Notables

Kean hires away from Montclair State
UNION, N.J. — Kean has announced the hiring of long-time Montclair State offensive coordinator Charlie Cocuzza as its 11th head football coach.

The longest tenured of New Jersey Athletic Conference coaches with a remarkable 27 years of service to the Montclair State program, Cocuzza becomes a collegiate head coach for the first time in his distinguished 30-year career. The architect of the high-powered Montclair State offense, Cocuzza saw the Red Hawks compile a 191-82-6 record, 10 NJAC championships, nine postseason berths and seven NCAA Division III playoff appearances. His offenses have averaged more than 300 yards per game and have consistently ranked at or near the top of the conference. During his time at MSU, Cocuzza coached eight of the Red Hawks’ top 10 in passing yards, including Walter Briggs and Ed Collins.

Cocuzza began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Memorial High School in Jersey City, N.J., and also spent one season as an assistant coach at Upsala in East Orange, N.J., before becoming the head coach at Cresskill High School in northern Bergen County. He joined the MSU staff in 1976 as a receivers coach, but was quickly promoted to offensive coordinator by head coach Fred Hill, better known as the baseball coach at Rutgers.

In spring 2000, he was the offensive coordinator of the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League, where he coached quarterback Tommy Maddox, who was recently named the NFL’s 2002 Comeback Player of the Year after leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a playoff appearance.

A former teacher in the Cresskill school district, Cocuzza earned his Bachelors of Arts degree from Upsala and a Master of Arts degree in administration supervision from Seton Hall in South Orange, N.J. He and his wife Roz have three sons and currently reside in Verona, N.J.

Bluffton elevates veteran assistant to top spot
When it came time for Bluffton to find a new head football coach, the search committee didn’t have to look very far. Greg Brooks, who has served as Bluffton’s offensive coordinator for the past 23 seasons, has been named the 11th head coach in the 86-year history of BC football.

Brooks takes over for longtime head coach Carlin Carpenter, who announced his retirement on January 17 after 24 seasons and a school-record 103 wins. Brooks coached alongside Carpenter in each of those 24 seasons except Carpenter’s inaugural campaign in 1979.

Prior to Brooks’ arrival at Bluffton in 1980, the Beaver football program had a total of seven seasons averaging more than 300 yards per game in total offense. Since Brooks has been calling the plays, however, the Beavers have accomplished that feat 15 times, including five seasons where BC averaged more than 400 yards per game. Brooks has directed the top six scoring squads in BC history and helped lead BC to the NAIA national playoffs in 1987 and 1988 and to the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference title in 2000.

A native of Albany, Ohio, Brooks was recruited out of Alexander H.S. by Carpenter, then an assistant at Ohio University, to play quarterback for the Bobcats. Brooks played four years at OU and graduated in 1977 before heading to Marshall where he completed his master’s and served as a graduate assistant.

Since he arrived at Bluffton, Brooks has also served as the head baseball coach, where he racked up a school-record 276 wins in 22 seasons. Brooks gave up that position in January to serve as director of football operations in the wake of Carpenter’s retirement announcement. Brooks will continue to serve as an assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation.

Illinois College names Keen head coach
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Washington U. offensive coordinator Aaron Keen has been named head football coach at Illinois College, according to an announcement March 7 by athletic director Gale Vaughn.

Keen has been a member of the Washington University coaching staff the past eight years. He will fill the position left vacant in January when former Illinois College head coach Tom Rowland resigned. Vaughn said the new skipper brings impressive credentials as a teacher, coach and recruiter for a program that ranks among the nation’s elite NCAA Division III institutions.

“Aaron impressed our selection committee in every facet of working with student-athletes,” Vaughn said in introducing the new coach. “His background at Washington University has prepared him well for his new assignment, and we’re eager to provide him with the support he will need to build a consistent winner at Illinois College.”

Keen, a native of Wyoming, was a member of the WU football team before joining the Bears’ coaching staff in 1994. Over the past decade, the St. Louis institution has become an elite Division III institution and secured a reputation for excellence in men’s and women’s sports. Keen’s background as a teacher, coach and recruiter were major factors in his selection, according to the IC athletic director.

“Aaron brings energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and a vision for how he plans to take Illinois College to the next level,” Vaughn remarked. “We’re excited by what this selection means to the future of Illinois College football and eager to raise our profile across the Midwest Conference and the region,” Vaughn remarked.

Keen has been Washington University’s offensive coordinator since 1998. His experience at WU includes stints as quarterback coach, special teams coordinator, and coach of the linebackers, tackles and tight ends. In addition to his bachelor’s degree from Washington University, he holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Keen has taught physical education at WU since 1995.

The 2002 Illinois College football team finished 3-7 after posting back-to-back 6-4 seasons.

Def. coordinator elevated at Widener
CHESTER, Pa. — Widener president Dr. James T. Harris, III has announced David Wood has accepted the position of head football coach, effective immediately.

Wood has served as the football program’s defensive coordinator since rejoining the Widener staff in 1997. He previously served as an assistant coach at Widener from 1992-95 before coaching the running backs at Lehigh for the 1996 season.

“When the vacancy occurred, we called the coaches and athletic directors of the top Division III football programs in the country to identify the best possible candidates for the job,” said Harris. “What we discovered was that we had the best possible candidate right here on campus. His name is David Wood.

“David has two degrees from our University and is a former Academic All-District player,” Harris added. “Who better to lead our football program to greater national prominence than someone who played here and understands how to balance academics with athletics?”

