Monday, February 25, 2019
by Central Washington Athletic Communications

ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Head Football Coach Ian Shoemaker has accepted the offensive coordinator position at Division I FCS Eastern Washington University.
 
Shoemaker was the Wildcats' head coach for five seasons, leading the Crimson and Black to a 38-13 record during his tenure.  The Wildcats reached the NCAA Division II Super Region 4 playoffs in 2017 when Shoemaker led CWU to an 11-1 record.  Central has won back-to-back Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships.
 
"We never like to lose good coaches and especially coaches who have been instrumental in developing a championship culture like Coach Shoemaker has during his five years as our head football coach," CWU Director of Athletics Dennis Francois said.  "However, I understand and respect his decision to challenge himself professionally at the next level, and wish him nothing but success."
 
The Wildcats had eight All-Americans under Shoemaker in defensive back Isaiah Davis (2014), defensive lineman Tovar Sanchez (2014), wide receiver and returner Jesse Zalk (2015), linebacker Kevin Haynes (2016,2017), tight end Kyle Self (2017), defensive back Tyler Hasty (2017), offensive lineman James Moore (2017, 2018), and defensive lineman Bo Banner (2017).
 
After last season's 11-1 record, including an 8-0 record in GNAC play, Shoemaker was selected as the 2017 Don Hansen Super Region 3 Coach of the Year, GNAC Coach of the year, and placed seven players on all-region squads. Central Washington placed 34 players on the GNAC All-Academic squad during Shoemaker's tenure.
 
"Five-plus years ago, we were looking for three things in our next head coach," Francois added.  "First, a person of high character and integrity was a must.  A coach that would surround himself with a quality staff and recruit high-character student-athletes who have the academic and athletic aptitude to succeed at this level. 
 
"This is critical for every head coach hire.  Second, we were looking for a leader amongst our coaches.  Someone who would be able to gain the trust and respect of our entire athletics staff, and make decisions with more than just himself and the football program in mind. 
 
"And finally, a good football coach.  Winning is an important element of a positive student-athlete experience and we needed a good X's and O's coach, a great recruiter, and someone that was going to do it the right way with the right student-athletes.  Needless to say, Coach Shoemaker exceeded our expectations in each of these areas and he leaves the program on a solid foundation for continued success."
 
The 2018 Wildcats finished in the top three of 13 different Central Washington team categories, including setting seven records.  The Crimson and Black also set seven team game records, one individual season record, and five individual game records during the season.

Offensive Coordinator Christopher Fisk will assume the head coach duties, effective immediately. 
 
"I have loved my time at Central Washington University," Shoemaker said.  "I want to thank our donors, President [Jim] Gaudino, Dennis Francois, [Vice President for University Advancement] Scott Wade, and the CWU administration for their love and support the last five seasons.  The strides we made as a program are not possible without their continued support and commitment. 
 
"I especially want to thank our players.  This opportunity would not be possible without their dedication, hard work, and performance.  I'm proud of how the program has grown the last five years and what we were able to accomplish on and off the field.  I look forward to watching the continued growth of the Wildcat football program.
 
"I am confident the leadership, administration, and the coaching staff will sustain and continue to elevate the culture and development of the Wildcat Brotherhood."