Pull Back the Plaid Curtain on Head Football Coach Rich Lackner

Get to know Head Football Coach Rich Lackner in this addition of "Pull Back the Plaid Curtain!"

1. What drew you to being a coach – why the path to intercollegiate athletics?

I attended CMU and earned a degree in History and Education with plans to teach high school history and coach high school football. Following graduation, I was offered an opportunity to remain at CMU and coach linebackers by Coach Klausing.

2. What is your favorite memory during your time at Carnegie Mellon?

2019 Induction into the Carnegie Mellon Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame

3. Who has been the most influential person in your career?

Definitely Coach Chuck Klausing – He gave me my start in coaching. He was a great coach and mentor and I learned many lessons from him.

4. What was sports like while you were growing up – how do you think it’s changed?

Loved playing football for Art Walker Sr. at Mt. Lebanon High School! Have lifelong friends from my high school football and track and field experience. Kids are constantly changing but the desire to COMPETE, COMPETE, COMPETE remains!

5. What is the most memorable athletic event you have witnessed / been a part of outside of Carnegie Mellon Athletics?

The “Immaculate Reception” Steeler Game at Three Rivers Stadium.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris eludes a tackle by Oakland Raiders' Jimmy Warren as he runs for a touchdown in an AFC Divisional game in January 1972. Watch

6. What is one thing that no one knows about you?

I am a huge fan of the Three Stooges!

For other department member responses, visit Pull Back the Plaid Curtain.