Past FLC head coaches include Rivas-Sandoval (2010-12, 6-25), Rifilato (2004-09, 22-41), Todd Throckmorton (2000-03, 11-33), Todd Wash (1996-99, 11-31), Dave Preszler (1994-95, 6-15), Kevin Donnalley (1992-93, 2-18), Sheldon Keresey (1988-91, 6-32), Bill Cooke (1984-87, 20-16-1), Gary Barnett (1982-83, 8-11-1), Jay McNitt (1971-81, 46-56-1) and Lou Cullen (1963-70, 20-49). At one point Morris picked up three prospects in Phoenix and drove them seven hours to Durango for a campus visit. Search for colleges and universities by athletic division, geographic location, area of academic study and more for free right now! I'm just thankful that they've provided me the opportunity to do this. The NCAA caps scholarships for Division II programs at 36, though they can be split among multiple players. The Fort Lewis College Department of Athletics announced Wednesday that Darrius G. Smith has stepped down as head football coach, effective immediately. We apologize for this inconvenience and invite you to return as soon as you turn 13. The second-year FLC athletic director said the hiring proves the college's commitment to fielding a successful football program, both on and off the field. 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). Smith sees many challenges in turning around a program that went 0-10 in 2012 and has six straight losing seasons. Fort Hays State Tigers - Wikipedia Smith graduated from Weber State in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. John L. and I had a good working relationship at UI, cooperating on selection and advising of the student-athletes. NC State football coach Dave Doeren received a one-year contract extension through the 2027 . It made him stronger., Gomezs dad said those injuries were a blessing in disguise., He learned a lot about himself and I think those injuries happed for a reason, he said. The 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks football team represented Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. At Division I you charter planes. Get Discovered by college coaches. Puzzled fans in the stands turned to Smiths wife, Di, and asked, What do we do now? Questions? That was part of my sales pitch: Boy, do I have an adventure for you., They told me, We cant pay you anything, but well get you a year-round pass to the resort, Smith says. Smith is also the uncle of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. In July 2022, Spencer Brown was appointed as the team's new defensive coordinator. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and darksky.net, Smith leaves after two seasons with Skyhawks, Fort Lewis College head football coach Darrius G. Smith talks with his team while playing New Mexico Highlands this fall. A look at notable numbers from the coaching career of John L. Smith, now at Fort Lewis. He's one of my all-time greatest player/friends, said Smith. As this pandemic has unfolded, I have been reminded that the most important thing in my life is family, and at this time, I have to make a decision that is best for my family.. When youre a competitor, it doesnt matter if youre coaching the New England Patriots or the Fort Lewis Skyhawks. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams. To me, it's a situation where we're going to have to work hard to try and get the excitement up, get the program going in the right direction, win some games and graduate our kids, he said. The gig had other advantages, too. could be heard humming in his baritone voice as he went about his work after UPS athletic director and football coach John Heinrick brought him aboard as a 27-year old assistant. Coaching at a Division II school with no professional prospects has made him a better teacher, Smith says. After getting to know him, Id say those videos are a pretty accurate snapshot of him. Ironically, attending Fort Lewis wasnt even on his radar at all. Head football coach John L. Smith resigns; Rifilato takes the reins He's a great player's coach, said Rifilato, who played for Smith in 1983 and 1984 at the University of Idaho, earning the Vandals' Defensive MVP award. 3 followers 3 connections He adds it could also mark the beginning of a slow descent into insanity. We keep their packets together and take them on tours. In their third year under head coach Jarrell Harrison, the Grizzlies compiled a 29 record (27 against conference opponents) and finished ninth in the RMAC. Tickets Men's Basketball vs 3-Seed #16/12 Black Hills State University March 3, 2023 7:30 PM. Marvin Lewis - Football Coach - Arizona State University Athletics Mar 03. Coach doesnt sit around and wait for other people to do stuff for him, says senior offensive lineman Arthur Ray, rolling his eyes. 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.. Returning to the Rocky Mountains was also important to Smith, who is an avid outdoorsman. That all changed when his former high school football coach, Mitchell Stevens, suggested that Fort Lewis would be a good fit for him. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file), What Silvertons snowpocalypse teaches us about winter weather preparation in rural Colorado, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Email Office (970) Twitter; Johnny Cox: Head Coach-Quarterbacks jcox@fortlewis.edu: 247-7306 247-7306 John L. Smith has resigned as head football coach from Fort Lewis College, announced today by Director of Athletics Gary Hunter. The team won in the first three rounds of the NCAA Division II playoffs and faces Shepherd in the semifinals on December 10. Maybe Division II doesnt need someone like me, whos so demanding, he says. About. Getting familiar with the Football program is an important first step in the recruiting process. The following season, he was sidelined with a broken ankle, an injury he sustained at the start of the season. Years ago, Smith stepped into the Alabama home of a top player and took note of family photos adorning the mantel. 