EMU COACHING STAFF First-Year - Ron English

2009 Eastern University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 65 Coaching Staff Head Coach Ron English First Year at EMU • California, 1990

the road to begin the task of signing picks into . In addition, the his first recruiting class as a head coach Wolverines yielded just 37 and developing the blueprint for suc- passes by the opposition during that cess. time, including an NCAA-leading nine That dedication to detail in his early in 2003. days reflects one of English’s strongest English became the first coach in traits and is reflected in his theme for NCAA history to have two defensive his first EMU season: Embrace the Pro- backs earn consensus All-America cess. honors in the same season, since the English accepted the challenge of organization began incorporating developing a winning atmosphere both an offensive and defensive team at EMU after spending the previous in 1965, as 15 years learning the and safety Ernest Shazor earned the trade at the University of Louisville, the recognition following the 2004 season. Ron English has prepared a lifetime , Arizona State During his tenure on the Michigan staff to call a football program his own and University and San Diego State Univer- he coached an All-Big Ten defensive he has not wasted any time in putting sity. back in every season and had two All- his stamp on Eastern Michigan Univer- English spent the 2008 season as an Conference selections in four of his five sity football. assistant football coach at Louisville seasons. After serving as an assistant football and just prior to that was a member English made an immediate impact coach at four of the nation’s top foot- of the University of Michigan football on the Wolverine secondary during his ball schools, English was named the staff from 2003-07 where he coached first season as an assistant coach when head football coach at Eastern Michi- the defensive backs for his first three U-M tied for the national lead in fewest gan University, Dec. 22, 2008. seasons and served as the football pro- “When we began this search for a new gram’s in his fi- head football coach at Eastern Michi- nal two seasons under legendary Head gan University we wanted someone Coach . that we felt could take our program In 2007 English oversaw an aggres- in a new direction,” EMU Director of sive Michigan defense that was the na- Athletics Dr. Derrick Gragg said at the tion’s eighth-ranked pass defense and press conference announcing English 17th in pass efficiency defense. The as Eastern’s new head football coach. Wolverines were also 23rd in scoring “After going through an exhaustive defense and 24th in total defense. search process we selected Ron English English was named Rivals.com to lead our football program. He has National Defensive Coordinator of proven himself as a tremendous defen- the Year during his initial season sive coordinator over a long career and as the defensive signal caller at we feel that he is prepared to take over Michigan in 2006. That Wol- our football team as a head coach.” verine defense rated among That patience in learning the game the nation’s best, finishing at several stops has paid big dividends first against the run, fourth in for the highly energetic English as he sacks, seventh in third-down begins the task of rebuilding the EMU defense, 10th in total defense football program in all phases of the and 15th in scoring defense. operation. The U-of-M defensive sec- Just minutes after finishing the press ondary collected 36 intercep- conference, the 40-year-old English tions during his three seasons was a on a mission to hire a staff, hit overseeing the entire corps and turned four of those 66 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Coaching Staff touchdown passes yielded with nine, ball coach at Arizona State University. participated in the 1990 Copper Bowl and finished ninth in pass efficiency He coached the secondary all five years against Wyoming. His identical twin defense. The secondary collected 13 with the Sun Devils, the final two years brother, Don, also played for the Gold- and returned two for with the and the previous en Bears. scores. three seasons mentoring the safeties. A 1990 graduate of the University English began his collegiate coaching He helped ASU to three bowl appear- of California-Berkeley with a bache- career as the defensive backs coach at ances: the 1999 and 2000 Aloha and lor’s degree in social sciences, English Mt. San Antonio College (1993) in Wal- 2002 Holiday bowls. His first stint at earned his master’s degree in educa- nut, Calif. after coaching for one sea- ASU was as a graduate assistant coach tion administration from Arizona State son at Ganesha High School (1992), his handling the defensive line during the in 1995. alma mater, in Pomona, Calif. 1994-95 seasons. English will be one of seven Afri- English also tutored the secondary for English was a four-year letterman can-American head coaches in the two seasons at San Diego State (1996- (1987-90) and senior starter at safety 120-school NCAA Football Bowl Subdi- 97) and served as the outside lineback- for the University of California Golden vision ranks. ers coach at Northern Arizona for the Bears football squad. He also started English and his wife, Sophia (Woo- 1996 spring practice. on special teams all four seasons at dard) have three children; Simon (10), He then went on to spent five sea- California. English finished his career Sydney (5) and Seth (4). sons (1998-2002) as an assistant foot- with 134 tackles and seven sacks and

