Taynor to Lead LHU Football
LOCK HAVEN – Dave Taynor has been named the new head football coach at Lock Haven University.
Taynor, a 1999 graduate of Urbana University, has spent the last seven seasons as head coach at his alma mater in Urbana, Ohio.
After taking over Urbana’s program in April 2008, Taynor has led the Blue Knights to unprecedented success, both on the field and off. He was instrumental in leading Urbana from NAIA to NCAA Division II play during his tenure.
“I want to thank LHU for the opportunity to lead the football program into the future,” said Taynor. “It’s evident that the vision, leadership, support and pride from the university, alumni and local community are here. A strong foundation has been laid and I’m ready to move it forward.”
Under Taynor’s guidance, Urbana enjoyed the five most successful seasons in school history from 2009 to 2013, and he’s the winningest football coach the school has seen.
This past season, he guided a pair of Blue Knights to All-Regions honors and one player to All-American status. Under Taynor’s leadership, D.J. Mendenhall was named the 2013 Mountain East Conference (MEC) player of the year and Mendenall was a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given annually to the best player in Division II football.
Taynor’s 2013 Urbana squad finished 7-4 overall and second in the MEC. That year, the team led the league in total offense, passing offense and offensive touchdowns. In 2010 and 2011, Taynor led Urbana to back-to-back championships seasons, as the Blue Knights won the Great Lakes Football Conference (GLFC) in each of those seasons. From 2010-2014, Taynor guided 66 players to All-Conference honors.
A strong offensive mind, Taynor’s teams broke over 50 team offensive records from 2008-14.
LHU Director of Athletics, Mark Sherbune is also looking forward to the future of LHU football with Taynor as the new head coach.
“Dave’s coaching background speaks for itself,” said Sherburne. “His vision, plan and confidence strengthen my belief that he can build a winning and championship culture at LHU.”
Prior to Urbana, Taynor served assistant coaching stints at Tiffin (2006-08, offensive coordinator/offensive line), Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2004-06, defensive coordinator/offensive line), Culver-Stockton (2001-04, offensive coordinator/offensive line/tight ends), Louisville (1999-2001, graduate assistant) and Urbana (1999, student-assistant, offensive line/head strength coach).
Taynor is also a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science from Urbana in 1999 and went on earn a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Louisville in 2000.
Rodney Jenkins, LHU Vice President of University Relations also commented on Taynor’s hire.
“We were fortunate to have so many applicants that fit our criteria. The search committee did an excellent job with their process,” said Jenkins. “Our goal was clear – recommend the best coach that fits our goal of moving the program to the next level. We believe we did just that.”
