I cannot believe a month has gone by since I was named the 16th Head Football Coach at Valparaiso University. It seems like I have only been on the job a few days.
I have accomplished a lot. We have most of our coaching staff in place. I am excited about both of our coordinators, Bob Muckian and Tony Pierce.
Coach Muckian brings a familiarity with our offense as he has worked with me for four years at two different institutions. He has revamped our recruiting process. The complete program will not be implemented until we start spring recruiting after spring practice. Needless to say, his efforts have already produced results.
Coach Pierce brings a great perspective to Valpo football with his experiences in both Division I FBS and FCS football. I am excited to see his defensive ideas being put to work as we begin spring practice. His enthusiasm for defense can already be seen in the body language of our defensive football team.
The current team members have responded well to our strength training and conditioning program. Strength Coach Bob Brooks is doing an outstanding job working with the football team. He has diagnosed some weak areas and prescribed exercises to help our team improve. He has also created a high level of intensity that was not present at the football workouts in the past.
Recruiting is moving along. Our staff has been making up the ground lost before my hire. I am confident we will announce a great class later this spring.
Watch our web site for spring practice dates. Any football alums, parents, or friends of the program are welcome to attend practice.
I am speaking at the 4th Annual Bucyrus Redman Football Clinic in Bucyrus, Ohio on February 20th and at the Indiana High School Football Coaches Association State Clinic in Indianapolis on March 20th.
I would like all Valpo football alums to provide me with their e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Please e-mail these to Patti.Nemeth@valpo.edu as soon as possible.
I am excited to be here. It’s a great day to be a Crusader.