Lewis Acquarulo, who Lew Acquarulo, a Connecticut native, begins his seventh season as an assistant coach with the Bantams and his sixth as the defensive coordinator. Promoted to associate head coach prior to last season, Acquarulo also coaches the linebackers and coordinates the kicking game. In his fi rst year as defensive coordinator, the Bantams led the nation in scoring defense (6.8 points allowed per game) and total defense (160.0 yards allowed per game), and finished second nationally in pass efficiency defense (73.2 opponent efficiency rating). In 2007, the Trinity defense fi nished atop the league rankings in total defense, rushing defense, and sacks. Acquarulo’s rushing defense ranked 15th nationally in 2008 (86.88 yards/game) and Trinity allowed just 140 points to tie for fi rst in the NESCAC. Trinity finished sixth in the nation in rushing defense (68 ypg), fifth nationally in tackles for loss (9.38 per game), and second in the country in sacks (3.88 per game) that year. Last fall, Trinity led all of NCAA Division III in rushing defense with 45.4 rushing yards allowed per game. The Bantams held 21 of 30 opponents under 18 points over the last four seasons. Acquarulo has coached 22 All-NESCAC defensive players in the last four years, including 2008 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year Tyler Berry and 2010 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year Walter Fallas.

Acquarulo arrived at Trinity in 2005 after serving as the defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coordinator at the University of Rochester from 2001 to 2004. Prior to Rochester, Acquarulo coached the outside linebackers and special teams at the University of Pennsylvania for three years, linebackers and special teams at Southern Connecticut State University for two years, and the defensive line and linebackers at Union College. He was also the strength coach at both Southern Connecticut and Union. Acquarulo coordinates the Trinity football academic program, and teaches physical education classes. Acquarulo earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, where he helped the football team win an ECAC Championship, earn two NCAA championship bids, and post undefeated seasons in 1991 and 1993 as a starting defensive lineman. Acquarulo was recognized by Union for outstanding team leadership with the Ronald F. Plumb Award at the conclusion of his playing career. He also holds a master’s degree from Trinity in American Studies. He