COLUMBIA, Ky. -- With the first Lindsey Wilson College football season in 75 years just 217 days away from kickoff, the full coaching staff is beginning to take shape. Bert Bathiany and Will Judson are the latest hires who join the program as graduate assistant coaches.

Bathiany is a native of Fort Thomas, Ky., where he captained the 2004 Kentucky State Football Champion Highlands High School, while Judson arrives in Columbia from Fayetteville, Ga. Judson played collegiately at the University of Illinois.

Blue Raider head coach Chris Oliver is excited about integrating the pair into the day-to-day aspects of the football program.

"Coach Judson and Coach Bathiany are men of high character who will have a great impact on our young men and the success of our football program, said Oliver. "They are high-energy coaches who will teach a lot to our players, both on and off the field. They are quality additions to our campus."

Bathiany continued his football playing career at Denison (Ohio) University where he was a three-year starter at safety and linebacker. The native of Northern Kentucky earned the Outstanding Defensive Back Award and Defensive MVP honor in 2008, while also being selected to the NCAC All-Conference Second Team.

Away from the playing field, Bathiany has also served as an intern and graduate assistant with the Western Kentucky University strength and conditioning department, as well as a stint as an assistant to Denison's strength and conditioning coach.

Bathiany says he's excited to be the first graduate assistant for the return of Lindsey Wilson football.

"Knowing you're the first person to be part of something like this, and be in that first team picture is exciting and something I'll remember forever," explained Bathiany. "I can always say I was part of the new beginning."

At Lindsey Wilson, Bathiany will primarily coach the defensive line, while Oliver is also excited about his recruiting ties to football-rich Northern Kentucky.

"Bert will be responsible for coaching our defensive line," said Oliver. "He will have a large impact on our strength and conditioning program after serving in that area last season at Western."

"Prior to his playing days at Denison University, he was a captain at Highlands High School, which is one of the top programs in the state of Kentucky. His Northern Kentucky roots will be valuable for us in recruiting."

Judson is a two-year letter winner for the Illinois football program where he played wide receiver and returned kicks with special teams. While with the Illini, Judson was a member of the Rose Bowl team in 2008 and was given the Key Contributor Award at the end of that season.

After his collegiate playing career, Judson was invited to the Detroit Lions Rookie Mini Camp, but ultimately took a position with Illinois as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the 2009 season. The Fayetteville, Ga., native has also held positions as a camp counselor for special needs children and as a scouting coordinator with the Lions.

After so much work on the field, Judson is excited to take the next step in his career path on the sidelines.

"It's an exciting step for me to be part of a program in its first stages," said Judson. "I can't wait to work with the players and help them adjust from high school to being able to contribute at the college level."

Oliver looks for Judson to make an immediate impact helping his young receivers learn to adjust to the speed of the college game.

"Will brings a great deal of experience on the field to our wide receiver position," said Oliver. "He had a great career at Illinois and played a large role in their 2008 Rose Bowl team. He will be an asset for us on the offensive side of the ball."

Much like Bathiany in Northern Kentucky, Oliver also expects Judson to open some doors in the Atlanta, Ga., area.

"Will's an Atlanta native, and his connections in that area will help our recruiting efforts throughout Northwest Georgia," admitted Oliver.

Lindsey Wilson opens its season at home against Notre Dame (Ohio) College on Sept. 4, 2010. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT at the new outdoor sports stadium, located on Exit 49 of the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway.