Head Coach

under Rocco, while averaging 14,190 fans per game in a venue which seats 12,000. just three seasons at the helm of Lib- However, the pinnacle of the season came in a fashion erty’s football program, head coach only fitting for its author. Rocco’s seasoned-veteran Danny Rocco has accomplished more squad capped off a memorable year by posting a 31-0 thanIn some of his peers tally on their coaching record over shutout over Gardner-Webb on Nov. 17, 2007. The victory decades of service. gave Liberty its first-ever Big South title in football, com- Rocco took over a program that was 1-10 when he pleting a “Good2Great” season. was announced as the program’s seventh head coach on Not satisfied with just climbing to the top of the Big Dec. 2, 2005. In just a trio of seasons, Rocco has not only South’s standings, Rocco led a change to put the name of changed the perception of his players, but also the Uni- Liberty Football on a national level in 2008. versity’s student body and administration, the community The Flames won their first six games of the year, giv- ROCCO’S COACHING EXPERIENCE of Central Virginia and the national FCS scene. ing them the nation’s longest FCS winning streak midway 2005-Present Liberty (head coach) During his first year, Rocco posted a five-win improve- through the year at 11 games dating back to the previ- 2003-05 Virginia ment over the previous season (1-10 in 2005 and 6-5 in ous year, with half of those wins in 2008 carrying note- (associate head coach/linebackers) 2006), earning him Big South Coach of the Year honors, worthy accomplishments. 2001-02 Virginia the first in program history. Nationally, the turnabout tied The first was a 31-28 road victory over No. 23 (assistant head coach/linebackers/ recruiting coordinator) for the best improvement in the country during the sea- Youngstown State, a four-time national FCS champion. 2000 son. The resounding win continued to build the Flames’ ever- (assistant linebackers/special teams) Rocco brought to Liberty the 3-4 defense he success- growing resume as a force to be reckoned with on the 1998-99 Maryland fully ran at both Virginia and with the New York Jets, and national scene during a season of “Unfinished Business.” (outside linebackers/assistant special teams) the new scheme paid immediate dividends. Liberty held The second and third victories during the aforemen- 1997 Texas opponents to 1,433 total rushing yards and 306.6 aver- tioned winning stretch were a road victory over Coastal (special teams coordinator/defensive ends) age yards of offense per game, setting another pair of Carolina and a 33-0 shutout over league newcomer 1994-96 Texas (outside linebackers) school and conference bests. Stony Brook at home, which began another run toward a 1991-93 Boston College (defensive line) Liberty posted three shutouts in 2006 to set a new Big South title. 1988-90 Tulsa (outside linebackers) 1987 Colorado (assistant linebackers) school and Big South record. The Flames allowed just 172 On Nov. 15, 2008, the Flames closed out their quest to 1986 Wake Forest (defensive line) total points to claim a new school mark and ranked No. repeat as Big South champions, downing Gardner-Webb 1984-85 Wake Forest 12 nationally in scoring defense (15.64 points per game). yet again, this time on their home turf, allowing Liberty (defensive graduate assistant) On the gridiron, Rocco’s rejuvenated squad set 12 dif- to celebrate a perfect 5-0 league mark in front of its own ferent team records, including eight defensive marks, fans at . BOWL GAMES AS A PLAYER which certainly brought a smile to the face of the 20- The following week, Williams Stadium served as the 1983 Mirage Bowl (Wake Forest) plus-year, veteran defensive coach. stage for one of the most resounding and noteworthy 1980 Fiesta Bowl (Penn State) The revitalization of the program sparked a renewed wins in program history, as Liberty controlled No. 12 Elon 1979 Liberty Bowl (Penn State) interest in Flames football, as a ticket to a Rocco- BOWL GAMES AS A COACH coached football game became a hot item around Liberty 2005 Music City Bowl (Virginia) Mountain. The Flames finished the year ranked 13th na- 2004 MPC Computers Bowl (Virginia) tionally in home attendance. 2003 Continental Tire Bowl (Virginia) The attention to Rocco’s first-year accomplishments 2002 Continental Tire Bowl (Virginia) wasn’t just limited to the greater Lynchburg area. During 1996 Fiesta Bowl (Texas) the 2006 campaign, Liberty garnered votes for Top 25 1995 (Texas) consideration more than once and the Flames posted 1994 Sun Bowl (Texas) their first victory over a nationally-ranked opponent since 1993 Carquest Bowl (Boston College) 1997, when they knocked off No. 24 Charleston South- 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl (Boston College) 1989 (Tulsa) ern. In sharp contrast, the 2007 season brought about an CHAMPIONSHIPS WON onslaught on Liberty’s offensive record book. During the 2008 (Liberty) course of the season, the Flames set new program and 2007 Big South Conference (Liberty) Big South benchmarks for points scored (469), points per 1996 Big XII Conference (Texas) game (42.6), average yards per play (6.8) and total 1995 Southwest Conference (Texas) touchdowns (61). 1994 Southwest Conference (Texas) Liberty finished the year ranked No. 3 nationally in HEAD COACHING HONORS/ scoring offense, No. 8 in passing efficiency (158.12), No. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 14 in total offense and No. 16 in rushing offense 2008 Big South Coach of the Year (Liberty) (215.91). Nominee (Liberty) The lofty figures continued to propel the Flames to Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year new levels, helping Liberty surpass the 40-point mark in Finalist (Liberty) five out of 11 total games. 2007 Big South Coach of the Year (Liberty) The high-octane offense continued to pack out Lib- 2006 Big South Coach of the Year (Liberty) erty’s Williams Stadium. The Flames finished the 2007 Tied for the nation’s best turnaround Rocco Family season with a program-best and perfect 6-0 home record

64 from the opening kickoff to the final whistle, re- and still raising FCS stars. sulting in a 26-3 win on Nov. 22, 2008. Rocco brought over 22 years of football coach- The victory over the Phoenix completed the ing experience to a program he was quite familiar first-ever 10-win season in program history and with, as he had been an outside observer with a enabled the Flames to finish the year with its vested interest for years. Rocco had family ties to highest end-of-the-year national ranking at No. 14 both and the greater Lynchburg in the Sports Network poll and No. 15 in the FCS area, enabling him to watch Liberty from a dis- Coaches ranking. tance. Individually, Rocco’s unprecedented success did Rocco’s father and brother both served on the not go unnoticed, as he claimed his third-straight staff at Liberty during a six-year span as Frank Big South Coach of the Year awards. But in keep- Rocco, Sr., was the program’s Director of Football ing with the theme for the year of taking Liberty Operations during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. to the national level, Rocco himself was listed Frank Rocco, Jr., also joined the staff in 2000 as a among the nation’s elite coaches at year’s end. wide receivers/quarterbacks coach and was pro- Rocco deservedly found his name listed among moted to before leaving in the nation’s elite FCS coaches, as he was on the 2003. ballot for consideration for the Eddie Robinson All three of the Rocco brothers have been re- Award, given out annually by the Sports Network united of sorts as Frank, Jr., now serves as head to the top FCS coach in the nation. Secondly, football coach and athletic director across the Lib- Rocco was a Top 5 finalist for the Liberty Mutual erty campus at Liberty Christian Academy, the K- Coach of the Year award. 12 school associated with Thomas Road Baptist During his three years on Liberty Mountain, Church. Rocco has coached 52 Big South all-conference Completing the family circle, the final Rocco members and 13 players who have garnered All- brother, Dave, is now a defensive coordinator at America distinctions, including a consensus All- Jefferson Forest High School in Forest, Va. American in in 2008 (AP, College So, to say that Rocco has had a vested interest Sporting News, Sports Network and Walter Camp in Liberty and the greater Lynchburg area over the Foundation). last several years might be an understatement. Three of his student-athletes have gone on to “I’d followed the program for many years, and play at the highest level of professional football in I’d waited for Liberty to have a breakthrough the NFL. Vince Redd (New England Patriots) and year,” commented Rocco after his introductory Stephen Sene (St. Louis Rams) signed free agent press conference. “For whatever reason, that had- contracts following the 2007 season. Jennings be- n’t happened yet, but I knew the potential and the came Liberty’s first NFL Draft selection in 20 years talent was here for it to happen.” when he was taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars in “I took this job knowing the program was com- the seventh round in the 2009 NFL Draft. ing off a disappointing 1-10 season,” continued As previously mentioned, the Rocco era of foot- the now-prophetic Rocco. “However, I never ball began on Dec. 2, 2005, when a Dr. Jerry Fal- looked at it as a 1-10 program. That in and of it- well addressed an assembled group of media and self allowed me to come in with a more positive boosters gathered in the Grand Lobby of the approach and begin to turn this thing around.” Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center on the early Rocco now enters the fourth year of his first winter day. head coaching position thrilled to bring 25 years The announcement brought excitement back to of coaching career to Liberty with a resume which a once-strong athletic program, as Dr. Falwell pub- includes stops at several of the top NCAA FBS pro- licly named former Virginia associate head coach grams in the country. Danny Rocco as Liberty’s new head football coach. In addition to his experience at the NCAA FBS “Danny Rocco is a perfect fit for Liberty Univer- level, he spent the 2000 season on ’s staff sity in every way. Liberty is fortunate to have as an assistant coach with the New York Jets of him,” stated the University’s Founder and former the National Football League. Chancellor on that cold wintry day, who personally Rocco has either coached or played in a total of witnessed the beginning of the program’s resur- 13 bowl games and has earned the title of confer- gence. “I firmly believe Danny Rocco can lead Lib- ence champion on five separate occasions – three erty in reaching its goal of becoming a dominant times with Texas and twice with the Flames. Division I-AA program within the near future.” Prior to coming to Liberty, Rocco spent the pre- Unfortunately, the world-renowned evangelist vious five seasons at Virginia, helping the Cava- and duly honored No. 1 fan of Liberty athletics did liers to four-consecutive bowl appearances and 37 not live to see his own prediction completely victories alongside Groh as an assistant head come true, as he passed away on May 15, 2007. coach/linebacker coach, starting in 2001. But Rocco has made it the program’s purpose Virginia posted back-to-back Continental Tire to carry out the vision of the leader, cherishing his Bowl victories in 2002 and 2003 with wins over legacy by truly being a “Champion for Christ,” 15th-ranked West Virginia and Pittsburgh, and a continually guiding Liberty Football to its current hearbreaking overtime loss to Fresno State in place of prominence as one of the nation’s best the 2004 MPC Computers Bowl.

