Athletics

Keith Otterbein’s relationship with Hillsdale began when he was recruited out of Southfield-Lathrup High School by beloved former coach and athletic director Jack McAvoy. Otterbein played for the Chargers from 1975-78 and went on to become the first player in school history to be named the team’s best linebacker three years in a row. He also earned the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete award while playing for Hillsdale. He didn’t wait long after graduating from Hillsdale in 1979 to get into the coaching profession. He put in time as a position coach under Dick Lowry at Hillsdale, and College Football Hall of Famer Herb Deromedi at Central Michigan University. After an apprenticeship under two highly acclaimed coaches, Otterbein made his mark by becoming the youngest head college football coach in the nation when he was hired by Ferris State University before the 1986 season. Taking the job at the age of 28, Otterbein quickly turned the Bulldogs into a national power, winning 30 of his last 36 games coached at the school and guiding the team to three Division II playoff appearances. He was named the Regional Coach of the Year following the 1992 and 1994 seasons at Ferris State. Otterbein then got a taste of coaching at the Division I level, leading the running backs at Ball State University from 1995-2001. A return to Hillsdale awaited in December 2001, when Otterbein was named the program’s sixth head coach since 1954. In 2009, Otterbein led the Chargers to their first NCAA Division II playoff game appearance, including a first-round win over Minnesota State—Mankato, and was named GLIAC Coach of the Year and Super Region 3 Coach of the Year. The Chargers followed up with another playoff appearance in 2010. Otterbein and his wife, Amy, have three children: Steve, ’07, Alyssa, ’09, and Brad, ’11.

Having one of our recent graduates, Jared Veldheer, '10, starting at left tackle in the NFL's Oakland Raiders is very exciting.

Hillsdale does everything with class as we pursue ARETÊ (a Greek word that describes reaching your highest potential or being the best you can be).

Embrace our school motto, "Virtus Tentamine Gaudet," (Strength Rejoices in the Challenge), in all phases of your life.

Our students are dedicated, involved, and hold themselves accountable for their education.

kotterbein@hillsdale.edu