Rock Valley, Iowa — Cory Brandt has stepped down as the head football coach of the Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Nighthawks.
In his 24 seasons as head coach for BHRV, Brandt has qualified for the postseason 17 times, with 3 State Runner-up finishes and one Championship Title in 2016.
Also stepping down after 25 seasons is Defensive Coordinator Heath Swanson. Most recently in the 2020-2021 season, Swanny was named an Assistant Coach of the year in Class 3A.
Coach Brandt shared on social media that “Today is one of the toughest days I’ve ever had in my life. It’s the day I have stepped away from what has defined my life in so many ways. I am no longer the head coach of the BH/RV Nighthawk FB team. There are no words to say what this position has meant to me. I’ve coached football for 32 years and I do not leave with any regrets or a bad taste in my mouth. I have been so blessed to coach incredible young men in 2 incredible school districts. The support of schools, communities, fans, parents, and everyone involved has been more than I could have ever asked for. I have been blessed to coach with incredible men who made this program into what it is today. The one’s who will take it over will be great at it and are ready to do so. God has just instructed me to move in a different direction at this time. I’m not running to anything else but am open to see where He wants me.
To all the young men who I have been blessed to coach. You are the reason I poured my heart into this position. My greatest joy is watching you improve and then move on to whatever God calls you to do in life. I’ve been blessed to see you become great in your jobs and more importantly in your homes as husbands, fathers, and as God’s servants. The Nighthawk football team is based on Faith and Family. When I see former players get together it’s like they’ve never been apart from each other. The family is still there! I am so thankful for that!
My own family has also been with me through thick and thin in this adventure. Susan, Katie and Brandon, Bri and Tyler, Megan, our parents, and my sisters and their families have all shown so much support and love. I’m truly blessed. I am a true Nighthawk through and through and just want to say thank you to everyone and God Bless you all. ”
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Nighthawks Assistant Coach Jordan TeGrootenhuis shared this message on social media Friday morning.
I always knew this day was coming but the day is now here. 3 of my biggest mentors @ETegrootenhuis @cbrandt82 @SwannyNighthawk have all decided to move on from coaching. I’ve been so blessed to be cared for by these great men. I’ll forever be indebted to them. THANK YOU
— Jordan TG (@jtegroot) March 18, 2022
