Former Drake University football assistant Tom Lichtenberg recently passed away following an extended illness. Lichtenberg, who was 72, served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Drake during the 2007 season.

He was a part of head coach Steve Loney's staff for the 2007 season and helped the Bulldogs to a 6-5 record that included a 27-24 upset win at No. 7 Illinois State, the Bulldogs last win over a ranked opponent.

Lichtenberg came to Drake as one of the most experienced assistant coaches in program history. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, he spent one season as the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green in 2000 after spending five seasons as the head coach at Ohio from 1990-94. He also served as head coach at Morehead State (1979-80) and Maine (1989), where he won a conference title. He assumed that position after one season as the assistant head coach at Northern Iowa (1988).

Lichtenberg also was an assistant coach at Ohio State under Earle Bruce. He was the quarterbacks and receivers coach for the 1986 and 1987 seasons, having the opportunity to develop the talent of former Buckeye great Cris Carter.

Before a three-year administrative stint at Iowa State as an assistant athletic director (1983-86), he spent two seasons at Notre Dame as the offensive coordinator, running backs and quarterbacks coach.

Prior to Notre Dame, Lichtenberg enjoyed his tenure at Morehead State with two seasons as head coach and two seasons as an assistant coach with the Eagles. He also served as the offensive coordinator at Iowa State from 1974-78.

Lichtenberg was a three-year football letterwinner and one-year track letterwinner at the University of Louisville. He earned a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from Louisville in 1962 and a master of education and secondary administration from Xavier University in 1966.

He and his wife, Sue Ann had five children: Tammy, Michelle Tom Jr., Susan and Bubba and 12 grandchildren.

The Lichtenberg visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania, Ohio. The Mass will begin immediately after the visitation at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Lichtenberg family has requested that donations be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To donate, visit FCA.org.