The Perry Marchese era officially begins at Saint Mary’s

“It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to accept the position as head coach here at Saint Mary’s University. Saint Mary’s University has always been a place very close to my heart. This opportunity to come back is truly an amazing feeling for me.”

Those were the sentiments of Perry Marchese as today marked the official start of his era as head coach of the Saint Mary’s University Huskies (SMU) football program.

Marchese was formally introduced at an event this morning at the university’s Courtside Lounge while 150 people were in attendance.

“This is a very happy day at Saint Mary’s University,” said SMU communications manager Steve Proctor, who emceed the event. “It’s an opportunity to open another chapter in our great sporting history.”

During the formal part of the event, the new Huskies head coach was welcomed into the football program by Athletic Director Steve Sarty, Director of Student Services Ken Hotchkiss and Huskies player Neil King. University President Colin Dodds presented Marchese with a Huskies hat and jacket.

While today symbolized the next chapter in Huskies football, the university reflected on all the attention the program has received over the course of the last couple of months.

“Today, we start a new chapter, and that’s the Perry Marchese era,” commented Hotchkiss in his remarks as he embraced Marchese into the university and football program. “Saint Mary’s University has a long and proud tradition and the gridiron and the attention that has been focused on our program over the last couple of weeks really confirms to me that the Halifax community embraces our team, cares about our team and I want you to know that the university cares about these young men who wear the maroon and white as well.”

Moreover, King spoke on behalf of the players and expressed how they dealt without a leader for the last couple of months after former coach Steve Sumarah was released by the university.

“We’ve come together as players and decided we were only able to affect what we can control so we’ve been getting ready for next season,” explained King, who was captain and safety last season for the Huskies. “We’ve been in the gym, training hard to get ready for our new head coach to come in and see what hard work we’ve done and how serious we are about the next season.”

“Even though the process may have taken a little longer than expected and we all hoped, we’re ready to do work and look forward to next season.”

As for their new head coach, the team is looking forward to working with him.

“We are all extremely excited about the direction he’s going, where he’s going to take this program and what’s to come this next season,” added King.

For his part, Marchese was appreciative of all the support he has received to date. Ultimately, the new head coach understands his role with the Huskies program and is confident he can successfully achieve results.

“I do not take the duties and responsibilities of the position lightly,” commented Marchese, in his first stint as a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) head coach. “As a head coach, you are required to take on many different duties which include mentor, role model, organizer, manager, builder of relationships and teacher.”

“I am very confident I can fulfill these roles and in doing so, I will be doing my part to contribute to the tradition of excellence at Saint Mary’s University.”

Athletic Director Sarty also echoed the tradition of excellence during the event.

“We are proud of the tradition of excellence here at Saint Mary’s University that we’ve had to date and will continue to have long into the future,” said Sarty.

As for the identity and vision of the program, Marchese addressed his vision. It will not solely be focused on winning but on the process which means everything that encompasses the formula.

“This process includes recruiting the best student athletes in the country, maximizing their university and life experiences while they’re here including both academically and in the community and ensuring they graduate and become actively engaged alumni,” commented the Huskies coach.

Overall, in his remarks, Marchese was enthusiastic not only at the opportunity to work with the players but to become part of something special in years to come.

“I’m extremely excited and eager to start working with the young men in our program,” said Marchese. “I look forward to getting to know them better and earning their respect.”

“I look forward to seeing you all at our games here and to celebrating our future championships together.”

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