Additional essential staff include: 362-acre campus in Durango (population: 13,922), 174 miles from Grand Junction. You can also ask your parents to call us . Cherry Creek's Blake Purchase named 2022-23 Gatorade Colorado Football Player of the Year 12.16.22 All-State football teams for the 2022 season From DI to DIII, PAC-12 to NESCAC, every coach is on SportsRecruits. Receive emails and text messages when college coaches interact with your profile. Assumption of Risk & Responsibility Waiver, Assistant Coach-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line, Assistant Coach-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Backs, Assistant Coach-Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator JUCO/Transfers/Tight Ends, Student Volunteer Assistant for Operations. Previously, he wrote for the Gallup Independent. Skyhawks football announces new signees for 2023. When you communicate clearly and concisely and youre right, if you can help a player, they dont care where the advice comes from, Cox said. I have to raise a quarter of it? Smith says. Cal Christoph (DE) and Harland Patterson (OT) earned All-Evergreen Conference honors . Junior Madison Carlton, who also cheers for the Skyhawks, and senior cross-country and track runner Karla De La Cruz also intern with the team.. Due to federal privacy regulations, we are not able to create an athlete profile for students under 13 years old. President Dene Kay Thomas was instrumental in assisting us set up an academic advising and support unit at the University of Idaho when she was associate dean there, and developed a close working relationship with John L. That was a key in getting him to Fort Lewis College. Need-based and academic scholarships are available for student-athletes. Two years into the job, Smith says there have been a lot of reallys. At the same time, we are happy that he and his wife Di will be returning home to the Louisville area and will be near their three children and grandchildren. John L. Smith's latest adventure: How the former Arkansas, Michigan State and Louisville football coach landed at Division II Fort Lewis College. Its an evolution., Still, many often wonder why he took a Division II gig in the first place. (Cody Olivas/Durango Herald), Fort Lewis football interns, from left, Madison Carlton, Karla De La Cruz and Averi Basso have been assets for the prgram. Now, Morris says, I finally have something to sell.. This was a soft place to fall, says Di, his wife of 44 years. DURANGO, Colo. - The Fort Lewis College football program is excited about the addition of 30 student-athletes to the 2023 roster, head coach Johnny Cox announced today. Just before halftime, however, the Skyhawks added an insurance goal when. Many of our other programs have reached the pinnacle of success at the national and regional levels. The gig had other advantages, too. My cowboy boots wouldnt have worked in Florida, he says. A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Smith married the former Diana Flora on August 15, 1970. If you are interested in getting recruited by Fort Lewis College Football, you should get to know more about the school, what academic programs are offered, and important members of the coaching staff - these are the people you need to connect with. I am thrilled! said President Thomas. Returning to the Rocky Mountains was also important to Smith, who is an avid outdoorsman. It was tough on me and when that all happened sports took affect in my life, he said. They both run a pretty tight ship, and all of the athletes are pretty tight-knit, she said. here for you as soon as you turn 13. He attended the University of Idaho, Long Beach City College, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from California Coast University in 1998. Staff Directory - Fort Lewis College Athletics Still, Smith believes he can build a winner. Football: Fort Lewis vs. Western Colorado - Postgame Interview with FLC Besides his grandmother and uncle, Gomez lost an older brother, Lexie Sheppard, while he was growing up. Hes a great athlete and a great kid, he said. Send Message, John Sandoval Almost immediately, Fort Lewis athletic director Gary Hunter saw an opportunity. He played college football at Idaho, where he was his team's Defensive Player of the Year in 1983-84 and Long Beach Community College, where he was a preseason All-American. That same season, FLC beat every Colorado Division II program for just the second time in school history. At team dinner the night before Fort Lewis matchup with Colorado Mesa on Oct. 25, Smith tells an assistant this level is, all about spoon-feeding. Most players at Fort Lewis are not football junkies, and they marvel at Smiths knowledge of the tiniest details that can make a big difference. 