Two possible coaching milestones are part of the excitement of "Hometown Week" at Hope that begins today. Football coach Dean Kreps and volleyball coach Becky Schmidt need one win to reach 100 and 300 career wins, respectively.
Kreps is aiming to become the third MIAA coach to win 100 games in his career. He would join the coach he replaced at Hope, Ray Smith, who won 148 games over 25 seasons before retiring in 1994, and Alma's Jim Cole, who had 114 games over 21 seasons before retiring in 2011.
In 19 seasons as head coach, Dean has guided the Flying Dutchmen to six MIAA championships while posting a 99-84 overall record and 78-32 mark in conference games. The conference wins are the second most in the MIAA history behind Ray Smith's 91.
Kreps is part of an elite group of MIAA coaches to win six or more conference football championships during their career. He was the fifth coach in the 114-year history of MIAA football to accomplish the feat.
Schmidt's nine-year Hope record thru the 2012 season is 261-69. Her collegiate coaching record, which includes three seasons (33-33) at the University of Redlands, Calif., is 299-102. Entering the 2012 season, Becky ranked 25th nationally among active NCAA Division III coaches.
The Flying Dutch won more than 20 matches for nine consecutive seasons.
Hometown Week, sponsored by Lorence & VandeZwart, begins tonight with a 7 p.m. women's soccer match against Saint Mary's at Van Andel Soccer Stadium. It is Senior Night, with
The exciting Hometown Week action features giveaways and fireworks.
Lorence & VanderZwart is giving away a limited number of passes that will provide admission to all four sporting events during week. Fans can stop by their office at 240 South River Ave. in Holland to pick up a pass as well as an item of Hope fan gear while supplies last.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the second-ranked Hope volleyball team will host Adrian College for a 6:30 p.m. match on the DeVos Fieldhouse Main Court.
On Saturday, there is a doubleheader beginning with the 5 p.m. Hope men's soccer match against Adrian at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
Then at 7 p.m., the Hope football game plays Kalamazoo College at Ray & Sue Smith Stadium. There will be a post-game fireworks show thanks in part to support from Lorence and VanderZwart, Barber Ford, Windmill Restaurant and 92.7 The Van and 1450 WHTC.
