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Football Coaches
CHASE HANSEN, HEAD COACH 3RD SEASON
Chase Hansen begins his ninth season with the Warrior Football program and his third as head coach. Hansen has served on the coaching staff as the Offensive Coordinator for the past six seasons.
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Hansen’s second season saw the Warriors finish with a 7-3 overall record for a third place finish in the KCAC, as Sterling finished the season receiving votes in the 2019 NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Postseason Poll. The Warriors had 16 All-KCAC selections, including an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and an NAIA First Team All-American.
In Hansen’s first season at the helm of the Warrior Football Program, Sterling would come up just short in a number of games, finishing with an overall record of 4-6. The Warriors had 13 All-KCAC selections and an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
Prior to becoming the head coach, Hansen has served on the coaching staff as the offensive coordinator for six seasons. Hansen helped lead the Warriors to top three finishes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) during five of those seasons, in which Sterling won the KCAC Championship twice. (2013, 2017). The Warriors have also reached the NAIA Football Championship Series three times with Hansen on staff, making it in 2013 and having back-to-back appearances in 2016 and 2017. While at Sterling, Hansen was named the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year in 2013 and in 2016.
The Warriors continued their strong success in the 2017 season, earning the KCAC Championship and returning to the NAIA-FCS for the second straight time and the third time overall. Hansen led an offense that had six All-KCAC players, including two First-Team All-KCAC selections, the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year, and an AFCA-NAIA Second Team All-American.
After an early loss to begin the year, Sterling would power through the season, winning nine out of the next ten games to end the regular season with an overall record of 9-2 and a conference record of 8-1. The Warriors would fall to eventual national semifinalist Morningside College in the first round, finishing the season with an overall record of 9-3, claiming the second conference title in school history along the way.
In 2016, the Sterling College offense led the KCAC in many categories, breaking numerous conference records throughout the season. The Warriors also ranked nationally in a number of offensive categories, proving to be one of the top offenses in the country, on their way to reaching the NAIA-FCS for the second time in school history. Sterling started the year 2-2, but would win six straight games to earn a second place finish in the KCAC. With a No. 13 ranking, an overall record of 8-2 and a conference record of 7-2, the Warriors would return to the NAIA Football Championship Series.
Sterling would fall to the eventual national runnerup, No. 2 Baker University in the first round, ending the year at 8-3. A number of Warriors were selected to All-KCAC teams, including Cedrick Phillips as the KCAC Player of the Year and TJ Brown as the KCAC Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year. In addition, three Warriors were named AFCA-NAIA All-Americans. (Brown, Phillips, Lars Lind). Sterling’s explosive offense earned Hansen the 2016 KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year, as he helped the Warriors set the tone offensively in the KCAC.
The 2015 season proved to be another test for the Warriors as they finished third in the KCAC. Hansen helped eight players earn all-conference recognition, while continuing to develop a strong core of offensive players on the field. Sterling started the 2015 season
FOOTBALL COACHES
finishing third in the KCAC with a 7-3 overall record and a 7-2 conference record. The Warriors ranked 1st in the KCAC and 8th in the NAIA in rushing offense per game, totaling 2607 yards on the season, good for an average of 260.7 yards per game.
In 2014, the reigning KCAC Champions had another exciting year, as Sterling continued to play at a high level. Hansen helped continue the offensive surge throughout the year, putting together a strong offense that was an important factor for the team. Hansen coached the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year (Antonio Bray) and five all-conference players during the season.
After a disappointing 1-3 start, the Warriors turned it around and finished strong with a four-game winning streak to finish the season tied with Friends University for second place in the KCAC. The Warriors played in close games against tough competition throughout the season, with an average margin of victory around 10 points and an average margin of defeat at around six points, proving the KCAC to be one of the top conferences in the NAIA. At season’s end, the Warriors had a 7-4 record with a 7-2 record in the KCAC.
The 2013 season was a memorable year for both players, fans, and coaches, as Sterling won the KCAC Conference Championship, the first in school history. Sterling’s coaching staff would sweep the coaches awards, including Hansen being named the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year, as the Warriors finished the season 9-3.
