Pembroke head coach Justin Loeber poses with Dragons’ RB Zach von Kramer (submitted photo)
|
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | BataviasBest.org
The Pembroke Football program is experiencing a bit of déjà vu as the 2017 football season commences, as former head coach, and 2016 assistant Justin Loeber has returned to the top of the totem pole as the Dragons’ head coach in 2017.
Loeber previously took over for former Pembroke head coach Chip Foster 5 years ago, and spent two seasons at the helm during his first stint as head coach. Following which, he took a step back and allowed Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Famer Dick Diminuco take the reigns for two seasons, before Diminuco stepped down despite an improved record in his second, and final season.
After Diminuco’s turn on the Pembroke coaching carousel, former Dragons’ modified coach Ray Stoldt took his turn as head man – before health issues forced him from the sidelines in the middle of the last season.
“When Ray first expressed his desire to step down from head coach in order to spend more time with his family, Al Miano and I discussed the head position,” said Loeber upon discussing the situation with him yesterday afternoon.
“After the years working under Dick, and Ray,” Loeber continued,” I felt much more prepared to take on the head job (this time around). And Al agreed.”
During Loeber’s time spent under coach Diminuco, who previously achieved immense success as head coach at Albion & Alden, the new Pembroke head coach says he learned a lot. So much so, that he has welcome Diminuco back as his offensive coordinator in 2017.
“Dick will be an ear to listen, and eyes to see,” said Loeber. “There is no doubt that he will help guide me through this year. He’s been through many football campaigns, and to not lean on his experience would be a failure on my part.”
In addition to the help gained from the assistance of Diminuco, Loeber also commented on how the leadership which his team possesses this season is also going to be key this year.
“With kids like Reid Miano, Zach von Kramer, Damion Ramirez, Jarrod Carrow, Brandon Kowalski, I could go on, and on,” continued Loeber. “These guys were sophomores when Dick was calling the offense a few years ago as head coach. It has been as seamless a transition as you can imagine.”
All in all, Loeber is expecting a solid season from his experienced team.
“Our goal is a very simple one,” he said. “We hope to be competitive week-in, and week-out. There’s no substitute for experience and our kids have been great as I work back into the head position.”
Stay tuned in the coming days, as I anticipate a visit to Dragons practice by the time they hit ‘Scrimmage Saturday’ this weekend. At that time I will be able to gain a sound grasp of how exactly the Dragons are working through this shift in leadership.
Other articles you may like:
Two local GRAA Football teams expected to undergo coaching changes in 2017