“I thank President Harris and Dr. Mahoney (Vice-President for Admissions and Student Services) for giving me the opportunity to become Widener’s next football coach,” said Wood. “As an alumnus of the University, and the first to be its head football coach, it is something that is very special to me. I have looked forward to this day for many years and I am thrilled to follow in the footsteps of some great football coaches. I look forward to continuing the level of success, both athletically and academically, they have established.”

Wood coached the secondary unit for his first year at Widener before serving as the running backs coach in 1993. Beginning in 1995 he became the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach until his departure following that season.

With Wood as the defensive coordinator, the Pioneers have been one of the best units in the country against the run. In 1998 the defense led the nation regardless of NCAA division, having allowed 31.4 yards per game. The rushing defense enjoyed consecutive top six national rankings the last two seasons, finishing in third in 2001 (65.9) and sixth in 2002 (73.4). During the 1998 season the defense shattered the school record with 73 sacks and ranked seventh nationally in total defense after allowing 226.1 yards per game. Four different times that season, the Pioneers held the opponents to negative yards on the ground, including a school record minus-43 at Delaware Valley.

A three-year defensive starter for the Pioneers, Wood graduated from Widener in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and received a Master of Taxation in 1993.

Wood was a two-time Middle Atlantic Conference All-Star and received citations as a Champion USA Division III All-America and GTE Academic All-District II as a senior.

One of Delaware County's leading rushers with an average of 5.7 yards per carry at Penn Wood High in 1986, Wood led Widener to its second straight MAC pass defense title in 1990.

Wood is also the University’s head golf coach, a role he will continue in. A native of Yeadon, Wood resides in Boothwyn with his wife Deanna and sons David, who will be 4 in March, and Matthew who is 2.

Wood is the 21st recorded football coach in school history. The Pioneers have a rich football tradition that consists of two national championships, 11 national appearances, including four trips to the semifinals, and a conference-leading 16 Middle Atlantic Conference championships. Widener has 596 wins in school history, which is tied for second all-time in NCAA Division III with Washington & Jefferson.

Judge hired to take over Anderson program
ANDERSON, Ind. — Anderson has announced the hiring of Jeff Judge to be the new head coach. Judge replaces Steve Barrows, who guided the Ravens to a 21-19 record during his four-year tenure. Judge comes to Anderson from UW-Stevens Point, where he served as Offensive Coordinator. During his years at Stevens Point, Judge served as Defensive Coordinator during the 2000 and 2001 seasons as the team captured a record of 14-7 as well as the 2001 conference title and a Division III playoff game.

"Jeff impressed everyone, faculty, staff, and students, with the fact that he cares as much about building relationships as he does about winning games," said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Carl Caldwell. "He understands the centrality of the coach's role in helping to build character."

Prior to working at Stevens Point, Judge was the defensive coordinator at Simpson in Indianola, Iowa, from 1994 to 2000 and the Offensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator at Morehead State in Morehead, Ky., from 1990 to 1994. During his tenure at Simpson, the team captured a record of 47-17 and won two conference titles and the 1997 West Region Championship. Judge was also a graduate assistant coach at Purdue from 1987-89 and a student assistant at Iowa State from 1982-87.

In addition to his extensive coaching duties at the UW-Stevens Point, Judge was the Facility Manager, Aquatics Director and directed the Health Enhancement Center. Judge has also taught physical education classes at Simpson and Morehead State.

Judge graduated from Iowa State in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in physical education with teaching and coaching endorsements. He earned his Master's of Science in Sports Administration from Purdue in 1989.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity to be the head football coach at a strong, private, Christian liberal arts university that has established itself as a contender for the Heartland Conference championship every year," Judge said. "The thing that impressed me the most on my visit to Anderson University was not the new facilities but rather the quality of people in the administration, in the faculty and in the football program. I am humbled and grateful to have an opportunity to work with this outstanding program."

"We're very pleased to have Jeff Judge as our new football coach," Athletic Director Barrett Bates said. "He brings a strong spiritual commitment as well as an excellent background in football to our program."

Zebrowski moves north of the border
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Jim Zebrowski has a new favorite college football program, and Lakeland has a new head football coach.

Zebrowski, 35, offensive coordinator at Millikin for the past three seasons, Feb. 10 was named the 14th football coach in Lakeland football history.

“I’ve loved my years at Millikin, and I’m going to love my time at Lakeland,” Zebrowski said. “That’s my favorite college football program right now.”

Zebrowski replaces Jeff Hynes, who resigned as Lakeland’s head football coach in January after four seasons to become the new head football coach at Concordia (Ill.).

A self-described people person, Zebrowski will bring a physical, attacking-style approach to the Muskies that has translated into an explosive offense during his time at Millikin.

The Big Blue was 24-7 during Zebrowski’s three years manning the offense, including a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship and NCAA Division III playoff appearance in 2000. Millikin finished second in the nation in scoring in 2000 at 46.6 points per game, rushing for nearly 300 yards per game.

“We’ll strive to be a very tough, physical team on both sides of the ball,” Zebrowski said. “Offensively, we want to run the ball, and have the ability to attack a defense vertically. We like to take some shots and go deep, but once you run the football, a lot of good things happen.

“We want to be able to go north and south on people and move people at the line of scrimmage. We want to be physical and disciplined. Lakeland has kids there that can move people on both sides of the line.”

Zebrowski played football at Mount Union, where he graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

After coaching in the high school ranks in Ohio for six years, Zebrowski spent three years on the coaching staff at SIU-Carbondale, serving several roles including tight ends coach, wide receivers coach and, immediately before leaving for Millikin, quarterback coach.