65 Rocco returned to Virginia prior to the 2005 Rocco went from Texas to Maryland, where he Music City Bowl to help Groh lead the Cavaliers to served as linebackers coach for the 1998 and 1999 LIBERTY’S NCAA TEAM RANKINGS a victory over Minnesota. seasons. After the 1999 season, Rocco rejoined his Rocco’s squad cracks Top 20 over the past three years The Cavaliers’ 2002 recruiting class was ranked mentor, Groh, with the New York Jets. 2006 in the Top 10 nationally by many of the major re- Rocco spent the 2000 season in New York as an RANKING CATEGORY STATISTIC cruiting services, including a fifth-place ranking by assistant linebacker/special teams coach, before 1 Turnovers Lost 8 ESPN. Rocco relinquished his recruiting coordinat- following Groh to Virginia for the 2001-05 sea- 2 Fumbles Lost 3 ing duties in 2002 and was promoted to the posi- sons. 3 Kickoff Returns 25.56/game tion of associate head coach, while continuing his Rocco began his college playing career as a 6 Passes Had Intercepted 5 responsibility as linebackers coach. scholarship athlete at Penn State. Rocco earned 6 Fourth Down Conversion 71.4 percent 10 Third Down Conversion 47.5 percent In 2004, three Cavaliers’ linebackers signed NFL two varsity letters at Penn State, and participated 12 Scoring Defense 15.6/game contracts. Darryl Blackstock was selected in the in the 1979 Liberty Bowl and the 1980 Fiesta 18 Time of Possession 31:44 third round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardi- Bowl. He then transferred to Wake Forest where he 19 Rushing 185.0/game nals, and Dennis Haley (N.Y. Jets) and Isaiah Ekeji- was a two-year starter and senior captain for 20 Turnover Margin 0.55/game uba (Arizona Cardinals) signed as free agents. Groh. 20 Tackles for a Loss Allowed 4.55/game Rocco began his coaching career as a graduate While at Wake Forest, Rocco participated in the 2007 assistant coach at his alma mater, Wake Forest. He 1983 Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan. In 1984, Rocco 3 Scoring Offense 42.64/game 4 Sacks Allowed 0.73/game spent the 1984 and 1985 seasons as a graduate graduated from Wake Forest with a bachelor’s de- 7 Turnover Margin 1.27/game assistant, before being hired as the defensive line gree in speech communication. He completed a 7 Tackles for a Loss Allowed 4.18/game coach prior to the 1986 season. 56-hour education and counseling master’s cur- 8 Punt Returns 14.24/average Rocco was then hired by Bill McCartney at Col- riculum from Wake Forest in 1987. 8 Passing Efficiency 158.12 orado as an assistant linebackers coach for the Rocco grew up in a football family as his father 10 Kickoff Returns 23.66/game 1987 season. He spent the next three seasons at served as an assistant coach at Penn State under 10 Fourth Down Conversion 66.7 percent Tulsa, where the Golden Hurricane competed in legendary hall of fame head coach be- 12 Passes Intercepted 18 13 Turnovers Gained 30 the 1989 Independence Bowl. fore joining Liberty’s staff in 2000. 14 Total Offense 429.64/game Rocco spent the 1991-93 seasons working for Rocco has been an active participant in the 16 Rushing Offense 215.91/game Tom Coughlin as his defensive line coach at community since arriving in Lynchburg. He is a 19 Passes Had Intercepted 7 Boston College, helping Coughlin bring Boston member of the Lynchburg Sports Club as well as 2008 College’s program back to national prominence. the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian 3 Third-Down Efficiency 50.98 percent In 1992, Boston College played in the Hall of Athletes. He has been a member of the Virginia 4 Tackles for Loss Allowed 3.58/game Fame Bowl, before making a trip to the Carquest High School Coaches Association since the spring 5 Sacks Allowed 0.67/game 7 Passing Efficiency 158.81 Bowl in 1993. Rocco then left Boston College to of 2001. 9 Total Offense 446.67/game join John Mackovic’s staff at the University of The native of Huntington, Pa., is married to the 12 Passes Had Intercepted 6 Texas at Austin. former Julie Mills and the couple has two children 12 Punt Returns 14.61/average While at Texas, the Longhorns put together - David (18) and Amy (16). 13 Rushing Offense 213.50/game three consecutive conference championships, in- 13 Turnovers Lost 15 cluding an inaugural Big 12 title in 1996. Texas 14 Scoring Defense 18.67/game also competed in three straight bowl games (Sun 14 First Downs 21.50/game 19 Scoring Offense 33.67/game Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl). WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ROCCO

Comments from the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Contest Results from the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year contest were compiled by three distinct groups – fans, members of the media and a Hall of Fame Committee (com- prised of such football greats as ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, former Notre Dame and South Carolina head coach Lou Holtz, legendary broadcast , NFL Pro Bowler Archie Manning, former Nebraska head coach , NFL Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and award winner Herschel Walker). During the fan portion of the voting process, fans were encouraged to support their vote, declaring why Liberty’s head coach Danny Rocco should be named the Liberty Mu- tual Coach of the Year. Below are just a few of the hundreds of submissions:

“He never sways from his EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD LIBERTY MUTUAL COACH OF THE YEAR belief that athletes should The Eddie Robinson Award is presented Throughout the 2008 season, Liberty Mutual conducted its third annual Liberty Mu- maintain a high level of annually, by the Sports Network, to the tual Coach of the Year contest, honoring the top NCAA football coaches in the personal fortitude, both on top FCS football coach in the country. country. The award was broken out into four different divisions (Division IA, Division and off the field. Coach For the first time in program history, IAA, Division II and Division III) and Liberty’s Danny Rocco was one of the five final- Danny Rocco is a constant Liberty had a coach among the finalist ists for the Division IAA contest. professional that upholds for the prestigious honor, as head the outmost positive de- coach Danny Rocco was among the Top Division IA Division II gree of sportsmanship in 20 considered for the nation’s top FCS Winner – , Alabama Winner – , Pittsburg State the game of football. It is coaching accolade. Other Finalists: Other finalists: for this very reason that Mack Brown, Texas , Valdosta State he should be hailed as 2008 Eddie Robinson Award Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Danny Hale , Bloomsburg Coach of the Year. I can’t Candidates Brady Hoke, Ball State Chuck Martin, Grand Valley State wait for my son to come , Wofford Urban Meyer, Florida Bill O'Boyle , Chadron State from the great state of , Jacksonville Joe Paterno , Penn State Florida and one day play , Colgate Chris Petersen, Boise State Division III for this great man.” Clint Conque, Central Arkansas , Oklahoma Winner – , Mount Union Jack Cosgrove, Maine , Ohio State Other finalists: “Coach Danny Rocco has Rich Ellerson, Cal Poly Kyle Whittingham, Utah Greg Debeljak, Case Western Reserve strived for excellence in Phil Estes, Brown , Saint John’s Liberty’s football program , Northern Iowa Division IAA Dan MacNeill, Suny Cortland since the day that he ar- Bob Ford, Albany Winner – , Mark Speckman, Willamette rived on campus. He has Henry Frazier, Prairie View James Madison instilled the idea of win- Bobby Hauck, Montana Other Finalists: Two-Time Defending Big South Champions ning as individuals in Dean Hood, Eastern Kentucky Mike Ayers, Wofford order to win as a team in , Southern Illinois Jerry Moore, Appalachian State each of the players’ Mickey Matthews, James Madison Henry Frazier III, Prairie View A&M hearts. He is a man of Ron McBride, Weber State Danny Rocco, Liberty great integrity and charac- Jerry Moore, Appalachian State ter, and has class like Buddy Pough, South Carolina State none I’ve ever seen. He is Danny Rocco, Liberty more whole-person growth from all his games are packed out. He has brought ex- a fan favorite and players , Villanova players. He deserves to win the Coach of citement back to our football program and want to win for him.” Joe Taylor, Florida A&M the Year award for his outstanding charac- even greater, the athletics program as a ter, integrity, team spirit and great coach- whole! As an alumnus, it is so exciting to ing abilities.” sit back and watch my school be competi- “I am a player at Liberty and “Coach Danny Rocco deserves to tive every year and still improving. Who Coach Danny Rocco deserves this win this award because he is more “I was at Liberty when football was an af- knows how far Coach Rocco can take this award more than any man in the than just a coach. I played my last terthought. Coach Danny Rocco has spent program.” United States. He cares about his year under him and he changed the past several years not only winning team more than anyone I have many guys’ lives on our team. He championships, but changing the culture “Coach Danny Rocco is the most influen- ever met. You feel like you are his has given hope to not only the of the football program, the school and tial spiritual leader on and off the field. He best friend. He works late hours, guys on the team, but supporters even the Big South Conference.” is not only there for the physical growth of but still finds time to be a great fa- of Liberty Football. Coach Rocco is the team, but also the individuals’ spiri- ther. The team is just another part a great man and one that I would “The resume that Coach Danny Rocco has tual growth. This is one of the many rea- of his family.” want my own children to look up built while at Liberty speaks for itself.” sons Coach Rocco deserves to win this to.” award.” “He has turned this team around “Bottom line, Coach Danny Rocco into a dynamic and winning pro- “Coach Danny Rocco runs a solid changed the program 180 degrees. No one “Coach Danny Rocco has really turned our gram. I’ve watched the young men football program, which is ar- looked forward to Saturday games until he program around for the better. Liberty Uni- that he has coached for three years guably the best in the nation when showed up.” versity has benefitted greatly, as has now and each of them have it comes to instilling character and Lynchburg as a community.” evolved into mature young men. integrity.” “What Coach Danny Rocco has done since They are a strong brotherhood on he has been at Liberty has totally trans- and off the field. I am so proud of “Coach Danny Rocco is an excel- formed the culture of the school. When I Coach Danny Rocco and his play- lent coach that leads his team not attended the school just a few years ago, ers.” only to many victories, but towards hardly anyone attended the games. Now

