Webber International University Men's Football

Potochneys punt return unit finished 2 Nationally in punt returns averaging 19.1 yards per attempt.  Additionally in 2014 the Warriors finished 1 in scoring defense, 1 in total defense, and 1 in rush defense for The Sun Conference.   In 2013, the warriors ranked 12 nationally in total defense and 7 nationally in scoring defense.  Also in 2013 the warriors defense ranked 1 in scoring defense, 1 in rush defense, and 2 in total defense for the Independent Conference.  In 2012 the Warriors finished 11 nationally in rush defense and 8 nationally in sacks per game.  In 2011 the Warrior defense finished ranked 18 nationally. The Warriors also finished ranked 1 in total defense for the Independent Conference in 2011.      Potochney has coached Linebackers, Defensive Line, and was the Special Teams Coordinator in 2010.  The Warriors were ranked 6 nationally in Punt Returns averaging 15.2 yds per punt return, and ranked 9 nationally averaging 40.7 yds per punt attempt in 2010.   Potochney graduated from Webber cum laude with Bachelors in General Business in 2005 and received his MBA in the spring of 2008. As a high school athlete Potochney received numerous awards including All State, All County, All District, All Conference, All Sun coast, Scholar Athlete Award and was a member of the Hillsborough County All Star team.   As a collegiate player for the Webber, Potochney lead the nation in tackles in 2006 averaging 14.1 tackles per game totaling 141 tackles in ten games. In 2005, Potochney was ranked 5th in the nation averaging 12.8 tackles per game and totaling 102 tackles in 8 games. He was awarded NAIA Honorable Mention All American in 2005 and 2006. Potochney was a 4 year team captain, defensive MVP in 2005 and 2006 as well as a National Collegiate Scholar Athlete.   Potochney also played professional football upon finishing up for the Warriors, where he won back to back American Indoor Football Association championships in 2007 with the Lakeland Thunderbolts, and in 2008 with the Florence Phantoms playing linebacker and special teams.     Coach Potochney resides in Lake Wales with his wife Christy, son Brantley, and daughter Braylee.   Eric Potochney is a WIU graduate in his 10th season coaching for the Warriors, and will be entering his 6 season as Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator.  Last season, the warriors finished 9 Nationally in rush defense and 19 in Total defense.  For The Sun Conference the warrior defense finished 1 in scoring defense, 1 in rush defense, and 1 in total defense.   In 2014, the warriors defense finished 3 Nationally in scoring defense giving up only 16.9 points per game.  Potochneys punt return unit finished 2 Nationally in punt returns averaging 19.1 yards per attempt.  Additionally in 2014 the Warriors finished 1 in scoring defense, 1 in total defense, and 1 in rush defense for The Sun Conference.   In 2013, the warriors ranked 12 nationally in total defense and 7 nationally in scoring defense.  Also in 2013 the warriors defense ranked 1 in scoring defense, 1 in rush defense, and 2 in total defense for the Independent Conference.  In 2012 the Warriors finished 11 nationally in rush defense and 8 nationally in sacks per game.  In 2011 the Warrior defense finished ranked 18 nationally. The Warriors also finished ranked 1 in total defense for the Independent Conference in 2011.      Potochney has coached Linebackers, Defensive Line, and was the Special Teams Coordinator in 2010.  The Warriors were ranked 6 nationally in Punt Returns averaging 15.2 yds per punt return, and ranked 9 nationally averaging 40.7 yds per punt attempt in 2010.   Potochney graduated from Webber cum laude with Bachelors in General Business in 2005 and received his MBA in the spring of 2008. As a high school athlete Potochney received numerous awards including All State, All County, All District, All Conference, All Sun coast, Scholar Athlete Award and was a member of the Hillsborough County All Star team.   As a collegiate player for the Webber, Potochney lead the nation in tackles in 2006 averaging 14.1 tackles per game totaling 141 tackles in ten games. In 2005, Potochney was ranked 5th in the nation averaging 12.8 tackles per game and totaling 102 tackles in 8 games. He was awarded NAIA Honorable Mention All American in 2005 and 2006. Potochney was a 4 year team captain, defensive MVP in 2005 and 2006 as well as a National Collegiate Scholar Athlete.   Potochney also played professional football upon finishing up for the Warriors, where he won back to back American Indoor Football Association championships in 2007 with the Lakeland Thunderbolts, and in 2008 with the Florence Phantoms playing linebacker and special teams.     Coach Potochney resides in Lake Wales with his wife Christy, son Brantley, and daughter Braylee.  

