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Phil Ockinga hiring

Football WIU Athletic Communications

Western Football Announces Hiring of Phil Ockinga

Ockinga will coach the wide receivers and serve as recruiting coordinator

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois head football coach Bob Nielson announced the hiring of Phil Ockinga as an addition to his coaching staff. The new assistant coach will work with the wide receivers and also serve as recruiting coordinator.
 
Former wide receivers coach Mark Watson will move over to defense and coach the cornerbacks.
 
"We're excited to announce Phil Ockinga's addition to our coaching staff. He brings a wealth of experience to our wide receivers group, and extensive recruiting ties in the midwest and southern parts of the country," said Nielson. "The promotion of our current staff members is indicative of the strong group of coaches we have in our program."
 
Ockinga worked the last two years at Hutchinson Community College, serving as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator in 2014 while coaching the running backs, tight ends and special teams. HCC ranked sixth nationally in total offense (502.2 ypg), 11th in scoring (42.9 ppg), and fifth in rushing (274.1) while winning a conference title. He coached the league's Offensive Player of the Year as Hutchinson set the best record in program history at 11-1.
 
He spent four years at Florida International in various capacities, beginning as a graduate assistant coach then moving into the role as linebackers coach and director of player personnel. FIU ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 36th nationally in rushing defense. During the two years he worked with in the secondary, FIU led the Sun Belt in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense. During his tenure FIU qualified for its first-ever Bowl game.
 
Ockinga worked five seasons at Fort Hays State coaching various position groups, including the wide receivers, and coached for two years (2002-03) at Hastings College.
 
He graduated from Hastings with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education then earned a master's degree at Fort Hays in Health and Human Performance.
 

 
 
 
 
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