SV grad wants to make the most of his last season at Mercyhurst
ERIE — Jake Holl laughs nervously when asked about his life when his football playing career is over.
“I'm trying to put off thinking about it as much as I can,” said the 2017 Seneca Valley graduate, who plans to relish every last second of his final season at Mercyhurst University.
An inside linebacker in the Lakers' 3-4 defense, Holl is hoping to build on his effort from last spring, when Mercyhurst got in a scrimmage against Shepherd University and played cross-town rival Gannon. He had seven tackles in the latter game.
The 2020 season was canceled last fall due to the coronavirus.
“When we found out there wasn't going to be a season, it was like a punch in the chest,” said Holl. “The spring was a way for me to realize my love for the game again.
“We did get in some workouts in small groups, some speed and agility stuff. I established myself as a leader on our defense in the two games we played, but I'm a firm believer that the best 11 guys will start (this fall) and I still have to prove myself.”Though not a starter in 2019, Holl appeared in all 11 games and finished with 30-plus tackles, including 2½ sacks and returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown against Clarion.In the final three games of that season, Mercyhurst's defense allowed a total of 24 points.“We were pretty dominant,” said Holl. “We have a good amount of guys back from that defense and hopefully, we can get that spark back.”Holl, a tight end/linebacker for the Seneca Valley team that reached the WPIAL championship game at Heinz Field in 2016, will graduate in December with degrees in business management and sports business. Taking on two majors is allowing him to play one final season for the Lakers.Mercyhurst opens the 2021 season Sept. 4 against Alderson Broaddus. The schedule includes dates with PSAC West heavyweights Slippery Rock, California (Pa.) and Indiana (Pa.).“The PSAC is the toughest Division II conference in the country,” Holl said. “You may be able to prove me wrong with stats, but come play our schedule and you'll find out.“You have to be tough and ready for a dogfight every week.”Mercyhurst is led by veteran head coach Marty Schaetzle, who is entering his 20th season with the program. The Lakers competed in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference 1995-2007 before joining the PSAC in 2008.Since then, Schaetzle has guided the program to an overall record of 72-62 and 44-44 in the PSAC West.
