Slippery Rock University Athletics

Welcome to the Slippery Rock University football virtual visit page. Check out the following links, photos and information about the program, Slippery Rock athletics, the University and its surrounding area. Still have questions? Please contact football recruiting coordinator Chris Conrad (christopher.conrad@sru.edu /  724.738.2783).   

• First Season: 1898
• All-Time Record: 653-411-42 (.609)
• Record at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium: 194-71 (.732)
• PSAC West Titles (20): 2023, 2022 2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2000,
1999, 1998, 1997, 1976, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1963, 1962, 1961
• PSAC Overall Titles (12): 2019, 2015, 2014, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997,
1974, 1973, 1972, 1962, 1939
• NCAA DII Playoff Years (12): 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 1999, 1998, 1997
• NCAA Playoff Record: 15-12
• Last NCAA Game: 2024 - vs. Ferris State (National Semifinals)
• Home Field: Mihalik-Thompson Stadium 
• Surface: Artificial Turf (Astroturf RootZone 3D3 Blend 
• Capacity: 10,000 

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): West Virginia, 1996 (30th, 10th as Head Coach)
• Record at SRU (Overall is same): 82-21 (.796)
• Coach Lutz on Twitter: @lutzsru
• E-Mail: shawn.lutz@sru.edu
• Office Phone: 724.738.4428

QUICK BIO
Shawn Lutz was named the 16th head coach in SRU football history on Dec. 18, 2015 after spending 20 years as an assistant coach at The Rock. In the eight seasons SRU has played since he was named head coach, Lutz has guided the program to five PSAC West titles, six trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs and an overall record of 82-21, the best in the PSAC over that stretch.
 
Lutz is a three-time PSAC West Coach of the Year and was named the 2019 Don Hansen Football Gazette Division II National Coach of the Year. Slippery Rock has made two trips to the national semifinals under Lutz’s guidance in 2019 and 2023.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• 82-21 as a head coach (.796 winning percentage)
• Ranks 10th among active head coaches across all divisions of the NCAA, and third in Division II, in winning percentage (minimum 100 games coached)
• Averaging 10.3 wins per season as head coach
• Averaging 11.2. wins per season over the last six seasons (2018-24)
• 2018, 2019 and 2023 PSAC West Coach of the Year
• 2019 Don Hansen Gazette DII National Coach of the Year
• PSAC West Champions in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
• NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• NCAA Quarterfinals in 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024
• NCAA Semifinals in 2019, 2024
• Harlon Hill Trophy Winner (Roland Rivers III) in 2019
• Three Campbell Trophy Finalists (Marcus Martin, Henry Litwin, Brayden Long)
• Needed just 100 games at The Rock to reach 80 wins. Only one other head coach had more wins in their first 100 games at a PSAC school
• Only two other coaches in PSAC history have a higher overall career winning percentage among those who have coached at least 100 games
• 20 seasons as an assistant coach at SRU
• Member of SRU coaching staff for 13 PSAC West titles and seven PSAC titles
• Former tight end at West Virginia University
 
SEASON-BY-SEASON BREAKDOWN
2024
• SRU went 12-2 overall for its ninth 10-win season in program history
• SRU made its sixth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the second-longest active streak in DII
• Won Super Region 1 with playoff victories over New Haven, Kutztown and California to advance to the national semifinals before losing to eventual national champions Ferris State
• Ranked third in the year-end AFCA Top 25 poll
• The Rock was 5-1 in the PSAC West, earning a winning record in conference competition for a seventh consecutive season
• Quarterback Brayden Long named a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, finishing sixth in the voting, as well as being a Campbell Trophy finalist
• Defensive End Todd Hill named PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year
• SRU landed 12 athletes on the All-PSAC West Team including six first team honorees
• Hill was named a national Upshaw Award finalist, finishing third in the voting
• Hill, offensive tackle Joe Cooper and cornerback Josh Stokes were named AP All-Americans, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to nine straight seasons
• A total of six different players earned at least one All-America recognition
• Four SRU players were named to Academic All-America honors including Long who earned Academic All-America Team Member of the Year recognition

2023
• SRU went 12-2 overall for its eighth 10-win season in program history
• SRU won its fifth straight PSAC West title with 7-0 PSAC West record
• SRU made its fifth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the second-longest active streak in DII
• SRU won two games in the NCAA Playoffs, first defeating East Stroudsburg at home in the opening round and then traveling to the No. 1 seed in Super Region One and defeating Tiffin in the second round.
• SRU was one of only 12 teams to be ranked in every DII national poll of the 2023 season
• SRU led the PSAC West with 13 All-PSAC honorees
• Quarterback Brayden Long was named the PSAC West and Super Region One Offensive Player of the Year
• WR Kyle Sheets, OL Yuriy Hryckowian and DB Josh Stokes were named AP All-Americans, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to eighth straight seasons
• Hryckowian was named a national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award and finished third in the voting
• Long was named a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and finished fifth in the voting
• A total of seven different players earned at least one All-America recognition
• Four SRU players were named to Academic All-America honors

2022
• SRU went 10-3 overall for its seventh 10-win season in program history
• SRU won its fourth straight PSAC West title with 6-1 PSAC West record
• SRU made its fourth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the third-longest active streak in DII
• SRU went 530 miles on the road and defeated No. 3 seed Assumption in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs
• SRU was one of only 12 teams to be ranked in every DII national poll of the 2022 season
• SRU led the PSAC West with 14 All-PSAC honorees
• Defensive end D.J. Adediwura was named the Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year
• Adediwura was named a first team AP All-American, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to seven straight seasons
• Adediwura was named a national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award
• QB Noah Grover was named to Academic All-America honors, becoming the first SRU QB to earn the award

