GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire football team has finalized their 2024 staff under fourth year head coach Aaron Willits.
Dom Parello has been elevated to Offensive Coordinator after serving as Offensive Line Coach for the past two seasons.
"Coach Parello has been right there with me, coordinating practice and game day details," said Willits. "His dedication, willingness to learn and grow within what we do makes this promotion the natural next step."
Jacob Verduin returns to the staff after serving as a student assistant coach last fall. He will move from offense to defense and assist Defensive Coordinator Theo Hopkins with the secondary.
"I am excited to welcome Jacob Verduin back to jump start his college coaching career," added Willits. "His effort over the past year in various capacities was widely recognized. I look forward to the immediate impact of adding a recent Knox College graduate."
Peyton Doughty will continue to coach the wide receivers. Moving into his second season, he will take on additional duties within the program and have a larger impact on the perimeter in both the pass and run game.
"Coach Doughty gets better every day and has been a tremendous asset to our recruiting," Willits went on to say. "I know he will lean into the additional duties with all his attitude and effort."
Recent additions Theo Hopkins, Jawanza Holmes, and Seth Bontrager will lead the defensive side of the ball. Hopkins will serve as Defensive Coordinator, while Holmes will oversee the defensive line and Bontrager will handle linebacker duties. Bontrager's expertise as a certified Strength and Conditioning professional will be instrumental not only in his direct duties but also in collaborating with Head Strength Coach Andy Gibbons to optimize performance across the entire department.
"We have hit the ground running and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with these men to move our program forward," Willits concluded. "The collaborative coaching thus far has been tremendous! As we settle in, I look forward to growing these relationships amongst ourselves, this team, the athletic department and our entire community."
