After announcing in October that it would add varsity
football, Misericordia immediately embarked on an extensive
national search for a head coach.
As it turns out, three months later, the committee didn't have to
look very far as Mark Ross of Athens, Pa., has been named the first
head football coach at Misericordia.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Mark Ross to the Misericordia
University community,” said David Martin, director of
athletics. “We're excited to have Mark on board to develop
and lead our football program.”
Ross has spent the last 10 seasons as an assistant coach at
Ithaca and has also coached at Division II East Stroudsburg.
“I'm excited about the opportunity to be a head coach and
building a program at Misericordia.” said Ross. “I'm
looking forward to implementing my own coaching philosophy and
organizational ideas.”
Ross, who has served as the defensive coordinator/linebackers
coach for the Bombers since 2007 and previously coached
linebackers, defensive line and place-kickers is looking forward to
being part of the Misericordia community. “In addition to
recruiting, one of the first orders of business will be to get out
and meet people on campus. I plan to build a program that will be
an integral part of the campus.”
A graduate of Penn State with a degree in secondary education,
Ross also spent four seasons as an assistant coach at East
Stroudsburg where he earned a master's degree in sport
management.
The 14th sport added since Misericordia joined the NCAA Division
III in 1992, football brings MU's total number of varsity
intercollegiate offerings to 23. Misericordia joins Albright as the
only MAC institutions to offer each of the conference sponsored
varsity sports.
“In an ongoing effort to meet the demands of our
student-athletes, our athletics program has grown in proportion to
the university over the last two decades,” said Martin.
“The addition of football will have a significant impact on
our entire operation.”
The decision also comes in conjunction with the on-going
improvements to Misericordia's athletics facilities. “Our
goal has always been to provide our student-athletes with a
first-rate experience which includes quality facilities. Our
fitness center has relocated to the upper level of the Anderson
Center and more than doubled in size. The current fitness center
will be converted into office space.”
Mangelsdorf Field, the current home for MU's soccer, field hockey
and lacrosse teams, will also undergo a facelift. In addition to
the 10-year-old turf being replaced, the complex will see increased
seating capacity and a field house/press box. “These are
major upgrades which will have a positive impact on a larger
percentage of our student-athletes as well as visiting
teams.”
Anderson Field, the previous varsity soccer field, will be
converted to artificial grass and the baseball field will also be
upgraded.