St Mary’s names alumni Marchese new Head Coach

Saint Mary’s has officially announced a new head coach to replace the fired Steve Sumarah. Alumni Perry Marchese will lead the program going forward. The Hamilton, Ontario native was a Quarterback for the Huskies in the mid 90’s while completing an MBA. He has coached various levels and at a variety of programs. He leaves his current position with the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA) to become head coach of the Huskies. Saint Mary’s announced the hiring late Friday afternoon in a press release (ironically usually a time you release bad news).

“Saint Mary’s has had a succession of great coaches: Bob Hayes, Al Keith, Larry Uteck, Blake Nill, Steve Samarah. I am proud to add the name Perry Marchese to that list,” said Saint Mary’s athletic director Steve Sarty.

Added Marchese: “This is a fabulous opportunity. The chance to return to the Saint Mary’s family and work with a talented coaching staff and eager players is remarkable. It is humbling to once again be part of an organization with a record of producing championship teams. I look forward to doing my part to continue that tradition.”

“He was a starting quarterback here in the late 90’s, so he knows our style of play. He’s already part of our tradition of excellence.”

The Hamilton native accepted the position Friday. He has already begun making calls to players and coaches.

“This is a fabulous opportunity,” said Marchese. “The chance to return to the Saint Mary’s family and work with a talented coaching staff and eager players is remarkable.”

“It is humbling to once again be part of an organization with a record of producing championship teams. I look forward to doing my part to continue that tradition.”

Marchese will to travel to Halifax early next week for meetings with the team and coaches. A press conference is being arranged for later in the week.

Perry Marchese:
Marchese has extensive football experience. His most recent position was as the elite program coordinator of the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA). As for CIS experience, he was the offensive coordinator with the Guelph Gryphons in 2010. Marchese resigned from that position in the spring of 2011.

With the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, Marchese was the offensive assistant (2004) and running backs coach (2005). He was also an offensive assistant with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2006. Additionally, Marchese coached six seasons with the Steel City Ironmen in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). With Team Ontario, he guided them to two straight national championships (2002-2003). In 2009, he was the offensive coordinator with the Bishop’s Gaiters.

Marchese’s connection with Saint Mary’s is that he graduated in 1997 from the university with a master’s degree in business administration and was quarterback with the football Huskies.