the coaches - liberty university media guide (2006... · the coaches in this section ... also kept...

2006liberty football

THE COACHES

In this section … • Head Coach Danny Rocco 38• Danny Rocco Quick Facts .38• Pete Sundheim . . . . . . . . .40• Scott Wachenheim . . . . . .40• Tom Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . .41• Frank Hickson . . . . . . . . . .42• Marshall Roberts . . . . . . . .42• Charlie Skalaski . . . . . . . .43• Brandon Streeter . . . . . . . .44• Chad Wilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44• Robert Wimberly . . . . . . . .45• Paul Rutigliano . . . . . . . . .45• Ed Gomes . . . . . . . . . . . . .46• Mike Morris . . . . . . . . . . . .46• Chris Brown . . . . . . . . . . . .47• Danny Wenger . . . . . . . . .47• Andy Coleman . . . . . . . . . .48• Chris Casola . . . . . . . . . . .48• Barry Finke . . . . . . . . . . . .49• Bill Gillespie . . . . . . . . . . . .49• Dave Williams . . . . . . . . . .50• Football Support Staff . . . .50

Head Coach Danny Rocco

38 Liberty Flames Football

A new era in thehistory of theLiberty Universityfootball programbegan onDecember 2, 2005,as Chancellor and

Founder Dr. Jerry Falwell addressedan assembled group of media andboosters gathered in the Grand Lobbyof the Arthur S. DeMoss LearningCenter on the early winter day.

The announcement brought excite-ment back to a once strong athleticprogram as Dr. Falwell publiclynamed former Virginia associate headcoach Danny Rocco as Liberty’s newhead football coach, making Roccothe seventh head coach in the historyof the program.

“Danny Rocco is a perfect fit forLiberty University in every way.Liberty is fortunate to have him,” stat-ed Dr. Falwell. “I firmly believe DannyRocco can lead Liberty in reaching itsgoal of becoming a dominant DivisionI-AA program within the near future.”

Rocco brings over 22 years of foot-ball coaching experience to a programthat he is quite familiar with as he hasbeen an outside observer with a vest-ed interest for years. Rocco has familyties to both Liberty University and thegreater Lynchburg area that haveenabled him to watch Liberty from adistance.

Rocco’s father and brother bothserved on the staff at Liberty duringthe last six years as Frank Rocco, Sr.,was the program’s Director of FootballOperations during the 2000 and 2001seasons. Frank Rocco, Jr., also joinedthe staff in 2000 as a widereceivers/quarterbacks coach and waspromoted to offensive coordinatorbefore leaving in 2003.

Two of the three Rocco brothershave been reunited of sorts now asFrank, Jr., now serves as head footballcoach and athletic director across theLiberty campus at Liberty ChristianAcademy, the K-12 school associatedwith Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Completing the family circle, thefinal Rocco brother, Dave, is locatedjust 60 miles north of Lynchburg atStaunton River High School in

Moneta, Va., where he serves as headfootball coach.

So, to say that Rocco has had avested interest in Liberty and thegreater Lynchburg area over the lastseveral years might be an understate-ment.

“I’ve been following the programfor many years, and I’ve been waitingfor Liberty to have a breakthroughyear,” commented Rocco. “For what-ever reason, that hasn’t happened yet,but I know the potential and the talentis here for it to happen.”

“I took this job knowing that theywere coming off a disappointing 1-10season,” continued Rocco. “However,I’ve never looked at the program as a1-10 program. That in and of itself hasallowed me to come in with a morepositive approach as we try and turnthis thing around.”

Rocco now stands on the verge ofhis first head coaching position in his22-year coaching career with aresume that includes stops at severalof the top Division I-A programs in thecountry.

In addition to his experience at theDivision 1-A level, he spent the 2000season on Al Groh’s staff as an assis-

tant coach with the New York Jets.Rocco has either coached or played ina total of 13 bowl games and hasearned the title of conference champi-on on three separate occasions.

Prior to coming to Liberty, Roccospent the past five seasons at theUniversity of Virginia, helping theCavaliers to four-consecutive bowlappearances and 37 victories sincejoining Al Groh’s coaching staff in2001.

Virginia posted back-to-backContinental Tire Bowl victories in 2002and 2003 with wins over 15th-rankedWest Virginia and Pittsburgh, whiledropping an overtime decision toFresno State in the 2004 MPCComputers Bowl.

Rocco returned to Virginia prior tothe 2005 Music City Bowl to helpCoach Al Groh lead the Cavaliers to avictory over Minnesota. Rocco wasnamed assistant head coach/line-backer coach and recruiting coordina-tor in January 2001.

The Cavaliers’ 2002 recruiting classwas ranked in the Top 10 nationally bymany of the major recruiting services,including a fifth-place ranking byESPN. Rocco relinquished his recruit-

Danny RoccoHead Coach

The Rocco Family

39www.LibertyFlames.com

ing duties in 2002 and was promotedto the position of associate headcoach, while continuing his responsi-bility of linebackers coach.

In 2004, three Cavaliers’ linebackerssigned NFL contracts as DarrylBlackstock was selected in the thirdround of the NFL draft by the ArizonaCardinals, while Dennis Haley (Jets)and Isaiah Ekejiuba (Arizona) signedas free agents.

Rocco began his coaching career asa graduate assistant coach at his almamater, Wake Forest University. Hespent the 1984 and 1985 seasons as agraduate assistant before being hiredas the defensive line coach prior tothe 1986 season.

Rocco was then hired by BillMcCartney at the University ofColorado as an assistant linebackerscoach for the 1987 season. He spentthe next three seasons at theUniversity of Tulsa where they com-peted in the 1990 Independence Bowl.

Rocco spent the 1991-93 seasonsworking for Tom Coughlin as hisdefensive line coach at BostonCollege. Rocco helped CoachCoughlin bring Boston College’s pro-gram back to national prominence.

In 1992, Boston College played inthe Hall of Fame Bowl followed by atrip to the Carquest Bowl in 1993.Rocco then left Boston College to joinJohn Mackovic’s staff at theUniversity of Texas at Austin.

While at Texas, the Longhorns puttogether three-consecutive conferencechampionships, including the inaugu-ral Big 12 title in 1996. Texas alsocompeted in three-straight bowlgames (Sun Bowl, Sugar Bowl, FiestaBowl).

Rocco went from Texas to theUniversity of Maryland where heserved as linebackers coach for the1998 and 1999 seasons. After the 1999season, Rocco rejoined his mentor AlGroh with the New York Jets.

Rocco spent the 2000 season inNew York as an assistantlinebacker/special teams coach, beforefollowing Al Groh to Virginia for the2001-05 seasons.

