Pethtel comes to North Park from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, part of the State University of New York system, where he was the special team coordinator and defensive assistant. Buffalo is an NCAA Division I-A program.
“We are thrilled to welcome an individual with the breadth of experience, level of achievement, and inspiring priorities embodied in Scott Pethtel,” said North Park athletic director Jack Surridge. “His commitment to building a strong team that competes to win, while also excelling in academic and personal growth, will be an excellent fit for the North Park program.”
North Park Senior Vice President Dan Tepke says former colleagues describe Pethtel as “a people person with a tireless work ethic,” “a man who knows himself and knows football,” and “a coach for whom I would want my son to play.”
In addition to his tenure at Buffalo, Pethtel has coached in various capacities at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; and his alma mater, Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan.
He graduated from Adrian College, where he was captain of the football and wrestling teams and received numerous athletic accolades, including Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year (1975) and two inductions into the Athletic Hall of Fame (1985, 2004). His career highlights include coaching numerous championship teams within the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Mid American Conference (MAC), as well as meaningful work off the field with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and community service programs.
Pethtel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Adrian College, as well as a Master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
“I am thrilled to have been selected to serve North Park University as head football coach,” Pethtel said. “My goal is to build a competitive football program that will reflect the mission of North Park – developing student-athletes academically, emotionally, spiritually, as well as physically.”
To read an interview with the new coach, please see Coach.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