2023 Football Roster - Fort Lewis College Athletics The 2022 New Mexico Highlands Cowboys football team represented New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football season. He ended up passing away and when that happened I was really sad.. No digging up contact information. Last summer he tore a ligament in his right ankle while playing in a championship game in a basketball tournament at Arizona State University. He played quarterback and linebacker for the Wildcats from 1967-70 before joining their staff as a graduate assistant for the 1971 season. The pandemic wreaked havoc on football operations and recruiting efforts, limiting the Skyhawks to two spring games in Smiths inaugural season during the 2020-21 school year after the regular fall season was canceled. Fort Lewis has just 29, meaning most kids pay to play. This is the Fort Lewis College (Colorado) Football scholarship and program information page. Also included is the Durango Train, which runs between Durango and Silverton and staked its claim to fame with an appearance in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Congrats, @BPietrack ! Release #LetsSoar #ToTheTop goskyhawks.com Defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until Smith arrives on campus. While serving as head coach and defensive coordinator for the Skyhawks from 2004-09, Rifilato guided FLC to the postseason for the first time in FLC's forty-year college history (which began in 1963), winning the Dixie Rotary Bowl by defeating host Dixie State 24-14. Skyhawks get their seasons rolling - The Durango Herald The official Football Coach List for the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Skip To Main . When the clock wound down on a 23-22 Fort Lewis win, the players had no idea how to celebrate. I'm just thankful that they've provided me the opportunity to do this. Natural Resources Conservation and Research. We all saw the videos, backup quarterback Trevor Bonifasi says. According to information you submitted, you are under the age of 13. At the high school level, Gomez made the varsity football team as a freshman but he saw limited action. Coaching at a Division II school with no professional prospects has made him a better teacher, Smith says. When youre a competitor, it doesnt matter if youre coaching the New England Patriots or the Fort Lewis Skyhawks. After graduating high school in 2013 I chose to pursue a career as an electrician, working for a private company called Sound Specialized Services for about three . Basso, who plays lacrosse for the Skyhawks and wants to go into sports psychology after she graduates, took a chance. Gabe didnt let that keep him down, he got back up and he just made the best of it.. CSU Pueblo defensive tackle Trey Botts was selected as the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year.[21]. Coach John L. Smith will be introduced to the campus and Durango communities. Maybe they need someone whos nurturing. FLC was 6-2 in RMAC games that year, losing the league title to Chadron State, which featured current NFL player Danny Woodhead. He called it a sign of changing times., I have four daughters, and when they were first born, I didnt think they would be able to coach with me, he said. 1 Angelo State in NCAA Division II playoffs", "Mavs football loses homecoming matchup against CSU Pueblo", "CSU Pueblo football silences South Dakota Mines on Senior Day at ThunderBowl", "ThunderWolves finish regular season with shutout win at Black Hills State", "The Colorado Classic trophy will remain in Gunnison", "Hardrockers' comeback bid falls short in loss to Truman St. in home opener", "SD Mines overcomes halftime deficit to beat Colorado Mesa", "Photos: Hardrockers win against Grizzlies", "SD Mines wins first game over Chadron State in 35 years", "Dickinson State lose home opener against Black Hills State University", "Mountaineers swat Yellow Jackets with late comeback", "BHSU stumbles in finale to close first winning season in 6 years", "CSU Pueblo takes down NM Highlands for third-straight victory", "CSC Loses To Colorado State-Pueblo For The 13th Straight Time 34-12", "Eagles Top New Mexico Highlands 17-3 In Defensive Battle", "Mesa Mavericks rally past Eagles, win in overtime", "CSU Pueblo spoils Adams State homecoming", "Fort Lewis College football takes on Arizona Christian", "Dominant second half propels Adams past Fort Lewis: Grizzlies win 52-17", "Hardrockers spoil Fort Lewis' Homecoming: Skyhawks score a season-high 20 points in loss", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2022_Rocky_Mountain_Athletic_Conference_football_season&oldid=1140891466, Pages using CFB schedule with gamename after location, Pages using CFB schedule with nowrap or nbsp opponent, Pages using CFB schedule with unnamed parameters, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Offensive Player of the Year: John Matocha, Colorado Mines, Defensive Player of the Year: Trey Botts, CSU Pueblo, Special Teams Player of the Year: CJ Sims, New Mexico Highlands, Offensive Freshman of the Year: Landon Walker, Colorado Mines, Defensive Freshman of the Year: Cooper Brown, Black Hills State, Quarterback - John Matocha, Colorado Mines, Running backs - Michael Zeman, Colorado Mines; Josh Cummings, Western Colorado, Wide receivers - Jeremiah Bridges, South Dakota Mines; Josh Johnston, Colorado Mines; CJ Sims,New Mexico Highlands, Offensive line - Matt Armendariz, Colorado Mines; Sam Ambrogio, Black Hills State; Clayton Martin, Western Colorado; Mathyus