Cheyney University interim head coach football coach Ken Lockard officially had the “interim” label removed from his title, as the university named him permanent head coach today.
Lockard was named interim head coach in March 2011 after Jeff Braxton left Cheyney to become the Defensive Line coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Delaware State University.
“I am very thankful (for the) opportunity to lead these wonderful student-athletes,” Lockard said in a statement released by the university. “This is a great opportunity for me and our staff to continue the progress that has been made here over the past couple of seasons.”
For the second consecutive season, Cheyney finished with a 1-10 record, with last season’s lone win coming against arch-rival Lincoln University in the Wade Wilson Classic. Though the Wolves went winless in PSAC play, four of those losses were by two touchdowns or fewer, compared to just three the season before.
“Last season we were more competitive than we have been in a while,” Lockard said. “We just need to continue to build upon that success.”
Lockard has coached four All-PSAC players on the defensive side of the ball and, at the most recent D2/D3 All American Bowl in Minneapolis, Cheyney nose tackle Tim Hume was named Defensive Lineman of the Game. Hume, a three-time all-PSAC East selection under Lockard’s guidance, was also named Defensive MVP for the Don Hansen All-Star game in Virginia Beach, Va.
Lockard also was a key staffer in guiding Cheyney back to full reinstatement following a two year probation term imposed by the NCAA. Lockard served as the researcher on President’s Michelle Howard-Vital’s task force which completed the NCAA mandated Institutional Self Study Guide. Most recently, Locakard served on the Compliance and Academic Committee and completed his first year as Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-Advisor. To date, the group has raised the most money in the Department for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Cheyney will open the 2012 season at Lincoln University (date to be determined) in the annual Wade Wilson Classic. In addition to their regular PSAC East schedule, the Wolves will host Indiana (Pa.) and Mercyhurst University at O'Shields-Stevenson Stadium and travel to Lock Haven as part of their mandated cross-over games against PSAC West opponents.
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