Friday, March 1, 2019
by Central Washington Athletic Communications

ELLENSBURG, Wash. – With the departure of Ian Shoemaker, offensive coordinator Chris Fisk has been named the new Central Washington University head football coach. 
 
"Our young men have battled their tails off over the last three years to put me in this position," Fisk noted.  "This opportunity is only possible through their dedication and performance.  I feel really good about where we are heading and continuing the work that Coach Shoemaker started.  When [Director of Athletics] Dennis [Francois] introduced me to the team and I saw the team's reaction, I was humbled in that moment.  I am excited for the opportunity and the challenge.  I want to thank President [Jim] Gaudino, Dennis, and [Vice President for Advancement] Scott Wade for their support and trust."
 
Fisk joined the Wildcats' staff in spring 2016 as the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator. 
 
The Wildcats won back-to-back GNAC Championships in 2017 and 2018 during their climb to becoming one of Super Region 4's top programs.  Fisk takes over the program after an 8-3 season, in which the Crimson and Black finished 7-1 in GNAC play. 
 
"We are excited and fortunate to be able to appoint Chris Fisk as our next head football coach," Director of Athletics Dennis Francois said.  "He has been an instrumental part of Coach Shoemaker's staff.  We want to thank Ian for his work the last five years.  I am confident in Coach Fisk and his staff's ability to continue to elevate our football program."
 
Shoemaker and Fisk guided the nation's second-best offense in 2018.  The Wildcats were also ranked fourth in third-down conversion percentage (50 percent).  The Crimson and Black had the GNAC's top offense (540.9 yards per game).
 
Fisk's offensive line paved the way for the nation's ninth-best rushing attack in NCAA Division II in 2018, accumulating 2,999 rushing yards and sporting two separate 1,000-yard rushers. 

In 2017, under Fisk's tutelage, the CWU offensive line was regarded among the best in the nation, giving up just 14 sacks on the season and produced the nations 11th best rushing offense, which was a 100-spot improvement from 2015.
 
In 2015, Fisk helped guide Southern Oregon to an 11-3 record and had the 11th ranked scoring offense in the nation averaging 39.4 points a game.  The Raiders ranked seventh in total passing offense and eighth in total rushing after totaling 3003 yards on the ground.
 
During Southern Oregon's NAIA championship run in 2014, Fisk's offense ranked first in the nation with 5,745 passing yards and was second in the nation with a 48-percent conversion rate on third down.  In 2014 the Raiders set school records for total offense, passing offense and scoring.
 
Prior to Southern Oregon, Fisk spent nine years at the University of Mary (N.D.).  He played collegiately at the University of Jamestown (N.D.) and Southwestern College (Kan.). 
 
He resides in Ellensburg with his wife, Jessie, and their two daughters Avery and Shaunessy.

"I want to thank my wife, Jessie, and my daughters, Avery and Shaunessy, for their support through the years," Fisk said.
 
Fisk will continue to coach the offensive line, a task he has performed since joining Central.