Anderson hires new coach
Anderson has announced the hiring of Bobby Ladner as head football
coach. Ladner replaces Jeff Judge, who guided the Ravens from
2003-2011. Ladner comes to Anderson from Concordia-Selma, where he
served as assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator.
Prior to his time at Concordia-Selma, Ladner served as assistant
head coach, defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at
Olivet Nazarene.
“We are very excited to bring to the Raven football program
a young, talented leader in Coach Bobby Ladner, said James L.
Edwards, president of Anderson. “At first meeting Bobby
impressed us as one who understands and is deeply committed to our
values and has the energy, intellect, experience and vision to lead
our program to success. We are very excited to welcome him to
Anderson University and to Raven football.”
“I'm excited to have coach Ladner leading our football
program,” said athletic director Marcie Taylor. “Bobby
brings valuable experience and knowledge, along with enthusiasm and
a commitment to creating a top notch football program with an
environment that will motivate our student-athletes to excel in the
classroom, on the football field and in their daily
lives.”
Prior to working at Olivet Nazarene, Ladner served as a recruiting
coordinator, defensive coordinator, and assistant athletic director
at Belhaven in Jackson, Miss. from 2004-09. In addition to
his extensive coaching duties, Ladner taught Wellness and Fitness
as well as strength and conditioning classes at Olivet
Nazarene.
Ladner has produced 31 all-conference players during his career as well as three NFL players and Belhaven won a conference championship in 2006. He has also worked with the Chicago Bears during training camp while at Olivet Nazarene and been the chair of the Belhaven Hall of Fame committee.
Ladner graduated from Belhaven in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in sports administration/nutrition. He earned his master's in management and leadership from Liberty in 2009.
After being recruited to Louisiana State as a fullback in high school, Ladner transferred to Belhaven, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team. He was named all-conference three times (2001-03) as well as All-American honorable mention after the 2003 season. He was a team captain as a senior and is the school’s all-time sack leader (36) and second in career tackles (252).
"It truly is a blessing and honor to be chosen to lead the Anderson University football program,” said Bobby Ladner. “It is a joy to be associated with an institution that strives to impact lives every day. My wife, Tori and I are excited for the opportunity to become a part of the Anderson University family. The Anderson community is a special place with outstanding people and we are thankful to be a part of that. I would like to thank Dr. Edwards, Dr. Baker, and Marcie Taylor for their leadership and vision for the institution. I also would like to thank the search committee, our players, coaches and the entire Anderson family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity."
