The Legacy

Media Credit: Journalism Lab ROGOL

Another Lion has outshined his competitors and achieved a position in the professional ranks of football. The Amarillo Dusters, an Arena Football 2 (af2) franchise, hired Lindenwood's Jarrod Rogol as assistant director of player personnel and offensive assistant coach.

"Jarrod is respected among executives, coaches and players in the Arena Football League and other professional leagues," said Dusters Head Coach Chris MacKeown.

In personnel, Rogol will be in charge of scouting potential players in the Midwest region, from the Great Lakes to Oklahoma. Endless hours of contacting players/coaches and tracking statistics will lead to acquisition of prime players for the Dusters. "Another part of my position will include the scouting of players in the NFL and other leagues," Rogol said.

Scouting is a time-consuming job that requires dedication. "It's a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year type of position," Rogol said.

In addition to recruiting, Rogol will debut as the offensive assistant coach for the Amarillo Dusters in March. His main focus will be working with wide receivers, but Rogol will also serve as an adviser to MacKeown.

Rogol is eager for the opportunity. "I am honored to be part of the Dusters and impressed with the commitment Coach MacKeown has towards winning," Rogol said.

Rogol was hired because of his extensive background in coaching and player personnel. He previously worked in indoor football as an assistant defensive coach and player development coordinator, signing several NCAA D-I and D-II players.

"It helped me gain the ability to recognize quality talent when I see it, even in smaller, less well known schools," Rogol said.

Through networking, Rogol has gained contacts and relationships within the professional arena. "Jarrod's relationships with college and professional teams, not only in the U.S. but internationally, will be a great help in player acquisition," said MacKeown.

In 2005, a school project prompted Rogol to interview the general manager of the Calgary Stampeders, a Canadian Football League franchise. Through the experience, he built a relationship with the Stampeders and Rogol's years at Lindenwood have helped him prepare for his future. "Handling player development and recruiting for Coach (Chanda) Jackson and the Lady Lions' basketball program is enhancing my knowledge of dealing with diverse groups of people from athletes to school administrators," he said.

Rogol said obtaining a degree in Sports Management will help him gain knowledge on how professional sports organizations run.

Rogol said he has no desire to coach in the NFL because of his love for the arena game. In the AFL and af2, the field is only 50 yards long and there are only eight players a side (as opposed to the 100 yards and 11-on-11 on the NFL). "It's a condensed, faster-paced game that I love."

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