Coach Ron Schipper, among the most successful football coaches in America, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and one of the most influential figures in Central College (Iowa) history, passed away suddenly Sunday evening near his home in Holland, Mich. He was 77.

Schipper (SKIP-per) compiled a 287-67-3 record as Central's football coach from 1961-96, posting 36 consecutive winning seasons. He ranks second among NCAA Division III coaches in career victories and ranked fourth in Division III in career winning percentage at the time of his retirement with an .808 mark. Schipper also coached high school football in Michigan for nine years at Northville and Jackson. Schipper's combined 45-year record was 320-78-5.

In 2000, The National Football Foundation inducted Schipper into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. He followed one of his former Central players, former NFL star defensive end Vern Den Herder, who was inducted in 1996. Schipper was inducted as a charter member of the Central College Athletic Hall of Honor in 2002.

Schipper piloted the Dutch to an NCAA record 36 consecutive winning seasons. His Central teams won a record 18 Iowa Conference championships, including the 1995 title, and claimed 10 crowns in his final 13 years. Central was selected for the NCAA Div. III playoffs 12 times, including 10 appearances from 1984-96. The Dutch won the NCAA Div. III national title in 1974 and advanced to the national finals three times, placing second in 1984 and 1988. Central won the West Region championship in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990.

"This is a great loss for his family, for the Central College community and for the college football coaching ranks," said athletics director Al Dorenkamp, who served as captain under Schipper for the 1974 Central football team which won the NCAA Division III title. "Coach Schipper was a great mentor and friend to countless individuals and impacted so many lives in a positive way. I feel blessed to have been connected with Coach Schipper as a student-athlete, Central colleague and friend."

Schipper was heavily involved in fundraising for the $2.5-million first phase of renovations to A.N. Kuyper Stadium. A new version of the Fieldturf competition playing surface is being installed for the upcoming season. He said Schipper was also excited about Central's game with Hope College at Pella Sept. 9. It will be Central's first-ever football meeting with Schipper's alma mater.

Schipper also served as the college's athletics director from 1964-96