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Football
URI Football Announces Three Coaching Additions, Spring Football Schedule
March 28, 2008
KINGSTON, R.I. - University of Rhode Island head football coach Darren Rizzi announced today the addition of three members to his coaching staff. The list includes former University of Delaware assistant Rob Neviaser, former Southern Connecticut State and University of Buffalo assistant Roy Istvan, and former Worcester Polytechnic Institute defensive coach Chris Zona. Additionally, the Rams will begin spring practice this Saturday, March 29 and will host their annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 26. In their new roles, Neviaser will coach the defensive line, Istvan will take over offensive line coaching duties, and Zona will serve as Director of Player Development/Asst. Video Coordinator. "These three additions to our staff round out what I feel is a championship-caliber staff and one of the best at this level in the country," said Rizzi. Neviaser spent four seasons with the University of Delaware (2002-06), helping the Blue Hens to a combined record of 41-22. During his tenure, UD captured two Atlantic 10 conference titles (2003, 2004) and twice qualified for the NCAA I-AA playoffs, winning the national championship in 2003. That season, the Blue Hens posted 41 sacks and 116 tackles for loss, led by All-America defensive end and Oakland Raiders draft choice Shawn Johnson. Delaware also led the A-10 in both rush defense (111.4) and scoring defense (15.4 ppg) in 2003 and went on to post the first shutout in I-AA championship game history, blanking Colgate 40-0. Neviaser spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Yale University before heading south to Newark. Istvan spent five seasons as the University of Buffalo as offensive line and offensive coordinator coach. Under his guidance, the Bulls established school-bests in the MAC in rushing touchdowns (2004) and both fewest sacks and completion percentage (2005). Prior to his arrival at Buffalo, Istvan spent 11 seasons (1990-2000) at Southern Connecticut State University, starting off as a graduate assistant working with the wide receivers and tight ends before ultimately being promoted to offensive coordinator in 1996.
Zona, meanwhile, spent the 2007 season working with the defensive line with a focus on the defensive tackles at WPI. As a player, Zona was a member of back-to-back conference champions and NCAA playoff participants at Union. He earned all-league accolades during each of his four seasons. He graduated with degrees in political science and history. With regards to spring practice, the Rams will hold 14 practice sessions leading up to the Spring Game at 1 p.m. on April 26. Practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will run from approximately 4-6 p.m. (subject to change) while Saturday's practice times will vary. "The coaches and student-athletes are very excited to get out on the practice field after a very successful eight-week training session," said Rizzi. "Personally, I can't wait to begin my first practice as head coach of the University of Rhode Island." All practices are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend. Please visit GoRhody.com for news, recaps, interviews, and photos from spring ball. 2008 Spring Practice Schedule: Saturday, March 29; Sunday, March 30; Monday, March 31; Wednesday, April 2; Friday, April 4; Saturday, April 5; Monday, April 7; Wednesday, April 9; Friday, April 11; Saturday, April 12; Monday, April 14; Wednesday, April 16; Saturday, April 19; Wednesday, April 23; Spring Game: Saturday, April 26. |
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