Sua, Western Colorado; Levi Johnson, Colorado Mines, Cornerbacks - Mason Pierce, Colorado Mines; Eli Pittman, CSU Pueblo, Safeties - Daniel Bone, CSU Pueblo; Doodles Quinones, Black Hills State, Inside linebackers - Kyante Christian, South Dakota Mines; Adrian Moreno, Colorado Mines, Outside linebackers - Mack Minnehan, Colorado Mines; Luke Conilogue, CSU Pueblo, Defensive tackles - Trey Botts, CSU Pueblo; Tayven Bray, Chadron State, Defensive ends - Hunter OConnor, Chadron State; Gavin Chaddock, South Dakota Mines, Kick returner - Victory David, Western Colorado, Punt returner - CJ Sims, New Mexico Highlands, Golden, CO (NCAA Division II Second Round), LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 08:06. Send Message, John Grinde Maybe I need to relax.. John L. Smith a longtime NCAA Division I head coach with success at six different universities will become head football coach at Fort Lewis College effective March 1, Skyhawk Director of Athletics Gary Hunter announced today. I didnt get a chance to go because I got hurt. I first looked at Fort Lewis College because of two people: Dene Thomas who I think the world of and is the best person ever that I could work for and Gary Hunter, who was my first athletic director at Idaho and is a true friend, said Smith. And discoverability is the key to college exposure and recruitment. Darrius was a loyal Skyhawk, and I want to thank him for his dedicated service to Fort Lewis College, Stritikus said. Under head coach Johnny Cox, the Grizzlies compiled a 010 record (09) against conference opponents) and finished last in the RMAC. "It was a wonderful opportunity at Fort . Fort Lewis College and the Durango/Bayfield community have been wonderful to myself and my family. I felt it was a great opportunity when it presented itself. He quickly learned sitting still was not his strong suit. Ballantine Communications, Inc. Smith is also the uncle of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. If were not the first faces they see, were the second, Carlton said. Born in Islip, N.Y., Rifilato was raised in Bells Gardens, Calif. The first year a coach was assigned to the team was 1913 when Ira Van Cleave led the team to a record of 4 wins and 2 losses. Girls are 'part of the team' for FLC football - The Durango Herald Led by first-year head coach Ron Hudson, the Mavericks compiled a 37 record (36 against RMAC opponents) and finished seventh in the RMAC. I want to be another helping hand.. Unlike at Division I, where football coaches are often isolated from the rest of the athletic department, Smith interacts with coaches and administrators on a daily basis. There are just three direct flights into Durango -- from Denver, Dallas and Phoenix -- so Smith has emphasized recruiting those areas. Send Message, Spencer Brown Three other men served brief stints as head coach or interim head coach, but accepted other assignments prior to coaching a game at Fort Lewis: Casey Gus Bradley and Robert Prince between the 1995 and '96 seasons and Johnny Cox between the 1999 and 2000 seasons. In general, Cox said hes starting to see more women involved with football programs. Consent is not a condition of purchase. He made head coaching stops at Louisville, Michigan State and Arkansas, among other programs, and is one of just 19 men to take three different schools to bowl games. The last time the Skyhawks notched seven wins in a season was 2006 when Rifilato was the head coach. Were blessed to have him and were really proud of him. When I was at Utah State [from 1995-97], one night we didnt have working lights on the practice field, so I told everyone to go get their cars, point them at the field and turn on their lights. Theyre a part of the team.. Johnny Cox After getting to know him, Id say those videos are a pretty accurate snapshot of him. Microsoft no longer supports most versions of Internet Explorer, since it released Microsoft Edge in 2015. The trip got longer on the way home when the bus broke down for a few hours. RSVPs to Wayne Barger would be appreciated. I have some little brothers and they mean the world to me. They told me that it could be a possibility, he said. A flag is thrown and Smith screams at Chambers: Get your butt off the field!, Smith grabs Chambers collar and pulls him so close their noses practically touch. Like most football coaches, Smith loves recruiting the South. We needed to move on from Arkansas, and this timing was right. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Gary Hunter and President Dene Thomas for the opportunity to lead the Skyhawk football program. I love and will miss the people and the town of Durango. 