Category Archives: Sports

Fall Sports

Sitting Down With Varsity Football Coach Rich Holzer

As a student, Coach Rich Holzer attended private school, but as a coach, he had coached solely public school programs. In his first year at a private school, he has set a new Mount Saint Joseph Football standard, as well as accomplishing one of the best seasons in recent history. Overall, the Gaels are 8-2 with with one game left against Archbishop Spalding. They are 4-1 in the MIAA A Conference.

As a player for Coach Holzer and previously, Coach Blake Henry, I have a different point of view from the fans of St. Joe football. Previously, the theme of the season was to focus on the long term, to not get caught up on a play or a single game. But with Coach Holzer, his mantra has been “1 and 0”, referring to winning the current game and not worrying about what is to come in the future. This has led Coach Holzer to have a very successful first season, and hopefully, looking to the future, an MSJ Football dynasty.

As far as the playbook and the actual gameplan for Coach Holzer, he is focused on a very fast paced offense. He uses playcards for everyone, even the linemen, calling out a number that corresponds to a certain play. These change on an almost daily basis. Coach Holzer has tried to instill in us a focus on tempo, every day, whether in game situations or at practice. Holzer’s perspective is that if the team plays hard, every single play, we can wear the other team down by the half and take complete control of the game.

Coach Rich Holzer congratulates the team after the Homecoming win over MIAA rival Loyola.
Coach Rich Holzer congratulates the team after their Homecoming win over MIAA rival Loyola.

Make sure to support the Mount Saint Joseph Varsity Football team as they conclude their 2015 season with a final game against MIAA opponent Archbishop Spalding on Saturday, November 7 on Plevyak Field.

Fall Sports, Sports

MSJ Varsity Soccer 2015: Heart and Resiliency

Greetings, MSJ Sports Fans!

On Friday, October 9, I had the chance to interview Coach St. Martin, Varsity Soccer Head Coach. I also had the chance to speak to Joe Clark, one of the Varsity starters. I asked both of them to describe the team with one word, Joey paused thoughtfully before answering the question and replied “heart.” I later posed the same question to Coach St. Martin, where he agreed with Joe, but adding “resilient.” Stating that the team never gives up while down and fights till the end.

Last season the Gaels disappointingly finished 2-12-2 in the MIAA-A conference and 3-13-3 overall. Meanwhile, as of Friday, October 9, the Gaels are having a tremendously better season with a 3-4 conference record and a 6-5 overall record, pushing them right into the thick of things in the MIAA-A conference. The Gaels are only 3 points behind rival Archbishop Spalding, whose game was rained out on Friday. The game is currently being rescheduled between the Athletic Directors, who have to accommodate field availability and each team’s scheduled games.

As Coach St. Martin and Joe Clark both agreed, the game against Archbishop Spalding is an important game for the Gaels. If the Gaels can finish their chances and have possession for most of the match the Gaels will be poised to climb higher in the MIAA standings.

Fall Sports, Sports

F/S Football Shuts Out Kent Island 32-0

On Wednesday, October 7 at Plevyak Field, the MSJ Fresh/Soph Football used a combination of a potent offense and a stifling defense to shut out Kent Island 32-0.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Their next game is Wednesday, October 14 against rival Archbishop Spalding. In the first meeting between the two teams, Spalding won 14-0, on September 23.

Come out on Wednesday to support the Fresh/Soph Football team as they continue their MIAA schedule.

All photos and videos taken by Aidan van der Horst, Quill Photographer & Videographer.