Portland State football has added two new coaches prior to the start of the 2010 practice schedule. Mark Kaanapu, former Head Coach at Merced Junior College, is now the Vikings' running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Richard Seigler, a former star at Oregon State and NFL and CFL player, takes over as the Vikings assistant defensive line coach.

Kaanapu replaces Kevin Emberton, who left Portland State to enter private business in July. Having spent 15 years in coaching in California, Kaanapu brings strong relationships and recruiting ties to PSU. He also has extensive experience as a Head Coach.

"Mark brings a wealth of experience having been a head coach at the Division III and junior college level," said Head Coach Nigel Burton. "He has a tremendous amount of knowledge of the Pistol offense, having run it at Menlo and Merced and being a frequent visitor at the University of Nevada when I was there."

Seigler starred at Oregon State from 2000-03 before moving on to a professional career. The Beaver linebacker played with Pittsburgh and San Francisco in the NFL (2004-07), then two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts. Seigler was a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XL championship team.

Seigler, who recently retired from professional football, will assist Legi Suiaunoa with coaching the Vikings' defensive line. He replaced Casey Clifton who resigned in July. This is his first coaching position.

"Our staff had a chance to watch Richard work our camps this summer. He showed great enthusiasm, rapport with the kids and a great deal of detail and knowledge," Burton said. "In addition, I think he is a great story for our kids to emulate in that he was one of the last guys to receive a scholarship at Oregon State his senior year of high school. He went on to become one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the program, as well as winning a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers."

The Vikings begin football practice on Sunday at Stott Community Field. Practice runs from 3-6 p.m.

THE MARK KAANAPU FILE
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Alma Mater: Pacific (OR) University, 1990; Political Science; Masters, Sports Management, California (PA)
Playing Experience: offensive lineman, Pacific (OR) University
Family: Wife, Maria; daughter, Mialani

PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE
2009 Merced Junior College, Head Coach
2001-08, Menlo College, Head Coach
1998-2000 San Jose Sabercats (AFL), Assistant Coach
1996-98, Menlo College, Assistant Coach

THE RICHARD SEIGLER FILE
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Alma Mater: Oregon State, 2004, Liberal Studies with Emphasis in Behavioral Science
Playing Experience: linebacker, Oregon State, 2000-03; San Francisco 49ers (2004), Pittsburgh Steelers (2005-07), Toronto Argonauts (2008-09).
Date of Birth: October 19, 1980
Family: Daughter, Alina (14 months) with long-time partner, Rebecca Lomprey

NAME PRONUNCIATIONS
Kaanapu    kah-ON-uh-POO
Seigler    SEE-gler