ALAMO HEIGHTS, Texas – A new era is underway for the Alamo Heights football team after longtime head coach Ron Rittimann announced his retirement, opening the door for Rudy Nerio to lead one of the area’s most successful and closely watched programs.
“It’s a dream come true,” Nerio said. “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 was promoted from coordinator to head coach after five years with the program and now takes over a Mules team coming off a deep playoff run. Alamo Heights was a regional finalist in 2025 before its season ended in a 56-49 loss to Boerne.
“It motivated all of us a lot,” said Mules senior quarterback Easton Stone. “I know everybody when we lost that game, it just put a chip on our shoulder, and we can’t wait to get back at it this year.”
The transition comes with high expectations. Rittimann’s departure marks the end of a major chapter for the program, and Nerio inherits a team facing one of the toughest schedules in the region.
“Super excited we got Coach Neiro,” Stone said. “He’s an amazing head coach and pushes an amazing program. I just think this year we’re gonna do something really special.”
Alamo Heights has been placed in a district some have called the “SEC of Region IV,” with powerhouse programs such as Boerne and Liberty Hill in the mix. Nerio said that level of competition should help prepare the Mules for the postseason by making them more battle-tested during district play.
“We’re in a tough district, and we’re excited for the opportunity to compete,” said Mules senior safety Lee Brockwell. ”There are elite programs in there, and we’re ready to we do compete with all of them. We’re going to do our best and get some wins.”
The loss to Boerne still serves as motivation, but Alamo Heights is now turning its focus to the future with Nerio at the helm.
The Mules open the 2026 season on the road against Pieper, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Friday.
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