NCAA News Archive - 2010

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    Post names coach for sprint football program

    Jan 12, 2010 10:42:15 AM


    The NCAA News

     

    Post University has named Peter Ewald to lead the school's new sprint football team that will play its first season in the fall of 2010.

    Post announced in November that it was adding sprint football to its existing athletics program, which includes 15 NCAA Division II men's and women's sports along with equestrian and dressage teams. 

    The sprint football team will compete as a member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League, which includes Army, Navy, Cornell, Princeton, Pennsylvania and Mansfield.  Ewald hopes to recuit 30 student-athletes by the fall. 

    "Pete has all of the qualities we were looking for to lead the Post University sprint football program," said Post President Kenneth Zirkle. "We have no doubt that he will help us recruit the type of student-athlete who will not only succeed in the classroom but on the field and in life. 

    "Sprint Football offers a unique opportunity to grow our entire institution, and we're delighted that Pete has agreed to lead this new and exciting football program on campus."

    Sprint football is specially designed for players 172 pounds or lighter. Though it is played the same as conventional football, it does not count toward NCAA sport-sponsorship totals.

    Post will play its first game at historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia against the University of Pennsylvania on September 24, 2010. Its first home game is October 30 against Mansfield.

    Ewald is a former team captain of the 1983-86 Syracuse football team. In addition to his 15 years as an assistant college football coach at various universities, Ewald has experience working as the associate director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Bridgeport, including a five-month period as interim director of admissions.

     

    "Not many football programs are looking for smaller players, which presents a unique opportunity for athletes in New England and beyond," he said. "Post University added this program to attract skilled student-athletes who are not being recruited elsewhere and who will have a chance to compete against well-known and respected institutions."

    Post also plans to hire two assistant football coaches, an athletic trainer and an assistant sports information director to support the new program.

    Read a Champion magazine feature on Mansfield's sprint football program here