Welcome to this week's episode of DingoTalk! In today's show, we're diving deep into the remarkable coaching journey of Jon Drach, who has been at the helm of the Wilkes University football team since February 8, 2018. Join us as we explore his incredible impact on the program and the impressive milestones he's achieved during his tenure.
Jon Drach took charge as the head coach, becoming the ninth mentor in the program's history, which dates back to its inception in 1946. Notably, Drach serves as the Offensive Coordinator and plays a pivotal role in developing the Colonel quarterbacks.
As we enter his sixth season as the Colonels' head coach, Drach boasts an outstanding 27-14 overall record across four seasons of competition. What's truly remarkable is that he's guided the team to at least six wins every season (2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022). In 2023, Drach will lead the Colonels into a new era as they transition into the Landmark Conference.
In the 2022 season, Wilkes achieved a notable 7-3 overall record and a 5-3 record in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). This achievement was highlighted by a staggering 10 all-conference selections, the most since 2006. Among these, running back Elijah Jules stood out, earning the MAC Offensive Player of the Year—a feat not achieved by a Colonel since 2006. The team also saw success in academic recognition with players like Billy Anderson, Alex Orlando, Adam Piston, and Nate Whitaker earning spots on the Academic All-MAC Team.
In 2021, Wilkes had another strong season, finishing 6-4 and starting with an impressive 5-0 streak. This season saw five different Colonels earn All-MAC honors.
Drach's leadership reached its peak in 2019 when he led the Colonels to an 8-3 overall record, securing a postseason berth for the first time since 2010. The program's resurgence was marked by four Colonels being selected as All-MAC performers.
What's truly commendable about Jon Drach is his commitment to excellence on and off the field. He orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in 2018, taking the Colonels from a winless season in 2017 to a 6-4 record. His emphasis on statistics and performance is evident in the team's top rankings in various statistical categories.
Beyond the football field, Drach's dedication extends to the academic success of his student-athletes. He's been proactive in coordinating academic support programs and collaborating with faculty to improve player academic performance, resulting in an impressive team GPA of 3.08 in his last season.
Jon Drach's journey to success is a testament to his passion, dedication, and leadership. We're excited to dive deep into his coaching career and discover what drives him to continually excel in the world of college football. Stay tuned for this inspiring episode!