Zebrowski earned a master’s degree in workforce education from SIU in 2000. He has also served Millikin as an assistant professor of exercise science and sport for the past two years.

Lakeland Athletic Director Jane Bouche said Zebrowski’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he brings the Muskies a balance of experience that matches Lakeland’s needs.

“We like his vision of where he wants Lakeland to be, not only on the football field, but the whole college,” Bouche said. “His background fits Lakeland very well. He has an understanding of private schools and those unique challenges. Above all is his enthusiasm, and the way he’s able to motivate others.”

“I’m a people person,” Zebrowski said. “I was raised that way. I want to say hi to everybody. I want to go to other sporting events. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve loved it. I think that’s why people say ‘This guy is so excited about Millikin or Southern Illinois.’ I think recruits say ‘If he loves it this much, I might as well check it out.’.”

Zebrowski, who is married with one young son (Zachary), is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His wife, Heather, is a former volleyball standout at SIU.

His immediate plans are getting to Lakeland’s campus this week to meet his new players and get them settled, begin building a coaching staff and begin recruiting.

“We want to make people realize there is a base,” Zebrowski said.

Zebrowski learned more about Lakeland through his friendship with two former Lakeland football assistants – Dan Enos and Joe Tumpkin – who both enthusiastically urged Zebrowski to pursue the Lakeland opening.

“This is the first time I’ve really went after and pushed for a position,” Zebrowski said. “Playing at Mt. Union and coaching at Millikin has gotten the juices to be a head coach flowing. Some guys have five- or 10-year goals. Honestly, how I work is doing the best I can wherever I’m at right now.”

Kenyon looks to rebuild, names Stanley coach
GAMBIER, Ohio — Ted Stanley, linebackers coach at the University of Chicago, has been named Kenyon’s new head football coach. He is the 34th head coach in the 113-year history of the football program.

“We are delighted to have Ted join our staff, and we anxiously await his efforts to develop a more balanced and competitive program,” athletic director Peter Smith said. “His coaching experience at similar institutions will, without a doubt, benefit the Kenyon program. He not only has a strong vision of where Kenyon football needs to go, but also the talent and command to steer the program in that direction.”

Stanley, a 1993 graduate of Grinnell, takes over for Vince Arduini, who resigned from the position in November after eight seasons. During the last two seasons, Kenyon has struggled with thin rosters and posted back-to-back 1-9 records.

With five years of experience at two highly selective institutions, Stanley has an excellent understanding of the process involved in recruiting student athletes who not only excel on the field, but meet lofty academic standards.

“This is a great opportunity for me and a chance to put my fingerprint on a program,” Stanley said. “Kenyon has plenty of fantastic things going for it, and we want to add a championship-caliber football team to that list. I realize that it’s going to take a tremendous amount of work and time, but there is already a solid nucleus in place to build upon.”

Stanley, 32, spent the last two seasons at Chicago. The Maroons went 10-8.

Prior to his work at Chicago, he spent three seasons at his alma mater, coaching the defensive line and special teams. At the time, the Grinnell program was struggling to remain competitive, but Stanley worked with other coaches to turn the program around. During that three-year period, Grinnell improved to 22-8 overall, including a 1998 season in which the team produced a 10-0 record and won the college’s first Midwest Conference championship since 1963. Grinnell’s squad size increased by 20 players, and Stanley played a vital role in bringing in two of the college’s largest recruiting classes.

In five seasons as an assistant, Stanley coached 11 defensive players that were selected to all-conference teams, including three Chicago players that were honored as 2002 All-University Athletic Association First Team selections.

In addition to his football coaching duties, Stanley has also served as a strength and conditioning coordinator, as well as an assistant track coach at Grinnell and Chicago.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Stanley played four seasons of football at Grinnell and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history. He later moved back to Salt Lake City to earn a master’s degree in exercise and sports science from Utah. While at Utah, he also served as a graduate assistant coach for three seasons, before being hired as the university’s director of football operations for two seasons.

Overall, in his ten years of coaching, Stanley has been associated with
nine winning seasons, three bowl games, two conference championships, and two teams that were ranked in the Top 25.

“In the end, it’s all about creating a competitive, successful, and positive experience for these college students,” Stanley said.

Rose-Hulman hires Karras as head coach
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Ted Karras has been named the head coach at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Karras has spent the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator at St. Xavier in Chicago. The Cougars earned a Midwest States Football Association Midwest League Championship and qualified for the NAIA playoffs in 2002, after winning eight games in the six years prior to Karras’ arrival.

Karras replaces Russ Mollet, who resigned as head coach in November but is staying on as an assistant.

Previously, Karras served as the head coach at Andrean High School in Merrillville from 1996-98. He successfully rebuilt a program that had never won a regional championship. During just his second season, his team reached the state championship game.

Karras earned three sectional and two regional championships at Andrean, was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year in 1997 and 1998, and compiled a 30-10 record in three seasons at the helm.

“I’m very excited to be part of a dynamic institution at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. I hope to soon match the academic quality of the college with our play on the football field,” said Karras.

At St. Xavier, Karras coached the special teams for two seasons before engineering the team’s record-breaking offense in 2001 and 2002.

The St. Xavier offensive squad established nine single-season and two single-game records in 2001. The records included total yards, number of plays, all-purpose yards, rushing yards, rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns, first downs and first downs rushing.

Karras directed a balanced offensive attack to an NAIA playoff appearance in 2002. The Cougars rushed for 2,300 yards and passed for 2,283 yards last fall and scored 400 points in 12 contests.

