After spending the past five seasons as the offensive coordinator at Alderson Broaddus University, Kirk Campbell has been named the new head football coach for the Battlers. 

 

"Football has always been my greatest passion," said Campbell. "To have the opportunity to lead the AB football program is an honor. I look forward to continually molding young men to have a positive impact in the classroom, in the community, and on the football field."

 

He replaces Dennis Creehan who finished with a 27-17 record as the first head football coach in AB history. During his five years with the Battlers under Creehan, Campbell has also served as the assistant head football coach and the quarterbacks coach. 

 

In 2016, the Battler offense under the direction of Campbell averaged just over 34 points per game during its seven game winning streak to end the season. AB finished 2016 with a 9-2 record which is the most for a single-season during its four years of NCAA competition.

 

"With hard work and discipline comes success," Campbell said. "While we had a great season, there is still a lot of room for improvement. We must continue to take care of the little things and the big things will take care of itself."

 

In the four years of play, Campbell has guided running back Brandon Jones to 4,363 career rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns. Jones finished with over 1,000 yards in 2016 for the third time in his career and had 12 rushing scores. During the past three seasons, the Battlers have a record of 23-10.

 

Prior to joining the AB staff in 2012, Campbell was the wide receivers coach at Tiffin University where he coached two all-conference wide receivers in Obadiah Dykes and Marcus Beaurem. Before coaching the Dragons, he coached two seasons at West Virginia Wesleyan with Creehan and helped the team turn around the program that was 2-9 in 2009 to a team that would finish 9-2 in 2010. 

 

Campbell played for Mercyhurst College from 2004 through 2007 and was a two-year starter at wide receiver for the Lakers. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team in 2007 and graduated with a B.A. in communications in 2008.

 

"I have had the opportunity to play and coach in the GLIAC, where these five schools are joining the G-MAC from," said Campbell. "I know from experience that they are talented and well-disciplined programs. We must strive to outwork them every day to defend our G-MAC Championship."

 

A graduate of West Allegheny High School outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., Campbell was a member of the Pennsylvania State Championship football team as he played wide receiver and was also a safety on defense and was the punt returner. 

 

Campbell's brother Kevin also played at Mercyhurst College while his brother Kellen played for the University of Pittsburgh.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Kirk Campbell courtesy of Alderson Broaddus University.