Strohmeier Tabbed for NJCAA Hall of Fame, Ellis leads ICCAC Awards List as Reivers Prepare for NJCAA Playoff

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Wednesday was a big day in Reiver Country for Football Head Coach Scott Strohmeier.  The Watkins, Minnesota native was named the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference coach of the year by the ICCAC and also learned that he'll join Reivers Baseball Head Coach Marc Rardin in the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

"I'm honored for the recognition," said Strohmeier, "but it really says something for the people, the staff, coaches, and players that I've been able to surround myself with.  It's not something that an individual can earn on their own and I have a lot of people who have played a huge role in the success that we've had over the years, both here at Iowa Western and at NIACC (North Iowa Area)."

Strohmeier will be officially be inducted into the '2020' NJCAA Hall of Fame class as the association released the list for both 2020 and 2021 concurrently.  The full NJCAA release can be viewed here.

As if the NJCAA recognition wasn't enough, Strohmeier was also named as the Conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time in five seasons.  This year Strohmeier helmed the Reivers to the program's 4th undefeated regular season in his 13 years as he readies his team for Saturday's NJCAA Semi-Final playoff game against 4th ranked Snow College. 

The ICCAC also named Reiver linebacker Jacob Ellis Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts this season.  The sophomore linebacker from Granite Bay, California led the team in tackles (63), interceptions (4), and forced fumbles (4).  Ellis was one of six Reivers named to the ICCAC All-Conference defense, while four offensive players and three specialists also earned All-Conference honors.

IOWA WESTERN ALL-CONFERENCE 

Virtually every other Reiver starter and several reserves were named to the ICCAC All-Region teams.

Iowa Western faces Snow College on Saturday afternoon in Council Bluffs.  Tickets can be purchased in advance through the NJCAA for $15, with the day of price rising to $18.  The Reivers free tailgate sponored by Barley's Bar & Grill begins at 1:00 pm in the north parking lot at Lewis Central High School's Titan Stadium.

The game will be video streamed on pay-per-view by the NJCAA with the Reiver Sports Network providing the radio call on Iowa Western's 100,000 watt FM radio station, 89.7 the River, with Jake Ryan and Russ Nelsen on the mics for IWCC.

Follow the game on social media with the official Twitter & Facebook accounts of Reiver Football.