Issuu

2026 PROGRAM

o p val

VALPO FOOTBALL HISTORY

THE VALPO FOOTBALL PROGRAM BEGAN ITS JOURNEY IN 1919, laying the foundation for more than a century of competition, growth, and pride. Valpo Football has been grounded in tradition and determination from the start and, over the decades, has built a legacy marked by resilience and achievement. One of the program’s brightest moments came in 1950 when Valpo finished the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record and earned its only bowl bid, playing in the Cigar Bowl in Tampa, Florida. That standout team was later inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame, cementing its place in University history. The success continued in the following years, with Valpo capturing three conference titles in four seasons. The program has amassed 11 conference championships across several leagues, including the Western Interstate Conference, the Indiana Intercollegiate Conference, and the Pioneer Football League, which Valpo helped found in 1993. Along the way, Valpo has produced a remarkable roster of standout athletes, including dozens of All-Americans and Hall of Famers. From fierce rivalries on Brown Field to milestone victories that lit up the scoreboard, Valpo Football has consistently shined as a cornerstone of the Valpo Athletics identity. The team celebrated its 100th season in 2019 with a yearlong recognition of its legacy, including the retirement of jersey numbers belonging to NFL champions Garry Puetz ’73 and Fuzzy Thurston ’56. These two football legends radiated excellence beyond Valpo, going on to earn Super Bowl rings and make their mark at the highest level of the sport. Their journeys — grounded in the formative experience of being student-athletes at Valpo — continue to serve as beacons of inspiration for current and future players. Thurston’s story, which began on a basketball scholarship before transitioning to football, and Puetz’s multifaceted career on the gridiron and beyond, reflect the spirit of versatility and perseverance that defines Valpo Football. As the program moves forward, it continues to build on its strong foundation, guided by its past, fueled by its present, and shining brightly toward the future.

HEAD COACH

ANDY WADDLE, M.A. ANDY WADDLE WAS NAMED THE 19TH HEAD COACH OF THE VALPO ATHLETICS FOOTBALL PROGRAM IN DECEMBER 2024, bringing a legacy of transformational leadership and competitive excellence. A two-time Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Coach Waddle is grounded in a commitment to building teams that thrive on discipline, resilience, and purpose. Under his guidance, his most recent team started the season 8-0 for the first time in program history and posted a 13-game winning streak, tied for the longest since 1920. That success propelled the program to national rankings and a postseason bowl appearance, its first in over 50 years. Coach Waddle’s teams have consistently radiated strength on both sides of the field, finishing among the national leaders in total defense, scoring defense, and offensive production. His passion for developing student-athletes has resulted in 22 All-Americans, 19 All-Region performers, and four academic AllAmericans. As a beacon for Valpo Football’s future, Coach Waddle aims to foster a culture where studentathletes are grounded in character, empowered to lead and inspired to shine — on the field, in the classroom, and in life beyond Brown Field.

2026 VALPO FOOTBALL

VALP O FO OTBALL STAFF

JUSTIN SCHIETS, MBA

DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS / DEFENSIVE ENDS COACH

REED FLORENCE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / QUARTERBACKS COACH Reed Florence joined the Valpo Football staff in December 2024 after earning Ohio Athletic Conference Assistant Coach of the Year honors. He led a record-setting offense that averaged over 460 yards per game and helped mentor all-conference performers at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. Coach Florence’s offenses have consistently radiated balance, creativity, and execution.

WESTON BRIDGES RUNNING BACKS COACH

ZACH FELTROP DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / LINEBACKERS COACH Zach Feltrop arrived at Valpo in 2024 following a standout run leading one of the nation’s top-ranked defenses. His units have ranked among national leaders in total defense, third-down defense and turnovers forced. Coach Feltrop has coached multiple Defensive Lineman of the Year honorees and shaped defenses that are grounded in discipline and toughness. His approach reflects Valpo’s vision of building beacons of leadership through sport.

RJ GHIL ARDUCCI ASSISTANT HEAD COACH / SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR / DEFENSIVE LINE COACH RJ Ghilarducci has been a steady presence on Valpo Football’s staff since 2021, pivotal in one of the program’s most successful Pioneer Football League stretches in program history. He has developed all-conference talent across the defensive front while guiding a special teams unit that led the nation in blocked kicks. Coach Ghilarducci’s leadership radiates throughout the program, and he served as interim head coach during the 2024 transition. His efforts continue to shine a spotlight on the strength of Valpo’s Football culture.

TERRY G EIG ER, MBA WIDE RECEIVERS COACH / RECRUITING COORDINATOR Terry Geiger joined Valpo in 2024 after mentoring record-breaking receivers and top offensive playmakers. He helped guide multiple all-conference selections and his work contributed to one of the most productive offenses in program history. Grounded in a commitment to student-athlete growth, Coach Geiger also leads the program’s recruiting efforts. His energy and vision help Valpo radiate opportunity for future Beacons.

P E T E N A N K OFFENSIVE LINE COACH Pete Nank became Valpo’s offensive line coach in 2024 after helping guide one of the highest-scoring offenses in his previous role. His position group produced multiple all-conference honorees while anchoring an offense that broke numerous school records. Coach Nank’s approach is grounded in consistency and player development, building a foundation for long-term success. His leadership in the trenches helps Valpo shine where it matters most — up front.

MICHAEL JOSEPH DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH Michael Joseph, a former NFL defensive back and All-XFL selection, joined Valpo ahead of the 2025 season. A standout small-college player and winner of the Cliff Harris Award, Coach Joseph brings elite playing experience and insight. His coaching is grounded in technique, discipline, and resilience. Coach Joseph’s journey serves as a beacon of what’s possible for Valpo student-athletes aspiring to shine at the next level.

Justin Schiets enters his first season at Valpo in 2026 as director of football operations and defensive ends coach. He joined the Beacons after working in player personnel and recruiting at Western Michigan University and previously taught business and coached varsity football at his alma mater, Toledo Central Catholic High School, helping the program reach the 2025 OHSAA Division III State Championship game. Coach Schiets played six collegiate seasons at Bowling Green State University and Northern Michigan University, recording 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery during his time with the Wildcats. A native of Woodville, Ohio, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University in 2022 and a master of business administration in data analytics from Northern Michigan University in 2024.

Weston Bridges enters his first season at Valpo in 2026 after serving on the coaching staff at the University of Sioux Falls. In 2025, he helped oversee a rushing attack that totaled 2,135 yards and 23 touchdowns while averaging 171.8 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry. Coach Bridges previously competed at Michigan State University, Ashland University, and the University of Central Missouri, gaining experience at both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. A native of Akron, Ohio, he was a standout running back at Copley High School, where he rushed for 3,583 career yards and 60 touchdowns and earned Associated Press Division II All-Ohio First Team honors twice.

LUKE CAMPBELL, M.S., CSCS, SCCC DIRECTOR OF SPORT PERFORMANCE Luke Campbell joined the Valpo Athletics staff in 2023 and serves as director of sport performance for football, cross country, track and field, and bowling. He previously gained Power Five experience with football strength and conditioning programs at Ohio State University and Michigan State University. Campbell was a four-year football letterwinner at Michigan State University, appearing in 43 games and making 26 starts. A five-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and captain of the 2021 Peach Bowl championship team, he earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and master’s degree in sport coaching and leadership.

DAVID BUSCH QUALITY CONTROL – OFFENSIVE LINE David Busch joined the Valpo Football staff prior to the 2025 season and enters his second year with the program in 2026. In his first season, he helped guide a defensive line that produced All-PFL, Academic All-PFL, and weekly conference honors while contributing to one of the strongest tackles-for-loss performances in program history. Busch was a five-year starter and four-time all-conference honoree at Marietta College, where he also earned allregion and All-America recognition. He graduated in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a minor in coaching.

JAELON QUIERO-GORDON QUALITY CONTROL – SAFETIES Jaelon Quiero-Gordon joined the Valpo Football staff prior to the 2026 season in a quality-control role working with the safeties. He previously coached defensive backs at Ohio Dominican University after a five-year playing career at Marietta College, where he played for current Valpo Head Coach Andy Waddle, M.S., from 2020–2024. A four-time all-conference honoree, Coach Quiero-Gordon also earned all-region recognition. He graduated from Marietta College in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism broadcasting and a minor in coaching.

BRAD KOENIG, CSCS SPORTS PERFORMANCE COACH Brad Koenig joined the Valpo Athletics staff in 2026 as a sports performance coach, leading strength and conditioning efforts for volleyball and softball while assisting with football. He previously gained experience as a strength and conditioning intern at Ohio State University, Miami University, and Barwis Sports Performance Training in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Coach Koenig played linebacker at Miami from 2014–2018 and served as a team captain during his final two seasons. He graduated from Miami in December 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management.

CONNOR VIERSTRA TIGHT ENDS COACH

MADISON CUNNINGHAM, L AT, ATC ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER

Connor Vierstra joined the Valpo Football staff prior to the 2025 season and enters his second year with the program in 2026. He previously played for head coach Andy Waddle, M.A., and offensive coordinator Reed Florence at Marietta College, where he became the program’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards, completions, and attempts. A first-team all-conference and third-team all-region selection, Vierstra graduated from Marietta College in December 2024 with majors in sport management and marketing.

Madison Cunningham joined the Valpo Athletics staff in August 2025 as an assistant athletic trainer working primarily with the football and softball programs. She previously served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Marshall University and completed clinical experiences with Shady Side Academy, Duquesne University, and Bethel Park High School. Cunningham earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Duquesne University in 2023 and pursued a master’s degree in biomechanics with an emphasis in sports science at Marshall University.

2026 VALPO FOOTBALL

E VA L P O AT H L

o p l va 2026

S C H E D U L E

LAWRENCE TECH at Murray State Indiana State BUTLER* [HOMECOMING] at Morehead State* DRAKE* at San Diego* PRESBYTERIAN* at Dayton* at Stetson* ST. THOMAS*

BROWN FIELD Murray, Ky. at Terre Haute, Ind. BROWN FIELD Morehead, Ky. BROWN FIELD San Diego BROWN FIELD Dayton, Ohio DeLand, Fla. BROWN FIELD

S R E M A F F O L L HA Millard “Andy” Anderson ’24 Emory Bauer ’34 John Belskis ’79 Bert Bleke ’67 Dan Bogar ’85 Nick Browder ’98 Tom Byrne ’03 Fred Donath ’71 The 1950 Football Team Rob Giancola ’05 Wally Gilbert ’22 Jerry Goeglein ’62 Frank “Moose” Goheen ’20 Mike Healey ’86 Floyd Henderson ’57 Jeff Horton ’08 Willie Karr ’37 Eric Kenesie ’00 John Knight ’62 Scott Lange ’86 Dave Lass ’65 David Macchi ’05 James Malayter ’75, M.D. Paul Naumann ’57 Dave Newnam ’78 Kenneth Olson ’91

Home games in BOLD and played at Brown Field * Pioneer Football League game

TICS

Joe Pahr ’52 Curt Peil ’73 Scott Petcu ’95 Rod Poppe ’55 Garry Puetz ’73 Gerald “Gerry” Raasch ’55

A L LAMERICANS Roy White ’25, 1923 William Karr ’37, 1936 Don Findling ’50, 1947 Joe Pahr ’52, 1950, 1951 Arol Amling ’52, 1951 Bob Grobengeiser ’52, 1951 Gene Holtrey ’52, 1951 Carl Woodward ’52, 1951 Gerald “Gerry” Raasch ’55, 1954 Fred “Fuzzy” Thurston ’56, 1954, 1955 Gordon Helms ’57, 1955 Jerry Goeglein ’62, 1961 Bob Gusse ’62, 1961 John Knight ’62, 1961 Garry Puetz ’73, 1971, 1972 John Belskis ’79, 1976 Ken Karczewski ’80, 1979 Dan Bogar ’85, 1983, 1984 Tony Bauer ’85, 1984 Kevin Mackey ’86, 1984 Mike Healey ’86, 1985 Eric Kenesie ’00, 1998, 1999 Rob Giancola ’05, 2003 Sam Johnson ’24 M.S., 2024

Pete Rucinski ’34 Ken Schreiber ’58 Joe Sever ’60 Dr. Jon Steinbrecher ’83 Dr. William Steinbrecher ’57 Bill Tatman ’40 Fred “Fuzzy” Thurston ’56 Jim Wacker ’87 Ozzie Young ’96

2026 VALPO FOOTBALL

E V R E S O T BUILT VALPO FOOTBALL’S IMPACT REACHES FAR BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD. THROUGH CAMPUS OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT, AND HANDS-ON SERVICE, THE BEACONS USE THEIR PLATFORM TO STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY AROUND THEM.

EXPANDING THE DONOR REGISTRY MORE THAN A MATCH

CAPTAIN MARK JOHNSON ’27 TURNS VALPO FOOTBALL’S COMMITMENT TO SERVICE INTO POTENTIALLY LIFESAVING ACTION. FOR VALPO FOOTBALL, LEADERSHIP IS MEASURED BY MORE THAN WHAT HAPPENS ON BROWN FIELD. IT IS ALSO FOUND IN THE MOMENTS WHEN STUDENT-ATHLETES STEP FORWARD FOR PEOPLE THEY MAY NEVER MEET. Mark Johnson ’27, a captain and safety for the Beacons, joined the blood stem cell donor registry through the football program’s annual campus drive. After being identified as a potential match for a patient in need, Mark completed the next steps in the process and made a donation this summer. A match can offer hope to a patient facing blood cancer or another life-threatening blood disorder. Mark’s willingness to answer that call reflects the character, courage, and sense of responsibility he brings to his team every day. His example also gives special meaning to the program’s annual registry effort. In 2026, the full football team staffed registration tables across campus and helped collect more than 155 cheek

swabs from potential donors. Combined with approximately 200 collected in 2025, the team has helped add more than 350 potential donors to the national registry in just two years. Mark’s service extends throughout the Northwest Indiana community. He has also joined teammates in reading to local elementary school students, demonstrating that leadership can make an impact in moments both large and small. By stepping forward when someone needed a match, Mark showed what it means to represent Valpo Football, Valpo Athletics, and Valparaiso University: compete with purpose, lead with compassion, and use every opportunity to make a difference.

2026 VALPO FOOTBALL

On April 22, 2026, the entire Valpo football team volunteered during its annual blood stem cell donor registry drive. Players staffed tables in the Harre Union, the Arts and Sciences Building, Gellersen Engineering and Mathematics Center, and the Athletics-Recreation Center (ARC), inviting students and employees to complete a simple cheek swab and join the national registry. The 2026 drive collected more than 155 cheek swabs, following approximately 200 collected in 2025. The samples help determine potential donor matches for patients who may need a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION From June 3–5, Valpo Football welcomed more than 60 young athletes in grades 2-8 for its youth camp. Campers developed fundamental football skills while learning teamwork, confidence, sportsmanship, and the value of competing with purpose.

SHOWING UP FOR THE COMMUNIT Y Team members also give their time through Habitat for Humanity projects and visits to local elementary schools, where players read with students and build meaningful connections beyond campus. Together, these efforts reflect a program committed to developing student-athletes who lead through service.

2026 VALPO FOOTBALL

155+

bone marrow cheek swabs collected in 2026

100%

team participation in the bone marrow registry drive

350+

potential bone marrow donors reached over two years

60+

youth camp participants

grades represented at the 2026 camp

INVEST IN VALPO FOOTBALL YOUR SUPPORT STRENGTHENS EVERY PART OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE. Gifts to Valpo Football help provide the resources our student-athletes need to compete, grow, and lead. Your generosity supports areas such as scholarships, recruiting, travel, equipment, training, program operations, and opportunities for personal and academic development. As part of the Valpo Victory Fund, your support helps Valpo Athletics meet the demands of NCAA Division I competition while preparing student-athletes to become champions in competition, in the classroom, and throughout their communities.

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! Scan the QR code or visit giveto.valpo.edu to make a secure gift. When completing the form, select “Football Program” under “Choose a Designation.”

Whether you are honoring a former player, celebrating a favorite Valpo Football memory, or investing in the next generation of Beacons, every gift makes a meaningful difference.

TOGETHER, WE CAN PROVIDE VALPO FOOTBALL AND OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH THE RESOURCES, EXPERIENCES, AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO SHINE!

ABOUT VALPAR AISO UNIVERSIT Y

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY, founded in 1859, is an independent Lutheran institution in Valparaiso, Indiana, just an hour’s drive from Chicago. Valpo offers a comprehensive education in the liberal arts alongside professional and graduate studies, preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership, service, and meaningful work. Across its nearly 300-acre campus, students grow academically, personally, spiritually, and professionally. With diverse programs and students from nearly every state and 30 countries, Valpo is rooted in tradition while reaching toward what comes next. At Valpo, education is about more than earning a degree — it is about building lives for good. Students learn through close relationships with faculty, hands-on experiences, and a community that encourages them to ask important questions, discover their calling, and put their talents into action. They participate in more than 100 clubs and organizations and contribute 100,000 hours of community outreach and service learning each year. This commitment to learning, belonging, and service prepares graduates to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make a lasting impact in their communities and professions.

V I S I T V A L P O AT H L E T I C S . C O M FOR SCHEDULES, SCORES, A N D U P D AT E S

FOLLOW LL

VA L P O F O O T B A

FOLLOW C S

VA L P O ATH L ET #GO VALP O VALP O.EDU