40th annual Stark County Coaches Dinner elicits large crowd
By Keno Sultan
Stark County Prep Press writer
www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com
CANTON--40 years ago, the video game Super Mario Bros. became a Nintendo icon.
The 40th annual Stark County Coaches Dinner at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church reached an iconic height as the event celebrated it's 40th anniversary at the Alex D. Krassas Events Center.
19 of Stark County's sharpest coaching minds broke bread through camaraderie and good will a week before the regular season commences August 21st.
Here are the team previews for the upcoming season:
ALLIANCE AVIATORS
Head coach: Tim Goodman.
Years at school: 5.
Last season's record: 8-3, Division III first round.
Returning lettermen: 15.
Outlook: "We have 85 in the program and our kids keep growing and growing. We have a strong senior class this year with 20 seniors. We return four on offense. We have six back on defense. We have a strong schedule this year."
CANTON SOUTH WILDCATS
Head coach: Badre Bardawil.
Years at school: 1.
Last season's record: 5-6, Division IV first round.
Returning lettermen:
Outlook: "We had a really good summer and got our coaching staff hired early. Our senior class is an experienced group. They are talented kids. I am real excited."
CENTRAL CATHOLIC CRUSADERS
Head coach: Jeff Lindesmith.
Years at school: 14.
Last season's record: 1-9.
Returning lettermen: 25.
Outlook: "Last year, we were really young. There is no sure losses and no sure wins. We will come out and represent."
EAST CANTON HORNETS
Head coach: John "Spider" Miller.
Years at school: 11.
Last season's record: 10-3 (Division VII regional semifinals).
Returning lettermen: 28.
Outlook: "We have an experienced team. We are going to try and run the ball a bit. We have a nice offensive line. Hopefully we can try to run the ball a bit. We have to take it one game at a time."
FAIRLESS FALCONS
Head coach: A.J. Sarbaugh.
Years at school: 9.
Last season's record: 4-6.
Returning lettermen: 17.
Outlook: "We are led by a three-year starter and for the first time in school history, we have six home games. We have 35 kids who are working hard. The PAC-7 is very good and well coaches. We have to stay healthy."
GLENOAK EAGLES
Head coach: Matt Dennison.
Years at school: 1.
Last season's record: 2-8.
Returning lettermen: 13.
Outlook: "Our kids have brought in and had a really good camp. We are ready for the season. We have 20 seniors who will lead the way for us and we have a tough season ahead of us. We are working hard and as Eagles, we elevate."
NORTH CANTON HOOVER VIKINGS
Head coach: Brian Baum Sr.
Years at school: 12.
Last season's record: 9-3 (Division II second round)
Returning lettermen: 13
Outlook: "We graduated a lot of good players last year. We have 22 seniors this year. The kids are doing what we ask of them. The Federal League will always be tough. Our schedule is challenging but we will answer the bell."
JACKSON POLAR BEARS
Head coach: Jay Rohr.
Years at school: 5.
Last season's record: 6-6 (Division I second round).
Returning lettermen: 29.
Outlook: "We have 30 seniors this year. We have nine starters on offense, six starters on defense. We have high expectations this year and our kids are committed. We have a tough schedule and we are going to embrace that."
LAKE BLUE STREAKS
Head coach: Dan DeGeorge.
Years at school: 14.
Last season's record: 7-4 (Division II second round).
Returning lettermen: 18.
Outlook: "We have excited kids fighting to play. Out schedule is very tough. Staying healthy is going to be the key. We will have to be on our A game this year."
LOUISVILLE LEOPARDS
Head coach: Jake Adkins.
Years at school: 1.
Last season's record: 6-5 (Division II second round).
Returning lettermen: 12.
Outlook: "We have 45 kids on the roster from sophomores to seniors. Our kids are committed. They want to be here. They want to be coached hard. We are looking forward to the season."
MARLINGTON DUKES
Head coach: Joe Cardinal.
Years at school: 4.
Last season's record: 3-7.
Returning lettermen: N/A.
Outlook: "Our guys are matured and older. Offensively we will be a spread team. Defensively, we will be a stack team out of a 3-3-5 and will look to swarm to the ball and create turnovers. We feel pretty good where our classes are headed."
MASSILLON TIGERS
Head coach: Nate Moore.
Years at school: 12.
Last season's record: 9-4 (Division II regional finalist).
Returning lettermen: 30.
Outlook: "We have a great schedule this year. We have a good team coming back. We return six starters on offense and eight on defense. It has been a good off-season and an experienced group and a lot of leadership."
MCKINLEY BULLDOGS
Head coach: Renzy Parnell.
Years at school: 2.
Last season's record: 9-3 (Federal League champions).
Returning lettermen: 19.
Outlook: "We have 80 kids on the roster. I am super proud of our unity. Our kids are very close. They do what they are asked to do and we have a strong group. We really made strides in the weight room."
MINERVA LIONS
Head coach: Zach Slates.
Years at school: 2.
Last season's record: 5-5.
Returning lettermen: 12.
Outlook: "Minerva is a community that wants excitement and we brought some of that last year."
NORTHWEST INDIANS
Head coach: John DeMarco.
Years at school: 7.
Last season's record: 6-5 (Division IV first round).
Returning lettermen: 10.
Outlook: "We are excited for the start of the season. We are going to be pretty young and lost a strong senior class. We lost our entire offensive and defensive line. We do have an experienced quarterback returning. We are very excited and look to get better every day and hope to be competitive."
PERRY PANTHERS
Head coach: Spencer Leno.
Years at school: 2.
Last season's record: 5-5.
Returning lettermen: 18.
Outlook: "We still want to establish Perry toughness, grit, and discipline. We have 22 seniors. We have 90 players from freshman to seniors. We have 11 starters returning. Every game matters and winning the battles will be important for us."
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Head coach: Isaiah Robinson.
Years at school: 1.
Last season's record: 0-10.
Returning lettermen: N/A.
Outlook: "We are building a foundation built on faith. We're going to get after it. We are developing commitment and we have 11 seniors on this team."
SANDY VALLEY CARDINALS
Head coach: Torrance Carle.
Years at school: 1.
Last season's record: 0-10.
Returning lettermen: N/A.
Outlook: "I am looking to set the tone with accountability. Everything we do matters. We have 32 kids out that have bought in and trying to get better each day.
TUSLAW MUSTANGS
Head coach: Broc Dial.
Years at school: 3.
Last season's record: 4-6.
Returning lettermen: N/A.
Outlook: "We have 17 seniors and they are really hungry this year. Our kids are ready to go and play."
Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.
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