DeCesare Era Comes to End for Loyola Rugby

The DeCesare era is coming to an end for Loyola Blakefield Rugby. Mike DeCesare has decided to step away from his leadership role as head coach after five years at the helm, and Mrs. Jessica DeCesare is giving up the administrative reigns. The DeCesares began their involvement with Loyola Rugby when their son, Marc, was a freshman. Even after Marc graduated in 2016, Mike and Jessica continued coaching and administrating the program.

Under Coach DeCesare’s guidance, the Dons had continued success locally, winning three more varsity MIAA 'A' Conference titles, and competed well against area club teams. During his tenure, Coach DeCesare broadened Loyola Rugby’s horizons, playing more regional competitions with teams from Philadelphia and Delaware and Jesuit schools from Buffalo, Rochester, and New York City at the Northeast Jesuit Tournament. Off the field, Coach DeCesare instilled in our Dons a strong sense of belonging and team unity, a love and respect of the game of rugby, and personal accountability.

Mrs. DeCesare was the driving force behind building the schedule each year, establishing the program's annual service project and flower sale, and putting the annual alumni game versus Calvert Hall in place.

"Jessica and Mike always had the right perspective and the right things in mind for the students, for Loyola, and for the game of rugby," said former coach Bob Schlichtig. "They worked for the boys, whether it was team bonding, helping players find rugby in college, taking players to camps, or getting t-shirts made. You name it, and they did it. Their daily involvement with the program will be missed.”

The school will work with the rest of the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.