Ben Martinez
Sports Information Director
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-7441 (970) 247-7441 (phone) u (970) 247-7655 (fax)
News Release
TO: Local, State and Regional Sports Media
FROM: Ben Martinez, Sports Information Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
-- Coach Rifilato Resigns After Six Seasons --
DURANGO, CO – January 7th, 2010, Coach Ed Rifilato has recently decided to step down and resign as the Fort Lewis College Football Coach after six seasons. The resignation comes on the heels of back to back two win seasons. Rifilato has also recently taken the Defensive Coordinator position at fellow RMAC School, New Mexico Highlands University where Rifilato was their head coach prior to coming to Fort Lewis.
Coach Rif as he was better known leaves Fort Lewis with an overall record of 22-41, a RMAC record of 18-32, two RMAC Coach of the Year honors and a Dixie State Rotary Bowl Trophy. In Rifilato's second and third seasons' he would record the most wins since the 1984 FLC Football team with six and seven wins respectively and a 2nd place RMAC finish..
President Bartel said, “We are saddened to see Coach Rif leave as he has brought so much to this program.” From Athletic Director Kelly Higgins, “I know this was a difficult personal decision on Rif's part and I wish him well in the future. He cares a great deal for the young men under his charge and I know he'll do well wherever he is coaching. We are currently engaged in the replacement process now and I hope to have an announcement soon.”
“I'd just like to thank Fort Lewis College, Durango and Bayfield for all their support and for making me a part of their communities. I'll be forever grateful for this opportunity and experience at Fort Lewis.”
The Fort Lewis College Athletic Department is in the process of finding a replacement and will have an announcement soon.
Please contact Sports Information Director Ben Martinez with any questions, concerns or comments. You may also go to the FLC Athletic Website (www.goskyhawks.com) for more information.
Thank you,
Ben Martinez
Fort Lewis College Athletics
1000 Rim Dr
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-7441 Office
970-749-6523 Mobile
martinez_b@fortlewis.edu
