Football | 12/6/2022 3:53:00 PM
MORRISVILLE, NY – The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced its selections for the 2023 35 Under 35 Leadership Institute Monday, naming SUNY Morrisville's Ed Raby, Jr. to the elite class.
"I'm extremely honored and humble to have the opportunity to be a part of the 2023 AFCA 35 under 35 class," Raby said.
"This of course is not an accomplishment that reflects only on myself, but also on those that I've had the pleasure to work with that helped me get to where I am today.
"I have been blessed to work alongside some of the best coaches in the profession, coach countless players that have assisted in my development on the sidelines, and wouldn't have been able to do what I do without all of those who have had an impact on me throughout my career."
According to the AFCA release, the 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute is a prestigious program that identifies and develops premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a rigorous curriculum of interactive lectures focused on tops specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression and family balance.
Raby, who was chosen among over 200 high-quality applicants across all Divisional levels, guided the Mustangs to one of its most successful seasons in 2022 at the helm of the program with seven wins, a program fourth ECAC Bowl Game appearance, while a total 14 on Empire 8 All-Conference Teams, alongside the Mustangs Co-Defensive Player of the Year for the league.
The second-year head coach also led Morrisville to a five-game turnaround in just one year's time and was the first for Raby on the sidelines with the Mustang reins in the post-season. Under his leadership, Morrisville boasted a stingy defense that allowed the fewest points in the Empire 8 at 11.2 per game, while ranking 15
th across Division III in scoring defense.
"This is a wonderful honor for Ed," said SUNY Morrisville Athletic Director, Matt Grawrock.
"He has represented our institution and department with passion and class, and it's no surprise that the collegiate football world is taking notice.
"I'm sure this will be one of many steps he'll take to keep pushing our program forward and continuing to make a mark on the football landscape.
"We're incredibly proud of him and look forward to where he takes our program."
Raby was the only selection from the Empire 8 in the
Class of 2023.
Members of the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute will be published in the bi-monthly AFCA Magazine, AFCA Insider weekly email blast, and/or have their articles and videos added to the AFCA Educational Library. Additionally, they will be placed on the AFCA Foundation Committee and be part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession along with other great benefits.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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