GREENVILLE, Pa. – Thiel College third-year head football coach Sam Bauman recently announced the addition of two assistant coaches, as well as promotions of returning staff members for the 2024 season.
 
New additions to the staff include Michael Ihejeto and alumnus Donny Pattison '23.
 
Ihejeto, who will coach Thiel's linebackers, served as the assistant defensive line coach at Utica University in 2023. Prior to his time with the Utica Pioneers, Ihejeto served as an assistant coach at four different high schools from 2019-22.
 
Ihejeto earned a master's degree in sport management and exercise science from the University of Kansas in 2021. He received his bachelor's degree in communication studies in 2018 from the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a defensive lineman for the Bears.
 
Primarily playing tight end for the Tomcats, Pattison will now coach the program's tight ends. A four-year letterman, he was a team captain throughout his undergraduate career. He most recently served as a strength and conditioning intern at Indiana University (Pa.).
 
An eight-semester Dean's List student, Pattison majored in exercise science while minoring in coaching. A two-time Academic All-District pick, as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), he qualified for the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Academic Honor Roll three times. Pattison was an All-PAC Honorable Mention pick in 2022.
 
Zackery Thrasher enters his second season under Bauman in 2024. Thrasher will coach Thiel's offensive line in 2024 after serving as tight ends coach in 2023. Thrasher earned a bachelor's degree in sports, art and entertainment management from Point Park University. He was an assistant at West Allegheny High School and for the Pittsburgh Passion before arriving at Thiel.
 
Kevin McLane, who is entering his third season as the team's defensive line coach in 2024, will also serve as the team's recruiting coordinator. McLane has coached Thiel defensive linemen Luke Faber (Greenville, Pa./Reynolds) and Chad Morningstar (Saxton, Pa./Tussey Mountain), who are both two-time All-PAC and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections. A 2021 University of Mount Union graduate, McLane was a student assistant defensive line coach for the Purple Raiders.
 
The Tomcats will open their 2024 season Sept. 7 when they host the Carnegie Mellon Tartans at Alumni Stadium. Kickoff for the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game is set for 1 p.m.