Hampden-Sydney College Men's Football

WVHL Radio, Kickin' Country 92.9 FM (12/12/23) | Richmond Times-Dispatch (12/14/23) | The Farmville Herald (12/22/23) Vince Luvara is in his third year as the Head Football Coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27. He was named head coach on December 7, 2023. The former defensive coordinator at Washington & Jefferson (PA) College since 2016, Luvara is the 29th head coach in the 130-year history of the storied Hampden-Sydney program. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native is no stranger to NCAA Division III, having played four years at Allegheny (PA) College and coached one year at Allegheny and two years at Misericordia (PA) University—each school members of Division III. Vince is currently 12-8 at the College, and also serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the athletic department. H-SC completed its 2025 season with a final overall record of 7-3, including 5-3 in the ODAC, the best overall record for the program since 2013 (9-3), while equaling the win total of 2014 (7-4). Twelve team members were named All-ODAC, including Mason Cunningham ’26 who was selected as the J. Stokeley Fulton Offensive Player of the Year among six on the First Team, with three on the Second Team and three on the Third Team. The Tigers had five D3football.com All-Region 3 selections, including two on the First Team. H-SC had a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy® for the sixth-straight year, as selected by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF), while three team members were voted to the Academic All-District® Football Team as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC) for NCAA Division III, and five were named a member of the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. Luvara was selected to participate in the 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute during the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention on January 12-14, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Leadership Institute is a one-day event designed to identify and train rising leaders in the game of football and the coaching professions. Coach Luvara was the only NCAA Division III football coach selected for the institute. H-SC finished 2024 with a final overall record of 5-5, including 3-4 in the ODAC. Eight team members were named All-ODAC, including one on the First Team, two on the Second Team and five on the Third Team, and the Tigers had one D3football.com All-Region 3 selection. H-SC had a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy®, two team members were voted to the Academic All-District® Football Team as selected by CSC, and three were named a member of the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. Luvara served as the defensive coordinator, as well as the recruiting coordinator, at Washington & Jefferson for eight seasons, helping the Presidents to an overall record of 66-16, including 51-12 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). During this period, W&J won two PAC Championships, made two NCAA Playoff appearances and won four of five ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Bowl Championships—the most recent a 46-21 win past the United States Merchant Marine Academy (NY) in the 2023 ECAC James Lynah Bowl to complete a 9-2 season (8-2 PAC). Luvara served under veteran head coach Mike Sirianni at W&J, one of the most successful head coaches in NCAA football, and the winningest football coach in that school’s history. The Presidents had 64 All-PAC Defensive selections from 2016-23, including 23 First Team honorees, along with three All-Americans (O’Shea Anderson, 2017; Mike Williams, 2019; Dawson Dietz, 2022, 2023) and two Academic All-Americans (Conor Manning, 2019; Dawson Dietz, 2023). W&J ranked 23rd nationally in 2023 in fewest passing yards allowed (158.8), 26th in turnovers gained (24), 31st in interceptions (15), 46th in total defense (297.7) and 50th in scoring defense (18.8). The Presidents yielded just one touchdown or less in four games during 2023, including one shutout. Luvara’s W&J defense yielded just 12.7 points per game in 2022 to rank 15th in Division III, allowing 255.6 yards—just 99.7 on the ground. In 2021, the scoring defense was 16.2 with 17 interceptions and 287.4 yards, while during the spring of 2021 (COVID-19), the unit allowed only 11.8 points and 198.3 yards in four games. W&J’s scoring defense was 16.1 in 2019, allowing 297.6 yards—tops in the PAC, and in 2018—11 defensive players earned All-PAC recognition during a championship season that witnessed 19 interceptions. The scoring defense (18.9) ranked second in the conference in 2017, along with a league-leading 23 interceptions, and in 2016, the Presidents led the PAC in tackles for loss (112) and sacks (40). Luvara served as an intern assistant coach at W&J during the 2015-16 academic year, working with the linebackers and acting as the special teams and video coordinator. The Presidents finished 8-2 overall, 6-2 in the PAC. He had a similar role (linebackers, special teams, recruiting, video) at his alma mater, Allegheny, during 2014-15, and coached linebackers (taking over special teams during the 2012 season) at Misericordia in 2012 and 2013 as a graduate assistant while earning his MBA in business administration. Luvara was a four-year team member (2007-10) and three-year letterman at Allegheny (2008-10), playing in 28 career games, and starting all 10 games at inside linebacker as a senior. He totaled 75 career tackles, including 26 solo and 49 assisted, seven tackles for loss, one interception and four pass breakups. Luvara helped the Gators to an overall record of 20-10 during his letterman years, including 13-7 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Luvara graduated from Allegheny in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in managerial economics and a minor in communications arts. He was a student assistant in the football office from 2007-11. Vince and his wife Stacey reside in Hampden-Sydney. What They Said About New Hampden-Sydney Football Head Coach Vince Luvara Upon His Appointment (December 7, 2023) "We are very happy for Vince and Stacey. He is ready to be a head coach and to lead his own program. During his time here at W&J, he has elevated our play and raised the standard for our defense. Vince is also a tremendous recruiter as he builds strong relationships with both prospective and current student-athletes." – Washington & Jefferson (PA) Head Coach Mike Sirianni "Coach Luvara has worked hard to earn this opportunity and we thank him for his dedication to Presidents' football and our athletic department these last nine years. As our defensive coordinator, Vince elevated our defense to consistently rank as one of NCAA Division III's best units. He is a relentless recruiter who will bring a detailed approach to every aspect of the Hampden-Sydney program. We wish Coach Luvara the best of luck in Virginia!" – Washington & Jefferson (PA) Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness "Vince Luvara is one of the best and brightest young coaches that I had the pleasure to work with at Allegheny College. He is a tireless recruiter and does not take a back seat to anyone in the country when it comes to the X's and O's of defensive football. More importantly, he is a man of high character. I am extremely confident that as the Head Football Coach, he will represent Hampden-Sydney College in a first-class manner." – retired Allegheny (PA) Head Coach Mark Matlak (2002-15) "Great hire for Hampden-Sydney College! Vince is one of the finest young coaches I have had the pleasure to work with. He is a tireless recruiter and is an exceptional defensive coach. Very happy for him as I know how hard he has worked for this opportunity. Congratulations to Vince and Hampden-Sydney College." – Bloomsburg (PA) Defensive Coordinator Mark Ross / former Misericordia (PA) Head Coach (2012-20) "Anytime we went to prepare for Washington & Jefferson and Vince's defenses, we knew we would be in for a fight. Vince does a great job of presenting lots of looks to opposing offenses, while more importantly maximizing his talent. I know he is a tireless recruiter, and will find great players to play for the Tigers. Vince will do a great job at Hampden-Sydney College." – Carnegie Mellon (PA) Head Coach Ryan Larsen "It has been well known in our conference for years that Vince has been one of the brightest and most successful coordinators in the PAC. HIs tireless approach to recruiting and his commitment to making his players the best they can be, will be a great asset to Hampden-Sydney. Over the course of my tenure here at Westminster, I have grown to respect and enjoy competing against Vince and his top ranked defense yearly. I have no doubt he will do great things at Hampden-Sydney." – Westminster (PA) Head Coach Scott Benzel "What an outstanding hire for Hampden-Sydney Football! Vince's defenses at W&J were exceptional and he has also been a top-notch recruiter." – Case Western Reserve (OH) Head Coach Greg Debeljak  

