Ryan Starace has joined the St. Lawrence University football team's coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach, while Jimmy Cerf and Michael Phelan '15 have earned promotions, head coach Dan Puckhaber announced.

Cerf, who served as the passing game coordinator last year, will act as the offensive coordinator, while Phelan, who served as a graduate assistant last season, is now the special teams coordinator and will also head up the Saints' recruiting efforts.

"Jimmy Cerf and Mike Phelan have proven records as not only great coaches and recruiters, but also as stand-up developers of young men," said Puckhaber. "The high standards that they expect from themselves are passed on to their players. St. Lawrence University and our football program are lucky to have these two outstanding teachers devoted to the success of our school, team, and players."

Last season, Cerf helped lead the Saints' aerial attack to a record-breaking season, with team records in pass completions (271) and passing yards (3,301). Under his leadership, sophomore quarterback Tyler Grochot broke five single-season records, and junior wide receiver Joseph Viscardo broke the program record for touchdown receptions in a season with 14.

Phelan helped St. Lawrence more than doubled its win total from the prior season in his first season on staff last year. As the Saints' safeties coach, he helped lead a defense that saw statistical improvements in points allowed, total yards allowed, and time of possession. The Saints allowed opposing offenses to convert on just 6-of-19 fourth down conversions and the secondary had 14 interceptions, up from nine the previous season.

Starace joins the Saints' staff as the running backs coach. A 2019 graduate of Susquehanna University, he spent last year as a defensive line coach at The College of New Jersey, where he managed all aspects of practice and game-planning for the defensive line group. As a player at Susquehanna, he captained the 2018 team which became the first in program history to win eight games in consecutive seasons, centering an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the Centennial Conference.

"Ryan Starace is a quality young football coach with passion and drive who will be working with our offense," said Puckhaber.

The Saints will open fall practice in small groups this afternoon.