Cornell begins first college football season under Coach Curt Ritchie

MOUNT VERNON – Curt Ritchie had chances to coach college football.

Not the right opportunities and not the ideal time. He passed due to family reasons and opted to continue his Hall of Fame high school career at Williamsburg.

With an empty nest at home and an open position at Cornell, the timing was right for a test.

“Now, the kids are all out of the house and they basically don't need me anymore,” Ritchie said. “I need something to do, I guess. I got bored and just wanted a new challenge.”

After 32 seasons at English Valleys and Williamsburg, 23 playoff appearances and the 2023 Class 3A state championship, Ritchie has brought his successful approach to Cornell. He takes over a program with a .500 record last season and was picked fifth in the Midwest Conference preseason coaches’ poll. The Rams host rival Coe in the Bremner Cup Series on Sept. 4.

“I always had this desire to do it and it just got to the point where you felt like this is the shot and believe in this place,” said Ritchie, replacing Dan Pifer who didn’t return after his fifth season as Cornell Coach. “I think it's a good place with good people and has a lot of things to offer and that you can build on.”

Cornell linebacker Luca Schoensee participated in the interviewing process. Some players were able to ask questions and meet with Ritchie. Schoensee said he was happy about the hire and a few traits caught his attention.

“Just his goals,” Schoensee said. “He's a family man. He's really strong in his faith and he's been very successful in the past with football. He's very smart. He knows what he's doing.”

Senior center Brett Pelfrey played for Iowa City West. He was familiar with Ritchie’s accomplishments and was excited for him to arrive.

“I say it was a really smooth transition, actually,” Pelfrey said. “It just seemed like we were almost ready for a new coach. And then we got one and he ended up being a really great coach. Coach Richie is a legend, Hall of Famer.”

Ritchie has empowered players in his short time in the program. He has entrusted seniors with responsibility and accountability to lead teammates. Instead of dictating what is done, players said Ritchie will ask what the players need and adjust accordingly.

“Coach Ritchie has done a good job of having a senior led team and not just putting it all on the coaches,” Rams wide receiver Cole Reed said. “Seniors have taken a lot of charge and helped with that, too. Coach Richie has definitely built a great culture ever since he's got here.”

Starting running back BooBoo Browning, the top returning rusher with 491 yards and three touchdowns, noted Ritchie has brough adrenaline to practice. The team has shown more enthusiasm, which is a signature of a good team and can lead to more improvement.

Ritchie’s impact has been more than schemes and systems on the field.

“He’s making everybody better,” Browning said. “It’s not just as a football player but he also wants to make you a better person as well.”

Ritchie said he was welcome with open arms from Day 1. The Rams have been open to his brand of football. He emphasizes grit, determination and conviction from start to finish on gameday.

“I think those are the things that I really feel good about with this group,” Ritchie said. “This group of seniors are really good leaders and I told the parents I wanted to see a team that's excited and confident and plays that way.”

Cornell returns five starters on offense and defense. The Rams bring back Schoensee at linebacker and defensive Julius Jenkins. They also return a lot in the secondary, including defensive backs Joshua Martin, Ben Ephraim and Zavion Jordan.

Ritchie said the defense might be a little ahead of the offense at this point. Schoensee said the unit will be fun to watch.

“We got we got a lot of guys returning from the last two years,” Schoensee said. “We got a lot of guys ready to fly around. Defense is all about family. There's 11 guys on the field, and if all 11 of us are doing our job, we're going to set ourselves up pretty good.”

The Rams have an experienced receiving corps, including starters Gavin Soukup, Reed and Rommel Pinner. They could have a prominent role in a pass-friendly offense.

“I feel like we could take over a whole game,” said Reed, who 386 yards and three scores on 41 catches last year. “I feel like that's the strongest part of our offense, right now. I have really high hopes for our offense, especially with our receivers.”

The Rams have some key figures to replace from last season. All-conference running back Tony Gomez and quarterback John Smith graduated. Browning will take over for Gomez, who served as Browning’s mentor the last three seasons.

“I’ll say it was weird at first,” Browning said about taking over for Gomez. “I’m very excited for the year, whatever comes. We’re hoping for a really good year.”

Senior Thomas Monken will start under center. He passed for 192 yards and four TDs in very limited action last season.

“We’re anticipating being able to throw the ball a lot to be able to run it,” Monken said. “That’s our motto.”

Pelfrey and all-conference guard Devin Quirarte are part of a strong interior line that will help the skill positions make plays. Cornell’s veteran linemen have played in big moments of big games.

“We have a lot of experience, old guys,” Pelfrey said with a laugh. “A lot of really good young guys too, that might step up and get some game time this year.”

The prospects of a new season under a new coach has generated additional excitement. The goal is to make a giant step and win a conference title.

“There were a lot of tight games last year that we should have pulled out,” Browning said. “(Ritchie) has been drilling in us to finish quarters. I feel like we can pull some of those games out. I feel like we can contend for our conference. I feel like there will be more gains this year.”

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