Kaiir Elam, Jordan Travis, and Chauncey Bowens are just some of the players who have graduated from Benjamin’s football program and moved on to continue playing at powerhouse programs. While each has their own unique skill set and talent, they all have one thing in common: careers shaped by Head Football Coach Eric Kresser. But, after seven seasons, Coach Kresser has decided to step down and leave the football program.
Under Coach Kresser’s leadership, the Buccaneers earned a record of 45 wins and 28 losses. The team made five appearances in the regional semifinals and reached the regional finals in 2021.
Prior to arriving at Benjamin in 2014, Coach Kresser had been the quarterback for the Florida Gators, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Montreal Alouettes. After working as the offensive coordinator at Benjamin for three years, Coach Kresser stepped up as the School’s fourth head coach when the legendary Coach Ronald Ream retired.
According to Upper School Athletic Director Mr. Ryan Smith, some of the highlights of Kresser’s career were his “FHSAA Playoff berths and regional victories over Westminister Christian and Cardinal Newman.”
Coach Kresser’s decision came as a shock to the community, leaving peers and players with various questions. Among the more pressing: how will the team composition change with a new coach? Are players’ roles on the team going to be affected? What’s going to be done about this spring’s recruiting season?
Additionally, Coach Kresser’s departure is not the only one that is impacting the football program. Shortly after hearing the news, various varsity players, including Phoenix Donghia, Ty Kirkpatrick, and Brayden Charney, announced their decision to transfer to various nearby schools, such as Cardinal Newman.
Senior Landon Rapkiewicz shared why these players decided to leave as well, “Coach Kresser was so good at recruiting and bringing in college coaches during the spring, and for the people that left that was an important part of their football career.”
In addressing the concerns about recruitment, specifically, the School has pledged to continue its overwhelming support for its student-athletes.
In a letter to players and their families, Head of School Mr. Dave Faus expressed, “Please know, too, that until a full-time head coach is appointed, the Athletic Department will work with our football student-athletes, the college counseling office, and colleges/universities in the recruiting process to maintain the school’s excellent record of student-athlete placement.
As Coach Kresser has been very involved in the Benjamin community and program for over a decade, many wonder what the next chapter of his career and life will be.
Coach Smith offered some insight into what the future could look like for Kresser; “I am not sure what Coach Kresser will do next. He does a lot of private training with quarterbacks and wide receivers. Due to his extensive experience and knowledge, he is in very high demand.”
One thing is certain, Kresser’s exit leaves the major position of head coach empty, and in need of filling. The school began the search for a new coach during the holiday break and hopes to have a decision on who this will be soon.
“We are in the process of collecting resumes and scheduling interviews with candidates. We have had close to 200 applicants at this point. We hope to have a new coach announced by mid-February, but the date is slightly flexible,” explained Smith.
