ANNVILLE, Pa. – Pat Ratke, director of athletics, has announced the elevation of J.R. Drake as the head coach of the football program from acting head coach.
"I am thrilled to announce J.R. Drake as the next Head Football Coach of the Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen," said Ratke. "Coach Drake brings an impressive insight into collegiate sports, football, and academic success, and to developing his student-athletes through a holistic approach. He has a deep passion and respect for the sport and truly loves each player as if they were his own—he has built a culture of excellence on and off the field, highlighting that LVC's football future is bright."
Drake, who has coached at LVC for 11 years, returned to The Valley for his second stint as an assistant coach in 2017 after spending two years at Louisburg College and two years at Anderson University. During the past six seasons, he has been the defensive coordinator, co-special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and academic coordinator. Drake's leadership helped the Dutchmen reach the program's first postseason game since 2013 and the first bowl game in 11 years last fall.
Drake was an LVC wide receiver from 2007–09 and a 2009 ECAC Bowl-winning squad member. After he finished his playing career, he joined the Dutchmen staff as the assistant wide receivers coach. While coaching, he finished up his history degree at Millersville University. During his four years, Drake helped the team to three ECAC Bowl appearances and a pair of victories.
Drake has the Dutchmen off to a great 4-1 start midway through the season, including a 4-0 record in Middle Atlantic Conference play. The Dutchmen are poised to make their second consecutive postseason appearance and are tied atop the conference standings with Delaware Valley. Heading into the Homecoming Game against King's College on Saturday, LVC is ranked second in Division III with four defensive touchdowns and ninth in interceptions with 10. They are also ranked fourth in the nation with a 2.40 turnover margin.
LVC is scoring 32.00 points per game, while the defense is allowing 17.60. The Dutchmen have earned seven MAC Player of the Week awards this season, including a sweep of the awards after knocking off Stevenson on the road in the conference opener. Brody Robinson and Jake Marcus have also been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week in two separate weeks this season.
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