Iowa Central Community College Rugby has announced that assistant coach Jake Mizell will be leaving to become Head Coach at Arkansas State.

Mizell joined the Tritons in 2018 as the team's forwards and lineout coach and also was a key recruiter—something ASU was looking for.

"It is a wonderful thing that we are able to have someone come in as an assistant coach and move on to a program like Arkansas State," Nelson said in Iowa Central's release about Mizell's move. "But this speaks more about Jake than Iowa Central. He is an incredible coach and a great fit at Arkansas State. Even before he joined our program, Jake showed interest in Iowa Central rugby and he has been a dedicated and integral part in helping build this program. We are going to miss him dearly and wish nothing but the best for Jake and his family as they take on this new challenge."

Mizell played at Arkansas State from 2009-2014 and has also coached at Oklahoma and Spring Hill.

"Iowa Central was my first full-time coaching gig," Mizell said. "Being here, honestly it is just the best athletic department as far as community colleges go in the country. It was great to be part of it. The support by the administration is second to none. We really wanted to compete at the highest level and they gave us the green light to do that every time we asked."

After Blake White moved on from Arkansas State, the program has been looking for a Head Coach while also dealing with the complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Red Wolves player leadership has had to basically prepare the team, with a little help from former Head Coach Matt Huckaby, who has a full-time position at the University.

"When I was at Arkansas State, we reached the national championship game and lost, so for me, returning is sort of unfinished business," Mizell said. "I want to finish the job I started as a player."

Mizell had kind words for Nelson.

"Working with Brent was great," Mizell said. "When I first told him from the start my plans were to move on to be a head coach, he was very supportive and took me under his wings," Mizell said. "He was really instrumental in giving me that experience to move into this role. I wouldn't be as prepared as I am to be a head coach without him. I'd also like to thank all the players and other coaches for all that they have done for me as a coach and an individual. I couldn't have asked for better people to work alongside including all the other assistant coaches in housing. It's a hard job to be a coach and housing coordinator, but they were a pleasure to work with."

Iowa CCC will commence a search for an assistant coach. 

"We'll be looking to fill some pretty big shoes, but I'm excited for what is to come for Iowa Central rugby," said Nelson. "I told the team after Jake broke the news that our mission and direction of this program does not change. Through the support of our incredible administration, we will continue to provide an opportunity to play high-level rugby and earn a degree."