by Steve Janik, Sports Information Student Assistant
When Saint Vincent College brought football back to Latrobe in 2006, they clearly did not know what the future held. From the rebirth's inaugural season in 2007 to this past year, the Bearcats have struggled to string together wins.  With the results not what they hoped for, they realized the need for change was now more prevalent than ever.

That change happened on January 10, 2014 when Saint Vincent named Ron Dolciato as the new head football coach. After 27 years at John Carroll University as an assistant and most previously the Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the Blue Streaks, Dolciato had his eyes set on taking over the reins in Latrobe.

With Saint Vincent being a faith-based institution with a strong academic integrity like his former place of employment, it was no surprise he was drawn to the Benedictine school, "I think there is unlimited potential here. I firmly believe we can build a championship team here."

During his tenure in University Heights, Ohio, he was in charge of one of the most proficient offenses in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Since taking over as Offensive Coordinator in 2002, his Blue Streak offenses set 59 individual and team records, while helping earn an Eastern Regional Championship and an NCAA Division III Semifinal Appearance.

This past season at John Carroll, his offensive unit was the best in the OAC and 14th in the nation in passing (313.3 yards per game). They converted 51 of 59 (86.4%) trips to the red zone to points. Overall, his offense averaged 451.5 yards per game, a new school record.

Alternatively in Latrobe, things haven't gone so well the past few years. In 2011, the Bearcats posted the only winning season since the rebirth, going 6-5 and appearing in the ECAC Southwest Bowl after going 4-36 in the four years before. After a loss in that bowl game, SVC has a 21 game losing streak looming over the program; however, the first time head coach knows, what's done is done.

"It means nothing to me. To me, we haven't won a game, and we haven't lost a game. We have to make sure our players understand that if we lose, this is not the past. I know our players are hungry to win," said Dolciato.

"Our goal is to get better, and I believe that starts in the classroom. But if they do the things we ask them to do, that streak will end and I am pretty confident in saying that."

He cannot build the program alone and the new coach believes the coaching staff he has assembled is well prepared to help make Saint Vincent into an eventual contender. He brought with him several assistants from John Carroll, many of which were once strapping up pads for the Blue Streaks like himself. Dolciato also pulled a few assistants from other schools all across the country as well as bringing back three Bearcat assistant coaches from the previous staff.

"We've surrounded ourselves with youth and experience, but the experience we have gained has come from other successful programs. We know what it takes to be successful at the Division III level."

While he attempts to tackle the task of basically restarting the program, he also knows that football is supposed to be fun and wants the attitude of his players to reflect that.

"We want this to be a positive experience for everyone involved. Our team chemistry is going to be one of our biggest points of emphasis because they have to realize this is not about one person but about being one cohesive unit," he said.

While it will take a while for the stars to align exactly like Dolciato hopes, he and his staff seem more than willing to make this program one that opponents fear lining up against on Saturdays at Chuck Noll Field.

OFFENSE
The old adage is "defense wins championships;" however, if you cannot score, you cannot win. This is where Coach Dolciato's pedigree comes in handy, as the Bearcats offense has struggled in recent years to not just put points on the board, but to find an identity. "If there is one thing I understand, it is how to pass the football. That doesn't mean we will pass a lot, but our system will be the one that puts our players in the best position to be successful."

In 2013, the Bearcats averaged 13.5 points per game and were either shut out or scored single digit points six times throughout the year. Turnovers have plagued the offense; last season the Bearcats lost 13 fumbles and threw 11 interceptions, so preaching about ball security will be the main focus when the Bearcats start camp.

Under center, SVC returns seniors Andy Borgen and Matt Deakins who have split playing time the last two years. In 2012, the two would change almost every drive in an attempt to keep opposing defenses guessing, with Deakins more of a passer and Borgen more of a running threat. In 2013, Borgen started 9 games, going 115-210 throwing eight touchdowns and five interceptions while running, while rushing for 150 yards and three scores. Deakins saw action in seven games going 46-105 with one touchdown and six interceptions. Also in the mix is Greg Hendershot who played in four contests going 17-30 with a touchdown.

