Cardinal Mooney High School's athletic department recently concluded a busy period, culminating in significant leadership changes for its baseball and softball programs. These appointments signal a fresh start for both teams as they prepare for upcoming seasons, with a renewed focus on competitive excellence and cultivating a winning culture.
The school has strategically brought in two highly experienced coaches, Joe Rydzewski for baseball and Jeff Damore for softball, to steer their respective programs. Rydzewski, with a background in collegiate and professional baseball, brings a deep understanding of the sport and a desire to elevate the team. Damore, a veteran in softball coaching, is tasked with rejuvenating a program that was inactive last season, promising to build a competitive and detailed approach to the game. These hires underscore Cardinal Mooney's commitment to strengthening its athletic offerings and fostering player growth both on and off the field.
New Leadership for Cardinal Mooney Baseball
Cardinal Mooney High School has officially announced Joe Rydzewski as the new head coach for its baseball team. Rydzewski's appointment follows an interim coaching period and marks his first head coaching role, a challenge he embraces with considerable enthusiasm. His background is impressive, having played collegiately at Heidelberg University and professionally in the United Shore Professional Baseball League. Additionally, Rydzewski has served as an assistant coach at both the high school and collegiate levels, including stints at Macomb Dakota, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Heidelberg University, and Macomb Community College. This wealth of experience is expected to significantly benefit the Cardinals' baseball program.
Rydzewski's primary goal is to return Cardinal Mooney baseball to its former glory, drawing on his extensive experience as a player and coach. The athletic director, Kevin Mahn, highlighted Rydzewski's collegiate playing and coaching experience as key assets, noting his current involvement in coaching a 13U team. Rydzewski's familiarity with the Catholic High School League, having graduated from Warren De La Salle Collegiate, also positions him well to navigate the competitive landscape. He is committed to instilling a philosophy of playing the game "the right way," believing it leads to success both on and off the field. The Cardinals have a recent history of strong performance, reaching the Division 4 state semifinals two years ago and being state runner-up in 2021, and Rydzewski is eager to build upon this legacy.
Revitalizing Cardinal Mooney Softball
The Cardinal Mooney softball program, which did not field a team in the recent season, is set for a major comeback in 2027 under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Jeff Damore. Damore brings an impressive 25 years of coaching experience to the role, a factor that athletic director Kevin Mahn described as a "no-brainer" in the hiring process. A native of Troy and a graduate of Troy Athens High School, Damore expressed his honor and excitement to join the Cardinal Mooney community, viewing this as a significant opportunity to rebuild and lead the program to success.
Damore's extensive coaching resume includes assistant positions at Rochester Christian University, Algonac High School, and Anchor Bay High School. His success extends to travel ball, where he secured four Michigan state championships and a USA Softball GOLD 18U national championship in 2012. Interestingly, Damore previously coached against Kevin Mahn when Mahn led the St. Clair High School softball program, underscoring his widespread respect within the coaching community. Damore is enthusiastic about implementing a brand of softball focused on competitive winning, emphasizing meticulous preparation, detailed study, and high-level competition. He aims to cultivate a team of dedicated players willing to focus on the small details that contribute to overall success.
