Warren, Mich. -- De La Salle football, coming off an appearance in the MHSAA Division 2 state championship game, is glad to announce the addition of Tyler Alwardt to the coaching staff for the 2021 season.

Alwardt, a 2008 graduate of Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley High School will serve as the Pilots' defensive backs coach and director of strength and performance.

He was previously the defensive coordinator for the freshman football team at Chippewa Valley (2014), as well as the defensive backs coach for the varsity program at his alma mater (2015-20), including during the school's state championship-winning season in 2018.

Since 2015, he's also conducted speed, strength, and agility training sessions, with both individuals and groups, ranging from small to large. 

"Getting this new position means I am accepting a new challenge, and I’m excited for it," Alwardt said. "It was a hard decision to leave my roots at Chippewa Valley behind, but it was a great decision for my family and me to join De La Salle." 

Pilots head coach Dan Rohn couldn't be more excited to get Alwardt both on the field and in the weight room with DLS's student-athletes.

"I couldn't be happier to add Tyler to our De La Salle staff. His commitment, dedication, and the fact that he's been a part of winning programs his entire life makes him exactly the kind of person we want to coach and lead our student-athletes. He will quickly become a valued member of our DLS family," Rohn said. "The bonus is his extensive knowledge and background in strength and conditioning. The fact he embraces the same core principles as we do is going to enhance the quality of all our programs."

Alwardt starred at Chippewa Valley, where he played quarterback and was a two-year varsity starter. He garnered All-MAC (Macomb Area Conference) Red and All-Macomb County honors while with the Big Reds. 

From there, he went on to the University of Mount Union, where he was a four-year letter winner. He played nickelback his first two years and both cornerback and nickelback his last two seasons. 

Alwardt also won an NCAA Division III national championship with the Purple Raiders in 2008.

"My expectations for being a part of the DLS football program are, I’m sure, much like everyone else’s," Alwardt said. "I am excited to compete at a high level, and I'm not afraid of working hard in order to earn everything that comes our way." 

The Pilots are set to kick off their 2021 season on August 27 with a home contest -- played at Wayne State University -- against Saint Patrick HS from Chicago, Ill.