Zach Zullinger ’07 is in his eighth year at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, promoted to Associate Head Football Coach this year while serving as the defensive line coach. He previously served as a linebackers coach, defensive line coach, an offensive line coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Zullinger coached three offensive linemen to four First Team All-ODAC honors over three years, and four defensive linemen and/or a linebacker have now earned Second Team and Third Team All-ODAC. A four-year team member of the Tigers from 2003-06, Zach had been an assistant coach at Guilford (NC) College from 2011-19. He also serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the athletic department. Zullinger served in several capacities at Guilford over the eight years, most recently as the Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Quakers. He had also been the program’s defensive line coach, special teams coordinator, as well as the strength and conditioning coordinator. GC led the ODAC in sacks during 2018 with 26, and was second in fumbles recovered with nine, while adding eight forced fumbles and six interceptions. The Quakers posted an overall record of 42-37 from 2011-18, including a school-record nine wins in 2015. Prior to his time at Guilford, Zullinger was an assistant coach at Ursinus (PA) College from 2008-10. He served as the program’s defensive line coach, special teams coordinator, strength and conditioning coordinator, along with having video coordinator responsibilities. The Bears posted an overall record of 17-14 from 2008-10, including an 8-2 record in 2010. Zullinger served as an assistant coach for one season at nearby Randolph-Henry High School during 2007. He coached the offensive line and linebackers, while the special teams coordinator, as well. Zullinger is a 2007 graduate of Hampden-Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He began his career with the Tigers at offensive guard before moving to defensive tackle as a junior. A native of Manassas, Zach and his wife, Hanna, reside in Farmville.  

