Meissner Named New Beckman Catholic Head Football Coach

Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville has announced their new head football coach.

Longtime assistant Ryan Meissner will lead the Blazers starting with the upcoming 2026 season. Meissner takes over for former coach Cole Mather, who is moving on as head coach after taking the Blazers to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2021.

Meissner grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin playing for the nationally-recognized coach Jeff Trickey, where his love for the game of football was born. He went on to the University of Dubuque, where he was a starting member of UD’s football team in the early to mid-90s. Since joining the Blazer football program in 2005, Coach Meissner has held defensive coordinator responsibilities under a number of previous head coaches. Much of Beckman’s 18-5 record over the past two
seasons can be attributed to its defense.  During this span, which includes two playoff appearances, the Blazer defense posted dominant performances allowing an average of 10.65 points per game while creating 37 turnovers and 49 sacks.

“It is an honor for me to take over the Beckman Catholic Football Program.  Beckman has been a part of my life for 21 years and holds a very special place in my heart.  I have taught and coached so many great young men and women over the years.  They helped create so many great memories.  I have also coached with many outstanding coaches over my many years that have helped me grow as a coach and a person.  A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mark Atwater, Jim Derr, Todd Troutman, the late Tom Jenk Jr. and the late Bill Duffy.  I also had the tremendous opportunity to coach with Dave Barclay and Roger Reed at Starmont and Norm Ryan at Hazelwood Central, MO,” said Meissner.

Meissner continued, “It is my goal to continue to grow the Beckman Football program and allow these young men to learn those critical life lessons.  I hope to guide these young men while they continue growing in their faith, give them a sense of leadership, teach them about coming together as a family and overcoming challenging obstacles, all while having some fun playing the game of football. I will rely on my many years of teaching and coaching experience to help guide me.  I will also lean on my experiences of coaching other sports (track, softball, baseball and basketball) to give these young men the best experience possible.  My assistant coaches will also be relied on to continue their great work coaching these young men.”

“We look forward to Coach Meissner’s leadership of our program and his ability to build on the recent success of the Blazer football program,” said Ryan Devereux, Beckman Catholic activities director.  “Coach Meissner has been a dedicated member of our program and staff for a number of years and will work to achieve our mission of spiritual, academic, and personal excellence both in the classroom and on the field with our student athletes.”

photo courtesy of Beckman Catholic