2021
• SRU went 9-3 for a 12th straight winning season
• SRU won third straight PSAC West title with 6-1 PSAC West record
• SRU made third straight NCAA Playoff appearance (No. 6 seed)
• SRU finished the year ranked No. 21 in final Division II rankings
• SRU had 10 All-PSAC honorees
• SRU had five players earn All-America honors
• Henry Litwin named Harlon Hill Trophy finalist
• Henry Litwin named only DII Campbell Trophy finalist
• Henry Litwin named Academic All-America of the Year
• Chad Kuhn named Gene Upshaw Award finalist

2020
• SRU did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19

2019
• SRU went 13-1 for the best record in program history
• SRU won second straight PSAC West title with 7-0 record
• SRU won outright PSAC title and earned No. 1 seed in playoffs
• SRU finished regular season with a perfect 11-0 record
• SRU advanced to and hosted the NCAA Division II Semifinals
• SRU finished the year ranked No. 6 in final Division II rankings
• Roland Rivers III named Harlon Hill Trophy winner as DII Player of the Year, becoming the first SRU player to ever win the award
• Roland Rivers III named Maxwell Club Brian Westbrook Award winner
• Chris Larsen named Gene Upshaw Award finalists
• Henry Litwin shattered single-season receiving records
• Roland Rivers III shattered single-season passing records
• SRU had 14 players named to All-PSAC honors
• SRU had five players named All-Americans
• Lutz was named PSAC West Coach of the Year
• Lutz was named DII National Coach of the Year by Don Hansen Football Gazette

2018
• SRU went 11-3 for the 10th straight winning season
• SRU won the PSAC West with a perfect 7-0 record
• SRU qualified for NCAA Playoffs as No. 7 seed
• SRU reached national quarterfinals after winning two road playoff games, including knocking off undefeated No. 2 seed LIU Post on the road
• SRU finished the year ranked No. 12 in final DII rankings
• SRU had 10 players named to All-PSAC honors
• SRU had five players named to All-America honors
• Wes Hills broke single-season rushing record
• Wes Hills signed by Detroit Lions and played in 2019 NFL season
• Lutz was named PSAC West Coach of the Year

2017
• SRU went 8-3 for its ninth straight winning season
• SRU ranked fifth in nation in passing offense (335.4 ypg) and 11th in scoring (40.2 ppg)
• SRU had 10 players named to All-PSAC honors
• SRU had three All-Americans
• SRU had three players reach at least an NFL minicamp, including Marcus Martin, Ian Park and Marcus Johnson
• Marcus Martin set all-time NCAA sack record for all divisions
• Marcus Martin named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year for third straight year
• Marcus Martin named Gene Upshaw DII Lineman of the Year winner
• Marcus Martin named only DII finalist for Campbell Trophy

2016
• Lutz’ first season as head coach
• SRU went 7-4 in a season plagued by injuries to key players
• SRU posted its eighth straight winning season
• SRU ranked sixth in the nation in rush defense (82.5 ypg) and ninth in interceptions (21)
• SRU had eight players earn All-PSAC honors
• Marcus Martin named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year
• One player (Martin) named All-America

THE ROCK IN THE CLASSROOM
• Slippery Rock has had three national finalists for the William Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman) under Lutz with Marcus Martin in 2017, Henry Litwin in 2021 and Brayden Long in 2024
• No other school in the PSAC has ever had a Campbell Trophy finalist
• SRU is one of only eight schools in DII with multiple Campbell finalists
• Litwin became the first SRU athlete in any sport and the first football player from any PSAC school to be named the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year award winner in 2021
• SRU has had 17 CSC (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-Americans and 31 Academic All-District honorees during Lutz’ head coaching tenure
• Long was named the 2024 CSC Division II Football Academic All-America Team Member of the Year
• SRU has had six PSAC Fall Top 10 honorees during Lutz’ head coaching tenure

CAREER PATH
•  Lutz began his coaching career as graduate assistant at SRU in 1996
•  Worked with tight ends and offensive linemen in early career
•  Spent 10 seasons as defensive line coach at SRU
•  Took over as defensive coordinator at SRU in 2006
•  Served as defensive coordinator until being named head coach in 2015
•  As an assistant, coached nine defensive linemen to All-America honors
•  Coached a defense that routinely ranked in the top 15 in Division II in multiple categories
•  Also served as recruiting coordinator early in career

COACHING TIMELINE
• 1996-97: Slippery Rock (graduate assistant – offensive linemen)
•  1998: Slippery Rock (assistant coach - tight ends/tackles)
•  1999-09: Slippery Rock (assistant coach – defensive line)
•  2006-12: Slippery Rock (defensive coordinator / defensive line)
•  2012-15: Slippery Rock (associate head coach / defensive coordinator)
•  2015-Present: Slippery Rock (head coach)

PLAYING CAREER
•  Lettered three years in football at West Virginia University
•  Played tight end on two Bowl teams
•  Member of Big East title team that played in the Sugar Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 6 in Division I

PERSONAL
• Native of Massillon, Ohio
•  Earned undergraduate degree in secondary education/social studies from WVU in 1996
•  Earned master’s degree in sport management from Slippery Rock in 2003
•  Family includes wife, April, and their six combined children: Logan, Gavin, Easton, Gianna, Jason and Ryan
•  Oldest son Logan played tight end at Duquesne University.
•  Middle son Gavin is currently a defensive back on the SRU football team.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Fresno State, 1998 (14th)
• Coach Conrad on Twitter: @PSteel78
• E-Mail: christopher.conrad@sru.edu
• Office Phone: 724.738.2783

