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When Dennis Wagner was named the new head coach at Western Carolina at the end of 2007, he did not have to look far for his offensive coordinator. Keith Heckendorf, who served as the offensive graduate assistant coach at the University of Nebraska with Wagner, will serve in that role, while also coaching WCU's quarterbacks. A native of Mosinee, Wisc., Heckendorf had a standout career as a quarterback at St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn., from 2000-03. He was a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is given annually to the top player in NCAA Division II football, finishing second and third in the voting. He was also a consensus American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America pick each season as a four-year starter.
In 42 career games under center, Heckendorf completed 58-percent of his passes (761-of-1,307) for 9,695 yards and 101 touchdowns - four of which continue to rank as SCSU school records. He also holds five single-season records - each coming during the 2003 season: most completions (232), yards passing (2,905), TD passes (37), best completion percentage (62.5%) and total offensive yards (3,189). He additionally ranked 10th in the nation in total offense at 289.9 yards per game.
He was also accomplished in the classroom during his time at SCSU as he was a two-time College Division Academic All-America selection. Heckendorf was also named the 2003 National Football Foundation / College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete, and was the NCAA Division II Men's Winner of the Woody Hayes Award that same season.
His coaching career dates back to 2004 when he returned to his hometown in Wisconsin to serve as an assistant coach for Mosinee High. He coached the quarterbacks and wide receivers for the varsity squad, while serving as the head coach and offensive coordinator for the junior varsity team.
In 2005, Heckendorf joined the offensive staff at Nebraska as a quality control coach. One year later, he was promoted to the offensive graduate assistant for the Cornhuskers, where he aided Wagner with coaching the offensive line as well as coaching the kickers on special teams. Last season, the Cornhuskers were 9-for-9 on field goal attempts and a perfect 46-for-46 on extra point attempts.
During his time in Lincoln, the Cornhuskers played in two bowl games - the Alamo Bowl during the 2006 season and the Cotton Bowl in 2007.
