Webber International University Athletics

Eric Potochney is entering his 20th season with the Webber International University football program, and his 5th official season as the Head Football Coach.  Coach Potochney was also the Interim Head Coach for the 2021 season.  Previously, Coach Potochney served in numerous roles for the Webber Football program, including the most recent as Defensive Coordinator from 2011 - 2021 to a top conference and nationally ranked unit in many categories during his tenure at Webber.

Coach Potochney and his staff spent countless hours improving the structure and foundation of the football program.  One of these things was starting an Annual Football Alumni & Program Supporters fundraising event to generate financial support for our football program and university.  Since taking over the football program, Coach Potochney and his staff have raised over $350,000.  All funds raised have gone directly back to our student athletes, football program, and University to improve our student athlete experience and gameday facilities. 

Naming Rights were sold for our Football Locker room Class of 2009 Alum Michael Bruck for $20,000 and Naming right were sold for our Football Fieldhouse Class of 2006 Alum Kyle Dicks for $50,000.  This fundraising has allowed us to add Reserved Parking Cabanas and North Endzone Cabanas to our turf field.  These structures have added something special to our game field to improve our fans and players' gameday experience unlike anywhere else.  In addition, most recently added is a new set of bleachers for the first phase of our bleacher and press box project.

In 2022, Coach Potochney 1st official season as the Head Football Coach the program slated the best start since 2010.  Last season, the Warriors finished 5-6 with a win over FCS opponent Stetson University.  This was only the 12th time in history and the 10th NAIA school to defeat an FCS opponent.  Since Coach Potochney has taken over the football program, they are undefeated against rival Warner University in the Lake Caloosa Clash currently 5-0.  Under Coach Potochney's staff, the football program remains to be a competitive opponent in the nationally recognized Sun Conference.

Potochney has been involved with the football program at Webber since it first began in 2002.  He started his collegiate playing career at Webber International University as a member of the inaugural football team in 2002 and is known as one of the “Shed Boys.” Potochney graduated from Webber cum laude with Bachelors in General Business in 2005 and received his Master's in Business Administration in the spring of 2008. As a collegiate player for the Webber, Potochney lead the nation in tackles in 2006 averaging 14.1 tackles per game totaling 141 tackles in ten games. In 2005, Potochney was ranked 5th in the nation averaging 12.8 tackles per game. He was awarded NAIA All American status in 2005 and 2006. Potochney was a 4 year team captain, defensive MVP in 2005 and 2006, as well as a National Collegiate Scholar Athlete.

Potochney also played professional football upon finishing up for the Warriors, where he won back to back American Indoor Football Association championships in 2007 with the Lakeland (FL) Thunderbolts, and in 2008 with the Florence (SC) Phantoms, playing linebacker and special teams. Potochney also played for the Huntingdon (WV) Heroes in 2008.

Coach Potochney resides in Lake Wales with his wife Christy and their two children, son Brantley and daughter Braylee.