Luke Candiano is in his first year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the Chief of Staff. He had served as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, NCAA Division III member DePauw (IN) University, since 2024 after two years as a team member of the Tigers (2022-23). Candiano supported the DePauw coaching staff through daily logistics, practice preparation and equipment management for 150 student-athletes, while also assisting in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. He served as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), as well, and was a primary liaison between the Athletic Department and nearly 600 student-athletes. In addition, Candiano was a co-leader of ambassadors for the Management Fellows Honors Program and received the Management Fellows Award for Excellence in Leadership, served as treasurer for Delta Tau Delta fraternity and was an analyst for the DePauw Investment Group.   A native of Anderson, Indiana, Luke graduated from DePauw in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He and his brothers operate Candiano Beef raising organic cattle in providing high-quality, grass-fed beef directly from farm to table.  

David Clark, Jr. is in his fourth year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. He previously served as the defensive coordinator, a safeties coach and a linebackers coach. Clark had served as the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) member Averett University from 2018-22. He is a 2011 graduate of ODAC member Guilford (NC) College, where he was a two-year team member before serving as a student assistant coach for three years (2009-11) and an assistant coach for five years (2012-16). H-SC led the ODAC in passing defense (160.0) and efficiency (107.0) during 2025, while tied for first in sacks (23), second in opponent third down conversions (35.9), third in total defense (335.8) and tied for third in interceptions (11). The Tigers had four defensive players earn All-ODAC honors, including one on the First Team, one on the Second Team and two on the Third Team. H-SC had two defensive players on the 2024 All-ODAC Team, including one Second Team selection at linebacker. The Tigers led the ODAC in passing defense (180.8) during 2023, while second in first downs defense (197), and placed four defensive players on the All-ODAC Team, including one First Team selection in Will Pickren '23, who earned 2023 All-America and All-Region honors, as well. At Averett, Clark implemented the defensive schemes and game-planning for all opponents over the past four seasons while developing the defensive playbook and linebacker manual for the program. The 2022 Cougars led the ODAC in (fewest) passing yards allowed per game, while placing three defensive players on the All-ODAC Team. AU had nine All-USA South defensive selections during the spring and fall of 2021, following a record-breaking 2019 campaign with five all-conference honorees (four linebackers), while leading the league in scoring defense, third down defense and sacks (school-record 37) among top three team rankings in 11 stat categories. Clark served as the special teams coordinator/linebackers coach at AU from 2016-18. The Cougars led NCAA Division III in net punting in 2018, while second nationally in defensive punt return average and third in kickoff return average—featuring the top individual kickoff return average in DIII. AU had eight All-USA South special teams' selections, three All-Region honorees and one All-American during these three years, and the Cougars led the conference in scoring defense and takeaways during 2017 and 2018. He coached three linebackers to all-conference honors, including one All-American and All-Region honoree. Clark also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater (Guilford) from 2012-16, including as the running backs coach in 2012, before becoming the linebackers coach from 2013-16. He helped the Quakers to a share of the 2014 ODAC regular season title, and coached five linebackers to all-conference honors from 2013-15, including an All-Region choice in 2014. A GC running back earned all-conference accolades in 2012. A native of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in exercise and sports studies at Guilford.  

Tayshaun Porter is in his second year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the wide receivers coach for the second consecutive season and his first year as the pass game coordinator. He was a three-year member of the football team at NCAA Division II Virginia State University (2022-24), helping the Trojans to the 2024 Central Collegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship contest and a final record of 7-4 as a team captain. H-SC had two receivers among the ODAC’s Top 10 in receptions during 2025, and three among the Top 10 in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Mason Cunningham ’26 was selected as the conference’s J. Stokeley Fulton Offensive Player of the Year as an All-ODAC First Team honoree, along with a Second Team selection. Porter finished his VSU career with 61 receptions for 769 yards and seven touchdowns in 28 games. Prior to that, Porter was a four-year member of the football team at Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) member Howard (DC) University, though limited by injuries to two years of competition for the Bison (2019, 2021) where he had eight receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. He was a two-year Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) All-Academic Team selection (2020-21). A native of Newport News, Tayshaun graduated from Howard in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management with a minor in economics. He earned his Master of Science degree in sport management from Virginia State in December 2024. Porter was a graduate assistant in the office of student engagement and career services at VSU, completed an internship as a market research analyst with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and participated in the Disney on the Yard program dedicated to building a community for HBCU alumni working across The Walt Disney Company.  

Owen Helton is in his first year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the tight ends coach and video coordinator. He had served as the assistant quarterbacks coach at NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) member Elon (NC) University since February 2025.   Helton assisted the offensive coordinator and offensive staff in weekly offensive game-planning at Elon, including a role in the development of Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year Landen Clark (QB). He helped coordinate scout-team defense and special teams, assisted with pass game drawings, opponent defensive film breakdowns and personnel scouting reports and was involved in official and gameday recruiting.   Helton served as an offensive line assistant and recruiting intern at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) member Wake Forest (NC) University from January 2024 to February 2025. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Bonita Springs (FL) High School from June 2022 to January 2024, serving as the varsity running backs coach and the JV offensive coordinator. Helton also worked as an assistant director of scouting for Mike Farrell Sports from November 2022 to January 2024. A native of Fredericksburg, Owen graduated from James Madison University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport and recreation management, and minored in business.  

Carlos Delgado is in his first year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the cornerbacks coach. He had served as a graduate defensive coach at NCAA Division III member Aurora (IL) University since August 2024. At Aurora, Delgado assisted with daily defensive practice plans, film breakdown and analysis, created weekly defensive scouting reports, handled defensive play calling for the JV team and helped with equipment inventory. The Spartans finished 9-2 in 2024, including 8-0 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) for first place, and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Playoffs. AU was 8-3 in 2025, including 6-2 in the NACC for second place, and won the SmileyCookie.com LakeFront Bowl. Delgado served as the varsity safeties coach and JV defensive coordinator at Damien (CA) High School from September 2020 to July 2024. Prior to that, he was a student assistant coach at his alma mater, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member the University of Saint Mary (KS), from January 2020 to May 2020, assisting with defensive backs among other responsibilities. He was a three-year member of the Spires’ football team as an undergraduate. A native of Covina, California, Carlos graduated from Saint Mary in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management with a concentration in marketing. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Aurora in May 2026.  

