Cory Colder joined the Valpo football staff as the running backs coach prior to the 2019 season.

During his first season at Valpo, Colder oversaw an Academic All-PFL Second Team honoree in running back Kyle Cartales. Another member of the Valpo backfield that thrived under Colder was fifth-year senior Elias Earley, whose breakout season was highlighted by a career-high 112 rushing yards on Oct. 26 vs. Stetson. In addition, running back Cody Boxrucker scored his 20^th rushing TD of his career on Nov. 2 at Davidson, becoming one of 42 players in the FCS nation active at that time with 20 or more career rushing scores.

Colder played Division-I football at East Tennessee State University after winning three consecutive state championships in high school. A lifelong running back, Colder was part of the original signing class at East Tennessee State. He was an all-state, all-district and all-region honoree at Briar Woods High School in Ashburn, Va. Before making his was to ETSU, he attended East Coast Prep in Barrington, Mass., where he led the team in rushing with over 600 yards in a season.

At East Tennessee State, Colder was a part of a team that won the Southern Conference in 2018. He was second on the team in rushing in 2015 and averaged 4.1 yards per carry for his career. Prior to joining Valpo’s staff, he volunteered at his college alma mater and worked with the running backs and offensive staff. He made the school’s honor roll from 2016-2018 and served on the football team’s leadership council from 2014-2017. Colder graduated in May 2018 with a degree in sports management.

What They’re Saying About Coach Colder

Scott Carter, East Tennessee State University Director of Athletics: “Cory is one of the most natural leaders I have ever been around in my life. He is truly a team player. He was always willing to give of himself for the betterment of his team and his teammates. I have never heard him complain. There was never a role or job that he did not proudly take on and put every ounce of energy into that. I think Valpo has an unbelievable person on staff in Cory Colder who is going to be an outstanding coach as his career unfolds. This is a tremendous match for Cory. He loves the game of football and the way it forges leaders. He is going to do a masterful job at Valpo and I cannot wait to follow his career as he continues to grow to be an outstanding college football coach. I love Cory as a person, as a player and as a man and I’m going to miss him here in Johnson City, but I am very proud of him and will forever be a supporter of Cory Colder.”

Randy Sanders, East Tennessee State University Head Coach: “Cory is an awesome young man and is always a pleasure to be around. He has an outgoing personality that makes you feel good when you’re in his company. I’m really appreciative of what he meant to our team last year, and there’s no question he will be an outstanding coach.”