Last
year’s retirement of football coach Michael Smith
left many wondering who would take over the growing
football program.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my
pleasure to introduce you to Coach Christian
Mahaffey.
Working under Coach Smith as the
defensive coordinator for the past 11 years, Mahaffy
is no stranger to Rio football.
Already well familiar with the
program, Mahaffey will not have much difficulty
adjusting to the new position as head coach, even
though Smith set an impressive precedent for him to
follow.
"For sure I have big shoes to
fill," Mahaffy said. "One of the reasons why I’ve
stayed here as long as I did was because of Coach
Smith. I’ve never seen a person coach so
professionally and with so much respect to the game
and to the kids."
He approaches coaching in a
similar, but different style compared to Smith.
As new head coach, Mahaffy does
not plan to make drastic changes to the program.
Like Smith, he expects his
players to give their best effort at every practice
and game. Mahaffy strives to maintain these same
standards, and looks for continued commitment from
the players.
"[We are] just asking for more
commitment, more accountability, and I’d like to see
more kids playing football, but that’s going to take
time," Mahaffy said. "My only expectation is for
them is to give maximum effort whether at practice
or in games and for them to hold each other
accountable. If we do these things, then all three
levels will be successful."
After a short break from summer
practices which consisted of lifting, developing a
strong work ethic, and even going to a three-day
camp at American River College, which focused on
fundamentals, the team started up practice again on
the 17th.
Despite grueling workouts over
the summer, Mahaffey’s players praise the new coach.
"He
pushes us really hard which will help us win more
games, and he is changing things for the better on
and off the field," junior Mark Nolan said.
"I like that he’s committed to
the team and passionate about the sport," fellow
junior Craig Hedding added.
The varsity football team is now
putting the skills they learned over summer to use
to prepare for their first game on Sept. 12 against
Natomas High School.
Their goal this season is to make
another playoff appearance.
"What the kids did last year,
beating Del Campo at their home was a big moment and
we hope to match it or top it, but it won’t be
easy," Mahaffy said.
Strategically, in order to
achieve this goal, the team’s defense will be run
similar to last season’s, but there will be changes
in their offense.
Also, Mahaffy and the other
coaches are meeting regularly and intend to work as
hard as possible to achieve their season goals.
However, Mahaffy wasn’t the only
change made in the coaching staff for this season.
Coach Halfmen, defensive
coordinator, and Coach Likeskey, offensive and
defensive line coordinator, have been added to
coaching line-up.
They are joining Rio veteran
coaches Mahaffey, Lovell and Anderson.
Coach Mahaffy is looking forward
to another season coaching at Rio and his first
season as head coach.