67 PETE SUNDHEIM Associate Head Coach/Running Backs 21st Season | Delaware, 1971

Sundheim, who also serves as the program’s profes- sional scout liaison, joined the Liberty coaching staff in Sundheim is the senior mem- 1989 after a one-year stint as the defensive secondary ber of the Flames’ football coach at Azusa Pacific University. coaching staff, beginning his Sundheim broke into the collegiate coaching ranks in Pete21st year with the program. He was promoted to associ- 1973, spending six years at Middlebury College where he ate head coach during the spring of 2007, after serving served as the head track coach, defensive backs coach as assistant head coach for two years. and defensive coordinator. He then served at Brown, For the past five seasons, Sundheim has oversaw Lib- where he spent three years as the Bruins’ defensive sec- erty’s tight ends, coaching three-time Big South all-con- ondary coach. THE SUNDHEIM FILE ference selection Chris Luck and Corey Rasberry, a 2008 Sundheim left Brown to pursue business interests at Big South second-team all-conference honoree. Presto-tek Corporation as the company’s operations and Year at Liberty: 21st The 2009 season will see Sundheim return to a posi- sales manager. However, he kept his hand in coaching as tion he previously coached, as he will be instructing Lib- a scout at Citrus Junior College. Sundheim then moved Coaching Experience: erty’s running backs. He served in the same position on to coach at Azusa Pacific, while also working as an 1989 – Present (20 years) – Liberty (Assoc. HC, Asst. HC, DB, LB, DC, RB, during the 2001-03 seasons, where he coached Liberty’s area representative for Champion Products. RC, TE) all-time rushing leader Dre Barnes. Like many collegiate coaches, Sundheim first entered 1988 (1 year) – Azusa Pacific (DB) Before his last two offensive position stints, Sundheim the coaching ranks at the high school level. He was an 1982-87 (6 years) – Citrus JC (Scout) spent his first 12 years on the Flames coaching staff as a assistant football and track coach at Long Branch High 1979-81 (3 years) – Brown (DB) defensive specialist. In 2000, he served as the defensive School in Long Branch, N.J. 1973-79 (6 years) – Middlebury backs coach, while previously coaching three years as Sundheim completed his bachelor’s degree in physical (DB, DC, Track) linebacker coach (1995-96, 1999), eight seasons as the education from Delaware in 1971. He started his junior 1971-72 (2 years) – Long Branch HS defensive secondary (1989-94, 1997-98) coach and three and senior years at strong safety for the Blue Hens and (Asst. Coach/Track) campaigns as the defensive coordinator (1997-99). was a member of three Lambert Cup teams. Sundheim Recruiting Area: Southern Virginia, In 1997, Sundheim’s defense showcased itself as one helped lead his team to two MAC championships and Eastern North Carolina, of the most opportunistic squads in the NCAA I-AA ranks. three-consecutive Boardwalk Bowl Games. He was Florida Panhandle Liberty led the country in turnovers (40), ranking second awarded defensive most valuable player honors his sen- in turnover margin (1.82) and yielding only 17.7 points a ior year. Education: B.A., Physical Education contest, the second-best mark by a Flames’ defensive (Delaware, ’71) squad over the past 19 years.

Hometown: Sparta, N.J.

Wife: Barbara

Children: David (29), Kate (28), Petey (25) and Jeffery (19)

Grandchildren: Hailey (3) and Jordan (1)

68 Two-Time Defending Big South Champions Clark came to Liberty after serving his second stint as Clark came to Liberty after Clark served as at Catholic, Prior to his most recent stay served Clark first joined the staff at Catholic in 1994 and Divi- Catholic made three-consecutive appearances in the Catholic finished with a 9-2 overall record and In 1999, and Clark's other coaching stints included head coach area and re- D.C., Washington, Clark is a native of the Americans. Additionally, Clark helped shape Virginia transfer Virginia Clark helped shape Additionally, Americans. putting him into Redd during his senior year at Liberty, Vince a free agent contract with the a position where he signed after graduation in 2007. New England Patriots NFL’s where D.C., Washington, in head football coach at Catholic he had been since 2004. William & Mary for three sea- the defensive coordinator at Atlantic the to a share of Tribe helping the sons (2001-03), 10 Conference championship in 2001. William & as head football coach before leaving to go to Clark compiled an impressive 56-14- While at Catholic, Mary. best 1 overall coaching record and boasts of one of the percent- seven-year runs in Division III history (.792 winning age). and quickly turned 1998 and 1999), sion III playoffs (1997, record the program around as his 1994 squad tied the NCAA for best turnaround. Athletic Conference champi- claimed the Old Dominion the title in its first year in the conference. earning onship, III Clark coached nine players who earned NCAA Division All-American honors during his longest stay at Catholic. in athletic director at Bishop McNamara High School graduate assistant coach for the (1988-94), Md. Forestville, assistant coach for the secondary at Colorado (1987-88), at St. secondary at Catholic (1985-86) and assistant coach (1983-84). D.C. Washington, John's College Prep in in ceived his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Maryland Kevin have two children: Laurie, Clark and his wife, 1986. and Samantha. 69 Clark returns for his fourth year as Clark returns for his fourth football a member of the Flames’ Clark serves as the coaching staff. During the 2009 campaign, Clark will assume some new During the 2009 campaign, guidance Flames’ defensive unit thrived under Clark’s The Liberty continued to set new following two seasons, The defensive efforts have drawn national attention Clark’s defense Clark’s During the Flames 10-2 2008 campaign, defensive coordi- Since taking over the reigns as Liberty’s Tom team’s defensive coordinator and successfully implemented defensive coordinator team’s for the first time in the history of the 3-4 defensive system 2006. the staff in January the program after joining be taking over direct instruction of Liberty’s as he will duties, position has been a leader on the defensive This linebackers. has finished as as a linebacker side of the ball for Liberty, individual total tackles leaders for the past eight Liberty’s seasons. including fewest points setting eight team records, in 2006, fewest rushing yards al- most shutouts (3), allowed (172), 2006. lowed (1,433) and fewest total touchdowns (21) in Liberty In 2007, tutelage. program standards under Clark’s etched new marks in the record book for fewest rushing The yards allowed (1,413) and average yards per run (3.2). average Flames defense has bested the program record for 2008, rushing yards per game allowed in both 2007 and leaving the new record at a 125.9 average. the Flames In 2006, during his trio of season at Liberty. points per game), 12 in scoring defense (15.64 No. ranked 13 in turnovers gained (30) No. while his 2007 squad ranked 24 in rushing yards allowed. and No. in scoring de- 14 ranking No. 20, Top the once again cracked fense (18.67 points per game). eight Clark has coached 19 all-conference selections, nator, All- honorable-mention all-state honorees and two VaSID Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1986 Season | Maryland, Fourth TOM CLARK TOM Tidewater, Va. area, Va. Tidewater, Fourth Washington, D.C. Washington, B.A., Kinesiology B.A., Kevin (17) and Kevin Laurie Washington D.C. area,Eastern D.C. Washington Maryland Samantha (14) (Maryland, ’86) (Maryland, (DC/LB) AD) S (HC, Education: Wife: Children: Hometown: Hometown: THE CLARK FILE at Liberty: Year Coaching Experience: 2006 – Present (3 years) - Liberty 2005-04 (2 years) – Catholic (HC) William & Mary (DC) 2001-03 (3 years) – 1994-2000 (7 years) – Catholic (HC) 1988-94 (7 years) – Bishop McNamara DB) 1987-88 (2 years) – Colorado (GA, 1985-86 (2 years) – Catholic (DB) Prep (AC) John’s 1983-84 (2 years) – St. Recruiting Area: BRANDON STREETER Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Fourth Season | Clemson, 1999

