Ellsworth Community College has named Jesse Montalto as its new head football coach. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Coach Montalto comes to ECC from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, where he's been employed since 2005.

"Jesse comes to Iowa Falls with a lot of energy and passion as he takes over as ECC Head Football Coach," says Nate Forsyth, ECC Director of Athletics & Student Life. "He has a lot of experience recruiting and also coaching in the state. Jesse will also be the offensive coordinator for us, bringing a dynamic offense to the Panther football program."

Montalto is a 2004 graduate of Upper Iowa, where he earned a degree in Sports Communication with a minor in Marketing. He graduated from Upper Iowa as one of the most prolific receivers in school history. In his four-year career at Upper Iowa (2001-04), he tallied 178 receptions for 2,621 yards, the second-best career totals in school history. He also ended with 22 career touchdowns, third-best all-time at UIU. Montalto was a first-team All-Independent Football Alliance wide receiver in 2004 after grabbing 59 receptions for 861 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Coach Montalto has been a football coach for Upper Iowa since 2005, first as a Receivers Coach, then Quarterback Coach, and most recently as Offensive Coordinator. In addition to being ECC's Head Football Coach, his duties will include serving as Academic Progress Liaison for the football team.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be Ellsworth's next Head Football Coach," says Coach Montalto. "It's always been my goal to lead a program like this one. I'm excited about the young staff here, and the fact that they've done such a great job in the off-season. We will continue to build on what they've done. My first priority will be contacting current players and those who've committed for this fall to assure them that the Panther football program is on track and looking forward to winning ball games. Then we'll get ready for spring ball."

Montalto adds that he admires the great history and tradition of the Ellsworth football program, and has heard good things about the community support for the players and staff. He's looking forward to moving to Iowa Falls with his wife, Marcie, and daughter, Addison, 5.