Rocco began his college playingcareer as a scholarship athlete atPenn State University. Rocco earnedtwo varsity letters at Penn State, andhe participated in the 1979 LibertyBowl and the 1980 Fiesta Bowl. He

then transferred to Wake ForestUniversity where he was a two-yearstarter and senior captain for Al Groh.

While at Wake Forest, Rocco partici-pated in the 1983 Mirage Bowl inTokyo, Japan. In 1984, Rocco graduat-ed from Wake Forest with a bachelor’sdegree in speech communication. Hecompleted a 56-hour education andcounseling master’s curriculum fromWake Forest in 1987.

Rocco grew up in a football familyas his father served as an assistantcoach at Penn State under legendaryhall of fame football head coach JoePaterno before joining Liberty’s staffin 2000.

Rocco has been an active participantin the community since arriving inLynchburg. He is a member of theLynchburg Sports Club as well as thelocal chapter of the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes. He has been amember of the Virginia High SchoolCoaches Association since the springof 2001.

The native of Huntington, Pa., ismarried to the former Julie Mills andthe couple has two children - David(15) and Amy (13).

RRooccccoo’’ss CCooaacchhiinngg EExxppeerriieennccee

2005-Present Liberty (head coach)2003-05 Virginia (associate head coach/ linebackers)2001-02 Virginia (assistant head coach/ linebackers/recruiting coordinator)2000 New York Jets (assistant linebackers/special teams)1998-99 Maryland (outside linebackers/ assistant special teams)1997 Texas (special teams coordinator/ defensive ends)1994-96 Texas (outside linebackers)1991-93 Boston College (defensive line)1988-90 Tulsa (outside linebackers)1987 Colorado (assistant linebackers)1986 Wake Forest (defensive line)1984-85 Wake Forest (defensive graduate assistant)

BBoowwll GGaammeess AAss AA PPllaayyeerr1983 Mirage Bowl (Wake Forest)1980 Fiesta Bowl (Penn State)1979 Liberty Bowl (Penn State)

BBoowwll GGaammeess AAss AA CCooaacchh2005 Music City Bowl (Virginia)2004 MPC Computers Bowl (Virginia)2003 Continental Tire Bowl (Virginia)2002 Continental Tire Bowl (Virginia)1996 Fiesta Bowl (Texas)1995 Sugar Bowl (Texas)1994 Sun Bowl (Texas)1993 Carquest Bowl (Boston College)1992 Hall of Fame Bowl (Boston College)1990 Independence Bowl (Tulsa)

CChhaammppiioonnsshhiippss WWoonn1996 Big XII Conference (Texas)1995 Southwest Conference (Texas)1994 Southwest Conference (Texas)

Head Coach Danny Rocco


Pete Sundheim is the senior member ofthe Flames' football coaching staff. He waspromoted to assistant head coach duringthe spring of 2004. Sundheim's on-the-fieldefforts are centered on his responsibilitiesas tight ends coach.

In his previous 17 years at Liberty, he hascoached in a variety of capacities; however,

the first 12 seasons were of a defensive nature. In 2001, heserved as the defensive backs coach, while previously coachingtwo years as the outside linebacker coach, six years as defensivesecondary coach and three years as defensive coordinator.

In 1999, Sundheim's defense showcased itself as one of themost opportunistic squads in the NCAA I-AA ranks, leading thecountry in turnovers (40), ranking second in turnover margin(1.82) and yielding only 17.7 points a contest, the best mark by aFlames' defensive squad over the past 16 years.

Sundheim joined the Liberty coaching staff in 1989 after serv-ing a one-year stint as defensive secondary coach at AzusaPacific University.

Sundheim broke into the collegiate coaching ranks spendingsix years at Middlebury College where he served as the headtrack coach, defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator. Hethen served at Brown, where he spent three years as the Bruins'defensive secondary coach.

Sundheim left Brown to pursue business interests at Presto-tekCorporation as the company's operations and sales manager. Healso kept his hand in coaching as a scout at Citrus JuniorCollege, while continuing to work at Presto-tek. Sundheim thenmoved on to coach at Azusa Pacific, where he also worked as anarea representative for Champion Products.

Like many collegiate coaches, Sundheim first entered thecoaching ranks at the high school level. He was an assistant foot-ball and track coach at Long Branch High School in Long Branch,N.J.

Sundheim completed his bachelor's degree in physical educa-tion from the University of Delaware in 1971. He started his jun-ior and senior years at strong safety for the Blue Hens and was amember of three Lambert Cup teams. Sundheim helped lead histeam to two MAC championships and three-consecutiveBoardwalk Bowl Games. He was awarded defensive most valu-able player honors his senior year.

The Sundheim FileYear at Liberty: 18thCoaching Experience:

1989 - Present (17 years) - Liberty (Asst. HC, DB, LB, DC, RB, RC, TE)1988 (1 year) - Azusa Pacific (DB)1982-87 (6 years) - Citrus JC (Scout)1979-81 (3 years) - Brown (DB)1973-79 (6 years) - Middlebury (DB, DC, Track)1971-72 (2 years) - Long Branch HS (Asst. Coach/Track)

Education: Bachelor's degree in physical education (Delaware, '71)Hometown: Sparta, N.J.Wife: BarbaraChildren: David (26), Kate (25), Petey (22) and Jeffery (16)

Scott Wachenheim is in his first year as amember of the Liberty football coachingstaff. Joining the program in January 2006,Wachenheim will serve as the Flames'offensive coordinator and offensive linecoach.

Wachenheim came to Liberty from Ricein Houston, Texas where he spent 12 years with head coach KenHatfield and the Owls, his last five seasons as offensive coordina-tor.

Wachenheim helped Rice build a dominant ball controloffense that ranked among the nation's best during his tenure.

During the 2004 season, Rice led the nation in rushing offense(306.5 yards per game), while the Owls' 2003 squad ranked sec-ond in the country, racking up a school record of 3800 rushingyards. In 2001, Wachenheim's direction enabled Rice to break theschool record for points scored (333) and total offense (4846

Pete SundeimAssistant Head Coach/Tight Ends

Scott WachenheimOffensive Coordinator/ Offensive Line

Coaching StaffThe Sundeim Family

The Wachenheim Family


yards).Prior to joining the Rice staff, Wachenheim served as recruit-

ing coordinator, offensive tackles and tight ends coach at UtahState University (1992-93), culminating his tenure with a Big WestConference title and a Las Vegas Bowl victory in 1993.

Wachenheim got his collegiate coaching career started in1984. After graduating from the Air Force Academy with a bache-lor's degree in civil engineering, he served as offensive coordina-tor of the Air Force Academy's junior varsity squad. He then wenton to complete his military requirements.