The Ron English File Name: Ron English Born: May 21, 1968 High School: Ganesha (Pomona, Calif.) College: University of California-Berkley - Bachelor’s degree in social sciences - 1990 Arizona State University - Master’s degree in education administration - 1995 Family: Wife: Sophia; Three children: Simon (10), Sydney (5), Seth (4) Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights 2009 Eastern Michigan University Head Coach Named Head Coach Dec. 22, 2008 2008 University of Louisville Asst. Coach-Defensive Coordinator 5-7; Total defense and rushing defense ranked in the top 10 nationally for 10 of 12 games 2007 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Defensive Coordinator 9-4; T-2nd Big Ten; Capital One Bowl Champions; Ranked eighth in the nation in pass defense 2006 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Defensive Coordinator 11-2; T-2nd Big Ten; Rose Bowl; Rivals.com National Defensive Coord. of the Year Led the nation in run defense 2005 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Secondary 7-5; T-3rd Big Ten; Alamo Bowl 2004 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Secondary 9-3; T-1st Big Ten; Rose Bowl 2003 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Secondary 10-3; 1st Big Ten; Rose Bowl; Nation’s leader in passing TDs allowed; 9th in def. pass efficiency 2002 Arizona State University Asst. Coach-Secondary 8-6; Holiday Bowl 2001 Arizona State University Asst. Coach-Secondary 4-7 2000 Arizona State University Asst. Coach-Secondary 6-6; Aloha Bowl; 2nd nationally in turnovers forced 1999 Arizona State University Asst. Coach-Secondary 6-6; Aloha Bowl 1998 Arizona State University Asst. Coach-Secondary 5-6 1997 San Diego State University Asst. Coach-Def. backs 5-7 1996 San Diego State University Asst. Coach-Def. backs 8-3 1995 Northern Arizona University Asst. Coach-Def. Backs Spring season only Arizona State University Grad. Asst. Coach 1994 Arizona State University Grad. Asst. Coach 1993 Mt. San Antonio College Asst. Coach-Def. backs California Bowl Champions 1992 Ganesha High School Asst. Coach

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 67 Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Ken Karcher • First Year at EMU • Tulane, 1986

From there it was back to the college ranks as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Pittsburgh (1993-96) followed by three seasons back in professional football as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. In 2000, Karcher became the head football coach at Liberty University and served in that capacity through the 2005 season. His 2003 and ‘04 Liberty teams finished second in the Big South Confer- ence with identical 3-1 records. Karcher moved into the high school Entering his first year at EMU is Ken coaching ranks in 2006-07 as the offen- Karcher, who came to Ypsilanti after sive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, spending the 2008 campaign as the assistant athletics director and athlet- quarterbacks coach at the University of ics director at Fellowship Christian High Toledo. Karcher will serve as the offen- School in Roswell, Ga.. sive coordinator and will also coach the He returned back to college last season quarterbacks. as the quarterbacks coach at the Univer- The 45-year-old Karcher has a distin- sity of Toledo. guished coaching and playing career in Karcher and his wife, the former Pau- college, professional football and high line Termini, have four children: Austin school. He was the head football coach (20), Kelly (18), Katie (16) and Clay (13). at Liberty University from 2000-05. In ad- dition to his coaching experience, Karch- The Ken Karcher File er played collegiately at Notre Dame and Tulane and also in the NFL for the Den- Name: Ken Karcher Born: July 1, 1963 - Glenshaw, Pa. ver Broncos. High School: Shaler Area A native of Glenshaw, Pa., Karcher was a College: - Bachelor’s degree in general studies - 1986 Parade All-America at Shal- Family: Wife-Pauline (Termini); Four children: Austin (20), Kelly (18), Katie (16), Clay (13) er H.S. He started his collegiate playing career at the University of Notre Dame Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights before transferring to Tulane University 2008 University of Toledo Asst. Coach-Quarterbacks Upset Michigan in Ann Arbor and completing his college playing ca- 2007 Fellowship Christian H.S. Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs /Athletics Dir. GHSA Quarterfinals reer. 2006 Fellowship Christian H.S. Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs /Asst. Athletics Dir. After earning his bachelor’s degree at 2005 Liberty University Head Football Coach 2004 Liberty University Head Football Coach Second place in Big South Tulane in 1986, Karcher went on to play 2003 Liberty University Head Football Coach Second place in Big South in the NFL from 1987-89 as a backup 2002 Liberty University Head Football Coach quarterback for the . 2001 Liberty University Head Football Coach Once his playing career ended, Karcher 2000 Liberty University Head Football Coach 1999 Rhein Fire (NFL Europe) Off. Coor./QBs began his coaching career at North Texas 1998 Rhein Fire (NFL Europe) Off. Coor./QBs World Bowl Champions State University in 1991 as the quarter- 1997 Rhein Fire (NFL Europe) Off. Coor./QBs World Bowl Runner-up backs and receivers coach. From North 1996 University of Pittsburgh Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs 1995 University of Pittsburgh Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs Texas, Karcher moved on to become the 1994 University of Pittsburgh Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs offensive coordinator and quarterbacks 1993 University of Pittsburgh Asst. Coach/Passing Game Coor./QBs coach for the Orlando Thunder of the 1992 Orlando Thunder (WFL) Asst. Coach/Off. Coor./QBs World League in 1992. 1991 University of North Texas Asst. Coach/QBs/WR

