NEWPORT NEWS, Va.-Christopher Newport University Head Football Coach Matt Kelchner has completed his staff for the 2013 season. Kelchner today announced the hiring of CRAIG SMITH as the program's outside linebackers coach.

CNU football student-athletes report for training camp next Wednesday, August 14th. The Captains open the 2013 season on Saturday, September 7th, at Salisbury.

Smith, a native of Virginia Beach, arrives at CNU following three seasons on the staff at Bluffton University in Ohio. He previously served as an assistant coach at John Carroll (2008-09) and St. Vincent (2007).

Smith is a 2006 graduate of Bridgewater, where he was an All-Conference middle linebacker. He played in all four CNU/Bridgewater games that took place between 2002 and 2004, a series that saw each school win twice.

"We're happy to have Craig Smith join our staff," Kelchner said. "Craig is familiar with our program and the area and will be a tremendous asset for our defense and especially our linebacking corps."

While at Bridgewater, Smith was also on the All-Academic squad for two seasons and played in the NCAA Tournament all four years, including a trip to the national semi-finals in 2003.

Smith's coaching experience began at St. Vincent in 2007, where he worked primarily with safeties. While at John Carroll in 2008 and 2009, Smith was the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. For his first two seasons at Bluffton, he served as special teams coordinator, passing game coordinator, wide receivers coach as well as strength and conditioning coach. Last season, he was elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Season tickets for CNU football are on sale now by calling the CNU Ticket Office at (757) 594-7880. Purchasing season tickets is the best way to guarantee your seats for key home games at POMOCO Stadium, including the home opener on September 14^th vs. Hampden-Sydney, Family Weekend on September 21^st vs. Shenandoah, and Homecoming on November 9^th vs. Averett. Individual game tickets will go on sale on August 26^th.