Following a 3-4 regular season and a first-round loss to Churchville-Chili in the Section V Class A1 playoffs, Spencerport will start a new chapter of their football program with head coach Brian Hugelmaier replacing John Dowd.
But Hugelmaier is far from an unfamiliar face to the program. His, and many other parents were instrumental in bringing varsity football back to Spencerport in the mid-1990s.
“A group of dedicated parents that were involved with the Ogden Bears (youth program) got together and formed a committee in an effort to start a high school football program in Spencerport,” Hugelmaier said via email. “After many votes, football was finally a part of Spencerport in the mid-90s.
“My parents, along with many other dedicated parents were part of that. I can remember the struggle of getting the program started (many fundraising efforts, going door to door, etc.).”
Last season was a disappointment. The offense averaged almost 30 points per game but were also held to 12 points or fewer in four of the losses including the postseason.
“The players have been working extremely hard since I took over in January. I have been a coach in the program for the last three years, so the relationships have been built with the players and we were able to hit the ground running in the off-season. Players and coaches have bought in, and we are ready to get to work on the first day of practice August 19.
“Our defense will look the same. Coach Burns will stay on as our Defensive Coordinator. He has been on the staff for the last 10+ years…(and) been a vital part of Spencerport’s recent success. Our offense will look a little different this year. Spencerport Football is known for its tough, hardnosed style of play and we want to keep that moving forward. Coach Dowd (previous coach) did a great job of developing a blue-collar attitude and I intend to keep it that way. Spencerport is a tough, hardworking, blue-collar community and the football program will reflect that.”
Five returning offensive linemen will help solidify things up front in seniors Tyran Hoyte (OL/LB), Kaden Armosino (OL/DL), Ayden Millan (OL/DL), Colton Burns (OL/DE) and Josh Winter (OL/DL). Fellow seniors Jahyleen Quick (RB/LB), Jack Vickers (RB/LB) and Anthony Hackett (WR/DB) along with junior Miron Gurman (TE/DE) provide experience handling the ball.
“Changing the style of play on the field will take time. Development at the younger levels will be key. Our varsity players have really committed to the off-season and sacrificed time over the summer to put extra time in. This hard work in the offseason will hopefully pay dividends on the field and make the transition a little smoother.”
The schedule-maker didn’t help the new head coach with any grace period as the Rangers will play 2022 sectional finalists Canandaigua and East High over the first three weeks of the season. Homecoming is Saturday, September 23, against Greece Athena.
“Needless to say, as a founding member of the program, I have a vested interest in Spencerport football. It will be my life’s work to ensure this program is successful.”