Eric Potochney is entering his 20th season with the Webber International University football program, and his 5th official season as the Head Football Coach.  Coach Potochney was also the Interim Head Coach for the 2021 season.  Previously, Coach Potochney has served in numerous roles for the Webber Football program including most recently as the Defensive Coordinator to a nationally ranked unit in many categories during his tenure at Webber. Over the last several years Coach Potochney and his staff spent countless hours improving the structure and foundation of the football program.  One of these things was starting an Annual Football Alumni & Program Supporters fundraising event to generate financial support for our football program and university.  Since taking over the football program Coach Potochney and his staff have raised over $300,000.  All funds raised have gone directly back to our student athletes, football program, and University to improve our student athlete experience and gameday facilities.  Naming Rights were sold to our Football Locker room Class of 2009 Alum Michael Bruck for $20,000 and Naming right were sold to our Football Fieldhouse to Class of 2006 Alum Kyle Dicks for $50,000.  This fundraising has allowed us to add Reserved Parking Cabanas and North Endzone Cabanas to our turf field.  These structures have added something special to our game field to improve our fans and players gameday experience unlike anywhere else.  In addition, most recently added is a new set of bleachers for the first phase of our bleacher and press box project. In Coach Potochney 1st official season as the Head Football Coach the program slated the best start since 2010.  Last season, the Warriors finished 3-7 with 1 loss in overtime and 3 other close game losses.  Since Coach Potochney has taken over the football program, they are undefeated against rival Warner University in the Lake Caloosa Clash. Coach Potochney resides in Lake Wales with his wife Christy and their two children, son Brantley and daughter Braylee.   Potochney at Webber Year Season at WIU Record Conference Finish 2021 1st - Interim 2-8 T-5th MSC Sun Division 2022      2nd 6-4 4th in Sun Conference 2023   3rd 3-7 T5th in Sun Conference 2024 4th 5-5 5th in Sun Conference 2025 5th 5-6 5th in Sun Conference Overall 19-22 (.463 winning percentage)

Speakman is a native of Point Pleasant, WV and first attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he played running back for the Bobcats, before transferring to Marshall University to finish his B.A. in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management and Marketing. While at Marshall he worked several football camps directed by Troy Brown, Chad Pennington, and Bobby Pruett. Each summer he serves as camp coordinator for the Bishop Dullaghan Skills Camp and Down and Dirty Lineman Camp (directed by WIU Head Coach Kelly Scott and Warner Head Coach Rod Shafer) and the Grind It Out Team Camp (directed by WIU Defensive Coordinator Eric Potochney).   In 2008 Coach Speakman began his professional coaching career in arena football (AIFA) with the Huntington Heroes where he served as linebackers coach. His linebackers helped guide the Heroes to a playoff berth and finished the season ranked #1 in total defense. He spent the spring of 2009 in the CIFL with the West Virginia Wild as the linebackers coach and director of player personnel.   In the fall of 2009 Coach Speakman came to WIU as a Defensive Graduate Assistant and finished his MBA in Sports Management in the spring of 2011. Since being hired full time he has been serving as the Director of Football Operations, Safties Coach, and JV Head Coach (18-6). He is responsible for recruiting south Florida and getting the football program involved in the community as well.   Coach Speakman is now entering his 7th season with the Warrior Football program and resides in Lake Wales, FL with his wife Christy and their 3 children.

