Valparaiso University head football coach Dave Cecchini has been named the 2017 Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year.
In his fourth season at Valpo, Cecchini led the program as it turned a significant corner, finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2003. Cecchini, also a finalist for the STATS FCS Coach of the Year Award, becomes the first Crusader coach to garner the PFL’s top coaching honor since Tom Horne in 2003.
Cecchini has been joined on staff by offensive coordinator Jason Miran, defensive coordinator Ernest Moore, recruiting coordinator Vinny Giacalone and strength and conditioning coach Tony Rouse since he took over the program. In addition, special teams coordinator John Snyder predated Cecchini on Valpo’s staff. The 2017 coaching staff also featured Rob Tulcin (first season), Matt Ford (first season) and Zach Greiner (third season).
"Dave Cecchini has demonstrated over his entire career that he is a person of integrity, an accomplished educator and a quality football coach," Valpo Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera said. "Over the past four years he has changed the culture within our program and restored the pride of our football tradition both on the field and within the campus community. Being named Coach of the Year is fitting recognition of his leadership and the quality of the staff and young men that leadership brings to Valpo."
Here are some of the other milestones and accomplishments of the 2017 Valparaiso University football team:
The PFL will announce its all-league teams on Tuesday.
2017 PFL AWARDS
Offensive Player of the Year: Anthony Lawrence, San Diego
Defensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Petersen, San Diego (unanimous)
Special Teams Player of the Year: Christian Searles, Dayton
Freshman Offensive Player of the Year: Daniel Smith, Campbell
Freshman Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Henderson, Stetson
Coach of the Year: Dave Cecchini, Valparaiso
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: To be announced, Wednesday
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