Wachenheim returned to the coaching ranks at the Universityof Arkansas in 1989-90, helping the Razorbacks to a SouthwestConference championship and a Cotton Bowl invitation.Additionally, Wachenheim earned his master's degree in athleticadministration from Arkansas in 1991.

Wachenheim spent the 1991 football season at the Universityof Colorado under the leadership of head coach Bill McCartneyhelping the Buffaloes win the Big 8 Conference championshipand earn a berth in the Blockbuster Bowl.

As a player Wachenheim was a four-year starter (1980-83) onthe offensive line at the Air Force Academy, earning first teamAll-Western Athletic Conference and Honorable Mention All-American honors his senior year. The 1983 Falcons finished witha 10-2 season record, were ranked second in the nation in rush-ing offense, and were tabbed as the nation's 13th-ranked teamoverall.

The native of Woodland Hills, Calif., Wachenheim and his wife,Karla, have two sons: Kyle (16) and Tyson (13).

The Wachenheim FileYear at Liberty: FirstCoaching Experience:

2006 - Present (1 year) - Liberty (OC, OL)2005-1994 (12 years) - Rice (OC, OL)1992-93 (2 years) - Utah State (OT, TE, RC) 1991 (1 year) - Colorado (GA)1889-90 (2 years) - Arkansas (GA)

Education: Bachelor's degree of science in engineering (Air Force, '84);Master's degree of education in athletic administration (Arkansas, '91)Hometown: Woodland Hills, Calif.Wife: KarlaChildren: Kyle (16) and Tyson (13)

Tom Clark is currently in his first year asa member of the Flames' football coachingstaff after joining the program in January2006. Clark serves as the team's defensivecoordinator and he will be looking toimplement the 3-4 defense system for thefirst time in the history of the program.

Clark comes to Liberty after serving his second stint as headfootball coach at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., wherehe had been since 2004, helping rebuild the Division III program.

Prior to his most recent stay at Catholic, Clark served as thedefensive coordinator at William & Mary for three seasons (2001-03), helping the Tribe to a share of the Atlantic 10 Conference

championship in 2001.Clark first joined the staff at Catholic in 1994 and served as

head football coach until he left to go to William & Mary. Whileat Catholic, Clark compiled an impressive 56-14-1 overall coach-ing record and boasts of one of the best seven-year runs inDivision III history (.792 winning percentage).

Catholic made three-consecutive appearances in the Division IIIplayoffs (1997, 1998 and 1999), while he helped quickly turn theprogram around as his 1994 squad tied the NCAA record for bestturnaround.

In 1999, Catholic finished with a 9-2 overall record and claimedthe Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship, earning thetitle in its first year in the conference. Clark also coached nineplayers that earned NCAA Division III All-American honors duringhis longest stay at Catholic.

Clark's other coaching stints included head coach and athleticdirector at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md.(1988-94), graduate assistant coach for the secondary at Colorado(1987-88), assistant coach for the secondary at Catholic (1985-86)and assistant coach at St. John's College Prep in Washington,D.C. (1983-84).

Clark is a native of the Washington, D.C., area and received hisbachelor's degree in kinesiology from Maryland in 1986. Clarkand his wife, Laurie, have two children: Kevin and Samantha.

The Clark FileYear at Liberty: FirstCoaching Experience:

2006 - Present (1 year) - Liberty (DC)2005-04 (2 years) - Catholic (HC)2001-03 (3 years) - William & Mary (DC)1994-2000 (7 years) - Catholic (HC)1988-94 (7 years) - Bishop McNamara HS (HC, AD)1987-88 (2 years) - Colorado (GA, DB)1985-86 (2 years) - Catholic (DB)1983-84 (2 years) - St. John's Prep (AC)

Education: Bachelor's degree in kinesiology (Maryland, '86)Hometown: Washington, D.C.Wife: LaurieChildren: Kevin (14) and Samantha (11)

Tom ClarkDefensive Coordinator

The Clark Family

Coaching Staff


Frank Hickson brings over 22 years of colle-giate coaching experience to the Flames’football coaching staff, including 11 yearsat the NCAA Division I-A level and 15 yearsas a running backs coach, a position heoversees as a part of the Flames’ footballprogram.

Since joining the Flames’ program,Hickson has continued the running back

tradition at Liberty. He aided in the Flames finishing the 2004 sea-son ranked 22nd in the nation in rushing (212.2 yards per game),while helping Dre Barnes finish as the school’s all-time leadingrushing in 2004 with 4,035 yards.

Hickson was also instrumental in helping guide Liberty’snewest “rising star” and current member of the Green BayPackers, Samkon Gado, during his senior campaign. In 2005,Hickson helped running back Zach Terrell become Liberty’s first-ever Big South Rookie of the Year.

Hickson’s most recent coaching experience was a two-yearstint at Oklahoma State as the running backs coach during the1999 and 2000 seasons, which included the instruction of All-Big12 running back Reggie White and Tatem Bell, who signed a con-tract with the Denver Broncos, while also instructing TimBurrows, who recently signed a contract with the NFL’s AtlantaFalcons.

In 1998, Hickson was the head coach at Morehouse College inAtlanta, Ga., and during the 1996 and 1997 seasons, he served asthe offensive coordinator and running backs coach at NorthTexas where he helped the Mean Green post victories over UtahState and in-state rival Texas Tech in 1997. He also coachedJuqua Wilburn, North Texas’ all-time leading rusher.

Hickson had a memorable stay at South Carolina for two years(1994 and 1995) as he was part of the first Gamecock program topost a victory in a Bowl Game as South Carolina defeated WestVirginia in the 1994 Blockbuster/National Car Rental Bowl gameon New Year’s Day. While at South Carolina, Hickson was respon-sible for the coaching of four current NFL running backs inCincinnati’s Brandon Bennett, Dallas’ Troy Hambrick, Chicago’sStanley Pritchett and Pittsburgh’s Duce Staley.

Hickson also served as the running backs coach for four years

at the United States Naval Academy (1990-93), one year atTemple (1989), three years at Marshall (1986-88), one year atMesa College (1985) and two years as a graduate assistant atWichita State (1983-84), while earning his master’s degree in edu-cation. While at the Naval Academy, Hickson recruited quarter-back Chris McCoy, a Heisman Trophy candidate, and defensiveback Chris Hart, who are both members of the Hall of Fame atthe Naval Academy.