Coach Steve Speakman, a native of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, is entering his 19th season on the Webber International University football coaching staff in 2026, and is beginning his 5th year as the Warriors' Associate Head Football Coach. Coach Speakman first came to Webber in the Fall of 2009 as a Defensive Graduate Assistant Coach. Speakman finished his MBA in sports management in the Spring of 2011, and since being hired full time, he has been the Warriors’ Director of Football Operations, Safeties Coach and Head JV Coach. Coach Speakman is also responsible for recruiting south Florida and for getting the Webber football program involved in the community. As a collegiate athlete, Speakman first attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he played running back for the Bobcats before transferring to Marshall University to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education with a concentration in sports management and marketing. While at Marshall, he worked several football camps directed by Troy Brown, Chad Pennington and Bobby Pruett. Each summer, Speakman serves as camp coordinator for the Down and Dirty Lineman Camp (directed by former Webber Head Coaches Kelly Scott and Rod Shafer) and the Grind It Out Team Camp (directed by current Webber Head Coach Eric Potochney). In 2008, Coach Speakman began his professional coaching career in arena football (AIFA) with the Huntington Heroes, where he served as the Linebackers Coach. His linebackers helped guide the Heroes to a playoff berth and finished the season ranked first in total defense.Speakman then spent the Spring of 2009 in the CIFL with the West Virginia Wild as the Linebackers Coach and Director of Player Personnel. Coach Speakman resides in Lake Wales, Florida, with his wife Christy and their three children.  

Defensive coordinator and box safeties coach at Webber International University. Been there for the last 3 seasons.  Before that I was the Defensive Line coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Warner University for 4 years.  Before that I was the Outside Linebacker Coach at my Alma mater, Norfolk State University, for 3 years  

Coach Jaren Muse joins the Webber International Football Coaching Staff after his stellar collegiate career with the Warriors came to a close in 2023.

Coach Merson is in 7th season at Webber International University as Tight Ends & Assistant Offensive Line coach. Prior to joining the Webber staff, Coach Merson spent twelve years coaching at the high school level at Frostproof, Lake Region and FSU High Schools. During this time, Coach Merson served as a head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator as well as linebackers coach, offensive line coach, and quarterbacks coach.  Coach Merson is a graduate of Florida State University with an education degree. He was a member of the FSU football team, playing under legendary coach, Bobby Bowden, and was part of a team that won the ACC championship in 2003.   Coach Merson is married to Wendy Merson, where they reside in Lake Wales, Florida, with their three children, Natalie, Corbin, and Bradley.   

Coach Murray enters his first season with the Warriors as the Team 1 Cornerbacks Coach and the Team 2 Defensive Coordinator. Prior to Webber, Murray served as the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Feltrim Academy for both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His defense at Feltrim Academy was ranked number 1 for all postgrad football programs in the 2021 season, highlighted by only giving up 54 points the entire season. Before Feltrim Academy, Murray served as the Defensive Backs coach at University High School for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Murray also served as a Skills Trainer for Feltrim Sports from 2019 to 2023.

Zack Sharaf joins the Warriors as the Offensive Line Coach after spending the previous two seasons at NCAA Division One FCS Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. At Lamar, Sharaf started as an Offensive Line Graduate Assistant Coach for the 2022 season under Head Coach Blaine Morgan and Offensive Coordinator Patrick Covington. As a GA, Coach Sharaf helped lead the Cardinals to a top 40 rushing team in the nation. Sharaf was promoted to Assistant Offensive Line Coach under Head Coach Pete Rossomando and Offensive Line Coach Matt Cannata. Sharaf helped lead the Cardinals to success in 2023, as Lamar finished top three in the Southland Conference, while also having the second-best offensive efficiency. The Cardinals again improved in the run game finishing in the top 35 while also coaching two offensive linemen to Second Team All-Conference nods. Prior to Lamar, Coach Sharaf had a brief stint with NCAA Division Two Sul Ross State, and before that was the Offensive Line and Assistant Running back Coach at NCAA Division Three East Texas Baptist University. At East Texas Baptist University, Sharaf coached three Third Team All-Conference, two Offensive Line and one Running Back. Prior to coaching, Sharaf played College Football at East Texas Baptist, and played High School Football at both Houston Christian and Clements High Schools. Sharaf was born in Sugar Land, Texas and currently resides in Winter Haven, Florida.  

