Carl R. Poelker (February 6, 1944 â March 17, 2026) was an American football, wrestling, and track and field coach. He served as head football coach at Millikin University from 1982 to 1995 and at McKendree University from 1996 to 2012, compiling a career college football coaching record of 205âÂÂ100âÂÂ1. Poelker graduated from Millikin in 1968. There he lettered on the football team for three seasons as a defensive lineman. He also played basketball for two years and ran track for one. In 1973 he was a named an instructor in physical education, defensive coordinator for the football team, and head wrestling coach at his alma mater.
Poelker died on March 17, 2026, at the Arc at Hickory Point in Forsyth, Illinois, at the age of 82.