Before entering the collegiate coaching profession, Pete Rekstis stood out as a 4-year starting safety at Youngstown State University. Initially recruited to the school by future Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and future Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, Pete Rekstis helped to guide his team to the playoffs in 3 of his 4 years. In his final season, he also provided leadership as team captain.
Pete Rekstis ultimately graduated from Youngstown State with a BA in history. After that, he entered the coaching profession with a position on the staff of the US Coast Guard Academy. Elevated from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator after only a single season, he proceeded to coach the team to both its first playoff appearance and a conference championship.
Pete Rekstis subsequently held defensive coach and coordinator positions at Austin Peay State University, Youngstown State, Kent State University, and Miami University. Since 2014, he has served as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Rhode Island, where he has helped to lead the team to its first winning record in 17 seasons.
