January 8, 2000

Ouachita names new offensive coordinator, adds QB coach

ARKADELPHIA, ARKANSAS-Deron Huerkamp, assistant head football coach at Ouachita Baptist University, has been named offensive coordinator and Todd Cooley, a former Division II All-South Region quarterback, has been named quarterbacks/receivers coach in changes announced by Ouachita Head Coach Todd Knight.

Huerkamp, who came to Ouachita from Delta State University with Knight in 1999, has coached the offensive line and implemented a strength and conditioning program at Ouachita. He had previously served as offensive coordinator for six years at Delta State.

"I have all the confidence in the world in Deron," Knight said. "We've worked together for some time, and I couldn't be more pleased that he will direct our offense."

Cooley comes to Ouachita from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he coached quarterbacks and receivers for the champions of the northern division of the Lone Star Conference. A native of Nashville, Cooley set 13 school passing records in two seasons as a player for Arkansas Tech University. He also coached offensive backs at ATU before accepting the NSU position.

"In Todd Cooley, we're adding a first class person with experience coaching quarterbacks and receivers at two schools which won conference championships while he was there," Knight said. "He's an outstanding young talent. His record as a player and coach indicate that he understands the game and knows what it takes to be successful."

Cooley was one of 23 Division II players nominated for the Harlon Hill Award (Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy) in 1997. He was named to the Division II All-South Region team in 1997 and was three times named Gulf South Conference offensive player of the week.

Cooley was named a Gulf South Conference Scholar Athlete during his senior season. He was graduated with honors in English at Arkansas Tech University in 1998 and completed a masters of science degree last month at Northeastern State University.

by Jeff Root