Feature article on Chris Tormey

Ferd Wrote: "The newcomer with one of the biggest opportunities to impact the Warriors' fortunes this year does not have a uniform nor does he wear a number. He hasn't made a tackle in decades and UH isn't counting on him for any now, either. Yet, if the Warriors are to be successful in 2009, chances are you'll have to see Chris Tormey's fingerprints on the finished product. Tormey is UH's new special teams and safeties coach and, frankly, something of a what's-he-doing-in-this-job curiosity.

He might be the most over-qualified coach in the Western Athletic Conference for someone who labors under a title that isn't head coach or without coordinator's pay. With stops at Nevada and Idaho, he has nine years experience as a head coach — or one more than the combined resume of the current head coaches at Boise State, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State."

Ferd Wrote: "Fortunately for UH, Tormey was the last "cut" of the University of Washington staff when Steve Sarkisian took over in December. It was an opportunity Warrior head coach Greg McMackin, who coached Tormey at Idaho in the 1970s, was quick to pounce on. And, boy, did McMackin have a job for his former protege. UH was 119th — and dead last — in the nation in punt returns last season at two yards per attempt. The Warriors suffered twice as many blocked kicks as they forced and were at the bottom of the WAC in field-goal percentage."

Happy to be in charge of UH's special teams and safeties, Tormey said:
"I think you don't always choose your role. It is your responsibility in life to play your role to the best of your ability. And I'm happy with this role. I'm excited to be here. Big time is where you are." (HA)

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