New Shady Side Academy coach favors grit over glamour

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Spending time on campus during the first few weeks of football camp has given Shady Side Academy football coach Andrew Geisler the feeling he is where he needs to be. The former Bulldogs captain was hired in January to take over the program after a tumultuous season last year.

Shady Side Academy went 2-8 overall and 1-5 in the Allegheny Conference. The Bulldogs finished the season with interim coach Dave Szlachetka after Chuck DiNardo resigned midseason.

“It’s amazing,” said Geisler, a 2012 Shady Side Academy graduate. “Honestly, this was the only job opportunity that got me out of college coaching. There’s been a decent amount of change around campus, but there are still a lot of familiar faces, and the core of what Shady Side Academy is, is still the same.”

Geisler came to Shady Side Academy after spending six seasons as an assistant coach at Thiel. After playing with the Bulldogs in high school, Geisler went on to play at Saint Vincent.

Shady Side Academy had a 33-13 record while Geisler played for the program.

What Geisler would like to bring to the program is a more stringent structure.

“We are going to be a disciplined program,” Geisler said. “I’m a young guy, but I’m really an old soul. I believe in good habits, and we are developing these guys as athletes, teammates, students and people. Doing the little things is what makes a program successful or not.”

Geisler said the team is returning seven or eight returning starters on offense. The Bulldogs will have to replace Darrin Haynes, who led the team with 888 rushing yards last season.

Geisler said that Cam Mallory, who passed for 585 yards last season, will move to tight end. Javon Johnston, who played wide receiver last season, will play quarterback.

“I think Cam is someone with a high ceiling and could be a pivotal player for us,” Geisler said. “I’ve known him for seven months, and he has been incredible to work with. He has a lot of drive.”

Nico Grzymkowski and B.J. Mallory will be the Bulldogs’ top targets in the passing game.

Marcus Burkley Jr. and Darius Gainey are expected to play important roles at inside linebacker for the Bulldogs.

Geisler is excited to turn the program around. During preseason practices, he donned a helmet and was out on the field with the players.

“Quite honestly, I want this to be more about grit and less about glamour,” Geisler said. “I want to teach these guys about what football is about and have them understand what football is. I want them to love the weight room and love Friday nights. I want them to realize what football does for you.”

Shady Side Academy

Coach: Andrew Geisler

2024 record: 2-8, 1-5 in Class 2A Allegheny Conference

All-time record: 554-460-46

SCHEDULE

Date, Team, Time

8.22 at Greensburg Central Catholic, 7

8.29 Burrell, 7

9.5 at Clairton, 7

9.12 Ligonier Valley*, 7

9.19 at Apollo-Ridge*, 7

9.26 at Steel Valley*, 7

10.4 South Allegheny*, 2:00

10.11 at Seton-LaSalle, 4:00

10.17 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart*, 7

10.24 at South Park*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Cam Mallory

38-85, 585 yards, 10 TDs

Rushing: Darrin Haynes*

136-888 yards, 8 TDs

Receiving: Jalen Bey*

14-224 yards

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Seven of Shady Side Academy’s eight losses came by 10 or more points last season.

• The Bulldogs last made the WPIAL playoffs in 2023.

• Shady Side Academy won its lone WPIAL crown in 1998.

Tags: Shady Side Academy