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chris Conrad will begin his 14th season at Slippery Rock University in 2025. Conrad will once again serve as The Rock’s offensive line coach and associate head coach. In addition to his on-field coaching duties, Conrad also serves as The Rock’s recruiting coordinator.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• Slippery Rock has had 21 different offensive linemen earn All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors since Conrad came to The Rock in 2012.
• Conrad has overseen the development of eight All-Americans in Chris Larsen, Ryan Podgorski, Steve Gaviglia, Ian Park, Cory Tucker, Jake Tecak, Yuriy Hryckowian and Joe Cooper. Park and Tucker both went on to play professionally while Cooper was one of just 10 players from NCAA Division II schools to be named on the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl watchlist.
• Park signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the start of the 2018 season following the conclusion of his Rock career and currently plays professionally in Japan. Tucker starred for SRU from 2011-15. As a senior, Tucker was named an All-American as well as a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Division II Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Once his collegiate career came to an end, Tucker spent the NFL preseason in training camp with the Cleveland Browns in 2016 and eventually signed a professional contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
• SRU has had an offensive lineman named as one of the national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award in four different seasons since Conrad joined the staff with Cory Tucker (2014, 2015), Chris Larsen (2019) and Yuriy Hryckowian (2023).
• Under Conrad’s guidance, The Rock’s 2024 offensive line ranked 18th in the nation in sacks allowed at just 0.93 per game.
• The Rock’s offensive line paved the way for an offense that ranked ninth in Division II in total first downs, 24th in passing offense and 25th in third down conversion percentage on the way to SRU posting a 12-2 record, winning Super Region One and advancing to the national semifinals in 2024.   
 
COACHING TIMELINE
2012-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive line/recruiting coordinator)
2009-11: Carnegie Mellon (offensive tackles and tight ends)
2001-08: Shaler Area High School (offensive and defensive lines, 04-08 T&F throwing coach)
 
CAREER PATH
• Conrad’s run game coordination, a duty he oversaw from 2014-19, took off in 2014 when Shamar Greene ran for 1,482 yards and the offensive line helped pave the way for a 214.5 yard per game average on the ground. In 2013 The Rock’s offensive line helped lead SRU to the third best total offensive output in the PSAC with 5,529 yards.
• Those numbers only got better in 2015 when Greene won the PSAC rushing title and finished fourth in the nation in total rushing yards with 1,545. The Rock shattered multiple single-season team rushing records in 2015, including yards (3,608) and touchdowns (46).
• In 2016, The Rock’s offensive line blocked for an offense that ranked fifth in the PSAC in scoring, fifth in total yardage, fourth in passing offense and second in first downs per game. Greene also became the program's all-time leading rusher, despite having his season cut short due to injury, finishing with 4,275 yards.
• In 2017, Slippery Rock’s offensive line set the tone for a unit that ranked 11th in the nation in both scoring and third down conversion percentage. Slippery Rock possessed arguably the most potent offense in the PSAC as it ranked first in the 16-team conference in scoring, passing offense, first downs and third down conversion percentage while coming in second in total offense.
• The 2019 season saw The Rock lead the PSAC in passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and first downs while ranking second in total offense, second in rushing yards per game, third in third down conversion percentage and third in points per game thanks in no small part to excellent offensive line play.
• Conrad joined The Rock’s staff after serving three seasons as offensive tackles and tight ends coach at Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to that, he served eight seasons as offensive and defensive line coach at Shaler Area High School. He also served five seasons as the throwing coach for the Titans’ track and field teams.
 
PLAYING CAREER
• A native of Brea, California, Conrad attended Fresno State University, where he was a four-year letter winner as an offensive lineman. He earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honors in his senior season.
• Conrad was the 66th overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. He played 17 games (four starts) in two seasons with the Black and Gold before a neck injury early in 2000 ended his NFL career.
 
PERSONAL
• Conrad and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Michael and Joelle, and reside in Wexford.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Slippery Rock, 2009 (12th)
• Coach Razzano on Twitter: @CoachRazzanoSRU
• E-Mail: domenick.razzano@sru.edu
• Office Phone: 724.738.2782

Domenick Razzano returns for his 12th season as a member of the Slippery Rock University football team’s coaching staff, and his ninth year as The Rock’s defensive coordinator in 2024.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• In his eight seasons as defensive coordinator at SRU, 44 of his players have earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division accolades including past All-Americans Todd Hill (2024), Munchie Johnson (2024), Josh Stokes (2023, 2024), Eddie Faulkner IV (2023), D.J. Adediwura (2022), Jeff Marx (2022) Chad Kuhn (2019, 2021), Brad Zaffram (2018, 2019), Marcus Martin (2014-17), Teven Williams (2015) and Joe Phillips (2015).
• With Razzano on staff, Slippery Rock has compiled an overall record of 103-26 with two Super Region One titles, three PSAC championships and eight appearances in the NCAA playoffs.
• A season ago, The Rock’s defense ranked fourth in the nation in fumble recoveries, 22nd in turnovers gained, 30th in red zone defense, 31st in passing yards allowed and 35th in points allowed per game as SRU went 12-2 and advanced to the national semifinals.
• In 2023, SRU's defense ranked 16th in the nation in passing defense (158..9 ypg), eighth in passes intercepted (18) and 12th in turnovers gained (27).
• In 2022, Slippery Rock’s defense ranked ninth in the nation in interceptions (17), 13th in points allowed per game (16.2), 21st in rushing yards allowed (91.6) and 22nd in yards per game allowed (286.2).
• Prior to being the named defensive coordinator entering the 2016 season, Razzano served as the linebackers coach in 2014 and was the co-defensive coordinator in 2015, focusing on the secondary. He also served as the special teams coordinator in 2015.
 
