Dec. 10, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova football offensive coordinator, Sam Venuto, has been named a 2009 FootballScoop.com Coach of the Year Finalist as announced today. Powered by Muscle Milk, the FootballScoop.com Coaches of the Year awards recognize position coaches and coordinators for their contributions to their respective programs over the course of the season.

Venuto is entering his 15th season as a member of the Wildcat coaching staff and 11th as the team's Offensive Coordinator; in addition, he also serves as the quarterbacks coach. In 2009, Venuto has guided a Villanova offense to 33.4 points per game and 386.5 yards per game, including 237.3 rushing yards per contest, good for 4th in the country in the FCS. This season, junior quarterback Chris Whitney has rushed for more yards than any other quarterback in school history under the tutelage of Venuto.

The FootballScoop .com set of awards is unique from other awards in that there is no other outlet that focuses on position coaches and coordinators. Additionally, to be considered for this prestigious award, a coach must be nominated by one of his peers.

The finalists for Division 1-AA Coordinator of the year are:

Sam Venuto - Villanova

Ray Priore - Penn

Bob Shoop - William & Mary

Brian Scott - Old Dominion

Heishma Northern of Prairie View A&M was the 2008 winner.