68 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Eric Lewis Defensive Coordinator • Defensive Backs First Year at EMU • San Diego State, 1998

Eric Lewis is entering his first season An honorable mention All-WAC pick as the defensive coordinator and defen- in 1995, Lewis completed his college sive backs coach at EMU. Lewis came career as the Aztec’s all-time leader in to Ypsilanti after spending the 2008 pass breakups. campaign as the defensive cornerbacks A native of Lansing, Mich., Lewis is coach at the University of Louisville. the son of Michigan State University Prior to his year on the Louisville staff, all-time great Sherman Lewis, a 22-year Lewis was an assistant coach with the NFL coaching veteran. Eric went on to of the NFL where grow up in Sunnyvale, Calif. where he he served as an assistant to defensive graduated from St. Francis High School coaches Lionel Washington and Kurt in 1994 before attending San Diego Schottenheimer. State. Lewis also spent three years as an as- He began his coaching career at St. Au- sistant coach in the Mid-American Con- gustine H.S. in San Diego as a receivers ference, serving as the secondary coach coach during the spring football season at Ball State University from 2003-05. He in 2000. He then spent two years as a fi- was also an assistant coach at Bucknell nancial consultant at Morgan Stanley in (2002) and a graduate assistant coach San Diego and then with Smith Barney at Michigan State (2001). in Boston, Mass. before returning to the The 33-year-old Lewis is a 1998 gradu- collegiate coaching ranks at Michigan ate of San Diego State University where State. he was a four-year starter for the Aztecs. Lewis and his wife, the former Sara He earned All-Western Athletic Confer- Harper have a daughter, Taylor (2) and ence second-team honors as a senior. a son Harper (6 months)

The Eric Lewis File

Name: Eric Lewis Born: Jan. 2, 1976 - Lansing, Mich. High School: St. Francis H.S. (Mountain View, Calif.) College: San Diego State University - Bachelor’s degree in finance - 1998 Family: Wife: Sara (Harper); Daughter: Taylor (2); Son: Harper (6 months)

Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights 2008 University of Louisville Asst. Coach-Defensive corners

2007 Green Bay Packers-NFL Asst. Coach-Defensive Quality Control NFC North Champions

2006 Green Bay Packers-NFL Asst. Coach-Defensive Quality Control

2005 Ball State University Asst. Coach-Defensive backs

2004 Ball State University Asst. Coach-Defensive backs

2003 Ball State University Asst. Coach-Defensive backs

2002 Bucknell University Asst. Coach-Defensive backs

2001 Michigan State University Graduate Asst. Coach-Defense Silicon Valley Bowl

2000 St. Augustine (Calif.) H.S. Asst. Coach-Wide receivers

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 69 Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Kurt Anderson Offensive Line Second Year at EMU • Michigan, 2001

Kinesiology. He was a two-year letter- man on the offensive line (2000-01) for the Wolverines and was the starting of- fensive center. He received the Hugh R. Rader Jr. Memorial Award as the team’s top offensive lineman and was selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the conference coaches following the 2001 season. He is the brother of former Wol- verine All-American and winning Erick Anderson. Anderson has been involved in seven post-season Bowl games, including five as a player and two as a coach. He was Kurt Anderson is entering his second a member of the 1998 Michigan squad year at EMU and his first as the offen- that won the Rose Bowl on the way to sive line coach. a national championship. He was also a The 30-year-old Anderson joined the player in the 1999 Citrus Bowl, the 2000 EMU staff in April 2008 and coached Orange bowl, the 2001 and 2002 Citrus during spring practices. Prior to being Bowls and was on the coaching staff for hired last April, Anderson was a gradu- the 2007 Rose Bowl and the 2008 Capital ate assistant at the University of Michi- One Bowl. gan for two seasons. After graduating in 2001, Anderson While on the Michigan football staff, was a rookie free agent with the Arizona Anderson spent the 2007 season as a Cardinals in 2002. graduate assistant coach for the offen- Anderson and his wife, Jennifer (Cos- sive line, working with line coach Andy tales) reside in Ypsilanti with their son, Moeller, now with the Hawken (1). of the NFL. Anderson helped develop All-American offensive tackle and over- all No. 1 NFL draft selection The Kurt Anderson File along with All-Big Ten offensive lineman Name: Kurt Anderson Adam Kraus. In 2006, Anderson was a Born: August 8, 1978 - Evanston, Ill. defensive quality control graduate as- High School: Glenview, Ill.-Glenbrook South - Graduated in 1997 College: University of Michigan - Bachelor’s degree in sport management - 2001 sistant coach and worked with defensive Family: Wife- Jennifer (Costales); Son: Hawken (1) line coach Steve Stripling. While on that side of the football, Anderson helped Coaching Experience develop current NFL players Lamar Year School Position Record-Highlights Woodley and Alan Branch. 2008 Eastern Michigan University Asst. Coach-Tight ends Retained Mich. MAC title Prior to his stint at Michigan, Anderson 2007 University of Michigan Grad. Asst. Coach Capital One Bowl-Jan. 2008 was an assistant coach at Indiana State where he worked with the offensive 2006 University of Michigan Grad. Asst. Coach Rose Bowl-Jan. 2007 tackles and tight ends. 2005 Indiana State University Asst. Coach-OTs/TEs As a collegian, Anderson was an outstanding player before graduating 2004 Glenbrook South H.S. Asst. Coach- LBs, Special teams from the University of Michigan in 2001 2003 Glenbrook South H.S. Asst. Coach-LBs, Special teams with a degree in sport management and communications from the Division of 2002 Glenbrook South H.S. Asst. Coach-Co-Def. coor., LBs

