Alamo Heights, Texas – The Alamo Heights Independent School District announced Friday that longtime football head coach Ron Rittimann will retire after more than a decade at the helm. The district promoted longtime coordinator Rudy Nerio to become the new head coach of the Mules.
Local roots and community ties
“It’s a dream come true,” Nerio said in a press conference. “This place is home for us, my kids go to school here, I’ve really bought into this community and what we’re doing here, and I just feel like I have the best job in the city.” Nerio, a resident of Alamo Heights, has spent the past five years working with the program, first as a position coach and then as offensive coordinator.
Program momentum
The Mules enter the 2026 season after a deep playoff run last year. In 2025 the team advanced to the regional final before falling 56‑49 to Boerne. Senior quarterback Easton Stone said the loss “motivated all of us a lot” and left the squad with a “chip on our shoulder” heading into the new campaign.
High expectations for the new era
Rittimann’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for Alamo Heights football. Nerio now inherits a roster that is expected to compete in a district some observers have dubbed the “SEC of Region IV,” featuring powerhouses such as Boerne and Liberty Hill. Senior safety Lee Brockwell noted, “We’re in a tough district, and we’re excited for the opportunity to compete. There are elite programs in there, and we’re ready to do our best and get some wins.”
Both Stone and Brockwell expressed confidence in Nerio’s leadership, with Stone adding, “Super excited we got Coach Nerio. He’s an amazing head coach and pushes an amazing program. I just think this year we’re gonna do something really special.”
Season opener
The Mules open the 2026 schedule on the road against Pieper, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. on Friday. The game will serve as the first test of Nerio’s system and the team’s readiness to face the district’s elite competition.
Looking ahead
Alamo Heights officials said the transition will be smooth, emphasizing continuity in coaching philosophy and a commitment to developing student‑athletes both on the field and in the classroom. The district highlighted Nerio’s deep ties to the community, noting that his family’s involvement in local schools aligns with the program’s emphasis on character, faith, and family values.
As the Mules prepare for a challenging season, the community looks forward to seeing how the new leadership will build on recent success while upholding the traditions that have made Alamo Heights football a source of pride for the city.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
