Football: Brother Rice tabs Brian Badke as new coach

Updated: May 3, 2012 6:26PM

Brother Rice has named Brian Badke its new football coach.

Badke, a 1992 graduate of Brother Rice, succeeds Steve Nye, who accepted the coaching post at York.

“We had close to 30 applicants and Brian turned up at the top of everybody’s list,” Brother Rice president Kevin Burns said. “He represents our whole package. He understands the school’s mission, he has great knowledge of football and he’s very articulate. He has the people skills necessary to build relationships with the feeder programs and families. He’s perfectly suited for the position.”

Badke, an Evergreen Park resident and married father of three, has a solid football background, having played at Brother Rice and the University of St. Francis.

He’s been defensive backs coach at local powerhouse St. Xavier University since 1999. The Cougars won the 2011 NAIA national championship.

“I think it’s great for Brian and Brother Rice,” said St. Xavier coach Mike Feminis, who was defensive coordinator at St. Francis when Badke was a player. “He’s a very enthusiastic and positive person. I think the kids will love him. He won’t settle for anything less than success. It’s going to be a very exciting time for Brother Rice.”

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