Eastern Kentucky University’s new football coach is expressing appreciation for what he calls a ‘storied program.’ Former University of Tennessee tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Mark Elder was introduced Thursday afternoon on the Richmond campus. “I am humbled to walk the same path as some unbelievable coaches that have been here at Eastern Kentucky before,” said Elder.
Elder cited hall of fame coach Roy Kidd and Dean Hood in his remarks. EKU Athletics Director Steve Lochmueller says Elder met all three of his top qualities in a new coach: character, good recruiting, and competitiveness.
Elder says his focus on players will center on broad based comprehensive excellence. “We’re going to develop our student athletes athletically, academically, and socially,” added Elder.
Elder urged fans to come out and fill up the EKU football stadium. He said his players will be involved in the community and he would like to see the community involved with his team. The new coach says his past coaching experience at FBS schools will be helpful as Eastern works to move up to a higher division.?
