THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University football head coach Charlie Stubbs announced the completion of his staff for the upcoming 2012 season, including three promotions as well as the addition of three new members to the staff.

The promotions include Chuck Hepola to associate head coach, Jeremy Atwell to assistant head coach and Mario Jeberaeel was named offensive line coach after serving as a graduate assistant. Joining the staff are Tyler Donaldson (defensive line coach), Matt Clark (tight ends coach) and Mike Walker (defensive graduate assistant).

Hepola, who was named assistant head coach before last season, was promoted to associate head coach, filling the vacancy after Keith Uperesa joined the coaching staff in his home state at the University of Hawai'i. Hepola, entering his third season, also serves as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Under his direction, the Colonels have had a running back named All-Southland in each of the last two seasons.

“Coach Hepola's promotion to associate head coach is well deserved,” said Coach Stubbs. “It's a position that I truly value because he'll be in charge if I ever have to be away for any kind of circumstance. We share the same philosophy, so I know that he is perfect for the job.”

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Atwell was given the title of assistant head coach. Atwell, heading into his fourth season, also coaches the linebackers. Last season, Atwell's defense produced four all-conference honorees including first-team cornerback Bobby Felder.

“Coach Atwell has worked very hard and the promotion was warranted,” said Coach Stubbs. “I believe that these two titles will help these coaches as they progress in their careers.”

With the departure of Uperesa, Coach Stubbs hired Mario Jeberaeel, who previously served as a graduate assistant for two seasons with the Colonels, as offensive line coach.

“Over the past two years as a graduate assistant, Mario has showed me tremendous qualities,” said Coach Stubbs. “He has basically been on a two-year job interview, so I knew I didn't have to look very far to find a replacement. I know that he'll be a positive addition to our staff.”

A native of Las Vegas, Jeberaeel lettered four years at UNLV before coaching in the high school ranks for one season. In addition to his GA position at Nicholls, Jeberaeel coached at several offensive line camps all over the country.

“I'm very grateful for this opportunity to work with Coach Stubbs and this staff at a larger capacity,” said Jeberaeel. “Coach Stubbs has showed a great deal of trust in me and I look forward to working hard every day to make this program a success.”

Two new faces join the Colonels as Matt Clark and Tyler Donaldson round out the coaching staff. Both Clark and Donaldson come to Nicholls after serving as graduate assistants at ULM.

Clark was named tight ends coach after Adam Gardner left to pursue other interests. Clark lettered four years in college, one at Air Force and three at Western Washington, before being hired as an offensive graduate assistant at ULM.

“One thing that stood out about Matt was that he played at Air Force Academy, which is where one of my sons played,” said Coach Stubbs. “I also knew of Matt from his father, who was the strength coach at Oregon when I was at Oregon State. So he's been around football his whole life and I know that he'll be a great asset to our program.”

“I was very excited when I got the call from Coach Stubbs,” said Clark. “I liked the staff here and when he offered me the job, I jumped on it. I had the opportunity to meet my tight ends, we definitely have some eager players which I'm excited about and I can't wait to get started.”

Donaldson takes over as defensive line coach after Dustin Gisclair accepted a full-time position at Missouri Southern. Before coaching at ULM, Donaldson was a two-time all-conference honoree at the University of New Mexico, helping the Lobos to two bowl appearances. At ULM, he worked as a GA in several areas of the defense that ranked eighth in
the nation against the rush.

“Tyler has tremendous experience coming from Louisiana Monroe, working exclusively with the defensive line,” said Coach Stubbs. “He not only has great coaching ability, but he was an excellent player in the Mountain West Conference, being named all-conference twice.”

“I'm very excited to be at Nicholls and to work under Coach Stubbs, “said Donaldson. “I've met my defensive line and I think we have a great group of players. I'm just ready for spring ball to start so we can get to work.”

Completing the staff changes is the addition of Mike Walker as defensive graduate assistant. Walker, a native of Metairie, La., lettered three years for the Colonels as a linebacker and is currently pursuing his MBA.

“We're very excited to have Mike stay in the program,” said Coach Stubbs. “His work ethic and dedication will help us out tremendously.”