ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca College head football coach Dan Swanstrom is pleased to announce the first addition to his staff, as Michael Toerper (Ter-per) has been named defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2017 season. Toerper begins his appointment with the program in March.

"Mike is as good as they come as a coach," expressed Swanstrom. "He did an unbelievable job when I worked with him at Johns Hopkins and that continued after I left. Mike brings passion, toughness and energy to everything he does, and is a great addition to Ithaca Football."

A 2008 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Toerper comes to South Hill after a seven-year stint at Johns Hopkins University. While at Hopkins, Toerper spent three seasons (2010-12) as the wide receivers coach, and was elevated to special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach in 2013. He also took over recruiting coordinator duties in 2014. Hopkins was the Centennial Conference championships all seven seasons in which Toerper was part of the staff.

"I am thrilled to join the historic Ithaca Football family," said Toerper. "Coach Swanstrom and Susan Bassett have been outstanding throughout the process, and I'd like to thank them for this opportunity. I can't wait to contribute to the excellent tradition of Ithaca College Athletics."

Under his watch as receivers coach, the Blue Jays averaged 473 yards of total offense per game. Toerper mentored the 2010 Centennial Offensive Player of the Year, Sam Wernick, who caught 69 passes for 1,265 yards and 17 touchdowns that season. He also oversaw the development of Dan Wodicka, who finished his career at Hopkins with 260 receptions for 3,148 yards, which both rank second all-time at the University.

After his move to the other side of the ball, Toerper coached the 2016 Centennial Defensive Player of the Year in Jack Toner, an AFCA First-Team All-American. The Blue Jay pass defense led the Centennial Conference, and ranked within the top 25 nationally in passing defense efficiency since Toerper took over. Nine different defensive backs, as well as a place kicker, were named all-conference under his guidance.

In his first season as recruiting coordinator, Toerper brought in 28 recruits from 12 different states.

Prior to his arrival in Baltimore to work at Hopkins, Toerper spent one season as a defensive assistant at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

As a player for the Division I Pitt Panthers, the York, Pa. native played in 36 games over his final three seasons as a defensive back and special teams contributor. He earned a scholarship with the program after joining the team as a walk-on. 

Toerper inherits a defensive unit that led the Empire 8 Conference in points allowed per game (19.7), ranked second in total defense (328.8 yards per game) and rush defense (106.5 YPG), and was third in pass defense (222.3 YPG).

"I've already had the chance to meet a number of players, and I am looking forward to getting to work with them right away," stated Toerper.

Ithaca, which will compete in the Liberty League next season, opens up its 2017 schedule against Alfred University on September 2 at Butterfield Stadium. The Bombers' Liberty League opener is slated for September 23 versus St. Lawrence University. For a complete 2017 schedule, please follow this link.