TONY ROSSO JOINS FERRIS STATE FOOTBALL STAFF

Offensive Assistant Spent Last Two Seasons At Western State (Colorado)

Tony Rosso, who spent the last two seasons (2004-05) at Western State College (Colo.), is the newest addition to the Ferris State University football coaching staff. The announcement was made by 12th-year head coach Jeff Pierce.

Rosso (pronounced Rah-so) will serve as an offensive assistant and coach various units within the Bulldog offense. He will also be involved in the program's fundraising activities, developing an association with Bulldog Football alumni, and coordinating efforts with the Ferris State Gridiron Club.

“We're thrilled to have someone with Tony's experience on our coaching staff,” said Pierce, the school’s all-time winningest coach. “He's a high-energy type of individual who will contribute a lot to our program because of his football knowledge.

Prior his arrival at Ferris State, Rosso has spent the last two seasons (2004-05) at his alma mater Western State College in Gunnison, Colo. He was an assistant and coordinator of football operations on former head coach Jeff Zenisek’s coaching staff.

Prior to his stint with the Mountaineers, Rosso served in an assistant coaching capacity at fellow Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) member Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., for four years (2000-03). He coached with current Ferris State assistant coach Ted Egger at ASC for two seasons (2002-03).

Rosso started his football coaching career at North Denver (Colo.) High School in 1994 before heading back to Western State for one season (1997). He moved on to Bemidji (Minn.) State for the 1998 campaign and then joined the West Texas A&M staff in 1999 for a single season.

As a player, Rosso was an all-conference selection at Western State. He graduated from Arvada (Colo.) High School in 1990. While at Arvada, Rosso competed four years (1987-90) apiece in football, wrestling, and baseball for the Redskins. He also served as class vice-president during his senior year.

Rosso received his bachelor’s degree in recreation from Western State in 1997 and a master’s in sport and exercise science from Adams State in 2001.

A native of Midland, Mich., the 34-year old Rosso is married to Erin and the couple are expecting their first child this September.

The son of Bob and Judy Rosso of Arvada, Colo., Rosso has one sister (Christine). A member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Rosso’s interests include classic cars.