“Change the Game” is the motto of Merrimack College football’s special teams. Players who make an impactful contribution to the Warriors’ kicking game are recognized with a bracelet made by Special Teams Coordinator Nik Kessel that has “CTG” printed on it.
But that motto also reflects the broader goals of the Merrimack College football program as it begins the 2025 season under second-year Head Coach Mike Gennetti.
At the national level, the Warriors are changing the game as one of only two independent Football Championship Subdivision program in the country. On the field, Merrimack is changing the game with 47 new players looking to contribute to the Warriors’ tough and gritty style of play. Off the field, Gennetti and his staff have focused on leadership development among the players.
“We’re building in the right direction, which is good,” said Gennetti, who has been on the Merrimack football staff for more than two decades. “Our kids go through a lot playing football. And playing football at Merrimack is not always easy. But right now, they are playing for each other and the competitive maturity of this group is as good as it’s ever been.”
Gennetti credits that maturity and connection to an initiative he and his staff have worked on all offseason. New this year, the Merrimack College football team has implemented a leadership council, composed of 12 players. They work with coaches to set expectations and help raise the standard of the program, while also developing their own skills as leaders on and off the field.
“We’ve spent a lot of time developing this council,” said Gennetti. “Investing our time in the players is a big thing here. So they have to know the coaches and I are invested in what they’re doing and invested in how the program is moving forward. It’s been great to see some of the growth and development from some of the guys on the council, watching them navigate that responsibility and take ownership of it.”
Following his first season as head coach, Gennetti said he recognized just how important leadership is for a team of more than 100 players, not just from the coaches but from the players themselves. Where electing captains may end up being more of a popularity contest, candidates for the Warriors’ leadership council were required to fill out an application, reviewed by the coaches, before a team vote.
“Looking back, I kind of regret not having more opportunities to develop these guys as leaders,” said Gennetti. “Electing the best player to be captain is not what leadership is.”
In the age of the transfer portal, and after graduating several starters on both sides of the ball from last year, Gennetti said there are new faces who will suit up for the Warriors this fall. But what hasn’t changed is the passion and enthusiasm of the team.
“Fans are going to see a competitive group of guys,” he said. “This is a group of guys who love each other and they love Merrimack. Duane Stadium is going to be a great environment this season and I know how excited our players are to get out and play there in front of a home crowd.”
Merrimack College opens the 2025 season at Kent State on Saturday, Aug. 30, at noon EST. The Warriors’ first home game is Saturday, Sept. 6, against Saint Anselm, under the lights at 6 p.m. at Duane Stadium. Click here for tickets.
