STURGIS - There is a new head football coach in Sturgis.

Rod Richardson has been selected to head the Scoopers, according to a press release from the school's athletic department.

"I'm coming in with very high expectations for the coaching staff, the students and myself," Richardson said. "I'm very excited about taking over a program that is on the rise."

Richardson has been teaching and coaching at Fort Calhoun High School in Nebraska for the past six years. Richardson has been the defensive coordinator for the football program and has also served with the boys and girls basketball programs.

Sturgis activities director Mike Paris said Richardson's coaching stints gave him valuable experience with mid- to large-enrollment schools.

"He has a lot experience at the big school level," said Sturgis Athletic Director Mike Paris. "He brings to the table what we're looking for to keep this program moving in the right direction."

Richardson replaces Adolph Shepardson, who announced his resignation in January. The Scoopers were 0-10 in Shepardson's first year at the helm, but snapped a near-decade long losing skid with a 22-20 decision over Rapid City Stevens on Sept. 1, 2006.

Another win over Spearfish followed later that season. In 2007, the Scoopers improved to 4-6, including a playoff win over Sioux Falls Lincoln.

"He's been up here and met the kids. He plans to be back here in the next month or so," Paris said.

Fort Calhoun finished 3-5 overall in 2007. Under Richardson, the Pioneers' defense allowed 25.4 points per game. Fort Calhoun, which is 14 miles north of Omaha, competes in Nebraska's Class C1 in football, the same division as Chadron, Neb.

This is not Richardson's first head coaching job. He served as the head football coach at Wabaunsee High School in Alma, Kan., where he also served as the assistant boys basketball coach during his eight-year tenure at the Kansas school. Richardson then taught at Papillion-La Vista High School, one of the largest in Nebraska, where he coached receivers and linebackers.

"I feel very fortunate to have a quality staff in place who are familiar with the students," Richardson said. "I'm looking forward to being a Scooper."