July 29, 2002

Duquesne University head football coach Greg Gattuso announced today that Frank DiPerna has been named assistant head football coach. DiPerna, who has been part of the DU coaching staff since Gattuso's hiring in 1993, also serves as the team's linebackers coach.

"Frank has earned the title of assistant head coach," said Gattuso. "He has been an important part of my staff from the beginning. His loyalty to the program combined with his ability as a coach made this decision an easy one."

The 44-year-old DiPerna began his collegiate coaching career at Duquesne in 1993 as the linebackers coach. Following a two-year hiatus, he returned in 1996 and coached the defensive backfield through last season. Prior to 1993, he was an assistant coach under Gattuso at Seton-La Salle High School from 1989-91.

A lifetime resident of Pittsburgh, DiPerna is a graduate of South Hills Catholic High School and Robert Morris University.

In related news, Duquesne completed its 2002 football coaching staff with the hiring of Carl Crennel as defensive line/special teams coach, Frantzy Jourdain as defensive backs coach, Javon Ronel as receivers coach and Nick Otterbacher as graduate assistant running backs coach.