Football’s Ginn accepts position at GVSU; Henninger named Wesleyan head coach

Rocky Mount, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics has announced that Jack Ginn has stepped down as head football coach of the Battling Bishop football program and has accepted a position at Division II powerhouse Grand Valley State University.  In light of Ginn’s decision, NCWC Director of Athletics John Thompson is pleased to introduce former assistant Mark Henninger (pictured) as the second head football coach in program history.

“We are excited to name Mark Henninger the next head coach for North Carolina Wesleyan’s football program,” said Thompson. “In his four years as an assistant, he has exhibited outstanding abilities on the sideline and has done everything on the defensive side of the ball that a head coach would do.”

Thompson added, “Mark has acquired a wealth of experience and matured as a coach over the past few years.  His time has come.”

Henninger inherits a young program new to the Division III national scene, thanks to the diligent work of Ginn and his staff.

Ginn started the Wesleyan football program in 2004 and quickly established the Blue & Gold as a USA South contender.  In four years, he compiled a 23-17 overall record and an 18-9 USA South mark, having produced the first-ever undefeated conference champion with a 7-0 league record this past season. Additionally, Ginn produced 42 All-Conference players, two Defensive Rookies of the Year, two Offensive Rookies of the Year, and two Offensive Players of the Year. 

The program also earned its first NCAA Tournament berth and playoff win in 2007, becoming the first #8 seed in history to knock off a #1 seed when the Bishops upset Washington and Jefferson by a 35-34 score back in November.  In just four seasons of play, Ginn took North Carolina Wesleyan from unknown status to a spot in the Division National III Top-25.

Stated NC Wesleyan President Dr. Ian Newbould, “Jack Ginn is a coach who delivered on his promise to build a successful program.  In four years, he produced a champion team that set conference records.  Moreover, he stresses the importance of character and academic achievement.  We are sorry to lose him, but it was inevitable that his success would be noticed.  I am proud of Jack, and wish him every success as he moves on to the next level.”

Ginn will serve as assistant head coach for GVSU, heading up the Lakers’ wide receivers.  Grand Valley State won back-to-back Division II National Championship in 2005 and 2006, and the Lakers were a Final Four team this past season.  GVSU, in fact, has won 94 of its last 100 games.

“While I am excited to join a program like that of Grand Valley State’s, I would like to take time to thank the administration, athletics department, coaching staff, and players for a wonderful four years here at North Carolina Wesleyan,” Ginn said.  “This was a tremendous opportunity and experience.”

Henninger proved to be instrumental in Ginn’s success as defensive coordinator.  He, too, has been with the Bishops since the program’s inception, and he is eager to build on an already strong tradition.

“Coach Ginn laid a solid foundation for our program here at NC Wesleyan,” said Henninger.  I am honored to be chosen to build on his success, and I am excited to start a new chapter of Wesleyan football.”

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Henninger joined North Carolina Wesleyan in 2004 after a four-year assistant coaching stint at his alma mater, Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. The winningest Division III football program in the nation, Wittenberg produced three NCAA Division III playoff appearances and a record of 41-7 during his tenure. 

Prior to his time at Wittenberg, Henninger spent one year as a graduate assistant at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA coaching the secondary.  Wartburg finished the season as conference champions, advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs with a record of 10-1. 

In 1998, Henninger was an assistant coach with the Hamburg Blue Devils of Hamburg, Germany.  The team finished with a 15-3-1 record and the European Championship.  He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Milikin University, a Division III school in Decatur IL.  

Henninger received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wittenberg in 1996 and was a four-year letterwinner for the Tigers. In addition to his coaching duties, he will also serve as Wesleyan's Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.  He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Rocky Mount with their two children: son Jack and daughter Mary. 

Added Henninger, “We would like to thank Coach Ginn for his contributions to our program, and we are excited for him as he takes this next step in his career. We are also extremely pleased that the remainder of our coaching staff will remain in tact as the program moves forward.”  
 

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