Bob Stitt returns for his 11th season as the head football coach at Colorado School of Mines in 2010.

During his first 10 years, Stitt has guided the Orediggers to a 67-46 overall record, including a 51-32 mark in the RMAC. Stitt's .593 winning percentage is the highest by a Mines football coach who has coached in at least 20 games and the highest for a modern day coach at CSM.

CSM recorded an 8-3 overall record, including an 8-1 mark in the RMAC, during the 2009 season.  For the Orediggers, who have now posted winning seasons in eight of the past nine years, 2009 marked the sixth time in program history that Mines had finished with eight-or-more wins.  CSM had 17 All-RMAC selections in 2009, including Marc Schiechl, was was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Year.  The Orediggers, who had 11 players named to the NFF All-Colorado teams, also had three All-Region selections, including Adam Saur, who played in the Valero Cactus Bowl (NCAA Division II football all-star game).  Saur and Schiechl, who were selected as the NFFCC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, both earned All-American honors.  Quarterback David Pesek, who was one of 24 regional finalists for the 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy (NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year), was named to the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team and was honored during halftime of the Sugar Bowl.  The CSM offense, which led the RMAC in passing offense (356.3 ypg), finished second in the RMAC in scoring (33.1 ppg), total offense (431.0 ypg) and passing efficiency (148.7).

The Orediggers went 8-4 overall (7-2 RMAC) in 2008 to secure their seventh winning season in eight years. CSM's trip to the 2008 Dixie Rotary Bowl marked the fourth time in program history that Mines had competed in a bowl game. The 2008 Dixie Rotary Bowl also marked the third time in five years that Mines had advanced into the post-season. Ten Orediggers earned All-RMAC honors in 2008, including Pesek, who earned First Team All-RMAC honors.

Mines compiled a 7-5 overall mark (6-2 RMAC) and earned a berth in the Dixie Rotary Bowl in 2007. CSM landed 14 All-RMAC selections and two All-Region picks in 2007 while six players earned recognition on the NFF's All-Colorado Teams. Furthermore, Derek Dykstra was selected to participate in the Valero Cactus Bowl (NCAA Division II football all-star game).

In 2006, the Orediggers (4-7 overall, 2-6 RMAC) had 12 All-RMAC, five All-Region and seven NFF All-Colorado selections. Michael Curl earned Honorable Mention All-American honors and Bryan Florendo, who became the first Oredigger to rush for 1,000 yards (1,018) since 1939, was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year on the NFF's All-Colorado Team.

The Orediggers' 6-5 overall record in 2005 gave CSM its fifth consecutive winning season, marking the first time that had happened in the 118-year history of the program. Mines placed 13 players on the All-RMAC teams while three earned All-Region recognition.

In 2004, Stitt led the Orediggers to the best season in school history as the team went undefeated (8-0) in conference play and captured its first RMAC title since 1958. In addition, the 2004 squad posted a perfect 11-0 mark in the regular season and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in program history. In the opening round, Stitt led CSM to a 52-33 home victory over Midwestern State University. Mines was defeated in the second round of the playoffs at top-ranked Pittsburg State - the eventual national runner-up - to end its season and also snap a school-record 14-game winning streak, which was the second longest in Division II at the time. The record-setting 2004 season helped earn Stitt RMAC Coach of the Year, Division II AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year and d2football.com Southwest Regional Coach of the Year accolades.

Furthermore, Stitt was instrumental in helping senior quarterback Chad Friehauf win the 19th Annual Harlon Hill Trophy in 2004 as the top player in NCAA Division II. Friehauf, who established an NCAA Division II single-season record for passing yards (4,646) in 2004, became the first player from CSM and the RMAC to win the Harlon Hill Trophy. A total of 18 Orediggers earned both All-RMAC and NFF All-Colorado honors in 2004, while six players brought home All-Region laurels. Three players also went on to garner All-American recognition, including Friehauf, Daniel Leger and Justin Gallas.

During his second and third seasons at Mines (2001 and 2002), Stitt guided the Orediggers to back-to-back 7-4 finishes. The seven wins in 2001, which marked the first winning season for Mines since 1991 (6-4), were the most by the Orediggers since 1958. The 2001 and 2002 seasons also marked the first time since 1975 and 1976 that the CSM football team had produced consecutive winning years.

During his tenure at CSM, Stitt has coached a grand total of 120 All-RMAC performers, 28 All-Region selections and 14 All-Americans.

