July 6, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
For the first time in the history of Illinois State football, the program will have a full-time video coordinator with the hiring of Rick Geitz on Thursday.
In years past, the video has all been handled by student interns. Head football coach Denver Johnson appreciates the work and the loyalty by the former students, but is looking forward to having a full-time coordinator handle all the video needs for him and his coaches.
"I'm ecstatic about having this position filled and adding Rick to our staff," Johnson said. "There have been such tremendous advances in technology with video. When I first started coaching, it was 16mm film and now it is all high-tech digital that is all stored on a computer. Because of the technology involved, we really needed a person that was in-tune with that, as well as someone who has an understanding of the game and the coaches. I think we have found that in Rick."
Geitz has worked the last three years as the master control operator at KPTH-TV in Sioux City, Neb. Prior to his stint at KPTH, Geitz worked in intercollegiate athletics. From 2000-02, he served as the football video coordinator at Boise State, after working two years at Drake with the same title.
"I'm happy to be a part of the Illinois State family," Geitz said. "I've heard a lot of great things about the university and athletics department. I'm also pleased to be staying in the Midwest and I'm very familiar with the Gateway Football Conference and its members. I'm just looking forward to working with Denver Johnson and his staff and I hope to be a part of a conference championship, while making a run at the national title."
Prior to working in video, Geitz got his start in collegiate coaching. For two seasons, Geitz served as the special teams coordinator at Drake, before working four years at Simpson College. At Simpson, he mentored the wide receiver, tight end and offensive line positions.
Geitz earned a Bachelor's Degree in business administration from Wartburg College in 1991. He and his wife, Stefanie, have been married for eight years.
Geitz will officially begin working at Illinois State on July 10.
