Mercyhurst University football preview: Ryan Riemedio coaching era begins
Ryan Riemedio spent 10 seasons climbing to the summit of Mercyhurst University's football coaching staff.
Now that he's there, the challenging work really begins for the Lakers' new leader.
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It was a year ago Wednesday when Mercyhurst coach Marty Schaetzle formally announced Riemedio as his successor. He would be promoted to assistant coach and defensive coordinator roles for the 2021 Lakers, and then take over the program at the conclusion of Schaetzle's two decades with the team.
Schaetzle told the Erie Times-News that day it was among the easier professional decisions he'd made.
“I've watched Ryan grow up, so I know he's ready for this,” Schaetzle said. “I've seen him do all of the things that are important to become a head coach. He's always been rolling in that direction. He's got good football knowledge, but also very good people skills. He knows how to build relationships.
“You need to do those two things to be a good coach.”
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Riemedio, a Marina/Seaside, California, native and 2009 graduate of Minot State University in North Dakota, will make his debut on Saturday when the Lakers travel to Philippi, West Virginia, for their non-conference opener against Alderson Broaddus. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
It was during the same announcement ahead of Mercyhurst's 2021 season that Riemedio said his impending promotion wouldn't have happened without Schaetzle's mentorship.
“He really did give me the opportunity to do this,” Riemedio said. “He pushed me to take on other jobs (at other schools). I don't think any (coach) thinks they're going to be anywhere for 10 years, but Mercyhurst is a special place. There's a vortex here that keeps you here.
“Whether it was spiritual or not, at the end of the day something just kept me here.”
More:Mercyhurst University hires Ryan Riemedio to follow Marty Schaetzle as next football coach
Familiar foe to start season
Mercyhurst and Alderson Broaddus also met to open their 2021 seasons, only that game was at Saxon Stadium. The Lakers, led by a defense that limited to Battlers to 86 yards in total offense, won 18-3.
It was the first of four games Mercyhurst won during Schaetzle's final season. He retired as the winningest coach in program history with a 97-114 record.
The Lakers travel to Lock Haven on Sept. 10 for the start of PSAC action. The Lakers were picked seventh in the West Division coaches' preseason poll.
Mercyhurst's home debut is against Kutztown on Sept. 24. The Lakers play host to Edinboro on Oct. 1 and make the brief trip to Gannon on Oct. 22.
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Notable Mercyhurst returnees
Riemedio should enjoy a major perk going into his first season: The team should return most of its skill players on offense.
Joe Carter, who passed for 1,183 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago, is back as a graduate student. He's one of five quarterbacks on Mercyhurst's roster, a list that also includes redshirt freshman Chris Juchno, a former McDowell star.
David Alize led the Lakers in rushing with 375 yards as a freshman. Tight end Jason Armstrong, a graduate student, and wide receiver Cameron Barmore, a redshirt sophomore, also caught more than 400 yards worth of passes in 2021.
Jehrod Gregory, another graduate student, is expected to anchor Mercyhurst's defensive line. He'll be backed up by the likes of linebackers Jacob Holl and Thomas Zacharyasz.
Holl's father is former Cathedral Prep football coach Don Holl, who is head coach and athletic director at Gateway High School in Monroeville.
Mercyhurst University 2022 football schedule
Saturday: at Alderson Broaddus, 6 p.m.
Sept. 10: at Lock Haven, 6 p.m.
Sept. 17: Kutztown, noon
Sept. 24: at IUP, 4 p.m.
Oct. 1: Edinboro, 2 p.m.
Oct. 8: at Slippery Rock, 6 p.m.
Oct. 15: Clarion, 6 p.m.
Oct. 22: at Gannon, noon
Oct. 29: California (Pa.), noon
Nov. 5: at Seton Hill, noon
Nov. 12: Shepherd, noon
District 10 players on Mercyhurst roster
Chris Juchno, r-Fr., QB, McDowell
Zack Helsley, r-Jr., DB, Mercyhurst Prep
Rylan Davidson, r-So., WR, Conneaut
Seth Fuller, r-Fr., North East
Caden Herman, r-Fr., Harbor Creek
Aidan Thomas, Fr., DB, Conneaut
Sam Burchard, So., DB, Meadville
Landen Weis, r-Fr., RB, Corry
Roman Cerminara, r-Fr., Erie First Christian
Weston Phanco, r-Fr., OL, Wilmington
Aiden Cozzens, Fr., OL, McDowell
Taylor Susman, r-Fr., DL, Fairview
Caden Pustelak, Fr., OL, Cathedral Prep
Xavier Reyda, Fr., OL, Corry
Jacob Yohman, r-Jr., TE, Wilmington
Trevon Tate, Jr., WR, Erie High
Nathan Helsley, Jr., LB, Mercyhurst Prep
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Mercyhurst football preview: Ryan Riemedio coaching era begins
