Erie Pa. – Mercyhurst Football has announced the 2023-2024 Season Captains.
Coach Ryan Riemedio is ecstatic about the announcement of the 2023-2024 Season Captains, "When I became the Head Coach of this program, I wanted to make sure Leadership was emphasized from day one. As we finish each spring, the team votes for two captains. I believe having leadership put in place as the summer rolls is important. After tallying the votes, Dustin and Zach's names were announced."
Dustin Shoaf will be the first to wear the 'C' this season. As a running back, he has scored seven touchdowns for the team and rushed for 429 yards while only playing in seven games last season. He had a career-day in a game against Edinboro when he rushed 103 yards and scored one touchdown. Dustin earned a spot on the PSAC Western Division All-Conference Team for his efforts last season .
Shoaf stated, "Being named captain for the 2023 season is a great accomplishment. I am thankful that my teammates believe in me to help lead our program in the right direction. As great of an honor this is, it will never be about me" He also noted, "I look forward to helping the rest of my teammates lead in any possible way they can and promote more leadership on and off the field".
Linebacker Zach Hill is the next Laker to lead the team for 2023 season. He puts a tremendous effort on the field and completed 62 total tackles in the 2022 season. He had a season-high of 11 tackles in a contest at Slippery Rock.
Hill added, "To be a captain means the world to me. The opportunity to represent my fellow teammates and brothers on and off the field is a huge honor. I'm excited to work with everyone on our team to help build a successful future!"
Coach Riemedio added, "I have seen them both grow tremendously as individuals but most importantly as members of this team, university, and the Erie Community. They both epitomize what you are looking for in a captain on and off the field, and am excited for them to lead our team going into the 2023-2024 Season".
The Lakers will begin their 2023 season against back-to-back National Champions, Ferris State University, on Thursday, August, 31, 2023.