While at Marshall, Hickson helped the Thundering Herd to twoNCAA Division I-AA National Championship games in 1987 and1988, while helping Marshall to a third-place national rankingduring its 1988 championship game run. Hickson also coachedRon Darby at Marshall, the Southern Conference’s all-time leaderwith 6,700 all-purpose yards.

Hickson is a 1983 graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee,Ala., where he received his bachelor’s degree in physical educa-tion with an emphasis on recreation. He has been a frequentguest speaker for the Frank Glazer National Coaching Clinic since1994.

The Hickson FileYear at Liberty: ThirdCoaching Experience:

2004 - Present (2 years) - Liberty (RB)1999-2000 (2 years) - Oklahoma State (RB)1998 (1 year) - Morehouse (HC)1997 (Summer) - Miami Dolphins (NFL) (Internship)1996-97 (2 years) - North Texas (OC, RB)1994-95 (2 years) - South Carolina (RB)1990-93 (4 years) - Navy (RB)1989 (1 year) - Temple (RB)1986-88 (3 years) - Marshall (RB)1985 (1 year) - Mesa (WR)1983-84 (2 years) - Wichita State (GA, RB, WR)

Education: Bachelor's degree in physical education (Tuskegee, '83):Master's degree in education (Wichita State, '84)Hometown: Orangeburg, S.C.Wife: MeeshaChildren: Leidra (17) and Frankie (9)

Marshall Roberts brings a vast array ofknowledge to the Flames' football coachingstaff, having previously worked with foot-ball programs from the NFL, NFL Europe,Canadian Football League, Arena League,collegiate and high school ranks. He servesLiberty's staff as the defensive backs coach.

Roberts came to Liberty from East Stroudsburg University inEast Stroudsburg, Pa., where he served as the secondarycoach/special team's coordinator from 2000-03. He helped guidethe Warriors to back-to-back Pennsylvania State AthleticConference East Division titles in 2002 and 2003, including theoutright East Division title in 2003.

Prior to his collegiate days, Roberts served as a coaching internfor the Pittsburgh Steelers for two months during the summer of2002 and the secondary coach with the NFL Europe's FrankfurtGalaxy during the 2002 season.

In 1999, Roberts served as the head football coach at AbingtonHigh School in Abington, Pa., while overseeing the defense, spe-

The Hickson Family

Marshall RobertsAssistant Coach – Defensive Backs

Frank HicksonAssistant Coach – Running Backs

Coaching Staff


cial teams and the passing game. He started his master's degreeat East Stroudsburg in 1998 as he served as a graduate assistantwith the Warriors and was responsible for the secondary.

Roberts played professionally in the Arena Football League forfour years and another year with the Canadian Football League.He played with the AFL's Orlando Predators during the 1994 and1995 seasons as a defensive/return specialist, spent the 1996 sea-son with the Albany Firebirds as a defensive specialist andplayed for the Milwaukee Mustangs as a receiver/defensive backin 1998. He coached the receivers and defensive backs with theAnaheim Piranhas in 1997. He also played for the CFL'sSacramento Gold Miners as a defensive back and punt returnerin 1993.

Roberts is a 1993 graduate of Rutgers, where he was a four-year letterwinner under former Flames' Defensive CoordinatorSteve Carson. The four-year starter at corner back and puntreturner finished as Rutgers' all-time leader in career puntreturns with 1,018 yards and 91 returns (averaging 11.1 yards perreturn).

He was an All-ECAC, East and AP corner and return specialistin 1991 and was named to the 1992 BIG EAST preseason all-con-ference team, while finishing the season ranked 12th in the coun-try in punt returns.

The Roberts FileYear at Liberty: ThirdCoaching Experience:

2004 - Present (2 years) - Liberty (DB)2000-03 (4 years) - East Stroudsburg (DB, ST)2002 (2 weeks) - Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) (Intern)2002 (1 year) - Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe) (DB)1999 (1 year) - Abington HS (HC)1998 (1 year) - East Stroudsburg (DB)1997 (1 year) - Anaheim Piranhas (AFL) (WR/DB)1996 (1 year) - LaSalle HS (DB)1994-95 (2 years) - Abington HS (Asst. Coach)

Education: Bachelor's degree in administration of justice (Rutgers, '93);Master's degree in education (East Stroudsburg, '03)Hometown: Abington, Pa.

Charlie Skalaski returns for his fourth sea-son as a member of the Flames coachingstaff. After a successful debut as the tightends coach in 2003, he transitioned to hiscurrent role as the team’s wide receiverscoach in 2004.

He also has served as the program’sDirector of Football Development in 2004

and 2005. In addition to coaching the wide receivers this year,Skalaski will also assume responsibility for the punters, placekickers and holders.

Skalaski has coordinated Liberty’s highly successful recruitingefforts in the state of Florida over the last two years, helping himearn a reputation as a top notch recruiter. His recruiting skillshave not gone unnoticed as he was promoted to Liberty’s recruit-ing coordinator during the spring of 2006.

Last year, Skalaski was instrumental in helping two of Liberty’syounger receivers record stellar seasons as Brandon Turner (594

yards) and Wynton Jackson (511 yards) posted the fourth andfifth most receiving yards in school history by a sophomorereceiver. Turner was honored as a Big South second-team all-conference selection.

Skalaski adds a unique blend of business and coaching experi-ence to the Flames program as he spent more than 20 years incorporate America in both sales and managerial roles.

Prior to joining the Liberty staff, Skalaski worked for SteelcaseInc., an international company that is the world’s largest manu-facturer of high quality office environments and furniture. Duringhis tenure, Skalaski held various sales and management posi-tions culminating with his promotion in 1998 to sales manager ofSteelcase’s largest field office, located in New York City. Beforehis days at Steelcase, Skalaski enjoyed several successful yearsat the Xerox Corporation earning the organization’s highest salesrecognition in the President’s Club.

Skalaski got his start in coaching in 1978 as a graduate assis-tant coach at the University of Florida. He served in that capacityfor three years working on both sides of the ball and learningunder the tutelage of coaching greats Mike Shanahan and SteveSpurrier, assistant coaches at Florida during that time span. Morerecently, Skalaski served as a volunteer assistant coach forRidgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey during the2001 and 2002 seasons.

Skalaski received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice fromthe University of Florida in 1978 and was awarded a prestigiousU.S. Department of Justice internship. He also was inducted intoFlorida Blue Key, the University of Florida’s highest leadershipand honorary society. He went on to earn his master’s degree inpublic administration in 1980 from Florida.

Skalaski was a two-time letterwinner while playing defensiveback for the Gators. He developed a reputation as a tough andsmart competitor, once playing all four positions in the second-ary against the University of Houston his junior year. He was amember of three bowl teams; 1974 Sugar Bowl, 1975 Gator Bowland 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).

