King's "Big Man" Football Camp

2007 Team Photo

Since beginning a new era of varsity football in 1993 under the guidance and vision of head coach Rich Mannello, the King's College Monarchs have developed into a program to be respected for its pride, commitment, and rapid growth on campus and in the community. 

With the MAC regarded by many as the premier Division III football conference in the nation, King's has made steady improvement in its climb up the MAC ladder.  That progress was fully realized in 2002 when King's won its first Middle Atlantic Conference title and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Playoff "Sweet 16".  Prior to the 2002 campaign, King's won back-to-back Eastern College Athletic Conference Southeast Region Bowl championships in 2000 and 2001.

Since 2000, King's has reached post-season play on five occasions, including two more ECAC bowl bids in 2003 and 2006.  The Monarchs have taken great care to build a program regarded for its integrity on and off the field, while achieving a high level of academic success in the process.

Under Coach Mannello and his staff, the Monarchs' commitment, work-ethic, and dedication is widely respected. Since 1993, 86 players have been named to MAC all-star squads, while 24 have been named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference regional all-star team.  Since 1999, the Monarchs have produced eight Division III All-Americans.

In 1999 offensive tackle Rob Johnston became the first Monarch player named to the Hewlett-Packard All-American team and was additionally honored as the MAC "Offensive Lineman of the Year."  In 2000, tailback Damon Saxon led Division III in rushing (174.4 ypg) and was named one of three finalists for the Melberger Award, presented to the top player in Division III. In 2001, Joe Corbett was named the MAC's top offensive lineman, before Bob Fehr became King's third Offensive Lineman of the Year in four seasons when he earned the honor in 2002.

In 2002, two-time consensus All-American defensive end Steven Wilson was named the Division III National "Defensive Player of the Year" and became the first King's player selected to play in the Aztec Bowl. In 2006, defensive back Craig Haywood earned first-team All-American honors and also played in the Aztec Bowl after leading all divisions of college football with 12 pass interceptions

The academic achievements of the squad also stand out as the Monarchs have been one of the top academic teams in the MAC since its return to the playing field. Since 1993, a total of 103 King's players have been named to the MAC All-Academic Team where a nominee must maintain a minimum 3.20 overall grade-point average to be considered for selection.

The Monarchs have also had four players named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) District 2 Academic All-American Team, while two players have been named to the prestigious CoSIDA National Academic All-American Team.

But while the Monarchs' success is steadily growing on the field, King's has been active in the community as well. King's staff knows education extends far beyond the classroom. The Monarch coaches recognize the need for community involvement and the team members have gladly accepted the responsibility of giving back to the public. Since 1994, King's players and coaches have been active with the Big Brothers-Big Sisters and also  participate in the annual Bowl-A-Thon. The Monarchs have also participated in the American Heart Association Jump-Rope-A-Thon and volunteered time at local soup kitchens.. Through community service, King's players not only help others, they also learn the value of giving to others.

With a dedicated staff and players who strive to be the best they can be on and off the field, the King's College football team represents everything Division III football stands for.


If you would like to be recruited to play football at King's, click on the following link and fill out the online recruiting form:  Prospective Athletes


Check out more action photos of King's Football on the team Photo Gallery section.