New Leader of Kingsmen Football Named

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.