Pack taps Symington to coach offensive linemen

Symington becomes second coaching hire of offseason, joining receivers coach Dusty Sprague

PUEBLO, Colo. (Mar. 16, 2009) - Colorado State University-Pueblo head football coach, John Wristen, has announced that former Eastern Michigan University offensive line coach, Chris Symington, has been hired to be the ThunderWolves' offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Symington joins former University of Colorado wide receiver, Dusty Sprague, who joined the staff in January as wide receivers coach, replacing Rich Lane.

Symington brings 25 years of experience as a player and coach to the ThunderWolves, much of it at the Division-I level.  He had served as the offensive line coach at Eastern Michigan from 2003-2008, helping the Eagles' offense to record the most total yards in school history in 2008 and put up some of the most prolific rushing yardage numbers in the history of the program.

Prior to his time at Eastern Michigan, Symington had held offensive line coaching posts at numerous universities, including Tennessee State (2000-03), Western Kentucky (1996-99), and Vanderbilt (1990-94).  From 1995-96, Symington was the offensive coordinator at the Division-II level with Northwood (Mich.) University.

An offensive lineman at the University of Colorado from 1984-88, Symington was named the Freedom Bowl Most Valuable Player in 1985, was the team's offensive player of the year in 1987, and was an all-Big 8 honorable mention selection.  Prior to obtaining his first coaching position as a graduate assistant at CU alongside current CSU-Pueblo head coach Wristen, Symington signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988. 

"Chris is an outstanding offensive line coach that I believe will help us ultimately win the RMAC Championship," Wristen said.  "He brings a great pedigree to the game and a keen knowledge of running the football, and he will help this program attain its goal of taking its players where they can't take themselves."

Sprague, who graduated from CU ranked ninth in Buff history in receptions and receiving yards, was named wide receivers coach in January as a graduate assistant.  Sprague played in three bowl games during his time at CU, and got the start in the 2007 Independence Bowl.  He led the team in receptions and receiving yards as a sophomore in 2005, and was named to the Sporting News all-Big 12 Freshman team during his freshman season in 2004.  A graduate of Holyoke High School in Holyoke, Colo., Sprague is currently pursuing his Master's in business at CSU-Pueblo.

"Dusty was a very accomplished player at CU and he is bringing that same drive and tenacity to coaching," Wristen said.  "He has a great deal of knowledge about the position and our receivers are already benefitting from his mentorship."

Both Symington and Sprague have already begun their duties at their respective positions.