QUINCY UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW SPRINT FOOTBALL HEAD COACH
Quincy University has announced Austin Bortle as its next Sprint Football Head Coach. Bortle joins the Hawks after two seasons as head coach at Fontbonne University, former Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL) rival of QU.
“My family and I are extremely excited to join the Quincy family,” said Bortle. “I want to thank Athletic Director Josh Rabe and President Brian McGee for this amazing opportunity. Quincy is a small, faith-based university that cares deeply about each student as an individual.”
Bortle served as the inaugural head coach for Fontbonne University’s sprint football team, where the team had a 4-3 record in its second season. In the 2023 season, Bortle coached twelve All-MSFL honorees, including the league’s Defensive Most Valuable Player, Avion Bass.
Following the announcement in March 2024 that Fontbonne University would be closing, Bortle served as the wide receivers coach at Missouri Baptist University during the 2024 season.
“Coach Bortle’s experience in the collegiate coaching ranks, including as a head coach for sprint football, makes him the ideal choice to lead our program,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., QU president. “Importantly, Coach Bortle understands and is committed to our Catholic and Franciscan values. We are confident that he will lead this program with integrity and will hold himself and others to the highest standards for excellence.”
Prior to his time at Fontbonne, Bortle spent five seasons at NCAA Division II Southwest Baptist University, working exclusively with the defensive line and special teams. Bortle began his tenure at Southwest Baptist as the Defensive Run Game Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach, but was soon promoted to Special Teams Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Linebackers Coach in addition to his Defensive Run Game Coordinator duties.
While with the Bearcats, Bortle coached a defensive line that was ranked 12th in the nation in tackles for loss and helped the Bearcats to their first conference championship and NCAA Division II playoff appearance in 2016.
Before being on the Bearcats’ bench, Bortle spent eight seasons at his alma mater, Lindenwood University. In his first four years on staff, Bortle coached four wide receivers who signed NFL contracts. He started his stint with Lindenwood as the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach but later transitioned into larger roles as the Video Coordinator, Director of Recruiting, and Defensive Ends Coach.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Austin Bortle as our new head sprint football coach,” said Josh Rabe, QU athletic director. “After a thorough search, it became clear that he possesses not only the coaching expertise and leadership qualities necessary to elevate our program, but also the values and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. We are confident that Coach Bortle will lead our team with passion, integrity, and a vision for long-term success.”
Bortle, a native of St. Charles, Missouri, played football for the Lindenwood University Lions. His time at Lindenwood included a Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship and two national playoff appearances.
“I am grateful and honored to be entrusted as the leader of the Sprint Football program and look forward to ushering in a new era for the Hawks,” said Bortle. “I’m also looking forward to helping our young men build upon the success of our program, obtain degrees, win championships, and develop into great citizens, consistent with the mission and values of the university.”
Quincy University is one of the founding members of the Midwest Sprint Football League, which has sponsored intercollegiate play since 2022. Sprint football follows all standard American football rules, including 11-on-11 play, but a weight limit for individual players means that sprint football emphasizes speed and agility. Sprint football was first played in 1934. For more information about sprint football, see midwestsprintfootball.com.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.
