'I’m bringing my old Holy Name mentality': Mike Pucko returns to Holy Cross staff, to help get best out of Crusaders

WORCESTER – In February, Mike Pucko and his wife, Paula, were in Florida celebrating the purchase of their new vacation home when Pucko received a call from Holy Cross defensive coordinator Brian Vaganek.

Vaganek was wondering if Pucko, who was a HC assistant for three seasons under former coach Bob Chesney, would be interested in returning to help out on new coach Dan Curran’s staff.

“I didn’t know,” Pucko said during Wednesday’s media day. “It was a big commitment and a new staff.”

About 10 minutes after talking with Vaganek, Pucko got another call, from Holy Cross director of performance Chris Grautski.

“He said, ‘I’m not letting you off the hook,’ ” Pucko said. “ ‘You have to come back. Last year things weren’t the same (without you).’ ”

Pucko asked Paula what she thought.

“She said, ‘Get your flight booked. I’ll drive you to the airport. Go,’ ” Pucko said. “As always, she was on board with everything.”

Pucko, who was the defensive line coach on Chesney’s staff from 2019-21, is assisting defensive line coach Valdamar Brower this season. Brower spent the last two seasons as the defensive line coach at UMass, his alma mater.

“Coach Brower and Coach Pucko complement each other well,” HC sophomore defensive lineman Brice Stevenson said. “Coach Pucko helps me out with a lot of technical stuff, and Coach Brower is a really good mental coach. Having them both is a good balance.”

Pucko had a great 11-year run as coach at Holy Name High, where his teams won three Super Bowl titles. He also coached at West Boylston High. Pucko spent two seasons (2016, 2017) on Chesney’s Assumption staff.

The Puckos, who reside in Princeton, sold their business, Pucci’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, located in West Boylston, in 2022.

Pucko is enjoying being back at Holy Cross and helping to bring along a young, but talented, group of defensive linemen.

“It’s a different role, and I’m not overstepping my bounds,” Pucko said, “but I’m bringing my old Holy Name mentality to get people to fire up and always have them play above their level and get the best out of them. It’s a lot of fun. I don’t have as many responsibilities (as when he was D-line coach). There is no computer work; I just get on the field and coach. It’s all good.”

Fuller reaps preseason accolades

Senior running back Jordan Fuller, who scored a nation-best 19 touchdowns in 2023 and became HC’s career rushing TD leader, garnered numerous preseason accolades, including All-Patriot League and Stats Perform All-America second-team honors.

Additionally, Fuller, who rushed for 1,046 yards last season, was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, which is given annually to the FCS offensive player of the year.

Fuller headlines what Curran believes could be one of the deeper positions on the team.

Injuries limited Jayden Clerveaux to two games last season, but the sophomore has made some standout plays in camp, as has junior Sam Slade, whose 74-yard run last year against Colgate ranks tied for seventh-longest in program history.

“Jayden has done a really, really good job, and Sam has elevated his game to become a good fit for what we’re doing offensively,” Curran said.

“Everyone in that room has had their moments in camp, which is exciting,” Curran said. “That’s important. You need depth at that position.”

Crusaders host open-house workout

Holy Cross fans can get a first look at this year’s team during an open-house event Saturday at Kuzniewski Field.

Gates open at 2 p.m., and the Crusaders will practice from 2:30-4:45. Tickets are not required, and free parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in front of the Luth Athletic Complex.

Season ticket members will have a VIP experience that includes sideline access during practice and a meet-and-greet with players and coaches after practice.

“It’s exciting for our guys and our staff to give a sneak peek to the Holy Cross community, fans and the student body,” Curran said. “They’re a huge part of our success as we build this program. Community at Holy Cross is everything, and we’re embracing the chance to see them and we hope to have a good turnout on Saturday.”

—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'I’m bringing my old Holy Name mentality': Mike Pucko returns to Holy Cross staff, to help get best out of Crusaders