COACHING TIMELINE
2017-Present: Slippery Rock (defensive coordinator)
2014-16: Slippery Rock (linebackers)
2011: Findlay (defensive backs/special teams coordinator)
2010: Saint Vincent (defensive backs/special teams/assistant strength and conditioning coach)
 
CAREER PATH
• In 2019, Slippery Rock’s defense ranked eighth in the nation in turnovers, ninth in fumbles recovered, 13th in interceptions, 26th in tackles for loss, 32nd in rushing defense and 38th in sacks as SRU finished the season with a 13-1 record that included Super Region I, PSAC and PSAC West championships, an appearance in the national semifinals and a ranking of sixth in the final American Football Coaches Association Division II Top 25 poll.
• In 2018, the Razzano-led Rock defense played a huge role in SRU going 11-3 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament as The Rock led the PSAC, and ranked fifth nationally, in interceptions with 19 all the while finishing second in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (104.6), third in sacks (35), fourth in points allowed per game (21.2) and fifth in third down conversion percentage defense (.349). 
• The Rock’s defense underwent a youth movement in 2017 as underclassmen made a total of 68 starts. Even with the influx of inexperienced players into key positions, Slippery Rock’s defense still ranked 21st in the nation in tackles for loss per game (8.0) and fifth in the PSAC in total sacks (27).
• Razzano helped coach Martin to one of the most historic seasons by a defensive lineman in Division II history in 2017 as the senior end was named the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year for a third consecutive season, the Conference Commissioner's Association Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year in addition to being the first Division II player to ever be named one of the five finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award as the best defensive end in all of college football.
• In 2016, Razzano’s defense ranked sixth in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (82.5), ninth in interceptions (21) and 27th in sacks (32). Across the 16-team PSAC, Slippery Rock led the league in rush yards allowed per game while also ranking third in interceptions, fourth in total yards allowed per game (360.3), fifth in sacks, fifth in first downs allowed per game (19.2) and seventh in points allowed per game despite being on the field for an average of 30.46 minutes per game.
• Razzano coached the linebackers on the 2014 defense that ranked eighth in the nation against the run, allowing opponents just 2.8 yards per carry. The Rock defense also ranked 22nd in the nation on third down and racked up a total of 31 sacks.
• The 2015 defense improved on those numbers by ranking second in the country against the run, setting a program record by allowing just 2.2 yards per carry and 71.7 yards per game. The Rock defense also led the country in takeaways with 47, including 23 fumble recoveries and 24 interceptions. SRU led the PSAC with 48 sacks and posted 132 tackles for loss.
• Prior to joining the Slippery Rock coaching staff, Razzano had coaching stints at Saint Vincent College and the University of Findlay.
 
PLAYING CAREER
• Razzano is a 2009 graduate of Slippery Rock. He played collegiately for The Rock from 2005-08, appearing in 26 games and finishing his career with 54 tackles, three tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.
 
PERSONAL
• Razzano and his wife, Erica, reside in Pittsburgh with their three sons Domenick Jr., Alessio and Santino.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Benedictine - 2018 (Fifth)
• E-Mail: joseph.marella@sru.edu
• Coach Marella on Twitter: @coach_marella

2025 will mark Joe Marella’s fifth season with The Rock. Marella, who joined the SRU football staff in the summer of 2021, will serve as SRU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for a second consecutive year after a stellar 2024 campaign.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• Served as wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator after the 2023 season.
• Marella has played an integral role in The Rock’s success - a 43-10 overall record with four playoff appearances - since joining head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff.
• In his inaugural season as The Rock’s offensive coordinator in 2024, SRU averaged 27.8 points per game – the third highest average in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference – As SRU went 12-2 overall, won Super Region One and advanced to the national semifinals.
• On the national level, Marella’s offense ranked ninth in Division II in first downs (289), 18th in completion percentage (.648), 18th in sacks allowed per game (0.93), 22nd in fourth down conversion percentage (.600), 24th in passing offense (247.9), 25th in third down conversion percentage (.443) and 27th in time of possession per game (31:51).
• The Rock’s offensive unit was responsible for six All-PSAC West honorees in 2024 including quarterback Brayden Long, who was a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, as well as two other All-Americans in tight end Kam Kruzelyak and offensive tackle Joe Cooper.
• Five Slippery Rock wide receivers earned All-PSAC West honors under Marella in Henry Litwin, Jermaine Wynn Jr., Cinque Sweeting, Cohen Russell and Kyle Sheets with Litwin (2021) and Sheets (2023) going on to be named consensus All-Americans.
• SRU was the only Division II team in the country to have two receivers over 1,100 yards in 2023 with Kyle Sheets and Cohen Russell both ranking in the top eight in Division II in receiving yards.
• As pass game coordinator in 2022, The Rock ranked 24th in the nation, and third in the PSAC, in passing offense at 259.3 yards per game in addition to being 15th in Division II in completion percentage (.630) and 26th in team passing efficiency.
 
COACHING TIMELINE
2018: UCF (strength and conditioning)
2019: Cincinnati (strength and conditioning)
2019: Benedictine (assistant coach)
2019-2020: Ohio Dominican (graduate assistant, tight ends/running backs/special teams)
2021: Slippery Rock (wide receivers)
2022: Slippery Rock (pass game coordinator/wide receivers)
2023: Slippery Rock (special coordinator/wide receivers)
2024-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
 
CAREER PATH
• After working with UCF and the University of Cincinnati football programs in strength and conditioning roles to start career, Marella officially moved into coaching in 2019 at his alma mater, Benedictine University, before taking a position at Ohio Dominican.
• While at Ohio Dominican, Marella worked with the Panthers’ tight ends and running backs in addition to ODU’s special teams.
• Marella helped to lead Ohio Dominican to a 7-3 record in 2019. ODU running back EJ Colson, tight end Blake Skuratowicz and punter Logen Neidhardt each earned all-conference honors with Neidhardt being named the G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Year.
 
