Posted: Mar 24, 2008

Kessinger to Coach VSN Senior Classic Team

Grand Island, Neb. - Two legends of NAIA football will be the head coaches at the second annual Victory Sports Network Senior Classic on April 19th in Platte City, Mo. NAIA Hall of Famer Dr. Ted Kessinger and the recently retired Vic Wallace will coach the two squads.

"It is an honor to have these two legends coaching our senior game," said Jason Dannelly of the Victory Sports Network. "These are the type of coaches that athletes wished they could have played for at one time. Getting them back on the sidelines for one more game will be exciting for the players and fans of NAIA football."

"Coach K" spent his entire head coaching career at Bethany College. In 28 seasons with the Swedes, Kessinger had a 219-57-1 record with 16 Kansas Conference championships. His .794 winning percentage was one of the best among NAIA coaches all-time.

"It is a great honor to VSN to have such a respected man coaching in our game," said Dannelly. "Dr. Kessinger is truly a gentleman of the game."

In 2003 Kessinger was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. He took the Swedes to the NAIA playoffs 10 times, and his teams finished in the top 25 national rankings 20 times. He coached 24 All-Americans, 387 All-KCAC selections and was named KCAC coach of the year 11 times. In all of his years of coaching he never had a losing season, going 5-4 in his final season.

Vic Wallace retired in December after 14 seasons at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn. Prior to Lambuth, Wallace coached at St. Thomas in Minnesota and just down the road from the site of the game at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. In 27 years as a head coach Wallace's overall mark was 176-109-5.

"Wallace has been a mainstay in the NAIA for years," said Dannelly. "There are a lot of coaches and players across the country whose lives have been touched by him."

Coach Wallace's teams have won eight conference championships and made the playoffs 10 times. He was named Mid South Conference coach of the year seven times and was named the AFCA Regional coach of the year three times. During his tenure at Lambuth, his teams won four conference championships and made six appearances in the NAIA playoffs ('94- semifinals, '95- semifinals, '96- quarterfinals, '99- quarterfinals,'00-first round, `03- first round).

The Victory Sports Network's Senior Classic is a gathering of the best seniors from across the NAIA level of athletics. Last years game saw over 120 participants and well over 1000 attendees. The 2007 roster also saw 4 players signed to NFL contracts, 2 to the CFL and numerous others to AFL, AF2 and other professional contracts.

Outside of the outstanding play on the field, the players also participated in character talks with area elementary and high school students prior to the game.

Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. CST at Platte City's "Pirate Stadium". Admission is $5.