Shepherd University Athletics

Yurish was an outstanding linebacker for the Rams from 1982-96.  He helped guide the Rams to a 29-13-0 (.690) record and WVIAC titles in 1983 and 1986.  In addition, the 1983 team made the school's first-ever trip to the NAIA playoffs.  Yurish led the Rams in tackles in 1984 (110) and 1985 (90).  Yurish was named to the WVIAC All-Conference first team in 1986 when he led the conference in defensive efficiency.  Yurish finished his career second all-time leading tackler in school history, with 315 tackles, including 143 solos.  He is currently ranked sixth on the all-time list in tackles and seventh in solo tackles.  Yurish has continued his success as a football coach and strength and conditioning coach.  He had coaching stints at Catawba, Lenoir-Rhyne, and East Carolina before returning to his alma mater in 1993.  Yurish helped lead the Shepherd football team to WVIAC titles in 1994, 1997 and 1998.  Yurish recently made school history when he recorded a second "first."  He was a member of the first Shepherd football team to make the NAIA playoffs in 1983, and was also a member of the first Ram football team to reach the NCAA II Playoffs in 1998.