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Competed collegiately at Benedictine University (2014-17).
• Played both quarterback and tight end at Benedictine.
• A team captain for the Eagles.
 
PERSONAL
• Native of Des Plaines, Illinois.
• Marella received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and graduated magna cum laude from Benedictine in 2018.
• Went on to earn master’s degree in Sport Management from Ohio Dominican University in 2020.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Texas Lutheran, 2015 (Third)
• E-Mail: dominique.battle@sru.edu

Now in his third year on head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff, former NFL assistant coach Cedric Whitaker Jr. joined SRU in the summer of 2023 as a defensive backs coach. He added the title of special teams coordinator entering the 2024 season.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• A veteran with nine years of coaching experience at all three levels of NCAA competition and in the NFL.
• Slippery Rock has compiled a record of 24-4 in Whitaker's two seasons on head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff.
• Coached two members of the SRU secondary to All-America honors in his first season with the program in 2023 with Eddie Faulkner IV and Josh Stokes being recognized. Stokes repeated as an All-America selection in 2024.
• Three Rock defensive backs have garnered All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division accolades under Whitaker Jr. - Faulkner IV (2023, 2024), Stokes (2023, 2024) and Jalen Dangerfield (2023).
• SRU ranked seventh in the nation in kick return average in 2024 (25.43) while Rock defensive backs also played a large role in The Rock ranking 31st in Division II in passing yards allowed per game (166.6).

COACHING TIMELINE
• 2015-17: Texas Lutheran University (assistant coach)
• 2017-19: Baylor University (graduate assistant/defensive backs)
• 2019: Houston Baptist University (pass defense coordinator / defensive backs)
• 2020-22: Carolina Panthers (assistant special teams / defensive backs)
• 2023: Slippery Rock (defensive backs)
• 2024-Present: Slippery Rock (special teams coordinator/defensive backs)

CAREER PATH
• Most recently, worked in the NFL as an assistant special teams coach and assistant defensive backs coach with the Carolina Panthers.
• Helped to lead the fourth ranked overall special teams unit in the NFL and also helped coach the fourth ranked passing defense in the NFL in 2021 when the Panthers’ defense ranked second in the NFL in total defense.
• While at Baylor, helped lead a turnaround in the Bears’ program that included assisting the third-ranked passing defense in the Big 12 in 2018.
• Served in several capacities at Texas Lutheran, including coaching wide receivers, speed and conditioning, junior varsity head coach, special teams assistant and defensive line assistant.
 
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Played football collegiately at Texas Lutheran University where he was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter.
• Started 27 games over three years at TLU, totaling 44 tackles, 1.5 TFL, five pass break-ups and one interception.
• Helped to lead TLU to a 22-8 record and a playoff appearance during playing career.
• Was a four-time academic all-conference selection.
 
PERSONAL
• Native of Houston.
• Whitaker Jr. earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Texas Lutheran University in 2015.
• Earned master’s degree in Sports Administration from Baylor University in 2019.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Duquesne - 1987 (First)

Ron Butschle joined the Slippery Rock football staff in the spring of 2025 to serve as running backs coach.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• Butschle comes to The Rock with more than 30 years of coaching experience at the high school level, where he spent time coaching at both Sto-Rox High School and Seneca Valley High School in western Pennsylvania.
• Butschle won 101 games combined as a high school head coach and led his teams to 10 WPIAL playoff appearances, including three appearances in the WPIAL championship game.
• Throughout his tenure, Butschle coached five different players that would go on to play in the NFL, including Slippery Rock offensive lineman Brandon Fusco, who was the last SRU football player to be drafted.
 
COACHING TIMELINE
• 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (running backs)
• 2017-24: Seneca Valley High School (head coach)
• 2015-16: Seneca Valley High School (offensive coordinator)
• 2010-11: Sto-Rox (head coach)
• 2004-08: Seneca Valley High School (head coach)
• 2000-03: Sto-Rox (head coach)
• 1997-00: Sto-Rox (assistant coach)
• 1995-97: Canon-McMillan (assistant coach)
• 1989-94: Sto-Rox (assistant coach)
 
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Butschle lettered twice in baseball at Duquesne University.
 
PERSONAL
• A 1987 graduate of Duquesne University.
• Added a master's equivalency Pennsylvania teacher certification from Duquesne in 1988 and earned principal certification from Indiana University (Pa.) in 2010.
• Married to Trisha Butschle.
• Children Ryan 37, Jenn 33, Mathilda 23, Gabriella 18, Nate 18.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Louisiana-Monroe - 2022 (First)

Jalen Jackson joined the Slippery Rock football staff in the spring of 2025 as a wide receivers coach.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• Jackson came to The Rock after serving as a graduate assistant coach at Division II Delta State University, where he worked with the wide receivers.
 
COACHING TIMELINE
• 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (wide receivers)
• 2024: Delta State (GA / wide receivers)
 
CAREER PATH
• In his role at Delta State, Jackson was involved in recruiting high school and transfer students, assisting with wide receiver individual drills and meetings, working with film, opponent scouting, coordinating camps and coaching the scout team defensive backs and linebackers.
• Coached one all-conference selection and a Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List athlete at Delta State.
• Helped guide Delta State to a 6-4 record in 2024.
 