“This is something that I’ve worked and strived for since I left Andrean. I am grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Samuel Hulbert, Jeff Jenkins and the institution are giving me,” said Karras.

Other stops in Karras’ coaching career have included one season at St. Francis (Ill.) in 1995 and two years at Lake Forest from 1993-94. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at the Minnesota and Northern Illinois in 1992 and 1993.

On the gridiron, Karras was a four-year varsity letter winner and starter on the defensive line for Northwestern. He earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors in 1986, after starting his playing career as a first-team all-state lineman at Hobart High School. He signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins in 1987.

Karras earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern in 1987 and completed a master’s degree program in education from St. Xavier in 2002. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Teddy and Taylor.

Karras’ uncle, Alex, played football professionally for the Lions from 1958-71 after earning all-Big Ten honors at Iowa. He also appeared in more than 25 movies as an actor. His father (Ted) played for George Halas and the Chicago Bears from 1960-64.

Plymouth State head coach resigns
PLYMOUTH, N.H. — The head football coach at Plymouth State is leaving.

Football coach Chris Rorke, who has guided the Panther program the past four years, departs Plymouth State to become the offensive coordinator at Division I-AA Lehigh. Plymouth State went 0-10 this year, after going 20-11 the previous three years.

"I would like to thank Plymouth State College for having provided me the
opportunity to be a head football coach," said Rorke. "The past four seasons
have allowed me to grow and mature both personally and professionally. The
people at Plymouth State made my family and I feel welcome. Their friendship
and support has been invaluable to us."

"Coach Rorke will be an outstanding addition to our coaching staff," said Lehigh coach Pete Lembo. “His background as a player at Dartmouth and as a coach at some quality academic institutions will enable him to relate well to our student-athletes.

Rorke came to PSC in 1999, leading the Panthers to an 8-3 record in his first season and a victory in the ECAC Northeast Championship game. He also guided the team to a 7-3 record in 2001 and a share of the Freedom Football Conference championship.

"We are very pleased for Chris Rorke and his family," said PSC athletic director John P. Clark. "The Lehigh position is a wonderful opportunity for a person who is a very fine coach and an even finer person. We certainly wish him the very best."

Clark indicated the search for a new coach at PSC begins immediately, hoping to fill the position as soon as possible.

Yale assistant to coach Franklin & Marshall
LANCASTER, Pa. — Yale linebackers and special teams' coach Shawn Halloran has been named the 38th head football coach in Franklin & Marshall history.

Halloran first came to national prominence as a member of the Boston College football team from 1982-1987 where he served two years as the backup quarterback to Doug Flutie, before earning the starting job in 1985.

Among a litany of superb passers in B.C. history, he ranks third behind Flutie and Glenn Foley in Boston College's all-time passing yardage statistics, with 5,252 yards. Both Flutie and Foley exceeded the 10,000-yard mark, but each had almost a full four years of play to accomplish the feat. Three times Halloran threw for more than 400 yards in a game, and three times he tossed four touchdown passes in a single contest.

He ranks fifth all-time in touchdown passes with 30, second to Mike Kruczek in completion percentage (57.5%) and third in career completions with 416, his individual season and game marks include most attempts (423), and completions (234) in a season; and a tie with Red Harris for most attempts in a game (57).

Halloran, 38, recently completed his sixth season at Yale where he coordinated all special teams preparation, film break down, blocking and rushing schemes, and coached the linebackers. During his tenure, he instructed several players to All-Ivy League honors, one Division I-AA All-America selection and had a player drafted by the National Football League.

He joined the Yale staff after serving as offensive coordinator at I-AA non-scholarships Georgetown from 1993-1997. Halloran, a native of Westminster, Mass., also handled the offensive linemen and coached seven of them to all-league status while managing all film breakdown of opponents and referring to each positional coach to determine personnel decisions and game plan.

An assistant coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1992, where two of his players earned All-New England honors, he assisted in leading WPI to a record of 9-1, a two game improvement from the squad's 1991 record. Responsible for coaching the tight ends, preparing weekly offensive pass schemes and the kicking game, he also managed WPI's $390,000 Athletic Fitness Center with a staff of 45 work study students.

He received his coaching start in 1991 as a graduate assistant coach under Tom Coughlin at Boston College. Responsible for breaking down opponents' game films and computing and analyzing all defensive plays for effective staff preparation, he coached the defensive scout squad through simulated play in preparation for games. Further, he assisted the offensive backfield coach with position meetings.

Halloran and his wife, the former Nancy Pfannensteil, have three daughters: Cassidy (4), Riley Ann (2) and Dylan Ann (9 months).

He replaces former head coach Tom Gilburg who announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2002 season.

In 28 seasons, Gilburg compiled a record of 160-112-2 including a 4-6 record in 2002.

The only non-Division I institution to have played 1,000 games, Franklin & Marshall holds an all-time record of 538-421-47 since the program's founding in 1887.

Longtime Bluffton
coach to retire
When Bluffton kicks off the 2003 season, the Beavers will be led by a head coach other than Carlin Carpenter for the first time in the last 24 years.

Carpenter has announced his plans to retire from Bluffton after a school-record 103 wins in 24 seasons, thus ending his reign as the Dean of Ohio collegiate football coaches. After the 2002 season Carpenter was one of four active Ohio collegiate football coaches with more than 100 victories and ends his career with a record of 103-125.

