Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Bob was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on April 3rd, 1962.. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1980, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. 

Hepp attended Lakeland University for one year and where he had the privilege to play football for the legendary Coach, John Thome. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985 with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education; and he also earned a masters degree in K-12 Administration in 2008 from Marian University in Fond du Lac. 

Hepp took a path less traveled, as he spent 13 years as an assistant and 25 years as a head coach at seven schools, with the majority of his head coaching career spent rebuilding previously struggling programs. Hepp began his coaching career in 1983 as a JV coach at Randolph High School with his high school Coach, Scott Blakeley. In 1985 he spent one year as the head coach at Independence High School, then reunited with Coach Blakeley, his wife Kris, and his newly married bride, Susan, to Vinton County, OH, where he served as the defensive coordinator, helping Vinton Country to their first winning season in the 19 year history of the school. Hepp returned to Wisconsin in 1987 as the head coach at East Troy, WI, inheriting a program with 10 consecutive losing seasons. He helped them win a championship in his third year. From there Hepp took 
over an 0-9 team at Viroqua HS, going 39-14 in six seasons. This was highlighted by a state semi-final appearance and a 34-28 quarterfinal loss to Lancaster in a game that featured nine lead changes. 

Hepp spent two years as head coach at Manitowoc Lincoln High School, guiding them to their first playoff appearance in four years. He spent 16 years at Campbellsport High School - eight years as the head coach, winning two conference championships and making the playoffs seven of eight seasons. Hepp also worked as a head coach at Portage and Pardeeville High Schools. He spent his last two seasons as an assistant returning to Randolph High School and coaching with Hall of Fame Coach, Tom Chase. Hepp is currently the linebackers coach at Ripon College, working for his son, Mike, who is the defensive coordinator. 

In rebuilding programs, Hepp has experienced 0-9 seasons at two different schools. He was also fortunate enough, though, to experience the excitement and joy that players and communities felt as they became successful. As a head coach, Hepp guided four schools to the playoffs, won conference championships at three different schools, took two schools to the quarterfinals, one to the semi-finals, with an overall record of 121-105. Hepp also made the playoffs seven times as a coordinator and coached in the WFCA All-Star game.

There have been too many individuals to name who profoundly impacted Hepp’s coaching philosophy and career. Among the most influential was his father-in-law, WFCA Hall of Fame Coach, Mike Strebel. 

Hepp has had the privilege and good fortune to work with many outstanding young men and dedicated, talented assistant coaches. The success of the football programs he has been a part of would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of these individuals. 

Lastly, Hepp thanks his wife Susan, whose love and support has been the primary reason for any success he has experienced. They have three wonderful children: Mike, Nicole, and Aaron. Their patience and devotion has allowed him to pursue his passion for coaching. Football has truly been a family affair.