70 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Tom Burpee Tight Ends • Special Teams First Year at EMU • Michigan, 2005

Tom Burpee is entering his first coach in 2007. season as the tight ends and special Burpee has been involved with six teams coach at EMU. Burpee came post-season Bowl games as a member to Ypsilanti after spending the 2008 of the University of Michigan staff. campaign as a graduate assistant He was a football team manager for football coach at the University of the Wolverines at the 2003 Outback Louisville. Bowl, was a student assistant coach The 26-year-old Burpee graduated at the 2004 and 2005 Rose Bowls, a with a bachelor’s degree in engineer- volunteer assistant coach at the 2006 ing from the University of Michigan in Alamo Bowl and the 2007 Rose Bowl 2005. and served as the defensive quality While at Michigan, Burpee served control coach for the 2008 Capital One the football team as a student man- Bowl. ager in 2002, then as an undergradu- A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., ate assistant coach from 2003-04, a Burpee and his wife Ashley (Heard) volunteer assistant in 2005-06, and have a daughter Natalie. finally as a defensive quality control

The Tom Burpee File

Name: Tom Burpee Born: Aug. 22, 1982 - Grand Rapids, Mich. High School: East Grand Rapids H.S. College: University of Michigan - Bachelor’s of Science degree in engineering - 2005 Family: Wife-Ashley (Heard); Daughter: Natalie (April 8, 2009)

Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights 2008 University of Louisville Graduate Asst. Coach-Defense

2007 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-Defensive Quality Control Capital One Bowl-Jan. 2008

2006 University of Michigan Volunteer-Asst. Coach-Offense Rose Bowl-Jan. 2007

2005 University of Michigan Volunteer-Asst. Coach-Offense Alamo Bowl-Jan. 2006

2004 University of Michigan Student Asst. Coach-QBs Rose Bowl-Big Ten Champs

2003 University of Michigan Student Asst. Coach-QBs Rose Bowl-Big Ten Champs

2002 University of Michigan Football team student manager

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 71 Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Antonio Carter Wide Receivers First Year at EMU • Alabama, 2004

Carter began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UTEP for the 2005 and 2006 sea- sons under veteran Head Coach Mike Price. He then returned to his alma mater, Alabama, as a graduate assistant under Head Coach before becom- ing a full-time assistant football coach at Appalachian State last season. Entering his first year at EMU During his playing and coach- is Antonio Carter, who came to ing career, Carter helped lead Ypsilanti after spending the 2008 teams to five post-season Bowl campaign as the wide receiv- games, the 2000 Orange Bowl, ers coach at Appalachian State the 2001 Independence Bowl University. Carter will serve in and the 2004 Music City Bowl as the same capacity for the Eagles a player as well as a coach in the and coach along side his brother, 2005 GMAC Bowl and the 2007 Tim, who is the defensive backs Independence Bowl. coach. A native of Tallahassee, Fla., The 28-year-old Carter is a 2004 Carter has three children: Danae graduate of the University of Ala- (10), Loryn (6) and Denim (5). bama where he was an outstand- ing for the Crim- son Tide, rolling up 106 career receptions for 2,396 yards and five touchdowns in three years (1999-2001) as a letterman. He The Antonio Carter File redshirted in 2002 and 2003 after Name: Antonio DeWayne Carter Born: Oct. 15, 1980 - Tallahassee, Fla. suffering a leg injury and received High School: Rickards High School - Graduated in 1999 a sixth year of eligibility because College: University of Alabama - Bachelor’s degree in human environmental sciences - 2004 Family: Single of the injury. The 1999 Alabama squad was the Southeastern Con- Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights ference champion and earned a 2008 Appalachian St. University Asst. Coach-Split ends Conference champs spot in the Orange Bowl game. 2007 University of Alabama Graduate Asst. Coach Independence Bowl