Under Hansen, 10 players would receive allconference honors on the offensive end, as Sterling finished with a No. 14 ranking in the NAIA Coaches Poll and participated in the first round of the 2013 NAIA Football Championship Series.
Sterling started the rebuilding process in 2012, after a tough season prior. With a number of close games throughout the season, the Warriors went 3-7 and were able to give valuable experience to many younger players. In Hansen’s first year with the Warrior Football program, four offensive players earned all-conference awards.
Prior to coming to Sterling, Hansen served as the offensive coordinator for Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. for two seasons. Ten players earned All-KCAC recognition during Hansen’s time there.
As a player at Bethel, Hansen was a four-time AllKCAC player and two time First Team All-KCAC player as an offensive lineman. Hansen brings the elite playing background coupled with characteristics of a good Christian leader. While playing at Bethel, Hansen was awarded as the Champions of Character Leader in both 2006 and 2007. He was also a two-time AFCA-NAIA All-American during his time at Bethel.
Hansen is a graduate of Bethel College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Postgraduation, Hansen attended Wichita State University where he completed a Master of Science in Exercise Science. Hansen and his wife, Chelsea, live in Sterling with their dogs, Indy and Shorty.
FOOTBALL COACHES
JOE KENNEY, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR FIFTH SEASON
Joe Kenney is in his fifth year as the Inside Linebacker Coach, the Special teams Coordinator and his first as Defensive Coordinator for the Warriors.
Kenney has helped the Warriors capitalize on special teams over the last two seasons, ranking in numerous statistical categories. He coached three special teams All-KCAC players last season and also coached the 2016 KCAC Special Teams Player of the Year.
Prior to coaching at Sterling, Kenney was the defensive line coach and the special teams coordinator at Trinity International University in 2015. He started there as a graduate assistant in 2011, helping coach the defensive backs and the corners over the years.
Prior to pursuing his Master’s degree and coaching at Trinity, Kenney was an assistant football and track coach for two seasons at his Alma mater, Colorado Springs Christian High School.
As a player, Kenney was a four year starter at middle and outside linebacker at the University of Northern Colorado. In his career, he was involved in FCA, was a two year team captain, and was a two-time All-Big Sky Honorable Mention player.
Kenney graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Exercise Science with a Minor in Coaching. He also completed a Master of Arts in Cultural Engagement from Trinity International University.
Joe and his wife, Wendy, live in Sterling with their son, Samuel, and their daughter, Layla.
Stephen Wilson begins his second season as the Cooffensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator with Warrior Football.
Prior to his new appointment, he spent his first two seasons at Sterling as the wide receiver’s and running back’s coach and the Director of Football Operations.
Wilson coached a number of All-KCAC selections last season, as the Warriors had eight offensive players receive conference honors in 2018. Under the coaching of Wilson in both the 2016 & 2017 seasons, Sterling College finished with a WR being selected the AFCA NAIA Coaches’ AllAmerican Team, the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-KCAC First Team WR selection for the second consecutive season (Darryl Terrell – 2017, TJ Brown – 2016). To help add to the 2017 conference championship offense Wilson also coached sophomore RB, Aaron Chisolm, to a unanimous All-KCAC First Team selection at RB.
Before coaching at Sterling, Wilson was the wide receiver’s coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Olivet Nazarene University. During his time there, he also was the recruiting coordinator for two years and helped coached the outside linebackers as well as the running backs. He started at ONU as a graduate assistant for the Tigers in 2012. Wilson has been a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) since 2012.
As a player, Wilson was a running back at Sterling College from ‘05 to ‘09. During the 2007 season, the team was ranked first in offense in the KCAC, finishing with a 7-2 conference record. Wilson was a KCAC All-Conference Academic Award recipient in 2006 and 2007 and was Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete in 2008.
Stephen and his wife Lindsey have one son, Emerson, and one daughter, Hosanna. They live in Sterling.