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Began career at Kennesaw State for two seasons (2018 / 2019) before transferring to Fort Scott Community College in 2020 and Division I Louisiana-Monroe for final three collegiate seasons (2021-23).
 
PERSONAL
• Earned master's degree in sport and human performance from Delta State with a 4.0 GPA in 2024.
• Received bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2022.
• Native of Powder Springs, Georgia.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Cleveland State, 2001 (Third)

Former women's professional football player and NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship recipient Lisa Horton joined the SRU football staff in 2023 as an offensive assistant. Horton added the title of tight ends coach entering the 2024 season and will again have the same position responsibilities in 2025.
 
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• SRU marks her first collegiate football coaching role after putting together a storied career in Women’s Professional Football with the Pittsburgh Passion.
• Slippery Rock has compiled a record of 24-4 in Horton’s two seasons on head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff.
• A year ago, Slippery Rock’s tight ends caught 46 passes for 382 yards and five touchdowns. Kam Kruzelyak was an honorable mention All-America honoree in addition to garnering All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division accolades.   
 
COACHING TIMELINE
• 2024-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive assistant/tight ends)
• 2023: Slippery Rock (offensive assistant)
• 2022 (Summer): Cleveland Browns (assistant running backs)
• 2018-Present: Pittsburgh Passion (co-head coach/offensive coordinator)
 
CAREER PATH
• In 2022, Horton was awarded the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Cleveland Browns and worked with the NFL staff in Cleveland as an assistant running backs coach that summer.
 
• Represented the U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team as an assistant coach in the 2022 IFAF World Championships in Finland.
 
• After finishing her playing career, Horton stepped into a coaching role with the Pittsburgh Passion, where she still serves as co-head coach and offensive coordinator.
 
ATHLETIC CAREER
• Horton began playing professionally for the Passion in 2003 and would go on to serve as the team’s starting quarterback for most of 15 years, eventually retiring in 2018 after passing for more than 18,000 yards and throwing 256 touchdown passes.
 
• Was a 14-time all-star selection and was named the league MVP four times while leading the Passion to three national championships. After her career, Horton was enshrined in the Women's Pro Football Hall of Fame and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

• A two-sport athlete collegiately. Was Baldwin Wallace’s leading setter as a freshman and sophomore (2,360 assists / 81 aces) on the volleyball team before transferring to Cleveland State where she appeared in 100 games over junior and senior seasons for the Vikings’ softball team

PERSONAL
• Native of Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
• Earned a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and her master’s degree in exercise science and wellness promotion from The Rock in 2003.

• Alma Mater (year at SRU): Slippery Rock, 2005 (15th)
• Coach Saylor on Twitter: @MooseSaylor

Former Slippery Rock University football player Steve “Moose” Saylor returned to the sidelines at The Rock in 2010 in the role of director of football operations.

He is set to return to that role for a 15th straight year in 2025.

Saylor works with the coaching and equipment staffs and assists in the daily operation of the football office, including but not limited to budgeting, travel arrangements, equipment purchases and scheduling.

In addition to his role with the football program, Saylor also serves the University as manager of academic and student affairs resources.
 
Saylor owns a pair of degrees from Slippery Rock, first graduating with his undergraduate degree in sport management in 2005 and then completing his master's degree in education in 2023.

He and his girlfriend Gabbie reside in Slippery Rock with her son Wyatt and their dog Zoey.

Team Twitter Account: @SRURockFB
Team Instagram Account: srurockfb
Head Coach Shawn Lutz: @lutzsru
Recruiting Coordinator / Offensive Line Chris Conrad: @PSteel78    
Defensive Coordinator Domenick Razzano: @CoachRazzanoSRU
Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach Drew Moulton: @Drew_Moulton
Wide Receivers Coach Joe Marella: @coach_marella
Defensive Line Coach Zach Bader: @CoachBaderSRU
Director of Football Operations Steve Saylor: @MooseSaylor                      
 

For over 100 years the name Slippery Rock has been synonymous with college football. From having its scores announced weekly at Michigan Stadium (The Big House) to routinely appearing on various ESPN highlight shows and, most importantly, winning games, The Rock has established itself as one of the most recognizable programs in Division II. 

Success has been common throughout Slippery Rock’s storied history, but its current eight-year run has cemented SRU among the powerhouses in Division II. Since 2013, The Rock ranks:

• Fifth in playoff appearances (eight) 
• Seventh in overall wins (112)
• 10th in winning percentage (.794)

*Out of 167 teams

From current NFL players Brandon Fusco and Wes Hills all the way back to Enid Thomas in 1926, Slippery Rock football has had a long and successful history of preparing its standout players for opportunities at the next level including:

