College of the Siskiyous Head Football Coach Eric Young, the 2006 Mid Empire Conference Coach of the Year, has been the driving force in returning Eagle football to the top of the Northern California Football Association. The Eagles finished 2006 ranked 15th in Northern California and won the Mid Empire Conference Championship for the first time since 1991 earning a bowl invitation for the fifth time in school history (the last being 1999).

During Young's tenure, 34 Eagles have captured All-Mid Empire Conference honors, including 19 first-team selections. Back to back years, the Eagles have had a running back named the Conference Offensive Most Valuable Player (Gaston 2005, Parrish 2006). The Eagles have also had two first-team all state selections and an All American (Parrish) in 2006.

Young’s impact as head coach is evidenced in all aspects of the Eagle football program. Young and his staff have continued to upgrade the level of talent by recruiting student-athletes with outstanding athleticism and great character, all part of the building process that continues to result in on-field success.

Young, who grew up in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, took over as only the 6th head coach in school history in late July, 2005. Under Young’s guidance, 14 former Eagles have advanced to scholarship opportunities at four year schools with many athletes still in the process of signing for this year. The biggest signing being this February as Chaz Thompson inked with #6 ranked Louisville.

Young initially came to College of the Siskiyous in August of 2004 as the defensive line coach. The Eagles finished the 2004 season ranked 2nd in the state in total defense and 9th in rush defense. Two of Young’s linemen were named first-team all conference while defensive tackle Ryan Taylor was named conference defensive player of the year and was selected first-team all state.

From 2002 through 2004 Young served as the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning for the University of California – Berkeley. Young was part of a staff that, in 2003, led Cal football to its first winning season in 9 years and tied for the nations biggest one year turn around. The following season Cal had the fewest returning starters in Division 1-A football. That year the Bears finished with the schools best conference record in 12 years and were the only team to beat USC, the eventual National Champions. Cal capped the season with a win over Virginia Tech in the Insight Bowl, the schools first bowl win in 10 years.

Young served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Denver from 2000-2002. Prior to being named the Director in 2000 Young served as Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning from 1998-2000. During Young’s time at University of Denver, the athletic department produced 7 NCAA national tournament teams, 3 team National Champions, 3 individual National Champions, and a total of 59 All Americans.

Young’s first assignment as a coach in the college ranks came in 1996-1997, when he served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Oregon. Young has also coached in the high school ranks as an assistant football coach at both Madison High and Rex Putnam High, both in Portland, Oregon. Through Young’s career, he has had the opportunity to work with over 50 players that have gone on to play professional football, including 5 first round NFL draft picks.

Young is a graduate of The University of Montana where he was a member of the 1994 football team. Prior to transferring to Montana, Young was a three-year letterman and two year starter at Western Oregon University. Young also holds a Masters Degree from the University of Oregon.

Young and his wife, Tiffany, are the proud parents of three children, Madison, Zachary and Austin.

Head Coach
Eric Young