Whoever it may be that lines up under center come opening day, they must know that their coach expects quite a lot from them. "Our system that we're going to end up running will put a lot of pressure on our quarterback and we expect perfection. What it comes down to is who can get it done come game time. They have to be a leader who can command everyone else on the field."

Also returning with them is their quarterbacks coach from last season and former Bearcat star quarterback Aaron Smetanka, who Dolciato thought was a no-brainer to keep on staff. "The players wanted him back and he was a great player here himself. His playing experience gives me some free time knowing the quarterbacks are in good hands."

At running back, the Bearcats welcome back Ryan Crawford. Crawford, a junior, has at times displayed his ability to get away from defenders and break open plays both on the ground and through the air. In 2013 he played in all 10 games tallying 64 carries for 257 yards and a score while catching 13 passes for 84 yards.

"We're bringing in a number of freshmen at running back that we feel very good about. There will be a lot of competition here which is what we need. I feel like running the ball will be a main focus of ours when it comes down to it because it seems like that will best suit our team this year but it is going to be wait and see."

If there is a group on the offensive side of the ball that opposing teams really have to strategize against, it is the wide receiving corps. They are led by senior Matt Duffey who has been a consistent offensive player for the Bearcats in the last two seasons. In 2013, he caught 40 passes for 467 yards and two touchdowns en route to being name all Presidents' Athletic Conference Honorable Mention for a second consecutive year. Right behind him are juniors David Butler, Dustin Lowman and Alex Charles.

Lowman appeared in nine games making 28 catches for 300 yards and two scores, Charles finished with 25 receptions for 223 yards and a touchdown and Butler tallied 23 receptions for 219 yards. At tight end, Connor Crowley returns after playing in eight games last season, posting two catches.

"We have some talent at wide receiver. In the spring, I saw the ability to run good routes and make catches, but we need them to be able to block. We need them to be all-around better football players."

On the offensive line, the Bearcats have to replace three-year starter and three-time All-PAC honoree Darius McGhee. They do however return seniors Mike Mackowick and Sean Edmunds.  Together they have appeared in a combined 36 games. "This is our biggest concern coming into camp. Our two returners will need to be leaders because we may be in a situation where we have to put some freshmen into the mix early," he said. Although he is very confident in his offensive line coach Andy Hoffman, calling him one of the best in the country.

DEFENSE
If you attended a Saint Vincent football game in 2013, athleticism and skill were not hard to find with well-established players at several positions.  However, with depth running thin, those same players were out on the field constantly to try and give the Bearcats the best chance to win.

Last season, the Bearcats were outscored 216-47 in the first half. The defense was only able to force 17 turnovers and allowed an average of 423.6 yards per game. However, coach Dolciato believes his defense is in a little bit better shape early on than the offense and he knows his staff can only make things better.

New Defensive Coordinator Josh Hager was brought in because he and the skipper share the same idea that getting after the quarterback is first and foremost the key to a successful defense. "Being an offensive coordinator, it bothers me the most when the quarterback is under pressure, so Coach Hager knows that I want to play an aggressive style of defense and that is why he is here."

The defensive line is a unit that has always been one the Bearcats could count on. "You control the game up front, and our defense will allow our guys to get after it and that is what we want," Dolciato said.

To go along with several newcomers he is happy about, he hopes that they can be six or seven guys deep up front to stay fresh. They return senior Tom Mackowick who started in three games before missing the rest due to injury along with juniors Andrew Geisler and Dwayne Hewitt. In his limited time, Mackowick recorded 15 tackles (2 for loss), one sack and also forced a fumble. Geisler returns after posting 27 tackles (8.5 for loss) and two sacks appearing in all 10 games, while Hewitt played in nine contests, tallying 17 tackles and breaking up three passes at the line. Nick Nitowski also saw significant time in his first year on campus, appearing in all 10 games leading all returning defensive lineman with 35 tackles (6.5 for loss) and recovering two fumbles.

At linebacker, SVC has seen their fair share of talented players in the past as well. That is no different this year and Dolciato knows that is for a good reason. "Linebackers have to be the most intelligent out there and I think we have some depth there, but we have to get them established with our system and once we get going there we will make sure we are playing the best players possible."