"Carlin's service to Bluffton College has been extraordinary and we will greatly miss him," said Bluffton president Lee Snyder. "He is regarded as a wise and innovative leader among his peers and colleagues and he has always expected far more of himself than what he would have ever asked of others. Carlin has thrived on challenge, hard work and a belief that he could make a difference in the lives of student-athletes."

Carpenter led Bluffton from the NAIA to membership into the NCAA Division III in 1991 and then into the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1998. As a member of the HCAC over the last four seasons, Bluffton has compiled an 18-15 league record, which is the second-most wins of current HCAC members. Carpenter was named the HCAC co-Coach of the Year following the 2000 season when he guided the Beavers to a 7-3 record and a share of the HCAC championship.

Carpenter served as President of the Hoosier-Buckeye Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1983 and was named the HBCC Coach of the Year in 1985. He was named the Association of Mideast Colleges Coach of the Year honor in 1994 as he led BC to a co-championship of the league.

In addition to his coaching duties Carpenter has served as Bluffton’s athletic director and an assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation during his tenure at BC. A native of Nelsonville, Ohio, Carpenter has been an active member in the American Football Coaches Association and was on the Association’s National Coach of the Year committee for 12 years from 1988-1999, serving as chair for three years.

Carpenter’s leadership was instrumental in the building of Salzman Stadium in 1993, which has served as the home for BC football for 10 seasons.

A graduate of Defiance in 1964 with a degree in psychology and biology, Carpenter was inducted into the Defiance College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. He earned his master’s degree in physical education and special education from Ohio University in 1970. He has held coaching positions at Defiance (1970), OU (1971-74) and Marshall (1975-78), where he served as defensive coordinator. Prior to entering Defiance as a student, Carpenter served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

In 1991 Carpenter and now-Vice President for Student Life Don Schweingruber started the “MORE Than Football” program (Motivation, Organization, Responsibility, Excellence), which drew national acclaim and continued for 10 years as he introduced his football players to topics about successful living. That program led to Bluffton being named the only NCAA Division III institution to be included in the NCAA’s pilot program "Life Skills" in 1997.

Carpenter is well known as a guest speaker, humorist, folk singer, entertainer and has preached sermons. His retirement will be effective Sept. 1.

D-III player wins nation's
top award
During the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame's 45th Annual Awards dinner, before a sold out crowd at the Waldorf-Astoria, it was announced that Brandon Roberts of Washington U. was the 2002 HealthSouth Draddy Award winner.

Often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," the award is given to the nation's top scholar-athlete and awards a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Roberts is the first non-Division I player to receive the award.

Roberts has earned high honors in working towards a degree in biomedical engineering while establishing himself as one of the nation's elite linebackers. A regular Dean's List selection, Roberts earned Verizon¨ Academic All-America second-team honors in 2001 and is a three-time member of the UAA all-Academic team.

A Golden Key International Honor Society member, he has twice earned Verizon Academic All-District honors and has received the Ralph Bunche, Washington University Stanley C. Pace Engineering and Akron Urban League Scholarship Awards.

A two-time first-team all-UAA selection, Roberts played an integral part of a defense that ranked in the top 20 nationally in each of the his first three seasons. Through six games in the 2002 season, he led the conference with 68 tackles ranking him 19th in the nation, before suffering a season-ending knee injury. With 338 career tackles and 12½ sacks, he ranks among the greatest defensive players ever to play for Washington University.

College football playing student-athletes must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and citizenship to be eligible for The National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Awards.

Marietta hires Eau Claire coordinator
Marietta College director of athletics Debora Lazorik announced the naming of Todd Glaser as the next head football coach.

Glaser, 33, comes from UW-Eau Claire where he served as the defensive coordinator for the past four years and led the Blugolds defense to be ranked second in their conference in 2001 and 2002.

“Todd comes from a successful background as a coordinator and recruiter at a top NCAA Division III program,” said Lazorik. “We are pleased that he has come to Marietta and are confident that he will re-establish Pioneer Football into a successful Division III program.”

Glaser, a 1993 graduate of UW-Eau Claire, played outside linebacker for the Blugolds before becoming a student assistant coach in 1991. He left the college coaching ranks for two years to become the head football coach at Neillsville Senior High School in 1995 before returning to UW-Eau Claire as the linebackers and special teams coach.

UW-Eau Claire compiled back-to-back 8-2 seasons in 2001 and 2002, while also winning the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in 2001 and being ranked in the Top 25 in the nation both years.

In addition to his coaching experience, Glaser also brings a vast knowledge of Kinesiology and Physical Education to MC. He served as the head of the Adaptive Physical Education Program at UW-Eau Claire and was a lecturer in a variety of Kinesiology and Physical Education courses.

“I am delighted to welcome Todd Glaser as Marietta College’s new football coach,” said MC president Jean Scott. “His enthusiasm for the job, his commitment to the development of students as scholars as well as athletes, his interest in strong interaction with the faculty and staff of Marietta College, and his experience with a winning football program make him an excellent match for us.”

Hynes goes from Lakeland to Concordia (Ill.)
RIVER FOREST, Ill. — Concordia University announced that Jeff Hynes has accepted the position of head football coach. Hynes, who will become the 14th coach in the 80-year history of the program, replaces Brian Baker-Watson, who coached the Cougars for the past three seasons.

Hynes comes to Concordia after a 10-year stint at Illini-Badger Conference rival Lakeland in Sheboygan, Wis. Beginning in 1993 as an offensive coordinator, he sparked Lakeland's rejuvenation by installing the run-and-shoot offense. That tactic, combined with his recruiting efforts, enabled the Muskies to put up some of the highest offensive numbers in NCAA Division III over the next several years. The offensive improvement was reflected in the team's record, which rose from 1-9 in 1993 to a perfect 10-0 in 1997. Hynes became head coach in 1999 while retaining his coordinator duties, and he led the Muskies to a 19-21 record including a 6-4 mark in 2002.