Charlie SkalaskiAssistant Coach – Wide Receiver/Recruiting Coordinator

The Skalaski Family

Coaching Staff


The Skalaski FileYear at Liberty: FourthCoaching Experience:

2003 - Present (3 years) - Liberty (TE, WR, Dev., RC)2001-02 (2 years) - Ridgewood HS (AC)1978-80 (3 years) - Florida (GA, DE, WR, DB)

Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice (Florida, '78); Master'sdegree in public administration (Florida, '80)Hometown: Miami, Fla.Wife: AnnChildren: Sarah (18), Charlie (17) and Jake (10)

Brandon Streeter is one of Liberty'snewest assistant football coaches as theformer Clemson quarterback joined theFlames' coaching staff in January and willserve the program as quarterbacks coach.

Streeter comes to Liberty after servingas a graduate assistant coach at Clemsonfor two years. Streeter is no stranger to the

Tigers' program as he was a three-year letterwinner at Clemson(1997-99), including starting quarterback his junior and seniorseasons. Streeter broke or tied 11 Clemson records during hiscareer as he threw for 3,506 yards and 17 touchdowns, whileranking seventh in school history in passing yardage and fifth incompletion percentage (56.6 percent, 294-for-519).

He set a single-game school record by passing for 343 yardsagainst Virginia in 1999, while setting a new school record for300-yard passing games in a career. He also set the Clemson sin-gle-season completion rate record by completing 63.1 percent ofhis pass attempts in 1999.

A three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll,

Streeter became Clemson's inaugural winner of the BrandonStreeter Award in 1999, which is annually given to a student-ath-lete that has succeeded athletically despite a physical injury.

Streeter brings Big South coaching experience with him toLiberty as he served as an assistant coach at CharlestonSouthern for two years. In 2002, Streeter served as theBuccaneers' quarterbacks coach, while he made the move to run-ning backs coach and recruiting coordinator in 2003.

Streeter also played professionally as he was a member of theCarolina Cobras, an Arena Football League team, during thespring and summer seasons in 2001.

Prior to his days at Clemson, Streeter was a standout quarter-back at Gettysburg High School in Gettysburg, Pa. He threw forover 4,000 yards during his junior and senior seasons, whilehelping lead the team to a combined 22-3 overall record.

Streeter earned his bachelor's degree in health science fromClemson in 1999 and a master's degree in human resourcedevelopment from Clemson in 2001.

The native of Gettysburg, Pa., is married to the formerAshleigh Foard.

The Streeter FileYear at Liberty: FirstCoaching Experience:

2006 - Present (1 year) - Liberty (QB)2004-05 (2 years) - Clemson (GA)2002-03 (2 years) - Charleston Southern (QB, RB, RC)

Education: Bachelor's degree in health science (Clemson, '99); Master'sdegree in human resource development (Clemson, '01)Hometown: Gettysburg, Pa.Wife: Ashleigh

Chad Wilt is one of the newest mem-bers of the Flames' coaching staff as heenters his first year with the program.However, he brings previous coachingexperience with Flames' new head coachDanny Rocco as both came to Liberty fromVirginia.

In his first season with the Flames, Wilt will serve as theFlames' defensive line coach, while overseeing Liberty's specialteams efforts as the program's special teams coordinator.

Prior to joining Liberty's coaching staff in the spring of 2006,Wilt spent the previous two years as a graduate assistant atVirginia, working closely with the Cavaliers' defensive backs.

During the 2004 season, Virginia was ranked as high as fifth inthe nation, while Wilt helped coach a defensive unit that finished18th in the country in total defense and 17th in scoring defenseby allowing just 17.7 points per game. The solid play landed theCavaliers an appearance in the MPC Computers Bowl whereVirginia faced off against Fresno State.

In 2005, the Cavaliers recorded an impressive 26-21 upset vic-tory over fourth-ranked Florida State, while closing out the yearwith a 34-31 victory over Minnesota at the Gaylord Hotels MusicCity Bowl. Wilt was instrumental in guiding one of his corner-backs, Marcus Hamilton, to a stellar season as Hamilton earned

The Streeter Family

Chad WiltAssistant Coach – Defensive Line/Special Teams Coordinator

Brandon StreeterAssistant Coach – Quarterbacks

Coaching Staff


second-team All-ACC honors as he finished fifth in the nation ininterceptions per game.

Prior to his days at Virginia, Wilt spent three seasons as defen-sive line coach and special teams coordinator at CentralConnecticut State, where he was nominated for the AFLACNational Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2003.

Wilt also coached one season as a student assistant at TaylorUniversity in Upland, Ind., while he spent a spring season as anassistant coach at William & Mary.

Wilt was a three-time all-conference performer at Taylor wherehe captained the football team as a senior and was twice nameda second-team NAIA All-American at defensive end. He was alsonamed to the academic all-conference team twice during hisplaying career.

Wilt, a native of Upland, Ind., earned his bachelor's degree insports management from Taylor in 2000, while he recently com-pleted his master's degree in educational leadership, foundationsand policy from Virginia in 2005.

The Wilt FileYear at Liberty: FirstCoaching Experience:

2006 - Present (1 year) - Liberty (DL, ST)2004-05 (2 years) - Virginia (GA - DB)2001-03 (3 years) - Central Connecticut State (GA - DL, ST)2000 (1 year) - Taylor (SA)

Education: Bachelor's degree in sports management (Taylor, '00);Master's degree in educational leadership, foundations and policy(Virginia, '05)Hometown: Upland, Ind.

Robert Wimberly is entering his thirdseason as a member of the Flames' footballcoaching staff and will remain in his posi-tion as Liberty's linebacker's coach.

During his first two seasons with theprogram, Liberty's linebackers haveexcelled in production and have led theteam with more than 100 tackles both sea-

sons. Nick Vaughn led the program with 105 tackles in 2004,while Manny Rojas finished with a team-best 102 stops in 2005.

In 2004, Vaughn and Rojas finished first and second on theteam in tackles, and Vaughn earned Big South first-team all-con-ference honors. In 2005, Rojas earned second-team all-confer-ence honors and enters his senior year needing just 37 tackles tobecome the Big South's all-time leader in career tackles.

Prior to his days at Liberty, Wimberly served as a student assis-tant and graduate assistant at Wisconsin during the 2002 and2003 seasons.

As a student assistant in 2002, he helped guide the Badgers toan 8-6 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl, includingthe instruction of first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Alex Lewis.

During the 2003 campaign, the graduate assistant aided withthe secondary and helped the team to a 7-5 record and a trip tothe Music City Bowl, while coaching first-team All-Big Ten per-former Jimmy Leonhard.

