HANCOCK — Finlandia University has named Travis Wiltzius Interim Head Coach of the university’s football program. Wiltzius, an Escanaba native, has been with the team since its first season in 2015. He has served as offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator and in the spring of 2017 added assistant head coach to his title. 

Wiltzius began his coaching career at Central Michigan University. He started as an undergraduate student offensive intern, moved to offensive quality control and in 2014 offensive graduate assistant coach. The Chippewas played in two bowl games and won the 2012 Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl while Wiltzius was involved. Wiltzius helped coach three All-Mid-American Conference first team selections, including the 2013 NFL first overall pick, Eric Fisher.

 The Finlandia football program is heading into its fourth season this fall, and will be full participants in the historic Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The team’s home opener is Saturday, Sept. 1 at McAfee Field against Concordia University Wisconsin.