SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Sixth-year head coach Tom Perkovich announced Friday that special teams coordinator and safeties coach, Alan Zemaitis, will be stepping down following nine years at Susquehanna University, effective today. Zemaitis has accepted a position as an assistant recruiting coordinator for the Pennsylvania State University football program.
 
"Alan has done outstanding work for SU football and the community over the past nine years. Coaching, developing, mentoring, recruiting and leading the season of service were done at an extremely high level.  His work ethic and ability to connect with the student-athletes has been integral to the success we have had recently. It would not have been possible without him and his family," Perkovich said.
 
Zemaitis will be returning to his alma mater when he begins his recruiting duties on March 15. He was an AP All-American and three-time All-Big Ten selection at defensive back for the Nittany Lions, who was drafted in the fourth round of 2006 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Rochester, N.Y., native graduated from Penn State in 2006 with a bachelor's in communications (journalism) and a minor in African-American studies.
 
"All my years at Susquehanna have prepared me for this next chapter in my life," Zemaitis expressed. "I will make SU proud."
 
He joined the Susquehanna coaching staff prior to the 2012 season following a stint as a defensive backs coach and evaluator for the Schuman's National Underclassmen Combine as well as a defensive back coach at East Lake (Fla.) High School.
 
Zemaitis has helped the River Hawks capture three consecutive Centennial-MAC Bowls and 46 victories, including 26 over the last three seasons. Additionally, he has mentored 15 All-Centennial Conference selections at defensive backs and special teams, including seven First Team picks.
 
In the absence of a competitive season in 2020, he developed and implemented the Season of Service (SOS). It was Zemaitis' way to keep the River Hawks engaged with both the campus and surrounding communities with the season on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He saw SOS as a way for the SU athletes, not just football players, to answer the communities' S.O.S.
 
Perkovich added, "I am elated for him as he starts the next part of his journey. Penn State football is getting an outstanding person. I know it holds a very special place in his heart and helped shape who he is. No one who crosses paths with him forgets who he is. He has that innate ability. We will never forget you, Coach Z! A huge thanks to you, Paula, Aaliyah, Xavier, and Zoe. You will always be a part of the River Hawk family!
 
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