SLIPPERY ROCK - The Slippery Rock University football program concluded spring drills last week down three coaches and a starting quarterback.

The Rock's annual spring game ended in a 24-24 tie April 17 at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. The Green represented the offense while the White was the defense.

"We didn't have enough offensive linemen out there to run two separate offensive units," SRU coach George Mihalik said.

Junior running back Ryan Lehmeier ran for a 1-yard touchdown on the last play to account for the final score. Both sides wanted four downs from the 10-yard line to decide the issue.

But Mihalik said no.

"We got through the night without injury and I wasn't going to risk anything," the coach said. "But the guys wanted to compete and I'm encouraged by that.

"We had an excellent offseason in the weight room and that carried over to spring practice. This was the most physical camp we've had in seven years."

It also was difficult for the participants to maintain their focus. SRU is dealing with the recent deaths of wide receivers coach Paul Giesey and former offensive lineman and three-time all-PSAC West performer Don Harbison. Giesey, 58, died after an extended illness and Harbison, 25, was killed in an automobile accident earlier this month.

"My mind's been going in all different directions," Mihalik admitted.

Giesey's position likely will be filled locally as it is a part-time position. The Rock lost linebackers coach Thomas Howard last month to Lincoln (Mo.) University, where he was named defensive coordinator.

SRU defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz moved from coaching defensive linemen to leading the linebackers. SRU received 90 applications for its defensive line coach opening.

"We'll interview two or three and probably fill that spot and Paul's spot in the next two to three weeks," Mihalik said.

Graduate assistant coach Shannon Johnson is headed back to alma mater Emory & Henry in Virginia, where he will be an offensive coach. His position will be filled when August camp opens.

"We've had the luxury of having a stable staff here for a long time," Mihalik said. "This (coaching search) is a little different for us."

So is nailing down a starting quarterback.

Brandon Frohnapple, who started the majority of games during The Rock's 5-6 2008 season, completed 11 of 17 passes for 82 yards and an interception in the spring game. Redshirt freshman Ryan Sabo completed nine of 19 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Neither will enter summer camp as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.

"That position remains wide open," Mihalik said. "I'm a little disappointed in the progress of our starting quarterbacks this spring."

Frohnapple and Sabo will be joined by incoming freshmen Ryan O'Rourke (2,374 yards passing, 33 TDs at Avon, Ohio) and Tyler Armagost (1,914 yards passing, 19 TDs at Moniteau) in the quarterback derby.

A fifth candidate, transfer Rocco Collevichio from Kent State University, will join the mix. He switched positions at Kent State, but was a productive quarterback at Shenango High School.

Lehmeier and Demarcus Cleckley, who saw limited duty in the spring game due to injury, remain the top two running backs. Sayquan Scott-Mitchell, with 17 carries for 92 yards in the spring game, "has closed the gap," Mihalik said.

Bill Elliott (Knoch) at defensive end and starting center Brandon Fusco (Seneca Valley) had impressive springs as well.

"Bill is one of those high energy guys who plays hard all the time," Mihalik said. "I feel like we have four starting defensive ends and he's one of them.

"Brandon looks even better now than he did last season."

Defensive end Quinton Johnson, linebacker Zach Sheridan, nose guard Aaron Nall and defensive back Robert Doliey also excelled this spring, Mihalik said.

Starting corner Ryan Webb suffered a neck injury early in spring practice and was sidelined for the rest of camp. He is expected to be ready for fall practice.

SRU opens the 2009 season at 6 p.m. Aug. 29, hosting Bowie State (Md.).