AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific announced the additions of Tony Torres and Dakota Ridgeway to the program's coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season. Torres joins the Cougars as Defensive Line Coach, while Ridgeway returns to his alma mater as Tight Ends Coach.
Head Coach A.J. Parnell expressed his excitement about the hires, emphasizing their experience, energy, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field.
"We're fired up to welcome Coach Torres and Coach Ridgeway," said Parnell. "Both will add tremendous value to our program and APU community. Their heart for helping our players grow is what I'm most excited to see in action."
Tony Torres – Defensive Line Coach
Torres brings over two decades of coaching and teaching experience across the junior college and collegiate levels. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Football Coach at Fullerton College (2020–2024), working with the defensive line, offensive line, and running backs. During his time with the Hornets, he helped guide the team to the 2023 National Southern Conference Championship and developed numerous athletes who advanced to NCAA programs.
Before Fullerton, Torres spent 15 seasons (2004–2018) at Mt. San Antonio College, where he coached the defensive line and served as Recruiting Coordinator and Special Teams Co-Coordinator. His tenure coincided with one of the most dominant periods in Mt. SAC football history—earning two national championships (2009, 2010), three CCCAA State titles, and multiple conference and regional crowns. Several of his former players went on to play professionally in the National Football League.
As a player, Torres was a standout defensive tackle at Mt. SAC, where he helped the Mounties capture the 1997 National Championship before earning a full scholarship to Eastern Illinois University playing defensive tackle under head coach Bob Spoo and current head coach Chris Wilkerson.
"Coach Torres brings great energy and passion," said Parnell. "Along with his enthusiasm for the game, Coach Torres is a tremendous teacher and a proven coach. I'm excited to see him lead our defensive line both on the field and in life."
Torres holds a Master of Arts in Cross-Curricular Education from National University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University.
Torres' wife Meghan, is a graduate of the University of La Verne, and their daughter Alyssa is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona.
Ridgeway returns to Azusa Pacific, where he competed as a wide receiver from 2018 to 2020 and earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Management.
A native of Los Angeles, Ridgeway's football journey began at Lincoln High School, where he set the school record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season. His outstanding senior campaign earned him Northern League Offensive MVP, First Team All-LA City, and CalHiSports Third Team All-State honors. He was later named to Lincoln High's All-Century Team.
Ridgeway began his college career at East Los Angeles College (2015) and Pasadena City College (2016) before transferring to APU. Following graduation, he launched his coaching career at Salesian High School (2021–2024) as Wide Receivers Coach, developing multiple All-League performers. He then joined the staff at East Los Angeles College, where he served as Wide Receivers Coach in 2024 before being promoted to Quarterbacks Coach and Pass Game Coordinator in 2025.
Additionally, Ridgeway has served as the Southern California Offensive Coordinator and Director of Scouting for the Army Best of the West Bowl (2023–2024), contributing to regional high school player development and talent evaluation.
"Coach Ridgeway will bring a diligent approach to our offensive skill players," said Parnell. "As an APU alum, his story adds something special to our program. Coach Speckman and I are excited to have him back."
Torres and Ridgeway will join Coach Parnell's staff as Azusa Pacific continues preparations for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