Hynes sees tremendous opportunity in duplicating his success at Lakeland with Concordia's program. "I know that I see Concordia as a 'sleeping giant', not only in the conference but also in the Midwest," he said. "The potential for an excellent program is there from the location in the Chicago area to the first-class facilities to, perhaps most importantly, the intense desire that everyone on campus has to make the program first a competitive one and then, eventually, a winning one."

Hynes notes his move to River Forest as a chance to have access to a great recruiting base, saying, "There is so much good high school football being played in the Chicagoland area, both in the city and suburbs. We already have in place a feeder system from the Lutheran high schools. We plan to enhance those relationships as well as attract a diverse population of student-athletes who desire not only a good football experience but also an outstanding Christian education. We will build from the ground up based on what we are, a Christ-centered institution."

Hynes graduated from Concordia (Wis.) in 1992 after a fine playing career for the Falcons. He was a two-time unanimous Illini-Badger all-conference selection on the offensive line as well as Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1991. Hynes also was part of the 1990 conference champion and NAIA Division II playoff team. Upon graduation, he stayed at Mequon for one year, serving as the Falcons' offensive line and tight ends coach for the 1992 season.

Hynes earned his B.A. in psychology from Concordia (Wis.) and his M.A. in education from Lakeland in 1998.

Wesleyan players charged, armed robbery
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — Two players on Wesleyan University's football team have been charged with robbing a clothing store at gunpoint.

Young Douglas, 21, the team's leading rusher this year, and Daniel Quinones, 20, a linebacker, were arrested during a foot chase shortly after the Gap store on Boston Post Road was robbed Dec. 20, police said.

Police said employees were held at gunpoint and the robbers made off with $2,600, The Day of New London reported. No injuries were reported.

The two players, both juniors, were held on $250,000 bonds on charges of first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree larceny, criminal use of a firearm, brandishing a facsimile firearm and threatening.

Douglas, a star running back while a student at Old Saybrook High School, finished the 2002 season as the Cardinals' leading rusher, averaging 47.4 yards per game with six touchdowns. Quinones, a reserve, recorded seven tackles (five solo).

Last year, Douglas was honored in the state Capitol for "overcoming great odds," according to The Hartford Courant.

As a child, Douglas' crack-abusing mother abandoned the boy at a homeless shelter in Bridgeport, the Courant reported. He had been in state juvenile detention twice for stealing cars.

The Middletown Press reported last year about how Douglas made his way from Long Lane, the state's juvenile detention center, to the NESCAC school.

"I never thought I would end up here," he told the paper. "If you really look hard enough, there's always a way out."

Douglas had a difficult childhood, the paper reported. He was in and out of foster homes, residential treatment centers and group homes. In high school, Douglas said, he "got attached to the wrong crowds." He began stealing cars and ended up in Long Lane.

Otterbein grad returns to take over program
Otterbein director of athletics Dick Reynolds announced the naming of Joe Loth as head football coach.

Loth, 35, comes to Otterbein from Kean University, where he served as head football coach the last three seasons. He is a 1991 graduate of Otterbein.

"We are pleased to have Joe Loth take over our football program," Reynolds said. "He was an outstanding player at Otterbein and brings extensive coaching experience at the NCAA Division III level.

"He has shown success in organizing, administrating and recruiting at our level," he continued. "We look forward to our program developing into a competitive, well- balanced Division III experience for our student-athletes."

The Painesville, Ohio, native has taken part in rebuilding programs throughout his 12-year coaching career.

Kean compiled records of 1-9, 1-9 and 0-9 the three years before Loth took over the NCAA Division III program in 2000. The Cougars improved from 1-9 his first season to 2-8 in 2001. This past season, Kean turned in its best record in eight years, going 4-6. More importantly, Loth brought 100 players (a conference-imposed limit), with 20 on the waiting list, into camp. Kean had finished the 1999 season with about 30 players left on its roster.

Loth began his football career as a graduate assistant at Southern Methodist (1991-93). He served as defensive coordinator at Western Connecticut State (1993-97) and Capital (1997-98). Loth spent two seasons as defensive secondary coach at Rhode Island (1998- 00) before accepting his first head coaching job at Kean in February 2000.

Loth was a four-year letterman and three-year starter at defensive back as an undergraduate at Otterbein. He earned second team All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors his senior year in 1990 and still holds the Otterbein career record of 13 interceptions. He received his bachelor's degree in business.

He and his wife, Keri, have two sons, Zachary, 2, and Tyler, six months. The Loths currently reside in Kenilworth, N.J.

Junior Dan Desplaines will get his first start on D-III's biggest stage.

"The University has decided to suspend Roy Hampton from playing in Saturday's football game after a review of a situation related to an off-campus incident that ultimately led to his arrest," said Trinity's Director of Athletics Bob King said in a press release. "We have determined that Mr. Hampton's actions were not consistent with the standards for a student-athlete leader on the Trinity campus. This action is being taken based upon the prior history of this student, as well as what was learned during our review of the incident."

Trinity will turn to backup quarterback Dan Desplaines, who saw action in nine of Trinity's 14 games, going 23-for-34 passing with three touchdowns and one interception. Hampton will not travel with the team.

