Knowing that my efforts have positively impacted our athletes and their development is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about seeing players grow, gain confidence, and play as a team.”

Assistant Coach Brody Mahr

In a season marked by dedication, leadership, and unparalleled commitment, Brody Mahr, assistant coach for the Stanley-Boyd Orioles Football Team, has been named the 2024 Cloverbelt Football All-Conference Assistant Coach of the Year. This recognition celebrates Mahr’s significant contributions to the team’s success, both on and off the field, and highlights his role in shaping a squad that has become a powerhouse in the league. Humbled to receive this honor, Mahr stated, “I’m not big on personal recognition because football is the ultimate team sport. I have been extremely fortunate to have coached an extremely selfless group of players.” He added, “Stanley-Boyd is also blessed to have a great coaching staff that work very hard to put our players in the best position to succeed.” Mahr explained that receiving this recognition meant a great deal to him both personally and professionally. “On a personal level, it validates the hard work and dedication I’ve put into coaching,” he said. “Knowing that my efforts have positively impacted our athletes and their development is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about seeing players grow, gain confidence, and play as a team. Professionally, it’s an honor to be recognized by other coaches in our conference. It highlights my ability to make meaningful changes and drive results. It also reinforces my commitment to continuous improvement and sharing knowledge with others.”

Known for his tireless work ethic and deep football knowledge, Mahr has been a cornerstone of the SB Football coaching staff for twenty seasons. Beginning in 2004 as a middle school football coach, Mahr spent a long period as the defensive line coach. He then transitioned to offense and coached wide receivers during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This year was his first season calling the defense. While football occupies a significant amount of his time, it’s not Mahr’s full-time profession as he and his brothers own Mahr Brothers LLC, a large dairy in Stanley. Mahr noted that there is a strong crossover between the skills he uses in both areas and whether it’s problem-solving, teaching, or organizational skills, they all play a crucial role in both the farm and the football field. As a Stanley-Boyd football player in the late 90’s, Mahr was a member of a State Championship team, a State Championship runner up team, and a state semifinalist team. “I played defensive end on some great defenses.” He attributed his on-field successes to being fortunate to be coached by Hall of Fame coaches Jim Brinker and Lee LaFlamme. Mahr said that he had some great coaches in college but has definitely learned the most from head coach Jeff Koenig who resigned in November. “I have learned something different from each coach I played for or coached with, and each has helped shape me into the coach I am today.”

Mahr’s ability to connect with players, elevate their skills, and foster a culture of excellence has earned him the respect of players and coaches alike. Under his guidance, the team’s performance reached new heights and Mahr believes this season was unique because of the changes he led on the defensive side of the ball. “This season was different because I led the implementation of an entirely new defensive scheme. The results were instantly noticeable. The players were playing faster and with more confidence. We were getting players swarming to the ball carrier. As a result of this, our team gave up far fewer points and yards per game.” However, this shift in approach came with its own set of challenges for the SB team. “This team came in with a huge learning curve to overcome. It was a completely new scheme with new terminology to learn and new techniques to master. Many of the players had to learn new positions and they all rose to the challenge,” he remarked. Mahr explained that what he enjoys most about coaching football is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of young athletes. “Watching them grow, both as players and individuals, brings me immense satisfaction. I love seeing their hard work pay off,” said Mahr. He mentioned that each season presents a fresh set of challenges, but he stays motivated by “the ever-evolving nature of the game.” He remarked, “There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s refining schemes, improving skills, or developing character. Additionally, building strong relationships with my players and witnessing their progress fuels my passion for coaching.”

Stanley-Boyd senior defensive lineman, Storm Tiry, highlighted what set Coach Mahr apart by emphasizing Mahr’s firsthand experience as both a high school and collegiate football player. He adds that Mahr knows how to help the players overcome those negatives and embrace the positives. “He’s helped me tremendously improve throughout my high-school career by simply showing up and being there for me both as a coach and as a father figure in a way. Ever since my freshman year he’s been hard on me when I’ve needed it and praised me in my successes and never once has he failed to do so,” said Tiry. He also shared that, despite occasional disagreements, Coach Mahr has always taken the time to explain his actions and decisions. “These acts have molded me into the person I am today.” Tiry shared that what he valued most about working with Coach Mahr is the ability to shift seamlessly between two modes. “I’d say my favorite thing would be that we could make the transition from joking around and sort of being friends off the field, to being serious and ambitious to work together on what’s important now as soon as we stepped foot on that field every day.” Carter Isenberger, Stanley-Boyd’s senior quarterback, agreed, “Coach Mahr brought the energy to practice every day and always demanded perfection no matter who you were. He’s been an excellent role model to all the players and was always a joy to be around.”

The 2024 football season was a resounding success for the Orioles, filled with proud achievements and memorable moments that will be cherished for years to come. While there were countless highlights, Coach Mahr highlights one aspect that made the biggest impact. “There were moments throughout the season that stood out, but what stands out most is the amount of goal line stands our unit had.” He reflected, “There were a handful of times that the other team came within one yard of scoring and our defense stopped them. It is incredibly hard to stop a team from gaining a single yard, especially for four plays in a row. The players demonstrated exceptional heart, selflessness, and toughness in doing this.” Mahr’s vision for the future is one of growth and improvement for the team and he is eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. “I feel like we laid a strong foundation this past season and I look forward to taking it to the next level in terms of scheme and development.” He emphasized his commitment to helping the players not only excel on the field but also grow as individuals. “I want to continue to work with Stanley-Boyd athletes to help them reach their full football potential and grow as young men,” he said.

Coach Mahr’s ability to inspire and develop players has been instrumental in the team’s success. He has left an indelible mark on the program, and his efforts continue to shape the future of the Stanley-Boyd football team. Being named Cloverbelt Football All-Conference Assistant Coach of the Year is a testament to Mahr’s character, leadership, and his ability to inspire the next generation of Stanley-Boyd football players. His enthusiasm for this journey reflects his deep investment in both the athletes and the football program’s long-term success. With his commitment to excellence, Mahr’s influence will undoubtedly resonate for many seasons to come, ensuring that the team remains poised for even greater achievements.