Incarnate Word officials said today that Todd Ivicic will become interim head coach for the Cardinals football program following the resignation of Mike Santiago. 

The announcement was made by UIW Athletic Director Mark Papich.  He said the appointment is immediate and that Ivicic will direct the team for the remaining three games of the 2011 season.

The University and Coach Santiago came to a mutual decision to part ways.  It was a decision based on philosophical differences involving the direction UIW wants to take its football program in the future.  As a result, Coach Santiago felt it was in the best interest of the University and the football program for him to tender his resignation. 

"I sincerely wish the team well, especially the Forever First Class," said Santiago, who served as the Cardinals' head football coach for the past five years.  The Cardinals are now competing in their third season and compiled an 11-18 record under Santiago.

"I want to thank Mike for his tireless work in launching the UIW football program," Papich said.  "We wish him the best in the future." 

Ivicic has served as defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator at UIW since 2007.  He has

 more than sixteen years of coaching experience, which includes stops at Tarleton State University and Stephen F. Austin State University.  Ivicic has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, both in kinesiology, from Sam Houston State University.

Incarnate Word returns to action on Saturday, October 29, with a game at Tarleton State.  The Lone Star Conference contest has a kickoff set for 6 p.m. in Stephenville.

WHAT THEY WERE SAYING

TODD IVICIC

“I think the world of Incarnate Word.  This is the greatest coaching experience of my life.  I am looking forward to leading this football team.  I am looking forward to preparing for this Saturday's game (October 29 at Tarleton State).”

DR. LOUIS J. AGNESE JR., UIW PRESIDENT

“We are giving Todd Ivicic the chance to lead this program with the support of Tony (Offensive Coordinator Marciano) to wee what they can do beginning Saturday (October 29 at Tarleton State).”

DR. AGNESE

“All of our student-athletes on football scholarships will remain on scholarship so long as they meet the requirements of that scholarship.”

IVICIC

“I'm a day-to-day guy.  The thing I will focus on is winning the next game.”

IVICIC

“We depend on the players to keep us from getting off track.  At this morning's weight session no one was late.  They want to be coached.  At UIW we don't worry about grades.  These players are phenomenal.”