Enthroners HC Mark Ridgley "It's a testament to our character"

After over a year the Enthroners were able to win again in dramatic fashion beating the Berlin Thunder 34-31 in overtime in what was one of the most exciting and back and forth games of the ELF season.

For Enthroners first year head coach Mark Ridgley, the win was a long time coming as the process of building a winning team in Hungary was never going to be a quick task. 

Building a new culture

Head coach Mark Ridgley took over for the Enthroners shortly after the 2024 ELF season ended. Since then, has made it clear that his approach to leading the team is holistic and one that goes far beyond X’s and O’s. 

“It has been a learning and growing experience for me as a person and as a coach. This is my first time in Hungary and also eastern Europe. Getting to know the people and the players is one of the most important parts of any job in my opinion. “

Whether it was building team chemistry or building the skills and knowledge of the players, Ridgley and his staff pushed the Enthroners to become one of the most resilient teams in the league.

“There were things we did in the offseason to try to learn about each other. The better we understand one another off the field, the better we can understand one another on the field. Ultimately I am a believer that adversity brings out people’s true colors. Our guys have continued to rise above.”

A win is a win

After a brutal 10 game losing streak to start the season, the Enthroners finally got a win on Saturday even after giving up a 9 point lead. The team celebrated their first victory in 385 days endig a streak that had been on since week 9 of 2024. 

“It is a testament to the character of the men in this locker room. We preach process, patience and consistency. These players and coaches did nothing but fight and battle week in and week out against a multitude of challenges and adversities.”

Wins and losses are of course important for any player, coach, and fan. However, Ridgley sees the process as the destination and Saturday's win as a special moment in that growth process.

“Our goal coming into this season was to all be better people as players and coaches day by day as the season ended. There is no doubt in my mind that every person in this organization can say they took steps forward to becoming the best version of ourselves possible.”

The thrilling game featured several lead changes and a clutch 2 minute drive and 2-point conversion to tie the game with under a minute left. For Ridgley and up and down roller coaster game was a mirror image of the adversity Enthroners players and coaches faced all season. 

“Not only the win but the way we had to find a way to win is what is so special about it. So much of this game is mental and our ability to have faith, belief, and trust in others when things look dark is an extremely powerful lesson. My hopes and prayers are that these traits will stick with all these guys throughout football and life. “

Coach Ridgley gave us last phrase to put a bow on the special weekend.

“The things we want the most in this life are one step beyond failure.”

Get your tickets to the championship game!