Rockhurst High School starts season with new football coach

Rockhurst High School fills Coach Severino’s role

By Sam Kombrink

Fall has begun and so has football season in South KC. One of the most well-respected high school football programs in the nation can be found on State Line Rd. at Rockhurst High School. 

After the 2019 season, longtime head coach Tony Severino retired from coaching Rockhurst with an overall record of (326-85-1), winning seven state championships. 

For the first time since 1983 Rockhurst was on the lookout for a replacement. They did not have to look far and long as they made the decision to hire Kelly Donohoe from Blue Springs High School. 

I was able to interview coach Donohoe about how his first year at Rockhurst is coming along.  

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your job and your team?

Covid has changed just about everything outside of the field. No locker rooms, masks on all the times.  Limited players in meetings because of space.  Everyone driving to away games. Everyone needing to bring a water bottle every day, etc….

Are there any players that have really impressed you recently?

Most of the players have really impressed me so far.  I’ve been thrilled getting to know these guys here in my first year and what great kids they are.  

What do you believe your team needs to improve on?

We must stop turning the ball over.   We have been giving up a few too many big plays defensively.  We need to make more plays in our special teams.

What do you believe is this team’s biggest strength?

Our biggest strength is that we have motivated kids that care for one another.

The next game for the (4-2) Hawklets will be Friday October 9th at Rockhurst High School Severino Field playing Lenexa’s St. James Academy (2-2). Kickoff will be at 7pm. You can watch the game online at www.rockhursths.edu/gohawkletslive.