SPORTS
Michael Toerper, the next head coach of the Ithaca College football program, celebrates the football team’s Cortaca Jug win Nov. 16, 2019, at MetLife Stadium. Abbey London/The Ithacan
FORMER IC DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR NAMED THE NEW HEAD COACH OF FOOTBALL PROGRAM Bassett said she and the other members of the selection process were impressed by Toerper’s plans for the future of the team and believe that he is the best choice to guide the program. “Coach Toerper emerged from an exceptionally competitive ichael Toerper has been selected as the next head coach of the Ithanational search as the best next leader for Ithaca College football,” ca College football program. A Feb. 18 announcement from the college stated that Toerper is Bassett said in the announcement. “Through this rigorous search, returning to South Hill as the 11th head coach in the history of the Coach Toerper effectively articulated a vision for the program in all program. He officially started this role March 1. Toerper previously phases, from recruiting, X’s and O’s, and training to academic excellence and our citizenship in the community that earned the unaniserved as the defensive coordinator for the college from 2017 mous confidence of everyone involved in this important to 2019, under former head coach Dan Swanstrom, who anselection process.” nounced his departure from the program Jan. 24. Toerper has spent the past two years as the safeties As the defensive coordinator for the Bombers, coach at the College of the Holy Cross. The Crusaders Toerper helped to lead the team to a 24–9 record “I believe the went 13–4 in his two seasons, allowing under over three seasons and a 27–17 victory against future is so bright 18.5 points per game and intercepting 25 passes, Salisbury University in the Scotty Whitelaw Bowl both the best marks in the Patriot League during in 2017. for this program.” that stretch. “My family and I are excited to return Toerper also spent his collegiate playing career at to the South Hill,” Toerper said in the an-Michael Toerper the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2008. He nouncement. “I want to thank Susan Bassett, appeared in 36 games for the Panthers, recording 15 the football alumni review committee and the total tackles as a defensive back. on-campus search committee for their support throughout Bassett said that she is excited to see what Toerper the process.” Toerper’s appointment was announced to the team by Su- will bring to the table and what he will do for the team during san Bassett, associate vice president and director of the Office of his time as coach. She said that she believes that he will have a positive impact on the program, both on and off Intercollegiate Athletics. Toerper said that he is looking forward to the opportuni- the gridiron. “Coach Toerper exudes passion, knowledge of the game and ty to once again coach players that he did during his first stint on leadership qualities and exemplifies Bomber values of commitSouth Hill. “I think I built a strong bond with these players, especially the ones ment, attention to detail, respect and integrity,” Bassett said in that I coached and the people that are here, and I believe that the the statement. “I have every confidence that he will build on future is so bright for this program,” Toerper said. “Obviously my time the success of our student-athletes on the playing field, in the here before really just fueled my excitement for the op- classroom and as community members. I am thrilled to welportunity. And that’s really because of the people here come Michael and his wife, Leigh (Martino) ’15, back to South Hill.” at Ithaca.”
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BY AIDEN CHARDE & TOMMY MUMAU
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