Phil Petitte stands all of 5'7, has the grimace of an old school coach and a resume older then that of Head Coach, Phil Longo.  As the new Defensive Coordinator at La Salle University, coach Petitte looks to rebuild a defense that has lagged in recent years.  Petitte is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and his enthusiasm both on the field and around the office has the defensive players excited about the upcoming season.  "Coach Petitte brings great energy to the defense, he is very passionate about football and defensively we have gotten better feeding off of his excitement.  As far as our defensive scheme, all of the players have adjusted well and things are beginning to click, showing great signs for the '05 season" commented junior linebacker, Nick DePinto. 

 

After spending nine years at Rowan University where he helped lead the program to seven National Playoff berths and four National Championship appearances, Petitte became the Associate Head Coach & Defensive Line Coach at La Salle prior to the 2004 season.  This past winter he was elevated to the position of Defensive Coordinator and faced the challenges of putting in a new defense during 2005 spring ball.  Head Coach Phil Longo had this to say about Coach Petitte, "Phil is an excellent football coach, but more importantly, he is just such a tremendous person to be around.  He is the type of person that just makes everyone around him better including the players and our staff." 

 

Petitte like many coaches, has had to overcome obstacles along the road to success.  After overcoming two complete hip replacements during his tenure at Rowan University, Petitte just continued coaching as if nothing had changed.  After installing his new multiple defense in spring ball, Petitte faced more physical obstacles after learning that he needed two hernia surgeries in the near future.  As soon as spring ball ended he checked in for his first surgery and has followed that up with a second procedure.  He is now on the rehabilitation trail and plans to be as prepared as always for the beginning of pre-season camp in August.  

 

If persevering and working through adversity are characteristics that he strives to teach his players, then Coach Petitte has certainly done that by example.  There is no question that the defensive players have tremendous confidence in their new coordinator.  That was very evident after speaking to a number of returning players including senior linebacker Nick Sipics who had this to say about Coach Petitte, "He brings a lot of experience to the table and knows how to relate with us on and off the field.  His hands on coaching style and his defensive scheme both motivate us and put us into a position to succeed as a defensive unit."