll University is an amazing institution in the truly wonderful city of Waukesha, Wisconsin – there is no doubt I feel blessed."
Krzykowski, a three-year standout linebacker for the Pioneers football team after transferring from the University of Wisconsin, earned a master’s degree in sport coaching and sport management in 1999 and added sport psychology in 2018.
Following a successful high school coaching career, he embarked on a five-year stint on the staff at Elmhurst College, returning to the Carroll football program as defensive coordinator in 2006 - eventually adding the title of Assistant Head Coach prior to the 2008 season under former coach Henny Hiemenz.
In eight seasons at the helm, Krzykowski has guided the Pioneers to a 40-40 overall record including five winning seasons (highlighted by impressive, statement-making eight-victory campaigns in 2012 and 2014 during his tenure).
Other noteworthy career highlights with the Pioneers include being named the Wisconsin Private College Coach of the Year in 2014 as Carroll gained national recognition with a No. 24-ranking in the American Football Coaches Association top-25 poll and coaching 61 all-conference players (including four conference Players of the Year and the Wisconsin Private School Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015).
"Before anything else – a very big “I love you and thank you for years of support to my wife, Jamie, and awesome daughters Savannah, Sydney and Serena. For 29 years I have been called Coach K but now it’s time for a change.
I have an opportunity to serve the students at Carroll University in a different way. After the 2019 season, I will transition to a new position as Assistant Athletic Director for Pioneer Athletics. I feel it’s a chance to serve and make a difference in the lives of people I am in contact with.
"During my time as head coach, WE have graduated the winningest class in school history, achieved a 3.0 GPA and built a culture of young men who give back to the community, conduct themselves with honor and integrity as well as graduate and move on to very successful careers.
"To the alumni I have had the pleasure to coach – we will continue to do everything possible to make you proud."
Carroll fourth-year offensive coordinator Tony Aker has been promoted to the position of Associate Head Coach with an extensive national search for a new head coach scheduled to begin Nov. 1.
For further information contact Carroll Interim Director of Athletics, Michael Schulist, at mschulis@carrollu.edu.
The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) was founded in 1946 and currently services nine member institutions including Augustana College (Rock Island, IL), Carroll University (Waukesha, WI), Carthage College (Kenosha, WI), Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL), Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL), Millikin University (Decatur, IL), North Central College (Naperville, IL), North Park University (Chicago, IL) and Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL). During the 2018-19 academic year, the CCIW honored over 2,200 academic all-conference recipients, 18 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, 43 CoSIDA Academic All-District recipients, and over 100 all-Americans.