2023 Football Coaching Staff. The CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves finished in second place with an 84 overall record. Smith has accepted the head coaching position at Kentucky State University (NCAA Division II) in Frankfort, Kentucky. Hunter was the director of athletics who hired Smith for his first head coaching job at Idaho in 1989, while Thomas served as associate dean at Idaho during his tenure. All Ive been doing is just grinding day-in and day-out, he said. That injury prevented him from competing in combine to possible make the national team in 2019 after he got an invite by taking part in another combine in Phoenix earlier that year. Rifilato was Defensive Coordinator at his alma mater, University of Idaho, in 2000 and 2001, and also coached on John L Smith's staff at Louisville. If you dont talk about being a champion youre never going to get there, he says. Rifilato will remain on the staff as a linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator Joe. Maybe Division II doesnt need someone like me, whos so demanding, he says. I cherish every moment and every relationship made, Smith said. He was a hard-core team roper, Gomez said. Questions? In the meantime, we'd like to offer some helpful information to kick start your recruiting process. No matter how far out it is, I believe in talking about it now. Nevada Football Head Coach Ken Wilson announces two additions to The official Roster for the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks. Smith has always been drawn to the West. In three years at the helm, Smith and the Skyhawks went 14-19 overall (.424) and 11-16 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (.407). Assumption of Risk & Responsibility Waiver, Lead Athletic Trainer (Men's Soccer, Men's Basketball), Athletic Trainer (Football, Golf, & Softball), Athletic Trainer (XC, T&F, Cycling, Club & Recreational Sports), Athletic Trainer (Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse), Athletic Trainer (Women's Basketball, Volleyball), Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Backs, Assistant Coach-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line, Assistant Coach-Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs, Assistant Coach-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator JUCO/Transfers/Tight Ends. The NCAA caps scholarships for Division II programs at 36, though they can be split among multiple players. . Connect with every college coach in the country and commit to your dream school! 2023 ABG-SI LLC. | The night before the Mesa game, Smith gathers the special teams in a Holiday Inn conference room and shows video of a kickoff return, explaining how close the Skyhawks have previously come to scoring. Fort Lewis plays its final game of the season on Saturday when it hosts Chadron State. NCSA athlete's They offered Smith the position and he accepted on Jan. 16, 2013. But after the mess in Arkansas that included a bad season -- Smith says he is still close with Petrino -- and a $40 million bankruptcy filing (he was discharged of debt in a settlement last September) that dragged out painfully and publicly over several months, Fort Lewis felt safe. The win over Pueblo gives him reassurance the Skyhawks, and their self-image, are trending up. I really didnt take that into account, he asserted. Meet 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Devon Taylor, OG, Fort Lewis College The DHS athletes who signed letters of intent include cross-country runners Damian Frausto (University of Pittsburgh) and Angela McManus (California State University San Marcos); football players. Lewis . Assistant Coach-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line. I know the two of them are going to do everything possible to make FLC football as good as we can make it. I did that and I got an invite back to another combine camp in Houston to try and make the national team, he said. In their 11th season under head coach Jay Long, the Eagles compiled a 38 record (36 against conference opponents) and finished eighth in the RMAC. Were gonna break one, gentlemen, he tells his players. The Skyhawks have never been one of them. In 2013, when Jim Rome heard about Smith accepting a position at tiny Fort Lewis, the radio show host asked a question many fans around the nation likely did: Is he crazy?, Looking back, Smith smiles slyly. Yes. High school student-athletes have a discoverability problem. In their third year under head coach Charlie Flohr, the Hardrockers compiled a 74 record (63 against RMAC opponents) and finished fourth in the RMAC. NCAA DII. John L. and I had a good working relationship at UI, cooperating on selection and advising of the student-athletes. At one point Morris picked up three prospects in Phoenix and drove them seven hours to Durango for a campus visit. People have unlimited possibilities when given an opportunity., Carlton grew up as a football fan and was excited to help out the Forts team. Football; Johnny Cox: Head Coach-Quarterbacks 247-7306 247-7306 @FLCCoach_Cox: Emmanuel Jordan Bible . Rifilato, who has spent the last three years as Smith's defensive coordinator, is no stranger to Skyhawks football. The 2022 Black Hills State Yellow Jackets football team represented Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football season. Before inking his name to the Fort Lewis College football team Gabe Gomez had contemplating on attending a bevy of other schools that were interested in him. Head football coach John L. Smith resigns; Rifilato takes the reins Search for colleges and universities by athletic division, geographic location, area