For as long as the Bears can remember, Merced has always been a family.
“This is a special place, especially for football,” says Merced High Football Head Coach Rob Scheidt. “Our community identifies with the name on the front of our school.”
This year, family takes on a whole different meaning.
“Coming back here as a coach and a teacher, I have so much more pride for our community, in our school than I even did as a player,” says wide receivers coach Seth Scheidt.
A family rooted in football as the Scheidt story adds a new chapter, with another branch on the coaching tree.
“I’ve always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps, so it’s been a lot of fun,” Seth said. “A lot of work, but a lot of fun.”
Rob Scheidt enters year 31 with the Bears, but this year brings a first in his 35-year career with his two sons on his staff.
“I’ve had a lot of great coaches in my life,” Rob said. “The best I ever had was my dad. When you have new opportunities like coaching with your sons, it just gives you extra energy to come out and do your best.”
Seth is returning after graduating from Fresno State and playing for the Bulldogs, while his oldest, Sam, enters year eight on Scheidt’s staff.
“Family was the reason I came back here, so it’s been special,” Sam said.
The Bears secured an overtime win to open the season last week.
“I’m super proud of them, but I think it’s having guys like Sam and Seth that have been through that fire, that crucible that allowed our guys to hear just another voice on how to get it done,” Rob said.
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