Whitworth University

Former Whitworth running back Duke DeGaetano enters his sixh year as a full-time member of the Pirates' coaching staff during the 2024 season.  DeGaetano, a 2017 Whitworth grad, serves as the Pirates’ defensive pass game coordinator and the strength and conditioning coordinator.  He was on the coaching staff as a volunteer in the fall of 2017 when he coached tight ends, fullbacks, punt returners and kick returners.

DeGaetano was a three-year starter at running back and a two-time captain for the Pirates as a junior and senior. DeGaetano claimed unanimous First Team All Northwest Conference recognition in 2016 and Third Team All Region honors after rushing for 1,001 yards and a school record 21 touchdowns, while also having 47 receptions for 248 yards and another score.  He was also named to the CoSIDA Division III Academic All-American First Team.

At the conclusion of his college career, Whitworth’s athletics department chose DeGaetano as the recipient of the Dennis Spurlock Award, awarded to the student-athlete who model the characteristics of modesty, poise, and leadership in addition to excellence in athletics performance, drawing respect for the school, the team, and the individual. DeGaetano also helped start a Bible study on the football team during his time as a Pirate, which continues in the program today.