2024 SPEAKERS
Keynote Speaker
Rick Jones
University of Missouri
11-MAN
Ryan Gottula
Lincoln Southeast
Gottula, Head Football Coach at Lincoln Southeast, has been a guiding force since 2011. With an impressive tenure marked by 10 Playoff Appearances, 5 Conference Championships, and the crowning glory of a Class A State Championship, he brings a wealth of experience and success to the field. Join us as he delves into the intricacies of the Duo Play and Play-Action Throws, sharing the playbook insights that have defined his program’s journey to excellence.
Brent Bauer
Ogallala
Coach Brent Bauer has been at the forefront of football coaching, currently serving as the Head Coach at Ogallala High since 2017. Prior to this, he led Wisner-Pilger High from 2008 to 2016 and made a significant impact at Loup City High in 2004-2005. His coaching journey includes a role as Assistant Coach at Grand Island Sr. High from 2006 to 2007. Throughout his career, Coach Bauer has secured three District Championships (2009, 2019, 2023) and guided teams to four Playoff Qualifiers (2008, 2009, 2019, 2023). He has also made notable contributions to All-Star Games, serving as Head Coach for the Western Nebraska All-Star Game in 2021 and Assistant Coach in 2019. In 2015, he assumed the role of Assistant Coach for the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Game. Off the field, Coach Bauer is supported by his wife, Wendy Bauer, who serves as the Director of Football Operations. Together, they are proud parents of two children, Jacoby Bauer and Blakely Bauer.
Jordan Conner
Doniphan-Trumbull
Meet Jordan Connor, an accomplished figure in the world of football coaching, currently serving as Head Football Coach since 2021. With an extensive coaching journey, he has been the Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator since 2014, previously holding roles as the Defensive Backs & Wide Receivers Coach in 2013. Jordan’s dedication to the sport began as a Graduate Assistant at Hastings College from 2010 to 2012. His leadership and strategic prowess led to a significant milestone with a State Championship in 2013 and consistent Playoff Qualifications in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Join us as Jordan shares invaluable insights on “Developing the Foundations for Your Program,” drawing from a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
Curtis Larsen
Plattsmouth
Currently serving as Head Football Coach since 2021, Larsen has been an integral part of the team’s success. A State Championship in 2013 and consistent Playoff Qualifications in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With a diverse coaching background, including roles as Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator since 2014, Defensive Backs & Wide Receivers Coach in 2013, and a Graduate Assistant at Hastings College from 2010 to 2012, Larsen draws from a tapestry of success. Join us as he shares insights and strategies for “Utilizing Shifts & Motions for Explosive Plays.”
Rashawn Harvey
Kearney Catholic
A graduate of Martin County High School in Stuart, FL, Rashawn continued his football journey at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he not only played but also earned both a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology. Currently, Rashawn serves as the Head Football Coach at Kearney Catholic High School, completing his impressive 20th year with the Stars and the past 8 as the Head Coach. Under his guidance, the Stars have achieved remarkable success, reaching 3 state semifinals, 4 quarterfinals, and making 6 playoff appearances in just 8 years. Apart from his coaching duties, Rashawn also contributes as the Assistant Director of the TRIO-SSS program at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. When he’s not coaching, Rashawn enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer and their three daughters, Jessamyn, Jolissa, and Janessa. His topic of expertise, “Adaptations in Zone Run Schemes,” promises to provide valuable insights into the strategic evolution of football play.
8-MAN
8-MAN
Jim Clarkson
Clarkson Leigh
Hailing from Hamilton, MT, Jim Clarkson embarked on a dedicated career in education and football. A University of Nebraska alumnus, he commenced teaching at Clarkson Public Schools, where he has made a lasting impact for the past 26 years, including a remarkable 24-year tenure as the head coach at Clarkson/Clarkson-Leigh. As a family man, Jim is the proud father of two girls, Kyla and Kanon, and his wife Holly serves as a second-grade teacher in Clarkson. Currently serving as the Vice President of the Nebraska Eight Man Coaches Association, Jim Clarkson takes pride in being an integral part of the esteemed coaching fraternity in Nebraska High School Football. At the #PoweredUP Clinic, Jim will be sharing his insights on “Defensive Prep and Philosophy,” offering a unique perspective honed over decades of experience in coaching and education.