Coach Scales enters his third season at Webber International University. After serving as an Offensive Graduate Assistant working with the Tight Ends and Offensive Line, he was promoted to Defensive Line Coach in July 2025. In his first season leading the unit, Webber posted one of the top run defenses in the conference and recorded 22 total sacks. Freshman defensive lineman Omar Goosby earned Second Team All-Conference honors under his guidance. Prior to joining Webber, Scales gained Division I experience at Lamar University, serving as an undergraduate assistant coach alongside current Webber Offensive Line Coach Zack Sharaf. His coaching career began with Lamar’s men’s basketball program (2020–2022), where he worked with centers and forwards as a student coach. A native of Houston, Texas, Scales played football at Summer Creek High School in Humble, TX. He currently resides in Winter Haven, Florida, and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Coach Jake Czerniakowski, also known as “Coach Ski,” enters his third season at Webber International University and his first as Co-Offensive Coordinator in the 2026 season. Since arriving in Babson Park in 2024, he has served as the Wide Receivers Coach, mentoring standout Keyon Dickens to a Second Team All-Conference honor in his first year. Coach Ski has been coaching wide receivers and returners at the collegiate level since 2022, developing multiple All-Conference performers along the way. Prior to Webber, he spent the 2023 season at Lindsey Wilson College, where he coached Logan Collier to AFCA-NAIA Third Team All-American recognition and Mid-South First Team All-Conference honors. He also guided Quantae Hicks to a Mid-South Second Team All-Conference selection. In 2022, Czerniakowski returned to collegiate coaching at Iowa Wesleyan University as Special Teams Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach, mentoring two more All-Conference receivers. His coaching career began at Minooka Community High School in Illinois, where he served in a variety of roles from 2018–2021. A native of Illinois, Coach Ski now resides in Winter Haven, Florida.

Coach Riordan returns to Webber International University as Defensive Coordinator nearly a decade after first roaming the sidelines in Babson Park, Florida. In his first season back, the Warriors’ defense showed significant improvement across multiple areas, including third-down defense, turnovers, sacks, and rush defense. The unit ranked among the best in the nation in turnovers and defensive touchdowns. Prior to his return, Riordan served as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Under his leadership, the Lawrence defense led the Midwest Conference in turnovers and tied for the top spot in interceptions, while improving statistically in every defensive category from the year before. He also mentored a freshman all-regional defensive back who led the country in interceptions and passes defended. From 2016–2022, Riordan coached at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he held the roles of Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. During his six-year tenure, the Little Giants compiled a 37–14 record, captured two NCAC championships (2018 and 2019), and earned an NCAA playoff berth. His units consistently ranked among the league’s best defenses, and he coached multiple all-conference players. This marks a reunion for Riordan and Webber International, as he previously served as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach in 2016. That season, the Warriors finished among the nation’s leaders in total defense and pass defense, while the special teams unit ranked among the top in punt returns. His work earned him recognition in 2017 as a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30-Under-30 Leadership Group. Riordan began his coaching career at Ball State University as an undergraduate intern and student assistant in 2009–2010. He later gained valuable experience at the high school level, coaching at Bishop Ireton in Alexandria, Virginia, and at Fishers High School in Indiana under current special teams coordinator Rick Wimmer. Coach Riordan is married to his wife, Sarah, and together they have two sons, Miller and Morris.

Coach Rick Wimmer enters his 5th season at Webber International University where he serves as Wide Receievers coach, and begins his 5th season as Special Teams Coordinator. Prior to coming to Webber, he coached at the University of Indianapolis for two seasons from July, 2020 – February, 2022 where he served as a volunteer assistant with the offensive line for one season before being hired to coach tight ends and H-backs in 2021. While at UIndy, the Greyhounds won the Great Lakes Valley Conference during the 2021 spring season. Before his stint at UIndy, he was a 42-year veteran of the high school coaching ranks in Indiana including 37 years as a head football coach at Zionsville (1983-87), Merrillville (1988-96), Greenwood (1997-05), and Fishers (2006-2019). He compiled a career record of 263-144 and became just the fourth coach in Indiana history to win State Championships in football at two different schools (Zionsville, 1987; Fishers, 2010). In July of 2021, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. He has had over 150 former players go on to play college football at all levels including five who have been drafted and played professionally (4 NFL, 1 XFL) Wimmer is a 1978 graduate of the University of Indianapolis where he was a back-up QB for three years and served as a student assistant for one year. He earned his BS degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in English. In 1982, he earned a MA in Physical Education and English from Ball State University. Rick and his wife Deanna have 5 children and 5 grandchildren and reside in Winter Haven.