Coach Steve Widdowson of the men’s soccer team posing with Coach Greg Breitbach of the football team.
Coach Steve Widdowson of the men’s soccer team posing with Coach Greg Breitbach of the football team.

GREG BREITBACH
WHERE HE WAS…
Coach Breitbach came from being an offensive coordinator of the University of North Dakota for five years. He joined the Black and Gold on April 3, 2013. “I’m feeling very comfortable in the role,” he said. “This is a long-term plan.”
EXPECTATIONS…
This year, off to its 0-3 start, is a rebuilding year, and Breitbach says he’s elated about the future of his program “I’m excited to see these players be rewarded for their hard work,” he said. “When that time comes, I don’t know, but I’m excited to see when that happens.”
FAVORITE HOBBY…
Breitbach is a father of three:?Alaina (10), Jenna (7) and Trent (4). “When I’m ont with football, I’m doing something family oriented,” the coach, who deemed “family time” his favorite activit, said.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM…
It was easy for the Millersville newcomer: “The Marauders,” he said.

Coach of the women’s volleyball team Brian Smith
Coach of the women’s volleyball team Brian Smith

BRIAN SMITH
A LIFELONG INTEREST…
Smith’s interest in volleyball came with right out of the womb, thanks to his father taking him to the gym, not to mention his geographical location.
“I also grew up in places like Hawaii, Japan, and the west and east coast so I was always close to a beach,” the journeyman said.
EXPECTATIONS…
In only his third year at the helm of Millersville’s women’s volleyball team, he took the team to the PSAC Tournament – a feat only succeeded once since 2006. Smith expects his Lady Marauders to continue with their winning ways.
“”We have high expectations for the team this year … to improve our win/loss record and return to [the] PSAC playoffs,” he said. “We haven’t played up to our potential yet early in the season, but we are being challenged early, which hopefully will help us when we get into conference play.”
SERVING TWO WAYS…
Not only has he served plenty of volleyballs, Smith served as a Marine, following in his father and older brother’s footsteps.
“I loved the Marines,” he said. Of his 10 years in the military, his lessons that he learned “could fill up a book.”
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES…
When he finds time, Smith enjoys golfing and relaxing with his family: “[There’s] nothing like a night to veg and have popcorn.”

SHELLY BEHRENS
ACHIEVEMENTS…
Behrens was named womensfieldhockey.com’s National Coach of the Year on the Division II level in 2012.
“That’s very humbling and flattering,” she said, then selflessly redirecting the attention off of her: “That was really a complement to my team.”
PERSPECTIVE…
Even with all of the success during her stint at Millersville, Behrens unwavering approach hasn’t changed. What is it, you ask??It’s not about the stats.
“The rankings are always great,” she said. “What’s truly important is the results”
EXPECTATIONS…
Off a successful season where Millersville finished with a No. 3 ranking, Behrens only has her sights set on the future: “We just want to be as good as we can be,” she said.
FAVORITE HOBBY…
“I don’t get asked that very much,” Behrens said, jokingly, noting how busy she is in the fall. Outside of field hockey, she enjoys reading, watching baseball, playing golf and simmering by the beach.

STEVE WIDDOWSON
WHERE HE CAME FROM…
Speakng to coach Widdowson, a difference in his voice is noticed insstantly. Why? He’s from Sheffield, England.
“I came over here when I was 19,” he said. “[The U.S.] seemed like a great place. I took [the team] back to where I’m from and where I played. It was a fantastic trip for us.”
ACHIEVEMENTS…
Widdowson led the men’s soccer team to a No. 1 ranking in 2009, its first-ever NCAA Semifinal and PSAC tournament in 2011. He was awarded PSAC Coach of the Year in 2007, PSAC?East Coach of the Year in 2008, as well as the NSCAA/Adidas Atlantic Region Coach of the Year in 2008.
GOALS…
With Widdowson, the sky is the limit.
“We want to get back to the PSAC?Championship game,” he said.
How does he plan on doing that?
“Hard work is the most important thing,” he said, noting if his team puts in the effort in the “weight room … and on the field,” then his crew has a bright future.

Coaches O’Brien and Behrens scoop Turkey Hill ice cream for students.
Coaches O’Brien and Behrens scoop Turkey Hill ice cream for students.

MIKE O’BRIEN
ACHIEVEMENTS…
O’Brien led Millersville’s women’s soccer team to their best finish since 2006, with their 5-8-5 record. Not only that, but he topped off the season with an upset against No. 7-ranked West Chester.
WHERE HE WAS…
O’Brien graduated from Shippensburg in 1994, where his favorite subjects were history and math. In fact, he runs into quite the dilemma when he faces his alma mater.
“It’s interesting,” he said. On top of that, “Their coach is my good friend. We talk every week.”
PREVIOUS VOCATION…
A women’s soccer coach wasn’t always his job, nor was it his first career choice.
“I used to be a History teacher,” he said, reflecting back on his time at Red Land High School.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES…
His time outside of coaching consists of playing and watching sports, but ultimately comes down to his role as family man.
“In the fall, you need to take advantage of that time,” O’Brien said about his strict schedule that restrains his time with his daughter. “I always try and make special time for her.”

Coach of the Millersville golf teams Scott Vandergrift.
Coach of the Millersville golf teams Scott Vandergrift.

SCOTT VANDERGRIFT
WHERE HE WAS…
Vandegrift was on medical leave during the last fall season. He had quite the year: back surgery, a stroke, a bacterial infection and open heart surgery.
“That was the closest to me losing my life,” he recalled. His stubborn love for the game helped him back on the field.
Vandegrift recovered in time to coach a successful spring 2013 season, and even play a round of golf during the summer. How he did it:
“I drove my surgeon nuts,” he said, telling him, “Get me in my Corvette. I can’t get in it.”
HIS PASSION…
Vandegrift has been the coach of Millersville’s golf team for over 30 years – yes, 30. So, what keeps him going, even after his series of medical conundrums?
“It’s the love of the game,” he said. “It goes right along with my DNA,” noting that it really sinks in “when I meet the young people and watch them meet their goals.”
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES…
When he finds time outside coaching, Vandegrift loves to spend time with his three kids, ski, volunteer along with watching Russell Crowe and Gene Hackman movies – especially “Gladiator,”and “Hoosiers.”