Clyde graduate Ryan Lozier takes over Lakota football program

KANSAS – Ryan Lozier was ready immediately. When former Lakota head football coach Mike Lento stepped down to take the same position at Calvert, Lozier knew he was going to apply. The Raiders made it official Monday night at the board meeting, approving Lozier as the next head football coach at Lakota. "When Mike told me he was accepting that offer, I knew from the get-go I wanted this job," Lozier said. "Being here for three years with the kids and the rapport I've had with them and now bringing over with Mike a good staff we have here and trying to keep them here really led me to putting my application in right away. If anything, I wanted it to speed up. I was excited." Lozier is just 22 years old. He will turn 23 before the season starts. He graduated from Clyde High School in 2020 and played one year of college football at Madonna University. "I just want to get to work and really have that bond with not only the kids that played, but the kids that haven't played," Lozier said. "That's who I've been working with too. We're just trying to get more numbers up for Lakota football because we have a lot of kids that can make this program successful." Lozier was the quarterback for the Fliers when they won the Division IV state championship in 2019. Lozier also played basketball and baseball at Clyde. After spending three years assisting Lento, he is ready to get going as his own coach. "We had about 12 applicants for the job," Lakota athletic director Kevin Yeckley said. "There were a handful of those 12 that I would call serious, legitimate applicants. We knew Ryan was interested and we were glad for that. We whittled it down very quickly to the people we really wanted to sit down and talk with. "We didn't hesitate. We knew who we wanted and offered it to Ryan. He was happy to get started and say yes to that." Lakota had interviews March 6 and offered Lozier the job the next day. It didn't take long for Lozier to accept and let the players know. Lozier also assists girls basketball coach Erin Foos on the hardwood. "We introduced him to the kids and had lots of excitement with that," Yeckley said. "Lots of excitement with the kids because although Ryan was being professional about it, the kids aren't stupid. They knew when Mike announced his departure who they wanted to apply. Ryan made a lot of sense to our kids. He is a player's coach in my opinion and well-liked. He has good rapport with our kids and I see it not only in football, but I see it in girls basketball as well. That meant a whole lot that we got a solid person with us. We're ready for this next chapter and we're excited about it. I know Ryan is. "To his benefit, he's got a family connection of staff that is a blessing. I think that's only going to thrust him and fast forward him to be ready for this task." Lozier said his father – former Clyde girls basketball coach Dave Lozier – will stay on as defensive coordinator. Lozier's staff is almost set with the likes of Wil Lozier, Gunner Golden, Jack Morrison, and Dustin Patten filling in positions with the first game about five months away. Lozier also has the experience of playing for Ryan Carter, his coach when Clyde won the state championship. "I think from an early age from watching my dad coach football, I created my own style of football in my mind," Lozier said. "I say this to the day and tell him this all the time, Ryan Carter is one of the best football coaches in the state of Ohio. I take a lot from what he did. I do a lot of what he did and obviously it has worked. His record speaks for himself. "Although I have the label of head coach, my staff is at the same level. Anything we do, my staff will be right there with me. Yes, I have the label as a young coach, but it's not just me. I have a lot of guys in my corner that look forward to helping me." Yeckley and Lozier both acknowledged the youth that comes with someone Lozier's age taking over. It is no concern to Yeckley. "Any athletic director that hires a young coach to lead a football program, they're rolling the dice a little bit," Yeckley said. "Getting to know Ryan these last three years has made that all the more comfortable. I just see some maturity that is beyond his biological clock, shall we say." Lozier is a middle school health and physical education teacher at Lakota. Having him in the building was a big plus when it came to hiring him. Lozier is one of – if not thee – youngest coach in the state. But, he's been around all sports his entire life. "I think the best thing about being a young coach is I don't have any habits," Lozier said. "I don't have any old ways, therefore I am always adapting. I'm flexible and can make changes when needed. As I said in my interview, just because you're experienced doesn't mean you're good at it and just because you're less experienced doesn't mean you're not good at it." The Raiders were 5-6 overall last season, falling to Columbus Grove in the first round of the playoffs. Lakota made the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons. The Raiders are 0-3 in those games, something Lozier looks to change quickly. "Our kids are busting their butts and working hard," Lozier said. "I'm excited to just continue building this excitement of Lakota football. We want to put ourselves in talks of a league race. We made the playoffs a couple times with Mike, but I think it's time we turned our expectations to winning playoff games. Whether that happens in one year or two years, it's going to happen. We're not going to stop striving until we do."