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks Schedule | ESPN Most recently, he was a member of the Fort Lewis football staff since March 2018. . profiles were viewed 4.1 million times by college coaches in 2021. 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. Loud, boisterous and full of one-liners, Smith has become almost a caricature of himself. As part of a close-knit family, Gomez said he drew inspiration from some close relatives hes lost, which includes his late grandmother and uncle, who passed away months apart four years ago. In addition to attending meetings and taking notes and helping with gear, Carlton has been helping the team land recruits. | Besides his grandmother and uncle, Gomez lost an older brother, Lexie Sheppard, while he was growing up. We look for small things to give the defense an edge so they know what theyre looking for, she said. Send Message, Justin Fields I really didnt take that into account, he asserted. Almost immediately, Fort Lewis athletic director Gary Hunter saw an opportunity. In general, Cox said hes starting to see more women involved with football programs. I sent them some film and the defensive coaches called me back and they offered, he said. Now as times are changing, theres a possibility I could coach with my daughters. They have three children: Nicholas, Kayse and Sam. Bring friends, family, fun! We do not support Internet Explorer. I asked, Where are people who do the fundraising? Business, Sports and Entertainment Management/Marketing, Other. Were gonna break one, gentlemen, he tells his players. Fort Lewis plays its final game of the season on Saturday when it hosts Chadron State. 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. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The playoffs are already out of reach, as the Skyhawks have dropped three of their last four to fall to 3-7. From 2008-12 it went 10-58, including 7-38 in league play. 2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Devon Taylor, OG, Fort Lewis College by Jimmy Williams July 16, 2021 Devon Taylor is a massive force on the Fort Lewis offesive line. Many of our other programs have reached the pinnacle of success at the national and regional levels. In the South, players like when coaches holler and yell and stomp their feet. He even had a basketball offer from Northern New Mexico College. Rifilato's wife, Kelley, is the Skyhawks head volleyball coach. Theyve been an asset to the program, and Im excited theyre taking advantage of this opportunity. Gomez is pictured here with his parents Al and Vangie Lane. Show college coaches your game. The 2022 Adams State Grizzlies football team represented Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. He did flag football and he started playing basketball.. Page athlete to follow passion on Fort Lewis football team 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. That same season, FLC beat every Colorado Division II program for just the second time in school history. From DI to DIII, PAC-12 to NESCAC, every coach is on SportsRecruits. Smith, 65, was once a marquee name in big-time college football. I had never heard of that in my life, of the head coach doing that. Football - Fort Lewis College Athletics The Skyhawks also narrowly missed qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in school history. 2 Colorado State-Pueblo thanks to the performance of junior receiver Jordan Gillen, who caught a touchdown pass and threw another when the Skyhawks ran a flea flicker with 3:46 remaining. I am thrilled! said President Thomas. Natural Resources Conservation and Research. This was a soft place to fall, says Di, his wife of 44 years. When I was younger I used to travel with him to rodeos and I wanted to be a cowboy. Nevada Football Head Coach Ken Wilson announces two additions to 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. Here you can explore important information about Fort Lewis College Football. Not included in the pitch: A conversation about the road trips. RSVPs to Wayne Barger would be appreciated. De La Cruz, who is minoring in coaching, said the internship has helped her learn more about football and she would love to coach after she graduates. If I did that here, people might quit. Still, Smith believes he can build a winner. His junior year, he played with a cast for a good part of the football season as he shattered his left hand. The football program at Fort Hays began in 1902. I'm a : 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. . People have unlimited possibilities when given an opportunity., Carlton grew up as a football fan and was excited to help out the Forts team. Le Tigri hanno sostenuto hanno sostenuto 11 campionati conferenza, tra cui un recente campionato di congresso MIAA nella stagione 2017. Its one of the most beautiful places Ive seen, and meeting the girls on the team, it was just such a positive environment.. Jeff Hansen - Fort Lewis College - Durango, Colorado, United States Really?. The Skyhawks have never been one of them. Watch Men's Basketball vs 3-Seed #16/12 Black Hills State University March 3, 2023 7:30 PM. In fact, in 50 years as a four-year college, Fort Lewis has posted winning records just 10 times. I have to raise a quarter of it? Smith says. "I am very honored to take over as the head football coach of Fort Lewis College," said Rifilato. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. The latest additions include two collegiate transfers and 28 high school seniors. 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. Get Exposure with college programs. 