Reviving the RedStorm: Rio Grande Taps Wilson for Football Reboot

July 19, 2024 – Rio Grande, Ohio –

The University of Rio Grande has taken a significant step in reviving its long-dormant football program by appointing Quincy Wilson, a former West Virginia University standout, as its head coach. This pivotal announcement has generated excitement among students, alumni, and the broader southern Ohio community, marking a new era for Rio Grande athletics. The 43-year-old Wilson, a native of Weirton, West Virginia, is set to lead the RedStorm as they return to the gridiron in the fall of 2025. Wilson brings a wealth of experience, a track record of success, and a passionate vision for the future of Rio Grande football. Quincy Wilson’s journey to Rio Grande is one marked by impressive accomplishments and a deep love for the game of football. As a high school player, Wilson enjoyed a storied career at Weir High School, becoming the first player in West Virginia prep history to surpass 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. His senior year saw him rush for a staggering 3,262 yards, leading the Red Riders to a 14-0 record and a Class AA State Championship title. Wilson’s performance earned him USA Today honorable mention All-American honors and the prestigious Kennedy Award, presented annually to the state’s top high school football player.

Wilson continued his football journey at West Virginia University, where he played from 1999 to 2003. After redshirting his freshman year due to a torn ACL, he worked his way into the starting lineup at tailback. His senior season was particularly noteworthy, earning him Third-Team Associated Press All-America honors and First Team All-Big East accolades. Wilson rushed for 1,380 yards and 12 touchdowns that year, ranking 12th in the nation. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 2,608 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, leaving a lasting legacy at WVU. Following his collegiate success, Wilson entered the NFL, where he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Although his time in the NFL included stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and other teams, Wilson’s true calling lay in coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Wilson’s coaching career began at his alma mater, where he served as WVU’s Assistant Director of Football Operations from 2012 to 2015. His passion for coaching grew, leading him to roles at Glenville State College and West Virginia State University. At Glenville State, he served as the running backs/run game coordinator, where his team piled up over 2,000 rushing yards in a season. At West Virginia State, Wilson spent five seasons as the associate head coach and running backs coach, mentoring several all-conference players, including the 2017 Mountain East Conference Freshman of the Year, Calil Wilkins. Despite a challenging stint as head coach at the University of Fort Lauderdale, where the program faced significant obstacles, Wilson views the experience as a valuable lesson. “I wanted to be a head coach so bad when I went down there that I ignored all of the red flags,” Wilson said. “But I’m looking at that whole situation as a blessing. It taught me resilience and the importance of building a strong foundation.”

The announcement of Wilson’s appointment has infused new energy into the University of Rio Grande. School officials and the community are optimistic about the program’s future under his leadership. Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham expressed confidence in Wilson’s ability to build a successful program. “We’re excited to welcome Coach Wilson to our Rio family,” Lanham said. “His vision for the program’s future aligns perfectly with our goals and aspirations.” Wilson’s immediate task is to hire his offensive and defensive coordinators, who will help identify and recruit future players. “We’re dead central in a hotbed of football when it comes to recruiting,” Wilson said. “Once the news hits, I won’t be able to sleep. The phone will be ringing with coaches calling, and I’m eager to get out on the road.”

The last time Rio Grande took to the football field, Harry Truman was president, and baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams were MVPs. The program, which was active from 1914 to 1949, played its last game on Thanksgiving Day in 1949. On March 21, 1950, the school’s Board of Directors dropped football for financial reasons. Interestingly, the football equipment was sold, and the proceeds were used to purchase basketball uniforms, including the number 32 worn by Rio Grande legend Bevo Francis. “Football is a cherished tradition in Ohio, and we believe the time is now to revive it here at Rio,” said University of Rio Grande president Ryan Smith. “This initiative strengthens our bond with the southern Ohio community.” The revival of the football program is part of a broader initiative to enhance campus life and foster community engagement. Smith highlighted recent additions to the university’s athletic offerings, including archery, women’s wrestling, dance, rugby, men’s wrestling, eSports, men’s volleyball, and bass fishing. These initiatives aim to provide more opportunities for students and strengthen community ties. “It’s all about more opportunities for the students in our region, both educationally and athletically,” Smith said. “We’re committed to fostering a vibrant campus environment.”

The university plans to hire assistant coaches and begin recruiting immediately, with an eye on fielding a competitive team by the fall of 2025. Initial home games will be played at nearby Jackson High School’s Alumni Stadium, with long-term plans for a new on-campus stadium. Smith also announced a major investment in a new fitness center, benefiting all of Rio Grande’s athletic programs. “The addition of these two programs is going to put us at right around 700 student-athletes,” Smith noted. Plans include new locker rooms and eventually a turf field and stadium.

Wilson’s enthusiasm is palpable as he prepares to hire his offensive and defensive coordinators and identify future players. “We’re built for success here at Rio Grande,” Wilson said. “We’re in a good spot, and I’m happy to be at the controls.” With Wilson at the helm, the University of Rio Grande is poised to rekindle its football tradition and create new memories for generations to come. Wilson’s vision, experience, and dedication to the game make him the ideal leader for this new chapter in Rio Grande’s history. Wilson’s strategic approach to recruitment is set to capitalize on the region’s rich football talent. “We’re in a prime location for recruiting,” Wilson emphasized. “Once the news of this hits, I’m not going to be able to sleep. The phone will be ringing with coaches calling, and I’m going to be looking forward to getting out on the road.” Wilson’s recruitment strategy involves targeting local talent from Ohio and neighboring states, including West Virginia and Kentucky. “Charleston’s an hour away. Huntington’s an hour away. That’s some of the best football in West Virginia. And, as far as that goes, we’re only three hours from Morgantown,” Wilson said. “I’m going to try and get the best players we can get, wherever they might be from.” Wilson is committed to building a winning culture at Rio Grande. “I’m big on retention – I want to keep our guys once we get them here,” he said. “You don’t want to waste all the time you spend recruiting and then have them leave. Are you going to keep everybody? No. But we can keep the majority of them because they believe in what you’re doing, they believe in the culture and the brotherhood, and they believe that they’re going to be champions one day.”

The return of the football program is expected to bring an influx of 150-200 students to campus, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the university. The addition of a marching band further enriches the experience, creating new opportunities for student involvement and community engagement. Jeff Lanham, Rio Grande’s athletic director, highlighted the significance of these developments. “This move signifies our commitment to growth and development, enhancing campus life and fostering deeper community engagement,” Lanham said. “With football comes the opportunity to unite our stakeholders and amplify school spirit, while the addition of a marching band further enriches the experience.” As the University of Rio Grande prepares for the return of its football program, the appointment of Quincy Wilson as head coach marks a significant milestone. Wilson’s vision, experience, and dedication to the game promise to create a strong foundation for the future of Rio Grande football. With the support of the university and the community, the RedStorm are poised to make a triumphant return to the gridiron, rekindling a cherished tradition and creating new memories for generations to come.