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.
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 All-Americans. As a beacon for Valpo Football’s future, Coach Waddle aims to foster a culture where student-athletes are grounded in character, empowered to lead and inspired to shine — on the field, in the classroom, and in life beyond Brown Field.
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. His leadership has helped student-athletes shine on and off the field, reflecting Valpo’s commitment to excellence.
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 GHILARDUCCI
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.
CONNOR VIERSTRA, Tight Ends Coach
EVAN MATTHES ’24 M.S., Running Backs and Specialists Coach
DAVID BUSCH, Quality Control – Defensive Line
TERRY GEIGER, 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 studentathlete growth, Coach Geiger also leads the program’s recruiting efforts. His energy and vision help Valpo radiate opportunity for future Beacons.
PETE NANK 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.
SARAH HACKER ’22, ’24 M.S., Director of Football Operations
LUKE CAMPBELL, M.S., CSCS, Director of Sport Performance
NICOLE MIODUSKI ’20 M.S., Head Football Athletic Trainer
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
Roy White ’25, 1923
William Karr ’37, 1936
James Malayter ’75, M.D.
Paul Naumann ’57
Dave Newnam ’78
Kenneth Olson ’91
Joe Pahr ’52
Curt Peil ’73
Scott Petcu ’95
Rod Poppe ’55
Garry Puetz ’73
Gerald “Gerry” Raasch ’55
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
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
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY, founded in 1859, is an independent Lutheran institution in Valparaiso, Indiana, just an hour’s drive from Chicago. The University offers a comprehensive education grounded in the liberal arts alongside professional and graduate studies, guiding students toward lifelong personal, spiritual, and professional growth. With a nearly 300-acre campus, Valpo provides a vibrant environment where students can shine academically and socially. The University’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its diverse academic programs and a student body representing nearly every state and nearly 30 countries.
Valpo’s dedication to fostering a community that radiates knowledge and service is evident in its impressive outcomes. The University boasts a high graduate outcomes rate, with alumni excelling in various fields worldwide. Students engage in over 100 clubs and organizations, contributing 100,000 hours of community outreach and service learning annually. This culture of engagement and leadership development positions Valpo as a beacon of opportunity, preparing students to make a bright impact in their communities and professions.
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