Streeter was one of pass attempts (479-of-776), throwing for 6,579 yards four coaches Danny and 45 touchdowns. In 34 games under Streeter, Lib- BrandonRocco added to his erty’s hurlers have thrown just 18 interceptions, leaving staff upon arriving at Liberty Mountain in January 2006. the Flames with a team 147.44 pass efficiency rating During his first three seasons, Streeter has guided Lib- during his three-year span. erty’s quarterbacks to new heights, helping earn him a Streeter came to Liberty after serving as a graduate promotion to Offensive Coordinator last January 2009. assistant coach at Clemson for two years. Streeter is no Under Streeter’s tutelage, quarterback Brock Smith stranger to the Tigers' program as he was a three-year had the fifth-most successful season by a sophomore letterwinner at Clemson (1997-99), including its starting quarterback in school history in 2006, throwing for quarterback his junior and senior seasons. THE STREETER FILE 1,376 yards. Smith also ranked among the Top 40 quar- Streeter broke or tied 11 Clemson records during his terbacks in the nation in passing efficiency career, throwing for 3,506 yards and 17 touchdowns. He Year at Liberty: Fourth (38th/126.71). ranks seventh in school history in passing yardage and Liberty’s quarterbacks finished the campaign by fifth in completion percentage (56.6 percent, 294-for- Coaching Experience: throwing merely five interceptions to set a new school 519). 2006 – Present (3 years) - Liberty record. The previous mark was nine interceptions Streeter set a single-game school record by passing (QB, OC) reached on three different occasions (1994, 1995 and for 343 yards against Virginia in 1999 and set a school 2004-05 (2 years) – Clemson (GA) 1999). record for 300-yard passing games in a career. He also 2002-03 (2 years) – Charleston In 2007, Smith continued to excel under Streeter, be- set the Clemson single-season completion rate record by Southern (QB, RB, RC) coming Liberty’s first quarterback since 2000 to pass for completing 63.1 percent of his pass attempts in 1999. Recruiting Area: Northwest 2,000 yards (2,226). The southpaw also threw for 19 A three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Virginia, South Carolina, touchdowns, the fourth most TDs passes by a quarter- Roll, Streeter became Clemson's inaugural winner of the Atlanta area back in program history. Brandon Streeter Award in 1999, which is annually Streeter also helped Smith hone his passing skills, en- given to a student-athlete who has succeeded athleti- Education: B.A., Health Science abling the junior to finish the year ranked No. 7 in the cally despite a physical injury. (Clemson, ’99); M.A., Human nation in passing efficiency (157.42), while helping Lib- Streeter adds Big South coaching experience to Lib- Resource Development erty shatter a program record for scoring (469 points) erty as he served as an assistant coach at Charleston (Clemson, ’01) and rank No. 3 in the country in points scored per game Southern for two years. In 2002, Streeter served as the Hometown: Gettysburg, Pa. (42.6). Buccaneers’ quarterbacks coach, while he made the In 2008, Streeter helped guide Smith to the best sea- move to running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Wife: Ashleigh son of his career, as the lefty threw for 2,620 yards and in 2003. 19 touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in 12 Streeter also played professionally as a member of Children: Chamberlin (1) years to surpass the 2,000 yard mark in consecutive sea- the Carolina Cobras, an Arena Football League team, sons. Smith’s passing efficiency mark ranked No. 4 na- during the spring and summer seasons in 2001. tionally (161.79), as he completed 64.4 percent of his Prior to attending Clemson, Streeter was a standout pass attempts. quarterback at Gettysburg High School in Gettysburg, Smith finished his days at Liberty ranking Pa. He threw for over 4,000 yards during his junior and first in career passing efficiency (148.1), a mark senior seasons, helping lead the team to a combined 22- that is over 15 points higher than Robby 3 overall record over the two years. Justino’s second-place ranking (132.6). Smith Streeter earned his bachelor's degree in health sci- also now ranks second in completion percent- ence from Clemson in 1999 and a master's degree in age (60.0) and touchdown passes (50) and human resource development from Clemson in 2001. third in passing yards (7,036). The native of Gettysburg, Pa., is married to the former All in all, since taking over the reigns as Lib- Ashleigh Foard. The couple welcomed their first child, erty’s quarterback coach, Streeter’s quarter- Chamberlin Brooke, on May 1, 2008. backs have completed 61.7 percent of their Two-Time Defending Big South Champions Roberts’ defenders played a vital role in Liberty’s record- a vital role in Liberty’s Roberts’ defenders played East Stroudsburg University Roberts came to Liberty from Roberts served as a coaching Prior to his collegiate days, Roberts served as the head football coach at In 1999, Arena Football Roberts played professionally in the a where he was Roberts is a 1993 graduate of Rutgers, AP corner and return spe- East and All-ECAC, an He was setting 10-2 2008 campaign, helping the Flames finished the setting 10-2 2008 campaign, of Three 14 nationally in the final poles. No. season ranked an were from the secondary, the Flames top six defenders runs a linebacker- Liberty’s impressive figure considering heavy 3-4 defensive scheme. where he served as the secondary Pa., in East Stroudsburg, He helped coordinator from 2000-03. coach/special team’s Ath- State Pennsylvania to back-to-back Warriors guide the in- letic Conference East Division titles in 2002 and 2003, cluding the outright East Division title in 2003. during the intern for the for two months NFL Eu- summer of 2002 and the secondary coach with the Galaxy during the 2002 season. Frankfurt rope’s the while overseeing Pa., Abington, Abington High School in started his He special teams and the passing game. defense, serving as a degree at East Stroudsburg in 1998, master’s responsible for was and Warriors graduate assistant with the the secondary. League for four years and another year with the Canadian Orlando Predators AFL’s He played with the League. Football spe- during the 1994 and 1995 seasons as a defensive/return Albany Firebirds cialist. He spent the 1996 season with the Mus- as a defensive specialist and played for the Milwaukee He coached the tangs as a receiver/defensive back in 1998. Anaheim Piranhas in receivers and defensive backs with the Sacramento Gold Miners He also played for the CFL’s 1997. as a defensive back and punt returner in 1993. Defensive Coor- letterwinner under former Flames’ four-year starter at corner back four-year The dinator Steve Carson. and punt returner finished as Rutgers’ all-time leader in ca- reer punt returns with 1,018 yards and 91 returns (averaging 11.1 yards per return). presea- named to the 1992 BIG EAST cialist in 1991 and was while finishing the season ranked son all-conference team, 12th in the country in punt returns. Roberts is one of the senior veterans on Lib- as staff, coaching erty’s touchdowns. cept passes in 2007, returning three for cept passes in 2007, squad, Liberty had 11 different players inter- squad, and VaSID second-team all-state nod. As a second-team all-state nod. VaSID and Big South first-team all-conference selection ranked No. 12 in the interceptions, aiding in his 12 in the interceptions, No. ranked For the first time in his Liberty tenure, Roberts will see a Roberts the first time in his Liberty tenure, For to continue to build upon Liberty’s Roberts will be asked Liberty has 11 special teams returns During the time span, Flames have been individually recognized for their Three Roberts served as Liberty’s Prior to his recent promote, Roberts has had an impact on several of his Individually, helped Liberty finish the year Calvary Patrick In 2007, Marshall he enters his sixth year coaching on Liberty Mountain. He on Liberty Mountain. he enters his sixth year coaching having previ- to the staff, array of knowledge brings a vast NFL Eu- from the NFL, with football programs ously worked collegiate Arena League, League, Canadian Football rope, and high school ranks. cam- switch in his coaching responsibilities during the 2009 new special teams coordi- tabbed Liberty’s paign, as he was 2009. nator and coach in January as the Flames have finished in growing special teams efforts, returns the 25 nationally in both punt and kickoff Top the past three seasons. best while serving as one of the nation’s for a touchdown, yards by averaging 13.31 yards per punt return and 23.64 return. per kickoff and Wynton Jackson specials as return special teams efforts, Dominic Bolden earned honorable mention and third-team a was long snapper Dan Pope while All-America honors, All-America selection. two-time first-team defensive backs coach since joining the staff in 2004. set eight Roberts played a significant role in helping Liberty including fewest points al- defensive team records in 2006, most fewest total touchdowns allowed (21), lowed (172), per shutouts (3) and fewest total average offensive yards No. Liberty finished the year ranked In 2006, game (306.0). game). 12 nationally in scoring defensive (15.64 points per South all- players with 10 defensive backs taking home Big conference honors under his tutelage. Special Teams Coordinator/Cornerbacks Special Teams | Rutgers,Sixth Season 1993 MARSHALL ROBERTS MARSHALL Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia, Sixth Abington, Pa. Abington, B.A., Administration of B.A., Liberty (DB, ST, CB) ST, Liberty (DB, ST) Stroudsburg (DB, Steelers (NFL) (Intern) (NFL Europe) (DB) (DB) (AFL) (WR/DB) Coach) (Asst. Florida Space Coast Orlando area, Justice (Rutgers, ’93); M.A., M.A., ’93); Justice (Rutgers, ’03) Education (East Stroudsburg, THE ROBERTS FILE at Liberty: Year Coaching Experience: 2004 – Present (5 years) - 2000-03 (4 years) – East 2002 (2 months) – Pittsburgh Galaxy 2002 (1 year) – Frankfurt Abington HS (HC) 1999 (1 year) – 1998 (1 year) – East Stroudsburg Anaheim Piranhas 1997 (1 year) – 1996 (1 year) – LaSalle HS (DB) Abington HS 1994-95 (2 years) – Recruiting Area: Education: Hometown: CHARLIE SKALASKI Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers Seventh Season | Florida, 1978

