Southern Utah University coaches and sports staff members surround new SUU athletic director Doug Knuth after news conference announcing his hiring, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 14, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards . "Coach Warren has been a cherished member of this institution and community for the last 14 years," Corum said. Focus and consistency, if he can get those two down, hes going to be fine.. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. On the defensive side of the ball, the Thunderbirds will be anchored by senior defensive ends Zach Strand, who also followed Fitzgerald from Frostburg State, and Francis Bemiy. CEDAR CITY, Utah Southern Utah University head football coach DeLane Fitzgerald has announced his coaching staff for the upcoming season. Our players have a better understanding of the offense, defense, and special teams (schemes). TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. Eccles Sports Performance Center, Gerardi Earns Spot at Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp, ASUN-WAC Football Partnership Formally Rebrands As The United Athletic Conference, Southern Utah Football Spring Game Preview, Thunderbirds Football Signs Big '23 Class, Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. SUU football enters the 2022 season coming off a disappointing year that saw the Thunderbirds finish 1-10 in 2021. The 2022 staff includes four coaches retained from the previous staff, and six new additions to SUU. In addition to his degree from MSU Mankato, he holds a master's degree in recreation and sports science from Ohio University. The T-Birds also signed a number of players as transfers, including a number of former Utah high schoolers and in-state transfers from BYU and elsewhere. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Following a successful career as a member of the Thunderbird football team, Measom joined the coaching staff at SUU in January of 2017 as a graduate assistant and worked his way into the position of director of operations before being named wide receivers coach. Joseph McWilliams. Before joining the Thunderbird coaching staff, Tapasa served as defensive line coach at Sacramento State. Fernandez joined the staff as an undergraduate assistant in 2009 following a stellar career as a Thunderbird player. The Thunderbirds earned the eighth seed in the FCS playoffs; Warren was the conference coach of the year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. The secondary will see the most change, returning practically none of the major contributors from 2021. Kelling coached the defensive backs in his first two seasons before becoming the team's co-defensive coordinator in 2006. Outside of my wife and kids, my three beautiful daughters I dont think about anything else but football, he said. Leausa will join his brother, Austin, as an offensive lineman for Southern Utah. And not promising national titles and not promising conference titles and stuff here today, but were going to be extremely competitive. SUU football to kick off 2022 season with Spring Game What a move to the WAC means for Southern Utah athletics Fitzgerald joked that part of Price's recruitment was that Price would hold off his honeymoon until after the spring season. The Thunderbirds will begin their 11-game 2022 season at home against St. Thomas before facing a tall task against Utah in Salt Lake City. Miller is now joined in the quarterback room by redshirt freshmen Jackson Berry and Rand Jensen, and Western Kentucky transfer Grady Robison. Doug Knuth named SUU's new athletic director - Cedar City News Thunderbirds. (He) played for us last year at Frostburg and had 20 or 30 tackles as a true freshman, Fitzgerald said. The Thunderbirds are one of five new teams being added to the WAC, which will have 13 teams after the expansion. He also spent 2016 as the tight ends coach at Florida International, where he mentored NFL tight end Jonu Smith. Ed Lamb - Wikipedia Commitment to student-athletes and their academic success, as well as athletic . After working with the defense for his first four years coach Fernandez made the jump to the offensive side of the ball in 2013 where he coached the Tight Ends and Coordinated the Special Teams for two years. Football That number was good for fifth on the team. Demario has laid a strong foundation and we will begin work immediately to find the right person to continue building a successful program as we enter the Western Athletic Conference.". SUU parting ways with head football coach Demario Warren His best season came in 2021 when he led the team with 694 yards. Were going to show up for things. All rights reserved. The Coaching Factory - A History of SUU's PE program | SUU Football - Southern Utah University Athletics SUU is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences . From 2004-11, Kelling coached at the University of North Dakota where he faced the Thunderbirds on multiple occasions. The team began spring practices on Monday, March 21, and the Spring Game allows a preview into what can be expected for next season. Corum said that throughout the hiring process, because we had such great candidates, I just kept hoping that somebody would separate themselves. At the beginning of his remarks, Fitzgerald joked how his luggage hadnt arrived in time, due to a flight cancellation. "That's our deepest group right there in terms of talent, Fitzgerald said. Coach Hunt has worked with both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. 