MCC hires new head coach, Felker
Dominic DeCono
The Felker era at MCC has begun.
After a disappointing 1-10 season last year, MCC football brought in Ryan Felker as their new head coach to turn around a program that has struggled in the past few years.
Last year, Felker served as the defensive coordinator for Scottsdale Community College and before his tenure there he helped coach Eastern Arizona College to one the nation’s top defenses in 2009.
With a defensive mastermind at the helm, MCC looks ready to take the next step.
“Our goal is to rebuild the Mesa football program and change the outside perception of us. We have the right people now and we’re going to make Thunderbird football relevant again,” he said.
Felker brings nearly 14 years of coaching experience in the NJCAA to the table for the Thunderbirds and that experience is already making an impact.
“We’ve picked up some of the top high school recruits in Arizona and our players have responded extremely well to our system,” he said.
Some key players to look out for this season are TE Tristan McClelland, LT David Griffin and RB Carlton Williams.
Although Coach Felker believes his squad has improved immensely, he acknowledges how good their division is.
“Every one of our games will be good games. This is a good and tough league and we need to raise our level of play that much to be successful,” he said.
MCC’s first home game will be Sept. 8 against Scottsdale Community College.
