Staff Changes for the Pioneers

Former Pioneer Football assistant coach Ben Cooprider has taken a new position within Grinnell's Athletic Department.  Cooprider will serve as the Coordinator of Athletic Facilities, while continuing to serve as an assistant baseball coach.  With Cooprider's departure the football staff has added one new member and re-organized heading into the upcoming season.

Nick Plato will assume the duty of special teams coordinator, while also coaching the receivers and quarterbacks.  Darien Bell will join Plato on the offensive side of the ball, coaching the running backs.  Head Coach Jeff Pedersen '02 will continue to coach the offensive line and coordinate the offense.

Plato and Bell work some x's and o's

Defensively, Jason Martinez enters his fourth year as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.  Long-time Pioneer head baseball and assistant football coach Tim Hollibaugh will once again coach the defensive line.  New addition to the staff, Tom Brinkman '13 will coach the defensive backs.

Brinkman on the recruiting trail

Nate Smith will continue to serve as a defensive assistant the the kickers coach.

Coach Pedersen is pleased with the staff changes, and optimistic heading into the season.  "Of course it's tough to lose Ben, he's done a great job for us the past four seasons, but baseball is his passion, and this will be a good move for him.  I'm very excited to add Tom to the staff.  He was a great player for us, known for being a technically sound and high effort player.  I believe he'll instill the same characteristics with our guys.  He's a great addition for us."

The Pioneers will host an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, August 31 at 1:00 on Rosenbloom Field.  The home opener is against Beloit Saturday, September 28.