Hornell Red Raider Football


Erik Werner Head Coach Erik is entering his 12th season coaching the Red Raiders, and his third as Head Coach. After graduating from Warren Area HS (PA) in 1998, Erik went on to play football for 4 years at Alfred University and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 2002. A 3-time letterwinner as an offensive lineman and tight end, he was selected as a team captain in 2001. After serving one year as an assistant at Alfred, Erik joined the Hornell coaching staff for the 2003 season as a varsity assistant. In 2006 and 2007, Erik served as the Junior Varsity Head Coach before returning to the varsity staff as the Defensive Coordinator in 2008. Coach Werner’s defensive squads played a major role in winning 3 consecutive NYS Class B titles from 2009 to 2011. In his first season as head coach, Erik took the Red Raiders to a fourth consecutive state title game. Erik works as a math teacher at Hornell High School, and lives in Hornell with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, Logan and Harrison.
Steve Donlon Defensive Coordinator Steve is entering his 7th season on the Red Raider staff and his third as the defensive coordinator. A product of Canisteo Central School, Steve graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History from St. Bonaventure University in 2002. Prior to coaching at Hornell, Steve spent 8 years coaching at Canisteo-Greenwood with 3 of those seasons as the defensive coordinator. Steve teaches History at Alfred-Almond High School. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Hornell with their 3 children.
Dr. Ismail Mehr Varsity Assistant 1987-1990 (Red Raider Player) Dr. Mehr is in his 13th season as a Hornell assistant coach. A 1991 graduate of Hornell High School, “Coach Izzy” continued his playing career for several seasons at the University at Buffalo and in Puerto Rico during medical school. Ismail is an anesthesiologist at St. James Mercy Hospital, and volunteers for numerous charitable organizations across the globe. He and his wife, Dr. Uzma Mehr, live in Hornell with their two children.
Chris Koehler Varsity Assistant 2003-2006 (Red Raider Player) Chris is entering his 4th season as a Varsity Assistant. A 2007 graduate of Hornell High School, Chris continued his football playing career as a defensive end at SUNY Brockport, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Chris currently works at Whitesville Central School as a Physical Education Teacher and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration through Ohio University. He also coaches basketball and baseball at Whitesville.
Mike Davidson Modified Head Coach 1970-1973 (Red Raider Player) Coach Davidson has been a fixture of the Hornell Red Raider program for years, serving in some capacity since 1982. After playing for the Red Raiders, Mike graduated in 1973 and went on to play college football at Bucknell University. An important part of the Hornell community, Coach Davidson lives in Hornell with his wife Sharon, and owns and operates Davidson’s Furniture.
Kirk Scholes JV Head Coach Kirk is entering his 10th season on the Red Raider coaching staff. Scholes graduated in 2001 from Hornell High School, and then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Keuka College. After several seasons at the modified level, he has been the head coach of the junior varsity program for 6 years. Kirk is also the Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball team, and teaches 5th grade in the Hornell City School District.
Frank Libordi JV Assistant
Jason Day JV Assistant 1986-1989 (Red Raider Player)
Gary Kelleher Modified Head Coach 2000-2003 (Red Raider Player) Gary is entering his 5th season on the Red Raider coaching staff. After playing football for the Red Raiders, Gary graduated in 2004 and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in History from Alfred University in 2007. He recieved his Masters in Education from Alfred University and currently teaches History at Hornell H.S., where he has taught since 2008. Coach Kelleher resides in Hornell.
James Dineen Modified Assistant
Kyle Amidon Modified Assistant This is Kyle’s first year coaching for the Red Raiders. In 2006 Kyle graduated High School from Canisteo-Greenwood. He played Football in High School and had the opportunity to play in the Section 5 Class C finals. Kyle furthered his education at Alfred State College and Daemen College in Buffalo. Kyle resides in the city of Hornell with his wife Colleen and daughter Ayla. He is currently the Officer in Charge of the Canisteo Police Department.
Notes: Gene Mastin, Head Coach retired after the 2011 season and was selected to 2011 Section V Hall of Fame. CoachGene Mastin on October 9, 2009 set Section V’s all time win record. Gene received his 207th career win, surpassing Don Santini who retired in 1992 after coaching Fairport & LeRoy. Gene is actively ranked in the top 10 all time for wins in New York State. Gene has been a pivotal leader, positive role model and coach for so many HHS student athletes. His on the field honors and accolades are the easy part, but the most important rewards are off the field accomplishments. He has molded and shaped the lives of hundreds of player's outside the goal lines. He and his wife Cheryl reside in Hornell with their daughter Nicole. This will be the first season since 1975 Coach has not been at opening day practice. We wish him a happy retirment and look forward to seeing him on Friday's when the lights turn on.