CUW's Gabrielsen announces retirement
MEQUON, Wis. -- Long-time Concordia head football coach Jeff Gabrielsen has announced his retirement from the college coaching ranks to accept a position as Athletic Director at New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Gabrielsen's name has been synonymous with Falcon football success since 1983. Prior to that time he played six seasons of professional football after graduating from Ripon College.

"Gabe" took over the CUW head coaching position in 1990 (after six years as an assistant) and has accumulated a 120- 57 overall record since that time. His teams most recently won IBFC conference championships in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 while earning NCAA post season appearances in three of those seasons.

Gabrielsen, who lives in Menomonee Falls with his wife, Jill, has four daughters: Jessica, Jolene, Jamie, and Janelle. Jamie plays D. 1 volleyball at UWM and Janelle has accepted a full scholarship to play volleyball at UW starting next fall.

"I wish Concordia University and the football program all the best in the future. I will treasure all the wonderful experiences my family and I have enjoyed throughout the years. Go Falcons!", said Gabrielsen's parting message.

"Coach Gabe has been an incredibly effective teacher, mentor, and coach at Concordia for a quarter century. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. He leaves enormously big shoes to fill, but we wish him well in his new venture. We will move forward to find Concordia's next football coach and seek to build on the terrific tradition of Falcon football that Gabe helped to form," said Concordia President Patrick Ferry.

Added CUW athletic director Rob Barnhill, "It has been a true pleasure to work alongside of coach Gabrielsen for the past eight seasons. He has made a positive impact on the lives of so many young people and has been a valued member of the athletic department. We will miss him- yet we do wish him well in this new chapter of his life."

Courtesy of Concordia University Wisconsin, Sports Information Department, March 13, 2008.