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 He won the Colorado National Football Foundation Coach of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006 while at Fort Lewis College, and RMAC Coach of the Year honors while at New Mexico Highlands in 1999. "He took an 0-10 team from 2012 and turned it into a winning program. Fort Lewis Football Head Football Coach at Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado, United States. I want to go into sports psychology and focus on football the mental health side and the nutritional side, Carlton said. The Recruitng Coordinator (JuCo, Transfers), Volunteer Assistant Coach (Tight Ends) of the Fort Lewis College Football program is John Sandoval. He spent the 1992-93 seasons as linebackers coach at San Bernardino Valley Junior College. Public transportation serves campus. SportsRecruits | Fort Lewis College (Colorado) Men's Football Fort Lewis College Head Coach Johnny Cox shares his thoughts on the Skyhawks tough 55-14 loss at home on Senior Day. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. Not only has Coach Smith had outstanding success on the field, but he has always stressed the importance of academics and community and campus involvement, said Hunter. qjodie@navajotimes.com, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Tim Tebow Foundation delivers care packages to Din families, Utah family of six contracts COVID; one passes, Being cut from b-ball fortuitous for KC wrestler, Hardship Assistance frequently asked questions, Fort Defiance Agency Spelling Bee champs advance to final bee, A-C-T-I-N-I-C: Shonto dominates Western Navajo Bee, Police Blotter | New Mexico Police checkpoints and saturation patrols set in counties across state this month, Letter | Potential common ground between Western thought development, nature, Guest Column | 'By the powers-that-be in Santa Fe: Lundstrom gets things done. Here you can explore important information about Fort Lewis College Football. La squadra gioca le partite casalinghe a Lewis Field Stadium, che si trova nel campus di Fort Hays State University di Hays, Kansas. To be a successful lineman, she said, its all about footwork and hand placement and using leverage,. 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. 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. FLC was 6-2 in RMAC games that year, losing the league title to Chadron State, which featured current NFL player Danny Woodhead. Make it as easy as possible for the Fort Lewis College Football coaching staff to learn about you as an athlete, and be able to start a conversation with you. (Cody Olivas/Durango Herald), What Silvertons snowpocalypse teaches us about winter weather preparation in rural Colorado, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. 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. Thanks for visiting the Fort Lewis College Football scholarship and program information page. Coach John L. Smith will be introduced to the campus and Durango communities. Thanks for visiting the Fort Lewis College Football scholarship and program information page. 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. The next day, Smith says he has wondered if hes too intense for this level. Now, Morris says, I finally have something to sell.. He received his master's degree in physical education from Montana in 1974. CSU Pueblo defensive tacke Trey Botts was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Year. Smith, who has more than 40 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience including assistant coaching stints at Weber State (1971), Montana (1972-76), Nevada (1977-81), Idaho (1982-85), Wyoming (1986), Washington State (1987-88) and Arkansas (2009-11), welcomed the opportunity to get back to his coaching roots at Fort Lewis. Smith has always been drawn to the West. I did that and I got an invite back to another combine camp in Houston to try and make the national team, he said. to build a profile. Here are two of our most popular articles to get you started: NCSA College Recruiting (NCSA) is the exclusive athletic recruiting network that educates, assists, and connects, families, coaches and companies so . Staff Directory - Fort Lewis College Athletics Smiths face turns a deep shade of crimson and his eyes bulge. I thought on kickoffs you kicked the ball, ran down the field and tackled somebody. On more than one overnight trip campus police have ticketed Smiths vehicle. Players buy their own cleats. Congrats, @BPietrack ! Release #LetsSoar #ToTheTop goskyhawks.com Under head coach Johnny Cox, the Grizzlies compiled a 0-10 record (0-9) against conference opponents) and finished last in the RMAC. All three of those coaches have enjoyed lengthy careers in the NFL, with Bradley currently serving as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Served by air and bus; train serves Grand Junction. According to information you submitted, you are under the age of 13. Al Lapuaho joins the Nevada football coaching staff as the defensive line coach. Fort Lewis College head football coach Darrius G. Smith works the sideline during a game this spring against Dixie State in St. George, Utah. That is why I took sports so serious.. Rifilato, who has spent the last three years as Smith's defensive coordinator, is no stranger to Skyhawks football. We dont really have donors. If you're receiving this message in error, please call us at 886-495-5172. Were sorry, you have to be 13 years old Basso, who plays lacrosse for the Skyhawks and wants to go into sports psychology after she graduates, took a chance. Basso is one of three female interns in the program. CSU Pueblo defensive tackle Trey Botts was selected as the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year.[21].