2023 www.thespectrum.com. Strand was named Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, while Bemiy, who made the All-WAC preseason defensive team, has the tools to play in the NFL, according to Fitzgerald. [7] The AWC folded after the 1995 season, and the Thunderbirds were 9231 (.288) overall in those three years. The WAC already includes two other Utah teams, namely Dixie State University and Utah Valley University. He led the Knights to the state championship game where they defeated Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon, 49-42. In Wednesday's practice, redshirt senior cornerback JT Thomas made a nice play on a deflected pass for an interception in 11 on 11 drills. In his eight seasons at the helm of Frostburg State, Fitzgeralds teams had a combined record of 62-19, including 10-1 this year, when the Bobcats tied for first place in the Mountain East Conference. No stranger to the state of Utah, Peterson comes to Southern Utah by way of Brigham Young University where he has worked with quarterbacks as an offensive analyst since 2019. TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. Eccles Sports Performance Center, Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital, Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations/COO, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Events, Deputy Athletic Director for Finance & Administration, Senior Associate AD for Revenue Generation, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Communications (FB, GYM, SB), Director of Athletic Academic Performance, Orthopedic Surgery- Intermountain Healthcare, Assistant Director of Communications (SOC, MBB, M/WGOLF), General Manager-Van Wagner College-Southern Utah University Athletics, Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach, Running Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, Interior Defensive Line Coach/Director of Football Operations, Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Assistant Coach (Multis, Hurdles, Pole Vault). The Thunderbirds feature a first-time Division I head coach in DeLane Fitzgerald, who moved across the country from D-II Frostburg State (Md.) Peterson is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and is joined in Cedar City by his wife, Camille, and daughter, Brooklyn. We have to find the other half and then we have to find some depth., More:Southern Utah announces first signing class under coach DeLane Fitzgerald. UNLV wide receiver Steve Jenkins runs after a catch during game against San Diego State, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Las Vegas. Aaron Brown. Another Utah native, Kelley was the 6A Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-State selection as a defensive end. A native of Virginia, Fitzgerald played college football for James Madison University then started working as an assistant coach in 2000. On the offensive line, right guard Lyle Santos is the only current player who started all 11 games last season. Southern Utah University College Football Sports In a new league with a new coach, SUU embracing fresh start After successful run as Frostburg State, coach DeLane Fitzgerald arrives in Cedar City with high expectations and with a number of his former players By Tom Ripplinger Sept 1, 2022, 9:00am PDT SHARE He was also an Academic All-Region honoree. Like Magginson, Brunson comes to Southern Utah by way of Frostburg State as both a player and coach. The now-redshirt junior threw for 2,416 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 13 interceptions. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Freshman class shines, Miller rises to occasion in Southern Utah Bates joins Southern Utah after serving one season as the strength and conditioning coach for Hampton University. He left the school as the winningest coach in program history. Miller has started 17 consecutive contests for SUU, giving Fitzgerald a seasoned quarterback. Assistant Wide Receivers Coach. Tye Hiatt will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Ryan Payne will be the new offensive line coach, and Brandon Perkins is set to be the . Acord also played wide receiver during high school and was a First Team All-Region performer. April 16, 2022 - by Chevy Blackburn. In 2015 he moved to the offensive line. He graduated from SUU with a master's of accountancy in 2018. The 2021 running back position was a revolving door for Southern Utah. Fitzgeralds staff at Frostburg consistently led D-II in tackles for loss and sacks, which should only drive up Bemiys potential. But if youre trying to break it down, were going to be 45% run, 45% pass, and then the jet sweep stuff and option will be about 10%, he said. He has a chance to be as good as he wants to be. The Southern Utah Thunderbirds football (also referred to as the SUU Thunderbirds) program is a college football team that represents Southern Utah University (SUU). The only thing thats going to stop Isaiah Williams is Isaiah Williams, Fitzgerald said. Everything you see on me right now was first purchased at Christensens about 30 minutes ago, he said of his new suit. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Before his brief stint at LHU, Kelling served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Frostburg State University under coach Fitzgerald. Since then, Tapasa has transitioned into a role as assistant coach overseeing the linebackers for Southern Utah. Corum said the other members of the hiring committee also expressed similar sentiments, stating that they agreed he was the right person for the job. The hiring of Fitzgerald has brought a mass exodus of many familiar faces from last years team, leaving Fitzgerald building through his incoming freshman class and transfer portal. Can Weber State get back on top of the Big Sky? Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator 435-586-5470 435-586-5470: [email protected]: Shawn Magginson: Defensive Ends Coach 435-586-5470 435-586-5470: [email protected]: Ryan Hunt: Interior Defensive Line Coach/Director of Football Operations 435-586-5470 435-586-5470: [email protected]: Will Brunson: Tight Ends Coach Griffiths was named the 4A Defensive Player of the Year as a linebacker and earned First Team All-State honors. Southern Utah Football @SUUFB_ Jan 11 Introducing your SUU football coaching staff Hit the link to see which new coaches will be leading our Thunderbirds in 2022 suutbirds.com/news/2022/1/11 # StormTheSky 3 replies 23 retweets 157 likes Tyler Smith Retweeted Nick Lober @LoberNick Jan 11 What theyve done in the past does not affect them now. Tapasa will start his seventh season at SUU in 2022. And this man did.. Before Fitzgeralds remarks, SUU Athletic Director Debbie Corum talked about the hiring process and said Fitzgerald had been chosen from a nationwide field of more than 100 applicants. SUU had just five wins in Warrens final three seasons. We go into games trying to block a punt and trying to return a punt for a touchdown, he said, calling such plays the quickest way to win a football game., We will be exciting, he added. The coaches from last year's staff staying in Cedar City include offensive line coach Aaron Fernandez, wide receivers coach Brady Measom, linebackers coach Solomona Tapasa and defensive line coach Ryan Hunt. He was a two-time letter winner playing college football at both Grand Rapids Community College and Wayne State University. Head Coach Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving in Chicago, IL for Demario has laid a strong foundation, Corum said in her statement, and we will begin work immediately to find the right person to continue building a successful program as we enter the Western Athletic Conference.. Fitzgerald has a knack for turning around struggling programs, and the Thunderbirds fit that bill. He was named First Team All-District on both offense and special teams during high school. [2] Lamb served as the head football coach at Southern Utah University (SUU) from 2007 to 2015. It marked the fourth-straight losing season for the school and the second time in as many seasons that it finished with just one win. For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page. Southern Utah Thunderbirds Add Three New Faces To Coaching Staff The Southern Utah University Thunderbirds will be looking for a new head football coach. Football Coaches - University of Utah Athletics Southern Utah football names former Dixie State head coach as new and will lead SUU in their first year in WAC play. The next time Southern Utah football takes the field at Eccles Coliseum, it will do so as a member of the Western Athletic Conference with the school set to join the new league in July of 2022. Also showing flashes at left guard is redshirt junior Artese Gregory. Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Anything we do, were going to finish what we start accountability, punctuality, discipline, all those things are really important to me.. SUU averaged just 2.9 yards per carry on the ground. Coach Warren has been a cherished member of this institution and community for the last 14 years, SUU athletic director Debbie Corum said in a statement. A 2003 graduate of SUU, Coach Hunt was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Thunderbirds before joining the staff. Hunt will be in his 18th season when the T-Birds kickoff the 2022 schedule. Coming off a 1-10 season and led by an overhauled coaching staff, foundational pieces for the rebuild may be starting to take shape. The win-loss record doesnt matter to me right now, he said. 13 talking about this. Griffiths prepped just down the road from SUU at Crimson Cliffs High School in Washington, Utah. Follow Sean on Twitter @SeanEllertson. [3], Southern Utah fielded its inaugural team in 1963 with Bruce Osborne as head coach,[4] remained an NAIA independent through 1968, then became a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Thunderbirds feature a first-time Division I head coach in DeLane Fitzgerald, who moved across the country from D-II Frostburg State (Md.) The Official Facebook Page for Southern Utah University Football #FocusFightFinish #TBirdNation Prior to his time at Wise, Rosser was a defensive quality control coach at James Madison, where he helped the Dukes to a CAA Championship and FCS playoff appearance. All rights reserved. After his remarks, Fitzgerald also fielded several questions from the media and football players. Thats because Fitzgerald is no stranger to turning programs around. The Thunderbirds play their home games on campus at Eccles Coliseum in Cedar City, Utah, and have been led by head coach DeLane Fitzgerald since 2021. Theyre going to be very, very good in four or five years.. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved. New faces on the staff for the upcoming season include offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Blair Peterson, defensive coordinator and safeties coach John Kelling, defensive ends coach Shawn Magginson, tight ends coach Will Brunson, cornerbacks coach Nick Rosser and Andrew Bates, who will serve as the football team's strength and conditioning coach. Redshirt sophomore Aubrey Nellems notched 48 tackles as well and looks to see an increased role as the most experienced returning linebacker. The American Samoa native also spent time coaching at Western Oregon, Eastern Oregon and Humboldt State. Southern Utah Announces Football Coaching Change [3] History [ edit] Jenkins transferred to Southern Utah and will help bolster the Thunderbirds receiving corps in 2022. With a new coaching staff working to establish a winning culture, veteran players are expected to lead by example. All Rights Reserved, This Utah college football team is now looking for a new head coach. More:Southern Utah University tabs DeLane Fitzgerald as next head football coach, We have some pieces, continued Fitzgerald. While playing for the Thunderbirds, Hunt started 33 straight games from his sophomore to senior seasons, never missing a game during his career. Story by: Christian Esparza Copyright 2023 Southern Utah University. If you see me yell or make funny faces, its because the pins in these pants have stuck me.. Fitzgerald feels he has a strong offensive line, with top talent in redshirt sophomore Lyle Santos at right guard and Frostburg State transfer Brandon Dillard at right tackle. Needing to plug multiple gaps along the line has left spots open for competition. CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah University and head football coach Demario Warren announced recently that they have mutually agreed to part . In fact, the 2022 roster is slated to have about 40 freshmen. Hes going to play safety and hes going to run around and make 40-60 tackles for us,Fitzgerald said. Southern Utah University Football Scholarships Guide - NCSASports.org [9], In November 2010, Southern Utah announced its admission to the Big Sky Conference, effective in 2012. SUU's newest signing class includes 12 signees from the state of Utah, four from California, three from Maryland, two from Virginia and one from Washington and Pennsylvania. SUU football: New league, new coach T-birds look get to back on track The move comes as SUU is just 1-10 this season, including 0-8 in Big Sky Conference play. Before meeting coach Fitzgerald in Maryland, Kelling coached at the University of Mary in North Dakota for two seasons in various roles. 11/15/2021 9:23:00 AM. Fitzgerald believes that this team will be just the beginning of something great at SUU. The defensive end led the team with four sacks and added 48 tackles last season. Magginson was a four-year player for the Bobcat football team and appeared in all 13 games and made two starts as a senior. We have four or five good players on each side of the ball. New head coach DeLane Fitzgerald addresses his team following Wednesday's practice. All Rights Reserved, In a new league with a new coach, SUU embracing fresh start. One of those positives is UNLV transfer Steve Jenkins at wide receiver. Williams added another four scores on just 32 attempts for 206 yards. The team will also be led by new Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald who made the jump to the FCS level from NCAA Division II powerhouse Frostburg State University. Fitzgerald spoke of the multiplicity of offensive tactics he likes to employ, which he said will typically evolve depending on the players. Purcell will play defensive line at Southern Utah after successfully doing so for Bountiful High School in Bountiful, Utah. Bolingbroke and Schenks are slated to come back in the fall but both will miss the Spring Game due to injuries. Andrew Bates- Strength & Conditioning Coach. Director of Football Operations / Player Personnel. Ahead of the 2016 season Tapasa was brought to Cedar City to serve as SUU's Co-Defensive Coordinator and coach the linebacking unit. Blair Peterson- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach. The signees were: Elijah Burns / RB / 5-11 / 205 / William & Mary, Brandon Dillard / OL / 6-4 / 260 / Frostburg State, Micah Pettit / K / 6-1 / 175 / Lafayette College, Mitchell Price / DB / 6-0 / 195 / Brigham Young, Jackson Rigby / TE / 6-4 / 230 / Utah State, Grady Robison / QB / 6-1 / 195 / Western Kentucky, Zach Strand / DL / 5-10 / 250 / Frostburg State. In December 2022, he was named as the head football coach at the University of Northern Colorado. Were much than we were two and a half weeks ago,Fitzgerald said on Wednesday, during which the team held a spring practice on campus. To continue to support his work, please subscribe to The Spectrum. The school announced Monday that SUU and Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways after six seasons. Though a newcomer at the school, he comes to Cedar City with plenty of coaching experience and high expectations. Theyve been winners in college and now theyre graduate transfers, so they bring some much-needed leadership.. John Kelling- Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach. The intersquad scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m and is free to the public. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / Penn Treaty HS. The seven football members include Dixie State and Tarleton State, who both moved up to the Division I level last summer, Southern Utah and the other four schools joining the league Texas schools Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin, which are all moving over from the Southland Conference. Sophomore running back Isaiah Williams ran the ball 32 times last season for 206 yards and scored four touchdowns, but looks to be the lead back now. The 2022 staff includes four coaches retained from the previous staff, and six new additions to SUU. He finished fourth on the team with 46 tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. With a history dating back to 1963, SUU currently competes in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision[2] as a member of the United Athletic Conference. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? We asked each of our five candidates to take 90 minutes and tell us what they would do with the program, Corum said, referring to the final group of applicants. The move comes as SUU is just 1-10 this season, including 0-8 in Big Sky Conference play. All rights reserved. Fairchild was a two-time First Team All-League football and basketball player, and holds multiple school records in track and field. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Offensively, starting quarterback Justin Miller is returning alongside his leading receivers Ethan Bolingbroke and Brandon Schenks. McClure coached the Trailblazers from. Southern Utah Football | Cedar City UT - Facebook Claude Edward Lamb III [1] (born March 4, 1974) is an American college football coach and former player. Corum, along with SUU Interim President Mindy Benson, Senior Associate Athletic Director Jeff Tukuafu and the rest of the hiring committee, and said hes looking forward to getting started right away on the process of building his staff by hiring coordinators and assistant coaches. 16 Utah softball gets good measuring stick in series against No. Enter your email below to start! [6] While in the WFC from 1986 to 1992, the Thunderbirds' overall record was 41341 (.546). Southern Utah University and head football coach Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways, per a press release from the school on Monday. A nationwide search for Southern Utah's new head football coach will begin immediately. The 2021 running back position was a revolving door for Southern Utah. Robison, listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, flashed his ability to extend plays and make good reads in the RPO game. Southern Utah head coach Demario Warren shouts to his team during game against Utah Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Before the regular season rolls around in late summer, Southern Utah University football will host its Spring Game to culminate the spring training season. "I am happy with the way our coaching staff came together," Fitzgerald said. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. In three years with the Rebels he amassed 1,159 receiving yards. Robison was graded as a three-star quarterback in the 2020 cycle, and the 73rd best dual-threat quarterback in the class. Football He also said he plans to actively recruit top athletes from Arizona, Nevada and Southern California. 4 Year Degree. He was also a dedicated student in the classroom, earning Academic All-Region honors. [4], In 1993, Southern Utah moved up to Division I-AA and joined the American West Conference (AWC) as a charter member. [email protected]. Southern Utah University Aug 31 // football Arizona State University Sep 09 // football Brigham Young University Sep 16 // football UC Davis Sep 23 // football Western Illinois University Sep 30 // football University of Central Arkansas Oct 07 // football Tarleton State University Oct 21 // football Austin Peay State University Oct 28 // football SUU announces first signing class under coach DeLane Fitzgerald - Yahoo! They also have three young grandsons. Hatitio will look to help bolster the SUU offensive line after a successful high school career at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper. "Coach Warren has been a cherished. Illinois Tech, an NCAA Division III program located in Chicago, is actively searching for a Head Coach Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving. The defense is undergoing a lot of change as well with redshirt junior Francis Bemiy being the most productive returning player. In 2017, Southern Utah won their second Big Sky title, finishing the regular season at 92, with wins over four ranked (FCS) teams: Northern Iowa, Weber State, Eastern Washington, and NAU. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Rancho Cucamonga, California / Alta Loma HS. Southern Utah football spring practices: Thunderbirds rebuilding on the TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. 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