2006 University of Texas-El Paso Graduate Asst. Coach

2005 University of Texas-El Paso Graduate Asst. Coach GMAC Bowl

72 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Tim Carter Defensive Backs • Recruiting Coordinator First Year at EMU • Tulane, 2001

Tim Carter is entering his first season two seasons with the Berlin Thunder in as the defensive backs coach and recruit- NFL Europe as a member of the second- ing coordinator at EMU. Carter came to ary and special teams squad. In 2002, he Ypsilanti after spending the past three helped rally the Thunder to a 7-4 record seasons as a graduate assistant football and World Bowl Championship after a coach at East Carolina University. 26-20 win over the Rhein Fire. Tim joins his brother, Antonio, as a new A mid-season signee for the Blue Bomb- member of the EMU staff. ers in 2003, he helped lead Winnipeg to The 30-year-old Carter earned his bach- the CFL Western Division Semifinals and elor’s degree in social science at Tulane equaled a club rookie record with seven University in 2001 and completed his pass breakups while tallying 15 tackles master’s degree in exercise science at East and one . He was selected Carolina University in 2007. as CJOB Radio’s Player-of-the-Game for A native of Tallahassee, Fla., Carter was his efforts during his CFL debut against a four-year letterman at Tulane where he Ottawa Aug. 12. prospects in the state by The Orlando played on the football and track teams. Carter earned four letters as a defensive Sentinel. He was a two-year football captain dur- back at Conference USA member Tulane Carter is married to the former Yvonne ing his collegiate career and earned and played a key role in the Green Wave’s Ballard. All-Conference honors in perfect 12-0 season in 1998 before finish- twice. ing his career with 114 tackles, 18 pass Upon the completion of a four-year breakups, four forced and three collegiate career at Tulane, Carter signed a interceptions. As a sophomore in 1998, free agent contract with the New Orleans he stood second among all defenders in Saints and spent most of the 2001 season forced fumbles and interceptions while on the practice roster before being acti- playing for Rick Smith, who was in his vated for the final two games where he second year as Tulane’s defensive coor- recorded a stop against the San Francisco dinator and secondary coach. 49ers. He also attended, played football and He followed his stint in New Orleans ran track at Smith’s alma mater, Rickards by recording 58 total tackles, three pass High School in Tallahassee, Fla., where breakups and a pair of interceptions in he was ranked as one of the Top 100

The Tim Carter File

Name: Timothy Carter Born: July 15, 1978 - Tallahassee, Fla. High School: Rickards High School - Graduated in 1996 College: Tulane University - Bachelor’s degree in social science - 2001 East Carolina University - Master’s degree in exercise science - 2007 Family: Wife: Yvonne (Ballard)

Coaching Experience Year School Position 2008 East Carolina University Graduate Assistant Football Coach-CBs coach (NFL) Coaching Fellowship

2007 East Carolina University Graduate Assistant Football Coach-CBs coach

2006 East Carolina University Graduate Assistant Football Coach

1999-2005 Southside All-Stars Camp Co-founder/Organizer

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 73 Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Casey Creehan Defensive Line First Year at EMU • Grove City, 1999