In 2008, Skalaski had to replace two all conference re- enters his sev- ceivers who had been starters the previous three years. enth season as Instead of enduring a drop in production, the receiving a member of corps increased its numbers in terms of yards, touch- Skalaskithe Flames’ coaching staff. After coaching the tight ends downs, receptions and yards per catch in helping the in 2003, he transitioned to his current position as wide Flames to their first-ever 10 win season. receivers coach, while also serving as the program’s Di- Dominc Bolden enjoyed one of the finest seasons of rector of Football Development from 2003 to 2005. any receiver in the country with 56 receptions for 1,056 Skalaski was named Recruiting Coordinator in 2006 yards, nine touchdowns receiving and two rushing. The after earning a reputation as a top-notch recruiter for duo of Bolden and Jonathan Crawford combined for THE SKALASKI FILE Liberty’s highly successful efforts in the state of Florida. 1,769 receiving yards to become the second most potent His expertise and passion for recruiting are evident when tandem in program history. Year at Liberty: Seventh looking at Liberty’s excellent recruiting classes the past Bolden and Crawford were both named all conference, several years. the first time in school history that the Flames had two Coaching Experience: While continuing to enjoy success in Florida and be- receivers named all conference in the same season. In 2003 – Present (6 years) - Liberty (TE, coming a force in their home state of Virginia, the Flames WR, Dev., RC) addition fellow senior receiver Matt Lambros added to have expanded their recruiting efforts to a truly global the recognition when he was the tenth player selected in 2001-02 (2 years) – Ridgewood HS (AC) effort. In addition to the national representation that Lib- 1978-80 (3 years) – Florida (GA, DE, WR, the Canadian Football League draft. Skalaski has now DB) erty has on its roster, there is an international presence had five receivers named to the Big South all-conference with players signed from Canada and Germany the last teams during the last four years. Recruiting Area: Miami, Tampa, several years. Skalaski adds a unique blend of business and coach- Jacksonville, Southwest Florida, Based on the wide receivers production over the last ing experience to the Flames program as he spent more South Georgia, International Players four years, Skalaski is earning another reputation, that of than 20 years in corporate America in both sales and Education: B.A., Criminal Justice an excellent coach. In 2005, he was instrumental in help- managerial roles. (Florida, ’78); M.A., Public ing two of Liberty’s younger receivers record stellar sea- Administration (Florida, ’80) Prior to joining the Liberty staff, Skalaski worked for sons as Brandon Turner (594 yards) and Wynton Jackson Steelcase Inc., an international company which is the (511 yards) posted the fourth and fifth most receiving Hometown: Miami, Fla. world’s largest manufacturer of high quality office envi- yards in school history by sophomore receivers. Turner ronments and furniture. Du ring his tenure, Skalaski held Wife: Ann was honored as a Big South second-team all-conference various sales and management positions, culminating selection. with his promotion in 1998 to sales manager of Steel- Children: Sarah (21), Charlie (19) and Skalaski continued to guide the successful tandem of case’s largest field office, located in New York City. Be- Jake (13) Jackson and Turner in 2006, with Turner named an all- fore his days at Steelcase, Skalaski enjoyed several conference for a second consecutive sea- successful years at the Xerox Corporation, earning the or- son and Jackson named to the team as a return ganization’s highest sales recognition in the President’s specialist. Jackson led the team with 40 receptions and Club. Turner caught 39 passes for 604 yards, the second-most Skalaski got his start in coaching in 1978 as a gradu- receiving yards by a wide out over the last 13 years at ate assistant coach at Florida. He served in that capacity Liberty. for three years, working on both sides of the ball and In 2007 the production continued to climb as learning under the tutelage of coaching greats Mike Skalaski’s wide receivers caught 19 touchdown passes, Shanahan and Steve Spurrier - assistant coaches at helping the Flames shatter the school and conference Florida during the time span. More recently, Skalaski scoring record (469 points/42.6 per game), while ranking served as a volunteer assistant coach for Ridgewood No. 3 nationally in scoring. High School in Ridgewood, N.J., during the 2001 and The trifecta of Jackson, Turner and Dominic Bolden 2002 seasons. combined to record nearly 70 percent of Liberty’s receiv- Skalaski received his Bachelor’s degree in criminal jus- ing yards, while hauling in 15 touchdowns. Jackson led tice from Florida in 1978 and was awarded a prestigious the trio with 641 receiving yards and six touchdowns, U.S. Department of Justice internship. He also was in- helping him take home Big South all-conference hon- ducted into Florida Blue Key, the university's highest ors. leadership and honorary society. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in public administration in 1980 from Florida. Skalaski developed a reputation as a tough and smart competitor during his playng days as a defensive back for the Gators. Demonstrating his knowledge of the game he once played all four positions in the secondary against Houston his junior year. He was a member of three bowl teams: , 1975 and 1976 Sun Bowl. Skalaski is a native of Miami, Fla., and he and his wife, Ann, have three children – Sarah, Charlie IV, and Jacob (Jake). Two-Time Defending Big South Champions In 2000, McCook coached the nation’s Division II national McCook coached the nation’s In 2000, McCook saw at Shepherd, During his decade-plus tenure McCook also served as an Prior to his days at Shepherd, McCook State, During the 1998 season at Frostburg coaching McCook served on the football six years, For offensive line helped clear the McCook’s Wesley, While at South McCook has also coached at Beall High School and ed- McCook earned his bachelor of arts degree in physical have three children – Beth, McCook and his wife, leader in rushing yards, as Dalevon Smith ran for an average leader in rushing yards, of 166.1 yards per game. 30-consecutive regu- streak, his team reel off an 18-winning seasons in 2005 victories and unbeaten regular lar-season and 2006. and at Md., State in Frostburg, assistant coach at Frostburg Del. Dover, College in Wesley his alma mater at and off- served as the Bobcats’ running game coordinator while also joining season strength and conditioning coach, physical educa- the faculty as a member of the university’s tion department. After spending his first two years as defen- Wesley. staff at he made the switch to offensive line coach, sive line coach, championship to the Southeast ECAC Wolverines helping the in 1993. Trophy, a finalist for the Gaglardi for Brandon Steinham, way top Division III football handed out to the nation’s an award player. as well as Susquehanna in River High School in Maryland, where he helped guide the Crusaders to the semifinals 1991, coach. of the Division III playoffs as an inside linebackers degree in sports in 1992 and a master’s Welsey ucation from Academy in Sports science-sports management from the U.S. in 1999. Ala., Daphne, Molly and Madison. Michael, COOK C four new hires for head coach McCook was one of McCook was as the Flames’ Danny Rocco, Liberty has been one of the top rushing programs in all of Liberty has been one of the as McCook is no stranger to successful running programs, McCook helped the Rams to five While at Shepherd, as offensive line McCook served During his 11 seasons, 10 Division II rushing offense No. McCook led the nation’s success with the Rams has not been limited to McCook’s Ernie newest running game coordinator and tight ends coach newest running game coordinator staff in March 2009. joined Liberty’s the 2,000-yard mark six out surpassing NCAA FCS football, the Flames have the span, During of the last seven seasons. averaged 2,167 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns per season. best Division II programs dur- he guided one of the nation’s in ing his 11-year coaching stint at Shepherd University W.Va. Shepherdstown, 2006 and 2007), 2005, 2004, championships (1999, WVIAC 2006 and 2005, four trips to the Division II playoffs (1999, two Elite Eight runs (2006 and 2007). including 2007), his last 10 coach each year and offensive coordinator during pro- he was season, Prior to the start of the 2007 seasons. moted to the position of assistant head coach. the who led Wallace, in 2007 and running back Denvon Dur- country in all-purpose yardage (222.8 yards per game). Di- best McCook mentored the nation’s ing the same season, named the Rimington was as Ryan Pope vision II center, winner. Award nationally ranked offense was as his squad’s recent seasons, 25 in No. Shepherd ranked In 2006, and year-out. year-in led while the Rams rushing offense (174.8 yards per game), per game). the nation in scoring offense in 2005 (34.8 points Running Ends Game Coordinator/Tight ‘92 | Wesley, First Season ERNIE M ERNIE Delaware, Eastern Delaware, First Grasonville, Md. Grasonville, B.A., Physical Education B.A., Michael (10), Molly (8) and Michael (10), COOK FILE C Beth (OL, OC) (OL, Maryland Western Md., Shore area, Madison (5) (Wesley, ’92), M.A., Sport Science - Sport Science M.A., ’92), (Wesley, Sports Sports Management (U.S. ’99) Academy, THE M at Liberty: Year Coaching Experience: 1999-2009 (11 years) – Shepherd State (RGC) 1998 (1 year) – Frostburg OL) (DL, Wesley 1992-1997 (6 years) – 1991 (1 year) – Susquehanna (LB) 1990 (1 year) – South River HS (VAC) 1988-89 (2 years) – Beall HS (JV) Recruiting Area: Education: Wife: Children: Hometown: WALLY AKE Assistant Coach – Secondary First Season | William & Mary, ‘72

coordinator role at Rice. He got his collegiate coaching Ake might be one of the start in 1979, as a linebackers coach at William & Mary, newest members of the his alma mater. Flames’ football coaching The Falls Church, Va., native served two different stints Wallystaff, but he is certainly not a newcomer to the coach- at Arkansas, as he was the Razorbacks tight ends coach ing profession. Liberty’s secondary coach will be entering in 1980 and defensive line coach from 1984-89. his 30th year of collegiate coaching when he helps the While at Arkansas, his defenders finished two different Flames take to the field in 2009. campaigns ranked in the Top 10 nationally in rushing de- Ake came to Liberty from Army, where he spent the fense, helping the Razorbacks earn six consecutive post- previous five years serving as the Black Knights’ second- season bowl berths. THE AKE FILE ary coach (2004-08). Rounding out Ake’s collegiate experience were three Prior to his day at Army, Ake worked a trio of years at seasons as defensive line coach at Air Force (1981-83) Year at Liberty: First Western Michigan (2001-03), as a defensive backs coach and four years as inside linebackers coach at Clemson and special teams coordinator. (1990-93). While with the Tigers, Ake’s defenders helped Coaching Experience: During the 2002 campaign, Ake’s secondary picked off Clemson post the nation’s top rated defense in 1990 and 2004-08 (5 years) – Army (DB) 14 passes, helping the Broncos finish second in the Mid- 2001-03 (3 years) – Western Michigan the country’s best rushing defense in 1991. American Conference in pass defense. In 2001, Western Ake began to build his coaching resume with seven (DB, ST) Michigan ranked No. 17 nationally in pass defense. 1997-2000 (4 years) – Maryland (DC) years at Falls Church High School in his hometown, in- 1994-96 (3 years) – Rice (DC) Prior to his days in Kalamazoo, Mich., Ake was the de- cluding six years (1972-77) as the Jaguars’ defensive co- 1990-93 (4 years) – Clemson (LB) fensive coordinator at Maryland from 1997 to 2000. Fel- ordinator and his last (1978) as the program’s head 1984-89 (6 years) – Arkansas (DL) low new assistant coach Levern Belin and Flames head coach. 1981-83 (3 years) – Air Force (DL) coach Danny Rocco worked under him, as Belin was a de- Ake’s coaching career has afforded him the opportu- 1980 (1 year) – Arkansas (TE) fensive line coach in 1999 and Rocco was the Terrapin’s nity to coach in 12 collegiate bowl games, including the 1979 (1 year) – William & Mary (LB) outside linebackers coach in 1998 and 1999. Citrus Bowl (1992), Cotton Bowl (1989 and 1990), Hall of 1978 (1 year) – Falls Church HS (HC) While overseeing Maryland’s defenders, Ake saw the 1972-77 (6 years) – Falls Church HS (DC) Fame Bowl (1980, 1982 and 1991), Holiday Bowl (1985), Terrapins rank as the No. 12 most improved defense in Independence Bowl (1983), Liberty Bowl (1984 and total defense in 1998, No. 13 in scoring defense and No. Recruiting Area: Richmond, Va., 1987), Orange Bowl (1987) and the Peach Bowl (1993). Fredericksburg, Va. and Eastern 14 in improved passing defense. Four of his Maryland While earning his bachelor’s degree in physical educa- South Carolina players went on to successful NFL careers. tion and recreation at William & Mary, Ake helped the Ake’s first defensive coordinator position came at Rice, Tribe to the 1970 title. The All- Education: B.A., Physical Education and where he oversaw the Owls for three seasons (1994-96). Southern Conference linebacker also helped William & Recreation (William & Mary, ’72) Rice ranked No. 25 nationally in four different defensive Mary to the Tangerine Bowl in 1970. categories in 1994, helping the Owls to a share of the Ake and his wife, Chris, have one son, Aaron, who is Hometown: Falls Church, Va. Southwestern Conference title. currently enrolled in the Ohio School for Broadcasting in Ake coached linebackers and defensive linemen for Columbus, Ohio. Wife: Chris more than a decade before he landed his first defensive Child: Aaron (23)

