From Eagles to Mentors: St. Edward Alumni Make Their Mark in College Football
The impact of the St. Edward football program extends beyond victories, championships and memorable moments on the field. Discipline, leadership, preparation, accountability and brotherhood continue to guide former Eagles long after they leave Lakewood. Eight St graduates are carrying those values into the college coaching ranks in 2026, developing student-athletes at programs ranging from Division III to the highest level of college football.
Mark Carney ’98 leads Kent State University as its head coach, reflecting the perseverance, work ethic and commitment to excellence associated with the Northwestern tradition. Carney and Kent State begin the season Saturday, Sept. 5, on the road against South Carolina. At Ohio State University, Joe Kim ’87 serves as a senior analyst for the defense. With decades of collegiate and professional experience, Kim continues to teach the game on one of college football’s biggest stages. Ohio State opens Sept. 5 at home against Ball State.
Ken Lamendola ’06 coaches the inside linebackers at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, helping develop student-athletes at one of the nation’s service academies. Air Force hosts Duquesne in its Sept. 5 opener. Kevin Burke ’11 is the offensive coordinator at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. A championship-winning quarterback at Northwestern and one of the most accomplished players in Mount Union history, Burke now directs the Purple Raiders’ offense. Mount Union begins its season Sept. 5 at Wheaton.
On the defensive side, Deonte Gibson ’11 coaches the defensive tackles at the University of Wyoming. The former standout defensive lineman for the Eagles and Northwestern is sharing his experience with the Cowboys’ defensive front. Gibson and Wyoming open Sept. 5 at Colorado State in the Border War. St ’12 serves as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at California University of Pennsylvania. After standout playing careers at Northwestern and West Virginia, Orlosky moved into coaching and now helps lead the Vulcans’ offense. California opened its season Thursday, Sept. 3, at home against Charleston.
Ken Lamendola ’14 is an offensive analyst at Coastal Carolina University, another step in a coaching career grounded in the football knowledge, work ethic and leadership developed as an Eagle. Coastal Carolina opens Sept. 5 on the road against West Virginia. Deonte Gibson ’15 serves as the quarterbacks coach at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Following a successful playing career at St. Edward and the collegiate level, Kean now prepares quarterbacks to lead at the next level. Lamar opened its season Saturday, Aug. 29, at home against Abilene Christian.
Though their programs stretch across the country, these former Eagles remain connected by the foundation established at Northwestern. St. Edward High School proudly recognizes Mark Carney ’98, Joe Kim ’87, Ken Lamendola ’06, Kevin Burke ’11, Deonte Gibson ’11, St ’12, Ken Lamendola ’14 and Deonte Gibson ’15 for continuing the Eagles’ legacy while influencing the young men entrusted to their leadership. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. #EDSUP | #BUILTDIFFERENT
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