As Mercyhurst University transitions to the Division I level this year, countless Lakers athletes are enjoying the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college sports. Among those players is Russell Pytlak, who used his extra year of eligibility to return to the gridiron for the Lakers in 2024. Pytlak, who had a stellar career at Yough, is in the spotlight for this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Pytlak made the Yough varsity roster as a freshman in 2016, as he racked up eight tackles defensively. The Cougars went 4-5 overall, including 3-4 in conference play, but missed the WPIAL postseason.

The following year, Pytlak contributed five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown on offense, while he registered 39 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble on defense. Yough went 2-8 overall, including 2-5 in the conference.

In Pytlak’s junior year, he emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the area. He notched two catches for 59 yards and a score as a tight end, but on the other side of the ball, he compiled 48 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery at defensive end. As a result, he was tabbed as an All-Conference selection at each position. Collectively, the Cougars went 3-7 on the year, including 3-5 in conference play, missing the postseason.

As a senior, Pytlak posted 11 receptions for 126 yards and two scores, while he amassed 61 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles. Once again, he received All-Conference recognition on both sides of the ball. However, the Cougars sputtered again, going just 1-9, including 1-7 in the conference, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Following his graduation from Yough, Pytlak matriculated to Mercyhurst University, joining the Lakers as a tight end. The traditional fall season was cancelled for the Lakers in 2020, but the team opted for an abbreviated spring schedule, playing in just two games, with stats recorded for one of them. In that contest, Pytlak posted one catch for seven yards.

As the Lakers returned to the normal fall schedule later that year, Pytlak played in one game, but did not register any stats. The Lakers went 4-7 overall, including 3-4 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

In 2022, Pytlak participated in a pair of games. That season, Mercyhurst posted a mark of 2-9 overall, with an 0-6 record in the PSAC slate.

Last season, Pytlak played in three games for the Lakers, making one catch for nine yards. The Lakers achieved a record of 2-9 overall, including 1-6 in PSAC play.

Utilizing his additional year of eligibility, Pytlak returned to the Lakers this year, and he’s made the biggest impact of his collegiate career. Through six contests, Pytlak has notched seven catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Playing a mix of Division I, II, and III opponents, the Lakers have gone 2-4 thus far.

Russell set aside time to field questions about the transition to the Division I level, what appealed about Mercyhurst during the recruiting process, and his favorite sports movie.

Q: You have become a greater factor in the passing game this season. How have you developed in that aspect?

A: More than anything, it’s just been patience. I’ve always played my role here at Mercyhurst, no matter what it has been, and this year, it has been a bigger role. It also helps when you have a guy like we have behind center. If you are open, he is going to get you the ball.

Q: What was the feeling like when you scored your first college touchdown?

A: It was pretty surreal being able to not only score my first collegiate touchdown, but also score the first touchdown for Mercyhurst in its Division I era.

Q: Mercyhurst made the move to the Division I level this year. What was your reaction when that news broke?

A: It was shocking at first because no one really had any idea that was about to happen. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news; I was thrilled. It’s something every kid dreams about growing up in sports - being an athlete at the Division I level.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for 2024?

A: Since we are ineligible for playoffs, our biggest goal as a team this year is to put the NEC and the rest of the Division I level on notice that the Lakers are here now. Not much is expected of us being that it’s our first year as a Division I program. As a team, we know that we can hang around and beat any of these teams that we are playing, so that has been our focus - showing everyone that we belong here. My main goal for this season is to compete at a high level every Saturday, and to execute my responsibilities to a tee and the rest will fall into place.

Q: What were the biggest factors in your decision to use your extra year of eligibility for this season?

A: I wanted to get a minor, as it would better prepare for my future profession, and then with the other factor being able to come back and play another season of football, it was a no brainer. The college memories I have made with my teammates, on and off the field, are what I will cherish forever, and being able to have the opportunity to come back and do it again for another semester was something I couldn’t pass up.

Q: What stood out about Mercyhurst during the recruitment process?

A: The culture and the academics are what stood out to me the most about Mercyhurst. It also helped that one of my best friends, another Yough alum, Dustin Shoaf, committed to Mercyhurst the year prior to me. I was able to hang out with him at Mercyhurst when he was a freshman there and I was a senior in high school. I feel like that really helped a lot too, being able to see all the guys and be around campus before I even made my commitment.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is a BS in sports medicine with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, and I also have a minor in exercise science. My ideal future profession is becoming a physical therapist.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college class?

A: I’d probably have to go with anatomy; learning about the human body is very interesting to me.

Q: You attended Yough High School. What was your fondest memory during your time there?

A: Just being able to go out there on Friday nights and play football in front of my hometown, and making memories with my closest friends, both on and off the field.

Q: Do you still follow Yough athletics and WPIAL football?

A: Of course. I look up how the Cougars do every Friday night since I left. I even watch a game when I can when they are broadcasted. I’m still rooting for those boys there at Yough. I’ll also look at scores from the WPIAL every weekend too just to see what’s going on.

Q: Who was the best individual you played against in high school?

A: Nikhai Hill-Green when we played against him at North Catholic. He is now a linebacker at the University of Colorado.

Q: What is your favorite sports movie?

A: We are Marshall

Q: Which artist or type of music gets you ready to play before a game?

A: I usually listen to rap before a game - a mix of a bunch of different artists.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Steak and mashed potatoes, preferably the microwavable ones from Bob Evans

Q: If you were stranded on an island with one teammate, who would you choose? Why?

A: Cameron Barmore. He definitely has some boy scout qualities. He and I would have a blast stranded on that island.