FOOTBALL COACHES
Austin Maly is entering his third season as an Assistant Coach for Sterling College and as the Director of Football Operations. He will be coaching the Running Backs and Tight Ends. Last season, Maly coached a First Team All-KCAC running back and a Second Team All-KCAC tight end for the Warriors. He also coordinates all of the Warrior football social media throughout the season
Maly comes to SC from Southern Nazarene University where he was a graduate assistant under former Sterling College Head Coach, Andy Lambert. During his time at SNU, he coached the Crimson Storm Tight Ends and assisted with the Offensive Line. In addition to his on field duties, he was also the Director of Football Operations, Video and Social Media Coordinator. During his time at SNU, Maly coached a three time All-GAC Offensive Lineman and the Crimson Storm’s 2016 season leading receiver.
Before his time at SNU, Maly attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he was a four year starter for the Rangers. He started in 38 games and was a three-year team captain. After completing his eligibility in November 2015, he became a Student Assistant Coach for NWOSU in the spring helping with the Offensive Line. He also assisted in recruiting visits, transcript evaluations, organizing and managing of the equipment room and all NWOSU Football social media accounts.
In May of 2016, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Sports Science Education with a Minor in Sports Psychology in from NWOSU. He recently finished his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration at SNU in May of 2018.
JAKE HOLLAND, ASSISTANT COACH FIFTH SEASON
Jake Holland enters his fifth season as an Assistant Coach for Sterling College, where he coaches the offensive line. He spent his first two seasons with the Warriors as a graduate assistant.
He has coached a number of All-KCAC players during his time at Sterling, including three first-team All-KCAC linemen and one All-American. Last season, Holland had a pair of All-KCAC lineman and he has continued to work at putting together a solid offensive line for SC.
He is a 2016 graduate of Sterling College where he played for the Warriors. Holland was a First Team All-KCAC player as an offensive lineman during his time at SC. Holland finished his Master’s Degree this summer in Health and Human Performance from Pittsburg State University in 2018.
He and his fiancé, Emilie live in Sterling.
FOOTBALL COACHES
JACOB AGUILAR, ASSISTANT COACH SECOND SEASON
Jacob Aguilar enters his first season as an assistant coach for Sterling College, where he will coach the defensive line.
Aguilar attended Houston Baptist for two years and then finished his playing career at Southern Nazarene University, where he was a two year starter on the offensive line for the Crimson Storm.
In his career, Aguilar started for three years and played in 39 games. He earned a degree in mathematics from Southern Nazarene University and will start on his master’s degree in Sports Administration from Southern Nazarene University this fall. Aguilar is originally from Waxahachie, Texas and currently lives in Sterling.
ERIC SAIZ, ASSISTANT COACH SECOND SEASON
Eric Saiz is entering his second season as an assistant coach for Coach Hansen and the Warriors and his third year coaching overall. In 2006, Saiz was the defensive backs coach for the Warriors and for the last two years has been coaching the outside linebackers.
Prior to coaching, he received his undergrad at Sterling College with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries. He then went on to receive his masters degree in Organization Management at the University of Great Falls.
Last season, Saiz coached one 2nd team All-Conference selection and led an outside linebacker core that helped SC garner 37.5 sacks which put them in the top 2 in the nation for total sacks.
Saiz played Safety for the Warriors from 2002-2005. During his time there, Saiz was a three-year starter and was a two time Honorable Mention All-KCAC performer. In his senior year, Saiz led the team in tackles and also received the Warrior Award (MVP) for his performance on the field.
Saiz resides in Sterling along with his four beautiful kids, Jaelynn, Eliana, Amalia, and Micah.
AUSTIN HOLTON, ASSISTANT COACH FIRST SEASON
Austin Holton enters his first season as an assistant coach for Sterling College and will work primarily with the defensive backs along with the special teams. He comes to Sterling from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa.
Holton arrives at SC after spending time as a graduate assistant football coach at his alma mater, Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. At ONU, Holton worked with the cornerbacks, while also serving as the junior varsity defensive coordinator and strength & conditioning assistant.
He was a four-year varsity letter winner in both football and track & field for the Tigers, earning all-conference honors in track & field and ONU’s Who’s Who Award in 2016. Holton graduated from ONU in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in sports, fitness and recreation, and completed his master’s of business administration in January 2019.
He and his wife, Ayssa live in Sterling.
