Tripp, who served on Smith’s staff at WWU from 1993-2005, has been selected following a nationwide search to fill the position. A search committee is in the final stages of evaluating candidates, working towards hiring the final two assistants who will join Tripp and recently-hired assistant Solomona Tapasa in helping Smith guide the program.
For the past year Tripp has worked as athletic director at Meridian High School in Bellingham, Wash. He took over as offensive coordinator role at WWU from 2005 to 2007, and had previously worked for 12 years as wide receiver coach while also serving as head strength coach for the Vikings.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Smith again,” Tripp said. “Both of us have always looked at Humboldt State as a real gem. (Coming here) is a challenge with unlimited potential.”
During his tenure at WWU, Tripp helped Smith guide the Vikings to the NAIA Division II National Championship game in 1996. He has experience in recruiting and game plan preparation, and coached three All-American wide receivers during his stint with the Vikings.
“Coach Tripp has high personal and professional standards,” Smith said. “He helps players improve tremendously. He has many unique qualities, and has a great football mind.”
A 1989 graduate of Western Washington with a B.A. in Physical Education and teaching certificate, Tripp and his wife, Erin, have two daughters, Chloe, age 9, and Rayn, 6.
Tapasa comes to Humboldt State from Southern Utah University, where he served as an assistant coach with defensive line responsibilities for the past year. He also worked as an assistant coach at Western Oregon University from 2004-2007, and coached at the high school level for 10 years.
After earning his B.S. in Pre-Law at Portland State in 1992, Tapasa continued his education at Western Oregon, pursuing his Master’s in Health Education from 2004-2006.
A native of American Samoa, Tapasa and his wife, Joanna, have four daughters, Fiateleimoana (11), Saipologa (9), Salamasina (7) and Fetuao (23 months).
“Coach Taps was highly recommended to us,” Smith said. “I remember the defensive fronts he put up against us at Western Oregon, and they were always tough. He’s a great addition to our staff.”
Smith was hired as the Lumberjacks 15th head coach in January. He and his staff are preparing for spring workouts, which are scheduled to begin April 9.