of academic study and more for free right now! A look at notable numbers from the coaching career of John L. Smith, now at Fort Lewis. He spent the 1992-93 seasons as linebackers coach at San Bernardino Valley Junior College. We are extremely fortunate to have a coach with the tremendous background and experience that John L. brings to Fort Lewis College, said Hunter. We keep their packets together and take them on tours. The 2022 Chadron State Eagles football team represented Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. Fort Lewis College announced the resignation of head football coach Ed Rifilato on Friday morning. Smith sees many challenges in turning around a program that went 0-10 in 2012 and has six straight losing seasons. He didnt play a whole lot and I felt like they werent really there for him.. Rifilato played for Smith at Idaho and served as his director of football operations at Louisville. Football - Fort Lewis College Athletics In the fall, incoming freshman Alyssa Johnson also will intern with the program. If you are still having trouble, please be sure to email us at [emailprotected], Location: Tickets Men's Basketball vs 3-Seed #16/12 Black Hills State University March 3, 2023 7:30 PM. The Orediggers' quarterback John Matocha was selected as the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, and Brandon Moore of Colorado Mines was selected as the RMAC Coach of the Year. Fort Lewis A&M's Ray Dennison in September 1955, shortly before an on-field collision in Trinidad that led to his death. Hung above the fireplace, in a spot usually reserved for a portrait of Jesus, was another man deemed worthy of worship: Former Alabama coach Bear Bryant. Marvin Lewis - Wikipedia to build a profile. All of the coaches are super-awesome and supportive of their female interns. Its been a great environment to work in.. We want to make sure that you are on a more secure browser and that you have the best experience with SportsRecruits as possible. The first two videos are from President's Cup (I am the one with the blue head band shooting). Last offseason defensive line and strength and conditioning coach Joe Morris spent weeks driving around Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, crashing on friends couches and sleeping in his car trying to track down overlooked talent. All three of those coaches have enjoyed lengthy careers in the NFL, with Bradley currently serving as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. In general, the interns have been helping with fundraising, recruiting athletes and taking them on campus tours; providing information to incoming freshmen; attending meetings and taking notes; and giving evaluations on potential players. Hunter held the same position at Idaho in 1989, when he hired Smith for his first head coaching job. Search by athletic, academic, and geographic criteria to find your dream school. You are using an incompatible browser. If you are interested in getting recruited by Fort Lewis Colleges Football program, start your free recruiting profile with SportsRecruits today. 3 followers 3 connections The 2022 Western Colorado Mountaineers football team represented the Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. I thought it was going to be intimidating, but it has been awesome, Basso said. Fort Lewis College head football coach Darrius G. Smith works the sideline during a game this spring against Dixie State in St. George, Utah. Al Lapuaho joins the Nevada football coaching staff as the defensive line coach. I apologize! He wraps his arm around his defensive back, tilting his head toward Chambers ear to whisper to the junior that he still loves him. John L. Smith's latest adventure: Coaching Division II Fort Lewis Smith tried that, in 2006, after he was fired from Michigan State. The official 2023 Football Roster for the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Skip To Main . When former boss Dennis Erickson left Washington State for Miami before the 1989 season, Smith, who grew up on a farm in Idaho, did not follow because he didnt think he would fit in. Get Recruited. Date RMAC Opponent Location Time/Result; 9/10/2022 Arizona Christian University . DURANGO, Colo. -- The first time John L. Smith attended a budget meeting at Fort Lewis College, a small liberal arts school nestled among the mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado, his athletic director said 13 words that caught Smith so off guard he almost fell out of his chair. | Johnson, who described her former teammates as a whole bunch of big brothers, enjoys film analysis, looking for routes, protections, formations, motions and other teams tendencies. Stats Men's Basketball vs 3-Seed #16/12 Black Hills State University March 3, 2023 7:30 PM. There are no apparel contracts. Had he waited around, Division I assistant offers likely would have flooded in. Last year Smith and Hunter bought a big-screen TV so the kids would have somewhere to congregate, paying for it out of their own pockets. John L. Smith brings big-time coaching experience to small Fort Lewis

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