74 LEVERN BELIN Assistant Coach – Defensive Line First Season | Wake Forest, ‘91

During his year at East Tennessee State, he served as a Belin is entering his linebackers coach for the Buccaneers, while Belin was a line- fourth coaching stint backers and defensive line coach with the Tribe, helping with Flames head coach guide William & Mary to the FCS Playoffs in 2001. DannyLevern Rocco and will serve as Liberty’s newest defensive Belin began his college coaching experience as a 1991 line coach during the upcoming 2009 season. Belin has also graduate assistant at Boston College where he first met coached alongside Rocco at Boston College, Maryland and Rocco, before moving across town for his first full-time job most recently Virginia. at Boston University as a defensive line coach in 1992. Belin has spent the past four years at Virginia. Belin During five seasons at Ball State (1994-98), Belin helped joined the Cavaliers’ coaching in 2005 as a defensive line instruct one of the top rushing defenses in the Mid-American THE BELIN FILE coach. Conference. After his first year with the Cavaliers, Belin was promoted He began his tenure with the Cardinals as an outside line- Year at Liberty: First to defensive assistant/defensive line coach, spotlight by his backer coach, before closing out his stay as a four-year de- coaching of consensus All-America honoree Chris Long. Long fensive end coach. During the 1997 season, Ball State led Coaching Experience: was the 2007 winner as the nation’s the league and ranked No. 34 nationally in fewest yards al- 2005-08 (4 years) – Virginia (DA, DL) top defensive end and was the second overall pick in the 2004 (1 year) – Northern Illinois (DL) lowed. 2008 NFL Draft. Following his five-year stay at Ball State, Belin moved to 2001-03 (3 years) – William & Mary In 2007, Virginia ranked No. 23 in the nation in total de- (LB, DL) College Park, Md., for a two-year stint at Maryland (1999- 1999-00 (2 years) – Maryland (DL) fense (332.46 yards allowed per game) and No. 16 in scoring 2000), where he coached the Terrapins’ defensive ends. 1994-98 (5 years) – Ball State (OLB, DE) defense (19.69 points allowed per game). The native of Marshville, N.C., was a three-year starter at 1993 (1 year) – East Tennessee State (LB) During the 2006 campaign, the Cavaliers held their oppo- Wake Forest as an inside linebacker. He graduated from the 1992 (1 year) – Boston University (DL) nents to 289.5 yards per contest, the best figure for Virginia program in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in speech 1991 (1 year) – Boston College (GA) in 27 years. He also coached freshman All-American Jeffrey communications. Fitgerald. Belin and his wife, DeVida, have a two-year old son, Recruiting Area: Virginia Beach, Va., Prior to his days in Charlottesville, Va., Belin served on Chase. Chesapeake, Va., Suffolk, Va. and the Northern Illinois coaching staff in 2004, as a defensive Eastern North Carolina interior line coach. During his one year with the Huskies, he Two-Time Defending Big South Champions Education: B.A., Speech helped Northern Illinois to a share of the Mid-American Con- Communications (Wake Forest, ’91) ference (MAC) title and a victory in the Silicon Valley Classic over Troy. Hometown: Marshville, N.C. Belin brings both NCAA FBS and FCS coaching experience to the Flames’ coaching staff, as he Wife: DeVida coached for a year at East Tennessee State (1993) and three years at William & Mary (2001-03). Child: Chase (2)

75 BLAINE MCCORKLE Assistant Coach – Offensive Line Third Season | LSU, ‘00

McCorkle got his coaching start fresh out of college, McCorkle joined three serving as a student assistant at his alma mater, LSU, in other assistant coaches 1999. While with the Tigers, he helped with the offensive as new hires for head linemen and coordinated the defensive and special teams Blainecoach Danny Rocco’s staff in March of 2009. However, scout teams. the Flames newest offensive line coach is certainly no The Anninston, Ala., native got his first full-time stranger to Liberty Mountain. coaching position as UT-Martin, where he served for McCorkle has already served two stints at Liberty, his three years (2000-02). During his first season with the latest coming in 2007 when he was a member of the Skyhawks, McCorkle coached UT-Martin’s wide receivers, Flames strength and conditioning program, along with while working as the offensive line and tight ends coach THE MCCORKLE FILE being an offensive line assistant to then offensive coordi- in 2001 and 2002. nator and offensive line coach . During the 2003 and 2004 campaigns, McCorkle was Year at Liberty: Third During the 2007 campaign, Liberty set a new program the offensive line coach at the University of the South. standard by scoring 469 points, while ranking No. 3 na- His last collegiate position before joining this year’s Coaching Experience: tionally in scoring offense (42.6 points per game). Lib- Flames coaching staff was at Tennessee Tech, where he 2008 (1 year) – Tennessee Tech (OL) erty’s offensive line paved the way for a program-best 32 2007 (1 year) – Liberty (ST, OL Asst.) served as the offensive line coach for the Golden Eagles rushing touchdowns, en route to the Flames’ first of two- in 2008. 2006 (1 year) – UT-Chattanooga (OT, TE) straight Big South titles. 2005 (1 year) – Liberty (OL) McCorkle was a four-year letterwinner at LSU, helping 2003-04 (2 years) University of the South McCorkle worked with Stephen Sene, helping the left the Tigers to the 1995 and 1997 Independence Bowl ti- (OL) tackle garner Big South first-team all-conference honors, tles and a trip the . Also, the long snap- 2000-02 (3 years) UT-Martin (WR, OL, TE) a trip to the Hula Bowl and a free agent contract with per helped LSU captured the SEC West title in 1996 and 1999 (1 year) – LSU (SA) the New England Patriots. McCorkle served in his inaugu- 1997. ral coaching post at Liberty in 2005, coaching Liberty’s McCorkle, who received his bachelor’s degree in edu- Recruiting Area: Southwestern Virginia, offensive line. cation from LSU in 2000, is married to the former Re- Charlotte, N.C., Western North Sandwiched in between a pair of coaching runs with Carolina bekeh Heinz. The couple has three daughters – Gracie, the Flames, McCorkle served as offensive tackles and Emma and Audrey. tight ends coach at Chattanooga in 2006, spotlighted by Education: B.A., Education (LSU, ’00) a home victory over perennial Southern Conference pow- Hometown: Pensacola, Fla. erhouse Georgia Southern.

Wife: Rebecca

Children: Gracie (8), Emma (6) and Audrey (1)

76 PAUL DR. ED RUTIGLIANO GOMES Assistant Athletics Director of Spiritual Director For Football Development Administration

Ed Gomes is entering his ninth year as a member of the Flames’ football support staff and serves as the program’s Rutigliano is currently in his fourth year of his Director of Spiritual Development. second stint as a member of the Flames’ football Dr.As in his first eight seasons, Gomes’ day-to-day duties are to oversee the coaching staff after joining head coach Danny spiritual development of the football players by encouraging the student- Rocco’s staff in January of 2006. Pa ul athletes to understand who they are in Christ and to use their God-given In his current position of Assistant Athletics Director for Football Administration, talents to impact others through Whole-Person Development. Rutigliano oversees the overall operations for the football program. His responsibilities He is responsible for setting up team chapels and discipleship programs, include future scheduling, budget management and business operations, while work- leading coach’s weekly Bible study while developing one-on-one relation- ing closely with the Chancellor’s Office on specially assigned projects. ships with coaches, support staff, players and others outside the football Rutigliano’s scheduling efforts have helped the Flames secure some of the nation’s program. best NCAA FBS opponents, including West Virginia (2009), N.C. State (2011), Wake For- Gomes is no stranger to the Liberty University campus as he spent five est (2012), Virginia (2013 and 2014) and Virginia Tech (2016). years (1996-2000) as the University’s Dean of Commuting Students. While in Prior to returning to Liberty in 2005, Rutigliano worked in the development, man- his role as Dean, he helped the University’s commuting students connect agement and marketing of Park ‘N Go – a company which develops and manages off- with on-campus life. airport property at major airports. Prior to his days at Liberty, Gomes served as an associate pastor in his Rutigliano first joined the Flames' football coaching staff in 1989 under his father, hometown of New Bedford, Mass. He also served as chaplain for the local , who finished his 11-year career with the most wins in Liberty's history. police force during his 11-year pastoral tenure and board member with the Rutigliano’s first professional position came with the NBC affiliate in Cleveland as Kiwanis Club and local Y.M.C.A in New Bedford. Two-Time Defending Big South Champions an on air talent and writer. In 1983, he left NBC and joined the International Manage- Gomes is a 1976 graduate of Liberty, which was then known as Liberty ment Group IMG -a global company operating in thirty countries with clients and cor- Baptist College. While receiving his undergraduate degree, he was a three- porations in Sports & Entertainment and Media. In this position, he worked in Team year starting point guard on the Flames’ basketball team. Sports and corporate marketing. Gomes still holds numerous records at the University as he set a single- In 1989 after spending six years as an account executive for International Manage- season record with 256 assists and 137 steals during his senior season. He ment Group in Cleveland, Ohio, Rutigliano joined his father in Lynchburg. is the school’s all-time leader with 300 career steals and ranks fourth on the Rutigliano began his football career at Holliston High School. After graduating from school’s all-time list with 476 assists. Holliston, he moved to Milford Academy. After one year at Milford Academy, Rutigliano After graduation, Gomes traveled two years with the Life Action Min- received a football scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. After a career end- istries Teams from Buchanan, Mich. In 1980, he returned to Liberty and en- ing injury, Rutigliano transferred in his final year to Cleveland State University and rolled in the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He served the University earned a bachelor of science in communications. as a Resident Director, while working on his seminary degree and finishing Rutigliano and his wife, Cindy have two children, Kristin and Amanda. his studies in 1985. Gomes currently is a member of the pastoral staff at Thomas Road Bap- THE RUTIGLIANO FILE tist Church and completed his Doctorate of Ministry degree at Liberty Bap- tist Theological Seminary in 2007. Total Years on Liberty’s Football Staff: Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio His wife, Ruth, whom he has been married to for 32 years, is a professor 15th Wife: Cindy in the University’s Family and Consumer Sciences Department. The couple Education: B.A., Communications currently resides in the Lynchburg area with their two children – Priscilla (Cleveland State, ’80) Children: Kristin and Amanda and Joshua.

