By KENNY WELSH
Indiana Football Hall of Famer Coach Cory Yeoman announced his retirement as the Kingsmen Football Head Coach to Penn High School athletes and coaches. Yeoman was an assistant coach under legend Chris Geesman for 19 years, then took over the head coaching job for the past 21 years. Under his coaching, the Penn High School football program has achieved remarkable success, with numerous championships and memorable moments. He finished his coaching career with a record of 208-56.
In his first season after replacing legendary Coach Geesman, Yeoman guided Penn to the 2003 State Championship Game. Yeoman also led Penn to Semi-state titles in 2017, 2015 and 2011. In addition to winning four Semi-state Championships, the Kingsmen have won nine regional crowns under Yeoman’s leadership, 13 sectional titles and 17 Northern Indiana Conference championships.
Yeoman grew up with the Kingsmen program, starting off as a ball boy when his father was an assistant coach at Penn. He played Football for the Kingsmen, and then played at the University of Miami.
Yeoman has impacted the lives of many on and off the field making amazing relationships with students over the years.
One of those students, Senior Quarterback Nolan McCullough, said, “He means everything. The relationship he’s built with not just me but my family. It’s inspirational and he’s taught us how to grow up as young men. All the great lessons we’ve learned, not only the football team but Penn High School in general.”
McCullough also grew up on the Penn sidelines, being a ball boy then eventually starting at quarterback for Coach Yeoman.
Another Penn football player, Junior Tight End Cole Bennett, said he is sad that Coach Cory won’t be there for his senior season and had a mix of many emotions.
“I love coach Cory,” Bennett said. “If he thinks that this was the time to hang it up, then it truly was the right decision.”
Current Penn Freshmen Football Coach Keith O’Connell said that he was very surprised about Yeoman’s decision.
“To be honest, I was completely shocked when Coach Cory told me that he was going to be retiring,” O’Connell said. “For 40 years, he lived and breathed Penn Football. No one will ever replace his legacy as a coach. He is a true Kingsman.
The time, effort, and love that Coach Yeoman has put into Penn Football will forever be unmatched. Coach Yeoman’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on through Penn’s amazing athletes, staff, and fans.
