Loras College Athletics

A month after Kris Keplinger graduated from Loras College with his Physical Education degree, the FIFA World Cup came to the United States to grow the game. For the two years prior, Keplinger grew the game right here on the Loras campus by producing two of the five best goal scoring seasons in program history.

As a transfer under first-year head coach Eric Johnson, Kepinger helped bring back the program back after a one year hiatus in 1991. He did so in a big way, claiming the single season goals mark by hitting the back of the net 16 times. The team won just four games that year, and then made the second biggest leap in the win column in program history the next season. Keplinger’s senior season included 11 wins, and another record setting season with 24 goals.  He remains the only player for the Duhawks to score 20 or more goals in a season.

As the lone senior on the team in 1993 and a two-year captain, the leap in team success for Keplinger and company was so great they reached the Iowa Conference Tournament finals, finishing runner-up. Three players made the All-Tournament team, including Keplinger. Despite playing just two seasons in a Duhawk uniform, he remains in the top-four in career records for both points and goals scored.

Keplinger took his talents and soccer knowledge to Birmingham, Alabama where he remains a physical education teacher and soccer coach. His coaching days at both Shades Valley and Hoover High Schools have included state titles, Alabama Coach of the Year, and national rankings.

He resides there with his wife Beth and their three daughters.