By Andy Walter

READING, Pa. — Steve Azzanesi is going to back to his small-college football roots.

The former Wesley College quarterback and longtime Wolverine assistant has been named the head coach at NCAA Division III Alvernia.

Azzanesi had been an assistant coach at Delaware State University for the past two seasons after spending 18 seasons as an offensive assistant coach at Wesley.

“Steve’s energy, enthusiasm are contagious,” said Alvernia athletic director Bill Stiles. “He is committed to developing the whole student-athlete, understands the importance of integrating the football program into the athletic department and university and knows what it takes to win at the Division III level.”

Next fall will be the Golden Wolves’ fourth season in program history this fall. They have gone only 3-30 so far.

Alvernia president John Loyack also spoke highly of Azzanesi.

“Steve’s long and excellent track record as a recruiter, team builder and molder of young men, combined with his dedication to producing well-rounded student-athletes, will enhance the football program and the university as a whole,” said Loyack.

“We look forward to the tremendous impact Coach Azzanesi will have on our campus community and throughout the region.”

A St. Elizabeth High grad, Azzanesi has been a lifelong Delawarean. He was known for his recruiting at Wesley, where he coached under both Mike Drass and Chip Knapp.

Azzanesi was part of the staff that helped the Wolverines reach the NCAA Division III national semifinals six times.

“I am very fortunate to be the next head football coach of the Golden Wolves,” Azzanesi said in a press release. “My family and I are very excited to join such a welcoming, collegial and caring community. Everyone I interacted with during this process was friendly, supportive and demonstrated a genuine care for each and every Alvernia student.”

During his 18-year tenure at Wesley, Azzanesi held various positions within the Wolverine staff. Before leaving Wesley, Azzanesi’s most recent role was as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. The Wolverines were 180-42 overall, including 63-13 in conference play.

Wesley also made 14 NCAA Division III tournaments.

Azzanesi also served as an assistant athletic director from 2006-2010 before being promoted to associate athletic director from 2011 until he left Wesley for Delaware State.

“I look forward to meeting the current team, as well as future Golden Wolves, as we embark on our journey to be the best football team we can be,” added Azzanesi. “With Alvernia’s forward-thinking administration, the addition of multiple competitive majors, and new facilities that are top-notch both at the small college level all create an excellent environment for student-athletes to be successful in the classroom and on the field.”