ball at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. where he was a standout defensive player. He was captain of the 1998 Grove City team that won the Presidents Athletic Conference championship. He was also named an All-Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference linebacker in 1998 and was a two-time All-Presidents Athletic Conference linebacker in 1997 and 1998. He set the Grove City single-season tackles record Casey Creehan is entering his with 126 stops in 1998. first season as the defensive line Creehan earned his bachelor’s coach at EMU. Creehan came to degree in political science from Ypsilanti after spending the 2008 Grove City in 1999 and completed campaign as an assistant coach his master’s degree in health and with the Montreal Alouettes of the physical education at Emporia Canadian Football League. State University in May 2006. As a member of the Alouettes Creehan is single. staff, Creehan helped the team The Casey Creehan File make it to the Grey Cup champi- Name: Casey Creehan onship game as the squad’s front Born: Feb. 15, 1977 - Pittsburgh, Pa. High School: Vermillion, South Dakota seven coordinator. Prior to his College: Grove City College - Bachelor’s degree in political science - 1999 stint with Montreal, Creehan was Emporia State University - Master’s degree in health and physical education - 2006 an assistant coach for four seasons Family: Single Coaching Experience with the Calgary Stampeders, from Year School Position Record-Highlights 2004-07, and was part of three CFL 2008 Montreal Alouettes-CFL Asst. Coach-LB/Front Grey Cup finals/Eastern Division Champs Seven Coordinator playoff appearances. 2007 Calgary Stampeders Asst. Coach-DL CFL Playoff team Creehan began his college career 2006 Calgary Stampeders Asst. Coach-DL CFL Playoff team at Lehigh University as a defensive assistant on the 1999 team that 2005 Calgary Stampeders Asst. Coach-DL CFL Playoff team won the Patriot League champion- 2004 Calgary Stampeders Asst. Coach-DL ship. He moved to Southern Illinois 2004 James Madison University Asst. Coach-DE, Special teams Spring ball University in 2000, to Clarion Uni- versity in 2001-02, and from there 2003 James Madison University Asst. Coach-DE, Special teams was on the James Madison Uni- 2002 Clarion University Asst. Coach-LB/Special teams/Strength and Cond. versity staff for the 2003 and 2004 2001 Clarion University Asst. Coach-LB/Special teams/Strength and Cond. season where he was the defensive ends and special teams coach 2000 Southern Illinois University Asst. Coach-TEs A native of Pittsburgh, the 1999 Lehigh University Asst. Coach-Defense Patriot League champs 32-year-old Creehan played foot-

74 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Steve Szabo Associate Head Coach • First Year at EMU • Navy, 1965

Steve Szabo, a 40-year veteran college and Pittsburgh Press in 1986. professional football coach, has joined the After his head coaching stint at Edinboro, Eastern Michigan University football coaching Szabo spent the 1988 season as an assistant staff as the associate head coach and lineback- coach at Northern Iowa. He served as defensive ers coach. coordinator at Colorado State for two seasons During his long and distinguished career, (1989-90), helping improve the squad from Szabo has coached the defensive line, line- 1-10 in 1988 to 9-4 in 1990. backers, and defensive backs at the college and Szabo spent 25 years in the college ranks NFL levels. He coached in the Super Bowl in before coaching in the NFL. He had coaching 2003 as a member of the stints at Johns Hopkins, Toledo, Syracuse, Iowa coaching staff and has been an assistant coach State, Western Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, in nine post-season college bowl games and Northern Iowa, Colorado State and Boston one post-season bowl contest as a player. He College. was also a member of the Ohio State University A halfback and at the U.S. football staff that played for the 1980 national Naval Academy (1961-64), Szabo played along- championship in the Rose Bowl against the side Hall of Fame quarterback . University of Southern California. He played in the 1964 Cotton Bowl, losing 28-6 The Steve Szabo File In the 2008 season, Szabo was the defensive to eventual national champion Texas. Szabo Name: Steve Szabo coordinator at Colgate University and helped also played midfield on three National Cham- Born: Sept. 11, 1943 - Chicago, Illinois that team win the Patriot League title while ad- pionship lacrosse teams at the Naval Academy High School: Mendel Catholic (Graduated in 1961) vancing to the NCAA FCS Division I . (1963-65) before being stationed in Quantico College: U.S. Naval Academy (Graduated in 1965) Family: Wife: Patti; Children: Christine, Mike, Zack During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Szabo (1965-69) and serving a year in Vietnam. was an assistant coach at the University of Szabo and his wife, Patti, have one son, Zack. Coaching Experience Michigan. While at U-M, he coached David He also has two adult children, Christine and Year School Position Harris, the team’s co-MVP and a Butkus Award Mike. Christine is a former U-M cross country 2008 Colgate University Asst. Coach-Def. Coor. semifinalist in 2006. Harris led the team with and track runner who earned All-America 2007 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-LBs 2006 University of Michigan Asst. Coach-LBs career highs in tackles (103), tackles for loss honors twice (1993-94). Mike is an NFL scout 2005 -NFL Asst. Coach-DBs (16) and sacks (four) en route to All-Big Ten with the Carolina Panthers. 2004 Buffalo Bills-NFL Asst. Coach-DBs first team honors and second-team All-America 2003 New England Patriots-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs accolades. Shawn Crable earned All-Big Ten 2002 -NFL Asst. Coach-LBs 2001 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs second team honors as a first-year starter and 2000 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs Prescott Burgess was an all-conference honor- 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs able mentoin selection. 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs Prior to joining the Michigan staff, Szabo 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs was an assistant football coach in the NFL for 1995 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs 12 seasons. He was the defensive backs coach 1994 Jacksonville Jaguars-NFL Asst. Coach-LBs with the Buffalo Bills during 2004 and 2005 1993 Boston College Asst. Coach- 1992 Boston College Asst. Coach- seasons. Under his guidance, the Bills’ defense 1991 Boston College Asst. Coach- increased its interception output by 14, post- 1990 Colorado State University Asst. Coach-Def. Coor. ing 24 interceptions in 2004. Prior to his stint in 1989 Colorado State University Asst. Coach-Def. Coor. 1988 Northern Iowa University Asst. Coach-DL Buffalo, Szabo worked with the New England 1987 Edinboro University Head Coach Patriots (2003) and the Jacksonville Jaguars 1986 Edinboro University Head Coach (1994-2002). 1985 Edinboro University Head Coach In his nine years as Jacksonville’s linebackers 1984 Western Mich. University Asst. Coach-Off. Coor. 1983 Western Mich. University Asst. Coach-Off. Coor. coach, the team became the most successful 1982 Western Mich. University Asst. Coach-Off. Coor. expansion team in NFL history. Before joining 1981 Ohio State University Asst. Coach-DL the professional ranks, Szabo was the defen- 1980 Ohio State University Asst. Coach-DL 1979 Ohio State University Asst. Coach-DL sive coordinator at Boston College for three 1978 Iowa State University Asst. Coach-DL seasons (1991-93), helping the Eagles improve 1977 Iowa State University Asst. Coach-DL from a 4-7 record in 1990 to 9-3 in 1993 com- 1976 Asst. Coach-DL bined with a No. 12 final national ranking. 1975 Syracuse University Asst. Coach-DL 1974 Syracuse University Asst. Coach-DL Szabo was the head coach at Edinboro 1973 University of Iowa Asst. Coach-LB University for three seasons (1985-87) and 1972 University of Iowa Asst. Coach-DL was named Coach of the Year in the small col- 1971 University of Iowa Asst. Coach-Off. Line 1970 University of Toledo Head Freshman Coach lege division of Western Pennsylvania by The 1969 Johns Hopkins University Asst. Coach-Def. Coor.

