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| Eric Raisbeck |
Rafael Tolentino |
By Luke Schweitzer, Assistant Sports Information Director
RAPID CITY - With the start of the football season right around the corner South Dakota Mines football head coach Stacy Collins is not only stacking his 2012 roster with talent, he has also been boosting his coaching staff as well. Collins recently welcomed two new coaches to the Hardrocker program --- running backs coach Eric Raisbeck and linebackers coach Rafael Tolentino.
Raisbeck comes to SD Mines with an array of coaching experience ranging from high school to professional football. Most recently, Raisbeck spent his time at Winona State University (Minn.) as the defensive line coach while assisting special teams. Collins is looking forward to what Raisbeck will contribute on and off the field.
"Eric has a strong D2 background and has coached at several successful programs," Collins said. "He's a great addition to our offensive staff and will bring expertise to both our special teams and strength and conditioning program."
Raisbeck's coaching career started at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse in 2008, followed by Madison West High School (Wis.), Belleville High School (Wis.), the Milwaukee Mustangs (Arena Football League), and Chadron State College (Neb.).
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Raisbeck spent his college days playing at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. While there Raisbeck earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education Teaching. To further his education, he is currently working on earning his Masters of Science in Education through Winona State University.
Rafael Tolentino joins the Hardrockers football coaching staff with an extensive and proficient background in coaching and teaching. Tolentino will assist the SD Mines' linebackers in all facets of the position. Tolentino's experience and strengths are in strength and conditioning, getting the most of the players and picking up on offensive tendencies/weaknesses.
Prior to arriving at the South Dakota Mines, Tolentino was the varsity defensive coordinator, secondary coach and strength and conditioning coach at Lake Howell High School in Seminole, Fla.
Tolentino began his coaching and teaching career in 2003 at Glendale Community College, immediately following graduating from Western Oregon University with a Bachelors of Arts degree. While at Glendale, Tolentino won a NJCAA National Championship in 2005. In addition to his BA degree, Tolentino earned his Masters of Liberal Arts degree from Baker University in Overland Park, Kan.
Tolentino's development as a person, player and coach was influenced by Coach Collins while at Western Oregon.
"I was fortunate enough to coach him when he was a player at Western Oregon and he will develop our linebackers into great players and mentor them both on and off the field," Collins said. "He relates extremely well to players and will get the most out of their ability."
In addition to Lake Howell and Glendale Community College, Tolentino's coaching and teaching background includes spending time at Mainland High School in 2006, Winter Springs High School in 2007 & 2010, Winter Park High School in 2008 and University High School in 2009.
At the high school level Tolentino was an algebra teacher, assistant football coach and administrative dean.
"I am pleased to have Rafael Tolentino on our coaching staff as he will bring a wealth of experience to our linebacking corp.," Collins added.