Bill Schmidt (1970-1971)

Bill Schmidt was named as the second football coach in Bishop Kelly history following the retirement (as a football coach) of Chuck Forrestal. Schmidt took the helm of the program beginning with the 1970 season, and he faced the most difficult schedule in school history to that point.  The Knights posted a 3-7 mark in Schmidt’s first season but were competitive in most games due to an outstanding defensive front. The team improved substantially in 1971 to earn a 6-4 regular season record.

Schmidt was the first coach to lead BK into post-season, a playoff game in November ’71 against Jerome.

The photo below shows the “Student Body Left” sweep of the ’71 squad, which earned a share of the Snake River Valley title and played Jerome for the mythical state championship. Shown are (L-R) Bill Baril #61; Ron Bixby #36; Mark Luchte #13; Shawn Byrne #23 w/ball; and Mike Brunelle #65 executing a body block. Photos from the Schmidt Era can be viewed here.