FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WORCESTER, Mass. – Interim Director of Athletics Peter Gardula recently announced the hiring of Andy McKenzie as the new head coach of the Assumption Football program. McKenzie becomes the 10th coach in program history and brings with him over 20 years of collegiate coaching and playing experience.
"I am thrilled to welcome Andy McKenzie to the Assumption College Community as our next head football coach," said Gardula. "Andy has amassed a wealth of coaching experience, including over ten years at the Division l FCS level, while making significant contributions to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances at both the FCS and Division III level. Andy has demonstrated a sincere commitment to developing the entire student-athlete, on the field, in the classroom and in the community, and will certainly find Assumption College as an institution that reflects his goals for the future of the team."
McKenzie's most recently coached at The College of Holy Cross as a member of the staff from 2008-2015, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks throughout his tenure there. He oversaw an offense which averaged over 20 points per game in each of his four seasons as the offensive coordinator, while coaching quarterback Peter Pujals to Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors in 2014, when he ranked second in the Patriot League in passing yards (2,261), and touchdowns (19).
As the quarterbacks coach, he was instrumental in the development of 2008 and 2009 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year Dominic Randolph. Randolph led the nation in total offense (4,256) as a senior in 2009 as well as touchdowns responsible for (41), while ranking second nationally in passing touchdowns (34). He was an AP Second-Team All-American as well as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the top FCS player in the nation, while leading the team to a 2009 Patriot League Championship, NCAA Tournament appearance and a top-20 national ranking.
"I would like to thank the Assumption College community, President Cesareo, Vice President Evan Lipp, Athletic Director Peter Gardula, members of the search committee, and members of the football program for this opportunity," said McKenzie. "There is tremendous community support, both on campus and throughout Worcester for this program, and I'm excited to be the head coach of Assumption football. I am eager to meet with the players, hit the recruiting trails, and build an outstanding football staff as we begin preparation for the 2018 football season."
McKenzie came to the Crusaders after spending six seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Allegheny College, an elite Division III liberal arts college. During his time at Allegheny, McKenzie helped lead the Gators to the 2003 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Title and a trip to the NCAA Division III Playoffs, with a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play. His 2003 offense set 17 school records, while in 2006 his offense posted 2,505 passing yards, the second-most in school history. McKenzie's offenses featured a number of standout players during his six seasons at Allegheny, including running back Mario Tarquinio (3,187 rushing yards from 2003-2006) and quarterback Jimmy Savage (5,181 passing yards from 2003-2006).
Prior to his time with the Gators, McKenzie spent two seasons as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator at Williams College, where he was also an assistant baseball coach. He also served as an assistant coach at Northeastern University from 1997-2000, working with the wide receivers for three seasons and the secondary for one year.
McKenzie earned his bachelor's degree in English from Allegheny College in 1996, and went on to earn a master's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California (Pa.) University in 2006. As an undergraduate, he was a first team All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection as wide receiver in 1993 and 1994. Over his four seasons Allegheny went 38-6, reaching the NCAA Tournament on multiple times.
Prior to his appointment at Assumption, McKenzie had served as the Athletic Director at Gardner High School since August 2015.
McKenzie currently resides in Gardner with his wife, Salwa, and his two children Braeden and Yasmine.
- Information for this release provided by the athletic communications staff at Assumption
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