Before coming to Colorado School of Mines, Stitt most recently served as an offensive coordinator at Harvard University, helping the Crimson set school records in total offense in a game (640 yards), passing yards in a game (405), first downs in a game (34) and points scored in an Ivy League game (63). Stitt's 1999 offense ranked first among Ivy League teams in rushing, third in scoring and fourth in total offense.

A graduate of Doane College (Nebraska), Stitt received various accolades as a running back and a return specialist - including All-State College Offensive Player of the Year in 1985 - when he played for the Tigers in the mid-80's. Stitt also played left field for the Doane baseball squad and competed in the 4x100m relay on the track & field team.

Stitt returned to coach at his alma mater after receiving his master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1989. The offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for four years at Doane, Stitt produced three NAIA Division II All-Americans and 19 All-NIAC offensive players during his tenure. Stitt went on to coach at Austin College (Texas) from 1994 to 1999, serving as the assistant head coach and the coordinator of offense and special teams, before he moved on to Harvard.

A native of Tecumseh, Nebraska, Stitt lettered in football, basketball, track & field and baseball at Tecumseh High School. Stitt and his wife, the former Joan Scherrer, reside in Arvada with their sons, Joe (11) and Sam (6).

Bob Benson begins his third season as the Orediggers' Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach in 2010.

Seven players on the CSM defense earned All-RMAC honors in 2009, including Marc Schiechl, who garnered First Team All-RMAC, RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and AFCA All-American recognition.  Six CSM defenders were honored on the NFF All-Colorado Teams, including Schiechl, who was named NFFCC Defensive Player of the Year.  Safety Kyle Goracke earned First Team All-RMAC, Second Team Super Region #3 and First Team NFF All-Colorado laurels while cornerback Ben Tiller was a Second Team All-RMAC and Second Team NFF All-Colorado pick.

In 2008, Benson guided a CSM defense that finished second in the RMAC in scoring defense (18.4 ppg), third in rushing defense (99.0 ypg) and fourth in total defense (322.6 ypg). Four members of the Mines defense earned recognition on the All-RMAC teams, two Orediggers were named to the Daktronics Super Region #3 Second Team Defense and three of Benson's players garnered All-Super Region #3 accolades from Don Hansen's Football Gazette. Two of Benson's defensive backs, Tiller (Second Team) and Drew Ferren (First Team), earned recognition on the 2008 All-RMAC teams. Ferren, who was nominated for the 2009 Valero Cactus Bowl (annual NCAA Division II post-season all-star game), was also a First Team NFF All-Colorado selection.

During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Benson was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. During his first year with the Tigers, Benson's defense reduced its margin of points per game allowed by 13 from the previous season. In 2007, Towson's defense finished the regular season ranked second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in scoring defense, third in pass defense and fifth in overall defense.

Prior to his arrival at Towson University, Benson spent 13 years (1993-05) as the head football coach at Georgetown University. Benson compiled a 72-64-0 overall record during his time at Georgetown and led the Hoyas to six consecutive winning seasons from 1994-99. During that six-year stretch, the Hoyas went 44-17 overall and won or shared three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) titles. Benson's 2005 defense finished fourth in the country in passing defense and 23rd in total defense.

Following the 1997 and 1998 seasons, Benson was selected as the MAAC Coach of the Year. Georgetown's 8-3 finish in 1997 marked the first time since 1940 that the Hoyas had posted an eight-win season. Benson's 1997 squad also earned a berth in the ECAC-IFC Bowl game, marking Georgetown's first post-season appearance since the 1950 Sun Bowl. Benson subsequently received Georgetown's Outstanding Coaching Achievement Award. Benson's 1998 and 1999 teams posted back-to-back 9-2 seasons, tying the school record for single-season victories. In their final four seasons in the MAAC, the Hoyas went 29-3 in league play.

In 1995 and 1996, Georgetown led NCAA Division I-AA in total defense. After leading the nation in passing efficiency defense in 1993, Georgetown's 1995 squad led the country in rushing defense (53.2 ypg). Benson departed the Georgetown football team with the second-highest number of coaching victories (72) in program history.

From 1990-92, Benson was the defensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Benson also served as the head coach of the JHU's track & field team during his stint with the Blue Jays.

Before his arrival at Johns Hopkins, Benson was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 1988-89. Benson also coached the lacrosse team during his time at WPI.

