MONMOUTH, Ill. – The continued success of the Monmouth College football team has resulted in a national coaches’ magazine seeking the advice of assistant coach Dave Ragone.

An article written by Ragone, who just completed his 12th year as special teams and offensive line coach for the Fighting Scots, appears in a recent edition of Gridiron Strategies. The publication, distributed by American Football Monthly, is geared toward football coaches and shares information and drills from guest writers.

“Their editor e-mailed me last May,” said Ragone of his inclusion in the magazine. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge with other coaches, whether it’s writing, doing clinics or speaking engagements.”

The editors singled out Ragone based on the continued success of the Scots’ punt unit which he oversees. In 2010, Monmouth averaged more than 42 yards and netted 36 yards per punt. Seventeen of those punts landed inside the 20.

“We’ve been fortunate to have had some great punters at Monmouth,” said Ragone. “Nate Palkovic was here from 2004 to 2007, then Shane Reschke came in and he’s passed the torch to Brik Wedekind.”

A member of the American Football Coaches Association for the last 20 years, Ragone’s article details the drills and philosophy behind the success of the Scots’ special teams.

“Our number one goal is to get every punt off,” writes Ragone. “Goal number two is a net punt of 37.5 yards.”

This is the second time Ragone, who calls the punt “the most important play in football,” has been published in the magazine. Judging by the Scots’ success spanning more than a decade, it may not be his last foray into the literary arts.

The article may be viewed on-line at www.GridironStrategies.com.