PJ Fecko
Head Coach

Patrick J. Fecko, a 1993 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and former football player, begins his eighth season as Cardinal Mooney's head football coach. He succeeded Don Bucci in 2000 and is the fourth coach to direct the program since 1958. Coach Fecko has been a member of the Mooney staff for twelve years, previously serving as defensive coordinator in 1999.

Under Coach Fecko, the Cardinals have reached the Division IV State Championship the past four seasons, winning in 2004 and 2006.  The Cardinals will attempt to return to the Division IV State Championship for the fifth consecutive season. Coach Fecko has a career record of 71-28, with an 18-3 record in the OHSAA Playoffs.  Coach Fecko is a YSU graduate and is a member of the school's faculty in the Social Studies Department.  He is married to the former Gina Diorio (CMHS '94) and they have two daughters and two sons.

 

John D'Apolito
Quarterbacks and Defensive Backs

John was a quarterback on our 1984 squad and coached at Mooney on the Freshman level in the mid-eighties, joining the varsity staff for three years in 1988 and returning in 1996. John will be coaching quarterbacks and cornerbacks. Previously, John has coached at Rayen and Canfield. He is married to former Mooney grad Jennifer Saadey. They are the parents of five daughters: Leanne, Gina Marie, Maria, Jaclin and Anna. John is self-employed.

 

 

Ron Stoops Jr.
Defensive Coordinator

Ron Stoops Jr. begins his seventh year on the Mooney staff this season. His responsibilities will include running backs, and serving as defensive coordinator. Ron was a receiver on our 1974 team. He earned his bachelor's degree from YSU and his master's degree from the University of Dayton. He began his coaching career at Ursuline High School. Most recently, he spent thirteen years as a coach at Boardman High School.  He is married to the former Bonnie Petroney ('75). They are the parents of four children; Melanie ('02), Ron ('03), Joey and John (both juniors on this year's team).

 

Mark Lyden
Running Backs
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Mark begins his sixth season on the Mooney staff bringing with him eighteen years of coaching experience. He was an assistant at South High School and was a head coach at Wilson and East High Schools. He won the City Series while at East in 1997, making the state playoffs. Mark holds a master's degree from YSU and is a teacher at Chaney High School. He and his wife Wendy have three children; Sara, Matt, and Jade.

Brendan McCloud
Offensive Line

Brendan was a tackle on our '90 and '91 teams and started his coaching career at CMHS in 1994 as a member of the freshmen staff.  In 1997, he was named head freshmen coach. He joined the varsity staff in 2000 coaching offensive ends and defensive tackles. This year he will coach tackles and serve as offensive line coordinator. Brendan is employed by Simko Supply.  He is married to Mooney grad Kristen Provenzale.

Chris Amill
Offensive Ends and Special Teams

Chris will be starting his sixth season on the Cardinals' Coaching Staff. He was an All-SVC receiver on our 1993 team and he received an athletic scholarship to Kent State University. He coached the New Bethel Braves for five years. Chris is employed by Mahoning County.  He and his wife Tara are the proud parents of two sons, Chris Jr. (C.J.), and Tarren.

Tom Valesquez
Defensive Line

Tom begins his fourth season on the Mooney staff this year. He will be responsible for coaching defensive ends and centers. Tom played defensive end for Boardman's 1985 team and currently teaches at Niles. He brings a wealth of coaching experience with him having coached at Salem, Niles, Boardman, Beaver Local and Ursuline. He was defensive coordinator for Ursuline's state championship team in 2000. He earned his degree in secondary education and holds a master of arts degree. Tom and his wife, Shannon are the parents of a son; Michael.

Mike Zordich
Linebackers

Mike was a member of the Mooney Staff in 1999 and 2000,when he served as defensive coordinator. He was an All-Ohio player at Youngstown Chaney and was awarded a scholarship to Penn State where he lettered four years and picked as a consensus All-American his senior year. Following his graduation from PSU, Mike enjoyed a twelve-year career in the NFL, playing for the New York Jets, St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected twice to the All-Madden team. Mike and his wife, Cindy, are the proud parents of three children.  His son, Alex is a junior quarterback on this years' team.

Greg Giannios
Outside Linebackers

Greg begins his second year on the varsity level this season.  Coach Giannios will be responsible for outside linebackers.  Greg played on Mooney's 95 and 96 teams and was part of two National Championship teams while at YSU.  Greg is employed by Giannios Candy Company.