CHANGING OF THE GUARD Q&A with new Head Football Coach Ryan Riemedio By Dan Richeal
What is your reaction to being the next head coach in Mercyhurst football history? “Words can’t describe how honored I am to be the next head coach at Mercyhurst. To be only the sixth head coach of the 40-plus-year history of the program is truly an honor. I can’t thank President Kathleen Getz, Vice President Dr. Laura Zirkle, Assistant Vice President of Athletics Brad Davis, Head Coach Marty Schaetzle, and the numerous people I have had the pleasure to work with on this beautiful campus enough. I am honoerd to lead this program into new beginnings while honoring the traditions set forth by the f i ve head coaches before me.” How special is it to move into a head coaching role at a university where you have already spent many years?
Before the 2021 football season, longtime Head Coach Marty Schaetzle announced he would retire after his 20th season at Mercyhurst. The search for the next head coach was on, but Mercyhurst did not have to look far. Vice President for Athletics Brad Davis announced Ryan Riemedio '14M as the next head coach on Aug. 31. Riemedio joni ed the Mercyhurst staf i as a graduate assistant. Since then, the Marina Seaside, California, native has overseen many dif f erent position groups, and most recently was the assistant head coach/defensive n 2012
coordinator and linebackers coach in 2020. As Riemedio prepares to assume his new role in football’s 40th anniversary year, he recently sat down to share a bit about himself: Was there a moment when you knew coaching was going to be your full-time career?
“It’s special to be named a head coach anywhere. But to be moving into the head coaching role at Mercyhurst University is remarkable. Mercyhurst is a special place, and I am excited for the future. There is a lot going on here on the Hill, and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of it.” What was it like to have Coach Schaetzle as a mentor? “He has been a mentor of mine for the last 10 years, and I have learned so much. He took a chance on me as a graduate assistant back in 2012 and saw something in me that I never saw. He challenged me for the past 3,534 days and will continue to as I look forward to his mentorship years beyond his retirement from Mercyhurst. With his guidance and mentorship, I was able to climb the ladder on and of f the f i eld in my career while still being a dad.” How have you used your experiences with NFL coaches to connect with student-athletes and help grow the Mercyhurst program? “The opportunities I had with the NF L’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching
“I realized coaching was going to be my full-time career between my f i rst and second years of coaching at Monterey Peninsula College. After my f i rst year of coaching, I didn’t feel I was cut out for the profession, so I left to pursue a career in the corporate f it ness industry. Then MPC Head Coach Mike Rasmussen reached out and asked if I wanted to come by the annual Spring BBQ to help umpire the of f ense vs. defense softball game and to hang out with the team and coaches. The realization came after that day. It had nothing to do with the X’s and O’s and everything to do with the camaraderie, bonding, and competitiveness I was part of that day. That’s when I knew I was going to pour my heart and soul into coaching. Being around the other coaches and players, I realized how much I missed being a part of the program and how special football is. The authentic interactions made me realize the opportunity I have to guide and positively impact young men to reach their goals and aspirations through education and football.”
Fellowship and the NCAA-NFL Coaching Academy help me connect with student-athletes and grow the brand of Mercyhurst football. With my experiences, I can share my knowledge as a student, athlete, and coach to help them achieve their future goals and aspirations.”
What are your proudest moments as both a coach and a player during your football career? “As a coach, aside from being named the Head Coach at Mercyhurst University, the proudest moments are
The reaction to you being named head coach was overwhelmingly positive from student-athletes, former players, and members of the community. How does that make you feel? “It’s a great feeling. It puts life into
watching our players walk across that stage at graduation and seeing them succeed in life. Another proud coaching moment was playing and winning at The Big House in Michigan in 2014. Lastly, beating our rivals at the end of the 2021 season and helping Coach Schaetzle win his last home game at Mercyhurst University. As a player, being named a captain at MPC and Minot State University by my teammates is one of the proudest moments I had.”
perspective knowing that you are in the right place at the right time. I am ecstatic to get started and to lead Mercyhurst football moving forward. Carpe Diem!”
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