Roland Rivers (2018-19): Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL)
Wes Hills (2018): Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
Ian Park (2017): Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Martin (2013-17): Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Marcus Johnson (2015-17): Buffalo Bills 
Titus Howard (2015-16): Kansas City Chiefs
Cory Tucker (2011-15): Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Montreal Alouettes (CFL)
Dante Nania (2015): North Coast (NGL / Australia) 
Teven Williams (2015): North Coast (NGL / Australia)
Andre Freeman (2008-11): – Pittsburgh Steelers, San Jose SaberCats (AFL), Los Angeles Kiss (AFL)
Devin Goda (2007-11): Baltimore Ravens
Jayson Nickson (2007-11): Erie Explosion (AIFA)
Brandon Fusco (2006-10): 6th Round Pick (172nd Overall) by the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons 
AJ Saunders (2006-09): Erie Explosion (AIFA)
Michael Butterworth (2003-07): Atlanta Falcons
Brian Godfrey (1999-04): Washington Football Team
D.J. Flick (1998-01): Ottawa Renegades (CFL), Hamilton Ti-Cats (CFL), Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
Mike Waszczuk (1996-00): Hamilton Ti-Cats (CFL)
Matt Kinsinger (1995-98): Chicago Rush(AFL),  Las Vegas Gladiators (AFL), San Jose SaberCats (AFL)
Chad Vogt (1994-96): Paderborn German Dolphins (EPFL)
Nathan Gay (1994): Cleveland Thunderbolts (AFL)
Greg Hopkins (1990-94): Albany Firebirds (AFL), Indiana Firebirds (AFL), Los Angeles Avengers (AFL)
Jim Ward (1990-93): Memphis Mad Dogs (CFL), Connecticut Coyotes (AFL)
John Sikora (1989-92): Albany Firebirds (AFL), Indiana Firebirds (AFL), Chicago Rush (AFL)
Greg Paterra (1986-89) – 11th Round Pick (286th Overall) by the Atlanta Falcons 
Donovan Wright (1986-88): Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), BC Lions (CFL), Hamilton Ti-Cats (CFL)
Mike Campbell (1985-88): Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Hamilton Ti-Cats (CFL), Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
Ryan Hanson (1985-87): Toronto Argonauts (CFL), BC Lions (CFL)
Chuck Sanders (1982-85): 11th Round Pick (293rd Overall) by the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers 
Jeff Hyger (1982: Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets 
Tony Emanuele (1979-82): Memphis Showboats (USFL)
Rick Porter (1978-81) – 12th Round Pick (319th Overall) by the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts, Buffalo Bills, Montreal Concordes (CFL), Memphis Showboats (USFL)
Mike Cullin (1965-66): 17th Round Pick (436 Overall) by the Oakland Raiders
Enid Thomas (1926): Hartford Blues (NFL / 1926)
 

• Record Book
• Current Schedule
• Current Roster
• Last Seasons' Statistics

All prospective Slippery Rock University football student-athletes should fill out the prospective student athlete form found HERE. 

• National Letter of Intent
• NCAA Eligibility Center
• NCAA Eligibility FAQ

• Opened: 1974
• Last Renovated: 2020 (New turf playing surface)
• Capacity: 10,000
• Surface: Artificial Turf (Astroturf RootZone 3D3 Blend - installed in 2020)

Bob DiSpirito Field at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium is the home field for all Slippery Rock University football games. 

Along with the Jerry Bejbl Weight Training Center, full service athletic training facilities are featured on both sides of the stadium. The Rock's football team enjoys the comforts of a large locker room at the stadium, while the coaches also have meeting rooms and a separate locker room.

Over the past 10 years the stadium has seen massive upgrades to make it one of the best facilities in western Pennsylvania. In the spring of 2020, the Mihalik-Thompson Field playing surface was replaced for a new AstroTurf synthetic surface that includes better drainage and additional padding under the field. Prior to the start of the 2015 season a state-of-the-art scoreboard was installed. The 20 feet by 37 feet hunter green LED scoreboard is one of only four scoreboards in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference that is equipped to display video.

Slippery Rock is annually among the top schools in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in home football average attendance. Across the nation, The Rock has ranked in the top 25 in Division II in home attendance in six of the last seven years.  

Read More About Mihalik-Thompson Stadium HERE

• Opened: 1997
• Last Renovated: 2020 (New floor, sound system, equipment)

Ground breaking on the Jerry Bejbl Weight Training Center took place in 1997 after former Rock football standout Dr. Jerry Bejbl made a generous $200,000 donation to the university to help fund the building and equipment in the facility.

The weight room, which is located at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, is available for use only by the Slippery Rock University varsity athletes, with supervision from coaches.

In 2012 the facility saw another monumental upgrade with the inclusion of all new branded weight racks and dumbells. The facility got another boost in 2020 with the installation of a brand new flooring system, state of the art speaker system and additional equipment.

The attractive facilities features green weight racks adorned with Slippery Rock athletic logos, padded floors that include the athletic logos and motivational slogans and framed pieces of Slippery Rock history, including Jerry Bejbl's retired football jersey.

Nickname: The Rock
School Colors: Green and White
Affiliation: NCAA Division II
Conference: Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
Director of Athletics: Roberta Page
Athletic Department Phone: 724.738.2021
City / Zip Code: Slippery Rock, Pa. / 16057
Founded: 1889
Enrollment: 8,394
President: Dr. Karen Riley

To SRU campus: From I-79, take Exit 105 (Slippery Rock). Turn left at the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp and follow State Route 108 north into Slippery Rock. At the traffic light, turn right onto Main Street. Follow Main Street to the second traffic light (Keister Road). Turn left onto Keister Road and proceed to the flashing light. Turn left and go to the dead end. You are now on the SRU campus. 

Directions to specific Rock sports facilities will start from the flashing light as follows:

To Morrow Field House:
Sports played here include: M/W Basketball, W Volleyball, M/W Water Polo, Wrestling, M/W Indoor Track and Field
At the flashing light, turn left and proceed to the dead end. At the dead end, turn left to go to Morrow Field House, which will be directly ahead of you, or turn right to go to Visitors parking areas in the West Lake or East Lake parking areas. Please note: Parking adjacent to Morrow Field House is reserved for SRU staff during school hours but is available to the general public after 5 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend.

• Staff Directory
• Strategic Plan (PDF)
• Policy and Procedures
• Student-Athlete Medical Forms
• Student-Athlete Education Resources
• Insurance Claim Information (PDF)
• Insurance Information Brochure (PDF)
• Insurance Deductible Information for Parents/Guardians (PDF)
• Emergency Action Plans for Athletic Facilities (EAP)

The Slippery Rock University athletics academic assistance program encourages the academic and athletic success of each Rock student-athlete through balancing academic and athletics related demands. The program is available to all student athletes, with services including orientation, college skills workshops, tutorial programs and the utilization of all other campus resources and programs. 