Jake Pugh is in his first year as an assistant football coach at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, serving as the quarterbacks coach. He had served as an offensive quality control and assistant quarterbacks coach at Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) member the University of New Haven (CT) during the spring of 2026.   At New Haven, Pugh oversaw pass drawings and playbook creation on Visio, created cutups for offensive coordination meetings and was responsible for offseason accountability teams while operating daily activities for the program. Pugh served as an intern assistant coach at his alma mater, NCAA Division III Washington & Jefferson (PA) College, during the 2025 season. He worked with the defensive backs, including two All-Region and All-Conference selections, and special teams with punt return responsibilities, and has served as a volunteer assistant at Thomas Jefferson (PA) High School from 2022-24.   Pugh was a four-year team member, three-year starter at quarterback and a two-year team captain for W&J. He was a semifinalist for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy that recognizes the most outstanding player in Division III who demonstrates excellence in athletics, academics and community service. Pugh was a two-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Offensive Player of the Year (2023-24), First Team All-PAC and D3football.com All-Region selection, and ranks fourth in career touchdown passes (93) and fifth in career passing yards (7,668) for the Presidents. He led W&J to a three-year overall record of 27-6, and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Playoffs as a senior. A native of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, Jake graduated from W&J in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, and minored in both economics and communication arts. He was also named a member of the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society.  

Max Beal is in his fourth year at Hampden-Sydney College during 2026-27, promoted to Assistant Head Football Coach this year while serving as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the second consecutive season. Beal was the co-offensive coordinator in 2024, and had previously served as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at his alma mater, Allegheny (PA) College, from March 2019-23. H-SC led the ODAC in nearly every offensive category in 2025, including scoring (44.1), total offense (485.5), passing offense (254.7), passing efficiency (169.9), first downs (25.4) and third down conversions (48.8); while second in rushing offense (230.8). Mason Cunningham '26 was selected as the conference's J. Stokeley Fulton Offensive Player of the Year among five offensive players on the All-ODAC First Team (one lineman), two on the Second Team (one lineman) and one on the Third Team. H-SC led the ODAC in passing efficiency (145.1) and first downs (22.8) during 2024, and placed six offensive players on the All-ODAC Team, including one on the First Team, one on the Second Team and four on the Third Team. The Tigers were third in passing offense (217.0) and fourth in total offense (370.0). The Garnet & Grey led the ODAC in passing offense (290.7) during 2023, while placing one offensive lineman on the All-ODAC Second Team. The Tigers were second in total offense (413.6) and scoring offense (32.9), and third in first downs (22.3). At Allegheny, Beal was directly responsible for the daily preparation of the offense, including scouting and creating offensive game plans, and scripting and organizing daily practice schedules for the offense. He worked directly with the quarterbacks and called the offensive plays on game days. Beal coached two All-President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) student-athletes in 2022, while the Gators ranked among the top five in PAC passing yards and first downs per game, posted their most rushing yards since 2018, and were 52nd nationally in fewest sacks allowed. In 2021, the program set new school records for pass completions and attempts, while nationally-ranked among the top 38 in passing yards per game, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. In 2019, AC ranked among the top three in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) passing touchdowns, total passing yards and passing yards per game, red zone touchdowns, fourth down conversion percentage and time of possession. Prior to returning to Allegheny, Beal was the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Western New England (MA) University during 2018-19. He helped WNEU to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Football Championship Playoffs, coaching the CCC Offensive Player of the Year among six individuals earning All-CCC honors. The Golden Bears were ranked among the top 25 nationally in points, total offense, rushing yards and first downs per game, fewest sacks allowed, turnover margin and third-down conversion percentage. Beal coached at Hamline (MN) University during 2017-18 as the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, and also coordinated field goals and extra points. He coached at Tufts (MA) University during 2016-17 as the running backs coach, helping lead TU to the 22nd-ranked rushing offense nationally, coaching the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Offensive Player of the Year. Beal coached at Western New England from 2014-16 as the offensive line coach, helping the Golden Bears to an undefeated season in 2015 (10-0), winning the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Championship and earning an appearance in the DIII Playoffs—coaching four All-Conference student-athletes. A native of Hingham, Massachusetts, Max earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in communications at Allegheny in 2014. He was a four-year letterman for the Gators, serving as a team captain and starting all 10 games at center as a senior in 2013. Beal earned the program’s George Coon '77 Memorial Award, which is presented to a player whose desire to participate and dedication to team success have earned him the highest respect of his fellow teammates.