PREP FOOTBALL Mikovich takes charge as J-M football coach

The long-time Chaney assistant is ready to rebuild the Bluejays program.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NORTH JACKSON -- Alan Mikovich knows the challenge that exists, but he has confidence in his ability and so does Jackson-Milton High.
For 12 years, Mikovich has learned football as an assistant coach under Chaney mentor Ron Berdis.
Now, Mikovich is beginning his own crusade as a first-year head coach, and it comes with the Bluejays.
"I met with the kids and explained to them what we had planned," said Mikovich, 32, hired to replace George Tomaino. "I explained to them that we're going to build a little pride back in the program.
"They were extremely receptive to that."
Not only does Mikovich plan the football team's turnaround; he wants the change to impact the entire community.
Strike-shortened season: Jackson-Milton, an Inter-County League school that played in Division V in 2000, is coming off a demoralizing season, shortened by a teachers strike, in which it went 3-5.
The district welcomes a fresh young face with the eagerness to succeed in his first opportunity as a head coach.
"If you don't have a well-established program as far as conditioning year-round and the discipline, it makes it tough," said athletic director Bill Jeffries, who will serve as an assistant to Mikovich.
"We haven't had the edge that successful teams have had."
That's exactly why Mikovich was hired -- to provide that edge.
Chosen among 17 other candidates, Mikovich compares the rebuilding phase at Jackson-Milton to his first few years as an assistant coach at Chaney.
"We started building the tradition back there," he said. "The making of that program and the rebuilding is going to be a benefit to what I can bring to Jackson-Milton now."
Berdis said, "All of your guys come to you and say, 'Do you think I'm ready?' He's been ready. It was just the opportunity that needed to surface."
Student teaching: Mikovich isn't foreign to the faces at Jackson-Milton. He's completing his student teaching there and has been an assistant boys basketball coach on Steve Sachire's staff for the past two seasons.
"A lot of kids got to know me as a coach through basketball. At a small school, kids play all sports," Mikovich said. "The transition to head football coach has gone a lot smoother."
A Chaney High graduate, Mikovich credits his development to Berdis. The Cowboys head coach was an assistant when Mikovich was playing wide receiver and defensive back for the team.
Add 12 more years together and a lasting relationship is formed.
"I told [our Chaney players] that we feel it's a great service for somebody as good as Alan to be able to go out and accommodate more kids," Berdis said. "I certainly think a lot of him."
Mikovich doesn't favor one football style over another. He will build his team around the talent of his players and then watch them grow.
"I'm not really a boastful person," said Mikovich, who resides in Youngstown with his wife, Michele, and children Cali Nicole (age 5) and J.C. (2).
"When we lose a game I'll be the first one to say it was my fault," he said. "When we win it's going to be all about the kids."
In addition to being the football coach, Mikovich said he will become the school's physical education instructor.
Graduation near: Mikovich will graduate from Youngstown State with his education degree on May 19, and he will attempt to conquer the challenge that lies ahead.
Jackson-Milton opens the 2001 season at home against Champion.
"My experience at Chaney has been outstanding," Mikovich said. "I'm always going to be a Cowboy at heart, but I'm a Bluejay now."