Jessi Owen
Ainsworth
In his fourth year as the head coach at Ainsworth High School, Jessi Owen has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the team. Before 2022, Ainsworth had endured over two decades without a winning season, lacking a playoff win, and securing only one district title. However, under Owen’s leadership, the team achieved unprecedented success in consecutive seasons, claiming the district championship, maintaining an unblemished record in the regular season, and securing a coveted playoff victory. Recognizing his significant contributions, Owen was honored with the Berens coaching award in 2022. Jessi will be sharing valuable insights on “Outside Zone/Utilizing a Wing, Using Space,” providing a unique perspective on the strategic elements that contributed to Ainsworth’s turnaround and success on the field.
David Stoddard
Stanton
With 23 years dedicated to coaching football in Stanton, David Stoddard has cultivated a remarkable legacy working alongside outstanding student-athletes, fellow coaches, and community members. Throughout his tenure, he achieved notable honors and accomplishments, most notably leading the Stanton Mustangs to clinch the 2023 Class D1 State Championship as the Head Coach. Additionally, Stoddard served as an Assistant Coach for the 2023 Nebraska NEMFCA/SERTOMA All-Star Football team and the 2022 Shrine Bowl. His contributions were further acknowledged with the 2020 Class D-1 Huskerland-Behrens Award. In 2004, he played a pivotal role as the Defensive Coordinator when the Stanton Mustangs secured the Class C2 State Runner-Up position. Delve into the strategic brilliance of “Mustang Defensive Strategies” presented by Stanton Football Defensive Coordinator, Matthew Peter
Lance Steffen
Elmwood-Murdock
Entering his sixth year at Elmwood-Murdock High School, Coach Lance Steffen has showcased remarkable coaching expertise. Under his leadership, the Knights achieved a commendable 7-2 record in 2023, securing a spot in the Class D-1 playoffs. Notably, the team reached the Class D-1 Quarterfinals with an impressive 9-2 record in 2022. Throughout his seven-year tenure as a head coach, Coach Steffen’s teams have consistently qualified for the playoffs, reaching the Quarterfinals twice. A 2014 graduate of Peru State College, Coach Steffen brings a wealth of experience, having also coached at Perkins County in Grant, NE, both as an assistant and head coach. Together with his wife, Katie, Coach Steffen is a proud parent to three children: Titus (6), Eloise (4), and Magnus (3). Coach Steffen will share insights on “E-M Drills and Run Game,” drawing from his extensive coaching experience and recent successes with the Elmwood-Murdock Knights.
Mitch Roberts
Johnson-Brock
Roberts, hailing from Blue Springs, NE, is a dedicated individual with a passion for both education and sports. Having pursued his education at Peru State College, he not only earned a valuable degree but also showcased his athletic prowess as a four-year baseball player. In 2012, Roberts embarked on a fulfilling journey in the field of education, joining Johnson-Brock as a teacher. His commitment and expertise in football led him to become the assistant football coach in 2013, eventually rising to the position of head coach in 2015. Currently wearing multiple hats, Roberts serves as the athletic director, head football coach, and assistant track coach at Johnson-Brock. Beyond the field, he cherishes family time with his three young children, fostering a shared love for the game of football. With an impressive track record, Roberts has led his teams to the playoffs in all nine seasons as head coach, achieving notable milestones including four quarterfinal appearances and one state championship.