THE GOMES FILE

Year on Liberty’s Football Staff: Wife: Ruth Ninth Children: Priscilla (27) and Joshua Education: B.A., Youth Ministry (23) (Liberty, ‘76); M.A., Religious Education (Liberty, ‘85), Doctor of Ministry Degree (Liberty, ’07)

Hometown: New Bedford, Mass.

77 MIKE CHRIS MORRIS BROWN Head Equipment Assistant Manager Equipment Manager

Morris returns for his fourth year as head Brown is entering his fourth year of full-time equipment manager, after taking over the duties service with the Flames football program as just three weeks prior to the opening of preseason assistant equipment manager. However, trainingMike camp in 2006. BrownChris is no stranger to the team. He was a part of the program for four In his current position, Morris’ day-to-day operational duties include overseeing the years as a member of the student manager staff. purchasing, fitting, maintenance and distribution of all football practice and game-day Brown’s duties include but are not limited to purchasing, fitting, main- equipment and apparel for players and the coaching staff. taining and distributing of all football practice and game-day equipment for Morris brought over 26 years of athletic-related experience to Liberty University at all players and the coaching staff. various levels of services when he joined the Flames football staff, including experi- Brown is a native of Lynchburg, Va., and a 2001 graduate of Brookville ences at the major and minor league baseball as well as the college level. High School, where he served as a football equipment manager for six years. Prior to joining the Flames’ football support staff, Morris served four years (2002- He is a District 2 member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association 05) as the minor league equipment manager/administrator in the Atlanta Braves or- (AEMA), an association for athletic equipment managers from all over the ganization. He was responsible for managing equipment and clubhouse operations for United States and Canada. Atlanta’s six team minor league system, including spring training, extended spring Brown, who was certified by AEMA as equipment manager in July 2009, training, the Gulf Coast League and the Florida Instructional League. From 1999 to completed his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Liberty in May 2002, Morris was a manager for logistics/stadium engineering for Turner Properties. 2007. From 1993-99, he served on the athletic staff at Georgia Tech, including stints as athletic building manager, interim facilities coordinator and Alexander Memorial Coli- THE BROWN FILE seum manager, while finishing out his days with the Yellow Jackets as assistant direc- tor for athletic facilities. During his first year at Georgia Tech, Morris also served as Year at Liberty: Third Hometown: Lynchburg, Va. guest relations manager/stadium operations with the Atlanta Braves. From 1980-83, he served as gymnasium/natatorium manager at Wheaton College in Education: B.S., Sport Management Wheaton, Ill. Morris got his start in the athletic world in 1969 when he was named (Liberty, ‘07) equipment manager for the Chicago White Sox where he served until 1980. Besides bringing a wealth of athletic experience to Liberty, Morris has a distin- guished military background, including three years of service in the U.S. Army (1967- 69), where he was the squad leader for the 25th Infantry Division for South Vietnam and was honorably discharged as Sergeant E5. A decorated soldier, Morris was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals and the Combat Unit and Cam- paign Ribbons during his years of service. From 1983-92, Morris served as Chaplain Recruitment and Reserve Affairs NCO for the Forces Command Staff Champlain, U.S. Army. The native of Lynchburg, Va., attended Illinois Benedictine College and Wheaton College, while his son, Peyton, is a 1995 graduate of Liberty.

THE MORRIS FILE

Year at Liberty: Fourth Wife: Debbie

Hometown: Lynchburg, Va. Children: Peyton, Jimi and John

78 DANNY ANDY WENGER COLEMAN Video Coordinator Academic Coordinator For Football

Wenger is entering his 10th year as a Coleman is in his fourth year as a member member of the Flames’ Football support of the Flames' football support staff. As staff and continues to serve the depart- academic advisor, he serves as a liaison Dannyment as the video coordinator. Andybetween the football program and the academic campus and also aids in Along with supervising all practice and game-day videography for football, Wenger the day-to-day operations of the football office. oversees video exchange with upcoming opponents and breaks down Liberty game Coleman’s duties include monitoring the academic progress of each foot- and opponent video for the Flames’ coaching staff. He is also responsible for the pro- ball student-athlete, assisting with the recruiting process by evaluating high duction of Liberty’s football highlight and instructional films. During the 2005 season, school transcripts, coordinating on-campus visits and the admissions Wenger also oversaw all aspects of travel for the football program. process for all potential freshmen and transfer football student-athletes. Wenger got his start in the video production industry in 1996 when he joined the Coleman’s academic endeavors paid dividends for several members of in-studio video production team for the nightly news at WSET-TV Channel 13 in Lynch- the Flames roster in 2008, as Colin Dugan, Ryan Greiser, Dan Pope and burg, Va. Kevin Richard each were named to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Aca- The native of Charleston, S.C., served in the news department for two years before demic All-District team. Additionally, Ryan Greiser and Mike Godsil were se- moving to the creative services department in 1998, where he was responsible for the lected as member of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, as presented by the shooting and editing of commercials and programming which were aired on the re- National Football Foundation. gionally and locally owned and operated ABC affiliate. As a whole, Liberty’s team posted one of its strongest team GPA in Wenger graduated from Liberty in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in communica- recorded Liberty Athletics history, while the squad’s APR score continued to improved for the third-straight year. tions, specializing in media graphic design. Two-Time Defending Big South Champions Wenger and his wife Mandy, who reside in Bedford County, have two children – Coleman came to Liberty from Presbyterian Home and Family Services Darrin and Matthew. where he served as a middle school coordinator. While working at the Pres- byterian Home, Coleman also served on the coaching staff across campus at THE COLEMAN FILE Liberty Christian Academy. As middle school coordinator, Coleman was re- THE WENGER FILE sponsible for teaching, career planning and overall development of students Year at Liberty: Fourth with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Year at Liberty: 10th Prior to his time at LCA, Coleman served as a Special Education teacher Education: B.A., Psychology and Criminal and junior varsity/varsity football coach at Rustburg High School from 2002- Education: B.A., Communications Justice (Liberty, ’95), M.A., Education 04 and a Special Education teach and varsity football coach at Amherst High (Liberty, ‘97) (Liberty, ’09) School from 2001-02. Hometown: Charleston, S.C. Coleman served a six-month stint an as Special Education teacher at Her- Hometown: Lynchburg, Va. itage High School from December 2000 to June 2001, where he oversaw a Wife: Mandy Wife: Jennifer caseload of 16 ED/EDHD students. From October 1997 to June 2000, Coleman was at Appomattox High Children: Darrin (6) and Matthew (1) Children: Landry, Reagen and Evan School as a Special Education teacher, where he prepared and implemented lesson plans for several grade levels in the areas of life services, physical services, civics, geography and life skills. Coleman also was a member of the varsity athletic program, serving as football defensive coordinator, assistant baseball coach and middle school basketball coach. LIBERTY FOOTBALL MISSION STATEMENT Coleman got his start in the teaching field as a Special Education coun- selor from August 1996 to October 1997 at Rivermont School. Coleman is a graduate of Liberty, as he earned a bachelor of science de- gree in psychology and criminal justice in 1995, while receiving his teaching Learning how to Win in Life certification and special education endorsement from Longwood and Lynch- burg College. He completed his master’s of education degree from Liberty in May 2009, through Whole Person Development, and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Sport Management. Cole- man is an adjunct professor at Liberty in the Sport Management depart- Character and Team Utility ment, where he teaches two classes per semester. Coleman served in the United States Army from 1992-95 and is still an active member of the United States National Guard. He is married to the for- mer Jennifer McGlauflin, who is also a member of Liberty’s Academic Affairs for Athletics office. The couple has three children – Landry, Reagen and Evan. 79 CHRIS BARRY CASOLA FINKE Assistant Athletics Senior Assistant Director for Sports Athletic Trainer - Medicine Football

Casola was promoted to his current position Finke is in his fifth year as a member assistant athletics director for sports medicine in of the Liberty University Athletic Train- 2008, and is entering his eighth year on Liberty’s ath- ing staff and once again will be work- leticChris training staff and his fifth year as the head athletic trainer for the football pro- Barrying with the football program this year. Prior to the start of the 2008 gram. football season, Finke was promoted to Senior Assistant Athletic Trainer. During his first two years after returning to Liberty, Casola served as an assistant Prior to joining the staff at Liberty in August 2005, Finke served as assis- athletic trainer, working with the athletics programs of men’s soccer and men’s bas- tant athletic trainer at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., from ketball, while making his move to football in 2005. Casola was also a part of the Lib- 2002-05. He was responsible for initial medical assessment of sport-related erty athletic training staff during the 1993-94 season. injuries during middle school and high school athletic events and practices, In 2005, Casola received a promotion to head athletic trainer. Currently, Casola while also providing treatment and rehabilitation of injuries which occurred oversees the entire athletic training program, including a staff of eight full-time assis- during athletic events. tant athletic trainers and three interns who service Liberty’s 19 NCAA Division I athlet- Finke got his start at The McCallie School in 2001 as a graduate assistant ics programs. athletic trainer and served in the role for one year before receiving a full- Casola also works closely with the Liberty University Athletic Training Educational time position. Program as he oversees the hands-on instruction of student athletic trainers on a day- Finke graduated from UT-Chattanooga in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree to-day basis. in exercise science, fitness and wellness. While pursuing a master’s degree in He has an extensive background in sports medicine working at Liberty University, advanced athletic training, he served as a graduate assistant at UT-Chat- Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C., Southern Durham High School in Durham, N.C., tanooga, working closely with the football program and supervising several Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Fla., Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Stearns Tennis student athletic trainers within the program. Center in Sarasota, Fla., Florida Sports and Injury Care Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., St. Upon completing his undergraduate degree at UT-Chattanooga in 2000, Petersburg Jr. College in St Petersburg, Fla., Boca Ciega High School in St. Petersburg, Finke served a three-month internship in sports medicine at the Tampa Gen- Fla., and Sterling College in Sterling, Kan. eral Hospital in Tampa, Fla., performing various types of rehabilitation in- Casola is no stranger to Liberty University as he graduated from Liberty in 1991 cluding athletic training, cardiac, pulmonary and hand therapy. with a degree in exercise physiology with a concentration in athletic training. In addi- Finke, a native of Boaz, Ala., is married to the former Mary Jett. The cou- tion to his athletic training certification he also maintains certification as a strength ple, who currently resides in the Lynchburg area, welcomed an addition to and conditioning specialist (CSCS) as well as certification as a performance enhance- their family in February 2008 when their son Noah was born. ment specialist (PES). The native of North Carolina and his wife, Angie, have two children – Kyle and Nathan, and currently reside in the Lynchburg area. THE FINKE FILE

