New Leader of Kingsmen Football Named: Ben McEnroe returns to his alma mater
New Leader of Kingsmen Football Named
Ben McEnroe returns to his alma mater
April 10, 2007
Courtsey Cal Lutheran Sports Information
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (April 10, 2007) - Ben McEnroe has been
selected as the fourth head football coach in the history of
California Lutheran University, Dan Kuntz, CLU Athletics Director
announced today.
McEnroe, a 1993 graduate of CLU, returns to his alma mater after a
successful stint at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in
West Hills, where he built a successful football program. He
brings to CLU more than 10 years of coaching experience.
"I believe Ben has had lofty goals for the program since he was a
player and then as an assistant coach," said Kuntz. "Now he can
fulfill those goals as he leads the Kingsmen for many successful
seasons."
In his four years as coach of the Eagles, Chaminade compiled a
32-16 record with four consecutive CIF playoff appearances and a
Top-10 ranking each year. Most recently, McEnroe's squad won the
Mission League Championship and advanced to the CIF semifinals
after being ranked #3 in their division.
A former assistant coach at CLU in the 1990s, McEnroe believes the
transition back to college football will be an easy one. "The
majority of my coaching experience has been at the collegiate
level, and I understand the coaching profession," said McEnroe,
36.
Prior to serving as head coach at Chaminade, McEnroe spent four
years at Humboldt State University as the Offensive Line Coach and
Recruiting Coordinator.
As a member of the Kingsmen football team, McEnroe was selected to
the First Team All-SCIAC in 1992 as the Kingsmen center and team
captain. In 1993 he joined the coaching staff where he served as
the assistant Offensive Line coach under his predecessor, Scott
Squires.
McEnroe replaces Squires who after 11 seasons at the helm announced
his resignation in January to accept a position as special teams
coach for the Edmonton Eskimos.
McEnroe credits Squires with getting him interested in coaching.
"Scott's commitment and excitement about the game have become a
part of my own coaching philosophy," said McEnroe.
McEnroe said he has a special appreciation for the history and
tradition of CLU football. The first alumnus to serve as head coach
of the Kingsmen squad, McEnroe said he is honored to follow in the
footsteps of former head football coach Joe Harper and Squires.
"I am pleased that Ben has been selected as the new head football
coach, especially at this exciting time in the history of CLU
sports," said Chris Kimball, Ph.D., Provost at CLU. "His team
leadership experience and his understanding of CLU's academic
mission will be an asset to our football program and the Athletics
Department," added Kimball.
Cal Lutheran's football program compiled a 20-7 record over the
last two seasons, including an 11-game winning streak from
2005-2006.
McEnroe credits Squires for setting the stage for a very successful
football program. "I am inheriting a group of student-athletes who
are focused on winning and want to take the program to the next
level," said McEnroe, who is eager to begin coaching in time for
the spring workouts.
Offensive Coordinator Clay Richardson will continue to serve as an
assistant coach. However, McEnroe must fill the Defensive
Coordinator position.
Kuntz said he is confident that McEnroe will make a seamless
transition into the program and that his impact will be felt in a
very positive way.
"He has succeeded not only on the field but also as an
administrator who oversaw the development of new facilities at
Chaminade," said Kuntz.
McEnroe earned his bachelor's degree in history and also completed
his master's degree in education at CLU. A current resident of
Saugus, McEnroe and his wife, Kami, have three children.