PAST SPEAKERS
Kurt Frenzen
Columbus Lakeview
Coach Frenzen is a 1992 graduate of Fullerton High School. After high school Kurt moved onto Midland Lutheran College where he played football for the Warriors. After a successful playing career he was able to join the coaching staff and coach the offensive line in 1996. After the 1996 season Coach Frenzen accepted his first teaching and coaching job at Hastings High School. While at Hastings High he earned his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After four years and helping to assist the Tigers to a couple of semifinal appearances, he accepted a teaching and head coaching position at Lakeview High School in 2001. Coach Frenzen has been at Lakeview ever since. While at Lakeview, the Vikings have reached the playoffs 11 times, won four district titles, finished as district runner-up 10 times and won the C-1 State Championship in 2021. Kurt was the Head Coach of the North Shrine Bowl Team in 2021. The North won that year 10-7. Kurt along with being the head football coach is currently the Dean of Students and teaches strength training. Kurt and his wife Kelly have three daughters, Makenna (21), Molly (18), and Haley (18).
Chad Fox
Wahoo
Chad Fox is the Head Football and Head Track Coach at Wahoo Public Schools based in Wahoo, Nebraska. Coach Fox started his career in 1993 as the Assistant Football Coach for Freemont Bergan. After a couple of years at Gibbon and a longer stint at Papillion-LaVista, Fox took the Head Coaching position at Wahoo High School in 2002. During his storied 21 year coaching career, Coach Fox has amassed a winning record of 149 wins and only 64 losses. With a State Championship in 2019, Fox’s programs have also secured spots in 6 District Championships, 18 State Playoff Qualifiers, 9 State Quarterfinals, and 4 State Semi-finals.
Kurt Earl
Lincoln Christian
Earl began teaching at Lincoln Christian in 2006 and has been a member of the football coaching staff since. After serving eight years as the team’s offensive coordinator, Earl was named head football coach at Lincoln Christian High School in 2016. He has filled many roles at Lincoln Christian. Currently Coach Earl is the Activities Director, Athletic Performance, Bible Teacher, and Varsity Football Coach. He graduated from Concordia University in the spring of 2005 with a degree in Secondary Education with endorsements in History, Physical Education, and Coaching. In 2015 he completed a Master’s in Religion with an emphasis on Christian Leadership at Liberty University.
Matt Turman
Omaha Skutt
Coach Matt Turman returns to Skutt Catholic as the Head Coach. Turman graduated from University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He played quarterback for the National Champion Nebraska Cornhuskers under the legendary Coach Tom Osborne. He has led the Skyhawk football team since the year 2002 and has seen great success with three state championships and two runner-up trophies.
Jeremy Reimers
Bridgeport
Coach Reimers has been the Head Football Coach at Bridgeport High School since 2019. Impressively, just one year after taking over the head coaching position Reimer earned himself the title of being the Class C-2 Coach of the Year in 2020. In Reimers most recent season, his team compiled a 6-3 record going undefeated in their district games.
Jessi Owen
Ainsworth
Prior to the 2022 football season Ainsworth Football had never won a playoff football game or had come close to a perfect regular season. This year, Owen was able to lead his team to a 9-1 season and go undefeated in district games. In his recent success, he was named 2022 Huskerland’s Class D-2 Berens Coaching Award winner.
Randy Geier
Wauneta Palisade
Mr. Randy Geier happily began his career as a superintendent at Wauneta-Palisade in 2012. He previously served as principal at Wauneta-Palisade for three years (2006-2009) and is pleased to have the opportunity to return to the district in a new role. According to maxpreps.com Geier led the Wauneta-Palisade Football Program to a 30-19 record from 2004-2008.
Lance Steffen
Elmwood Murdock
Coach Steffen is in his 5th year at Elmwood Murdock High School. In 2021 the Knights returned 14 starters, seven on each side of the ball, from a squad that went 5-4 and made the Class D-1 playoffs. In the most recent 2022 season, Coach Steffen and his team rolled into their sixth consecutive win moving them to 8-1 on the year and into round two of the Class D1 state playoffs. At the end of the year his team landed 9-2 going undefeated in district games.
Interested in speaking at one or more of our clinics?
Please complete the following information and email headshot picture to clinics@sidelinepower.com. We will be putting information on our clinic website and our clinic brochure. We are hoping to get a balance of offensive, defensive, special teams, culture, and program development topics.
SPEAKER COMPENSATION PACKAGE: $100 per speaking session. Speaker may bring one assistant coach to clinic free of charge.