Even if for just a moment, the momentum of the Mount Marty University Athletics Department came to a screeching halt yesterday as MMU Football Head Coach Mike Woodely officially announced his retirement and departure from the football program and university. Interim MMU Athletic Director Andy Bernatow says the departure is difficult, but the university is thankful of the time Woodley spent building the football program from scratch.
Mount Marty University has named John Michaletti as head football coach upon the retirement of Woodley, who cited personal reasons for his departure. Michaletti previously served as the associate head football coach of the Lancers. Coach Michaletti joined the Mount Marty staff in early 2020. The Illinois native played college football at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. After graduating, Michaletti made assistant coaching stops at St. Ambrose University & Kansas Wesleyan University. The popular opinion, which is shared by Bernatow, is that Michaletti is ready for the responsibility of being head coach of a team in its infancy.
Woodley’s official date of retirement is August 2nd. In the meantime, the Lancer program looks ahead to the future, and with as much turnover that has taken place at the University this year, Bernatow is confident that a bright future remains ahead for the school and athletics programs.
The Lancers will be preparing for their first-ever season when they start practices next month. They begin play against Dakota Wesleyan University on September 4 at 1:00 p.m. at historic Crane Youngworth Field in Yankton.
