UPDATED WITH QUOTES

Solomon High School will have a new Head Football Coach this fall. Athletics Director Kyler Stein tells KSAL that Devin Rizzo has been tabbed to lead the Gorillas in 2024.

Rizzo replaces Andrew Capsey who led Solomon for one season, amassing a 2-7 record in 2023. Rizzo has served as an assistant coach for the Gorillas over the last several seasons, working under both Capsey and the previous Head Coach in Mike Kilgore.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be the Head Football Coach for the Solomon Gorillas. This is an incredible opportunity and I am deeply grateful for it,” said Rizzo of the promotion. “Football is more than just a game; it is a platform for developing character, teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I am committed to fostering an environment where our student-athletes can excel both on and off the field. My goal is to build a program that not only strives for excellence in competition but also emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth, and community involvement.”

Rizzo, a native of Laguna Niguel, California and a Kansas Wesleyan alum, played for the Coyotes under former Head Coach Matt Drinkall, helping the Coyotes return to national prominence in the NAIA during his time on campus.

Rizzo’s excitement for the upcoming campaign permeates through his responses when asked about the position, as well as his goals for the team in his first year.

“This next season’s main focus will be to build the foundation of our program. We have a big emphasis on change this summer. In order to get a different result on the field we have to do things differently,” he said. “I have been very happy with our athletes consistency, energy, and effort throughout the summer. I have had the privilege of coaching most of the kids the past several years and have built great relationships with them.”

The Gorillas will begin the 2024 season on the road at Rural Vista on September 6th, and will play their first home game during week two against Wakefield.