Penn football previews upcoming season with new coach

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Pete Riordan under his first offseason as just the third head coach in Penn football program history.

Through 60 years, the Kingsmen have only had two head coaches, Chris Geesman for 39 years and Cory Yeoman for 21 years.

"I heard someone's the other day, you know, kind of give you the idea, you know, before you'd make suggestions, now you didn't make the decisions," first year Head Coach Pete Riordan said.

After 20 years as an assistant coach, over two stints with the Kingsmen, Riordan is at the helm, making decisions on both sides of the ball, on and off the field.

"All the preparation that goes into making sure all the practice plans are good to go offensive, defense coaches are good to go," Riordan added.

His reputation as an assistant coach has the respect of his seniors.

"I love Coach Pete. I remember coming here as a kid's camper. I always remember Coach Pete's voice is someone voices you don't forget. He's been a great coach, a great mentor, great guy and helping us all become young men and great football players," Senior linebacker Wilson Thomas said.

"He, he brings the energy, and he's serious when he has to be. When we're on the field, it's all business. And when we come off, he's the nicest guy you can meet," Senior offensive lineman Brodie Brown said.

As the former defensive coordinator and a former quarterback, Riordan has the capability to meet and read both sides of the ball.

"Coach, Pete has been awesome so far. He's really great, as he's great at connecting with us, not only on the football field, but just talking to us on a personal level," Junior safety Vinny Freeman added.

Riordan's level of expectations won't change, as he looks to continue the program's success, not having a losing record in decades.

"My goal is just to make sure we keep getting better each day as we prepare for, you know, August 23rd, our home opener here, which, you know, we're excited for, we had a very quality opponent in Valparaiso, who won the state championship 582 years ago. They're well coached. They're, they're big and physical. So I can't worry about those other things. First things first," Riordan said.