Remembering Augie Schmidt III: A Carthage Coaching Legend and Mentor

8/17/2026 10:02:00 AM

KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage College mourns the passing of Augie Schmidt III, a longtime member of the Carthage Athletics family whose impact as a coach, educator, administrator, and mentor helped shape generations of student-athletes.

Schmidt's connection to Carthage began as a student-athlete. He lettered three times in football from 1958-60, once in basketball in 1959, and twice in baseball in 1960-1961. Following his graduation, Schmidt returned to Carthage in 1961 and began what would become a remarkable 28-year career serving the College and its student-athletes.

Schmidt spent 20 seasons as Carthage's head baseball coach from 1961-1980, compiling 279 victories and leading the Firebirds to five College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championships.

Among the highlights of Schmidt's baseball tenure came during the 1970 season, when the team won four games in a single day.

Beyond baseball, Schmidt played an integral role in Carthage football for more than two decades. He served as an assistant football coach from 1961-1983, coaching alongside longtime head coach Art Keller for 23 years. During that time, Carthage captured 11 CCIW championships, with Schmidt contributing to all aspects of the game. He coached quarterbacks, worked with the offensive line, and served as the team's defensive co-coordinator.

Schmidt's contributions to Carthage Athletics extended well beyond the playing fields. He served as an assistant basketball coach, head softball coach during the 1987 season, and assistant athletic director from 1979-1989. He was also Carthage's athletic director from 1983-1989.

As an educator, Schmidt taught physical education classes for 28 years, making an impact on countless students both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout his career, Schmidt was defined by his commitment to Carthage's student-athletes and his willingness to serve the College in countless roles. His decades of coaching and teaching helped establish a tradition of excellence that continues to be felt throughout Carthage Athletics.

Carthage Athletics extends its condolences to the Schmidt family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Augie Schmidt III.

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