Seniors Transition to New Coach

In the wake of Mark Elder's resignation earlier this year, Ohio powerhouse Archbishop Moeller has welcomed a new head football coach in the form of Coach Bert Bathiany.

Elder achieved a commendable 27-12 record over three seasons and notably led Moeller to two consecutive Division I state semifinals. Their remarkable performance under Elder saw the team ranked first in Ohio and 39th in the High School Football America 300 national rankings in the 22-23 season.

Senior Preston Smith.

Coach Bathiany comes to Archbishop Moeller from Lexington Catholic High School in Kentucky, where he served as the head coach last season. Under his leadership, the varsity football team secured an impressive 10-win season, marking the first time they reached this milestone since 2015. This appointment follows Bathiany's successful three-year stint as the defensive coordinator at Tiffin University, accumulating a wealth of coaching experience spanning 15 years across various levels.

Transitioning to a new coach during a player’s senior year can pose challenges, but it appears that the team is embracing this change with enthusiasm. Senior wide receiver Preston Smith shared his thoughts on Coach Bathiany, describing him as an "amazing coach" with a wealth of experience. Smith highlighted Coach B's approachability, mentioning that he's a laid-back individual who balances honesty with encouragement, emphasizing the importance of giving your best effort. When asked to sum up Coach B in three words, Preston chose "passionate," "driven," and "honest."

Senior Drew Currin.

Offensive Lineman Drew Currin, who wears jersey number 51, talked about the innovations Coach B has brought to the team. Currin emphasized Coach B's mantra of "11CKU," breaking down its significance. The "11" signifies having all eleven players fully engaged on the field, moving together from point A to point B. The "C" stands for competing, advocating for players to block out distractions and give their best effort. The "K" represents kaizen, a commitment to continuous improvement. Lastly, the "U" stands for ubuntu, conveying the idea that one person's success is intertwined with that of others on the team, fostering a culture of collective excellence.