SVSU VP for Intercollegiate Athletics John Lewandowski

[Welcome & Opening Remarks]

"I'm SVSU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics John Lewandowski, and today, we open a new chapter in the history of SVSU football.

"I would like to take a moment to thank members from the previous coaching staff, who stayed on board during this transition period and have continued recruiting on behalf of SVSU. Despite the uncertainty of their professional careers, they continued to work in the best interest of our prospective student-athletes and our football program.

"Through their selfless efforts, SVSU has been able to add 11 commitments to the 2026 recruiting class, which now totals 19. That's remarkable. Reminder: National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 4.

"So, I want to publicly thank: Brent Bassham, Brandon Clayton, Niklas Gustav, Antoine Mason, Mike McClanathan and Josh Schumacher along with the volunteer coaches. I appreciate your professionalism and selflessness during this coaching transition."

["Championship Experience" & Expectations]

"When I pursued the SVSU Athletics Director position in August 2023, GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar became a valuable resource for me. Prior to my Zoom and on-campus interviews, I asked Kris if programs can be successful here. She emphatically stated, "Yes, programs can win at SVSU, and if fact, they can compete for conference and National Championships." I followed by asking, "Can the football program be successful?," and she simply responded, "Absolutely."

"In October 2023, we started talking about providing a 'Championship Experience' for our student-athletes here at SVSU. Our mission remains to provide our student-athletes opportunities to excel in academics, with an emphasis on graduation and leadership development, pursuing championships in athletics, while having a positive impact on campus as well as in our local communities.

"And it all begins in the classroom, we ask out student-athletes to compete in the classroom, just like they do on the field, in the arena or in the pool, and they have done so at a high level. For the 2025 fall semester, SVSU's 500-plust student-athletes combined for an overall GPA of 3.36 – the highest reported score in the last eight years. Seventeen of SVSU's 18 intercollegiate sports maintained a team GPA above 3.0 for the fall term. In fact, Cardinal student-athletes have maintained 3.0 or better GPAs for 15 consecutive semesters.

"Over the last two-plus years, SVSU has won eight combined GLIAC Championships (regular season and postseason tournaments); most recently, men's soccer this fall. In addition, four programs – baseball, men's soccer, softball and men's cross country – have made headlines in the NCAA postseason; most recently, men's cross country matched its best-ever finish in the NCAA Championships, claiming sixth this fall.

"As a department, we continue to seek and create ways to better connect with our campus community as well as the entire Great Lakes Bay Region. We will continue teaching the value of volunteerism.

"SVSU is rapidly emerging as a destination for elite NCAA Division II student-athletes."

[Search Process]

"SVSU has won GLIAC Championships in multiple sports (over the last two-plus years), so why not football?

"Winning seasons are no longer the standard of excellence for SVSU football.

"I want to take a moment to acknowledge members of our football search committee: Jared Chasey, Fahd Jindani, Liz Lerczak Lee, Adam Piotrowicz, Brad Pruett and Ashley Hool.

"I also want to thank J.J. Boehm, Brian Brunner and Drew Moomey for their efforts during the on-campus interviews as well as the Admissions Office.

"Finally, I'd like to thank Corrie Piotrowski, Jennifer Neitzel and the entire Human Resources team for their behind-the-scenes work to keep the process moving even over the Holiday Break. The search process was truly a collaborative campus-wide effort."

[Engle Selection & Introduction]

"Throughout the search process, Michael Engle began to create separation from our extremely competitive pool of highly qualified candidates for the position. This was a highly coveted position that attracted interest from all across the country and from all levels of competitive football.

"Michael has a proven track record and extensive experience as an offensive coordinator, and he played a vital role in UIndy's recent success. During his four-year tenure, UIndy produced a combined record of 39-8, including four-consecutive GLVC Championships with a 28-1 mark in league games, and four-straight postseason appearances. In addition, the Greyhounds ranked among the AFCA Top 25 each of the last four years, including 10th in 2025 – the highest finish in program history.

"He will create an offensive scheme that provides our current personnel with the best opportunity to win. Michael has a clear vision of what he wants the culture and identity of SVSU football to be. He also has a season-long plan, focusing on player development on both sides of the football.

"Most importantly, Michael shares our goal of building a perennial Top 25 program that will complete for GLIAC Championships and be positioned for long postseason runs while graduating players, who will be prepared to be leaders and difference makers in their chosen professions and local communities.

"We're excited about the future of Cardinal Football, so it's my honor to introduce to you the eighth head football coach in SVSU history: Michael Engle."

SVSU Head Football Coach Michael Engle

[Opening / Greeting]

"Good afternoon and thank you all for being here today.

"Honestly, I'm both excited and a little nervous today and that's a good thing. It reminds me of what game day feels like: the anticipation, the energy, the rush you get just stepping on the field. That feeling is why I'm so motivated to get to work and continue building on the history and tradition of this program."

[Acknowledgements – Leadership & University]

"I want to start by thanking some very important people. First, thank you to University President Dr. George Grant and Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics John Lewandowski for trusting me to lead this program. Your leadership and vision for Cardinal football are inspiring, and I'm grateful for your confidence in me.

"I also want to thank the hiring committee. Your thoughtful process and support made this opportunity possible.

"And to the broader Saginaw Valley State University community – faculty, staff, students, and fans – thank you for welcoming me and my family. The energy, pride, and dedication of this community make this program special, and I am thrilled to be joining it."

