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KEARNEY, Neb. — Corey Hoelck is used to wearing blue and gold at Foster Field.

But this season, the former Nebraska-Kearney great is carrying a whistle instead of a helmet.

“Coach Held and Coach Baker, they said it’s strictly football and that’s what it’s been," Hoelck said. "I don’t know, it’s been fun so far.”

Hoelck is assistant offensive line coach for UNK. He’s joining the coaching ranks after three seasons of playing professionally in the Canadian Football League and United Football League. Injuries and the demands of the profession pushed him to his next step.

“I didn’t accomplish exactly what I wanted to accomplish, but I’m happy with the career I had," Hoelck said. "I was happy enough with the career I had to walk away from a contract to go play this last summer.”

Hoelck wants to impart the life or death nature of pro football to the Loper linemen.

“You have to have extreme urgency and passion and you can’t lack," Hoelck said. "I’ve learned that to run my own business, to come out here and coach. You can’t have a wasted day because you might not have your job the next day.”

UNK head coach Ryan Held wanted to put more resources into the offensive line entering his second season. He says turning to a former Loper All-American was an obvious choice.

“He’s a guy that had a lot of success when he played here and I think out guys respect him," Held said. "He’s done a really nice job and I think he’ll be a huge asset to us.”

Outside of helping his alma mater, the Giltner native runs Hoelck Skills Academy. He puts on youth camps and works one-on-one with high school and college players. Hoelck hopes more can follow his path from eight-man football to the pros.

“The percentage to go into professional football is very low, and to come from an eight-man is even lower," Hoelck said. "I’ve just learned so much from this game. This game is my life. It’s going to continue to be my life as I continue with my career.”

A career that, for now, has him back to his college roots.