Wally Ake

Position: Defensive Secondary Graduated: William & Mary '72

A veteran of 25 collegiate seasons, Wally Ake lends his vast array of coaching experiences to Army's football program as he embarks upon his second year with the Black Knights. Once again, he will coach Army's secondary this season.

Prior to joining Bobby Ross' initial Army staff, Ake spent the previous three years guiding the safeties and special teams at Western Michigan University. In 2002, Ake oversaw a secondary that helped the Broncos finish second in the Mid-American Conference in pass defense, while intercepting 14 passes. Ake also presided over the top kickoff return grouping in the MAC (22.9 yards per return) and the third best punt return unit (13.4 yards per return). In his first season at WMU, the Broncos' pass defense ranked 17th nationally and first in the MAC.

Before landing at Western Michigan, the 55-year-old Ake served four seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of Maryland (1997-2000). The Terrapins ranked as the 12th-most improved team in total defense, 13th-most improved unit in scoring defense and 14th-most improved squad in passing defense at the NCAA Division I level in 1998. Four of his Maryland players went on to play in the National Football League.

Ake previously handled defensive coordinator duties at Rice University (1994-96), continuing an association with head coach Ken Hatfield that spanned 15 seasons and four different institutions. Ake played a large role in leading Rice to a share of the Southwestern Conference championship in 1994, helping the Owls rank in the Top 25 nationally in four defensive categories.

Ake also served on Hatfield's staffs at Clemson University (1990-93), the University of Arkansas (1984-89) and the U.S. Air Force Academy (1981-83). While coaching inside linebackers at Clemson, Ake's charges helped the Tigers boast the nation's top defense in 1990 and the country's best rushing defense in 1991.

As defensive line coach at Arkansas, he produced a rush defense that twice ranked in the top 10 nationally (No. 4 in 1988; No. 7 in 1987). Ake was a member of Razorback squads that earned six consecutive postseason bowl berths. During his stint at Air Force, he worked with the Falcons' defensive line.

A native of Falls Church, Va., Ake was selected as an All-Southern Conference linebacker at the College of William & Mary in 1970 after being recruited to the school by Bobby Ross, who was an assistant on the Tribe's staff at the time. Ake helped William & Mary capture the 1970 Southern Conference title and earn an appearance in the Tangerine Bowl. He graduated in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and recreation.

Ake and his wife, Chris, reside at West Point with their son, Aaron, 19.