Year at Liberty: Fifth Hometown: Boaz, Ala. THE CASOLA FILE Education: B.A., Exercise Science, Fit- Wife: Mary ness Year at Liberty: Eighth Hometown: Wilmington, N.C. and Wellness (UT-Chattanooga, Children: Noah (1) ‘00), Education: B.A., Exercise Physiology, with Wife: Angie M.A., Advanced Athletic Training a concentration in athletic training (UT- (Liberty, ’91). Children: Kyle (11) and Nathan (8) Chattanooga, ’02)

80 Two-Time Defending Big South Champions one of the top strength coaches in the country, Williams enters his Dave Shelley and Mandy Lee Wife: Wife: Children: DAVE WILLIAMS and Associate Strength Conditioning Coordinator 26th South Charleston, W.Va. South Charleston, B.S., Biology (Fairmont Biology (Fairmont B.S., State, ‘68); M.A., Physical M.A., ‘68); State, ‘73) Education (Alabama, During the 1992-93 school year, Williams was one of five finalists nomi- Williams was During the 1992-93 school year, Williams served three Prior to accepting his current position at Liberty, Williams spent Before entering the strength and conditioning profession, honors while playing All-America Associated Press Little Williams earned Athletic Conference Intercollegiate Virginia All-West an Williams also was State in 1968 with a degree in biology Williams graduated from Fairmont recently honored by the Collegiate Strength and Condition- Williams was and conditioning coaches in the na- are only 70 collegiate strength There also They Shelley and Mandy. have two daughters, Lee, He and his wife, Hometown: THE WILLIAMS FILE at Liberty: Year Education: 26th year as a member of the strength and conditioning coaching staff for 26th year as a member of the strength and conditioning strength and condi- He is a certified the Flames’ 19-sport athletics program. tioning specialist (C.S.C.S.). included strength This Year. nated for national Strength Coach of the along with colleagues at the coaches from the professional sports ranks, collegiate level. He also spent a year as an A&M. Texas years as the head strength coach at Alabama. assistant strength coach at Liberty High He coached two years at six years as a teacher and coach. Christian Timberlake seasons at and spent four Va., School in Bedford, Va. School in Lynchburg, He played both of- W.Va. State College in Fairmont, collegiately at Fairmont State, co-captain at Fairmont a two-year fensive and defensive line and was the school honored In 2003, NAIA National Champions in 1967. who was Athletic De- State College inducted into the Fairmont Williams as he was partment Hall of Fame. He played high school football at South Charleston High School in selection. where he lettered all four years. W.Va., South Charleston, Alabama in degree from He also holds a master’s and physical education. physical education. named a Master Strength Association as the veteran coach was ing Coaches and Conditioning Coach. Williams and head strength and con- while tion to hold this lofty distinction, ditioning coach Bill Gillespie give Liberty the only pair of honored coaches at the same institution at the NCAA Division I FCS level. have two grandchildren. Considered Tacoma, Wash. Tacoma, Cameron (21) and Rachel (19) Anita Hometown: Hometown: Wife: Children: GILLESPIE and Head Strength Conditioning Coordinator BILL BILL Gillespie returned to the Liberty University campus during the Gillespie returned to the Liberty University campus as the direc- winter of 2005 and serves the athletic department including the over- tor of strength and conditioning program, 14th B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies B.A., (Liberty, ‘83) (Liberty, Gillespie has over 20 years of experience in collegiate strength and conditioning Gillespie has over 20 years of experience in collegiate He served as here at Liberty. Gillespie got his coaching start at the collegiate level nine bowl appearances during his Gillespie helped the football program make in 1991, Year Coach of the Strength and Conditioning named Pac-10 Gillespie was Gillespie conditioning staff, Before joining the ’ strength and Associa- a member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Gillespie, After leaving Liberty in 1991, Gillespie spent 11 years as a member of the strength After leaving Liberty in 1991, have two children – Cameron, Anita, and his wife, Wash., Tacoma, native of The Gillespie is a world-renowned weightlifter, as he is a 40-time world record holder in as he is a 40-time world record holder Gillespie is a world-renowned weightlifter, All-American and a two-time small col- a four-time Gillespie was While at Liberty, THE GILLESPIE FILE At Liberty: Year Education: and two years of experience at the professional level after serving as an assistant and two years of experience at the professional level Seattle Seahawks from 2003 to just strength and conditioning coach for the NFL’s prior to his return to Liberty. while also serving the univer- assistant strength and conditioning coach from 1983-91, and 1987-91 and head track and sity as assistant track and field coach in 1983-85 field coach in 1986. Gillespie joined the staff as assistant coach Washington. and conditioning staff at promoted to Director of Strength strength and conditioning coach in 1991 and was and Conditioning in 1999. which included a 34-14 vic- including three-consecutive trips to the Rose Bowl, tenure, season and help to cap off an undefeated 12-0 1991, 1, tory over Michigan on January the polls. the Huskies earn a number two national ranking in Year and Conditioning Coach of the while finishing as a finalist for National Strength in 2001. Way, served as the defensive line and strength coach at Decatur High School in Federal in 2002. Wash., Cup Bench Press and World WABDL at the the bench press after a lift of 804.5 lbs. He is also a 15-time world champion in the April of 2009. Deadlift Championships in bench press. received his bache- tion (CSCCA) Master Strength and Conditioning Coach program, Gillespie and associate degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty in 1983. lor’s Williams give Liberty the only pair of CSCCA strength and conditioning coach Dave Master Strength Coaches at the same institution at the NCAA Division I FCS level. lege national champion in the shot put and a two-year letterwinner on the football Gillespie is the former school record in the shot put with an outdoor mark of 55’ team. 1983 recipient of the also Liberty’s He was a mark which stood for 24 years. 8 ½”, top graduating student-ath- given annual to Liberty’s Rock Royer/Mac Rivera award, lete. Gillespie and Cameron are and Rachel. who is a member of the football team this year, the strongest father/son combo in the bench press of all-time in the world. Bill for the football program. sight of the weightlifting and conditioning efforts BEV ADAM COLE GODWIN Football Assistant Director Administrative of Operations and Assistant Recruiting

Cole is entering her 10th season as the administrative Godwin is in his second year with the assistant for the Flames’ football program. Her duties in- program. In clude assisting the Head Coach Danny Rocco and Assistant his position as Assistant Director of BevAD for Football Operations Paul Rutigliano. Prior to joining the football program, Cole OperationsAdam and Recruiting, Godwin works closely with the coaching staff worked in the University’s Spiritual Life Office, under the direction of Dr. Rob Jackson across all areas of recruiting, while assisting Paul Rutigliano, Assistant AD from 1994-2000. for Football Operations, in the day-to-day operations of the program. Cole was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., but claims El Paso, Texas, as her home where When Godwin joined the Flames football staff in July 2008, Godwin she was raised. A graduate of Austin High School, Cole continued her education and brought with him eight previous years of involvement with Liberty athletics attended International Business College, where she concentrated on Executive Secre- as a student-athlete, alumnus and an assistant coach. tary studies. Godwin served as an assistant coach with Liberty’s women’s soccer pro- Cole’s husband, Don, whom she has been married to for 25 years, has served Lib- gram for two years (2006-07). In his duties, he was responsible for day-to- erty’s football program as a volunteer, driving the team’s equipment truck for away day operations of the program, recruiting, supporting the academic and games since 2001. compliance staff and fundraising through the Flames Club. The couple currently reside in the Lynchburg area with their daughter, Elise (23), a Godwin was responsible for recruiting the top ranked recruiting class in 2008 graduate of Liberty, and their son, Corey (30), an Operation Iraqi Freedom war 2008 among Big South programs as named by SoccerBuzz.com. He helped veteran. the program achieve an APR score that ranked within the top five percent of all NCAA women’s soccer programs and coached six all-conference selec- tions. THE COLE FILE As a student-athlete, Godwin made 70 appearances for the Flames men’s soccer program, helping them to a Big South championship game in 2001. Year on Liberty’s Football Staff: 10th Husband: Don The defender scored one goal and tallied four assists during his four-year ca- reer (2001-04). Hometown: El Paso, Texas Children: Corey (30) and Elise (23) During his senior year, Godwin served as a team captain and earned Big South first-team all-conference honors, as well as Big South all-tournament and VaSID second-team all-state distinction. Godwin’s performances for Liberty during his final year helped him earn an invitation to try out for Great Britain’s U23 team, as well as profession- ally with Cheltenham Town Football Club in his hometown of Hereford, Eng- land. Godwin also served as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president during his senior year. Upon graduating from Liberty in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management, Godwin took up a position with sport hospitality giant THG Worldwide, as an International Account Executive, generating $87,000 in sales during his nine months with the company. THG Worldwide provides sports hospitality for some of the world’s largest companies to events, such as the Super Bowl, Masters, World Cup and Olympic Games. Headquartered in London, England, the company holds 50 offices in 34 different countries. Adam and his wife, Morgaine, reside in the Lynchburg area.

THE GODWIN FILE

Year on Liberty’s Football Staff: Hometown: Hereford, England Second Wife: Morgaine

82