The Tigers got two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air from Hampton in a 41-34 semifinal win against St. John's. Hampton has thrown for over 4,000 yards and more than 40 touchdowns this season.

"We believe that we have no other choice but to take this action," added King.

Upper Iowa names D-I assistant head coach
FAYETTE, Iowa — Upper Iowa has named Courtney Messingham as head coach. Messingham has spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach at Southwest Missouri State, including the past three years as offensive coordinator. Messingham will assume his duties Jan. 1.

Messingham joined the coaching staff at Southwest Missouri State in 1999, and was named offensive coordinator in 2000. The Bears led the Gateway Conference in total offense in 2001, averaging 420 yards per game.

Prior to joining SMS, Messingham spent four seasons (1995-98) as an assistant coach at Truman State, his last two years as offensive coordinator. The TSU offense averaged 29 points and nearly 400 yards of offense per game over those four years. He coached four Division II All-Americans while at Truman State, including Jarrett Anderson, the winner of the 1996 Harlon Hill Award, presented to the top Division II player in the nation.

He spent the 1993 and 1994 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. He was named head coach at Iowa Lakes in January 1995, but moved to Truman State before coaching a game.

Messingham got his coaching start as a graduate assistant at St. Ambrose in 1990. He served as the offensive coordinator there for the 1991 and 1992 seasons, coaching quarterbacks and tight ends.

Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, Messingham was a First Team All-State quarterback and an All-State shortstop at Waterloo West High School. He was named the Most Valuable Athlete of Waterloo for the 1984-85 school year. Messingham was a four-year football letter winner at Northern Iowa.

Messingham earned his undergraduate degree in Manufacturing from UNI in 1990, and his master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Ambrose in 1992.

By Pat Coleman, D3football.com Dan Pugh is alone as player of the year.

Dan Pugh won the Gagliardi Trophy, it was announced Tuesday evening. He will receive his award Thursday afternoon in Salem.

It's now the only truly national player of the year award, as the Melberger Award constructed itself a ballot that could not consider the top 50 players in Division III. Where did the Melberger go wrong?

Millsaps hires acclaimed recruiter as head
JACKSON, Miss. — David E. Saunders has been named the 19th head football coach at Millsaps. Saunders replaces Bob Tyler, who retired in November after three years at the Majors' helm.

"We are pleased to welcome Coach Saunders to Millsaps," said Athletic Director Ron Jurney at a Monday afternoon press conference. "He is well respected in football circles and carries with him a wealth of knowledge. We look forward to the Saunders era of our program."

Saunders, 44, comes to Millsaps after a four-year stint at Mississippi as the director of recruiting. While at Ole Miss, Saunders established an acclaimed recruiting program and was lauded as one of the top nine recruiters in the nation by ESPN. Saunders joined the Ole Miss athletic staff in December 1998 after working at Tennessee, where he was responsible for on-campus recruiting.

Prior to joining the Volunteers, Saunders served two years as assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro (1996-97). He spent the 1995 season coaching safeties and special teams at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

During the 1993 and 1994 seasons, Saunders was the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Nicholls State in Louisiana. While there, Saunders coached defensive back Darryl Pounds, who played for the Washington Redskins of the NFL.

From 1990 to 1992, Saunders coached the defensive line at Georgia Southern and helped lead the Eagles to the 1990 Division I-AA national championship.

From 1984 to 1989, Saunders coached defensive backs and receivers while serving as recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. While at Jacksonville State, Saunders coached defensive back Eric Davis, who earned All-Pro honors in the NFL and played for the 1995 Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers. Saunders also coached receiver Keith McKeller, who played in three Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, and defensive back Darrel Malone, who played with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins.

Saunders, a native of Douglasville, Ga., graduated from Auburn in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree and was a walk-on lineman for the Tigers. While at Auburn, Saunders also assisted with the junior varsity, working with the offensive and defensive lines.

Banaszak not renewed at Washington & Jefferson after four playoff appearances
WASHINGTON, Pa. — Washington & Jefferson announced Friday, Dec. 13, that head coach John Banaszak's contract will not be renewed and that offensive coordinator Mike Sirianni has been named the Presidents' new head coach. Since Sirianni's arrival at W&J in 1999, which is also when Banaszak took over the head coaching position, the Presidents have shattered 45 individual or team offensive records.

Banaszak, who won three Super Bowls as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was let go after compiling a 38-9 record in four seasons. The Presidents were 11-7 in the two seasons prior to Banaszak's promotion from defensive coordinator.

"This decision not to renew John Banaszak's contract puts an end to any uncertainties about the future of the W&J football program," said Rick Creehan in a press release. "We remain firmly committed to continuing our tradition of excellence on the field, and for that reason we are handing over the reins to former offensive coordinator Mike Sirianni. Coach Sirianni has played an enormous role in our success in the past, and we are confident that Coach Sirianni will play an even greater role in our success in the future."

Banaszak was a finalist for the head coaching position at Division II California University (Pa.) and Mercyhurst last offseason. Creehan, Sirianni and Banaszak did not return calls seeking further comment.

Sirianni, who has won three NCAA Division III national championships in his career, has brought national recognition to W&J's offensive unit. Last season, the Presidents ranked 16th in the nation in total offense (440 yds./game), 24th in scoring offense (36.3 pts/game) and 26th in passing offense (280.3 yds/game).

In 2000, the Presidents were ranked fifth in the country in total offense, averaging 500.8 yards per game. They also rewrote the school's offensive record books, shattering 17 individual or team records. Sirianni also helped mentor quarterback Brian Dawson, who led all NCAA divisions (I, II and III) as a sophomore in passing efficiency with a rating of 201.5 and broke every passing or total yardage record in school history. In 1999, W&J ranked 14th in the nation in total offense (445 yds/game).

