Western State College of Colorado

GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State College Head Football Coach Pat Stewart is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Aimone as an assistant coach for the Mountaineers. Aimone will focus on the defensive line after spending the last two seasons an assistant coach at Chadron State.

“I’m excited to be here and to work with Coach Stewart and his staff,” Aimone said. “Being in Gunnison is a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to starting fall camp and the 2010 season.”

Aimone (pronounced EYE-moan-ee) coached the defensive line last season for the Eagles. He coached Cory Beran to first team all-conference honors last season after he recorded a team-high nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Aimone started his collegiate playing career at Weber State before transferring to Chadron State in 2005. He switched from defensive tackle to the offensive line and earned RMAC all-academic honors in both football and track and field. He also threw 55 feet in the shot put and 164-9 in the discus to earn all-conference honors for the Eagles.

Aimone is a native of Kemmerer, Wyo., where he earned the Milward Simpson Award as Wyoming’s outstanding male athlete. He was an all-conference performer in football, a 3A wrestling heavyweight champion and a state champion in the shot put.

“We’re extremely excited to bring on board such a high caliber man and coach like Mike Aimone,” Stewart said. “He comes from one of the best football programs in the nation and will be a great addition for our players and coaches.”

Aimone comes in for Kevin Stanley, who accepted a coaching position in Houston, Texas. “Kevin did a great job as a member of the Mountaineer football staff, and has played a big role in the success that we’re going to have this fall,” Stewart said. “We’re excited for him and wish him and his family the best of luck.”