2022 with Rob Woodward Head Football Coach Wheelersburg (Ohio)
Tagged under: Beyond The Keystone, News
David Burnworth | August 8, 2022
Rob Woodward:
Wheelersburg, Ohio
Teacher of Science/Head Football Coach
Twitter: @coachRFW
How was it to play two really good teams from Kentucky, and would you tell the readers how these games came to be?
Our stadium sits on the Ohio River directly across from Kentucky. With the success of our program, it is harder for us to find teams willing to play in the area. We strive to consistently play teams with raised levels of competition and within close proximity for travel. Last year we scrimmaged Raceland (D7), who had a deep playoff run. We also played Pikeville, Ky (D7) as a makeup for a lost COVID game. One of the assistant coaches at Pikeville was a former player at Wheelersburg, and we were able to schedule the game midweek. Pikeville went on to win the 2021 State Championship and had two players nominated for Mr. Football in Kentucky. We have Russell and Ashland (both D3) on the regular-season schedule in 2022. Ashland won a state championship in 2020. Each of these programs strives to challenge their young men in the classroom and on the football field. It is also great for the communities who will travel and attend these games, providing adequate revenue to support the athletic programs as a whole. Unfortunately, with the movement of the season in Ohio up a week in 2021, it places a burden on Ohio teams who schedule Kentucky schools. Ohio teams are not able to gain second-level points from Kentucky teams’ week 10 games having not been played yet.
Piggybacking off of the first question, do you feel playing tough out-of-state teams or teams from outside your area prepares you better for the playoffs?
If an out-of-state team is a tougher or unknown opponent that can raise the level of practice and preparation in players and coaches, then it is worth scheduling. These games require a more focused attention to detail, which in turn shapes and molds a team to reach its highest levels.
It exposes weaknesses and continues to demand growth from players, which is what we are always striving for. Our number one goal is to win our conference. The first five games of the season are to prepare us for that pursuit. In 2023, we move to only four non-conference games. The Southern Ohio Conference has a long history of producing high-quality football, with multiple teams reaching the playoffs over the years. After our conference play, we then enter what we call our third season and win and advance in the playoffs.
Where do you think the state finals should be played?
Wheelersburg won a state championship at Ohio Stadium (2 hours away) in 1989 with a great following. Wheelersburg won a state championship at Fawcett Stadium (4 hours away) in 2017, which still holds the record for attendance at a D5 State Championship game. Our fans and I feel many communities’ fans, will travel to a state game no matter where it is played. I think a central location makes sense for all parties involved, and the nostalgia of playing at Ohio Stadium is a great experience, but both venues provide a great atmosphere. I do hope the state realizes that with increased revenue from the expansion of the playoffs, they are going to start reimbursing schools for their travel. Currently, the state has removed reimbursement, yet we travel three hours for playoff games and up to four hours for a state championship. The state should reward teams for their success and not place burdens on them for travel.
What are your thoughts on the O.H.S.A.A. moving all of the playoff games to Friday night for the first two weeks of the playoffs?
Friday night is for high school football and the communities hosting those games should remain as such. Then the weeks of preparation are maintained. Coming from a science teacher who has three classes to prep for physical, life, and earth science at the HS, we need all the time we can get. Other states pay coaches to only coach. Most Ohio schools only offer the position as a supplemental to regular school duties. Once we get to neutral sites and the 3rd round, districts can choose to hire a sub to help a coach or find other means for them to prepare for the game. Also, the state can get extra revenue with higher attendance on Saturdays and reward teams for their travel expenses.
Do you believe that with so many teams now making the playoffs, they have become watered down?
I was a bigger fan of the 12-team playoff, but first-week byes present their own challenges for coaches. I feel like we can do whatever we can to get more kids to play the game of football. If 16 teams increase a game for a school or community to play another game and get kids excited about football, then I am all for it. The goal is to enhance the level of competition in the regular season so that teams are not penalized in seeding for the playoffs. I still feel teams look to water their schedules down to the point where they can gain two home playoff games. But again, if we are getting more teams and communities paying for the game of football in a heightened and exciting environment, then keep 16 teams, but the revenue must be shared with the schools who are making the sacrifices to keep the game running.
As a member of the media and as a fan, I love the Thursday night games as well as the Saturday afternoon and night games. What are your thoughts on games being played during those days and nights?
The State Championship Weekend is fantastic!! I have watched so many great games on those days at both locations. I think the layout of games on the weekend is great. Hospitality for the HS coaches at both venues has always been outstanding. No one wants to be in the morning game, but if you’re a high school athlete and you are playing for a state championship, time makes no difference. The more focused and prepared team, who plays the hardest and longest, will win.
Who is the coach or coaches that you have learned the most from?
I have learned from a lot of coaches over the years and continue to do so every day. My first introduction to discipline was with Bill Wamsley, my 7th-grade coach at Gallia Academy, and Brent Saunders, my HS coach. At OWU, Mike Hollway, Pat Delaney, Jon Way, and Kurry Commins took me to another level of what could be taught, refined, and learned from the game of football. I attended my first OHSAA playoff game ever in 2002 and knew this is what I wanted to do. In 2003, I came to Wheelersburg. I have Tony Lewis to thank for taking a chance on me as a young assistant coach and challenging me with various assignments. Tony is currently in Jasper, Indiana as an HFC. It was at Wheelersburg that I saw what the vision for what a high school student-athlete experience could be. The foundation that Ed Miller had laid in the community and the assistants that he had coached or influenced helped me learn so much about the game of football. In 2006, we spent the day with Brian White (1980 Wheelersburg Alum under Ed Miller) and learned a technique that we still use today. My first victory as a Head Football Coach
Coach came up against the winningest coach in OHSAA history at the time, Bob Lutz, and I have learned many times from his teams over the years in HS football. I have followed, competed, and coached with Chip Otten at Coldwater and many other coaches in the MAC conference. Tiger LaVerde at Kirtland and many other coaches have shared clinic nuggets for the last 20 years that they have been studying the game and continue to find ways to evolve and grow.
Can you tell us which win has been the most special for you, along with which defeat still keeps you up at night?
2017 DV State Championship vs. Pemberville-Eastwood 21-14 OT- Of course, a lot went into the prep for the game and the season, but the most rewarding moment was at the hotel the night before. After I felt I had dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s, I went to the hotel front desk and gave my name and room number if there was anything that was needed that evening to get ahold of me. The lady at the front desk said, “I’m sorry sir, I just had your captains here and said to not bother you with anything. They would take care of anything that was needed and to leave you be.”
Nelsonville, 2009, 2nd round vs. Fredericktown –I still say this was the most talented team I have ever coached, but we did not have the things in place to maximize our talent. It made me work harder to become a better coach.
Which sport do you enjoy watching the most?
Aside from those jobs, he is a husband, father of four, teacher, and coach. What I get to do is watch HS football.
MMA or Boxing?
MMA – Fewer rules give the best-prepared athlete who fights the hardest and longest a chance to win regardless of prefight standings. of a chance for anything to happen at any given time.
Boxing – More rules to level the playing field; a more controlled environment, reducing the underdog’s chances.
We all root for the underdog.
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