(Posted March 2, 2011)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College head football coach Carmen Felus announced his resignation Monday, to accept a coaching position as co-offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Longtime assistant Tim Launtz, a 1980 Juniata graduate, will take over the program as head coach after serving the college as an assistant coach for more than a decade.

"I understand what I'm entering into, because I know the history here at Juniata, but I also know because of that history what we need to do here at Juniata to be successful," Launtz said. "I want us to be successful not only in wins and losses but it's also important for our student athletes to be successful educationally and in their communities."

"Tim has both the coaching experience and the knowledge of our student-athletes, football staff, and the Juniata community to step right in and successfully guide our program to the next level," said Juniata interim athletics director Greg Curley. "Tim's work as quarterbacks coach and as a leader on the field will give the college an advantage as we go forward."

Launtz recently completed his 15th season on the sidelines at Knox Stadium, his seventh season as the team's quarterbacks coach. In his first six seasons working with Eagle quarterbacks, he helped develop a pair of freshman signal callers �?" including Juniata's all-time leading passing yards (7,610) and completions (645) leader, Jay Leonard '09.

"Our coaching staff's recruiting has given us a great foundation to build toward a winning record," says Thomas R. Kepple, president of Juniata. "We will have an exceptional group of players returning and Tim Launtz' coaching and recruiting skills will empower us to continue to strive for excellence."

In the past, Launtz has worked as the receivers and special teams coach, and in 2000 he served as the defensive coordinator. While coaching the Juniata receivers in 1999, Launtz mentored Matt Eisenberg '01 to Middle Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and All-America honors with 76 receptions for 1,547 yards.

Launtz currently serves as the director of residential life and public safety at Juniata. He will resign that position to become the full-time head coach for football.

A 1980 Juniata graduate, Launtz transferred to College Hill from Lock Haven University and began his coaching career while still attending college. He served as a volunteer assistant coach at Huntingdon Area High School during his time final two years at Juniata, after a back injury ended his playing career. Launtz played one season at Lock Haven as a defensive back.

After graduating from Juniata with a bachelor's degree in social studies, Launtz worked as the head coach of the West Branch High School football program for two years. He guided the Warriors during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 school years.

Launtz joined the administrative staff at Juniata in 2000 from the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon, were he was a unit manager. He was employed by the correctional institution for 17 years.

He resides in Huntingdon with his wife, Kristy, and their daughter, Megan.

Felus recently completed his second season as head coach of Juniata football, compiling a 1-19 record. A native of Lilly, Pa., Felus previously served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga prior to accepting the position at Juniata.

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