Thursday, December 27, 2012

Yoder Accepts HC Job at Shenandoah

Word has been received that Hobart College Football's Defensive Coordinator Scott Yoder (Hobart Class of 2001) has accepted the open Head Coach position at Shenandoah University (Wincester, VA).  The Hornets released former Coach Paul Barnes after a 1-9 season in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).  D3football.com reported Barnes' dismissal and the start of a national search back on November 12th:

http://d3football.com/seasons/2012/contrib/20121112gygcdi

The Statesmen defeated the ODAC Champion Washington & Lee University (8-3), 38-20, in the first round of the 2012 Division III Football Tournament.  Although it has not been formally announced, it appears as though Yoder will assume a top job for the first time in his young, but extremely successful, career.


Yoder has lead the Hobart defense for four seasons and leaves Geneva after 10+ years on the Statesmen coaching staff.  His defensive units have earned several accolades and were ranked as high as second in the nation for total defense in the 2012 season.

Yoder was both a football and lacrosse star as a Statesmen undergrad.  He finished his football career with 108 receptions for 1,361 yards.  As a SR WR he earned first-team accolades from the ECAC and the Liberty League (LL).  Prior to leading the Hobart defense he did stints as a Defensive Backs and Wide Receivers Coach.  Dan Suozzi '05 broke the Statesmen receiving record under Yoder's tutelage.

He faces a tall order getting Shenandoah back on track as the Hornets have had only one winning season (going 6-4 in 2011) in the past eight years. 

I assume Hobart Head Coach Mike Cragg and Athletics Director Mike Hanna '68 will commence a search for Yoder's replacement immediately.  Although this is a big loss to the Statesmen program, it is exciting for Coach Yoder and not a surprise given the success the Statesmen defense has had over the past 5-10 years.

Please join me in wishing Coach Yoder the best in his new endeavor.  He will always be a Statesman and was a big reason in helping lift Hobart's football program to new heights.
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2 comments:

  1. Frank RossiDecember 27, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Great guest on "In the HuddLLe" earlier this season -- he hit me as a players' coach with a good edge. I think he'll do well, as I remember him as being smart as a football player, let alone as a coach. I'll be rooting for him, for sure. Good luck, Coach Yoder!

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    1. smcglynnDecember 30, 2012 at 5:10 AM

      Huge loss for Hobart, but great and deserving opportunity for Scott. We should wish him the best (and push for a home and home - get the kids down to VA every other year).

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