GREENVILLE, Pa. – Thiel College head football coach Mike Winslow recently announced staff promotions and new hires in preparation for the 2021 season.
Rob Trudo will serve as the team's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach this season. In his third year at Thiel, Trudo was the team's defensive line coach in 2019. He brings a wealth of experience to the team's offense. Trudo was the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Farrell High School from 2016-18, helping the Steelers win the PIAA Class 1A title in 2018. Trudo earned four letters as an offensive lineman at Syracuse University. He started 44 games with the Orange, who won two bowl games during his career.
"Coach Trudo has a tremendous love and passion for the game of football," said Winslow. "I have no doubt he will excel as offensive coordinator."
Andrew Geisler is also adding a new title. The Tomcats' defensive backs coach since 2019, he will also be the team's co-defensive coordinator this year. Geisler previously coached at Cornell University and California University (Pa.). Geisler played football at Saint Vincent College. He was a captain in 2015 and the team's defensive player of the year in 2014.
"Coach Geisler has been with me since I started at Thiel in 2019," Winslow said. "Through a relentless work ethic and dedication to our student-athletes, he will continue to serve our players in a new role."
Jim Cessna, who returned to Winslow's staff this spring, will coach Thiel's defensive line while also serving as the recruiting coordinator. Cessna was an assistant coach at West Middlesex High School the last two years and helped the Big Reds twice reach the District 10 semifinals.
Christian Pawola Jr., Austin Moore and Caleb Koval were added to Winslow's staff.
Pawola, who will coach the team's linebackers, served as a defensive student assistant at the University of Minnesota for two seasons under the guidance of defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. An Allegheny College alumnus, Rossi was Thiel's defensive coordinator from 2003-06.
Moore will coach Thiel's tight ends. Before arriving at Thiel, Moore was a front office and basketball operations intern with the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and a guest relations staffer with the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
Koval will coach Thiel's wide receivers. Koval played quarterback at Widener University, where he also got his start in coaching as the team's offensive quality control and assistant quarterbacks coach during the 2019 season.
"Our coaching staff will provide great mentorship and leadership to help our student-athletes reach their full potential," said Winslow. "I'm honored to serve this hard-working, dedicated and loyal staff this upcoming season."
The Tomcats will open the 2021 season Saturday, Sept. 4 when they take on the Allegheny Gators on the road. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
