Jan. 28, 1997
Wally Ake Named Defensive Coordinator
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Head football coach Ron Vanderlinden today named Walter "Wally" F. Ake as Maryland's new defensive coordinator. Ake most recently served as Rice University's defensive coordinator the last three years. Ake has participated in 12 bowls during his 18 years as a collegiate coach.
In 1996 he helped lead the Owls to a 7-4 record and a second place WAC finish. Rice's 1994 defense ranked in the top 25 in four categories as the team captured a share of the SWC. He also coached Rice's defensive line last year and inside linebackers his first two years.
Ake returns to the Atlantic Coast Conference after serving as Clemson's inside linebacker coach from 1990 to 1993. The Tigers participated in the 1993 Peach Bowl, the 1991 Citrus Bowl and the 1990 Hall of Fame Bowl under his defensive leadership. Clemson's 1990 squad was ranked first in the nation in total defense while the 1991 team was No. 1 against the rush.
He also coached the University of Arkansas' defensive line from 1984 to 1988 and linebackers in 1989. The Razorbacks captured two consecutive SWC titles in 1988 and 1989 and were invited to a bowl all six years during Ake's tenure.
Ake, 46, attended the College of William and Mary from 1968-1972 after graduating from nearby Falls Church High School in 1968. He was Falls Church's head coach in 1978 and defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 1974 to 1977.
He began his collegiate coaching career as William and Mary's linebacker's coach in 1979 before serving as a volunteer coach at Arkansas in 1980. He was also the defensive line coach at Air Force from 1981-1983.
Ake's hiring makes him the eighth member of Vanderlinden's staff. Vanderlinden's ninth and final hire will serve as the receivers or running backs coach.
