The challenge of building a college football program from the ground up could very well be the most difficult task any coach at any level could face.
King's head coach Rich Mannello began the Monarch program in 1991, believing challenges bring on opportunities. As the clay is to the sculptor, Mannello's opportunity to mold his own program into a coveted piece of art has taken shape as the Monarchs have emerged as a respected perennial contender in the nationally-respected Middle Atlantic Conference.
In his 19th year with the Monarchs, Mannello has steadily laid the foundation for success at King's through a tireless commitment and undying enthusiasm that few can match.
That commitment reached its apex in 2002 when the Monarchs won their first Middle Atlantic Conference title and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Playoff "Sweet 16". Combine consecutive ECAC Southeast Region titles in 2000 and 2001, as well as a ECAC runner-up finish in 2003 and 2006 and Mannello has clearly built the Monarchs from nothing to something special.
Mannello earned the respect of his peers when he was named the MAC "Coach of the Year" in 2000 and again in 2002.
A 1979 graduate of Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, Mannello enjoyed an outstanding football career, serving as team captain, while earning all-league, all-city, and team most valuable player honors as a senior.
He continued his academic-athletic career at NCAA Division II Springfield College, Springfield, Mass. As a rookie, he was named captain of the freshman team where he earned most valuable player honors and went on to become a three-year varsity starter as an offensive guard. As a senior, Mannello served as a tri-captain and was honored with team most valuable player and All-New England honors. He graduated from Springfield in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education. Mannello has since been named to the Springfield College All-Decade Team.
Mannello then joined the Springfield sidelines as a graduate assistant where he served as head coach of the freshman program for one season. A year later, he was promoted to the varsity defensive line coaching position and then took on the inside linebacker coaching job the following year. During this time, Mannello continued his studies, earning his master of education degree in 1985.
In 1987, Mannello was promoted to coach the offensive line, and, a year later, was also awarded the position of offensive coordinator, which he held for two years. In 1989, Mannello became the quarterback-fullback coach at Division IAA Northeastern University, a position he held until his arrival at King's.
In beginning the King's program in 1991 at the junior varsity level, Mannello led the Monarchs to a 3-3 record. In 1992, the squad finished 4-5 after Mannello upgraded his team's schedule to prepare King's for its 1993 NCAA Division III, MAC varsity debut.
Since then, significant progress has been made as the Monarchs continue to improve in all aspects of the game. With Mannello as the driving force behind a Monarch program which refuses to take shortcuts, the continual growth of King's football within the MAC is clearly evident.
In 2000, King's captured its first post-season title ever when the Monarchs won the Eastern College Athletic Conference Southern Region title. The Monarchs would repeat with a second straight ECAC crown the following year before winning the MAC title in 2002. The Monarchs would again receive an ECAC berth in 2003, marking the program's fourth straight post-season appearance.
Aside from his duties as head coach, Mannello also serves as King's offensive line coach where he has produced three MAC "Offensive Lineman of the Year" since 1999. His wide variety of position coaching experience has provided him with the knowledge and expertise to successfully orchestrate a "team" coaching concept.
Since King's made its NCAA Division III varsity debut in 1993, Mannello has produced 89 MAC All-Stars along with nine NCAA Division III All-Americans.
He has also created the highly successful "Big Men Only" Football Camp for offensive and defensive linemen. Information can be obtained at www.bigmenonly.com.
Mannello is also regarded as an outstanding motivator and is a frequent guest speaker on the football banquet circuit.
