W&L Promotes Scott Abell to Assistant Head Football Coach

LEXINGTON, Va. – Washington and Lee Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn has announced the promotion of Scott Abell to assistant head coach for the football program.

“Scott Abell has been an outstanding addition to Frank Miriello's staff,” said Hathorn.  “He has a demonstrated record of excellence as a coach and is an exceptional offensive coordinator. He is a highly effective recruiter, motivator, and teacher who fully supports, and believes in, the academic excellence that W&L expects from its students. We are pleased to make this announcement as Scott is a valued member of our department and the University community.”

Abell joined the Generals’ football program as assistant coach and offensive coordinator prior to the 2008 season.  In his three seasons with the team, the W&L offense has consistently ranked among the best in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference for rushing offense.  This culminated with the 2010 squad finishing 8-3 overall and claiming the ODAC title with a perfect 6-0 overall record.

“I am fortunate to have Scott on our staff,” said Miriello.  “He and his colleagues on the offensive side of the ball have done an excellent job installing and coaching our triple-option attack over the past three seasons.  Scott is most deserving of this promotion and it is my hope that he will be with us for many years.”

During the 2010 campaign, the Generals set 15 individual and team records for a game, season and career.  W&L set new conference records for season rushing yards (3,955) and rushing touchdowns (43), and ranked fifth in Division III with an average of 359.5 yards per game. Overall, the Generals averaged 438.8 yards per game and set a school record for 388 total points scored (35.3 ppg).

“I’m excited about this new role and I appreciate the vote of confidence from Coach Miriello and Jan Hathorn,” said Abell.  “Washington and Lee is a special place and I am fortunate to be a part of such a proud and historic program.”

Prior to arriving at W&L, Abell had served as the head football coach at Amherst County High School from 2002-07, leading the Lancers to a 60-12 overall record and a pair of state championships.  He also served as the head football coach at Liberty High School for five seasons (1997-01) and was an assistant coach at Altavista High School (1996), Western Albemarle High School (1994-96) and Albemarle High School (1993).

A 1992 graduate of Longwood College with a bachelor of science degree in physical education and health, Abell also earned a master’s degree in administration/supervision from Lynchburg College in 2007.

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