Benson began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Albany in 1986, spending one year as a defensive backfield coach and one season coaching the defensive line.

Benson's collegiate career began at Marietta College, where he competed as a wide receiver on the football team before an injury ended his playing days. Benson proceeded to transfer to the University of Vermont, where he earned his bachelor's degree in History.  Benson went on to earn his M.E. in History / Education from the University of Albany.

Benson and his wife, Julianne, currently make their home in Denver.  Benson has one daughter, Kaylyn (5).

Kris Barber begins his fourth season as an assistant coach for the CSM football team in 2010. Barber, who served in the capacity of offensive assistant in 2007, began focusing his efforts on the Orediggers' wide receivers prior to the 2008 season.

At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Adam Saur (First Team), Cody Renken (Second Team) and Robbin Vinnola (Third Team) each earned All-RMAC recognition.  A Second Team All-American in 2009, Saur went on to play in the Valero Cactus Bowl (annual NCAA Division II all-star game).  Saur, who earned First Team Super Region #3 honors, was named First Team NFF All-Colorado and was selected as the NFFCC Offensive Player of the Year.  Saur established a CSM individual single-season record with 15 touchdown receptions and became Mines' career leader in touchdown receptions (32) in 2009.

In 2008, Saur finished first in the RMAC in touchdown receptions (13) and fourth in receiving yards (898).  Saur, who went on to garner First Team All-RMAC accolades, also finished first on the team and third in the RMAC in receptions (69).  Saur also earned Third Team All-Super Region #3 accolades from Don Hansen's Football Gazette and Third Team NFF All-Colorado honors in 2008.

Barber has previously served as an assistant football coach for the United States Coast Guard Academy, a position he held in 1997.  Barber also spent time as a player / assistant coach for the Oslo Trolls (Oslo, Norway) in 1997.  Barber proceeded to spend the 2002 season as a player / assistant coach for the Arlanda Jets (Stockholm, Sweden).

A 1997 graduate of Yale University, Barber competed for three seasons on the Bulldogs' football team. Barber also played two seasons at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas, prior to enrolling at Yale.

During his prep days at Garden City High School (Kansas), Barber competed in football (three years) and baseball (one season).

Barber currently resides in Denver.

Chad Bostwick begins his third season as the offensive line coach at Colorado School of Mines in 2009.

At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Zach Meints earned First Team NFF All-Colorado, and First Team All-RMAC recognition.  Brandon Joy and Evan Woody garnered Second Team All-RMAC and Second Team NFF All-Colorado honors, as well.  The CSM offense, which led the RMAC in passing offense (356.3 ypg), finished second in the RMAC in scoring (33.1 ppg), total offense (431.0 ypg) and passing efficiency (148.7).

In 2008, Meints (First Team) and Joy (Third Team) earned All-RMAC honors for an Oredigger offense that finished third in the RMAC in scoring (24.8 ppg) and passing (232.2 ypg). Meints and Joy also helped to pave the way for teammate Corey Huck, who concluded the 2008 campaign as the sixth-leading rusher in the RMAC. Meints also garnered First Team NFF All-Colorado recognition in 2008.

In 2007, right guard Stephen Immel earned First Team All-RMAC and Third Team All-Southwest Region accolades as the Orediggers led the RMAC in passing offense (247.8 ypg). Right tackle James Tyree and left tackle James Reeves garnered Honorable Mention All-RMAC recognition in 2007, as well.

Prior to his arrival at CSM, Bostwick served as a graduate assistant coach at Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville, Missouri) during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. While working with the linebackers, Bostwick helped guide the Bearcats to the MIAA conference title in 2006. Northwest Missouri State finished as the national runner-up during both of Bostwick's seasons in Maryville.

A 2005 graduate of Northwest Missouri State, Bostwick played linebacker for the Bearcats from 2000 to 2004. An Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection in 2004, the Bearcats won the conference championship and advanced into the NCAA II playoffs in 2000, 2002 and 2004.

During his prep career at Omaha North High School in Nebraska, Bostwick was a standout in football, baseball and track. As a senior, Bostwick was an All-Metro, All-District and Honorable Mention All-State selection. An All-District and Honorable Mention All-State performer in baseball, Bostwick also garnered Gold Medal and All-Metro laurels in the 4x100m relay event in his lone year on the track team.

Bostwick, who earned his master's degree in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University in December of 2008, resides in Golden with his wife, Kelli.