Wimberly was a four-year letterwinner at Alabama A&M,

where he received his bachelor's degree in science and hospitali-ty management in 2002. His senior year was abruptly ended aftertwo games due to a season-ending neck injury. Wimberly com-pleted his master's degree in educational policy & administrationat the University of Wisconsin in 2005.

The native of Miami, Fla., is married to the former Tracie Pruittof Birmingham, Ala. and has a daughter, Bianca D. Robertson.

The Wimberly FileYear at Liberty: ThirdCoaching Experience:

2004 - Present (2 years) - Liberty (LB)2002-03 (2 years) - Wisconsin (SA, GA)

Education: Bachelor's degree in science and hospitality management(Alabama A&M, '02), Master's degree in educational policy and adminis-tration (Wisconsin, '05)Hometown: Miami, Fla.Wife: TracieChild: Bianca

Paul Rutigliano is currently in his firstyear of his second stint as a member of theFlames’ football coaching staff after joininghead coach Danny Rocco’s staff in January.

In his current position, Rutigliano over-sees the overall operations for the footballprogram as Assistant Athletics Director for

Football Administration. His responsibilities include future sched-uling, budget management and business operations, while work-

The Wimberly Family

Robert WimberlyAssistant Coach – Linebackers

Paul RutiglianoAssistant Athletics Director For Football Administration

Coaching Staff


ing closely with the Chancellor’s Office on specially assignedprojects.

Prior to returning to Liberty in 2005, Rutigliano worked in thedevelopment, management and marketing of Park ‘N Go – acompany that develops and manages off-airport property atmajor airports.

Rutigliano first joined the Flames' football coaching staff in1989 under his father, Sam Rutigliano, who finished his 11-yearcareer with the most wins in Liberty's history.

Rutigliano’s first professional position came with the NBC affili-ate in Cleveland as an on air talent and writer. In 1983, he leftNBC and joined the International Management Group IMG -aglobal company operating in thirty countries with clients and cor-porations in Sports & Entertainment and Media. In this position,he worked in Teams Sports and corporate marketing.

In 1989 after spending six years as an account executive forInternational Management Group in Cleveland, Ohio, Rutiglianojoined his father in Lynchburg.

Rutigliano began his football career at Holliston High School.After graduating from Holliston, he moved to Milford Academy.After one year at Milford Academy, Rutigliano received a footballscholarship to the University of New Hampshire. After a careerending injury, Rutigliano transferred in his final year to ClevelandState University and earned a bachelor of science degree in com-munications.

Rutigliano and his wife, Cindy have two children, Kristin andAmanda.

The Rutigliano FileTotal Years on Liberty's Football Staff: 12thEducation: Bachelor’s degree in communications (Cleveland State, ’80)Hometown: Cleveland, OhioWife: CindyChildren: Kristen and Amanda

Ed Gomes is entering his sixth year as amember of the Flames' football supportstaff and will be serving as the program'sDirector of Spiritual Development.

As in his first five seasons, Gomes' day-to-day duties are to oversee the spiritualdevelopment of the football players as heencourages the student-athletes to under-

stand who they are in Christ and to use their God-given talents toimpact others. He will be responsible for setting up team chapelsand discipleship programs as he works to build one-on-one rela-tionships with each of the student-athletes.

Gomes is no stranger to the Liberty University campus as hespent five years (1996-2000) as the University's Dean ofCommuting Students. While in his role as Dean, he helped theUniversity's commuting students connect with on-campus life.

Prior to his days at Liberty, Gomes served as an associate pas-tor in his hometown of New Bedford, Mass. He also served asChaplain for the local police force during his 11-year pastoraltenure.

Gomes is a 1976 graduate of Liberty, which was then known asLiberty Baptist College. While receiving his undergraduatedegree, he was a three-year starting point guard on the Flames'

basketball team. Gomes still holds numerous records at theUniversity as he set a single-season record with 256 assists and137 steals during his senior season. He is the school's all-timeleader with 300 career steals and ranks fourth on the school's all-time list with 476 assists.

After graduation, Gomes traveled two years with the LifeAction Ministries Teams from Buchanan, Mich. In 1980, hereturned to Liberty and enrolled in the Liberty Baptist TheologicalSeminary. He served the University as a Resident Director, whileworking on his seminary degree and finishing his studies in 1985.

Gomes currently is a member of the pastoral staff at ThomasRoad Baptist Church and is working on his Doctorate ofMinistries degree at Liberty. His wife, Ruth, whom he has beenmarried to for 27 years, is a professor in the University's Familyand Consumer Sciences Department. The couple currentlyresides in the Lynchburg area with their two children - Priscillaand Joshua.

The Gomes FileYear on Liberty's Football Staff: SixthEducation: Bachelor's degree in youth ministry (Liberty, '76); Master'sdegree in religion education (Liberty, '85)Hometown: New Bedford, Mass.Wife: RuthChildren: Priscilla (24) and Joshua (20)

Mike Morris is the newest member ofthe Flames’ football support staff as hejoined the program just three weeks prior tothe opening of preseason training camp asthe program’s head equipment manager.

In his current position, Morris’ day-to-day operational duties include overseeingthe purchasing, fitting, maintenance and dis-

Ed GomesDirector of Spiritual Development

The Gomes Family

Mike MorrisHead Equipment Manager

Coaching Staff


tribution of all football practice and game-day equipment andapparel for players and the members of the coaching staff.

Morris brings over 26 years of athletic-related experience toLiberty University at various levels of services, including majorand minor league baseball and at the college level.

Prior to joining the Flames’ football support staff, Morrisserved four years (2002-05) as the minor league equipment man-ager/administrator for the Atlanta Braves organization. He wasresponsible for managing equipment and clubhouse operationsfor Atlanta’s six team minor league system, including springtraining, extended spring training, the Gulf Coast League and theFlorida Instructional League. From 1999 to 2002, Morris was amanager for logistics/stadium engineering for Turner Properties.

From 1993-99, Morris served on the athletic staff at GeorgiaTech, including stints as athletic building manager, interim facili-ties coordinator, Alexander Memorial Coliseum manager, whilefinally finishing out his days with the Yellow Jackets as assistantdirector for athletic facilities. During his first year at GeorgiaTech, Morris also served as guest relations manager/stadiumoperations with the Atlanta Braves.

From 1980-83, Morris served as gymnasium/natatorium man-ager at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., while Morris got hisstart in the athletic world in 1969 when he was named equipmentmanager for the Chicago White Sox where he served until 1980.

Besides bringing a wealth of athletic experience to Liberty,Morris has a distinguished military background, including threeyears in the U.S. Army (1967-69), where he was the squad leaderfor the 25th Infantry Division for South Vietnam and was honor-ably discharged as Sergeant E5. A decorated solider, Morris wasawarded the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, MeritoriousService Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army AchievementMedals and the Combat Unit and Campaign Ribbons during hisyears of service.

From 1983-92, Morris served as Chaplain Recruitment andReserve Affairs NCO for the Forces Command Staff Champlain,U.S. Army.

The native of Lynchburg, Va., attended Illinois BenedictineCollege and Wheaton College, while his son, Peyton, is a 1995graduate of Liberty.

The Morris FileYear at Liberty: FirstHometown: Lynchburg, Va.Wife: DebbieChildren: Peyton, Jimi and John

Chris Brown is entering his first year offull-time service on the Flames football pro-gram as assistant equipment manager.However, Brown is no stranger to the teamas he has been a part of the program forthe last four years as a part of the student

manager staff.Brown's duties include but are not limited to purchasing, fit-

ting, maintaining and distributing of all football practice andgame-day equipment for all players and the coaching staff.

Brown is a native of Lynchburg, Va., and a 2001 graduate ofBrookville High School, where he served as a football equipmentmanager for six years. He is a District 2 member of the AthleticEquipment Managers Association, an organization for athleticequipment managers from all over the United States.

Brown is currently a sport management student at LibertyUniversity and serves as the president of the Sport Managementclub. He is on schedule to complete his sport managementdegree in May.

The Brown FileYear at Liberty: FirstHometown: Lynchburg, Va.

Danny Wenger is entering his seventhyear as a member of the Flames' Footballsupport staff and continues to serve thedepartment as the video coordinator.

Along with supervising all practice andgame-day videography of football, Wengeroversees video exchange with upcomingopponents and breaks down Liberty game

and opponent video for the Flames' coaching staff. He is alsoresponsible for the production of Liberty's football highlight andinstructional films. During the 2005 season, Wenger also oversawall aspects of travel for the football program.

Wenger got his start in the video production industry in 1996when he joined the in-studio video production team for the night-ly news at WSET-TV Channel 13 in Lynchburg, Va.

The native of Charleston, S.C., served in the news departmentfor two years before moving to the creative services departmentin 1998 where he was responsible for the shooting and editing ofcommercials and programming that were aired on the locally-owned and operated ABC affiliate.

Wenger graduated from Liberty in 1997 with a bachelor'sdegree in communications, specializing in media graphic design.

Wenger and his wife Mandy, have one child, Darrin, and thefamily currently resides in Bedford County.

The Wenger FileYear at Liberty: SeventhEducation: Bachelor's degree in communications (Liberty, '97)Hometown: Charleston, S.C.Wife: MandyChildren: Darrin (3)

Chris BrownAssistant Equipment Manager

Danny WengerVideo Coordinator

Coaching Staff


Andy Coleman is in his first year as amember of the Flames' football supportstaff. As academic advisor, he serves as aliaison between the football program andthe academic campus and also aids in theday-to-day operations of the football office.

His duties include monitoring the aca-demic progress of each football student-athlete, assisting withthe recruiting process by evaluating high school transcripts, coor-dinating on-campus visits and the admissions process for allpotential freshmen and transfer football student-athletes.

Before his career in the prep ranks, Casola served as theDirector of Fitness and Athletic Performance at the Billy StearnsTennis Center in Sarasota, Fla., for three years. His day-to-dayresponsibilities were to design and implement group and individ-ual performance training in several areas for junior, collegiateand professional tennis athletes.

Shortly after graduating from college, Casola served as thesenior staff trainer at The Florida Sports and Industry Care Centerin St. Petersburg, Fla., from 1994 to 1997. He assisted theOutreach Program Director in all aspects of program administra-tion and provided athletic training coverage for all sports at BocaClega High School and St. Petersburg Junior College.

Casola is no stranger to Liberty University as he graduatedfrom Liberty in 1991 with a degree in exercise physiology with aconcentration in athletic training. After serving as the head ath-letic trainer at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., from 1991-93,Casola returned to Liberty University and served as an assistantathletic trainer during the 1993-94 season, working with the uni-versity's men's basketball, baseball and men's soccer programs.

The native of North Carolina and his wife, Angie, have two chil-dren - Kyle and Nathan, and currently reside in the Lynchburgarea.

The Coleman FileYear at Liberty: FirstEducation: Bachelor's degree in exercise physiology with a concentrationin athletic training (Liberty, '91).Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.Wife: AngieChildren: Kyle (8) and Nathan (5)

Chris Casola is entering his second sea-son as the head athletic trainer for the foot-ball program and his fourth year overall asa returning member of the university's ath-letic training staff. During his first three years back at Liberty,Casola served as an assistant athletic train-er, working with the sports of men's soccer

and men's basketball, while two years ago, Casola made themove to football.

In July 2005, Casola received a promotion as he was elevatedto head athletic trainer. Casola now oversees the entire athletictraining program, including a staff of seven full-time assistantathletic trainers that serves Liberty's 18 NCAA Division I athleticprograms. Casola also works closely with the Liberty UniversityAthletic Training Educational Program as he oversees the hands-on instruction of student athletic trainers on a day-to-day basis.

Prior to his current days at Liberty, Casola spent one year asthe head athletic trainer and teacher at Wakefield High School inRaleigh, N.C. At Wakefield, Casola directed all aspects of the ath-letic training program, providing injury care, treatment and reha-bilitation for all student-athletes. He also served as the instructorfor the Healthful Living and Sports Medicine classes.

Casola also served as the head athletic trainer at SouthernDurham High School in Durham, N.C, from 2000 to 2002, as wellas head athletic trainer at Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Fla.,from 1999 to 2000. While at Sarasota, Casola served as the co-director for summer performance training camps, while alsoworking at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Before his career in the prep ranks, Casola served as theDirector of Fitness and Athletic Performance at the Billy StearnsTennis Center in Sarasota, Fla., for three years. His day-to-dayresponsibilities were to design and implement group and individ-ual performance training in several areas for junior, collegiateand professional tennis athletes.

Shortly after graduating from college, Casola served as thesenior staff trainer at The Florida Sports and Industry Care Centerin St. Petersburg, Fla., from 1994 to 1997. He assisted theOutreach Program Director in all aspects of program administra-tion and provided athletic training coverage for all sports at BocaClega High School and St. Petersburg Junior College.

