2012 SD Mines Football Media Guide

Rafael Tolentino Linebackers Coach Phone: (605) 394-2604 Email: Rafael.Tolentino@sdsmt.edu Rafael Tolentino joins the Hardrockers football coaching staff with an extensive and proficient background in coaching and teaching. Tolentino will assist the SD Mines' linebackers in all facets of the position. Tolentino's experience and strengths are in strength and conditioning, getting the most of the players and picking up on offensive tendencies/weaknesses Prior to arriving at the South Dakota Mines, Tolentino was the varsity defensive coordinator, secondary coach and strength and conditioning coach at Lake Howell High School in Seminole, Fla. Tolentino began his coaching and teaching career in 2003 at Glendale Community College, immediately following graduating from Western Oregon University with a Bachelors of Arts degree. While at Glendale, Tolentino won a NJCAA National Championship in 2005. In addition to his BA degree, Tolentino earned his Masters of Liberal Arts degree from Baker University in Overland Park, Kan. Tolentino's development as a person, player and coach was influenced by Coach Collins while at Western Oregon.

"I was fortunate enough to coach him when he was a player at Western Oregon and he will develop our linebackers into great players and mentor them both on and off the field," Collins said. "He relates extremely well to players and will get the most out of their ability."

In addition to Lake Howell and Glendale Community College, Tolentino's coaching and teaching background includes spending time at Mainland High School in 2006, Winter Springs High School in 2007 & 2010, Winter Park High School in 2008 and University High School in 2009.