[Family & Partner Acknowledgments]

"I also want to thank my family, who have been my biggest supporters throughout my life. My dad was a high school football coach and from him I learned the value of discipline, hard work, and leadership – lessons that guide me every day.

"My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader, I'm not sure if she's more excited about me being the new head coach or that it means she gets a new wardrobe full of red and blue Cardinal gear.

"I have two amazing sisters who have shaped me in different ways. My sister, Sarah, is a benefits lawyer in Chicago, but she doubles as my personal editor. If she helps me much more, I might have to put her on retainer, but unfortunately, I can't afford her billable rate.

"My other sister, Laura, is my fashion sister. When I'm not dressed in full suit and tie, I very much take pride in my shoe game, and I can thank her for a lot of that.

"And finally, I want to acknowledge my girlfriend Mary. She is the head coach at home, the most supportive person I know, and someone whose guidance, encouragement, and belief in me make me a better coach and a better person every day. Her support has been unwavering, and I could not do this without her by my side. She has been a constant source of inspiration and strength, and I am grateful to share this journey with her."

[Acknowledging History / Alumni / 50-Year Anniversary]

"Before I talk about the future, I want to acknowledge the history of this program. This past year marked the 50-year anniversary of Saginaw Valley State football … 50 years of dedication, tradition, and hard work. That milestone reminds us of the strong foundation we are building on.

"I also want to recognize our alumni. The success of Cardinal football has been shaped by generations of players, coaches, and supporters. Alumni are a vital part of this program; they are its memory, its support, and its voice in the community. We are committed to honoring that legacy while continuing to grow and move forward."

[Respect for Program / Coaching Against Saginaw]

"I've had the challenge of competing against Saginaw Valley State three times in the last four years, and have seen firsthand the toughness, grit and resilience of this team.

"Four years ago, I stepped on this campus for the first time as part of the University of Indianapolis football program. I remember thinking how cool it would be to lead a program like this as a head coach one day. And now, to be standing here today … full circle … is truly a privilege and a dream realized.

"That day, four years ago, standing on the sidelines, I could see the commitment of the players and the incredible support from students, alumni, and fans. That culture is what makes this program so special, and it's one of the many reasons I'm so excited to be part of it."

[Program Goals / Championship Experience]

"As a football staff, we also understand that culture includes a commitment to providing student-athletes with a 'Championship Experience.' For our players and our coaches, that experience is guided by four program goals:

"First, win in the classroom. Graduation matters. Our players are students first. This year's team had an overall cumulative GPA of 3.03 and a fall GPA of 3.06. We will continue to emphasize academic accountability, time management, and daily habits that lead to success … not just eligibility but graduation and preparation for life after football.

"Second, win in the community. Our players represent Saginaw Valley State every day. We want them to be engaged, visible, and positive contributors. Service, humility, and leadership off the field matter as much as anything on it.

"Third, win as a person. Football is temporary, but the lessons learned here last a lifetime. We want to develop young men who are accountable, resilient, and prepared to handle adversity. That means discipline, leadership, and respect – for teammates, coaches, opponents and themselves.

"Fourth, win on the field. Competition matters. Our expectation is to consistently compete for GLIAC Championships, playoff berths and National Championships.

"Everything we do will be rooted in accountability, development and a relentless pursuit of excellence – on and off the field."

[Recruiting Philosophy / Michigan Emphasis]

"With that in mind our recruiting philosophy is simple: recruit, retain and develop. We want to recruit great players from the state of Michigan because we want to represent and build upon the rich football tradition here at home. We want players who are talented, but even more, players who demonstrate character, work ethic, and commitment.

"We want to retain these players and help them develop them fully. Every practice, every game, every interaction is designed to improve our players – as students, as citizens, as teammates, and as competitors on the field. By focusing on recruiting the right people, keeping them engaged, and helping them grow as players and people, we build a sustainable program capable of competing at the highest levels."

[Player Development Philosophy]

"But football isn't just a game; it's also a playing field for life. The skills our players develop on the field – discipline, discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and focus – directly translate to success in the classroom, in our communities, and in life.

"Our goal is simple: we want our players to win as students, as citizens, as people and on the field. Everything we do as a staff is built to help them achieve that. When a player leaves Saginaw Valley State, we want them to be prepared not just to compete on Saturdays but to succeed in the most important areas of life."

[Acknowledging High Expectations]

"Inside the football arena, we understand the expectations for the football program. Those expectations are high and they should be. Saginaw Valley State has a proud football tradition, strong institutional support and a history of competing at a high level.

"As a football staff and for our team, those expectations aren't added pressure; they're a privilege. High expectations mean people care. They mean this program matters to the university, its alumni and the community.

"Our responsibility is not to talk about expectations but to meet them through our daily work. That means consistency, accountability and doing things the right way – even when it's difficult. And that's a challenge our staff and players will embrace."

[Closing / Commitment]

"It's those players, the guys already in that locker room, putting in work to get better every day, that excites me most about being a part of this program. Our job as coaches is to put them in the best position to succeed – to teach, to challenge and to support them.

"And as we move forward, we will continue to build on the work being put in by the guys in

that locker room, and the tradition established by the players who came before them by

recruiting and developing outstanding student-athletes, who are positioned to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and most importantly, in life.

"I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to lead Cardinal football. I'm excited about the work ahead and I'm ready to get to it. Thank you and Go Cards!"