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Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach – Kyle Barnes is starting his first year for RCTC. Kyle is originally from Fredericksburg, VA where he was an all region offensive linemen at Massaponax high school. Kyle then went to play Fullback and Tight End at Concord University in Athens, WV. In 2007 Kyle joined the coaching staff at concord as a student assistant TE coach. After Graduating from Concord Kyle moved to Mason city, IA to coach the Wide Receivers at North Iowa Area Community College for the 2008 season. After one season kyle was promoted to Co-Offensive Coordinator for the trojans.

RCTC Strength & Conditioning Coordinator/Wide Receivers coach – Aaron Short has served as a Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the Yellowjacket football team the last 9 months. During that time he has coordinated the offseason strength and SAQ programs. He will continue to serve as the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the 2009/2010 season. Aaron is also serving as wide receivers coach. Aaron received his B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary from Goshen College in 2002. Aaron has earned a CSCS designation from the NSCA in 2009, and also Strength and Fitness Certification through NCSF in 2008. While attending Goshen College, he ran collegiate track for the Maple Leafs (NAIA) in 2000, running the 400m and 4x100m relay. He currently is a stay at home dad and a CPT. Aaron and his wife Kristen have resided in Rochester for the last six years and welcomed their first son Noah to their family December 22nd 2007.

Linebackers Coach/Special Teams Coordinator – Derrick Hintz is entering his 11th year with the Yellowjackets. Coach Hintz coached from 1995-1999 with Coach Swisher, 2000 with Coach Siefert, 2002-03 with Coach Hosier, and 2007-present with Coach LaPlante. While at RCTC he has coached LB’s, offensive line, and coordinated the special teams, and will be leading the linebackers and coordinating the special teams again this year. Coach Hintz has over 35 seasons of coaching experience in high school football, college football, high school wrestling, and high school track and field. Coach Hintz has his BS in Technology Education from UW-Stout (where he also wrestled,) and his MA in Applied Kinesiology-Sports Science from the University of Minnesota. Last, but certainly not least Coach Hintz is married to Deb (the world’s best football coaches wife) and has a son Matthew-14 and a daughter Maddeson-11.

Kickers Coach – Ken Navitsky is a 1989 Graduate of Sarasota Riverview, FL. While in High School Ken was a three sport athlete in football, soccer, and track and an all district performer in both football and soccer. He played for the USA Today National Championship as a member of the Rams Football program his senior year. He received a football scholarship to Minnesota State University in Mankato and was a three-time all NCC conference selection, as well as a USA Today and CM Frank All-American his senior year. He still ranks #5 on the all time scoring list for the Mavericks. While at MSU he also was a two-time all NSIC conference soccer player for the Mavericks Soccer Club. Ken was also a member of the very first All-Star game in the GPFL representing the East.

Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach – John Schaekel is starting his first year on the Yellowjacket Coaching Staff. John comes to RCTC after spending the 2007 and 2008 seasons coaching at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He worked with both linebackers and defensive line while at Northwestern State. The NSU Demon defense finished at or near the top of every defensive statistical category in the Southland conference over the past two seasons. John began his coaching career at Midwestern State, helping the team set a school record of 10 wins in 2006 and advancing in the NCAA Division II National Playoffs. He was the safety position coach, handled video breakdowns, and assisted in game planning and recruiting. John was three-year letterman as a safety at Valparaiso University, winning a Pioneer Football League Championship in the 2003 season. He started at safety for the 2004 Valpo team which finished the season ranked No.1 in the country (DI-FCS) in pass defense. John received a Presidential Scholar-Athlete award in 2003, 2004, and 2005. This past year, John earned a Master of Science degree in Human Performance from Northwestern State University. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Valparaiso University in 2006. John is the son of Bert and Joan Schaekel. He has two brothers (Kevin & Brent) and a sister (Deanna). John is single and resides in Rochester.

Offensive Line Coach – Ryan Fogarty enters his fourth season as the offensive line coach at RCTC. Ryan played for the Yellowjackets during the 2001 and 2002 football seasons. After RCTC, Ryan played the 2003 and 2004 football seasons at Upper Iowa University. Ryan graduated from Upper Iowa in December of 2005, with a degree in Elementary Education. Ryan currently works at Willow Creek Middle School in Rochester. Ryan is also an assistant track coach at Mayo High School.

Defensive Line Coach – Scott MacDonald is entering his first year coaching at RCTC as Defensive Line Coach. Coach MacDonald began his collegiate career at Chabot College in Hayward, California. From there he earned a scholarship to Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Coach MacDonald was a two year starter, earning All-Conference honors his senior year. After finishing his playing career, Coach MacDonald served on the offensive side of the ball as a student assistant coach until he earned his B.S.E. in social studies with a minor in physical education. Coach MacDonald was an assistant coach at Century high school for four years until he left to pursue a Master’s Degree in special education. Coach MacDonald is a special education teacher at Willow Creek Middle School and has a six year old son, Jacob William.

Running Backs Coach – Jeremy Mercer begins his first season with the Yellowjackets. Jeremy was an All Conference linebacker at Green Mountain High School in 2003. While rehabing an injury in 2004 Jeremy got his first coaching experience at Green Mountain coaching linebackers and coordinating the JV defense. Jeremy returned to Mesa State College(DII) to resume his playing career. In 2007 Jeremy helped lead the Mavericks to a 10-2 record and a national playoff birth. Jeremy also earned RMAC honorable mention running back; the only fullback which was honored. At the conclusion of his playing career Jeremy joined the Mesa State coaching staff as the Running Backs coach in 2008, where he helped Bobby Coy become an all conference performer, Mesa State’s all time leading rusher, and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Jeremy was born in Denver, CO. The son of Jim and Shelly Mercer

Assistant Defensive Backs Coach – Alex Benson is in his first year coaching with the Yellowjackets. Alex is a Rochester Mayo Graduate and will be working with the Defensive Backs. Alex played in 2008 for RCTC.

Assistant Linebacker Coach – Stephen Barnes is in his 1st year Coaching for the Yellowjackets. He will be working with the Linebackers and Special Teams Units. Coach Barnes played in 2007 and 2008 for RCTC and is originally from Alvin, TX.

Stats – Ted Gunnarson is starting his 42nd year with the Yellowjackets! Ted received his BS from Augustana College in Souix Falls, SD. He taught PE, Health, was Head Baseball Coach, started the cross-country program, and was the IM Director for 29 years at RCTC. He started here at the College in 1964 and retired from most of his jobs in 1994. Ted is married to Priscilla and has two boys, Jay and Todd, and 4 grandchildren. Thanks Ted for all your years of service!

Stats – John Attewell is starting his third year with the Yellowjackets. John is originally from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has a BS in biology from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. He has a PhD in both plant science and applied statistics from the University of Tennessee. John has served in the US Army, worked as a plant breeder and agronomist and recently completed a computer science major at RCTC. He is currently a Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic.

Athletic Equipment Manager/Open Gym Director – Kyle A. Huneke is starting his second year with the Yellowjackets. Kyle is a 2004 graduate from Goodhue High School where he wrestled and played football. After high school Kyle entered the Navy for four years. He served on the USS George Washington based out of Norfolk, Virginia as a Flight Deck Supervisor. Kyle is now in the process of pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and Business.

Team Managers (pictured L to R) – Brandon Butturff and Mark Wellner. Brandon is 25 years old and is in his 4th year at RCTC as a team manager. Before coming to
RCTC he was the Stewartville football team manager for 3 years. Mark is 19 years old and is in his 2nd year at RCTC. He was a football team manager at Century high school the in past years.