July 21, 2003
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky University head coach David Elson announced the addition of Craig Aukerman and R.J. Gimbl to the Hilltopper football staff Monday.
Aukerman will work with outside linebackers while Gimbl is the new director of football operations.
Aukerman joins the staff from Miami (Ohio), where he served the last two years as a graduate assistant working with defensive backs. His responsibilities on the Miami staff included breaking down opposing offenses, running the offensive scout team during practices and assisting the recruiting coordinator. The RedHawks recorded 13 interceptions in 2002 en route to a 7-5 finish, including a 5-3 mark in the Mid-American Conference. Miami went 7-5 with a 6-2 league record and second-place MAC finish in Aukerman's first year in Oxford.
He both played and began his coaching career at Findlay, lettering four years as a defensive back and wide receiver while participating on special teams. A two-time All-American, he helped the Oilers claim the NAIA national championship in both 1995 and '97, earning Defensive MVP honors in the second contest. As a senior, Aukerman was one of the team's co-captains.
Upon completing his playing career, Aukerman served as a student assistant during the 1999 season working with defensive backs and special teams, moving up to assistant coach in 2000. In addition to special teams and film duties, he switched responsibilities to wide receivers his last year at UF.
Aukerman earned his bachelor's degree from Findlay in 1999 in elementary education.
"We're excited to have Craig join our staff," said Elson. "He brings youth as well as championship and winning experience both as a player and a coach."
Gimbl joins the Hilltopper staff after serving as an administrative assistant and equipment manager for West Virginia football the last three years.
While in Morgantown, he was responsible for helping the director of operations organize recruiting, served as the program's liaison to the Athletic Development Office and coordinated special projects for head coach Rich Rodriguez. He also assisted in budget preparation for equipment and supervised a student manager staff of approximately one dozen individuals.
Gimbl was a manager for four years at Rutgers while earning his undergraduate degree, including a stint as head manager his final two seasons.
He earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and psychology in 2000, then received his master's degree in business from West Virginia last winter.
"We are looking forward to R.J.'s contributions. I feel privileged to have the ability to hire somebody in this capacity with his experience," Elson said. "He has a wealth of knowledge in the daily operations of running a first-class Division I football program."
Western opens the 2003 season Thursday, Aug. 28, against Union (Ky.) at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field.
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