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Coach Waverly Tillar will begin his sixth season as the head coach at Elizabeth City State University. After finishing 2-8 in 2005, the Vikings posted one of the biggest turnarounds in all of NCAA Division II in 2006. Tillar was named the 2006 CIAA Coach of the Year after guiding the Elizabeth City State University Viking football team to their most successful season in school history. Tillar was also honored by the 100% Wrong Club of Atlanta Georgia as Coach of the Year. The Vikings posted a 9-3 record, the best in school history, claimed the CIAA Eastern Division Championship, made their first post season appearance since 1981 and hosted the first playoff game in ECSU history. The Vikings' motto, "Working Hard for the Big Turnaround" came to fruition as ECSU posted four shutouts in route to a perfect CIAA record and a berth in the 2006 CIAA Football Championship. A coach for over 30 years, Tillar's hard work, determination and commitment are key ingredients to getting the players to perform at their very best. Since he took over the program in 2003, the Vikings have been the upstart program in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In his first season he guided ECSU to its first ever victory at the annual Down East Viking Football Classic. Tillar has brought intensity, energy, and respect back to the Elizabeth City State Football program. He understands the expectations of the upcoming 2008 season and is looking forward to the Challenge. Tillar's efforts in 2007 took the Vikings to a 5-5 finish that included spectacular finishes, heartbreaking losses, and the emergence of one of the top teams in the conference. The Vikings completed the season tied for 1st place in the Eastern Division. Prior to taking over as head coach, Tillar served as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. The "Doghouse Defense" finished 2002 ranked 5th in the nation in total defense, 14th in rushing defense and 24th in pass defense efficiency. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Tillar is a 1975 graduate of Virginia Union University. Playing linebacker for the Panthers, he helped anchor a defense that produced six shutouts in route to Virginia Union's first football championship in 50 years. Additionally, Tillar coached two years at the high school level at both Clifton Forge and Patrick Henry in Ashland, Virginia. He also coached the linebackers and defensive backs at his alma mater for 13 years and Virginia State University for 5 years. Throughout his tenure he has helped construct some of the top ranked defenses in the country. Tillar obtained his B.A. in Sociology from Virginia Union and his M.A. in Urban Affairs from Norfolk State University. Highly respected by his peers, Tillar is a member of the American Football Coaching Association (AFCA), CIAA Football Coaches Association (Vice President), Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA). In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Tillar is active within the Elizabeth City Community and is involved with several activities, including the ECSU Passing Camp, Football Coaches Clinic, and a "Little Vikings" Football Camp. He is also instrumental in setting up on-going mentoring programs. Tillar and his wife, Rose, have three sons, Shawn, Duane and Justin, and one daughter Amy. |
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