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 75 Coaching Staff Assistant Coach Tyrone Wheatley Running Backs First Year at EMU • Michigan, 2008

been involved with a number of coaching opportunities, including serving a football coaching intern- ship at Ohio Northern University in 2008. He was also the head football and boys track coach at Dearborn Heights Robichaud H.S. in 2006 and 2007. Wheatley has also worked with the on a mi- nority coaching fellowship, served as an evaluator at the Rising Stars Entering his first year at EMU is Football Camp at Southern Califor- Tyrone Wheatley, who came to nia, assisted with the formation of Ypsilanti after spending the 2008 Team Michigan in the All-American campaign as intern coach at Ohio Football League and owned and Northern University. Wheatley will operated B.L.A.S.T., a company that serve as the running backs coach. was designed to work with athletes The 37-year-old Wheatley not on balance, speed and training only starred on the gridiron for the techniques. University of Michigan, but also A native of Inkster, Mich., Wheat- went on to enjoy a 10-year career as ley is married to the former Kim- a professional football player with berly McClinton. both the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and The Tyrone Wheatley File . Name: Tyrone Wheatley As a Wolverine, Wheatley was Born: Jan. 19, 1972 - Inkster, Mich. named the Most Valuable Player in High School: Dearborn Heights Robichaud the 1994 Rose Bowl and also earned College: University of Michigan - Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology - 2008 Family: Wife: Kimberly (McClinton); Children: 5 All-Big Ten honors three times, 1992, 1993 and 1994. In addition he Coaching Experience Year School Position Record-Highlights was an All-Big Ten pick in track and 2008 Ohio Northern University Football intern coach field from 1993-95. He completed Rising Stars Football Camp Asst. instructor 2007 Dearborn Heights Robichaud Head football coach and head track coach 9–2 record/Playoffs his bachelor’s degree at U-M in 2006 Dearborn Heights Robichaud Head football coach and head track coach 2008. -NFL Minority coaching fellow University of Michigan Volunteer track coach Wheatley was the 17th overall 2005 University of Michigan Volunteer track coach pick in the 1995 NFL draft by the 2004 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player 2003 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player New York Giants and stayed with 2002 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player that team from 1995-98 before join- 2001 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player ing Oakland in 1999. He completed 2000 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player 1999 Oakland Raiders-NFL Player his pro career with the Raiders in 1998 New York Giants-NFL Player 2004. 1997 New York Giants-NFL Player 1996 New York Giants-NFL Player Since that time, Wheatley has 1995 New York Giants-NFL Player

