Feller out, Kasper in at Alburnett

ALBURNETT - Ken Kasper came to Alburnett High School intending to wear two hats - that of principal and athletics director.

Another got added Wednesday.

Kasper was appointed as head football coach, shortly after Charlie Feller resigned the post. The move came 16 days before the Pirates' season opener.

'It will work just fine, balancing things,” said Kasper, who had spent several years as an assistant coach - and one as co-head coach - at Forest City.

Official practice began throughout the state Monday. Superintendent Dani Trimble confirmed Wednesday that Feller had submitted his resignation as football coach and as an at-risk teacher. Trimble declined to comment further on what led to the resignation, and attempts to reach Feller were unsuccessful.

Feller had been hired at Alburnett after leading North Cedar to a 9-2 mark last season. The Knights reached the second round of the Class 1A playoffs.

'It's not really the way we wanted to start the season, but we are so fortunate to have Ken,” Trimble said. 'He has been appointed as our head coach, until we find a better solution. He will carry us through the season.”

As a co-head coach, Kasper helped lead Forest City to a 5-5 record and a berth in the Class 2A playoffs in 2013. He was an administrator at Vinton-Shellsburg in the 2014-15 school year.

'We have a good support system. It's going to be all right,” he said. 'I think the kids are on track. They're on a good path. We've got a good group of assistants. We'll keep moving in the same direction, and I don't think we'll miss too much of a beat.”

Alburnett was 5-5 last season and a playoff team in Class 1A. The Pirates open the upcoming season Aug. 28 at Maquoketa Valley.

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