Fort Lewis Names Rivas-Sandoval as Interim Head Coach

Coach Cesar Rivas-Sandoval Named Interim Head Football Coach

by Ben Martinez, Fort Lewis Sports Information Director

DURANGO, Colo. -- Fort Lewis College Athletic Director Kelly Higgins announced the hiring of César Rivas-Sandoval as Interim Head Football Coach for the Skyhawks. Rivas-Sandoval will be replacing Ed Rifilato who resigned after six seasons with FLC. Rifilato left Fort Lewis with a 22-41 overall record and 18-32 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Rivas-Sandoval recently returned to Fort Lewis this past season to help rebuild the program.  He brings 15 years of coaching and playing experience at nearly every level of football, with a strong emphasis on defense and special teams.  He has had the privilege of coaching over 20 RMAC all-conference players, two of which were named RMAC Player of the Year and two that were selected as All-Americans. 

Before returning to Fort Lewis, Rivas-Sandoval was part of the successful program as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at the University of Tennessee-Martin (FCS) where the Skyhawks went 8-4 in the OVC with 2 of those losses being against FBS opponents South Florida and Auburn in 2008.

Rivas-Sandoval had his first opportunity to coach at Fort Lewis during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.  As the defensive coordinator, he helped lead the Skyhawks to their first winning season in over 20 years.  During those seasons FLC had a total of seven All-RMAC defensive players, one of which went on to be awarded the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and selected All-American (Reed Duvall).

"Cesar has proven to me he has all the skills it takes to take this program forward," said Higgins.  "He has excellent leadership skills, a plan, he's sharp, organized, an excellent recruiter, an educator, and is committed to the overall success of the student-athlete both on the field and off at FLC.  I expect he will prove that he can take this opportunity and show me why I'll need to remove the interim title this year and help us take FLC Football to a new level of success."

Fort Lewis President Brad Bartel stated, "I'm impressed with his commitment to the model of student-athlete and the skill set he's bringing to the position.  He will continue to be a great addition to the FLC community and I know he will do well." 

Rivas-Sandoval earned his degree while playing at the University of California Davis (1995-99) and now currently resides in Durango, Colo. with his wife Jennifer and young daughter Elena of 10 months.  He will be the youngest head coach at Fort Lewis College at age 32.

Please contact Sports Information Director Ben Martinez with any questions or comments regarding the hiring of Rivas-Sandoval. You may also go to the FLC Athletic Website (www.goskyhawks.com) for more information.