AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific Football has announced the hiring of a veteran group of coaches to its staff, all bringing valuable experience to the APU community. Returning alumni coaches include Duane Russell (Director of Football Operations/Assistant OL) and Craig Schuster (Defensive Backs). Joining them are Mark Pasquarella (Offensive Line), Joey Hartnett (Linebackers/Special Teams) and Steve Zenner (Specialists/Equipment), finalizing a staff deeply rooted in championship experience and the university's mission.
Duane Russell: Director of Football Operations & Assistant Offensive Line
Russell returns to his alma mater with 39 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and educational leadership. A former principal with a decade of experience leading comprehensive high schools, Russell brings an elite administrative background to the Director of Football Operations role. His career is marked by high-level management, including the oversight of a $10 million school construction project and various district programs such as Athletics and Title IX. On the field, this marks Russell's third tenure with the Cougars, having coached the offensive line in 1984 and from 1993 to 1995.
His return provides a unique bridge between the program's storied history and its modern operational needs. Beyond his administrative success, Russell has spent decades in the trenches of the San Gabriel Valley football scene, including a five-year stint as the Head Varsity Coach at Mark Keppel High School. His dual perspective as a former site administrator and a veteran line coach allows him to streamline the program's daily logistics while providing master-level technical instruction to the Cougar front five.
"Duane has a deep love for APU," said Head Coach AJ Parnell. "Along with his deep connection here, he brings tremendous experience that will help serve our entire program along with our Offensive line."
Craig Schuster: Defensive Backs
Schuster brings 25 years of coaching experience and deep ties to the Azusa community. An APU alumnus who earned his BA, Teaching Credential, and MA at the university, Schuster has served as a Head Varsity Coach at Azusa High School and a Defensive Coordinator at both Monrovia and San Dimas. Most recently, he served as a Varsity Defensive Assistant at Bonita High School.
Schuster's coaching identity is forged in defensive excellence and multi-sport development. During his tenure at Azusa High and his coordinator roles at Monrovia and San Dimas, he became known for building aggressive, fundamentally sound secondaries. His seven years of experience as a track and field coach further enhanced his ability to develop the explosive footwork and closing speed required of elite defensive backs, ensuring the Cougars remain a dominant force in the passing game.
"Coach Schuster brings an energy and enthusiasm that will be contagious to our players! He has had success at every stop at the high school level and knows Azusa Pacific Football well from his time playing here. We are fired up to have him join Coach Webb on the back end of our defense." Head Coach A.J. Parnell
Mark Pasquarella: Offensive Line
An alumnus with two Master's degrees from Azusa Pacific, Pasquarella joins the staff after a highly decorated 36-year career in public education. He brings 29 years of experience as a high school head football coach, most recently serving as the Offensive Line Coach at Bonita High School. Pasquarella's coaching philosophy is centered on building relationships through faith and the "spirit of team."
His leadership resume includes seven seasons as the Head Coach at Alta Loma High School and an impactful tenure as an Assistant Principal at Covina High School, where he managed facilities and student activities. This extensive background in both education and high-stakes coaching allows Pasquarella to mentor student-athletes holistically. He is recognized throughout the region for his ability to translate complex blocking schemes into teachable concepts while fostering a culture of accountability and spiritual growth within his unit.
"Coach Pasquarella is an amazing teacher of the game! He will add great value to our players on and off the field. His proven track record of development as a high school head coach in the San Gabriel Valley will strengthen our recruiting ties!" Head Coach A.J. Parnell
Joey Hartnett: Linebackers & Special Teams
Hartnett arrives from Pasadena City College, where he served as the Recruiting Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach. At PCC, he helped guide the team to a 26-7 record over three seasons, including two conference championships and a defense that ranked 1st in the state for points against (12.8 ppg). Hartnett played a key role in facilitating the most successful outgoing recruiting class at PCC since 2017, sending 24 players to four-year programs. A 5-time speaker at Glazier Football Clinics, he also brings experience as a Defensive and Special Teams Coordinator at the high school level.
Hartnett's reputation as a premier recruiter and tactician is backed by a track record of immediate defensive improvement. At Rowland High School, he led the defense to its best record in a decade by significantly increasing the unit's production in sacks and interceptions. His background as an Education Specialist gives him a unique edge in the classroom and on the field, allowing him to connect with student-athletes of all learning styles and maximize their potential both as linebackers and as key contributors on special teams.
"Coach Hartnett is someone that stood out from the jump with his ability to connect, teach and motivate the players under his care. In his time at Pasadena City College he made an impact on all around him! I can't wait to see his impact on our players and the growth he will be part of!" Head Coach A.J. Parnell
Steve Zenner: Specialists & Equipment
Steve Zenner expands his role within the Azusa Pacific community, continuing his work as the university's Equipment Manager while joining the coaching staff to lead the Specialists. Zenner's career began as a standout kicker at Sylmar High School and LA Pierce College, where he ranked 16th in the nation in scoring as a freshman. He spent a decade coaching at Sylmar from 1990 to 2000, where he was part of two Los Angeles City Section Championships and helped lead the Spartans to an incredible 69 consecutive league victories.
After returning to the sidelines in 2020 at Bonita High School, Zenner has continued to solidify his reputation as a premier developer of kicking talent. His deep technical knowledge of the kicking game, combined with his current role managing the Cougars' equipment and logistics, makes him a vital asset to the program's daily efficiency. Zenner's coaching style emphasizes the discipline and "team-first" mindset he utilized during some of the most dominant eras in Southern California high school football history.
"Steve is an essential part of our daily operation and his history of success with specialists is incredible," Coach Parnell added. "He brings a meticulous eye for detail that will elevate our kicking game, and his heart for this university and its mission is evident in everything he does."
"We have assembled a staff that will help bring forward APU's Christ-centered mission while striving to play amazing football!" Coach Parnell concluded. "This final group of staff helps round out an amazing group of men who love Jesus, know the game of football and are ready to work together towards a common goal! I am humbled and honored to work alongside all of our coaches."