To learn more about the athletics academic assistance program at Slippery Rock, click HERE. 

Slippery Rock University and the Slippery Rock athletic department support the mental health and well-being of its student-athletes. SRU strives to provide the necessary resources to help student-athletes balance athletics, academics and overall welfare. 

The Slippery Rock University athletics mental health guide is available HERE. 

The Rock athletics student-athlete handbook can be found HERE. 

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• Campus Virtual Tour

Every Slippery Rock home football game can be watched live and on demand via The Rock Athletics Digital Network free of charge. 

In addition to being able to stream every home game on your desktop and mobile devices, The Rock Athletics Digital Network also offers its live and on demand games and events on your favorite television streaming devices, including Roku devices, Apple TV devices (4th generation and newer), Amazon Fire TV devices and Android TV devices.

Click HERE to visit The Rock Athletics Digital Network.

Harlon Hill Award (Division II National Player of the Year)
Roland Rivers (2019)

Upshaw Award (Division II Lineman of the Year)
Marcus Martin (2017)
Brandon Fusco (2010)

PSAC West Coach of the Year
George Mihalik (1997, 1998, 2011, 2013)
Shawn Lutz (2018, 2019, 2023)

PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year
Randy McKavish (1997, 1998, 2000)
Nigel Barksdale (2013)
Roland Rivers III (2019)
Brayden Long (2023)

PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year
Brian Polk (1998)
Marcus Martin (2015, 2016, 2017)
Todd Hill (2024)

PSAC West Freshman of the Year
Randy McKavish (1997)
DJ Flick (1998)
Marcus Martin (2014)

Slippery Rock has had over 100 student-athletes earn All-America accolades over the program's history including these 29 multi-time honorees:

Kam Kruzelyak (2023, 2024)
Brayden Long (2023, 2024)
Josh Stokes (2023, 2024)
Henry Litwin (2019, 2021)
Chad Kuhn (2019, 2021)
Brad Zaffram (2018, 2019)     
Marcus Martin (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)      
Shamar Greene (2014, 2015) 
Cory Tucker (2013, 2014, 2015)         
Brandon Fusco (2009, 2010)  
Cory Lacek (2005, 2006)         
Josh Kniess (2004, 2005)        
Brian Minehart (1999, 2000)  
Randy McKavish (1998, 2000)            
Brian Polk (1998, 1999)          
Tim Kusniez (1998, 1999)
Matt Kinsinger (1997, 1998)   
Greg Hopkins (1992, 1993, 1994)
Sam James (1992, 1995)         
John Sikora (1991, 1992)        
Mike Elwood (1990, 1993)     
Matt Humphreys (1990, 1991)           
Greg Paterra (1987, 1988)
Tim Grove (1985, 1987)          
Chuck Sanders (1984, 1985)
Jeff Williams (1983, 1985)      
Ricky Porter (1980, 1981)
Bob Schrantz (1975, 1976, 1977)       
Ed O'Reilly (1973, 1974)         

A complete list of Slippery Rock's All-American selections can be found HERE

Michael Henwood (2024)
Eddie Faulkner IV (2023, 2024)
Josh Stokes (2023, 2024)
Brayden Long (2023, 2024)
Yuriy Hryckowian (2023)
Noah Grover (2022)
Cinque Sweeting (2021)
Austin Wayt (2020, 2021)
Henry Litwin (2019, 2020, 2021)
Marcus Martin (2015, 2016, 2017)
Kyle Henderson (2015)
A.J. Hopp (2011) 
Devin Goda (2011)
Mike Butterworth (2006, 2007)
Clinton Forsha 2007
Louis Jamison (2001)
Tim Kusniez (1998)
Dave Sabolcik (1996)
Greg Hopkins (1993)
Terry Factor (1973)

2023
Thomas Bell

2022
LaMonte Coleman
Brandon Fusco

2021
DJ Flick

2019
Bruce Boliver

2018
Paul Baroffio, John Sikora 

2017
Brian Polk 

2016
Jim Mill 

2014
Matt Kinsinger 

2013
Rick Allen, Louis Hanna

2012
Gene Collodi, Ron Hunt, Jim Ward

2010
Mike Hambrick, Randy McKavish

2009
Duane Kirklin, William Rometo

2008
Blair Hildebrand, Jerry Skocik

2007
Tony Emanuele, Joe Walters, Chad Vogt

2006
Gary Aldrich 

2005
Greg Hopkins, William V. Kelly, Jay Wagner

2004
Joseph R. Daniels

2003
Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell, Thomas E. Dolde

2002
Quentin Currie, John Dahlstrand

2001
Robert Siar 

2000
Loyal Briggs, Charles Dunaway

1999
Wade Acker

1998
Jeff Siemianowski

1997
Charles Sanders, Dr. George Mihalik

1996
Dick Dilts, Ray Nedwidek

1995
Mike Kish

1994
Tim Nunes

1993
Terry Factor, Ricky Porter

1992
Tut Melman 

1991
August J. Catanese, John Ross, Bruno A. Raso, Charles L. Klausing

1990
Denny J. Douds, Dennis Tilko

1989
Tom Carey, Dr. Bill Meise

1988
Milan Tatala, Bill Temple 

1987
Ed Hepe, Bob Phillips, George Stonis  

1986
Dr. Jerry Bejbl, Dr. Russell Wright, Paul Uram, Roy Van Horn

1985
Bob DiSpirito, "Hooks" Sample

1984
Elmer Gross, John O. Kaufman, N. Kerr Thompson