2003 Ranger Football Coaching Staff

      Since he arrived in Alva, Garin Higgins has made an immediate impact. After becoming the head coach of the Rangers in 2000, Higgins has compiled a record of 31-5, one that rivals most around. He has led Northwestern to three NAIA playoff appearances, was national runner-up in 2000 and has been named Central States Football League Coach of the Year for the past three seasons.
      Higgins chooses no liking for defeat. "We are never fully pleased by going undefeated in a season," said Higgins. "Everyone’s goal around here is to win in the preseason and take the national championship trophy home."
      Higgins came to Northwestern as a running backs coach in 1994 when the Rangers were just 1-9. By 1996 they were 8-3 and in the National playoffs.
      In 1997, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and the Rangers adopted an innovative option-oriented attack that would develop into one of the best offenses in the NAIA. Northwestern has led the nation in rushing in two of the last three seasons. Higgins also assumed the role of recruiting coordinator and was instrumental in bringing numerous talented player to Alva.
      While stressing championship-level football, Higgins also has stressed a sense of community and service to his players. His players now serve as mentors to local youth and his teams have been involved in local charitable causes. Those efforts have created a strong bond between the football program and the local community.
      Before coaching, Higgins was an all-state quarterback at Blackwell High School, playing under his father Gary, a successful prep coach. He played college football at Emporia (Kan.) State University and was a member of the 1989 team that was the NAIA national runner-up.
      Higgins and his wife, Heather, have three children: Halen-7, Harlee-4 and Gracyn-9 months.

Fred Slaughter
Co-Defensive Coordinator

      Slaughter has been an integral part in the success of Northwestern’s outstanding defensive units.
      Fred is a veteran to the Ranger coaching staff. This will mark his tenth year as a member of the staff and will be Slaughter’s second year as the co-defensive coordinator. Over the past two seasons, he has helped Northwestern’s defensive attack to seal a #5 nationally-ranked defense.
      He earned NAIA honorable mention honors in 1992 and was named to the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference All-Conference teams in 1991 and 1992.  Slaughter tallied 16 career interceptions to rank him in the top five in that category.
      From 1994-1995, Slaughter began his football coaching career at Northwestern where he landed a student assistant position. He then was a graduate assistant coach from 1996-1999 and in 2000 he became the secondary coach. Last season he switched over to the co-defensive coordinator along with Rhoades.
      As a secondary coach for the Rangers, Slaughter has coached numerous All-Americans and directed the NAIA’s top-ranked pass defense in 1996 and the third-ranked unit in 1998.
      Slaughter has a daughter, Aimee, that is 10 years old.

     Adams comes to the Rangers via Fort Hays State University, where he was an assistant coach for three years.
     Chad played defensive end and center over the 1998 and 1999 seasons while at FHSU.
     He is working on his Master’s Degree in Education.

     Peterson returns for his second season as an offensive line coach.
     Shannon played offensive line for the Rangers for three years after transferring from the University of Tulsa.
     Peterson is majoring in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Business Administration.

     Hargers, a four-year player for the Rangers, will begin his first year as a student coach.
     As a defensive back last season, he compiled 41 tackles (23 unassisted, 18 assisted) and a fumble recovery.
     Brandon is finishing his Health and Physical Education degree.

     Dunnam enters his first year as a Ranger coach after a fine senior season.
     During his only year at Northwestern, Aaron led the team in tackles with 84 (40 unassisted and 44 assisted).
     Dunnam is majoring in Health and Physical Education.

     Granger is also beginning his first year as a member of the coaching staff. Last season he did it all: rush, pass, and receive.
     Andre rushed for 205 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He also completed 18 of 28 pass attempts for a 64.3%.
     He is majoring in Health and Physical Education.

     Manuel will provide veteran assistance to the staff for the third year in a row.
     Gary was a standout running back during his four-year tenure at Northwestern. He rushed for 558 yards his senior year with an average of 6.2 yards per carry.
     Manuel is working on his Masters in Education.

     Palmertree adds a new face to the coaching regiment.
     Billy played three years for the Rangers as a defensive and offensive lineman.
     During his two-year stint on the defensive side, he totaled 25 tackles.
     Palmertree is majoring in Health and Physical Education.

     Park is another first time Ranger coach that hails from Northeastern Oklahoma State University.
     As a Redman, Park started all 46 games in his four-year career at guard or tackle. He earned All-Lone Star Conference honors his last three years and made the All-West Region team as a Senior.
     Park is finishing his Masters in Education at Northwestern.