As the new year rings in, a new era in Dixie State University football does the same.
Shay McClure was named the head coach of DSU football following the sudden resignation of Scott Brumfield as the season came to a close.
“It’s time to roll up the sleeves and go to work,” McClure said.
In succeeding Brumfield, McClure will be taking over a team that hasn’t had a winning season since its inception to the Division II level 10 years ago. Alongside the new face at the helm, the Storm will be moving to a new conference, from the Great Northwest Athletic Conference to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
“I’m looking forward to going to a new conference and the possibilities that it brings to this program,” McClure said. “It gives us a good opportunity to start fresh.”
McClure spent the past season as director of defense for the Storm. Prior to arriving in St. George, he held the same position at conference rival Humboldt State University for eight years. McClure’s defense was listed among the top units in the country year after year, something he hopes to bring to the table for the Storm, a team that was near the bottom of that same list just last season.
Athletics Director Jason Boothe headed the search for DSU’s new head coach and said that McClure stood out after a thorough nationwide search.
“[McClure] is the perfect fit,” Boothe said. “He has experience at every level, is a great recruiter, and has proved to be an integral part of building successful programs in the past. He’s the kind of person we want as we continue to grow the program here.”
McClure’s recruiting ability was a significant factor in his hiring, Boothe said, Which is something he’s already showing proficiency at by bringing in new talent. Eight of McClure’s 11 defensive starters last season were freshmen, many of whom moved to the program with him. Oregon State University quarterback Nick Mitchell announced via Twitter Dec. 30 that he is transferring to DSU. Mitchell didn’t garner a lot of playing time in Corvallis, but many Utah fans will remember his coming out party on Halloween night 2015. Mitchell completed 19 passes for 205 yards against one of the top defensive units in college football, including a 74-yard touchdown in the loss to the Pac-12 Utes.
Due to NCAA rules, the university can’t comment on the new players until they sign their respective letters of intent, but McClure coached Mitchell’s brother at HSU, presenting a possible connection between the two and reason for picking DSU.
“Recruiting is something I’m already experienced in,” McClure said. “The facility and scholarship situation improvements make that easier on me. I’m excited for the future of this team and the opportunity to win.
