EDINBORO, Pa. (Jan. 6, 2009) – The Edinboro University football coaching staff has suffered a big loss as offensive line coach Anthony Peluso has accepted a position at West Virginia Wesleyan. Peluso will serve as the offensive line coach and strength & conditioning coach for Dennis Creehan, who was recently hired as the Bobcats' head coach. Creehan served as Edinboro's head coach from 1979-84, finishing with a 39-20-1 record.
While serving as a part-time coach for the Fighting Scots since concluding his playing career at Edinboro in 2005, Peluso will be greatly missed by head coach Scott Browning.
“Anthony leaves after eight outstanding years as a player and coach at the Boro,” related Browning. “Anthony had an outstanding career as as offensive linemen, always playing the game with great passion. He will be missed not only on the field but maybe more importantly off the field. Edinboro's loss is West Virginia Wesleyan's gain.”
Under Peluso's tutelage Edinboro led the PSAC in fewest sacks allowed the last two years despite setting school records for passes attempted. Peluso served as the offensive line and strength & conditioning coach for three seasons.
Prior to that, the native of Aliquippa, PA was a three-year starter for the Fighting Scots at right guard. He started his final 33 games at Edinboro while appearing in 43 games.
“I've been here eight years,” recalled Peluso. “They've probably been the greatest eight years of my life. I made many close friends, and I cherish every moment. Through good times and bad the Edinboro University family has been there for me. I particularly want to thank Coach Browning and Dave Higham. They've both meant so much to me.”
As a seuior, Peluso was a key reason Edinboro made its first appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs since 1995, finishing the year with a 9-3 record. He earned first team All-PSAC West honors and was an honorable mention D2Football.com All-American. He also earned second team Football Gazette All-Northeast Region recognition.
Peluso also played professionally for Erie's indoor football team, first the Freeze and then the RiverRats. He gained an almost cult following in his three seasons, and was recognized for his hard-nosed style of play.
A 2006 graduate of Edinboro with a bachelor's degree in Social Science, Peluso looks forward to his new position, yet admits leaving won't be easy. “It's all really surreal,” he pointed out. “All of a sudden I had to pack up in a day and a half. Having coach Browning as a mentor has really meant a lot to me. He's really prepared me. I just want to go out now and make everyone proud.”
With that, Peluso rubbed his cleanly-shaven cheek, possibly his greatest sacrifice as he was forced to shave his trademark beard as part of his new job responsibilities.
