The Merced Bears football team has long been synonymous with family, a tradition that runs deep within the community. This year, the concept of family takes on an even more significant meaning as the Bears welcome new faces to their coaching staff.
Head Coach Rob Scheidt, who has dedicated 31 years to the Bears, emphasizes the importance of community connection. "This is a special place, especially for football," he states. "Our community identifies with the name on the front of our school." This sentiment is echoed by his son, wide receivers coach Seth Scheidt, who reflects on his return to Merced. "Coming back here as a coach and a teacher, I have so much more pride for our community, in our school than I even did as a player," Seth shares, highlighting the emotional ties that bind the Scheidt family to the program.
The Scheidt legacy in football continues to grow, with Seth stepping into a coaching role after his time as a player at Fresno State. He is joined by his older brother, Sam, who is now in his eighth year on the coaching staff. "I’ve always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps, so it’s been a lot of fun," Seth remarks about his journey into coaching. This year marks a milestone for Rob, as he gets to coach alongside both of his sons, a first in his 35-year career.
Rob reflects on his own experiences with coaching, noting, "I’ve had a lot of great coaches in my life; the best I ever had was my dad. When you have new opportunities like coaching with your sons, it just gives you extra energy to come out and do your best." This familial bond not only strengthens their coaching dynamic but also enhances the overall team spirit.
The Bears kicked off their season with a thrilling overtime victory, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire coaching staff. Rob expressed pride in his players, attributing part of their success to the presence of Sam and Seth. "I’m super proud of them, but I think it’s having guys like Sam and Seth that have been through that fire, that crucible that allowed our guys to hear just another voice on how to get it done," he explained. This supportive environment is crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the season ahead.
The Merced Bears continue to embody the essence of family and community in their football program. With the Scheidt family at the helm, the legacy of teamwork and dedication is set to inspire both players and fans alike throughout the season.
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