FLC's Football Coach Returns to NMHU as DC
Familiar Face Returns to NMHU Sidelines
by Gavino Archuleta, NMHU Sports Information Director
LAS VEGAS,
N.M. -- The NMHU Cowboy Football program is pleased to announce the
hiring of former Fort Lewis College Head Coach Ed Rifilato.
Rifilato will serve as the Cowboys Defensive Coordinator. Rifilato
is no stranger to Cowboy Football as this will be his second stint
with the Cowboy program. Rifilato served as head coach of the
Cowboys in the 1999 season. Rifilato was the last coach to lead the
Cowboys to the RMAC Championship as well as the last NMHU head
coach to be named RMAC Coach of the Year.
Prior to NMHU, Rifilato served as the Head Coach at Fort Lewis
College from 2004-2009. During his time at Fort Lewis College,
Rifilato led the Skyhawks to many milestones. The Skyhawks posted
the best ever win/loss record in the school’s history (7-4)
in the 2006 season under Rifilato. The 2006 Skyhawks earned post
season honors and were crowned Dixie Bowl Champions as they
defeated the Rebels of Dixie State College 24-14. Rifilato was also
named the Colorado National Football Foundation Coach of the Year
in 2005 and 2006 for his achievements at Fort Lewis College.
“Coach Rif (Rifilato) is a great coach. I had the pleasure of
coaching with him during the 1999 season here at NMHU and I now
have the pleasure of coaching with him again. He is a huge hire for
our program and will help us take that next step towards an RMAC
championship. He has a wealth of knowledge about the RMAC and will
bring some experience to our staff. I am honored to have a coach of
Rif’s caliber on my staff” said NMHU Head Coach Chad
Roanhaus of his newest hire.
Rifilato brings a great football background to the Cowboys coaching
staff. With stints at NCAA DI institutions such as the University
of Idaho and the University of Louisville as well as his extensive
RMAC and NCAA DII experience Rifilato should bring a wealth of
knowledge to the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys.
“I am very happy to be back in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has
always had a special place in my heart, I get a ‘warm
feeling’ inside of me every time I come back. I love this
community and NMHU I have great memories of my time here before and
look forward to making new ones with Chad (Roanhaus) and his staff.
I have a great deal of respect for Chad (Roanhaus) and am honored
to be a part of something special here at NMHU. I’m excited
with what I see here and am happy to be back coaching
defense” said Coach Ed Rifilato of his new position as
Defensive Coordinator at NMHU.
