Howland enjoying success, but more work awaits Tigers

Introducing coach Dick Angle to the Curbstone Coaches was Howland
A.D. Bruce Johnson.

By GREG GULAS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

BOARDMAN — The Howland football program is undefeated through the first eight weeks of the season.

The Tigers sit alone atop the Metro Athletic Conference at 5-0, courtesy of their 20-14, come-from-behind overtime win over Poland Friday night.

More importantly, they have a firm grip on second place in the Region 5 computer rankings with playoff pairings set to be announced in a little less than two weeks.

The coach and architect of the Tiger program, Dick Angle, is the first to point out that two very tough opponents, East Liverpool and Niles, still await the Tigers and if they plan on making it to the post-season, then they had better remain focused and concentrate on the business at hand.

“Our final two games are on the road so we had better be prepared. East Liverpool is always dangerous while Niles has the best running back in the league in Nate Ganyard,” he said.

Angle is quick to point out that this squad has had no trouble staying focused while hailing the leadership of 18 seniors as the reason his squad has enjoyed such success.

“I don’t compare teams, but this team is the best that I have had in my 10 seasons at Howland. Our 18 seniors are great leaders and very unselfish. That mentality has rubbed off on the rest of the team,” he said.

“Everyone on this team has a role and a part and they play it up to snuff. We cannot afford to look past anyone or anything.”

Angle added that his inspiration to play and coach came from his first football coach and mentor, Ron Posey at St. Brendan’s School for whom he played during the 1959-60 seasons.

“Coach Posey wanted to make a difference in everyone’s life, everyday and he sure had an impact on me. As a coach, I live by that very credo today as well,” he said.

The theme for the Tiger grid program this season has been “One Pulse” with every letter in the word “pulse” bearing special meaning.

“The P stands for passion, something necessary to play this game,” said Angle, “while the U stands for unity. Everyone must be on the same page. The L is for love for while we are together all seven days of the week, kiss and make up after the little spats that you might have,” he noted.

“The S is for sacrifice, even if that means changing positions for the better of the team. The E is for energy and enthusiasm; you need both in order to be successful both on the field and in life,” he added.

Introducing Angle was Howland activities and athletic director Bruce Johnson.

“There is plenty to be excited about with our football team and the credit, rightfully so, goes to Dick, his staff and the team. Not only is the varsity team enjoying plenty of success, but our junior varsity team is also undefeated, the ninth grade team has lost just once while our seventh and eight grade squads are also undefeated; the latter without a loss the past three seasons,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that the girls volleyball, basketball and soccer teams and boys soccer teams have been equally impressive.

“We also have an excellent rating academically and for a large public high school, in my eyes, there is none better than Howland High School. I would be willing to put them up against anyone in the state,” Johnson said.

Next week, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, the recently crowned world middleweight champion will be the guest speaker.