April 19, 2005
Head football coach Jerry Schmitt announced today that former Duquesne University standout Tony Zimmerman has been named receivers coach. Zimmerman, a record setting three-year starter at quarterback for DU from 1998-00, has spent the last four seasons playing professionally in both the arenafootball2 and Arena Football leagues. Schmitt also announced that John Rosato will be back as Duquesne's director of football operations.
"Having Tony back to work with our talented group of receivers will be a big help," said Schmitt, who was the offensive coordinator at Duquesne for Zimmerman's sophomore and junior seasons. "Tony has gained valuable experience at the professional level, plus he has a very good understanding of our offense and passing game."
Zimmerman, who set 14 school records in leading the Dukes to back-to-back MAAC titles in 1999 & 2000, finished his career with 7,313 yards passing and 73 touchdown passes. He still holds the NCAA I-AA career record for highest percentage of passes for touchdowns.
After finishing at Duquesne, the Penn-Trafford High School product made a name for himself at the arenafootball2 level, earning league Offensive Player of the Year honors for the Quad City Steamrollers in 2002. He went on to play for the Indiana Firebirds, Orlando Predators and Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League. Zimmerman, who holds a degree in education, was named Duquesne's male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2000-01.
Rosato, who is in his 17th season as part of the Duquesne football program, was named director of football operations by former head coach Greg Gattuso prior to the 1999 season. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach for the Dukes. His ties to the DU program go back to his days as an undergraduate in the early 1970s.
"I have coached with John and have known him for over 17 years and know what he means to Duquesne football," said Schmitt. "John fills an important role for us in recruiting and in the smooth operation of the program. I am happy he will be back with us."
Duquesne and Schmitt - who was hired as head coach on March 21 - conclude spring practice with the Red/Blue game on Saturday, April 23 on Rooney Field. The game, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., is free to the public.