This unit was bolstered last year by sophomore Matt Jenkins who finished second on the team with 61 tackles (3 for a loss) and a sack. Freshman Matt McCarthy appeared in all 10 games making 50 tackles and recovering a fumble. Also in the mix last year and again this year is senior Keith Waddell and sophomore Eli Holt from Mount Pleasant, PA who had 13 and nine tackles respectively.

Nick Revis, a senior from North Huntingdon, PA tallied 57 total tackles (4.5 for loss) and a sack as well in 201 and will be looked on as a leader of not just the defense, but the entire team this season. "Nick has done a great job so far as a leader. He is going to be tested as someone who we will look upon to continue to be a leader. He has been here awhile so he is hungry to win and this is his last go around so we know he has that fire."

The defensive backs also return several starters in 2014. However, they will have the tough task of replacing two-time All-PAC player Dan Wirkowski at free safety. Since transferring from Clarion University in 2011, he appeared in 28 games recording 155 total tackles and nine interceptions, a modern-day career record with five of those coming in 2011, a single season record.

They do have the luxury of returning three outstanding players in the defensive backfield in senior Darius Brown and juniors Renny LaRue-Holloman and Dwayne Brown. "Both Darius and Dwayne are great athletes at cornerback. Out of everyone out there on defense, they are going to be guys that are really depended on. The better they are, it is going to be a huge plus for us." After playing in only five games last year, Darius recorded 16 tackles along with four pass breakups. Dwayne Brown played in all 10 games making 37 tackles with an interception and also four passes defended.

LaRue-Holloman has also heard his name be called on quite a few tackles throughout his first two years at Saint Vincent. In 2013, he was in on 89 tackles (6.5 for loss) along with two interceptions and two fumbles forced and recovered. However, his athleticism is the reason fans can expect to see him line up inside the box as well as a hybrid player on defense. "He's a very good football player, probably the most talented we have right now. We need him to be a leader and Coach Hager will put a lot of pressure on him to make plays."

It doesn't end there though; they also return seniors Bronson Przybilinski and Lazaro Garcia who played in eight games apiece with Przybilinski making 10 tackles and Garcia five. Junior Joey Milhomme also made 10 tackles in five games while sophomores Darrell Burrell and TJ Feeney also return after playing in eight and 10 games respectively as freshman recording double-digit tackles.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior kicker Morgan Porter has proven he has the leg to make college level field goals; however, he hasn't gotten many opportunities to showcase that in his three years as the Bearcats placekicker. His freshman campaign he went 5-8 with his longest make coming from 38 yards. In his past two seasons, he has converted 4 of 7 attempts and has spent more time punting. But Dolciato says that is going to change this year.

"We're going to have him focus on placekicking," he said. "He is fine; when you have the physical tools, which he does, it all comes down to the mental side of the game. I think he can be a real asset to our team."

When it comes to punting, coach says they will find someone who can handle the full-time duties.

In the return game, Bearcat faithful have seen a little flash in the past from Wirkowski and Darius and Dwayne Brown, and they can probably expect more of the same from the latter two again this year. Last year Darius returned eight kickoffs for 148 yards and in 2012 he returned a kick for a 96 yard touchdown. Alternatively, Dwayne led the team in kickoff returns last year, bringing back 27 kicks for 622 yards with a long return of 79 yards. Garcia also has experience returning kicks.

One thing Dolciato emphasized is that special teams are not going to be a way for freshman and bench players to see a way onto the field. "Special teams is going to be a main focus for us. We will put starters on all special teams because then the best players are out on the field at all times. We have to make things happen on special teams, it can change the momentum of the game."

He believes that a difference fans can see in 2014 when they make their way to Chuck Noll Field is that they will see a more disciplined and prepared team. "My philosophy is we will play to win. We will not be afraid to be aggressive."

In terms of expectations from the new head coach, "I just want to get better on a daily basis. The wins and losses will take care of themselves, but we have to take care of business every day."

Saint Vincent opens the season against coach Dolciato's former team when they travel to John Carroll University on September 6. But it will just be business as usual for his team, "When I first got here I was a little wowed that we started with them, but you realize over time, it is a football game," he said. "They are a very good team, and it will be fun to go back, but we are going to go there and play a football game."

Saint Vincent's opens PAC play on September 20 when they host Case Western University at Chuck Noll Field.