Casola is no stranger to Liberty University as he graduatedfrom Liberty in 1991 with a degree in exercise physiology with aconcentration in athletic training. After serving as the head ath-letic trainer at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., from 1991-93,Casola returned to Liberty University and served as an assistantathletic trainer during the 1993-94 season, working with the uni-

Andy ColemanAcademic Coordinator For Football

The Coleman Family

Chris CasolaHead Athletic Trainer – Football

Coaching Staff


versity's men's basketball, baseball and men's soccer programs.The native of North Carolina and his wife, Angie, have two chil-

dren - Kyle and Nathan, and currently reside in the Lynchburgarea.

The Casola FileYear at Liberty: FourthEducation: Bachelor's degree in exercise physiology with a concentrationin athletic training (Liberty, '91).Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.Wife: AngieChildren: Kyle (8) and Nathan (5)

Barry Finke is currently in his secondyear as a member of the Liberty UniversityAthletic Training staff and once again willbe working with the football program thisyear.

Prior to joining the staff at Liberty inAugust 2005, Finke served as assistant ath-

letic trainer at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., from2002-05. He was responsible for initial medical assessment ofsport-related injuries during middle school and high school ath-letic events and practices, while also providing treatment andrehabilitation of injuries that occurred during athletic events.

Finke got his start at The McCallie School in 2001 as a graduateassistant athletic trainer and served in the role for one yearbefore receiving the full-time position.

Finke graduated from UT-Chattanooga in 2000 with a bache-lor's degree in exercise science, fitness and wellness. While pur-suing a master's degree in advanced athletic training, Finkeserved as a graduate assistant at UT-Chattanooga, working close-

ly with the football program and supervising several student ath-letic trainers within the program.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree at UT-Chattanoogain 2000, Finke served a three-month internship in sports medicineat the Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., performing varioustypes of rehabilitation including athletic training, cardiac, pul-monary and hand therapy.

Finke, a native of Boaz, Ala., is married to the former Mary Jeffand the couple currently resides in the Lynchburg area.

The Finke FileYear at Liberty: SecondEducation: Bachelor's degree in exercise science, fitness and wellness(UT-Chattanooga, '00), Master's degree in advanced athletic training (UT-Chattanooga, '02)Hometown: Boaz, Ala.Wife: Mary

Bill Gillespie returned to the LibertyUniversity campus during the winter of2005 and serves the athletic department asthe director of strength and conditioningprogram, including the oversight of theweightlifting and conditioning efforts forthe football program.

Gillespie has over 20 years of experi-ence in collegiate strength and conditioning and most recentlytwo years of experience at the professional level as he served as anassistant strength and conditioning coach for the NFL's Seattle Seahawksfrom 2003 to just prior to returning to Liberty.

Gillespie got his coaching start at the collegiate level here at Libertyas he served as assistant strength and conditioning coach from 1983-91,while also serving the university as assistant track and field coach in1983-85 and 1987-91 and head track and field coach in 1986.

After leaving Liberty in 1991, Gillespie spent 11 years as a member ofthe strength and conditioning staff at Washington. Gillespie joined thestaff as assistant coach strength and conditioning coach in 1991 and was

The Casola Family

Barry FinkeAcademic Athletic Trainer – Football

The Finke Family

Bill GillespieHead Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Coaching Staff


promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning in 1999.Gillespie helped the football program make nine bowl appearances

during his tenure, including three-consecutive trips to the Rose Bowl,which included a 34-14 victory over Michigan on January 1, 1991, to capoff an undefeated 12-0 season and help the Huskies earn a number twonational ranking in the final poll.

Gillespie was named Pac-10 Strength and Conditioning Coach of theYear in 1991, while finishing as a finalist for National Strength andConditioning Coach of the Year in 2001.

Before joining the Seattle Seahawks' strength and conditioning staff,Gillespie served as the defensive line and strength coach at Decatur HighSchool in Federal Way, Wash., in 2002.

Gillespie is a world-renowned weightlifter himself as he is a 26-timeworld record holder in the bench press after a lift of 800.1 lbs. at theWABDL Southern U.S. Bench Press and Deadlift Championships in Mayof 2005. He is also a 13-time world champion in the bench press.

Gillespie received his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studiesfrom Liberty in 1983. While at Liberty, Gillespie was a four-time All-American and two-time small college national champion in the shot putand a two-year letterwinner on the football team. Gillespie still holds theschool record for shot put with an outdoor mark of 55' 8 fi".

The native of Tacoma, Wash., and his wife, Anita, have two children -Cameron, who is a member of the football team this year, and Rachel.Gillespie and Cameron are the strongest father/son combo in the benchpress of all time in the world.

The Gillespie FileYear At Liberty: 11thEducation: Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Liberty, '83)Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.Wife: AnitaChildren: Cameron (18) and Rachel (16)

Considered one of the top strength coachesin the country, Dave Williams enters his 23rdyear as a member of the strength and condition-ing coaching staff for the Flames' 18-sport athlet-ics program. He is a certified strength and condi-tioning specialist (C.S.C.S.).

During the 1992-93 school year, Williams wasone of five finalists nominated for strength coachof the year. This included strength coaches fromthe professional sports ranks, along with col-

leagues at the collegiate level.Prior to accepting his current position at Liberty, Williams served three

years as the head strength coach at Texas A&M. He also spent a year asan assistant strength coach at Alabama.

Before entering the strength and conditioning profession, Williamsspent six years as a teacher and coach. He coached two years at LibertyHigh School in Bedford, Va., and spent four seasons at TimberlakeChristian School in Lynchburg, Va.

Williams earned Associated Press Little All-America honors while play-ing collegiately at Fairmont State College in Fairmont, W.Va. He playedboth offensive and defensive line and was a two-year co-captain atFairmont State, who was NAIA National Champions in 1967. In 2003, theschool honored Williams as he was inducted into the Fairmont StateCollege Athletic Department Hall of Fame.

Williams also was an All-West Virginia Intercollegiate AthleticConference selection. He played high school football at South CharlestonHigh School in Charleston, W.Va., where he lettered all four years.

Williams graduated from Fairmont State in 1968 with a degree in biolo-gy and physical education. He also holds a master's degree fromAlabama in physical education.

He and his wife, Lee, have two daughters, Shelley and Mandy. Theyalso have two grandchildren.

The Williams FileYear at Liberty: 23rdEducation: Bachelor's degree in biology (Fairmont State, '68); Master'sdegree in physical education (Alabama, '73)Hometown: Fairmont, W.Va.Wife: LeeChildren: Shelley (25) and Mandy (23)

The Gillespie Family Dave WilliamsAssociate Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Bev ColeFootball

AdministrativeAssistant

Lene MillerFootball Receptionist

Kari KanagyFootball Recruiting

Assistant

The Williams Family

Coaching Staff

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