76 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Support Staff

Dir. of Operations Video Coordinator Jacob Kirkendall Matt Patterson

Second Year at EMU Third Year at EMU Ohio, 2007 Adrian, 2005

Jacob Kirkendall is in his second year as the director of football Matt Patterson is in his third season as the video coordinator operations for the Eastern Michigan University football team. at Eastern Michigan University. The 25-year-old Kirkendall (7-11-84) spent the 2007 campaign The 25-year-old Patterson (11-3-83) spent the 2005-06 season as the director of football operations/video coordinator at as a student assistant football coach at Adrian College. A 2005 Dartmouth College. graduate of Adrian, Patterson was a first-team All-MIAA select- A native of Lucas, Ohio, Kirkendall graduated from Ohio Uni- tion and team captain during his senior season. versity in 2007 with a degree in sport management. A native of Wayne, Mich., Patterson was a football and basket- As a senior at Ohio, he interned as the assistant director of ball player at Wayne Memorial High School before graduating operations and video coordinator for the football team that won in 2001. the 2006 Mid-American Conference East Division champion- ship. His duties included preparation and management of the Coach’s Clinic, alumni golf outing and other football camps. In 2005, Kirkendall was the videographer for Ohio Univer- sity football and assisted the Director of Football Operations. Throughout his undergraduate career he was also the office assistant in the Recreation and Sports Sciences Department.

Graduate Assistant Graduate Assistant Olmy Olmstead Steve Otterbein

First Year at EMU Third Year at EMU Wabash, 2004 Hillsdale, 2007

Olmy Olmstead is in his first season as the graduate assistant Steve Otterbein is in his third season as a graduate assistant coach for the Eastern Michigan University football team. coach for the Eastern Michigan University football team. A 2004 graduate of Wabash (Ind.) College, Olmstead was a The 25-year-old Otterbein (7-27-84) is a 2007 graduate of four-year letter winner as a kicker for the nationally ranked Little Hillsdale College where he was a four-year starter at defensive Giants. He also spent his first two years playing the offensive back for the Chargers’ football squad. He was a three-year Great line before moving to fullback his final two seasons. Olmstead Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) All-Academic ended his career as one of just three kickers in Wabash history team selection. to successfully kick 100 extra points. He also holds the school Otterbein’s father, Keith Otterbein, is the current head foot- record for most extra points converted in a game, with nine. ball coach at Hillsdale College and previously was an assistant A straight-on kicker, Olmstead’s square-toe kicking shoe is on coach at Ball State University. display at the NCAA Hall of Champions. Following college, Olmstead joined the staff at Wilmington (Ohio) College. He spent the 2004-06 campaigns as a graduate assistant working with the linebackers and running backs. He was promoted to an assistant coach in 2008 to work with the Quakers’ special teams and tight ends.

2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 77 Scholar Athletes

The football team has been well represented on the EMU academic achievement list. The follow- ing players have maintained a 3.0 or above cumulative grade point average during their careers.

Name GPA Major Zachary Allen 3.14 Undecided William Bittner IV 3.42 Marketing Tyler Cochran 3.72 Undecided Eric Davis 3.47 Computer Info. Systems Dan DeMaster 3.07 Computer Info. Systems Kyle DeMaster 3.00 Undecided Ryan Downard 3.21 Communication Brandon Downs 3.15 Communication Marcus English 3.17 Communication Joe Fleming 3.26 Undecided Name GPA Major Derek Gotham 3.31 Accounting Mark Mitchell 3.49 Exercise Science Zach Johnson 3.14 Health Administration Korey Neal 3.37 Undecided Scott MacLeod 3.07 Undecided Tyler Palsrok 3.73 Graphic Design Chris May 3.14 Exercise Science Jon Pryor 3.09 Exercise Science Javon Reese 3.58 Biology Marcell Rose 3.24 Undecided Andy Schmitt 3.39 Secondary Ed.-Mathematics Drew Serruto 3.09 Undecided Dominique Sherrer 3.64 Undecided Ben Thayer 3.70 Secondary Ed.-Mathematics Patrick Treppa 3.23 History Corey Welch 3.03 Entrepreneurship Jason Williams 3.34 Communication Michael Zupancic 3.05 Engineering Technology

The 16th Annual Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony was held April 13, 2009. (front row, from left) George Lesko (wrestling), Jessica Novakowski (track and field), Ben Thayer (football), Alexandra Studdart (rowing), Ransom Brown (cross country), Lindsey Kolar (swimming), Michelle Heletko (softball), Lauren Quintance (cross country) and Walter Gerbus (baseball). (back row, from left) Matt Hammersmith (cross country), Joanna Woo (tennis), Donald Ellison (swimming), Marjorie Thuot (golf), Athletic Director Derrick Gragg, Kaitlin Ehman (soccer), Wendale Farow (basketball) and Jill Wolosiansky (volleyball).

78 2009 Eastern Michigan University FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE