- Men's Sports
Coaches
Head Coach
David Taynor
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Office Phone: (937) 484-1292
David Taynor, a 1999 graduate of Urbana University, was named Head Football Coach on April 24, 2008. He became the ninth head football coach at Urbana University.
The odds were stacked against Taynor in his first season at the helm of his alma mater. After a brief recruiting period, Taynor's new team tackled the program's first taste of NCAA D-II football. The Blue Knights won their home opener, a 28-19 victory over W.V. Tech, but finished the season with 9 straight defeats including 5 losses to ranked opponents and 2 in overtime.
The Blue Knights regrouped in 2009. With a full season of experience and recruiting under their belt, Taynor's coaching staff propelled Urbana to a 6-5 finish in his second season. The highlight of the year came in the third week as Taynor's Blue Knights knocked off NCAA D-I (FCS) Dayton by a score of 13-10 in Welcome Stadium. The victory was the program's first against a Division I opponent, and it helped the team tie the school record for wins in a season. The 5-win improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 also tied the school mark for the biggest turnaround in a single season. Taynor was a senior center and captain on the last team to achieve such a turnaround.
"Coach Taynor was the player's choice from the moment they met him. His background as an outstanding student-athlete at Urbana University made him the ideal fit for our program," said Urbana University Director of Athletics Doug Young. "Dave knows what it takes to be successful at the NCAA Division II level. We will all benefit from his experiences with the great programs that he has been a part of in the past."
Taynor was a 1st Team All-Mid-States Football Association offensive lineman for the Blue Knights, and he also earned NAIA All-American honors in 1998. As team captain his senior year, Taynor was named an NAIA Scholar Athlete, in addition to being a 2-time All-MSFA Scholar Athlete.
"I'm extremely excited about becoming a head football coach, but more importantly, becoming a head football coach here," said Taynor. "This is where I played college football. This University has done a lot for me and my career. For me to be able to come back and be a part of an exciting time of transition to NCAA D II and be a leader here is something very special to me."
He comes back to his roots after being mentored by some college coaching greats, and developing a strong and diverse knowledge of the game of football and the necessary leadership experience to effectively mentor student athletes and a successful football program.
"Football has always been a passion of mine," said Taynor. "Without college football, my coaches and teammates, I would not have had the structure. That is why I got into coaching. This is what I want to do. The development of young men is my goal. We want them to be proud of what they've accomplished, where they've been and where they're going."
Taynor returns to Urbana from Tiffin University where he was the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for two seasons from 2006-2008. He also served as an academic advisor for the Dragons' football program. During his tenure as offensive coordinator, Tiffin University established itself as a multiple, balanced and record-setting unit. Over two seasons the Dragons accumulated a 19-3 record and won the Great Lakes Football Conference championship in 2007. During that 2007 season the Tiffin offense broke 18 team or individual university records.
He was named offensive line coach at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2004 and promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005, where he worked along side Head Coach John Miech. As an assistant football coach at UW-Stevens Point, Taynor coordinated the defense which produced four all-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference players and a first team all-Region defensive end in 2005. In 2004, his UW-Stevens Point line propelled the offense to a top two finish in the WIAC in total offense, scoring and passing efficiency. He coached two first team all-conference linemen and a second team all-American tight end.
Taynor's first full-time college coaching job was as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. from 2001-2004 with head coach Chris Tabor, who is now a special teams assistant coach with the Chicago Bears. Taynor's offense finished third in the nation (NAIA) in total offense and second in passing offense, while breaking 35 individual or team records for offensive proficiency during the 2002 season. He also served as the team's NFL liaison.
"At Culver Stockton in my first season, we recruited 64 players and had the first winning season the school had in 15 years. You can have a very positive immediate impact on a program."
Taynor got his collegiate coaching start as an assistant coach for the Blue Knights as soon as his playing career was completed. He then moved on to the University of Louisville as a graduate assistant (1999-2001), working for Coach John L. Smith. At Louisville, the Cardinals were crowned Conference USA champions, and Taynor coached in the 1999 Humanitarian Bowl and 2000 Liberty Bowl. He also had the opportunity to assist in the strength training of four NFL draft picks and 14 student-athletes who were invited to NFL camps.
"I got a chance to learn from John L. Smith, a coach that has turned around programs and knows how to motivate young men," said Taynor. "It was a great experience."
Taynor is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has eleven years of experience as a head or assistant strength coach.
He received his master's degree in higher education at the University of Louisville in 2000 and his bachelor's degree in sports science from Urbana University in 1999.
David and his wife, Heather (Rose) Taynor, a 1998 Urbana University graduate and three-year letter winner for the Blue Knight softball team, currently reside in Findlay, Ohio.
Assistant Head Coach
Defensive Coordinator
Recruiting Coordinator
David Barr
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Office Phone: (937) 652-6815
David Barr was named the Blue Knights' Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator in May of 2008.
Barr, who also serves as the Blue Knights' Recruiting Coordinator, works specifically with the Blue Knight secondary in addition to coordinating the defense.
Says Head Coach David Taynor, "I have had the opportunity to work with Coach Barr for each of the past four years and I am confident that, as our Defensive Coordinator, he will provide our program with the knowledge and leadership of a proven winner."
"Dave Barr is extremely diligent, conscientious, and motivated as a coach and as a recruiter," added Taynor.
Barr came to Urbana after three seasons at NCAA D-II Tiffin University, where he served as the Dragons' safeties/outside linebackers coach, in addition to performing his duties as recruiting coordinator, Dragon Football Association president and team chaplain.
"My three years at Tiffin really prepared me for this opportunity at Urbana," said Barr. "Understanding NCAA D-II recruiting rules will be a huge advantage and having familiarity of some of our future opponents will also prove to be helpful."
Before his stint at Tiffin, Barr spent three seasons as the linebackers coach at his alma mater, Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. While at Albright, he also served as the Lions' video coordinator and assistant strength and conditioning coach. Barr's first collegiate coaching opportunity came at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachussets. He was the defensive backs coach and video coordinator for the Crusaders for two seasons.
Before coaching, Barr enjoyed a successful playing career at Albright College. He was a senior captain and an all-MAC linebacker for the Lions. He graduated from Albright in May of 2002 with a bachelor of science in business management. He earned his MBA from Tiffin in 2006.
Barr is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He is the son of Donna and Dave Barr of Havertown, Pennsylvania.
Offensive Coordinator
Wide Receivers Coach
Quarterbacks Coach
Matthew Handzo
E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Office Phone: (937) 484-1259
Matthew Handzo was named the Blue Knights' Offensive Coordinator in May of 2008. In addition to serving as offensive coordinator for the Blue Knights, Handzo works specifically with the wide receivers and quarterbacks.
"Matt Handzo is a knowledgeable, innovative and skilled coach in the classroom and on the field," said Head Coach David Taynor. "I have had the pleasure to work with Matt for the past four years and he has demonstrated a strong ability to teach the game on the offensive perimeter. His energy and teaching ability will allow him to succeed at Urbana University."
Handzo, a native of Clinton Township, Michigan, was the wide receivers coach at NCAA D-II Tiffin University for two seasons. During his tenure, Tiffin had the most wins in school history with 10 in 2006. The Dragons finished the season ranked 17th in the nation. The following season, Handzo coached two wide receivers to All-Great Lakes Football Conference accolades. The Dragons, which averaged 49 points per conference game, broke 18 offensive school records on their way to earning the 2007 GLFC crown. During his time at Tiffin, Handzo also served as the director of operations and video coordinator for the football program.
"I am excited about the opportunity to have greater responsibility and ownership of the product we put on the field on Saturdays," said Handzo. "I am enthusiastic about putting an electrifying offense on the field, week in and week out."
"I am a high-energy coach," Handzo elaborates. "We'll have a lot of fun, but at the same time, I am very demanding about having things done right. I place high expectations on my players and even higher expectations on myself."
Prior to his stint at Tiffin, Handzo coached the wide receivers and running backs at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He was also on the football staff at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee during the 2005 season. There, he coached the wide receivers and running backs, in addition to serving as the assistant academic coordinator. Handzo coached the PFL Freshman of the Year and all-conference running back. He also mentored an all-PFL selection at wide receiver.
Handzo got his collegiate coaching start at Kalamazoo College (Mich.) in 2003 as the running backs coach for the Hornets. He coached an all-MIAA selection and the school's all-time leading rusher. He also coached at Traverse City Central High School, serving as the offensive coordinator, as well as, wide receivers and quarterbacks coach.
During his collegiate playing career, Handzo was a four-year letter winner and first team all-MIAA wide receiver for Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He led Hope to two MIAA championships ('97 and '99) during his tenure, in which he started every game in his career. Handzo is the only player to accomplish that feat in the history of the Hope College football program.
Handzo graduated from Hope College in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in communications. He earned his master's degree in sports administration from Austin Peay State University in 2005. He was inducted into the Detroit Catholic League Coaches Hall of Fame and was named Athlete of the Year in 2000. He is the son of Richard and Judy Handzo of Davisburg, Michigan. He also has a brother, Derek.
Linebackers Coach
Special Teams Coordinator
John Shingler
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Office Phone: (937) 652-6803
John Shingler was named to the Urbana University Football Coaching Staff in June of 2009. In his first season, Shingler coached the Blue Knights' linebackers, taking over for Coach Jeff Smith who shifted to Defensive Line Coach.
The Harrisonburg, Virginia native joins Blue Knight staff after serving as a defensive graduate assistant with the University of Georgia Bulldogs for two seasons. Shingler assisted under Head Coach Mark Richt at Georgia. During Shingler's tenure at the SEC powerhouse, the Bulldogs won the 2008 Sugar Bowl and the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Georgia's Matthew Stafford was the number 1 overall draft pick by the Detroit Lions this past spring.
Prior to his coaching stint at Georgia, Shingler served as the assistant linebackers coach and Director of Football Operations at Georgia Southern in 2006. Shingler's coaching career also includes a stint as a defensive assistant and video coordinator at Middle Tennessee State University in 2005. This season will be his 5th season as a collegiate football coach.
As a player, Shingler was a member of three bowl teams at the University of Notre Dame. He played quarterback, fullback and tight end as a walk-on from 1995-2000.
After earning a degree in chemistry from Notre Dame, Shingler served in the United States Navy from 2000-2005, earning the rank of Lieutenant. For two years, his military education included nuclear power training in Charleston, S.C., and Ballston Spa, N.Y.
John is married to Marita (Keane) Shingler of Western Springs, Illinois.
Defensive Line Coach
Academic Coordinator
Jeff Smith
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Office Phone: (937) 484-1361
Jeff Smith, a native of Dayton, is in his 10th season as a member of the Blue Knight football coaching staff. Smith will once again work with the defensive line in 2010 after serving as the linebackers coach for the 2008 season.
Smith also has experience coaching the offensive line ('01-'02, '07), and he served as the defensive line coach ('03-'06) for five seasons.
In 2007, Smith coordinated the Blue Knights rushing attack, which enjoyed the most successful season in the school's history. Smith's running game featured Kirk Hannah, a VSN and Don Hansen National Gazette All-American and the only RB in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Hannah set school records for rushing yards in a game (224 vs. Marian), rushing yards in a season (1,112), and rushing TDs in a season (10).
In 2005, Smith helped lead a Blue Knight defense that was second best in the nation in stopping the run. Urbana allowed just 91.6 yards rushing per game. He coached three players to All-American status, including former Detroit Lion Marcus Lewis. During the 2004 season he had the privilege to coach three MSFA All-Conference award winners, including NAIA 1st Team All-American Vince Scalmato, a Draddy Award semifinalist in 2005. In 2003, he was honored with a nomination for the Mid-States Football Association Assistant Coach of the Year Award.
Coach Smith has worked several camps, including the New England Patriots NFL Camp. Prior to coming to Urbana, Coach Smith served as an assistant coach at Beavercreek High School where he worked with the wide receivers, offensive line, and defensive backs during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. Smith played his high school football for Coach Bill Pawloski at Camden Central High School in Camden, New York. He was a team captain and a two-year letter winner at inside linebacker earning all-league honors both years. He also served as a manager in the private sector for seven years (93-99) prior to starting his career in coaching.
Jeff resides in Urbana with his wife Lucy and his seven children.
Defensive Backs Coach
Rod Wilson
Rod Wilson (Urbana, '99) enters his third season with the Blue Knight football coaching staff. Wilson will once again serve as the defensive backs coach for Urbana after coaching the tight ends in his first season in 2008.
Wilson was a standout athlete for the Blue Knight football team from 1996-1999, earning all conference nods in '96 as a wide receiver and in '97 and '98 as a defensive back. In '98, he was selected as a co-captain of the Blue Knights along with Head Coach David Taynor. Wilson's playing career came to an abrupt end during the '99 season when he suffered a career-ending injury.
Wilson graduated from River View High School in Warsaw, Ohio in 1994, where he earned varsity letters in football and track. In 1999, Wilson earned a bachelor of science degree in sports science from Urbana University. Wilson works in law enforcement and resides in Urbana with his wife, Alisa (Patrick) Wilson, (Urbana, '00), son Riley (7) and daughters Reyse (4) and Raygen (2).
Tight Ends Coach
Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Graduate Assistant
Office Phone: (937) 652-6804
Tobias Tuomi
Tobias Tuomi enters his second year with the Blue Knight coaching staff. The Dearborn, Michigan native will again coach the tight ends and serve as assistant offensive line coach. Tuomi will also act as the video coordinator for the offense.
Tuomi came to Urbana from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa where he coached the defensive line in 2008. Tuomi graduated from Defiance College with a degree in Marketing in the spring of 2008. Prior to attending Defiance, Tuomi attended Alma College where he began his collegiate playing career. Tuomi played football and basketball for both schools. He was a 2-year starter in football for Defiance.
Before college, Tuomi attended Dearborn Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Michigan where he excelled at both football and basketball. While at Urbana University, he is working on attaining his master's degree. Tuomi is the son of Mary Warsop and Neil Tuomi.
Outside Linebackers Coach
Graduate Assistant
Office Phone: (937) 652-6804
Jerrod Slater
Jerrod Slater joined the Blue Knight Coaching Staff in the winter of 2009 immediately following his playing career at Urbana University. During the 2010 season, Slater will coach the outside linebackers, a position he is very familiar with in the program.
Slater spent the past 5 seasons in a Blue Knight uniform roaming the defensive backfield. During his 5 years at Urbana, Slater was a member of the 3 most successful teams in school history, winning 6 games each in 2005, 2007 and as a senior captain in 2009. Slater increased tackle total each season, finishing with a career-high 50 last season. Bouncing back and forth from linebacker and defensive back, Slater also tallied 6 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 5 pass break-ups, 5 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. The 4-year letterwinner finished with 145 career tackles in 36 career games as a Blue Knight. Slater also got it done in the classroom at UU, majoring in Recreation while being named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll on more than one occasion.
Slater played his high school ball at Marion Harding High School, where he was named 1st Team All-GBC and 1st Team All-Northwest District. He is the son of James and Jo Slater.
Student Assistant
Ian Iler
Student Assistant
Murl Johnson
Student Assistant
Nigel Smith
Student Assistant
Maurice Wright