WEST CHESTER, Pa. – West Chester University head coach Bill Zwaan announced that two new assistant coaches have been added to the Golden Rams’ football coaching staff for the 2013 season.
Joe Walsh and Pat Spadaro have come on board this fall to help Zwaan and his staff. Both were with the club on a voluntary basis during spring drills and have agreed to continue in their roles for the fall season. Walsh will mentor the defensive line while Spadaro looks after the tight ends and offensive tackles.
Walsh is a familiar name to the West Chester University football faithful and one of the most successful high school head coaches in the area. Walsh is a 1972 graduate of West Chester University and former football player himself. He is also currently serving as a board member with the Killinger Foundation. Walsh coached nearby Henderson High School for 20 years, winning three Ches-Mont League titles in the process. He authored a record of 148-117 during his two decades at Henderson.
“I remember being down here as a player on these same practice fields,” Walsh said. “This is where I got my start, and it’s just great to be back here where it all began.
“It’s a big transition because the players are bigger and faster. There is a lot more terminology that I am learning, and I’m new to all of this. So, we are all learning together. I hope to bring some stability, there has been some turnover at defensive line coach lately, and tenacity.”
Spadaro comes from Eastern Division rival Bloomsburg, where he helped out with the Huskies’ offensive line. Bloomsburg set a conference record for rushing yards by a team last season. Spadaro helped coach the lineman that blocked for Harlon Hill finalist Franklyn Quietah over the past three years.
“I can’t express enough my gratitude for Coach Zwaan in bringing me on, and to the (players) for how they have treated me – especially coming from an Eastern Division rival,” Spadaro said. “They have made me feel like one of the family right away.
“I want to see us be physical, play whistle-to-whistle and be complete tight ends. On first and second down, we want to be able to grind it out with the run game, and on third down, get downfield and catch balls.”
Though each assistant coach had the spring to get acclimated to Coach Zwaan’s style and system, both feel like they are still learning new things about West Chester’s system and how Zwaan wants things done.
“(Coach Zwaan) approaches the game the same way that I do in that football should be fun. The kids respond to that. It is a good motivator.”
Both coaches have been out on the practice field the first week of drills. West Chester opens its 2013 season on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. against University of New Haven inside Farrell Stadium.
This Saturday (Aug. 24) the athletic department will be hosting a “Rally With The Rams” community engagement initiative from 10 am to 1 pm, which will be centered around the football team’s scrimmage between 11 and 1. Athletes from all of the fall programs will be on hand to sign autographs, participate in games with the kids. The University bookstore will be selling merchandise and refreshments will be available. WCHE 1520 AM will also broadcast live from Farrell Stadium between 11-12, talking with athletes and coaches.
