Pace Football Elevates Gruber to Defensive Coordinator

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – With opening kickoff less than a month away, Pace University Head Football Coach Andy Rondeau announced Stephen Gruber as the Setters' new Defensive Coordinator. Gruber spent the previous four seasons as the Blue and Gold's Defensive Line Coach. "I am excited to promote Steve to his new post as defensive coordinator," said Rondeau. "Steve's positive impact has been felt on Pace Football across a number of fronts for a number of years now. He will help our defense do it better than they have ever done it before." Gruber, who will be entering his fifth season as part of the Setters' coaching staff, has played a vital role in the growth of Pace Football during his tenure. As the defensive line coach, he has helped the Blue and Gold to some of the best defensive numbers in recent memory. In 2016, senior lineman Kadeem Langhorne(Baldwin, NY/Baldwin) led the entire Northeast-10 Conference in tackles for loss while linebacker Matthew Corrie (South Setauket, NY/Ward Melville) ('18) was tops in the NE10 in total tackles a year ago. In addition, Gruber has been instrumental in Pace's broadened recruiting efforts, which has resulted in commitments from more than 60 student-athletes from eight different states over the last three signing days. Before arriving in Pleasantville, Gruber served as the Junior Varsity Coach for the Mount Pleasant School District in 2013. He was the defensive coordinator and special teams coach for the JV squad, while also assisting with film breakdown and game planning for the varsity teams. Prior to Mount Pleasant, Gruber was the assistant JV coach for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, working with the linebackers and wide receivers in 2012. During his playing days, Gruber was a four-year defensive lineman for the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. As a senior, he was named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference Second Team. Gruber earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland in May of 2012. The Setters will begin their new campaign on the road at Millersville University on August 30.