Clement Grinstead returns for his ninth season as an assistant football coach at Colorado School of Mines in 2010.

Grinstead, who coaches CSM's running backs, saw Jahre Cheeseman earn Second Team All-RMAC honors in 2009.  Cheeseman finished in the top 10 in the RMAC in scoring (tied - fourth; 8.0 ppg), rushing (sixth; 69.9 ypg) and rushing yards (eighth; 629).

In 2008, former Oredigger Corey Huck finished sixth in the RMAC in rushing en route to earning Third Team All-RMAC honors.

Grinstead also guided former CSM running back Bryan Florendo to his second consecutive First Team All-RMAC selection in 2006. Florendo, who in 2006 became the first Oredigger to rush for 1,000 yards (1,018) since 1939, also garnered NFF First Team All-Colorado and Don Hansen's National Football Gazette Third Team All-Southwest Region accolades in 2006. Florendo was also selected as the Offensive Player of the Year on the 2006 NFF All-Colorado Team.

During his first three seasons at Mines, Grinstead helped Craig Van Horn earn back-to-back-to-back Second Team All-RMAC honors. Van Horn departed CSM with 2,575 career rushing yards, ranking him second all-time in program history. Van Horn also finished his career as Mines' all-time leader in yards per carry (5.2).

Grinstead, a native of New Orleans, earned a B.A. in History and Criminology from Coe College in 1995. Grinstead lettered while playing linebacker at Coe and led his squad to the NCAA Playoffs.

A resident of Golden, Grinstead spent a year coaching at Jefferson High School before coming to Colorado School of Mines.

Caleb Padilla returns for his third season as the outside linebackers coach at Colorado School of Mines in 2010.

Following the 2009 campaign, Alex Vigil was named First Team All-RMAC while Nick Haniszewski earned Second Team All-RMAC recognition.  Both players earned Second Team NFF All-Colorado honors, as well.

In 2008, Haniszewski finished second on the team in total tackles (74) and tackles for a loss (14.0). Haniszewski's 14.0 tackles for a loss were the tied for the fifth-highest total in the RMAC, as well.

Prior to his arrival at Mines, Padilla spent two seasons as the varsity defensive backs coach and junior varsity defensive coordinator at Rangeview High School in Aurora. During his time at Rangeview, Padilla coached a pair of unanimous First Team All-Continental League safeties.

Padilla played college football at Winona State University from 2001-05 and helped guide the Warriors to four NSIC championships. Winona State qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs three times and went undefeated at home in conference play during all five seasons of Padilla's collegiate playing career. In 2003, Padilla helped guide the Warriors to their first-ever playoff victory.

A 2001 graduate of West Liberty High School in West Liberty, Iowa, Padilla earned All-State, All-Area Iowa City and All-District honors in football during his prep career. Padilla also competed in basketball and track & field at WLHS.

Padilla, who graduated from Metro State in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Sports & Allied Fields, currently makes his home in Lakewood with his fiancée, Kristin.

Phil Vigil begins his second season as an assistant coach for defensive backs and special teams at CSM in 2010.

In 2009, safety Kyle Goracke earned First Team All-RMAC, Second Team Super Region #3 and First Team NFF All-Colorado laurels while cornerback Ben Tiller was a Second Team All-RMAC and Second Team NFF All-Colorado pick.  Punt returner Cody Renken (Second Team) and kicker Dalton Lane (Third Team) earned All-RMAC recognition, as well.  Vigil helped lead CSM to top-four RMAC rankings in punt return average (third; 12.8), gross punting average (tied - third; 39.3), net kickoff average (fourth; 39.6), net punting average (tied - fourth; 32.7) and kick return average (fourth; 21.6).

Vigil was a three-year starter (2006-08) at quarterback for Mesa State College during his collegiate playing career.  A two-time Second Team All-RMAC (2007, 2008) and two-time Second Team Academic All-RMAC (2007, 2008) selection for the Mavericks, Vigil finished fifth in the RMAC in both passing yards per game (184.7) and passing efficiency (127.1) as a senior in 2008.

A 2004 graduate of Faith Christian High School in Arvada, Vigil earned All-State and All-Conference honors in football and baseball during his prep career.  Vigil garnered All-Conference recognition in basketball at FCHS, as well.

Vigil, whose brother Alex is a junior linebacker at Mines, resides in Lakewood with his wife, Melanie.