In 1998, Sirianni served as the offensive coordinator at Wilkes, where he helped the Colonels achieve national rankings in pass offense and passing efficiency.

Prior to coaching at Wilkes, Sirianni spent three years as the wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Mount Union. During his coaching career, the Purple Raiders won National Championships in 1996 and 1997. Before his time at Mount Union, he also served one year on the staff at Ithaca as a graduate assistant, while earning his master's in exercise and sportss management.

As a player, Sirianni was a three-year starter and two-time All-Ohio
Athletic Conference selection as a wide receiver and won a national championship at Mount Union in 1993.

By Pat Coleman, D3football.com; Hampton by D3football.com

The Purple Raiders will face Trinity, which reached its first Stagg Bowl in three trips to the semifinals with a 41-34 win. The Tigers were up by three touchdowns before St. John's rallied to tie with six minutes left. Scores and game stories on the Scoreboard page.

Plus the Division III senior all-stars won the Aztec Bowl 15-9 against Mexico's national champions, on a fourth-quarter touchdown. Mexico's final drive was stopped by Bethel's Jon Foss, who caused a fumble with 14 seconds remaining.

From top left: Mount Union's Dan Pugh, John Carroll's Tom Arth, Trinity's Roy Hampton and St. John's Jeremy Goltz.

Saban resigns after 0-10 season at Chowan
MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Lou Saban, 81, resigned as Chowan head coach after an 0-10 season, possibly ending a coaching career spanning five decades. He took over the team in midseason 2001 and piloted the Braves to a 2-3 mark.

"I am deeply grateful to Coach Saban for his willingness to step in at an awkward time to help Chowan's athletic program," school president Stanley Lott said. "He brought a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience that is hard to find."

Saban, a former D-IA and AFL and NFL coach, will be replaced by Steve Gill, Chowan's defensive backs coach. Gill, who was a student coach at Frostburg State in 1993 and 1994, has also coached at Western Maryland and Waynesburg.

"I am excited about this opportunity and feel truly blessed with the chance to make a difference to help build a new tradition of winning at Chowan College," said Gill, who had spent just one year as an assistant at Chowan before getting the top job.

Susquehanna gets second top academic honor
Once may be a fluke, but twice is a trend. For the second time in three years, a football player at Susquehanna was named the Verizon College Division (NCAA Division II and III, and NAIA) Football Academic All-American of the Year, as well as a first-team Academic All-America, by the College Sports Information Directors of America, as senior quarterback Mike Bowman recently earned this season’s honors.

Ironically, Susquehanna’s other Academic All-American of the Year was center Dave Wonderlick, who earned CoSIDA’s top academic awards as a senior in 2000 and snapped the ball to Bowman for his first two season as a four-year starter. Maybe there was knowledge, in addition to a ball, being passed between the two during their center exchanges, as each earned CoSIDA’s top academic award while sporting perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point averages. Revisit a feature story written on the pair in 2000.

"It’s kind of amazing when you think about it. Having one player go through his four years with a perfect grade point average is special, but having two who played so close together is almost unheard of," said Susquehanna’s 13th-year head coach Steve Briggs. "They’ve both been very bright and gifted student-athletes – with each also earning all-conference honors for their play on the field. It was a real luxury as a coach to know that the first guys who handled the ball were some of the brightest students the school has ever seen."

The top-ranked student in the Susquehanna senior class with a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point average as a mathematics major with a secondary education minor, Bowman established school records for career completions (609), attempts (1,169), yards (8,160) and touchdowns (63) — ranking second in Middle Atlantic Conference history in completions, attempts and yards, while placing fifth in career touchdowns. The 6-0, 184-pounder also set school records for season attempts (354), completions (184), yards (2,563) and touchdown passes (20) in 2000, and was just off that pace this season — completing 165 passes in 296 attempts for 2,212 yards and 17 touchdowns while throwing just nine interceptions. Bowman finished third in the MAC in pass efficiency with a rating of 131.4 while ranking fifth in total offense at 212.6 yards per game as he earned second-team All-Middle Atlantic Conference honors.

Many of the passes during Bowman’s career have gone to junior split end Mark Bartosic, who has also broken all of Susquehanna receiving records after also rewriting the passing record books with Bowman at nearby Shikellamy High School in Sunbury, Pa. The 6-1, 194-pound Bartosic led the MAC in receptions (74), yards (1,202) and touchdowns (14) this season as he earned MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Also a three-time MAC first-team All-Star, Bartosic has established school records with 197 catches, 3,420 yards, 42 receiving touchdowns and 270 points during his first three seasons at Susquehanna.

"They’ve (Bowman and Bartosic) been a special passing combination throughout their careers together. Of course, I guess Mike (Bowman) and Dave (Wonderlick) were a pretty special combination during the two years they played together too," said Briggs.

Roy Hampton completed 27 of 42 passes in the quarterfinal win.

Trinity got 481 yards passing from senior quarterback Roy Hampton and four touchdowns, three to Jerheme Urban, in a 38-32 win against Bridgewater. They will host St. John's, as the Johnnies got legendary head coach John Gagliardi his 400th career victory with a 21-14 win against Linfield. Kent Crowley had a pair of long touchdown runs and Lee Clintsman caught a 59-yard pass from Ross Denne to make it 21-7, then held on against Linfield's two-minute offense for the victory.

Scores and stories on our Scoreboard.

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