2022 With Head Coach Greg Bonifay Stebbins (Ohio)
Tagged under: Beyond The Keystone, Gameday Hub, News
David Burnworth | May 14, 2022
Greg Bonifay
Stebbins (Oh)
Head Coach
You guys are coming off a 6-5 season that saw you guys post a win over a very good Teays Valley (9-2) in the playoffs. That was your only win against a team with a record over.500. What must the 2022 team do to keep winning against those types of teams?
Our kids have done a great job of working to change the culture here at Stebbins. Because of their hard work and dedication to this program, we have been able to be successful the past couple of seasons. In order for us to continue this moving forward, we must get 100% buy-in from the players and get a complete effort out of all of them.
What was the most surprising part of the 2021 season? What is the best part about coaching at Stebbins?
During the 2021 season, we had a lot of good things going on. We had high expectations for our team and players. We had faith in our ability each week, so I can’t really say we had any surprises last year.
What is the best part about coaching at Stebbins?
I LOVE it here at Stebbins. It is, by far, the most rewarding job I have had. Our student athletes are great kids, and I am very proud to be able to coach them and be a part of this school district!
What are your thoughts on the O.H.S.A.A. moving all playoff games for the first two rounds to Friday night?
I think playing games on Fridays is how it should be. When you think of high school football, you think of Friday Night Lights!
What are your thoughts about playing out-of-state opponents? I think Stebbins vs. Richmond, Ind., would be a good game.
I am fine with playing an out-of-state team. We only have one non-conference game each season, so we try to get a local rivalry game to fill that spot.
I attended the West Carrollton game last season and even with COVID restrictions still showing their ugly face in one aspect or the other, you guys still had a large crowd that was very loud. How far forward are you looking toward a normal season?
What exactly is going to be normal?! No matter what the circumstances are, we will have our fans here cheering us on. Our student section is one of the best around. As a coach or player, you love to see that and can’t ask for anything more!
Can you tell the readers what all you and your staff do to help get your players recruited?
Recruiting is so different than the way it was when I first started coaching. So much is done at camps that you have to use social media a lot more. I send emails and make phone calls all year long, getting our players’ names out there and trying to find a home for each player that wants to continue their academic and athletic careers. We use social media to put our kids’ information and highlights online. This year, our league hosted a college showcase at our own schools, and this alone got kids exposure as we had over 20 college coaches in attendance. So far, that night has allowed our third player to earn a D1 College Scholarship Offer. In the end, recruiting is about selling your kid’s ability, but they have to perform and live up to what we, as coaches, are saying about them.
What is the most important lesson football has taught you?
Football has taught me so much, and I coach to do the same for my players. Nothing good ever comes easily. You have to work for everything you get. This great game teaches you work ethic, teamwork, time management, and how to rely on others, but by far, I feel the most important thing is how to deal with adversity!
How was the Garth Brooks concert?
The Garth concert was the best. Notre Dame Stadium was packed and he played the longest I’ve ever seen. It was great to get to spend time with my wife and her family, as we all know that doesn’t happen too often with the time commitment football has on us coaches. It was time well spent and well needed.
Have you watched any of the USFL games?
Yes, I’ve watched a few games. I feel like it is pretty good football and just a great opportunity for players to strive to achieve their goals. Past leagues have not been that great at football games, but I feel like the USFL has put together a good product for people to watch and enjoy.
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